As flagged in my Term 1 Newsletter article, we are currently in the process of updating much of our RE curriculum to engage with the Department of Education’s Respectful Relationships curriculum via the lens of Catholic faith and tradition . For Yrs7-10, this term has taken on the title focus of ‘Right Relationships’, looking through a spiritual lens at the formation of healthy, thriving individuals in our contemporary world.

For Yr7, this term’s unit entitle ‘Fostering Respectful Relationships’ has offered students the opportunity to come to an understanding of Human Rights, Human Dignity and the relationship of love God invites all people into. Through the lens of Covenant Theology and Catholic Social Teaching, students explore what it means to be an individual living in community with others: respecting difference while affirming our shared humanity. Picking up on the Mercy Value of Respect, students have been challenged to consider the dignity and rights of themselves and others, identifying some of the challenges and great opportunities this can present in life. Yr7 Students & Staff have also had the opportunity to vote on the design of their inaugural Yr7 Respect Badge – with Kayla B’s amazing image winning the most support. Kayla’s image (below) calls each of us to adopt respect as a lens through which we view each other and the world around us, respecting difference while valuing the fundamental human rights of all. Congratulations Kayla!

Aligning with the opening of our St Brendan’s campus, Yr8s have been exploring the theme of ‘right relationship’ with a focus placed on the environment. Also applying a lens of Covenant Theology and Catholic Social Teaching, students are exploring the current state of our natural world, identifying areas where signs of negative change have become evident and researching the possible causes for this. Reflecting on the deep human connection we all share to the environment, students will have the opportunity to reflect upon God’s call to “dominion” (Gen 1:26) as being a key component of both what it means to be human as well as people in relationship to a Creator God.

Yr9s have been exploring the idea of living in ‘right relationship’ with ourselves and others in a unit which asks them to consider what ‘Justice’ should look like in our contemporary world. Current events in international politics seems to provide a steady stream of materials from which discussions are being focused, with students being invited to question how well we are currently achieving – or falling short – in terms of achieving God’s dream for our world: a world where “justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-lasting stream” (Amos 5:24). In light of this, students have been asked to consider the difference between ‘equality’ and ‘equity’, and recognise the important role individual perspectives play in such discussions.

Yr10s are being challenged to consider what they consider ‘success’ to be in their own lives and that of individuals whom they admire. Is ‘being my best’ – all about a high ATAR, financial gain or Insta recognition? How can the idea of living in ‘right relationship’ with others actually add to my feeling of self-worth? What does it mean to live a fulfilling, meaningful life? Examining the theories of both Aristotle and Kant, students will be challenged to re-think what true ‘happiness’ is and consider what they really hope to achieve in life. Hopefully many of you at home will find dinner-time conversations leaning in the direction of these big questions, giving you an opportunity to engage with your young people about some deeply personal, meaningful reflections.

Our Senior RE classes continue to explore the nature and purpose of religious faith in a number of different learning opportunities being offered to them: be this in their VC Religion & Society units, VM RE, Youth Ministry or our Yr12 RE classes. In the coming weeks, Our Yr11s will be given the opportunity to explore our local First Nations spirituality and reflect upon how these ancient traditions can shape an individual’s world view.

As always, I hope the work your young person/people are doing in RE makes it home for general discussion as such opportunities can be fertile ground for deep, rich and meaningful connection.

Annette Hirth
RE LAL