Religious Education

Students from Foundation to Year 6 engage in the Sale Diocese Curriculum ‘To Live in Christ Jesus’. This is a progression of learning in Religious Education, based around the strands and lenses.

The curriculum draws from Scripture and the Catholic tradition of the Universal Church. It fosters an understanding of young people as they grow and mature in contemporary society. The content includes a strong social justice focus.

Sexuality Education at St Mary’s School

Catholic schools have always been committed to the development of the whole person: their intellectual, moral, physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth.      The Diocese of Sale’s Sexulity Document and Resource, aligned with the Religious Education curriculum To Live In Christ Jesus and the Victorian Curriculum, supports the Principal and staff in their work of assisting students to reach their full potential.                                                                               

Education in sexuality is addressed as a whole school approach at St Mary’s, acknowledging the stages of development and students’ understanding of themselves in relation to their families, their peers, the community and church teachings. It offers an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of sexuality expressed within a Christian context which includes mutual love and respect.                                                                                                                       

The Catholic faith holds the belief that God creates each person out of love and in the image of God.  This belief is the source of its teaching  concerning the dignity of each human person.  Education in sexuality has at its heart the words of Jesus: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) 

Prayer

Students participate in prayer at the beginning and end of each day. Each classroom has a designated prayer table with relevant signs and symbols to help make these sessions reverent and meaningful.

Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic Social Teaching offers a way of thinking, being and seeing the world. It provides a vision for a just society in which the dignity of all people is recognised, and those who are vulnerable are cared for.

At St Mary’s Catholic Social Teaching is an important component of the Religious Education Curriculum. F in action experiences with links made to Scripture provide students with a meaningful way of connecting with and making a difference to the world in which they live.

School Liturgies

Celebrating our faith through liturgy is an important component of school life at St Mary’s.  Each class is rostered on once a term to prepare and attend Mass at 9.30am  in the St Mary’s Chapel. Parents and families are invited to share in this celebration.  All students from Foundation to Year 6 attend Mass at the St Mary’s Church on three different occasions throughout the year.

Sacraments

The Sacramental Program is Family Centred, Parish Based, School and Catechist Supported.