There are sixteen classes in Sacred Heart ranging from Nursery to Year 6. All classes are named after a special saint. The children learn about these saints at the beginning of the year and they celebrate their feast days in school when a member of the Leadership Team leads a special prayer session and there is a celebration with cake! 

Nursery - St Anthony of Padua

 

Feast Day: 13th June

Patron Saint of: Lost items, lost people, and helpfulness

Saint Anthony was a kind and humble Franciscan friar who dedicated his life to preaching God's word, helping the poor, and sharing God's love with everyone he met.

He is best known around the world as the patron saint of lost things. A well-known story tells of a lost book of Psalms that was returned after Saint Anthony prayed for it. Today, Christians ask Saint Anthony to pray for them when they misplace an item, but more importantly, to help find things that matter most—like peace, kindness, and faith when they feel lost. 

 

Nursery - St Nicholas

Feast Day: 6th December

Patron Saint of: Children, sailors, and secret gift-giving

Saint Nicholas was a kindly Christian bishop who lived in Myra (in modern-day Turkey) many hundreds of years ago. He is remembered today as a model of generosity, care for children, and compassion for anyone in need.

He is most famous for his secret acts of kindness. In one well-known story, he helped a poor family by secretly tossing three bags of gold coins through their window at night, ensuring they had enough money to live peacefully. His reputation for giving gifts in secret inspired the tradition of Santa Claus around Christmas time!

 

Reception - St Peter

Feast Day: 29th June

Patron Saint of: The Church, fishermen, and popes

Saint Peter was a fisherman named Simon who became one of Jesus' very first disciples and closest friends. Jesus gave him the name Peter, which means "Rock," and chose him to be the leader of the Apostles and the very first Pope.

Although Peter was brave, he was also human and made mistakes—like losing faith in the storm or denying he knew Jesus three times. However, Peter always asked for forgiveness and showed deep love for God. His story reminds us that God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but calls us to be faithful, forgiving, and strong in our love for others.

Reception - St Jude

Feast Day: 28th October

Patron Saint of: Hope, difficult situations, and lost causes

Saint Jude (also known as Thaddeus) was one of Jesus’ twelve original disciples and a close companion during His ministry. After the Resurrection, Saint Jude traveled far and wide to spread the Good News, teaching people about God's love and encouraging them to stay strong in their faith during tough times.

He is loved around the world as the patron saint of hope. Whenever people face tricky problems, feel worried, or think something is impossible, they pray to Saint Jude to remind them that with God, there is always hope and a way forward.

Year 1 - St Brigid

Feast Day: 1st February

Patron Saint of: Ireland, nature, newborns, and hospitality

Saint Brigid is one of the most famous saints of Ireland, living in the 5th century. She was known for her immense generosity, her deep love for God's creation, and her devotion to helping the poor, the sick, and travellers. She founded a famous monastery in Kildare that welcomed anyone in need of food, shelter, or prayer.

According to a well-known story, when a local chieftain refused to give her land to build a monastery for the poor, Brigid asked for only as much land as her cloak could cover. When she spread her cloak on the ground, it miraculously stretched out in all directions to cover acres of green fields!

 

Year 1 - St Francis of Assisi

Feast Day: 4th October

Patron Saint of: Animals, nature, ecology, and peacemakers

Saint Francis was born into a wealthy family in Italy, but he gave up all his money, fine clothes, and earthly possessions to live a simple life following Jesus. He dedicated himself to serving the poor, spreading peace, and praising God for the beauty of the natural world.

Saint Francis believed that every part of creation was a gift from God. He referred to the sun, moon, wind, and stars as his brothers and sisters! Legends say that animals loved his gentle presence—he famously preached sermons to flocks of birds and made peace with a dangerous wolf that was scaring a local village.

 

Year 2 - St Teresa of Calcutta

Feast Day: 5th September

Patron Saint of: World Youth Day, practical help, and charitable causes

Saint Teresa of Calcutta (often known as Mother Teresa) was a Catholic nun who spent her life helping poor, sick, and lonely people. 

