Virtues to Live By
At St Vincent’s VC Academy, the children strive to live by the virtues that help them live as Jesus taught us to.
The children are supported in their exploration of each virtue and encouraged to 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 faith in action.
Virtues to live by - Guiding Principles
At St Vincent’s VC Academy our ‘Virtues to Live by’ give our children opportunities to:
Experience a positive and purposeful ethos providing a sense of belonging to our 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.
Kindness
I know that every act of kindness helps build God’s kingdom.
“Never neglect to show kindness and to share what you have with others.” (Hebrews 13:16)
Love and Charity
I show my love for God through my loving concern for everyone especially those in need of my help. I treat others with the respect and kindness that I would want for myself.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:9)
Respect
I am respectful. I treat others as I would like to be treated.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12
Love of Learning
I am a lifelong learner. I am excited and enthusiastic to learn.
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Proverbs 1:5
Faith
I am 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 we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Resilience
I will not give up. I will have faith and hope even when things are difficult.
“O God, put a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 50:12
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)
The children will explore each virtue for approximately 3 weeks. During these focus weeks, there are links to our liturgical calendar and feast days. We explore each virtue twice throughout the school year.
Autumn 1:
Kindness - St. Vincent's Feast Day
Love/Charity - Harvest
Autumn 2:
Respect - Remembrance/Holy Souls
Love of Learning - Advent
Faith - Christmas
Spring 1:
Faith continued - Epiphany
Resilience - New calendar year
Forgiveness - Lent
Spring 2:
Kindness - Lent/Reconciliation linked to forgiveness
Love & Charity - Lent
Summer 1:
Respect - Easter/New life
Love of Learning
Summer 2:
Faith - Pentecost/Ascension
Resilience - St. Peter and St. Paul/Preparations for transition