Last week, our CSEL, Chris Foley, was delighted to join the school community at St Joseph and St Bede for a truly joyous celebration — the official opening of the St Teresa Kindness Bench.

The event was filled with warmth, laughter and song, capturing the spirit of kindness and community that runs through everything the school does. Children led the celebration beautifully, sharing prayers, reflections and a wonderful performance of songs that reminded everyone present what it means to live out our mission to Make Christ Known through everyday acts of love and compassion.

The St Teresa Kindness Bench stands as a visible symbol of that mission — a special place where pupils can find friendship, comfort, and hope. It reflects St Teresa’s belief that “we cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love,” and reminds us that kindness is at the heart of our faith and our Trust.

Speaking at the event, Chris thanked staff and pupils for their creativity and dedication in bringing the project to life, later describing the celebration as “a wonderful example of faith in action — joyfully lived.”

Moments like these highlight the powerful sense of community across our Trust and the difference that small, thoughtful actions can make in helping every child to flourish.