What Students Are Learning About

Year 5 are preparing an assembly on the Rosary. Using plastic balls, they will create a giant, living set of rosary beads and lead the school through the mysteries of the Rosary. Being creative helps students to deepen their faith by connecting them in different ways to our scripture and tradition. 

What Staff Are Learning About

This week is Webinar week. Catholic Education organise a variety of webinars on a vast range of topics for professional learning. Instead of a staff meeting we choose which one we would like to engage in. This term I chose to go to Dr Peta Goldberg’s session Initiation Rites in Abrahamic Religions.

It was an interesting session that focussed on the differences and simliarties between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Specifically in the area of baptism and associated rituals with the birth of a baby.

I learnt that there are many similarities between the three rituals. Mainly the use of prayer, the naming of the child and sharing a meal. In all these religions the connection to scripture is so strong. Beautiful prayers are whispered in the ear of a newborn Muslim baby. Jewish babies are surrounded by prayers until midnight on the day their Brit Milah and Christan babies are blessed and prayed on surrounded by family and the community.

Dr Peta Goldberg always leaves me wanting to know more. I am curious about what other connections there are between these three religions. Don’t tell anyone but the need to do more study (just for fun) is growing in me. 

Catholic Life and Reflection

Last week was joyous, my heart was full. So many things happened that I wanted to write about! This was one of them…

In preparation for the Year 3 First Communion Reflection, I ordered rosary beads. In the hustle and bustle of preparation I didn’t check both boxes carefully. About two hours before the event was to start, I realised that a mistake in the order meant that I had to make about 35 sets!

A few of my students said they knew how to make them, so they took a pack each. Then as they were going out to recess, they each took a few more. I made a few and then went off to do the last-minute preparations, feeling a bit stressed, but thinking I could whip them up myself.

After recess, one of my students approached me and held out a bag full of already made rosary beads. Students from across Year 4 had sat in the warm sun at recess chatting and making the beads. I was overwhelmed at their kindness and got a bit teary!

To feel supported by the kids in this way made my heart full. It is one of the many ways that our students spontaneously demonstrate what it means to be on earth the heart of God.

God bless,

Stephanie Stewart