Religious Education

Reflection

As we continue to progress through this season of lent, all of us are continuously reminded to make our lives and actions to be truly good and worthy of God, and we are reminded today to show compassion and mercy on others, just as the lord himself has shown to all of us. Since the very beginning, when God created us, he has created us all with love, and he has patiently taken care of us, while guiding and providing help for us in our journey that we may come to find our way back to him.

Through our faithful practice of prayer, fasting and almsgiving this lent, let us deepen our relationship with God, restrain our personal and worldly desires as well as ambitions, and learn to become more generous in loving one another, putting others as equally important as ourselves. Let us all be no longer selfish in our attitudes and way of life, but be filled with god’s love and generosity, kindness and compassion, and do our best to love one another just as God has loved us. May God bless us all and our every good efforts and endeavours, and help us to have a most fruitful and blessed season of lent.  Amen. (Taken from a reflection by Peter Canisius Michael David Kang)

Religious Education in the classrooms.

This term each class has been working on various aspects of the Religious Education Curriculum.

The Curriculum is based on Gabriel Moran’s model of Teaching about Religion, which is the classroom teaching of Religion and Teaching people to be Religious in a particular way, which is the Religious Life of the School.   

In Kindergarten, the children have been learning about how people communicate with others and how this can build positive relationships so people can follow God’s plan to live happily and safely together. This includes exploring the signs, symbols, words, actions and gestures which enable us to communicate with others and with God.

In Year 1/2, the students have been exploring the big idea “Living in harmony can help people to feel happy and safe in a community”. This learning is exploring what a community is, what the characteristics of a harmonious community are and how people can live happily and safely according to God’s plan for creation using Jesus’ teaching about treating others the way you want to be treated. 

In Year 3/4, the students have been exploring how human rights for all empower people to nurture a harmonious and fair society. Students have been learning how to use the Bible to find key Scriptures which explore how Jesus teaches and models how people should live, including the Golden Rule.

In Year 5/6, the students have been learning about the significant individuals and events of the early Australian Catholic Church. Students are exploring how Faith can help individuals and communities in the face of adversity and challenges.

Lisa Mammoliti

Religious Education Coordinator

Second Week of Lent  (Week beginning Monday 6th March) This week through Project Compassion we learn about Tereesa, a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. At just 16 years old, she had to leave school after falling pregnant with her first child. A single mother struggling with homelessness, Tereesa’s only concern was finding stability for her children.   Seeking a better future for her family, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing and psychological support. Through Baabayn, Tereesa was also able to hear stories from Indigenous Elders and reconnect with her culture.  Today, Tereesa is studying a certificate in Community Services so that she can strengthen her skills and give back to her community. Tereesa now works at Baabayn, providing support to young mothers and mentoring the next generation of young people.  Watch a short film about Tereesa’s story here. Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

Photo: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia