Catholic Social Teaching helps children understand how the teachings of Jesus should influence the way
we live, treat others and care for our world.

At Holy Cross, we use the CAFOD Catholic Social Teaching animal characters to make each principle
memorable and child-friendly. The animals are used across all lessons, assemblies, prayer and liturgy and
wider school life.

Our Catholic Social Teaching animals are:
● Luc the Deer – Human Dignity
● Chikondi the Giraffe – The Common Good
● Patariki the Penguin – Participation
● Sid the Sheep – Subsidiarity
● Sofia the Sloth – Stewardship
● Shristi the Sun Bear – Solidarity
● Poppy the Pōpokotea – Preferential Option for the Poor
● DJ the Dolphin – Distributive Justice
● Daisy the Dove – Promoting Peace

Catholic Social Teaching Keys
We want children not only to learn about Catholic Social Teaching, but to live it out every day.
When children are noticed demonstrating one of the Catholic Social Teaching principles through their
actions, they may receive a CST key. This might be for including others, caring for creation, sharing
fairly, speaking up for what is right or helping to bring peace.
The keys remind children that even small actions can unlock positive change in our school, our community
and our world.