Staff asked children about what they felt 'Let your light shine' means to them?

Here are some of their thoughts:

'Find something you are good at' - Bertie Year1

'God will always be with you' - Max Year 1

'Try your best at everything' - Josh Year 1

'Be kind and happy, always trying your hardest' - Daisy Year 4

'Respect everything' - Tallulah Year 4

'Showing respect' - Lily Year 2

'Everybody is treated equally' - Theo Year 2

'Being kind and generous' - Colton Year 2

'Try your best' - Ana Year 2

'Counting your blessings' - Fred Year 2

What visitors say about our vision:

'It is always a real joy to spend time at St. Mary's both in class and out. Conversations with any adult leaves one with a sense that every child is wrapped in love and care.   
You can see this in class where the children know that everyone wants them to do their very best and will work hard to help them achieve. In their turn the children look after each other and love being at school.'

Steve John - School Improvement Partner

‘Staff at St Mary’s are always warm and welcoming whenever I visit. It is a school that readily helps with anything the Diocese is doing. I particularly love the way that the school looks outwards and supports the families within the community in both a caring and compassionate way, with a determination to support wherever they can. I enjoy seeing the fun and energising things that the school get up to on Facebook – a beacon of light!’

Karen Sancto

School Effectiveness Advisor

Diocese of Bath and Wells

What our Governors say about our vision:

I have been a governor at St Mary’s for a number of years.  Every time I visit St Mary’s I’m struck by the incredibly warm and nurturing atmosphere throughout the school.  Adults and children display care and respect towards each other and there is a strong emphasis on being kind to others which the children have embraced.  The whole St Mary’s community comes together to ensure that every child has opportunities for them to flourish.

Mrs N Bown

'The vision of St Mary’s motivates the whole school community to flourish, and strive to live life in all it’s fullness, following in the footsteps of Jesus who was radical, inclusive, compassionate, made a stand against injustice and looked after all those on the margins of society. St Mary’s is a community where everyone belongs and diversity and difference are valued. In my own experience the welcome from staff and children alike is always amazing.  Underpinned by the school values, the children demonstrate their enthusiasm for life and learning and especially how ‘loving our neighbour’ has a positive impact, not just on others, but on reaching their own potential as members of the community.  I feel very proud to be a Governor!'

Rev Suse 

The school and its community demonstrate their vision through every aspect of school life. I have witnessed the embedding of Christian values with an excellent focus on a different one each half term. I have experienced the outstanding collaboration between all members of the community in working together to ensure the vision is delivered and met. Despite covid, the vision was never sacrificed and the school went above and beyond by always providing a safe and healthy environment while encouraging each person to take responsibility for their learning and celebrating their skills and talents. 

Mrs G Cornish

Our vision in action during school closure