springfield lakes in the springfield lakes area for 2013. in 2016, the building of the parish church...
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GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchool
SpringfieldLakes
ReligiousEducationProgram
2016
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SCHOOLHISTORY-OurStory
In2010,theapprovaloftheArchbishopofBrisbanewassoughtfortheopeningofaCatholicprimaryschoolintheSpringfieldLakesareafor2013.In2016,thebuildingoftheParishChurchcommencedinthespacethatwasallocatedforfutureArchdiocesanneeds.In2016,CentacareisplanningtobuildanOutsideHoursSchoolCarefacility.
GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolisPreptoYear6andislocatedat58OppermanDrive,SpringfieldLakes,closetothetowncentreandwitheasyaccessfromallofgreaterSpringfieldandbeyond.GoodShepherdopeneditsdoorsonJanuary302013.Theschool’sfour-hectaresitehasbeenmaster-plannedtoprovidehigh-quality,technologically-rich,flexiblelearningfacilities,whichprovideawelcoming,safeanddevelopmentallyappropriateenvironment.Allclassroomandschoolenvironmentsaredesignedtobeintellectually,sociallyandphysicallyconducivetolearning.Overtime,GoodShepherdisexpectedtoaccommodatefourstreamsofstudents-800students.Theschool’scatchmentareaincludesthesuburbswithintheSpringfielddevelopment,aswellassomeareasnearGreenbank.
VALUES/SPIRITUALITY/CHARISMValues
TheArchdiocesanVision–JesusCommunionMissionAsaneducationalmissionofthelocalchurch,CatholicschoolsshareinthevisionandprioritiesoftheArchdioceseofBrisbane.
Catholiceducators:·embracethepersonandvisionofJesus·buildcommunionwithGodandothers·engageinChrist’smissioninourworld
TheValuesofCatholicEducationintheArchdioceseofBrisbane:·ourCatholicChristiantradition–journeying,growing,renewing·dignityandjusticeforall–recognitionofhumandignityandequality·CatholicChristiancommunity–serviceofothers,ajoyfulpresence·searchfortruth-zestforlife,learning,qualityachievement·collaborationandsubsidiarily–“sharedwisdom”·creativity–flexibleandfutureoriented·stewardship–responsible,accountable,seektruthandtherightway·amutualaccountability–reportonoutcomes
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TheoverarchinggoalforlearningatGoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolistoempowerlearnersofallagestoshapeandenrichourchangingworldbylivingtheGospelofJesusChrist.
GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolcontinuestobuildalearningcommunitybydrawingfromthevaluesoftheGospel,asshownthroughthelifeandteachingofJesustheGoodShepherd,inparticular:·Respect–dignityofindividualsandallcreations·Faith–trustinGod·Hope–insustainablefutures·Love–forgiveness,compassion,inclusiveness,belonging,welcomeandhospitality.GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolisaplacewhereweliveoutthesevaluesthrough:·Liturgy,prayer,ritualandsymbol·Practicesofacceptanceandreconciliation·Practicesandstructuresthatpromotewell-beingandsocialjustice·Opportunitiesforevangelisation·Supportingthelearningofeachindividualconsistently,explicitlyandcreatively·Havinghighexpectationsforall·Engagementingenuineconversation,reflection,andactivelistening·Promotingcreativityandsustainability·Communionwithothers,theland,Father,Son&Spirit·Witnessingfaiththroughcharityandsocialjustice
SPIRITUALITYANDCHARISM
GoodShepherdhasbeenplacedunderthepatronageofVenerableCatherineMcAuley,FoundressoftheSistersofMercyandthereforedrawsitscharismfromthewaysofCatherineMcAuley.EachyearournewstaffinductionProgramfocusesontheMercytraditionsandtheirimpactontheschool’smission.CatherineMcAuleywasthefounderoftheSistersofMercy,areligiousorder,initiallydedicatedtotheeducationofpoor,young,catholicwomenofDublinandisnowaworldwideorderwheretheeducationandrightsofallyoungpeoplearefirstandforemostinthemindsoftheeducators.CatherineMcAuleygrewupinIreland(born1778)atatimewhenCatholics,whowereapproximately75–80%ofthepopulation,wereamongstthepoorestofthepoor.Duetofamilycircumstances,Catherinewaspersonallysparedalifeofpoverty,butherobservationsofCatholicfamilieslivinginslumsrifewithdiseaseandepidemics,lackingineducationandfullofwide-spreadbegging,neverlefthermemory.Shecommencedher“mercyworks”earlyinlife,ledbyherstrongCatholicfaith.Catherinealwayswishedtogivesomethingtothepoor.CatherinesoongrewtorealisethatthewaytohelptheyoungwomenofIrelandwasthrougheducationandrefuge.In1827,theHouseofMercywasopenedandonthe12December1831,thecongregationoftheSistersofMercywasestablished.Catherine’sstrongdesiretofollowinthefootstepsofJesusledtovoluntarypovertyforallSistersofMercyandsoCatherine’smission,tobecrediblewiththepoor,meantitnecessarytoliveinsolidaritywiththem.CatherineMcAuleydiedonthe11November1841,andherlegacylivesonthrougheveryMercyschoolandinstitutionthroughouttheworld.