Born in 1910, she moved to India as a young woman and worked as a teacher. Seeing so many people in need, she decided to live among the poorest families in Calcutta, establishing schools, medical clinics, and homes for the homeless. She founded the Missionaries of Charity to spread love and care across the globe, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Her message for young people was simple: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." She teaches us that every small act of kindness—from a helpful hand to a simple smile—makes the world a brighter place.

Year 2 - St John Paul

Feast Day: 22nd October

Patron Saint of: World Youth Day, young people, and families

Saint John Paul II was a beloved leader of the Catholic Church who served as Pope for nearly 27 years, sharing God’s message of love, peace, and hope all across the globe. 

Born in Poland in 1920, he loved playing football, skiing, and acting in plays as a boy. As a young man, he lived through hard times during World War II, but his strong faith guided him to become a priest and later the Pope in 1978. He became one of the most traveled world leaders in history, visiting over 100 countries to meet people of all faiths and cultures.

Saint John Paul II had a special place in his heart for young people and created World Youth Day to bring children and teenagers together from around the world. He famously reminded everyone, "Do not be afraid!" and showed incredible forgiveness by visiting and forgiving the man who once tried to hurt him. He teaches us to be brave, love others unconditionally, and stand up for peace.

Year 3 - St Martin De Porres

Feast Day: 3rd November

Patron Saint of: Social justice, barbers, public health workers, and racial harmony

Saint Martin de Porres was a kind and humble Dominican brother in Peru who spent his entire life caring for those in need, regardless of who they were. 

Born in Lima, Peru, in 1579, Martin grew up poor and faced unkindness because of his mixed heritage. Instead of feeling bitter, he chose to fill his heart with God's love. He trained as a medical worker and barber, using his skills to heal the sick, feed hundreds of hungry people every day, and establish a shelter for homeless children.

He was happy to do even the simplest chores -  he teaches us that humility, kindness, and treating everyone equally can change the world.

 

Year 3 - St Bernadette

Feast Day: 16th April

Patron Saint of: Illness, poor people, shepherds, and Lourdes

Saint Bernadette was a humble young girl from France whose courage, honesty, and deep faith inspired millions of people around the world. 

Born in Lourdes in 1844, Bernadette grew up in a very poor family and suffered from ill health throughout her life. In 1858, when she was just 14 years old, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, appeared to her in a cave called a grotto. Mary asked Bernadette to dig in the dirt, uncovering a natural spring of fresh water that still flows today and has brought healing to many sick people.

Even when some adults didn't believe her story at first, Bernadette remained gentle, truthful, and brave. She later became a nun, spending her days quietly praying and caring for others. She teaches us that God chooses ordinary, gentle people to do extraordinary things, and that staying truthful and faithful gives us strength.

Year 4 - St Catherine of Alexandria

Feast Day: 25th November

Patron Saint of: Students, teachers, librarians, philosophers, and scholars

Saint Catherine of Alexandria was a clever and brave princess from Egypt who loved learning and used her wisdom to stand up for her faith. Born in the city of Alexandria around 287 AD, Catherine studied hard from a young age and became famous for her incredible intelligence. When an Emperor began treating Christians unfairly, 18-year-old Catherine bravely spoke to him and explained why believing in God was important. The Emperor called fifty of his top scholars to debate with her, but Catherine spoke with such wisdom and kindness that many of them were inspired by her words.

Year 4 - St Elizabeth of Hungary

Feast Day: 17th November

Patron Saint of: Hospitals, nurses, bakers, homeless people, and charities

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary was a generous princess who chose to use her royal wealth and power to care for poor, hungry, and sick people. 

Born in Hungary in 1207, Elizabeth grew up living in a royal castle in Germany. Even though she was a princess, she wore simple clothes and spent her days helping those in need. She built a hospital near her home and personally cared for the sick, serving them food and giving them fresh clothing.

