The first dimension of Religious Education is the Religious Life of the School. Students participate in a variety of focused activities, based around four main organisers:
These assist students to put into everyday action the topics they learn about in the classroom.
The following are practical links to the Religious Life of the School:
Anointing Mass
Anointing Mass is celebrated at 9.15 on the first Thursday of the month in our Star of the Sea Church. Yr 3 – 6 classes are rostered on throughout the year. The students sit with parishioners and this helps to develop positive relationships and connections with the wider community.
Class Liturgies
Each of our classes has one celebration each term. Prep to Yr 2 celebrate with a Liturgy of the Word and our Yr 3 – 6 classes celebrate at the Parish Mass on Thursdays at 9.15am. Yr 3 - 6 celebrate Reconciliation as their Term 3 liturgy. After each celebration parents and parishioners are invited to join the students for a shared morning tea. Our teachers and students create a celebration linked to the unit they are exploring in Religion at the time. Students are active participants responsible for the readings, songs and offertory procession.
Fr Ashley Class Visits
Each class invites Fr Ashley to discuss a relevant aspect of the RE Curriculum or the Liturgical Calendar at least once each term. The students have the opportunity to ask questions and make connections with our Parish Priest, who is a valuable member of our school community.
Lighthouse Keeper’s Projects
All aspects of fundraising and service fit under the umbrella of our 'Lighthouse Keeper's Projects'. Each class organises one act of service or fundraising project per year. This project is linked to the Religion curriculum where possible. Examples of Lighthouse Keeper's Projects include St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, RSPCA Pupcake Day, Fiji Friday, Christmas Carols at Mandalay Aged Care Facility, Church Cleaning and creating a garden for Fr Ashley.
Meditation
Each class participates in Christian Meditation daily. The timeframe is approximately one year of meditation for each year of age. Eg students who are 6 years of age should work up to 6 minutes of meditation. Each term has a meditation theme that links with our charism and teachers select an instrumental music piece to match the theme. Suggested mantras that match the theme are provided by the APRE.
Term One - Jesus
- Term Two - Sea
- Term Three - Mary
- Term Four - Stars
Prayer Table
A prayer space is set up in each learning area. The prayer space reflects the liturgical season and where possible links to the curriculum content. For example, when learning about Mary symbols such as Rosary Beads and Marian books and prayers are displayed.
Sacramental Program
The school supports the Parish Sacramental Program. The APRE is a member of the Sacramental Team and attends all parent meetings and celebrations.
School Sponsored Weekend Parish Masses
Year levels combine to sponsor one weekend Mass each year. Students lead the Readings and Songs, Offertory Procession, Prayers of the Faithful and Thanksgiving for these Masses. We often select significant events in the Church or calendar year to base our celebrations on, such as Mothers, Day, Fathers Day, Palm Sunday, Remembrance Day. A cuppa is organised after the Sunday morning Mass and it's a lovely opportunity for our students, staff, parents and parishioners to get to know each other.
Staff Prayer
Each staff member prepares a prayer experience at least once each term. This may be done individually or in pairs. Staff Prayer is at 8.45am on Tuesdays. Staff create a prayer space on the staffroom table using symbols linked to the theme of the prayer. This remains for the week and becomes our sacred space.
Whole School Celebrations
Whole School Masses are organised to celebrate the Opening and Closing of the school year, Ash Wednesday and Foundation Day. The APRE coordinates these celebrations and each class has a role to play. Holy Week, Easter and Christmas are also whole school celebrations. A highlight is our Foundation Day Mass on Stradbroke Island which we celebrate on the Friday closest to the Feast of the Assumption. The whole school travels to the Little Ships Club on the foreshore for an outdoor celebration and morning tea. Parents and Parishioers also join us for this day.