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Catherine’sdeepfaithinGod,whoisMercy,andherexperienceofthepainofpoverty,shapedherprayerand,inturn,herprayershapedherministry.MercyspiritualityisbasedonthislifelongjourneyofdiscoveryoftheMercyofGod,whichissooftenfoundinthelivesandstrugglesofthesufferingandthe
poor.ThisyearbeingtheJubileeyearofMercyhasprovidedtheschoolcommunitywithopportunitiestofocusontheWorksofMercyinaction.Also,thespiritualjourneyofMaryMacKillopwasinfluencedbyJesuit,Passionist,MaristandFranciscanspiritualties.ElementsofthesegreattraditionsformedthefoundationofGoodShepherd’sprayeranddevotion.
TohighlightthecharismofGoodShepherd,keybuildingsandwalkwayshavebeennamedtoreflectthesaintsandtheirfocusonlearning,compassion,sustainabilityandinclusiveness:·CatherineMcAuleyBoulevard·MercyHospitalityCentre–(Tuckshop)·AssisiExploringPlace–Prep·MacKillopDiscoveryPlace–Years1·NagleCreatingPlace-Year2·IgnatiusDesigningPlace–Years3and4·MarianLeadingPlace-Year5and6·SamaritanLearning/ResourcingPlace-ResourceCentre·UndercoverArea–(TobenamedwithIndigenousfocus)
GoodShepherdstrivestodevelop,throughtheReligiousLifeoftheSchool,anidentitywhichdeepensanunderstandingoftheimportantrolereligionplaysinsociety.ThishasbeenexemplifiedthroughdevelopingtheCatholicIdentityandcultureoftheschoolbyfocusingonGoodShepherd’sWayWeAreBeingCommunityAtGoodShepherd,whichwasdevelopedthroughtheFoundationStaffInductionProgram.TheethosandcharismofGoodShepherdacknowledgesasenseofthesacredasanauthenticChristiancommunitythatbuildsqualityrelationships,modelledonthevisionandvaluesofJesus.
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Thisisexpressedthrough:• Theschoolcommunitygatheringinprayereverymorning;prayergatherings,ParishMassduring
CatholicEducationWeek,Massand\orliturgiestomarksignificantschoolandliturgicalevents(e.g.feastdaysanddaysofHolyObligation)
• Workingforsocialjusticeandfundraisingactivities;staffandstudents’spiritualdevelopmentparticipatinginprofessionallearningandrenewalactivities
• LivingoutthecharismthroughengagingwiththeBCEOspiritualformationframework.Theschool’sMissionStatementisdisplayedinalllearningplacesandisexplainedtofamiliesseekingenrolmentatGoodShepherd.GoodShepherdbuildsauthenticChristiancommunitythrough:
• Celebratingtheculturaldiversityoftheschool• Acknowledgingconnectionswiththewiderchurchcommunity• Welcomingencouragingandsupportingparticipationoffamiliesinthelifeoftheschool
GoodShepherdcreatesandvaluesasenseofthesacredthrough:
• Establishingandmaintainingsacredandreflectivespacesinclassroomsandaroundtheschool• Providingprofessionallearningforstaffonreligiousartandiconography• Usingthenaturalenvironmenttoenhanceasenseofthesacred
GoodShepherdcelebratesliturgyandsacramentsthrough:
• Providingspiritualformationforstaff,studentsandparents• Arrangingthephysicalenvironmentandprovidingresourcesforfullandactiveparticipationin
liturgyandsacrament• Providingopportunitiesforthecelebrationofthesacramentswithinthelifeoftheschool• Supportingtheparishinthecelebrationsofsignificantcelebrations.
GoodShepherdrecognisesandritualisesthesacrednessofeverydaylifethrough:
• Ritualisinglifeeventse.g.ritesofpassage,beginningandendofyear,timesofgriefandloss• Includingprayerritualsinthedaytodayproceduresandroutinesofschoollife• Invitingparentalinvolvementinprayerrituals• Participatinginsignificantcommunitycelebrationse.g.ANZACDay
GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolisaministryoftheArchdioceseandcollaborateswiththeSpringfieldParishofOurLadyoftheSouthernCross,otherArchdiocesanagenciesandcommunity/governmentagenciestoservetheSpringfieldcommunity.
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MottoandLogo
GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolmotto,“CalledbyName”,depictsacommunitywhereeachindividualisknown,respected,andvalued.Itproclaimsacommunitywhereallbelong,areincluded,andconnectwitheachother.
ThemottosignifiesthecallbyGodtobepeopleofrespect,hope,faith,love,andreconciliation.Thecommunityiscalledtobeasacramentalpeoplechallengedtoliveoutthegospelvalues.
GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoollogosymbolisesthecallandconnectednessinJesus,theGoodShepherd.
ThissymbolismisofJesustheGoodShepherd
Thisindigenoussymbolismisofcommunity,andacknowledgestheJageraandTurriubulpeopleasthetraditionalownersofthelandonwhichtheschoolisbuilt.
Thissymbolismisofourconnectionwiththeenvironment
Theplacementofthesesymbolstogetherinthelogo,alongwiththemotto“CalledbyName”,symbolisesthecallandconnectednessinJesus,theGoodShepherd.
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OurMission
GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolhasformeditsvisionandmissionstatementstobeconsistentwiththeVisionforBrisbaneCatholicEducationwhichcallsustoTeach,ChallengeandTransform.GoodShepherd’sMissionStatementwascommencedduringtheFoundationStaffinductionprograminNovember,2012.ItwasfurtherdevelopedbyJudithSeery,TereseShephardandPatLavercombeearlyin2013andsharedwiththecommunityforfurtherdevelopment.TheMissionStatementwaslaunchedinOctober,2013.(ExplanationofMissionStatement:StaffHandbookpp.10-12)
SchoolName:GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchool“Ihavecomethatyoumayhavelifeandhaveittothefull.IamtheGoodShepherd”John10:10-11.ThisgospelversedepictsthevaluesidentifiedforthecommunityofGoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchool.Itspeakstousofbelongingandconnectedness.TheGoodShepherdsymbolisestheinclusion,careandcompassionforeachmemberoftheschoolcommunity.Familiesarewelcomed,supportedandnourishedintheloveofGod.SchoolColours
Theschoolcolours,ofblueandgreen,symboliseGoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolcommunity’sconnectionwiththeenvironment.
SchoolHousesGoodShepherdhasstructuredfourhouses.Thesecontributetothefamilyatmosphereoftheschool.Thesehousesare:
• McAuley–NamedafterVenerableCatherineMcAuley–FoundressoftheSistersofMercy• MacKillop–NamedafterStMaryoftheCrossMacKillop–FoundressoftheSistersofStJoseph
andAustralia’sfirstsaint.• Hutton-NamedafterMrDavidHuttonOAM.From1998to2013,Davidheldthepositionof
ExecutiveDirectorofCatholicEducationintheBrisbaneArchdioceseduringthetimeofthepurchaseofthelandandthebuildingofGoodShepherd.
• Bathersby-NamedafterArchbishopEmeritusJohnBathersby,ArchbishopofBrisbanefrom1992-2012andencouragedthepurchaseoflandatSpringfieldLakes.
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OurStudentsandCommunity
CommunityRelationships
GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolissupportedthroughthenewSpringfieldparishofOurLadyoftheSouthernCross.AkeyrelationshipwithinthesameparishwillbewiththeregionalCatholicP-12College,StAugustine’sCollegeinAugustineHeights.Thetwoschoolswillcollaborateonimportantmatters,suchasenrolmentpoliciesandschoolfees;transitionfromprimarytosecondary;earlychildhoodeducationandcare;professionallearning.TheLeadershipTeamfrombothschoolsmeetwiththeParishPriestonceperTermtodiscusscommongoals.GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolisbecomingaprominentcontributorwithinthecommunityofGreaterSpringfieldthrough:
• continuingtobuildstrongrelationshipswiththewiderchurchcommunityi.e.theArchdioceseandagencies
• buildingprofessionalworkingrelationshipswithFederal,State,andLocalgovernmentrepresentativesandagencies,especiallyIpswichCityCouncil
• contributingtobuildingaprofessional,collaborativeculturewithintheEducationCityprecinct(schoolsanduniversity)
• developingsupportiverelationshipswithlocalbusinesses,sporting,andcommunityorganisationsandwelfareservices
• buildingworkingpartnershipwithSpringfieldLandCorporation• gainingadeeperunderstandingofindigenousculturebybuildingarelationshipwiththelocal
Indigenouscommunity• buildingarelationshipwiththelocalmediathroughadvertisingandsharingourstory.
