RE News - Meaghan Younger
Religious Curriculum of St Monica’s
In Year 2 students are weaving learning in Religious Education with their conceptual inquiry unit. The RE focus is on understanding life in Jesus’ time and the power of oral stories. When investigating Scripture we use an investigative tool called, 3 Worlds of the Text.
Initially students learn about the world in which the scripture was written (World Behind the Text). For the Gospels we know this is many years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Each of the Gospel writers was writing for their own particular community and this flavoured their choice of words and stories. It is unlikely any of the authors of the four Gospels actually met Jesus, but rather relied on stories passed down in oral tradition from those who had lived with Jesus. Year 2 will look at what life was like in Jesus’ time and in the 30-40 years later when the Gospels were written.
Students then look at the World Of the Text, which is essentially looking at the text type chosen. So often Jesus chose to preach using parables, a popular and very familiar way of imparting messages used in Jesus’ time. Parables hold truth but are not factual stories or events, they can be likened to Aesop’s fables that hold a moral and help us understand larger concepts and themes like God’s unending love. Some of the parables students will investigate will be the Good Samaritan and the Loving Father (or Lost Son).
Our final world of the text is the World in Front of the Text. This is where students will consider what message the scripture has for us today. How is it relevant to our lives in 2023? What truths do we see that we can use in our own prayers and living as faith filled people?
Religious Life of St Monica’s
Year 6 Retreat Day
Our Year 6 Retreat Day will be next week on Thursday 31 August. Students are allowed to come in free choice of clothing – please be mindful of our changeable weather and the need to be active on the day. Morning tea is being provided by our wonderful Mrs Regan. The parish is providing pizza for lunch – students will be consulted this week on their choice of toppings. Please be sure to alert your child’s teacher to any food allergies/special needs.
Thank you to all the parents and sponsors who have written a letter of affirmation for their Year 6 child. These letters will be shared with the students at their Retreat Day. I am still seeking a few letters so please send these in if you have not done so already.
The Retreat Day will conclude with Mass in St Monica’s Church and all families are warmly invited to join us in the Eucharistic celebration at 2.20pm.
Confirmation
Whole School Prayer
Our next whole school prayer time will be next week on Friday 1September, in Week 7, with Kindergarten leading us in praying for our Dads and special men who look after us. You are all invited to join us in giving thanks for our Dads at this whole school prayer time at 9.10am in St Monica’s Church.
St Monica’s Feast
