Religious Education ________________________Page

Religious Education

In the spirit and charism of the Edmund Rice tradition, we aim to nurture our students through a religious education experience that helps them to understand, affirm and form their own opinions about our Catholic faith and other faith traditions. This is a challenging experience for many but one that is embraced wholeheartedly by the College as we aim to be the face of the Church with its rich history and teachings. In 2020, our Year 7 students were inducted not only into the St Joseph’s community, but also into the Edmund Rice Touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Solidarity. This is a special time for every Joey’s boy to encounter as it forms the platform for further understanding, debate and personal formation for years to come. Our Year 8 students consolidated their initial appreciation of the four Touchstones through units of work focused on a Call to Action (how to respond when they see injustices), and how to be an Upstander when wrongs occur. They also embedded their appreciation of Catholic Social teachings in responding to other people’s needs, through generosity and kindness and always being mindful of the marginalised. They explored the importance supporting them in our immediate and broader communities. Year 9 Westcourt students spent time analysing Significant Women through Catholic history and highlighted their many achievements, sacrifices and commitment. The unit of Darkness into Light was particularly apt in 2020 for the campus as they tried to support each other to understand one of the central beliefs of our faith – a hope filled life after sadness and loss. Our students will experience adversity from time-to-time. This unit of work reinforces that hope is always attainable and that we can build on our resilient nature when confronted with obstacles to be problem-solvers and solution focused, just like Jesus demonstrated. Our Year 10 students were true to the charism of Edmund Rice focusing on the needs and plight of the homeless and displaced people in our society. With increasing numbers due to the impact of COVID-19, the unit had localised significance. A real feature each year is the support of the Jewish Christian Muslim Association meeting with the Year 10 students to explain some of their rich beliefs and religious customs that underpin their faith. It enabled our boys to gain further insight into other faith traditions.

Ethical considerations and decision-making are studied throughout Year 11 with students offered a variety of ethical scenarios to analyse, unpack and form an opinion on what is right or wrong with each of the scenarios. Some of the topics covered were euthanasia, engagement in war, organ donation and free speech. Students are encouraged to listen to all points of view in order to shape their own stance on these issues, being mindful of the viewpoint of the Catholic Church and other religions on the said topics. Finally, our Year 12 students looked at some contemporary issues within the four Touchstones supported by some guest presenters (when allowed). Visits by Dr. Elio Capra looking at A Call to Worship through the use of art and photography to analyse the story of the good Samaritan, and Nas, the local Geelong Street Barber to explain how he tries to reach out to those doing it tough living on the street were great opportunities for the students to witness how we can be understanding, forgiving, non-judgemental and kind to those we encounter through every-day life situations. A great way to complete a comprehensive Christian experience as a Joey’s boy so they can continue to act accordingly beyond the walls of St Joseph’s. Brother Hugh O’Neill, international leader of the Christian Brothers reminds us: “The charism of the Blessed Edmund Rice is summed up by the three words: presence, compassion and liberation. We must all be aware of the divine in our lives and be present in the moment so we can understand what is happening to others. We must bring this compassion to our encounters with others and not just pass them by or ignore them but value the importance of each encounter.”

Peter Griffin – Curriculum Area Leader, Religious Education

Acknowledgment of Country Acknowledgment of Country made by Sue Collins at our made by Sue Collins at our Westcourt Mass Westcourt Mass Presenting FIRE Carrier and Message Presenting FIRE Carrier and Message Stick at all our gatherings Stick at all our gatherings The Eucharist is central to our Mass The Eucharist is central to our Mass

Student Reflections

I really enjoyed doing the Edmund Rice unit in Term 1. It was interesting learning about the person who was the founder of our school who is mentioned, in almost all of our prayers. Making the slide with other members of the class was really enjoyable to because we worked well together to create and present an informative google slides presentation. The way Edmund Rice went well out of his way to help children living in poverty, which is really amazing, and the world would be a much better place if there were more people like him. Harry Dower, 7G

Throughout the year of 2020, we have participated in multiple events like our Courage to Care Renewals, where we had to make a video as Class Captains to present to the whole Year 8 level. It had been set up like a liturgy so we could experience the Renewals by staying COVID safe in our homes. It was very innovative from our school and a good way to keep us and everyone else safe. We also participated in a Shaka Up event for mental health where it was encouraging people to send a 'Shaka' to a mate which is essentially checking up on them.. I'd say St Joseph's has taken well to this initiative because as males I believe all of us were going through tough times and having all the boys check up on each other made a friendlier relationship between many boys and allowed us to keep our mates safe and mentally healthy. Ethan Whitcher and Ben Parish, 8H Class Captains

R.E. this year, even through quarantine, has been a very engaging and educational subject for me. In R.E. I've learnt about many things such as the creation stories and where they originated from. We have also learnt about Edmund Rice and his life and how he started a school for boys on the street and a Brotherhood, called the Christian Brothers. Daniel Lazzaro, 7G

Mr Kennedy sharing the story of Edmund Rice

The vocal ensemble bring our liturgies to life led by Tania Grant, The vocal ensemble bring our liturgies to life led by Tania Grant, supported by music from Michael Wilding, & Greg Treloar supported by music from Michael Wilding, & Greg Treloar Edmund Rice Day Theme Edmund Rice Day Theme