Religious Education

This term, Year 7 has been learning about the “Life and Times of Jesus” by exploring the ancient society of Judea. In addition, Students have been learning about marginalised groups, both in the time of Jesus and in contemporary society, with case studies on refugees and the homeless. We have been reflecting on the question, “What would Jesus Do?”, when considering how we can support those most in need in our local community. 

At the end of Term 2, Year 8 worked collaboratively to plan a class liturgy as part of their “Reconciliation” unit. Students then took on individual roles to engage with and participate in a reconciliation liturgy in the College Marian Centre. We were very proud of how our Year 8 cohort demonstrated reverence, respect and response while leading us in prayer, and all students received a special blessing from our staff during the liturgy. 

Year 9 have commenced work on the unit “Images of Jesus” where we have been viewing and interpreting images of Jesus through art. Students have studied the various mediums and styles through which artists have portrayed the person of Jesus, focusing on significant events in his life and meaningful symbols which appear in these works. Students will also have the opportunity to demonstrate their own “image of Jesus” using creative expression in the weeks ahead.

“Mary and the Saints” have been a focus this term for our Year 10 classes in Religion. Students have been examining the key events in the life of Mary, including the Presentation, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity and the Assumption. In upcoming lessons, students will have the opportunity to research and record information about a Catholic saint of their own choice, and learn how to pray the rosary in honour of Mary, our college patron. 

We have enjoyed welcoming our College Chaplain and Administrator of Sacred Heart Kooringal, Father Grace, and seminarian Brother Patrick, to Mater Dei. Our Year 11 students in Studies of Religion 2, were able to discuss important aspects of the Christian tradition with Fr. Grace and Brother Patrick as they visited their class recently. We are very grateful to have these opportunities to enhance the learning of our senior students and we look forward to future visits with our Stage 4 and 5 classes in the coming weeks. 

As our focus on Blended Learning continues at Mater Dei, we would like to remind all students to ensure that they are accessing their learning via Canvas Lesson Outlines and Module Pages, including the online Atomi resource for our SOR students. We look forward to another fun-filled term of RE in our Catholic learning community at Mater Dei! 

Mrs Rebecca Robins | Acting Religious Education KLA Leader