Headteacher’s WelcomeGospel Values
Information about Gospel Values within our school
Gospel Values
At St. Michael’s Catholic Primary School, we have chosen 8 key Gospel Values which are the fundamental values for our school and guide us in our Christian lives. These Gospel Values are based on what Jesus said, did and told us to do. They are at the root of Catholic social teaching and so, are at the heart of our school and everything we do. These values are displayed around school, shared with our children regularly and reinforced through our teaching. By demonstrating and recognising these values in our daily lives, we can fulfil our school mission statement, ‘Finding Christ in Each Other.’
Forgiveness
‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn,
and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.’ (Luke 6:37)
In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us our sins or trespasses as we forgive those who sin against us. We are saying we wish God to treat us in the same way we treat other people. Children and adults in school are helped to acknowledge that we all make mistakes and we all need forgiveness from God and each other. Every day is a fresh start and this is also reflected in our behaviour policy.
Patience
‘Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing,
but later you will understand.’ (John 13:7)
Patience with ourselves, each other and God. At St. Michael’s, we are reminded to be patient with ourselves by not giving up and not being too hard on ourselves because we all make mistakes. We should also be patient with others; recognising everyone is different, learning to make allowances for others, giving time to people. We also remember to be patient and trust in God as we know he has a much greater plan for us.
Honesty
‘Dear children, let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and in truth.’ (1 John 3:18)
As Christians, we believe that truth is revealed in the Bible and in the person and life of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus’ teaching we are given an insight into the nature of God and the way in which He means us to live. We trust others when they are honest. In turn, we tell the truth when we trust. At St. Michael’s, children are reminded that honest people tell the truth despite consequences and voice their opinions in a kind, thoughtful way. St Michael’s is a place where children feel safe to be honest.
Compassion
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ (Matthew 5:4)
‘Compassion’ and ‘sympathy’ have much in common and both are stronger in meaning than simply ‘feeling sorry for’ someone. The words have their roots in the idea of ‘suffering with’ someone, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and experiencing what they experience. This leads to a desire to act, to do something. Jesus showed compassion towards the ‘harassed and helpless’ crowds (Matthew 9.36) and his works of healing were always prompted by compassion for people’s suffering. At St. Michael’s, children show compassion towards all members of our school community and act with kindness towards others.
Respect
‘Do to others as you have them do unto you.’ (Luke 6:31)
Respect is the key to building relationships. As children of God, we have a duty not only to respect our friends and teachers but also to show respect to our environment as we are stewards of the earth. In school, children and adults are expected to show respect for each other, their belongings and their environment. Reverence takes this a step further and will include aspects of prayer and worship.
Friendship
‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ (John 15:13)
Friendship is a key concept in the Bible, with Jesus being criticised for being ˜the friend of sinners’ and eating with those whom society rejected. Jesus also explicitly calls his disciples not servants but friends. St Michael’s school is built on relationships and at the heart of these relationships is friendship, where the unique individuality of each person is recognised and celebrated. This echoes the value placed by God on the preciousness of each person.
Thankfulness
‘One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan.’ (Luke 17:15-16)
Thankfulness has always been at the centre of the life and worship of God’s people. For Christians the greatest of all acts of worship is simply called ‘thanksgiving’ – eucharistia in Greek – thanksgiving for the death and resurrection of God’s Son and the way of forgiveness that is opened up. Seeing the world as God’s creation underpins the way we approach everything in life, seeing it as a gift and not as a right. At St. Michael’s, children are encouraged to be thankful for God and for all that we have.
Service
‘But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.’ (Luke 10:33-34)
Service is exemplified by the way our school community rises to the challenge of helping others who may be less fortunate than ourselves. Just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we have a role to serve our neighbours and the wider community. Through fundraising, prayer, and the work of our Pupil Groups, we will strive to help the people in our world, our common home.
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Updated | 1st September, 2023 |
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