Demographics
SpringfieldLakesisayoungandgrowingcommunitywithadiversepopulation.
In the 2011 Census, the populationof Springfield Lakes was 10,149 andwascomprisedof51.3%femalesand48.7%males.
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ThefollowinginformationalsoprovidesaprofileforGoodShepherd:
● themedian/averageageof theSpringfieldLakespopulation is28yearsofage,9yearsbelowtheAustralianaverage.
● 63.7%ofpeople living inSpringfieldLakeswereborn inAustralia.TheothertopresponsesforcountryofbirthwereNewZealand9.3%,England5.3%, India1.7%,Philippines1.6%,Vietnam1.6%.
● 79.5% of people speak English as their first language 2.7% Vietnamese, 1.2% Spanish, 1.1%Hindi,0.9%Samoan,0.8%Lao.
● thereligiousmakeupofSpringfieldLakesis25.4%NoReligion,23.2%Catholic,15.3%Anglican,4.2%UnitingChurch,3.9%Christian,nfd.
● 52.3%ofpeople aremarried, 35.5%havenevermarriedand6.8%aredivorcedand3.9%areseparated.Thereare109widowedpeoplelivinginSpringfieldLakes.
● 70.1%ofthepeople living inSpringfieldLakesareemployedfulltime,19.5%areworkingonaparttimebasis.SpringfieldLakeshasanunemploymentrateof4.7%.
● the main occupations of people from Springfield Lakes are Professionals 20.3%, Clerical andAdministrative Workers 18.2%, Technicians and Trades Workers 14.2%, Managers 12.1%,Community and Personal Service Workers 10.3%, Sales Workers 9.4%, Labourers 6.9%,MachineryOperatorsAndDrivers6.9%.
● the median individual income is $858.00 per week and the median household income is$1770.00perweek.
● 7.2%ofhomesarefullyowned,and46.2%areintheprocessofbeingpurchasedbyhomeloanmortgage.45.5%ofhomesarerented.
● themedianrent inSpringfieldLakes is$360perweekandthemedianmortgagerepayment is
$2300permonth.
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TeachingandlearninginReligiousEducationatGoodShepherdisresponsivetotheneedsandreligiousbackgroundsofstudentsandthecontemporarycontextsforlearningintheReligionclassroom.
ThecommunityofGoodShepherdisaround50%Catholic(source–BITool).However,manyofthesearenon-practising.TeachersatGoodShepherduseBrisbaneCatholicEducation'sModelofPedagogy,withlearnersatitscentre,todevelopqualityunitsofworkthatsupporttheneedsofeachlearner.
Parentsaspartnersintheirchildren’slearningjourneyarewelcomedandsupportedintheirfaithdevelopmentatGoodShepherd.Weprovideprofessionallearningopportunities,aswellasspiritualformationopportunities,suchastheArchdiocesanLentenProgramandendofyearretreat.
TeachersandthoseresponsibleforleadershipinReligiousEducationintheschool,seektoincorporateflexibilityinReligiousEducationclasses,toensurethataninclusiveandecumenicalspiritpervadesallReligiousEducationandprayercelebrations.
AteachyearlevelatGoodShepherd,teachersengageincollaborativeplanningtodevelopayearlevelplanthatrespondstothediverseneedsofallstudents.Teachers,inlearningcollaboratives,haveaplanningdayeverythreeweekswithPrimaryLearningLeader,APREandoccasionallyEducationOfficersCurriculum.Thedaybeginswithreflectionontheimpactofteachingfromthepreviousthree-weekcycle.UsingtheLineofSightdocuments,unitsofworkarecreated,andconnectedwherepossible.Theseunitsareresponsivetothelearningneedsofthestudentsandreflectingthecompositionofourclasses(eg.2-3,4-5-6).
AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:● informationaboutthereligiousbackgroundofstudentsanddiverseneedsisacknowledged
andconsideredwhenplanningandthisisevidentinprogramsthatareaworkingdocumentforteachers(BITool&eMinervadata)
● sharinginformationintheschoolnewsletterensuresallmembersofourcommunityareinvitedtoshareandcelebrateourCatholictraditionswithrespecttoothers’faithjourneysandthetraditionalindigenousownersoftheland(SeeexampleinAppendix)link(term1,week9)
● teacherssharewithparentsontheparentportalwhattheyarecoveringinReligion● acopyofSoYou’reSendingYourChildtoaCatholicSchoolisgiventoPrepparentsaspartof
Orientationpack.● parentsarewelcomedaspartnersontheirchildren’slearningjourneythroughFACENetwork
(FamilyandCommunityEngagement–seeStaffHandbookp.58-60)
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OurVisionforReligiousEducation
GoodShepherdCatholicPrimarySchoolsharesandpromotestheVisionforReligiousEducationarticulatedbyBrisbaneCatholicEducationandthewiderchurch.Thisvisionincludesthetwodimensionsofformation,namely,students’religiousliteracyandpersonalfaith.
TheschoolsandcollegesoftheArchdioceseofBrisbaneaspiretoeducateandformstudentswhoarechallengedtolivethegospelofJesusChristandwhoareliterateintheCatholicandbroaderChristiantraditionsothattheymightparticipatecriticallyandauthenticallyinfaithcontextsandwidersociety.(ArchdioceseofBrisbaneReligiousEducationCurriculum:p10)
TheVisionforReligiousEducationalsoappropriatelyalignswiththegoalforlearningandteachingasarticulatedintheBrisbaneCatholicEducation(BCE)LearningandTeachingFramework(2012):
AsaCatholicChristiancommunityweeducatealltolivethegospelofJesusChristassuccessful,creativeandconfident,activeandinformedlearnersempoweredtoshapeandenrichourworld.(ArchdioceseofBrisbaneReligiousEducationCurriculum:p10)
TheVisionforReligiousEducationchallengesstudentstobeareligiousvoiceintheworld.TheVisiongivesgreaterprominenceandarenewedorientationtothecriticalinterpretationandevaluationofculture.ThroughvibrantandengagingReligiousEducation,studentsbecomeactiveconstructorsofcultureratherthanpassiveconsumers.
ReligiousEducationatGoodShepherdseekstodevelopthereligiousliteracyofstudentsinlightoftheCatholicChristiantradition,sothattheymightparticipatecriticallyandauthenticallyincontemporaryculture.
AtGoodShepherd,religiousliteracyincludeswaysoftalking,acting,creating,communicating,critiquing,evaluating,participating,ritualising,theologising,worshipping,reading,reflecting,andwritingwithothersinavarietyofreligiousandsecularcontexts.
JesusChristisalwaysthecentreofthisVision.ThroughengagementwithbothdimensionsofReligiousEducation,studentsarechallengedtobeculturalagentsinlightoftheGospel;authenticwitnessestothemissionofJesusChristintheworldtoday.
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TheContemporaryContextsReligiousEducation
AtGoodShepherd,recognitionisgiventothefourcontextsidentifiedashavingasignificantimpactonReligiousEducationincontemporaryCatholicandecumenicalschools.TheyaretheSocietalContext,EcclesialContext,EducationalContextandDigitalContext.
SocietalContextGoodShepherdoperatesinacomplexandever-changingenvironment.Ourstudentsareimmersedinaglobalworldandfromanearlyageareexposedtoarangeofvalues,representedthroughdiversemedia.Asaresultofthis,ourschooliscontinuallychallengedtoengagefamiliesinReligiousEducationinrichandrelevantways.Werespondtothatchallengeinhope.
AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
● informingparentsoftheReligiousEducationprogramatGoodShepherd○ duringtheenrolmentprocess○ duringPrepOrientationdays○ atparentinformationeveningsatthebeginningofeachyear○ throughtheschoolnewsletter,parentportal,andcommunitygatherings
● PositiveBehaviour4Learning● acknowledgementofAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderculturesatthebeginningofeach
assemblyandduringsignificanteventssuchasNAIDOCweek● immersingstudentsinaglobalworldthroughtheuseofCaritas,CatholicMissionandStVincent
dePaulresources● raisingawarenessandfundsforCaritas,StVincentdePaul,Children’sCatholicMissionand
otherCatholicagencies(e.g.eachfamilyissenthomeaProjectCompassionboxduringLentandthestoriesaresharedinthenewsletter)
EcclesialContextOurchallengeatGoodShepherdistoengageanincreasingnumberofstudentsandtheirfamilieswiththetradition,languageandcultureoftheChurch.WeseektoprovideopportunitiesforfamiliestoengagewiththeCatholicChristiantraditionanditsrichspiritualpractices.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
● invitingourschoolcommunitytoattendschoolMasses/liturgiesandcommunitygatherings● promotingparishactivities,forexample,MulticulturalSunday,Lentenprograms,Sacramental
programs● classCommunityGatheringeachterm(SeeAppendix)● schoolMassesandLiturgyoftheWordcelebratedforsignificanteventssuchas:Beginningof
schoolyear;AshWednesday;Easter;ANZACDay;Mother’s/Father’sDay;Pentecost;CatholicEducationWeek;andconclusionofschoolyear.
