Education in Faith

Goals & Intended Outcomes

• To cultivate a community where staff, students and families grow in knowledge, engagement and understanding of the vision and mission of St Kevin's College • That Catholic values and belief will be experienced by all members of our community • That the connection between the Gospels and action be more appreciated in our school community

Achievements

In Religious Education, students have enjoyed a rewarding year, despite the lockdown, contending with a plethora of assignments, to stimulate academic and spiritual growth. They have explored our faith tradition and reflected on their role in upholding the sacred dignity of one another. In Year 7, students engaged with the Story of Edmund Rice, the importance of Prayer and its relationship with mindfulness and meditation. Through the Retreat Days, students were able to understand what it means to be a Kevinian, sharing this title with many who walked before them.

Year 8 students explored reasons for a belief in God, including the numinous, miracles and arguments for God's existence. They enjoyed learning about inspirational Christians that have overcome adversity, making positive change. Students studied the early Church and what it means to live the Christian life, in Melbourne today. The Year 9 cohort discussed life as a sacred journey, considering who we are, how we relate to each other and God. Students learned about the dreaming stories of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their journey. Mt Scopus Memorial College student leader presentations provided an excellent conclusion to our study of Judaism. Year 10 students were able to visit Sikh, Islamic and Jewish places of worship, before embarking on a study of Islam. With a study of Mark's Gospel and the Eucharist, students had the foundation to reflect upon the importance of Conscience, when making moral decisions. Our final unit on Right Relationships contemplated our duty to make choices each day, that protect the dignity of all.

Year 11 students completed VCE Unit 2 Religion and Society. They were presented with a number of contentious ethical issues and learned about different methods of making moral decisions. Students acquired key skills that will stay with them long after they completed their semester examinations.

Year 12 students enjoy an engaging programme, which encourages them to put Faith into practice. Students considered the prevalence of faith in society and making responsible decisions, to sustain our relationships. Each Friday, the outside speaker programme has allowed our Y12 boys to learn from inspirational men and women that have lived a life for others, generating fulfillment and joy.

VALUE ADDED

The Religious Education program focuses on Catholic tradition. Religious celebrations, rituals, retreats and reflection days provide students with the opportunity to reflect deeply on their personal faith journey. Students are involved in community service and social justice programs to assist those less fortunate, and to develop a greater sense of social responsibility. The College also has a comprehensive student retreat program. In keeping with its commitment to Catholic social teaching, St Kevin's students are actively encouraged to develop an awareness of, and empathy with, people in the wider community, in particular through community service programs. In faith formation St Kevin's strives to build a school community that invites its students into a relationship with God that will sustain their lives and renew their community.