Justice & Responsibility – St Michael's C of E Primary School and Nursery

At St Michael’s, our theologically rooted Christian vision plays a pivotal role in fostering an active culture of justice and responsibility. It is not just a statement but a call to action, inspiring us to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Through this culture, we cultivate a spirit of justice and encourage courageous advocacy, empowering our pupils to make ethical choices and become agents of positive change within our community. Our partnerships, stemming from our Christian vision, are crucial as they positively impact and reciprocally enhance the lives of all individuals involved.

our partnership with birmingham hospice

We have a strong partnership with Birmingham Hospice and we are proud to support them as part of our commitment to living out our vision and values of courage, hope, love, forgiveness, trust, community, and thankfulness.

By partnering with Birmingham Hospice, we aim to make a meaningful difference in our community and demonstrate our dedication to supporting others in need. Through this collaboration, we seek to instil in our pupils the importance of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility, fostering a culture of kindness and support for those facing challenging circumstances. Together, we are working towards creating a more caring and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to flourish and thrive.

Collective Worship

John from Birmingham Hospice regularly comes into school to lead Collective Worship. Below is a photo of a quiz John did to teach the children about the important work the hospice do.

Visit to birmingham hospice

Our Head and Deputy Head pupils recently visited Birmingham Hospice. This meaningful experience allowed them to learn about the vital services provided by the hospice and the importance of compassion in our community. Our pupils engaged with the staff and gained valuable insights into the care and support offered to individuals and families during challenging times.

Our Head Pupil said…

Whilst at the hospice, we were shown around the cafe, garden, peace room, the Live Well Centre and more! The hospice have lots of spaces where their residents and visitors relax. There is also a children’s centre, where children of any age can do fun activities. We had a great time and learnt so much about the important work the hospice do. Overall, the hospice is a happy and vibrant place to be and we are excited to work with them more closely.

School Council support

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Our School Council has been actively collaborating with Mo and John from Birmingham Hospice to explore ways in which we can further support their vital work in our community. After thoughtful discussions, our pupils have generated a list of innovative project ideas aimed at raising awareness and funds for the hospice throughout the year.

These initiatives reflect our school’s commitment to community service and compassion, aligning with our core values of love and community. We look forward to sharing more details about these projects as they develop and invite everyone in our school community to join us in supporting this important cause. Together, we can make a meaningful difference!

Working with the Lord Mayor

The pupil leadership team at our school has taken a proactive stance in response to the news that Birmingham Hospice is facing severe underfunding, leading to the closure of certain facilities and job losses. After learning about the vital work the hospice does, the team was deeply moved and inspired to make a difference. They are particularly concerned that the closure of these facilities puts the hospice at risk of being unable to offer its vital services. Demonstrating their commitment to supporting our community, they have written heartfelt letters to the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, urging for immediate support and intervention. Their actions reflect the values of empathy and responsibility that we strive to instil in our pupils.

Bereavement workshops

Recently, our pupils participated in bereavement workshops led by Birmingham Hospice, aimed at helping them understand and cope with loss. During these insightful sessions, children learned valuable skills for dealing with loss and supporting their others who may be experiencing similar feelings.

One of the highlights of the workshops was the ‘Mending Heart’ activity, where pupils creatively expressed their emotions and thoughts about loss. The workshops also provided an opportunity for pupils to identify trusted adults and friends they can turn to for help during difficult times.

By fostering open conversations about bereavement, we aim to equip our pupils with the tools they need to navigate their emotions and support one another within our school community.

Staff Training

The hospice have also worked closely with our staff. They have provided training for our teachers, teaching assistants and safeguarding team on how to support pupils dealing with different kinds of loss.

This training has equipped our staff with valuable skills to help pupils navigate these challenging times, reinforcing our courageous school vision. We are dedicated to fostering resilience and ensuring every pupil feels valued and supported.

Bunny Hop

We recently participated in the Bunny Hop fundraiser, where pupils and staff had to hop around the playground as many times as they could whilst wearing bunny ears. We were lucky enough to be joined by Hettie the Hedgehog too!

Through our collective efforts, we successfully raised a total of £2,006.90 to contribute towards the invaluable work of the hospice in our community. We had a special assembly where we were presented with a large cheque which indicated the amount of money we raised.

Enterprise Week

This year, our school proudly hosted an engaging Enterprise Week, where each year group came together to create unique products to sell. The event was a tremendous success! Our pupils showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by crafting a variety of items, from handmade crafts to delicious treats. The fair not only provided a platform for our pupils to develop their business skills but also fostered a sense of teamwork and collaboration among them. The highlight of the event might have been the chance to soak Mr Roberts!

We were thrilled to welcome Hettie the Hedgehog and John from Birmingham Hospice who joined us to support. The funds raised during Enterprise Week went directly to support Birmingham Hospice, reinforcing our school’s dedication to making a positive impact in our community. We are incredibly proud of our pupils’ hard work and creativity, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the hospice in future initiatives.

Bulls in the city

We are also taking part in Birmingham Hospice’s ‘Bulls in the City’ project in 2025. This will involve designing our very own bull which will then be placed in the city centre for everyone to see. It will be part of a colourful and exciting trail while raising awareness of Birmingham Hospice and the importance of the care it provides the people of Birmingham and their loved ones. We have already started to plan our bull designs!

Rudolph Run

Our recent Rudolph Run was a fantastic success! Children enthusiastically participated in a timed run while wearing festive antlers, bringing holiday cheer to everyone involved. Through their spirited efforts, we raised £1,175.71 for Birmingham Hospice, supporting their invaluable work in our community. We are incredibly proud of our children and grateful to everyone who donated and supported this event. Together, we are making a difference!

We were also delighted to be joined by Hettie the Hedgehog, who added to the fun and excitement. Hettie even got to meet Father Christmas, making the day even more magical for everyone. Thank you once again to all who made this event possible!