● classroomsacredspacesfeaturingevidenceoftheliturgicalyear.● visiblesacrediconsandimagerythroughouttheschool● weeklystaffprayer(SeeexampleofrosterinAppendix)● Year6leadershipdayandreflectionday● prayeropportunitiesforparents(endofyearretreat,Lentenprogram,prayerbrochure)
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EducationalContext
GoodShepherd,alongwitheachArchdiocesanschool,seekstransformationofthewholepersonsothatthoseintheschoolcommunityareempoweredtolivethegospelofJesusChristintheireverydaylives.IntheCatholicChristiantradition,educationisaworkofloveandservice.AtGoodShepherd,weseektonurtureanddevelopthefaithofindividualsinwaysthataremindfuloftheirculturalandreligiousidentity.ReligiousEducationintheArchdioceseofBrisbane,includingthisschool,buildsonbestpracticeofthebroadereducationalcommunity.Theclassroomlearningandteachingofreligionreflectsthephilosophy,content,structure,academicrigourandassessmentandreportingmodesusedinotherlearningareas.ThereligiouslifeofGoodShepherdformsandskillsstudentstonegotiatethetensionofmaintainingChristianintegrity,whenconfrontedwiththecomplexitiesoflifeincontemporarysociety.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• qualityplanningforlearningandteaching• makinglinkstoothercurriculumareaswherepossible• qualityassessmentandreporting• ongoingprofessionallearningforallstaff.However,staffareresponsibleforkeepingtheirown
recordsforaccreditationpurposes• reflectingontheModelofPedagogyduringplanning • incorporatingdigitaltechnologiesintoteachingandlearninginReligiousEducation• articulatingintentionallinksbetweentheReligiousLifeoftheSchoolandclassroomteachingof
Religion,forexample,teachingaboutCatholicSocialTeachingduringLentandProjectCompassion.
DigitalContext
ReligiousEducationinGoodShepherdseekstoengagestudentsinthecritical,creative,andresponsibleuseofdigitaltoolswhichisanimportantcomponentofdigitalcitizenship.Itincludesprovisionanduseof1:1devices(iPads).Thisenablesthemtoexpresstheirlearninginrichandrelevantwaysandconnectwithindividualsandcommunitiesinaglobalcontext.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• resourcessharedonSchoolPortalandBlendspaces• iPadsforallstudentsinPreptoYear6.(familiesinneedoffinancialassistancearesupportedin
accessionofdevices)• demonstrationoflearningbythestudentsusingdigitaltechnology• teachersandstudentsuseappropriateonlineBibletools
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• teachersusetheWaystoPrayCalendartoaccessactivitiestosupporttheReligiousLifeoftheSchool
• appropriateICLTuserpolicycompletedbyallstudents(SeeAppendix)• teachersuseBCELearningBytesandotherdigitalresourcesincludingResourceLink• professionallearningforteachingstafftoimprovetheirskillsinusingICT.
OurBeliefsaboutlearnersandlearningintheReligionClassroom
FoundationaltothesharedworkofteachersatGoodShepherdarethebeliefstheyhaveofthelearnerstheyserve.TheBCELearningandTeachingFramework(2012)explicitlyarticulatesthebeliefsandtheresponsesthatflowfromthesebeliefswithinschoolsintheArchdiocese.
• EverylearneriscreatedintheimageandlikenessofGodand,inspiredbytheSpirit,respondswithpassionandcreativitytolife
• Everylearnerseekstofindmeaninginlifeandlearningand,intheCatholicChristianTradition,
wefindmeaninginthepersonandteachingsofJesustogrowaspilgrimpeople
• Everylearnerisalifelonglearner,withadesiretosearchfortruthanddowhatisright;accountableforchoicesandresponsibleforactions
• Everylearnerisinsomerespect,likeallothers,likesomeothers,likenootherandwerespond
creatively,flexiblyandwithafuturesorientationtoensuredignityandjusticeforall
• Everylearnercanachievesuccessinlifeandlearningwherediversityisvaluedandsharedwisdomcontributestodecision-makingthatenrichesandenlivensourworld
• Everylearnerbringstothelearningexperiencetheirownrichlydiverselifejourneyto
contributetoacommunityincommunion,empoweredbytheSpirittobeattheserviceofothers.
