Catholic Identity

Religious Education This Term

'Church & Community'

This term, our Religious Education learning across all year levels is centred on the theme Church and Community. Students are exploring what it means to belong to the Church and how our families, school and parish together form the family of God. Across the school, students are learning that the Church is not just a building, but a living community of people who gather in faith, prayer and service.

Prep students have begun their Religious Education journey by learning about belonging, family and friendship. As part of this learning, they participated in their first visit to the church before attending the Beginning of School Year Mass. During this visit, students explored the church space and asked thoughtful and insightful questions about prayer, sacred symbols and why we gather together as a Church community.

Back in the classroom, students completed a 'We Are the Church' craft activity, reinforcing the understanding that the Church is made up of people, not just a building. Through this hands-on activity, students reflected on how they belong to the Church through kindness, friendship and caring for others. This experience helped prepare them to feel confident and included as members of our parish community.

It was also wonderful to come together as a whole school for our Beginning of the School Year Mass. It was lovely to see families, staff and students gathered in prayer, marking the start of the year with gratitude and hope. Students demonstrated excellent reverence, listening and participation throughout the Mass, reflecting their growing understanding of what it means to be part of the Church community.

As the term continues:

Years 1 and 2 are deepening their understanding of belonging through family traditions, shared meals and the important people who support our parish and school communities.
Year 3 students are exploring discipleship and the role of Mary in the early Church, reflecting on how our parish community continues to support faith today.
Year 4 are learning about the wider Church, including connections between families, parishes, the Archdiocese and the Pope, and how individuals contribute to strong and just communities.
Year 5 and 6 students are focusing on the Holy Spirit, exploring how its gifts and fruits help people live out the mission of the Church.

Through prayer, reflection and action, students are encouraged to see themselves as active members of the Church, called to belong, to serve and to grow together in faith.

Donnella DeVisser

Religious Education Leader