ST. Mary’s, Menston has been awarded the CAFOD Livesimply Award.

The award is given to Catholic communities - parishes, schools, religious orders and chaplaincies – as a response to Pope Francis’ invitation to “work with generosity and tenderness in protecting this world which God has entrusted to us”.

It is awarded to communities who can show how they have been living simply, in solidarity with people in poverty and sustainably with creation.

Fr John Carlisle, the School’s Chaplain, blessed the plaque and prayed that the message of Living Simply continues to permeate the school community and beyond.

Head Boy, Tom Allan and the Global Warriors group were instrumental throughout the application process and led the assessment day, when assessors were presented with evidence to support the school’s application. Many different areas of school life were assessed including Pupil Voice, Faith in Action, The Bambisanani Partnership and Fairtrade.

The religious life of the school, it’s annual retreats and the work done to raise money for its chosen charities were also considered by the assessors.

St. Mary’s was delighted to receive this award as there are only two other secondary schools in the country who have received it thus far.

Mrs Hayes, Student Progress Leader for Year 7 and Lead Practitioner for the Global Learning Programme said: “I am delighted that St. Mary’s has achieved this award as it shows the strength and depth of the school community in encouraging our pupils to live simply.

“Our pupils are really passionate about global justice and caring for the planet and continually strive to share their views, including debating with their local MP, Stuart Andrew. This award is a credit to our pupils.”