AtGoodShepherdtheinterests,religiousbackgroundsandlearningneedsofstudentsinformthedevelopmentofunitsofwork.DataretrievedfromtheBIToolandothersourcesisusedtoinformplanningdecisionsforlearning.Teachersusethisinformationtointerpretthecurriculumflexiblytomeetindividuallearningneedsofstudentsandtopersonalisetheirlearningby:
● adjustingthewayinwhichstudentsaretaughtandthemeansthroughwhichtheydemonstratetheirlearning;
● usingtheextendedGeneralCapabilitieslearningcontinuafromtheAustralianCurriculumtoadjustthefocusoflearningortoemphasisespecificaspectssuchashigherordercognitiveskills
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● providingstudentswithopportunitiestoworkwithcontentinmoredepthorbreadth● providingstudentswithadditionaltimeandsupport.
OurCurriculumStructureandOrganisationForReligiousEducation
ACatholicViewofLearning
AtGoodShepherd,aCatholicviewaboutLearningandTeachingisreflectedinbothdimensionsofReligiousEducation,namely,theclassroomteachingandlearningofReligionandtheReligiouslifeoftheschool.TeachingandlearninginReligiousEducationisintentionallydevelopedonthefoundationofaCatholictheologyandphilosophyofcurriculum.Fourcorethemesarecentral:Anthropology,Epistemology,CosmologyandtheCatholicChristianTradition.
NewStaffInduction:
AllstaffnewtoGoodShepherdparticipateinatwodayinductionintheyearpriortotheirstartingatGoodShepherd.ThisinductionincorporatesthefourpillarsunderlyingtheethosandmissionofCatholicschools(Anthropology,Epistemology,CosmologyandtheCatholicChristianTradition)andclearlyarticulateshowGoodShepherdusestheseasourfoundation(Seelighthouseimageonpreviouspage).
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CatholicViewofChristianAnthropologyACatholicviewofChristiananthropologyiscentredonthepersonofJesus.ItrecogniseseachpersoniscreatedintheimageofGod.ItemphasisesJesusasteacherwhoseSpiritinfusesthewholecurriculumwithahope-filledvisionoflife.AtGoodShepherd,itischaracterisedbyinclusion,holisticandrelationallearning,andactionincommunity.OurMissionStatementsaysthatweteachthateveryoneismadeintheimageandlikenessofGod,solearningispersonalisedsothateverychildreachestheirfullpotential.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• Qualityofcommunicationwithparents• Pastoralcareforstudents,staffandparents• Well-beingdays-onceperterm(seeexampleinAppendix)• Effectivesupportsystemsforfamilies• Celebrationofmulticulturalism,includingawarenessandeducationaboutAboriginalandTorres
Straitcultures(HarmonyDay,NAIDOCWeek)• Teambuildingthroughawarenessandunderstandingofpersonalities(DiSC)• Plentyoffunandlaughter• Sharingofgiftsandtalentswithintheschoolcommunity(includingparentsasexperts)
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CatholicPerspectiveonEpistemologyACatholicperspectiveonepistemologyorientsacurriculumtowardsrationality;holisticknowing;knowingandliving;wisdomasthefruitofknowingandlife-longandlife-widelearning.TheCatholictraditionviewstheacquisitionofknowledgeasalifelongandlife-wideenterprise.Reflectiveself-directedlearningandteachingprovidesSabbathspacesforteachersandstudentstointerioriseknowledge.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• qualitylearningandteaching(includingVisibleLearning&DesignThinking)• extra-curricularofferingsinmusicanddrama• Well-beingdaysfocusedontheArts,Sport,reflectivepractices(e.g.walkingalabyrinth,mosaic
crosses,cross-country-seeexampleinAppendix)• participationinlearningseminars,includingthoseexternaltoBrisbaneCatholicEducation(e.g.
PositiveSchoolsConference).
