Statements To Live By

Statements to Live By

The ‘Statements to Live By’ is a resource initially developed by Catholic Head Teachers across the North East Dioceses and is used successfully in a number of schools throughout the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese.

The resource is rooted in nine guiding principles which support the distinctive nature of Catholic schools. The statements make the Catholic values of the school explicit, promote a positive and caring Christian ethos that is understood and communicated to everyone, promote emotional literacy and contribute towards community cohesion and the common good.

Here at St James Catholic Primary School we explore a different ‘Statement to Live By’ each week. These statements help children, families and staff 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.

Parents and Carers are informed of the weekly statement via our newsletter.  We ask families to help support their child with the statement.  Statements are displayed throughout school and in each class.  Staff share the importance of each statement during Class Prayer, Collective Worship and Liturgies.

There are 36 statements based on 9 guiding principles, rooted in our Catholic, Christian faith.   All are linked to our Religious Education programme and the Catholic Life of the school but each one is relevant no matter what our religious beliefs are.

Statements to Live By

1a

I believe that I am special and created by God.

I can say one good thing about myself.

I am pleased to hear good things said about me.

I can say how I feel.

I can say one thing I would like to get better at (personal / academic).

I can laugh and have fun.

I can appreciate my good qualities.

1b

I know that it is ok for me to make mistakes.

I can learn from my mistakes and failures.

I can set a simple target for myself.

I try to keep going when things are difficult and not give up hope.

I am proud of what I can do.

I know what humility means.

1c

I know what trust means.

I try to be honest and tell the truth, even when it is hard.

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 believe that everyone is special and created by God.

I can affirm the gifts and talents of others.

I can help somebody today.

I try to be just and fair.

2

I try to love others as I love myself.

I have a job to do in God’s world.

I try to follow our school and classroom rules.

I try to think about the needs of all God’s family.

I try to take care of God’s world around me.

I will pray for others, they will pray for me.

I can say how I can improve God’s world.

I know I belong in a community.

I treat all adults and children with respect.

I know about the people who work together in our school.

I think before I make a choice about how I behave.

I know we are happiest when we are united.

3a

I can tell you how I look after myself.

I think before I make choices that affect my health.

I realise what I do affects how others feel.

I can use the knowledge and information I have wisely.

I can work, play, rest and pray each day.

Happiness is a good feeling.

Simple things can make us happy.

3b

I know when to ask for help.

I know who to ask for help.

I can recognise comfortable and uncomfortable feelings.

I know how to help others when they are in trouble.

I know that God says ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you.’

4a

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. (Please, Sorry, Thank you)

I try to look at the world through your eyes.

I try to appreciate that God is in all things.

I try to see the good things in other people.

I can love and care for our planet.

I try to work out disagreements peacefully.

4b

I do not join in when others are being hurt.

I know what human dignity means and I show that I respect others.

I stand up for people who are being treated unfairly.

I try to be patient with people.

I matter, so do you.

I notice that we are the same and we are different.

I try to be tolerant of others.

Statement Experience

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 try to understand that God loves and forgives me.

I have the freedom to make my own choices.