Faith Matters

at St Francis Xavier School

Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

What a busy but wonderful last two weeks of term. The children are so excited about all the activities that have been occurring throughout ‘Learning is Magic’ week. And, what a beautiful treat having the grandparents in on Tuesday - we were delighted that Fr Chinua also joined in the festivities.

I’ve been enjoying viewing all the Seesaw posts and have been pleased to see our staff have also been sharing some of the faith activities undertaken this term.

Our teachers have been focusing on ensuring

there is a developmental approach in faith teaching and learning so that concepts and understandings are being built upon from year to year
Rich, engaging experiences are being provided
discussion within the classes is both teacher and student led

To check in on ourselves and ensure this is occurring I recently asked every teacher to plan sessions focusing on the ‘Parable of the Lost Sheep’. This week, they reported back to each other sharing and comparing the teaching strategies and resources used. I was extremely impressed with the variety of creative ways in which these sessions were facilitated, E.g engaging students through viewing and creating art work, utilising drama techniques, comparing the messages to real life situations, seeking student interpretations and asking them to consider the views of others, written and verbal reflections about their understandings and wonderings. I was even further impressed by our staff’s abilities to support and enable, even our youngest students, to draw meaning beyond the literal and extract the various themes and messages of the parable, and then transpose them into a 21st century context! Wow!

One of the art works viewed by 5/6s during their learning

Helping the sinner who has lost their way like the sheep in the parable - The hand with the light is helping the hand out of the dark.

You sacrifice for the people in need. We can't help everyone but everyone can help someone.

My picture shows that you never let go of someone in need.

The Prep session began with a picture chat

The Preps began their session with a picture chat about what they could see. There were many astute and considered comments. One of our beautiful children said this picture reminded them of Fr Chinua because he leads us just like the shepherd leads his sheep.

Today is R U OK Day.

We all know at times in ourselves, or we see in others, the pain of struggling with life and feeling “not OK”.

Lord, You said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).”

We are called to love, to care for one another, to include one another and remind one another of each and everyone’s priceless value as being made in the image and likeness of our God.

I pray that you are OK.

Marion O'Brien

Education in Faith Leader