Virtues to Live By

Virtues to Live by

At Holy Family, the children strive to live by the virtues that help them live a holy life. Each week they are encouraged to explore a virtue and show that they have lived by it through their actions.

During our celebration assembly, every Friday, a child from each class who has displayed the virtue receives a certificate of recognition for their special work.

Our first Virtue to Live By is: Respect and Courtesy - I am respectful. I treat others as I would like to be treated. I show courtesy to everyone as we are all made in God's image and likeness. 

"So in everything, do to other what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12

I am respectful and courteous when: I respect myself and know I deserve respect from others. I treat everyone how I would like to be treated. I use good manners. I respect and follow school and classroom rules. I speak politely to everyone. I listen to others. I praise others for their good conduct. I respect and look after my own and other people's belongings.

Our second Virtue to Live By is: Thankfulness- I am grateful for all I have and praise God for all he has given me.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

 I am thankful when: I can say thank you to God. I take time to appreciate the awe and wonder in God’s creation. I show God I am thankful to Him by cherishing the gifts of His creation. I am thankful for all the gifts in me and around me. I count my blessings every day and remember to praise God for them. I know that all I have is a gift from God.

Our third Virtue to Live By is: Hope- I trust that God's love has no end and that He is at work in my life and in my world. 

“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

I am hopeful when: I believe and trust that God will not give up on me. I am positive about the future. I don’t give up on myself. I have hopes and dreams that we can all work for a better world. I pray to God placing my life in his hands. I know God has a plan for me.

Our fourth Virtue to Live By is: Patience- I am able to wait because some things take time. I trust in God and wait calmly and with control.

"Be patient and wait for the Lord to act, don't be worried about those who prosper or those who succeed in their evil plans. Don't give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble." Psalm 37:7-8

I am patient when: I can wait. I use strategies to keep myself calm. I can do something now that will help me in the future. I can accept things I cannot change with humour and grace. I am patient with myself when I make mistakes. I am patient with others when they make mistakes too.

Our first Virtue to Live By for the spring term is Faith- I know that faith is a gift from God. Faith helps me grow in friendship with Jesus. I show my faith by living my life filled with hope and love.

"For walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

I am faithful when: I know that God loves me and I trust God to take care of me. I ask God to guide me in my life. I spend time with God in moments of quiet and in prayer. I share my beliefs in God with others. My words and actions show my faith in God's love.

Our next Virtue to Live By is Forgiveness: I accept God's forgiveness. I show my love for God by forgiving others and myself. I let go of my hurt feelings and give myself a new start. I give others a new start.

"Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13

I show forgiveness when: I accept God's forgiveness. I can forgive others. I accept forgiveness from others. I can change after I have made a poor choice. I know that with God's love I can change. I have the courage to give myself and others a new start. I understand that saying sorry is one way of making amends.

Guiding Principles

At Holy Family, we provide the children the opportunities to explore the Virtues to Live By to ensure they:

Experience a positive and purposeful ethos providing a sense of belonging to their school community.

Grow in their knowledge and understanding of the virtues.

Practise the virtues to further the call to live life to the full.

Appreciate the connection between biblical and practical wisdom and living.

Hear the Christian story and encounter it in practice.

Understand their uniqueness and dignity as made in the image and likeness of God.

Know that our limitations are also opportunities for growth.

To notice, to reflect, to pray and to play

To exercise the cognitive, affective and behavioural components of character: know it in your head, feel it in your heart and show it with your hands.