Christ is at the centre of all our teaching and spirituality is embedded throughout the whole curriculum.
This is most notable in the teaching of Religious Education (RE) as well as prayer and liturgies fostered on a daily basis. The Religious Education curriculum is based on the Parramatta Diocesan syllabus, 'Sharing Our Story'.
Our Religious Education curriculum covers a variety of themes from Kindergarten to Year 6 (K-6).
Each grade studies various aspects of the church's liturgical seasons such as Lent, Advent and Christmas. All grades studied various aspects of mission in regard to serving and reaching out to others through a series of practical and meaningful outreach activities. In various stages students examine aspects of Scripture, specifically focusing on the gospels, parables of Jesus, and the Old Testament stories.
As we are a Catholic school with a Marian tradition, students participate in various units pertaining to the life of Mary and the dual role she plays as our Heavenly Mother and the Mother of Christ.
Sacraments of initiation are also covered in specific units and are taught to support the parish preparation programs in Stages 2 and 3.
Other themes address with older students include the story of their parish, stewardship, faith communities and stories of the early church and its history. Studies of the structure of the mass and liturgy preparation are also looked at in the older grades.
The teaching of Religious Education involves utilising the children's own life experiences as a starting point. These practical experiences are used in reflecting on, and understanding, the Scripture throughout the units. Children then participate in a period of reflection before using their learning to undertake a form of response.
Social Justice Our Catholic Tradition Faith Experiences at St Mary's