Live Simply
Our Commitment to Living Simply
at Sacred Heart Primary School
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Nursery is proud to have completed the CAFOD Live Simply Award, a recognition given to schools that show they are living simply, sustainably, and in solidarity with people in need around the world. This award reflects our mission to follow the teachings of Jesus by caring for our global family, protecting creation, and supporting those who need our help the most.
Global Actions
Supporting CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk
Each year, our whole school community takes part in the CAFOD Big Lent Walk, raising money to support families around the world who face poverty, drought, and injustice. We learn that solidarity means recognising that we are one global family and that our actions can make a real difference.
Pupil reflections:
“We have helped other people by raising money.” – Year 2
“We have shown solidarity by helping our global neighbours.” – Year 6
Through assemblies, Gospel reflections, and CAFOD resources, pupils learn about the meaning of Lent, the challenges faced by communities in places like Ethiopia and Kenya, and how our fundraising helps provide essentials such as clean water, food, and sustainable farming resources.
Fundraising for Global Neighbours
We hold fundraising events such as cake sales to support CAFOD projects. Pupils learn about Human Dignity, understanding that every person is created in the image of God and deserves respect, opportunity, and hope.
Pupil reflections:
“We raised money for children in Liberia so they can have an education like us.” – Year 2
“It made me think about helping people who do not have as much money as I do.” – Year 5
International Day of Peace
Year 6 lead our school in marking the International Day of Peace, helping everyone understand the importance of peace, unity, and global responsibility. Pupils make peace pledges and consider how they can help build a more peaceful world.
Local Actions
Supporting Kensington Fields Food Bank
As part of our commitment to the Preferential Option for the Poor, we collect food donations during Harvest and throughout the year. Year 6 pupils deliver the donations to Kensington Fields Community Centre, learning first-hand about the impact of generosity and community support.
Living Sustainably Through Growing and Planting
Working with Food Matters, pupils learn where food comes from, how it grows, and how we can live more sustainably. Children plant vegetables in our school garden, care for them, and later sell them in Liverpool City Centre, donating the proceeds to local charities.
Pupil reflections:
“We should care for the Earth because God made it.” – Year 3
“This helps reduce global warming.” – Year 6
Stay and Pray
We welcome families, Governors, and parish members to join us for Stay and Pray sessions. These moments of shared prayer help us understand Human Dignity and the importance of supporting one another through faith and community.
School Actions
Live Simply Pledge Day
We launched our Live Simply journey with a whole-school assembly where every pupil made a personal pledge to live simply, sustainably, or in solidarity. These pledges are displayed on our Live Simply Pledge Wall as a daily reminder of our commitment.
Examples of pupil pledges:
“I will help my community by picking up litter in the park.” – Year 6
“I promise to try not to waste food.” – Year 4
Eco-Club and Environmental Action
Our Eco-Club works with local partners to care for our environment. Activities include:
Litter picking in the local community
Making seed bombs to support wildlife
Creating bird feeders for our school grounds
Designing posters to encourage recycling and energy saving
These actions help pupils understand Solidarity and how small actions can make a big difference.
Developing Our School Prayer Garden
Our prayer garden is a peaceful space for reflection, prayer, and worship. Pupils use it during class liturgies, playtimes, and quiet moments. Our Mini-Vinnies help care for the garden and have created prayer posters and a portable liturgy box.
Pupil reflections:
“We have to take care of the things God has given us.” – Year 4
“I will help my community by picking up litter in the park.” – Year 6
Living Simply, Living Sustainably, Living in Solidarity
Our Live Simply journey is woven through everything we do at Sacred Heart. Through prayer, action, and learning, we strive to:
Live Simply by appreciating what we have and reducing waste
Live Sustainably by caring for God’s creation
Live in Solidarity by supporting our global and local neighbours
This award reflects not just a project, but a way of life rooted in our faith and lived out through our actions each day.