RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education

At St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School, Religious Education is an integral part of the daily curriculum for all students. The school follows a series of guided units of work, mandated by the Bishops of Western Australia, which are carefully sequenced to help children relate the Catholic faith to their everyday lives.

Making Jesus Real (MJR)

We have embraced the MJR (Making Jesus Real) program as part of our school culture. This program connects the values of faith and spirituality with practical, everyday living, encouraging students to live out their Catholic values in all they do.

Christian Meditation

Christian Meditation is widely practiced at St Simon Peter. As Archbishop Costelloe states, “We are trying to help our young people develop that capacity for reflection and just be able to slow down and think about some deeper issues.” Meditation provides our students with the opportunity to pause and reflect, nurturing their spiritual growth and helping them to develop a deeper connection to their faith.

Sacramental Preparation

The school works closely with the parish to prepare students for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. While the school plays a key role in preparing children to receive these sacraments, the preparation process is part of a parish-based sacramental program.

Religious Education Curriculum

Classroom teachers implement the units of work required by the Archbishop to be taught in Catholic schools. Parents receive a letter at the beginning of each new unit, providing details about the unit’s focus and content. Religious Education classes are scheduled daily, and students are assessed on their understanding of the material taught.

Our school also celebrates whole school Masses each term, with our Parish Priest, Fr Mariusz, celebrating Parish Masses on Thursdays. These Masses offer our school community the opportunity to come together in worship.

Family and Parish Collaboration

As part of the Parish-based, Family-focused, School-supported Sacramental Policy, which was mandated by the Archdiocese of Perth in March 2014, we encourage parents to be actively involved in their children's sacramental preparation. We ask that parents and children engage in discussions about what is being taught in Religious Education to reinforce this learning at home.

It is vital that parents model Christian faith through their actions, prayer, and regular participation in the Sacraments, especially Sunday Mass. This example of faith in action is a powerful way to support children's spiritual development.

Religious Literacy Assessment

Each year, students in Year 3 and Year 5 participate in the Religious Literacy Assessment. Further information about the assessment program will be communicated to the school community at the appropriate time each year