Dr Angela McCarthy examined the rare St John’s Bible with year 12 students. Photo: Clontarf Aboriginal College.
Following the success of the inaugural Religious Education (R.E) Week in 2017, a great anticipation preceded R.E Week 2018 at Clontarf Aboriginal College, which was celebrated last month from 5 to 8 June.
The aim of the week was to celebrate religious education and its broad diversity of topics with various links between the Catholic Faith and Aboriginal Spirituality presented through guest speakers, activities, and events.
Guests of the week included Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Fr Joseph Tran, Fr Hong Pham, Fr CJ Miller, Fr Bonaventure Echeta, Dr Angela McCarthy from The University of Notre Dame, Coward-Punch Campaign Founder Danny Green, Nyungar/Palkyl woman, and traditional owner Vanessa Corunna.
Students and staff having a Q&A session with Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and Bishop Don Sproxton. Photo: Clontarf Aboriginal College.
R.E Week Coordinator Salvatore De Luca said the students thoroughly enjoyed the week and all its offerings.
“It was a blessing to have such wonderful and high-calibre guest presenters speak, inspire and enthuse our students and staff,” Mr De Luca said.
“Each guest presenter, in their own unique style, connected with our students and staff.”
He explained the topics covered, which are part of the R.E curriculum at the College, including Aboriginal culture, healing, spirituality, inclusion, personal faith testimonies, life experiences, social justice issues, and theology.
“It was such a fantastic week and one to remember,” Mr De Luca added.
Students and staff performing at the musical gala at the closing of R.E. Week 2018. Photo: Clontarf Aboriginal College.
In the spirit of the Year of Youth, year 11 Sacred Heart College student Madison Heady was invited to speak about “the importance of inclusion and her own faith journey”.
Years 11 and 12 R.E teacher Mrs Gina Harcourt said Madison was “amazing and inspiring”.
“I loved the way she talked to the students and the way the students responded to her,” Mrs Harcourt said.
Activities took place in other learning areas as well with students commencing mathematics and literacy classes with R.E-based activities and the students participated in the campus-wide Clontarf Amazing Race.
“R.E Week showed all the students how important it is to listen and showed so many links to Jesus,” Clontarf Aboriginal College year eight student Owen mentioned.
Years seven to 11 Clontarf girls with Madison Heady, who inspired the students by speaking about the importance of inclusion and her own faith journey. Photo: Clontarf Aboriginal College.
Other highlights included a visit to Prendiville Catholic College to work with fellow students in making glass crosses, Christian Service Learning based activities, including preparing meals for The Shopfront, fundraising for LifeLink, and a group of students attending Ronald McDonald House to lead activities and assist the children residing there.
To close the week, staff and students performed in the musical gala.
“R.E Week was one of the best weeks so far. I liked it and it was wicked,” year seven student Kyshanti concluded.