Religious Education

“Forgiveness is the most visible sign of the Father’s love, which Jesus sought to reveal by his entire life. Every page of the Gospel is marked by this imperative of a love that loves to the point of forgiveness.”

Pope Francis

Mr Jarrad Quartermaine Head of Religious Education

Many learning experiences were provided for students in 2016 to support their knowledge and understanding. Year 9 students attended a one day seminar on manhood facilitated by Mr David Kobler, providing an introduction to the Religious Education content in Term 4 on Christian Love and Sexuality. The format of the day enabled students to deepen their knowledge through key note presentations, personal processing time and small group discussions.

The Year 10 students viewed a performance titled Building Bridges, performed by musician Mr Brett Hunt. The focus was on finding meaning in relationships through storytelling to explore the themes of relationship, responsibility and choice in Australian culture. The sessions provided an opportunity for students to reflect on the value of relationships, a topic that was explored during Term 2. Mr Sam Clear spoke to a group of Year 11 students about his walk4one journey that he completed focussing on the theme of paving a path to unity. Sam completed 15,600km on foot across 568 days and the stories he shared were an insight into the challenges he faced.

The inaugural Catholic Schools Youth Summit, hosted by Catholic Education WA (CEWA) and the University of Notre Dame Australia, was attended by Years 10 and 11 students. At the summit the students heard from various leaders, including Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, Vice Chancellor of UNDA Professor Celia Hammond and Executive Director of CEWA Dr Tim McDonald. Melbourne rapper Fablice Manirakiza, aka Flybz, performed and spoke about his past as a refugee escaping violence in Burundi, and how his story influenced his music and its message. Fellow Burundian, Mireille (Mimi) Kayeye, a journalist with experience in social and community development work, shared her insights on being a young woman influencing positive change. Students who represented Trinity College at the event were Thomas Cotter (11.4), Hieu Dong (11.4), Yianni Kakulas (11.2), Harrison Pell (10.3) and Mason Vuleta (11.8).

The Religious Education program taught in Years 7–12 is mandated by the Bishops of Western Australia. Students were able to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic tradition and focus on the College vision and mission statements reflected in the maxim of our students to be Men for Others.

The lower school outcomes include: ƒ Discovering God ƒ Drawing on Human Experience ƒ Knowing Jesus ƒ Living like Jesus ƒ Catholic Practices The Religion & Life course completed by senior students, explores the interplay between religion, society and individuals. Students examine the nature of religion and an understanding of its place in the world. The changes to the Religion & Life course to ATAR and General have been implemented during 2016 in Year 12.

The Religion & Life course provides a particular emphasis on: ƒ The Human need for God ƒ Finding meaning and purpose in life ƒ Jesus and the Gospel message he proclaims ƒ Christians share in the work of Jesus ƒ Empowerment through Sacrament and Prayer ƒ Religious identity and purpose The Religious Education program is supported by the dedication and passion of Mr Christopher Brennan as acting Middle School Coordinator and complemented by the Campus Ministry program, directed by Mr Leo Murray and the Christian Service program under the guidance of Mrs Marya Stewart. The Ministry team’s dedication and commitment to the students are a distinctive element of the College community. I thank all staff who have contributed and supported the Religious Education Department this year.

Mr Jarrad Quartermaine

Head of Religious Education