Religious Education

RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION

Our school Religious Education Curriculum is a P-12 document produced within this diocese. The program incorporates knowledge of the history and traditions of the Catholic Church. Providing opportunities for individuals to develop an appreciation of religious traditions of other Christian and non-Christian faiths and cultures. The program promotes the formation and development of each individual as a whole person and fosters a process of growing together in living, loving and learning.

In consultation with the Parish Administrator, masses are celebrated during each of the school terms. Liturgies and prayer assemblies are arranged on a roster system. All classes take responsibility for the preparation of a liturgy and/or assembly during the school term. Teachers and students prepare liturgies for special days and events – St Joseph’s Feast Day, Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Feast of the Assumption, Feast of All Saints, Remembrance Day, etc. Parents and community members are always welcome to attend whole school assemblies, liturgies and masses.

Sacrament preparation programmes are family based and are co-ordinated by the Parish of Rockhampton South. The team provides for the need of formation for parents, with parents being able to turn to other members of the faith community for advice and assistance without handing over to them their role as chief educator of their children in the faith. Resource materials and information sessions are provided for families throughout the year.

Prayer

Prayer is an integral part of the life of a Catholic school. Students are taught prayers as part of the Religious Education programme and they are invited to participate in a wide variety of other prayer experiences throughout their school life. Music, symbols, poems, dance, silence, art, photographs, reflections and formal prayers will be used to lead staff, students and parents at different times throughout the year.

It is our hope that students will learn to understand prayer as a way of developing a close personal relationship with God. Parents are also encouraged to model an active prayer life at home by using key opportunities such as meal times and bed times with their children.

Social Justice & Outreach

In keeping with the charism and influence of the Josephite Order, the members of the St Joseph's Wandal community work together to support those within the school and local community who are in need of assistance through service projects and outreach. Adopting Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop’s approach of ‘never seeing a need without doing something about it,’ students and staff at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wandal are encouraged to support those less fortunate than themselves.

Classes are encouraged to take on appropriate Social Justice and service projects during the year guided by Catholic Social Teaching Principles.

St Joseph's School Wandal Social Justice

Parish

St Joseph’s Wandal enjoys a close and positive partnership with the Catholic Parish of Rockhampton South. The school’s Religious Education Programme is carried out within the wider Parish and Diocesan environment and vision, with the explicit purpose of engaging young people in their faith journey leading to an ever-deepening personal faith commitment.

Parish Sacramental Programs

Sacramental preparation of children is family based in the Rockhampton Diocese. Knowledge of the sacraments is taught at school in appropriate class levels and according to the Diocesan guidelines. Preparation of students to receive the sacraments is family based. Students preparing for the Sacraments are supported by both parish and school personnel.