Religious Education

It has been another busy term of learning in Religious Education. The commencement of spring, along with October’s Mission Month, has provided the stimulus for students to respond actively in prayer and service to complement their learning experiences. This newsletter will feature the wonderful work of Year 7 and Year 11 Studies of Religion.

Term 4 Assessment is being finalised with students across Year 7 through to Year 10 completing their In-class Examinations over recent weeks. The use of our CANVAS Learning Management System has provided us the opportunity to digitise these exams for a seamless student experience; supporting revision, consolidation and the application of their learning over the term. These tasks have all been completed during lesson time and students are to be commended for their supportive and calm approach.

This term, Year 7 Religious Education have been undertaking a unit of work called ‘People of the Covenant’. Our students have revisited the Old Testament to learn all about the covenants that God made with the Prophets. They have reflected on the nature of ‘covenant’ as a promise and agreement and contemplated how this might apply to their own relationships with peers, family and friends. Our students really enjoyed the opportunity to re-create the story of Moses during a live filming session; where they collaborated to script and act out a scene from his life. 

Year 7 explored the key teachings of Jesus, as they apply to the New Covenant too and considered how they may be actively involved as Christians in our community through acts of neighbourly love and service. The work of Catholic Mission has held a central focus, as we learnt about their projects and missionary work in Thailand. Our students had lots of fun creating their very own sock ball, testing it out on the oval and contributing to a fundraising sausage sizzle. 

This week Year 7 will engage in an Interactive Learning Experience with Nano Nagle Place, via a Zoom, live streamed from Ireland. Our students will view the Fairy Tale of Nano Nagle and learn all about the history and significance of her vocation in establishing a Religious Order and providing Catholic Education for young people. This is just one of the ways in which we join with the Presentation Sisters, Nagle School Communities and friends of Nano Nagle, all over the world, to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple (21 November). We pray that Venerable Nano Nagle will continue her journey towards Sainthood as we endeavour to illuminate her spirit in our community. 

Year 11 Studies of Religion have their sights firmly affixed on 25 November, the official date set for their HSC Examinations. Students have been immersed in a full program of revision encompassing workshops, writing skills and responding to past HSC style questions. Over the last two weeks, they have been fortunate to have experts live stream specialised workshops into our classroom from the ISRA Academy. These instructors have shared their wisdom, life experience and interpretation of sacred texts, beliefs, ethics and practice with us on the subject of Islam as a Religious Tradition. Our students are so fortunate to have this opportunity to build up their knowledge bank and ability to reference contemporary issues in Australia.       

As this will be final Religious Education Newsletter Article for the year, may I take this opportunity to say just how grateful I am for our hardworking team of Religious Education Teachers, who support our students on their journey: Mrs Trish Fellows, Mrs Pauline Streckfuss, Mrs Rebecca Gill, Mrs Rebecca Robins, Mrs Jackie Walker, Ms Melanie Cramp, Ms Emma Thomson, Ms Sophie King, Ms Bianca Fonte and Ms Phoebe Sewell. It has been my pleasure to lead such a committed team, dedicated to the service of our students. Thank you for your ongoing support as parent/carer partners in the education of your children. We look forward to continuing the story next year!

Every blessing to each of you and your families as we journey towards Advent and Christmas. 

Mrs Amelia Bright | Religious Education KLA Leader