Religious Education

Year 7

Students are exploring what it means to belong to a community, particularly The Mater Dei Community. Studying our shared history and identity, students are developing an appreciation for our founders and the community we have developed into. Year 7 recognise the importance of a school spirit that encourages others and celebrates achievements.

Students recently attended their Year 7 Belonging Day. Students visited The Mount Erin Heritage Centre and learnt about the arrival of The Presentation Sisters to Wagga Wagga and the schools they established. Erin Earth, a sustainable education centre also founded by The Presentation Sisters was toured.

Year 8

Currently students are learning about The Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Biblical perspective of sin  has been researched with students comparing the depictions of sin in the Old and New Testament. Jesus' teachings on forgiveness have been unpacked, inspiring us to discern God’s will and guidance.

Year 9

Students are exploring the significance of putting Got at the centre of our lives. Inspired by Pope Francis’s Encyclical, Laudato Si students are reflecting on how God at the centre of their lives can help them better care for others, inspire better care for our common home and lead to a more meaningful life.

Year 10

Students are learning about the significant role and contribution of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to the tradition, prayer life, art forms and liturgy of the Church. Students will explore the process of canonising Saints, and research the life of a Saint. Students will participate in Marian devotion and prayer. The nature of vocation and responding to God’s call will be contemplated.

Year 11 Studies of Religion 1 and 2

The Nature of Religion and Beliefs and how they enhance the rich tapestry of life have been studied.  The characteristics of Religions and how they intertwine to help with the human search for meaning have been discussed. Students have developed an understanding of Aboriginal Spirituality, The Diversity of The Dreaming which underpins beliefs and practices. Mr Jolley shared with students the geosophical and metatemporal concepts of Aboriginal Spirituality.

Year 11 Studies in Catholic Thought 

Students are pondering the deepest questions about humanity, Who is The Human Person? Students are contemplating who they are and their response to beauty and reality. Students are discovering we are wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God, Imago Dei.

Year 12 Studies of Religion 1 and 2

This term students have investigated the significance Paul of Tarsus has had on the establishment of Christianity. He travelled the Mediterranean sharing the Gospel message of Agape love and created a truly universal church. The sacred practice of marriage is being researched with students developing an insight into how the practice differentiates depending on the Christian Denomination.

Year 12 Studies in Catholic Thought

 Students are discussing the importance of doing the right and recognising the more we do that, the freer we become. Habits of Virtue lead to a fuller expression of ourselves.  Students are investigating the notion we are ‘made in love and for love’. Students have recently created an artwork reflecting on what The Beatitudes look like in our contemporary world. 

Mrs Emma Thomson | Religious Education KLA Leader