Religious Education
St. Finbar's Christmas Appeal
This week we kicked off our Christmas Appeal in partnership with our Parish and the St Vincent de Paul team! Our wonderful Year 6 leaders, Jason, Claire and Sybilla have been absolute superstars, creating cheerful bag tags and meeting with every Social Justice Class Rep from Prep to Year 6 to share why this appeal matters so deeply in our Catholic community. Each class has now received numerous family profiles, reminding us that there are many people who may receive little or nothing this Christmas. If you’re in a position to help, please send your donations into your child's classroom or deliver them to the office. We can’t wait to see the donations begin to roll in and to watch our school shine with generosity and compassion!
Religious Education in the Classroom
In Year 3 Religion, students have been exploring the Parable of the Sower. They listened to the story, unpacked what “good soil” looks like in our own lives, and discussed how kind words help people grow strong hearts, just like seeds growing in rich, healthy soil. To bring this learning to life, students decorated cans with positive, uplifting words and have now begun growing their own seeds in these containers on the classroom windowsill. A little kindness, a little sunlight and water, and plenty of love as the perfect recipe for growth!
Gospel Reflection - Sunday 23rd of November
Luke 23:35–43 – Jesus is crucified under the title King of the Jews
Family Connection
Understanding the Feast of Christ the King can be a bit tricky for children. After all, most of us don’t have much experience with kings or queens beyond fairy tales and movies! We do know that a king usually cares for his people, leads them, and asks them to follow with trust and respect. Jesus is a King like no other. His kingdom isn’t a castle or a country, it reaches everywhere, to everyone. And we see his love most clearly on the Cross, where he offers forgiveness and salvation to all.
Family Discussion
Start by recalling any stories you’ve read or movies you’ve watched that include kings, queens, princes, or kingdoms.
- What are kings like in those stories?
- How do people show respect for their king or other royal members?
- What kind of king would you want to follow?
Explain that this Sunday is the final Sunday of the Church Year before Advent. Discuss that this Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King. Then read the Gospel together: Luke 23:35-43.
As you read, chat about the different people around Jesus on the Cross.
You might ask:
- Who is kind to Jesus?
- Who makes fun of him?
- Why do you think some people couldn’t see that Jesus was a King?
- Who is the one person who does recognise Jesus as King?
- What does Jesus promise him?
Family Activity
Grab some small pieces of paper or sticky notes.
Together, brainstorm ways your family can show that you follow Jesus, through kindness, forgiveness, generosity, or helpfulness.
Write each idea down and stick them somewhere visible to everyone such as the fridge, a bedroom door, or a blank wall. Throughout the week, choose one idea each day and try to live it out. These small acts help grow God’s kingdom right inside your home.
Pray together as a family
Loving Jesus, our King,
Help our family to see your love in everything we do.
Teach us to be kind like you, forgiving like you,
and brave enough to choose what is good and true.
May our home be a place where your kingdom grows.
Amen.
May God bless,
Laura Zeeng
Deputy Principal & Relgious Education Leader (REL)