St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School
Statements to Live By
“We nurture a caring Christian community where all are valued and by working together we will educate and inspire each child”
I notice that we are the same and we are different.
These statements help the children and all of us adults too, to think about who we are, what we believe and what we hope to become. We hope that together we will nurture a sense of what it is to be fully human and alive as children and adults sharing in this Christian community. They help us to deepen our understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and how we should look after others in the world that God has given us.
There are 36 statements in all, which are linked to our Catholic Social Teaching and the Catholic life of the school, but each one is relevant no matter what our religious beliefs are. One statement is focused on every week.
Each statement is supported by activities in school such as: ‘Circle Time’, class prayer time and each statement is celebrated in prayer during Key Stage Collective Worships. The statements are displayed in each class and in the main hall. They are a constant reminder to us all of how we should live our lives.
The Statements are based on 9 guiding principles, rooted in our Catholic, Christian faith.
‘Understanding our uniqueness as made in the image of God and developing self awareness, positive self-esteem and confidence’
- We are all special
- I can say one good thing about myself
- I can say how I feel
- I can laugh and have fun
‘Knowing, appreciating and understanding the importance of social justice and developing independence, interdependence and responsibility’
- I know what to do if I see anyone being hurt
- I understand that rights match responsibility
- I try to stand up for myself and others without hurting others
- I try to be just and fair
‘Growing towards human wholeness and developing a healthy lifestyle in the body, mind and spirit and understanding the connection between knowledge and living’
- I can tell how I look after myself
- I think before I make choices that affect my health
- I can work, rest and pray each day
- Simple things make us happy
‘Experiencing a sense of belonging within a range of communities, including the local Eucharistic Community, and playing an active role as members of society’
- I try to love others as I love myself
- I try to follow our school and classroom rules
- I know I belong in a community that includes my school
- I know we are happiest when we are united
‘Knowing that everything has the capacity to reveal God’s presence and in the light of this developing effective and satisfying relationships’
- I listen to what you say. I show that I am listening to you
- I co-operate with others in work and play
- I try to use words that make the world a better place
- I try to appreciate the beauty and wonder in the world around me
‘Knowing that limitations are also opportunities for growth and making the most of our abilities’
- I know that it is OK for me to make mistakes
- I can learn from my mistakes and failures
- I try to keep going when things are difficult and not give up hope
- I know what humility means
‘Growing towards human wholeness in body, mind and spirit and learning to keep themselves and others safe’
I know when to ask for help and who to ask for help
I can recognise comfortable and uncomfortable feelings
I know how to help others when they are in trouble
I understand what trust means
‘Experiencing a reconciling community’
- I try to forgive people when they hurt me
- I try to accept forgiveness from others
- I know how to show I am sorry
- I understand the importance of peace
‘Acknowledging the unique giftedness of each individual as made in the image and likeness of God and learning to respect the differences between people’
- I know what human dignity means and I show that I respect others
- I stand up for people who are being treated unfairly
- I notice that we are the same and we are different
- I try to be accepting of others
