From creating a pond filled with frogs, newts and snails to growing their own fruit and vegetables, children and staff from a primary school in South Shields have gone above and beyond to achieve the CAFOD Live Simply Award.
Staff and pupils at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, have been working hard on the initiative, including setting up a tuck shop during Fair Trade Fortnight, holding debt awareness workshops, sustainable gardening projects, wildlife conservation, and community engagement.
The CAFOD Live Simply Award recognises outstanding commitment to sustainability, social justice, and care for creation. The school community is thrilled that not only did they met the award criteria but they exceeded expectations.
The initiative has been led by headteacher Emma Shaughnessy and RE lead Lucie Campbell, with invaluable support from Dave Vasey, the school caretaker and volunteer gardener. Pupils played a central role, including members of the Mini Vinnies and the Laudato Si gardening group.
The school community has worked tirelessly to embed the principles of Live Simply and Catholic Social Teaching into everyday life. Their efforts include:
• Fair Trade initiatives, such as a tuck shop during Fair Trade Fortnight run by the Mini Vinnies.
• Debt awareness workshops, helping pupils understand global economic justice.
• Sustainable gardening projects, where children grow fruit and vegetables, learn about food miles, and share produce with their families.
• Wildlife conservation, including a pond with frogs, newts, and snails, and planting for pollinators to support biodiversity.
• Community engagement with St Gregory’s Parish, the local food bank, and care homes.
Children spoke passionately about Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical, and demonstrated a deep understanding of their responsibility to care for creation. Their enthusiasm was evident during the assessment and had previously been praised in the school’s religious inspection.
St Gregory’s head boy Freddie, 10, who is in Year 6, said: “Live Simply has taught us that small actions make a big difference. Growing vegetables, learning about Fair Trade, and caring for wildlife has shown us how we can help the planet and people everywhere. It makes me proud that our school is part of something so important.”
Year 2 pupil Matilda, seven, said: “I like planting flowers for the bees and watching the frogs in the pond. It makes me happy because we are helping God’s world.”
Miss Shaughnessy said: “We are honoured to receive the Live Simply Award – an affirmation of our dedication to caring for creation and living out our faith in action. Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic letter ‘Drawing New Maps of Hope’ teaches us that every act of education is a Consolation of Hope, a promise that no one is ever alone.
“Here at St Gregory’s, through sustainable gardening and Fairtrade initiatives, we guide our pupils to see themselves as part of a global family, united by hope, solidarity and responsibility.”
Mrs Campbell said: “This award is a celebration of our children’s creativity and commitment. They have embraced the principles of Live Simply and made them part of our school culture.”
Paul Scott, chair of governors, added: “As governors, we are proud to stand alongside staff, pupils and families in our shared mission to live out the Gospel values through action. Partnering with CAFOD and embracing the Live Simply ethos has strengthened our commitment to sustainability and social justice. This award is a testament to what we can achieve together when faith and community unite for the common good.”
St Gregory’s ethos of Live Simply is now firmly embedded in all aspects of school life, making this achievement a proud milestone for the entire community.
For more information about St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School and to apply for September 2026, visit www.st-gregorys.co.uk
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk