At St Charles Catholic Primary School in Spennymoor, our Year 1 pupils have been putting our values into action by taking part in a litter‑picking activity as part of the Year of St Francis of Assisi.

This hands‑on experience helped children demonstrate stewardship of our environment, showing care and respect for the world around them. St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment, is known for his love of nature, care for the poor and belief that we should treat all of creation with kindness and respect. As he is also Year 1’s class saint, this activity was especially meaningful for the children.

Through simple but important actions, pupils explored how they can look after their school and local area, developing a sense of responsibility and pride in their community. Activities like this help children understand that caring for the environment is part of living out our shared values every day.

We are very proud of our Year 1 pupils for their enthusiasm and thoughtful approach, and for showing how small actions can make a positive difference.