The LiveSimply Award is an opportunity for Catholic communities, parishes, schools, religious orders and chaplaincies, to answer the call for us to care for our common home and stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world.
The Bishops of England and Wales have encouraged all parishes and schools to work towards the award as a way of “protecting this world which God has entrusted to us”. Find out more here CAFODs LiveSimply Award
St James School: Living Simply, Caring Deeply
At St James, we’re proud to have earned the LiveSimply Award - We have worked so hard to receive this special recognition that celebrates schools who choose to live more sustainably, care for our world, and stand in solidarity with the poorest people in society.
In 2024, a team of our students spoke to CAFOD’s LiveSimply Assessors, who were thrilled to see how the St James community truly lives simply, sustainably, and compassionately.
Live Simply 3
To achieve this, we embraced nine exciting projects, grouped into global, local, and school-led initiatives.
Global Projects
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Our children took part in CAFOD’s Big Walk which raises awareness through walking for a better world.
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We promoted Fair Trade products, sharing their stories in fun assemblies and selling Fair Trade Easter eggs to support farmers.
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Our children wrote to the World Bank, asking them to “Fix the Food System” and protect farmers’ rights in underdeveloped countries.
Local Projects
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Mini Vinnies and Faith in Action visited care homes and community events, spreading joy and friendship.
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Children collected second-hand items to sell in a pop-up community shop, teaching the value of recycling and sharing.
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Families joined in with Lenten Eco Promises, making small changes to reduce their carbon footprints.
School-Led Projects
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We created a “Pledgehog” to encourage everyone in our community to protect the environment.
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We promoted waste-free packed lunches, rewarding children for caring for the planet.
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The whole school community joined in daily prayers using our Live Simply prayer, keeping our values alive every day.
The spirit of the award continues at St James where we:
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Participated in CAFOD’s Get Creative for Climate Justice campaign
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Created a beautiful prayer garden
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Supported CAFOD’s Cancel Global Debt campaign
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Donated to the Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Centre