Education in Faith

Religious Education

Religious Education is an integral part of Catholic education at St Joseph’s. We promote Christian values and encourage their integration into all learning and social situations. The Religious Education curriculum, ‘To Live in Christ Jesus,’ takes its frame of reference from the Victorian Curriculum and reflects contemporary practices. It recognizes the essential education partnership of home, school, parish, and diocese, viewing classroom and school-based Religious Education as one significant component of a broader education in faith provided by all agencies and the life of the school beyond the classroom. Children are given opportunities to build their relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit through various activities and experiences, fostering an awareness of themselves, others, the world, and the Christian faith and tradition. They participate in daily prayers, yearly whole school liturgies, and masses. We are an inclusive school, you do not need to be Catholic.

Our school works in partnership with the parish and parents to nurture the religious identity of each child. As a Catholic school, we are called to act with compassion and empathy, respect and care for our world and the most vulnerable, promote inclusion, and provide community. Through our Catholic values and our motto, “the little school with a big heart,” we actively encourage our students to think beyond themselves and live out their faith through service and action.

Across all areas of the curriculum, our Catholic faith, traditions, and social justice are central to our learning. Religious Education is not taught in isolation but is linked to our units of inquiry with a strong emphasis on Catholic Social Justice teachings.

Preparation for the Sacraments

The preparation for sacraments is parish based, with parents encouraged and supported by the St Colman’s Parish Priest (Fr. Hiep), the Parish Pastoral Associate, the Religious Education Leader and staff to assist the students to prepare for these sacred moments in their lives.

  • Year 3 students receive the Sacrament of Penance by making their First Reconciliation (Confession).
  • Year 4 students make their First Eucharist (Communion).
  • Year 6 students receive the Sacrament of Confirmation each year.

During the preparation times for Sacraments, families are encouraged to attend with their children as well as the family preparation nights.

Any queries regarding the Sacraments can be raised with the Principal. For students to receive the sacraments, they must be baptised and a Baptism certificate is to be provided. A Baptism program is available for those who have not yet been baptised and wish to receive this sacrament.