The Heart of the Matter: Living and working in Catholic Schools
My journey into teaching didn’t follow a linear line. Like many, I started out looking for an “alternative” approach to the traditional classroom. I wanted to see the world. I spent a year teaching English in Thailand, soaking up new cultures and perspectives. When it came time to settle back in England, I interviewed for several posts but found myself drawn to a local primary Catholic school, St Mary’s Infants, Carshalton. It wasn’t a random choice. I knew exactly what I was looking for because I had lived it myself.
As a former student of St Philomena’s, I had experienced first-hand the nurturing environment of a Catholic School. I knew the difference it made. I was drawn back to the collaboration, care, and kindness that defines our schools. In a Catholic setting, there is a spirit of respect where leadership treats staff with genuine care that flows directly into the classroom. Teaching becomes more than just a daily “job”; it becomes a deep-seated commitment, alongside parents, to a child’s personal growth. In short, people care.
As my career progressed, I sought new challenges - management roles and experience with older year groups. Again the Catholic bond didn’t waver and I began to work at St Cecilia’s, Sutton. The shared vision for excellence and the relentless drive for improvement gave my work a sense of purpose that I couldn’t find elsewhere. Life eventually led me away from the UK. I moved to France, where I embraced marriage, motherhood, and a new language. I worked in various bilingual and international schools in Paris but something was always missing. The work was hard; that common drive to make a transformative difference - the soul of the school wasn’t quite there.
When it was time to choose an education for my own children, the alternative options I’d seen abroad concerned me. A sink or survive attitude for pupils was not what I wanted for my own children; they deserved more. I wanted them to experience what St Philomena’s gave to me: life-long friendships, a spirit of persistence, and a love of learning that survives long after the final bell rings. We searched for a school for the children whilst still in Paris and I came across St Elphege’s, Wallington. A day trip to visit was well worth it and we signed them up immediately.
Ironically, at the time, I had told myself I was finished with teaching. I wanted a break from the intense dedication the profession requires. My own children were my priority. In the first meeting for Parents, I became overwhelmed with gratitude - we’d made the difficult and complex transition back home was underway; tears of joy fell. The Executive Head noticed my emotion and took me to one side. A conversation ensued and before I knew it, job offers were on the table. Could it wait a while for the new baby to arrive?
A few months later, a two-day working week, teaching French quickly grew into a full-time passion. Today, I serve as the Inclusion Manager, in a role defined by an understanding of others and a commitment to every child’s development. The hard work and commitment that I gave to Catholic education and teaching has returned. Now my children attend John Fisher, Purley and St Philomena’s, Carshalton. My eldest preparing his speech and aiming for Head boy. Giving back to his community. The next step in my journey is one I share with all of you: the growth of formalising our widening Catholic family as the Sancta Familia Trust. By bringing our individual and unique schools together, stronger as one body, flourishing and living our faith education.