PUPIL LEADERS
GIFT Chaplaincy Team
The role of the GIFT Team is to serve and support the Catholic Life of the School so that we live as witnesses to Jesus Christ.
The GIFT team is a team of children who support the faith journey of all members of the school and parish community. It stands for Growing in Faith Together. The children have been selected for their particular commitment to Catholic Life and Mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF GIFT TEAM
- Give joyful witness of Christ in our school.
- Provide support for staff in the delivery of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils across the curriculum.
- Assist with the delivery and development of the prayer life of the school by supporting and delivering assemblies, class prayer times and prayer groups.
- Develop outreach work and supporting local, national and international charities e.g. Caritas, CAFOD; working for change and being the change makers.
- Be ambassadors for the school in school, in the parish and in other schools
'I am the vine; you are the branches.'
Wider oportunities for our GIFT team
Our GIFT Team have been given the oportunity to take part in a Lenten retreat at St Mary's Church Horwich. They worked with GIFT teams from local parishes to create a video of hope during Lent.
'You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.'
2 Peter 3:18
Stay and Pray with the GIFT team
We really value our close relationships with our parishioners. Our amazing GIFT team regulaly hold Stay and Pray sessions for them. Pictured, is a lovely heart warming Mary, Mother of Jesus, themed Stay and Pray session. The children gifted daffodils and we all stayed for a chat with a biscuit afterwards.
'I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.'
Psalm 119:162
The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
Our fantastic GIFT Team led a group of children in making cards for the sick of our parish. The cards are available at the school office. If you know someone who is ill please come and choose a card made with love and hope by the children of our school.
'Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.'
James 5:14–15
Prayer Club with the GIFT team
Each week, our fabulous GIFT team hold a prayer club with EYFS and KS1. The GIFT team read from our children's bible and disucss the passages with the children. Our young learners listen attentively and enjoy asking the GIFT team questions to support their understanding of scripture.
'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.'
Matthew 21:16
Peacemakers
What are Peacemakers responsible for at Holy Family?
- Being an ambassador for Holy Family
- Help to resolve conflict in the playground using their Restorative Training
- Supporting children to solve disagreements during lunchtimes and playtimes using restorative questioning
- Peacemakers have good listening skills and are always ready to help
What is the job of a Peacemaker?
- Playing with a difference
- To set an example of good manners
- To make sure no one feels left out
- To support the adults at playtimes
- To help children play safely
- To teach younger children new games
- To encourage children to join in new games and to have fun
'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.'
Laudato Si'
‘Laudato Si’, the second encyclical of Pope Francis, invites us to protect God's creation for future generations. It asks us to embrace lifestyle changes for our own good as well as to take care of people who are poor and are more vulnerable. Pope Francis calls for all people of the world to take swift and unified global action.
Why do we have a Laudato Si' group?
-To ensure our school is eco-friendly and to prepare children to live with reflection of the environment
-To make sure all children have a voice to raise an issue
-To discuss and raise issues related to the environment
It deals with many environmental issues including:
- pollution
- climate change
- water
- loss of biodiversity
- decline in the quality of human life.
Pope Francis implores us to work together to create a better world for future generations and asks us to make the necessary changes in our lives in order to take care of, respect and value our ‘common home’.
'Let us protect with love all that God has given us!'
Laudato Si tackling consumerism
Our Laudato Si group have a mission to tackle consumerism. They worked increcinly hard to arrange for a book swap using pre-loved books from our school community for World Book Day.
"When we feel empty inside, we might think that buying lots of things will make us happy. But real happiness comes from love, sharing, and caring for others—not from having more stuff."
Pope Francis
Caritas Ambassadors
What does Caritas stand for?
Caritas may refer to: The Latin term for charity, one of the three theological virtues. Inspired by Catholic faith, Caritas is the helping hand of the Church – reaching out to the poor, vulnerable and excluded, regardless of race or religion, to build a world based on justice and fraternal love.
The responsibilities of a Caritas Ambassador is:
- To promote and develop social action projects within the school, parish and local community.
- By demonstrating “faith in action” we can raise awareness of Caritas within the Salford Diocese.
- Integrate the seven big themes into our school and local community.
- Dignity of the Human Person.
- Family and Community.
- Solidarity of the common good.
- Rights and Responsibilities.
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.
- The Dignity of Work.
- Stewardship – Care for God’s Creation.
'Love is the only thing that can fill hearts and bring people together. GOD IS LOVE.'
Caritas Ambassadors showing Love in Action
The school community once again demonstrated their generosity by donating dry food goods for our Harvest Festival. The Caritas Ambassadors led an assembly about harvest, in which the children sang beautifully. They learnt how their small donation can make a huge difference to those who have less. The food donations were gratefully received by The Brick charity.
'Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'
Matthew 9:37-38
Caritas Ambassadors suppporting the local community
The Caritas Ambassadors supported Mrs Summerton in delivering an assembly all about 'Mission Christmas'. Our Ambassadors arranged for the the collection of donated toys. Yet again the generosity of families meant that we were able to support this fantastic charity.
'Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.'
Proverbs 19:17
Caritas Ambassadors suppporting communites worldwide
The Caritas Ambassadors support communities worldwide, including the 'New Hope Orphanage' in Kenya. Our Ambassadors arranged for the the collection of donated essential items and treats for the children in the orphanage to use and enjoy. As always the kindness of our families meant that we were able to support such an important cause.
'And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.'
Hebrews 13:16
School Council
The role of our School Council is a very important role and it comes with a lot of responsibility. These children are role models and ambassadors for our wonderful school.
The School Council takes an active role within our school, raising issues and sharing the ideas of their fellow students to their School Council Leader, Mrs Tickle. They have planned meetings with Mrs Tickle and they are responsible for reporting back to their class.
Our school council acts as a voice for all children in the school. We aim to improve our school by sharing ideas and raising issues to reach a democratic solution. We aim to contribute to decisions within the school for the benefit of all pupils and staff.
We have also spoken to all children across school about what extra-curricular clubs they would like to do. We have lots of clubs to offer during lunch and after school that are very well attended.
These pupils help to ensure that Holy Family is a loving, kind, safe and happy environment for all pupils to 'Grow and Learn in the Footsteps of Jesus'.
“The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.”
