Religious Education at St Thomas'
Religious Education at Our School
Religious Education at our school invites students to learn about faith in ways that are meaningful and connected to their lives. Learning is relevant to students’ experiences and helps them understand how faith can guide everyday choices.
Students are encouraged to talk, ask questions, and share ideas in a respectful and safe environment. Through discussion and reflection, students deepen their understanding and learn to listen to different perspectives.
Students are also given opportunities for encounter through prayer, story, and reflection. These experiences help students connect learning about faith with their own beliefs, values, and sense of belonging.
Religious Education Lessons
In Foundation, children learn about God, love, kindness, and how to care for others. They hear stories from the Bible and talk about big ideas in simple ways. Catholic tradition and teaching is shared in a way that is suitable for the age of the students. Families can follow the link to read about the To Live in Christ Jesus Curriculum.
Prayer
Each day begins with prayer. This is an invitation for students and staff to enter into a conversation with God.
Liturgy
There are special times during the year when we gather as a learning community to pray, sing, and reflect. These gatherings are called liturgies.
Mass
Students attend Mass regularly each term. Families are always welcome to join us. An invitation is extended through the school newsletter and in emails to families.
Our Saint – St Thomas the Apostle
St Thomas is a special saint who reminds us to be curious, ask questions, and trust in God. His story teaches us to lean into discomfot and to ask tricky questions to help us understand the deep questions in life. St Thomas was one of Jesus' twelve disciples.
Celebrating the Liturgical Year
At our school, we celebrate important times in the Catholic liturgical year to help students grow in faith and understanding.
Students take part in prayer, reflection, and simple celebrations that help them learn about the life of Jesus and God’s love. Teachers explain each celebration so students understand its meaning.
Throughout the year, we recognise important liturgical times, including:
- Advent – preparing for Christmas
- Christmas – celebrating the birth of Jesus
- Ash Wednesday and Lent – a time of reflection and preparation
- Holy Week and Easter – remembering Jesus’ death and celebrating new life
- Pentecost – celebrating the Holy Spirit
- Feast Days - including St Thomas the Apostle, Mary MacKillop, The Feast of the Assumption.