Religious Education
Our Year 11 Study of Religion students recently took part in a half-day cultural excursion with Rainforest to Bush, visiting the Cathedral Fig Tree and Lake Barrine. These sites hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Yidinji people, whose knowledge and stories are embedded in the landscape. Through this experience, students learned how places like the Cathedral Fig Tree and Lake Barrine are sacred sources of meaning, teaching, and identity - not just natural landmarks. Experiencing these sacred sites firsthand helped students better understand Indigenous sacred texts as living, land-based traditions.
Year 11 and 12 Study of Religion classes also had the privilege of zooming with Australia’s first female Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Nomi Kaltmann during weeks 4 and 5 of this term. A lawyer, journalist, educator and political strategist, Nomi has held senior roles working across law, media, and politics. Speaking to Year 12 students, Nomi explored Jewish ethical standpoints related to beginning and end of life issues and medical technology. Students were able to include Nomi’s perspectives in their current research investigation assignments and enjoyed this opportunity to engage with an expert of the Jewish tradition. Year 11 students spoke with Nomi about the significance of the Torah and the meaning and influence of key narratives including the account of Creation, Noah and the Flood and the Binding of Isaac. Year 11 student, Cara Hall-Matthews described how engaging this experience was and noted that “Nomi was very passionate about her tradition, but at the same time very acknowledging and accepting of the Christian tradition and other world views.”
Year 11 Religion and Ethics students were visited by Kate and Dwayne from Mareeba Community Housing in Week 4. This was a valuable opportunity for students to learn about the needs and services provided to those experiencing hardship in our community, especially as they prepare to devise their own social justice action plans. Kate and Dwayne emphasised the importance of empathy, listening to people without judgement and looking to address root causes of needs, rather than simply offering band aid solutions. We are very thankful to Mareeba Community Housing for visiting us and sharing about the important work they do in our community.
Laura Gilbert | Middle Leader Religious Education