Religion is essential to our Catholic schools. Schools continue what you began when you took your child to the Church to be baptised. In partnership with you, St Joseph’s Primary School, Taree continues to develop your child’s faith and knowledge in our Catholic way of life.
Religious education provides the environment which nurtures the faith development of the children, eg: morning prayer, prayer before meals, class liturgies, whole school celebrations. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to attend and be involved in our whole school liturgical celebrations. Students are also taught the knowledge and traditions of our Catholic community: the story of Jesus and his teachings.
All classes are taught religion following the Kindergarten to Year 12 Religion Syllabus of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Parents are invited to discuss the content of the syllabus with classroom teachers or the Religious Education Coordinator. The content of the syllabus follows children’s learning development in the following stages:
Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)
Students are focused on themselves, their family and immediate world. They relate their own experience to ideas, events and information.
Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
Students have a natural curiosity, sense of wonder and enthusiasm for fantasy and play. They mix with others in a more complex way and friendships become increasingly important. They are growing in self-awareness and beginning to make choices and decisions. Learning is generally through direct experience.
Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Students are more aware of belonging to the wider community. The peer group becomes increasingly important and they also see fairness as a core moral principle. They are absorbed in collecting and organising information and can see the relationship between ideas and information. They are able to interpret and communicate ideas more proficiently.
Stage 3 (Years 5-6)
Students have a deeper awareness of the wider world and its impact on their lives. They are more self-motivated and able to absorb a considerable amount of information. They have a more sophisticated sense of reasoning and a greater understanding of consequences. Peers have significant influence on their values and judgements.
Sacraments
After Baptism, you will choose other Sacraments for your children: Penance (Reconciliation/Confession), Eucharist (First Communion) and Confirmation. In partnership with the parish you are invited to work with your child to know and celebrate each sacrament.