This month’s message at my school:

他人にやさしく
自分にきびしく

hito ni yasashiku
onore ni kibishiku

他人　- Normally this would be read “ta nin” but in this case “hito” (normally written as 人). “Hito” means people but these kanji mean “other people”
やさしく – “yasashiku” = “gently”
自分 – Normally this would be read “jibun” but in this case “onore” (normally written as 己). Both these kanji mean “self” or “yourself”.
きびしく – “kibishiku” = “strictly”

What’s curious about this message is the difference between the kanji 他人 & 自分 and the furigana readings ひと &  おのれ. It’s a bit of a puizzle. I’m guessing it’s done in order to emphasise – not just “people” but “other people”. Not just “self” but “yourself”. The use of two kanji instead of one in both cases, also gives the message a nice balance. A simple translation:

Be kind to others
Be strict with yourself

It’s a very simple message. But if I think about it honestly, I’m far too inclined to follow my natural instincts and do exactly the opposite…