Famous stories tell of the "Miracle of the Roses": while carrying loaves of bread hidden under her cloak to feed poor families, she was asked what she was holding, and when she opened her mantle, the bread had turned into a bunch of beautiful red and white roses! Saint Elizabeth teaches us that sharing what we have with kindness and generosity is one of the greatest ways to show God's love.

 

Year 5 - St Faustina Kowalski

Feast Day: 5th October

Patron Saint of: Mercy, forgiveness, and World Youth Day

Saint Faustina Kowalska was a gentle Polish nun who shared a special message with the world about God’s infinite love, kindness, and forgiveness. 

Born in Poland in 1905, Helena grew up in a large, hardworking family. From a young age, she loved praying and helping others, and as a young woman she joined the convent, taking the name Sister Faustina. She spent her days working quietly as a cook, gardener, and door keeper, doing everyday tasks with a cheerful heart.

During her life, Faustina had visions of Jesus, who asked her to remind everyone that God's love is endless. She worked with an artist to paint the famous Divine Mercy image, showing Jesus with red and pale rays of light coming from His heart to bless the world. Saint Faustina wrote a personal diary full of prayers, teaching us that no matter what mistakes we make, we can always say, "Jesus, I trust in You," and share His mercy with others.

Year 5 - St Benedict the Moor

Feast Day: 4th April

Patron Saint of: African Americans, kitchen workers, cooks, and Palermo

Saint Benedict the Moor was a humble Franciscan friar who became famous for his wisdom, deep faith, and gentle kindness toward everyone he met.

Born near Messina, Sicily, in 1526, Benedict's parents had been brought from Africa to Italy. Though he grew up poor and was never taught to read or write, Benedict loved God deeply and joined a community of Franciscans as a young man. He worked for many years in the monastery kitchen, happily preparing meals for his fellow friars and visitors.

Even though he held simple jobs, people from all around came to Benedict for advice because of his incredible patience, understanding, and wise words. He was eventually chosen to lead his monastery, guiding others with great humility and love. Saint Benedict the Moor teaches us that you don't need fancy titles or high education to be wise, and that serving others with a cheerful heart is a true gift from God.

Year 6 - St Maximilian Kolbe

Feast Day: 14th August

Patron Saint of: Families, journalists, prisoners, and the pro-life movement

Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a heroic Polish priest who showed the ultimate power of love and sacrifice by putting others before himself. 

Born in Poland in 1894, Maximilian loved science, invention, and serving God from a young age. As a priest, he used modern technology to share God’s love, creating a special magazine and running a radio station. He even traveled as a missionary to Japan, building a monastery near Nagasaki.

During World War II, Father Kolbe helped protect thousands of refugees in Poland. When he was later imprisoned in a concentration camp, he kept up the spirits of those around him by praying, singing hymns, and sharing his food. When a fellow prisoner with a family was chosen to be punished, Father Kolbe bravely stepped forward and volunteered to take his place, saving the man's life. He famously said, "Hatred is not a creative force: only love is creative." Saint Maximilian Kolbe teaches us the beauty of selflessness and how true love means caring for others even when it is difficult.

Year 6 - St Josephine Bakhita

Feast Day: 8th February

Patron Saint of: Victims of modern slavery, human trafficking, and Sudan

Saint Josephine Bakhita was a gentle and forgiving religious sister from Sudan who showed that love, hope, and faith can overcome even the hardest times. 

Born in Darfur, Sudan, around 1869, Josephine was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery, where she was treated very harshly and given the name "Bakhita," which means "fortunate." Eventually, a kind Italian family brought her to Italy, where she learned about God for the very first time. When she gained her freedom, she chose to become a Catholic nun with the Canossian Sisters.

Sister Josephine spent over forty years in Italy working as a cook, seamstress, and doorkeeper. Children loved her warm smile, sweet voice, and comforting presence. She never held anger in her heart for those who had hurt her in the past, famously saying, "If I were to meet the slave-traders who kidnapped me... I would kneel and kiss their hands, for if that had not happened, I would not be a Christian today." Saint Josephine Bakhita teaches us the power of forgiveness, the dignity of every person, and how to stay hopeful no matter what challenges we face.