CatholicUnderstandingofCosmologyCosmologyrelatestohowweunderstandourplaceintheuniverseandthechoiceswemaketolivewithintheintegrityofcreation.Throughtheelementsofstewardshipandsacramentality,CatholicChristiansarecalledtorespondtoquestionslike:‘Whatisourplaceintheuniverse?’‘Howdowelivewithintheintegrityofcreation?’ThisunderstandingissupportedatGoodShepherdthroughembracingstewardshipasawayoflife(fromMissionStatement).AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• promotionof‘nudefood’(nooraslittlepackagingaspossible)• developmentofwormfarms,vegetable&herbgardensandfruittrees• schoolpartnershipwithIpswichCityCouncilforcreekcareandpreservation• StaffprayerusingLaudatoSi(Pope’sEncyclicalLetteronEcologyandclimate• SacredSpacesdevelopedintheschoolaspartofLearningandTeachingofReligion• Sustainabilityisapriorityintheschool
CatholicChristianStoryandTraditionFromtheverybeginningofChristianity,theChristiancommunityhasbeenengagedinteaching.ThetransformativeprocessoflearningandteachingiscapturedintheVisionofBrisbaneCatholicEducationtoTeach,ChallengeandTransform.ThisVisionisrealisedatGoodShepherdthrougheverydaywitness;andlearningandteachingthatchallengesandtransformsthecultureandtheworldinwhichwelive.Ongoingspiritualformationforreligiouseducatorsisasimportantasprofessionalandtheologicallearning.Aperson-centredunderstandingofspiritualformationbeginswithhonouringandexploringthepersonalnarrativeofeachindividual’sexperienceofMyStorythroughanapproachthatengagesthehead,theheartandthehands(experience,knowledge,practiceandapplication).
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AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• Newstaffinductionprocess,whichincludessharingofpersonalstories• Weeklystaffprayer(SeeexampleofrosterinAppendix)• TwilightwithKevinTreston(Come&See:SpiritualityforEverydayliving)• ParticipationinMercyAssociatesMercyinActionReflectionProcess• Learningaboutpatronsandimagesaroundtheschool• Participationofschoolcommunityinbuildingparishcommunity• InvitingParishPriest,PastoralAssociate,YouthWorkertovisitclassrooms• Publiccelebrationsofkeyliturgicalfeasts• Prayerexperiencesprovidedforfamilies(Lentenprogram,Endofyearretreat,prayerbrochure)
OurModelforReligiousEducation
AtGoodShepherd,asinallschoolsandcollegesoftheArchdioceseofBrisbane,teachingpeoplereligionandteachingpeopletobereligiousdrawupontheCatholicChristiantraditioninwaysthataremindfuloflocalcontextsandtheecumenicalandmulti-faithrealitiesofcontemporaryculture.Since2008,thedistinctandcomplementarynatureofbothdimensionsofReligiousEducationhasbeenconceptualisedinthefollowingModelforReligiousEducation.
CatholicIdentity
ThepurposeoftheCatholicschoolisthedevelopmentofhumanbeingssteepedintheprofoundhumanvaluesembodiedinJesusChrist.Catholicschoolsnurturestudents’faithandleadthemtodeepentheirrelationshipwithGodthroughprayerandcelebration,theirgrowingknowledgeandunderstandingoftheScripturesandCatholicTradition,andactionintheworldforpeaceandjustice.OurgoalistoenhanceourCatholicidentity,inalanguagethatreflectsandrecognisesGod’spresencepermeatingthroughoutGoodShepherdPrimaryCatholicschool.Wedothisbystrengtheningthe
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integrationoffaith,lifeandculture,invitingstudentstodiscoverGod’spresenceintheirdailylivesandengagingtheminadialoguebetweentheirlifeexperiencesandCatholicteaching.InthiswaytheymaygrowinunderstandingofthemselvesandtheirworldinlightoftheGospelandbeempoweredtotakeresponsibilityforthemselvesandforcreatingajustsociety.Further,ourgoalistobuildacommunityoffaithandhope,whereweareallinspiredbythepersonandteachingsofJesusChristandimbuedwiththeHolySpirit,andworktogetherforthebenefitofeachmemberoftheschoolcommunity.
PrayerandWorship
GoodShepherdnurturestheChristianprayerlifeofitscommunitythrough:• Teachingandusingavarietyoftraditionalprayersanddevotionsforindividualandcommunal
use• Schedulingtimetoallowforprayerandworshipacrosstheschool• Immersingstudentsindiverseexperiencesofprayere.g.meditation• Teachingaboutthecharismandprayerlifeofthesaintsthattheirbuildingisnamedfor(e.g.
IgnatiusDesigningPlace+TheExamen).EvangelisationandFaithFormationGoodShepherdfostersthecalltolivethegospelthrough:
• ReflectingthelifeandmessageofJesusChristthroughroutinesandpracticese.g.hospitalityandoutreach
• Establishingpolicies,practicesandstructuresthatpromoteinclusionandasenseofbelongingtoaChristiancommunity
• PresentingthegospelmessageinengagingwaysGoodShepherdnurturesthespiritualformationofeachindividualthrough:
• Providingfaithformationexperiencesforstudents,staffandparents• Providingopportunitiestoexpressspiritualawarenessthroughthecreative
arts• Celebratingthereligiousunityanddiversitywithintheschoolcommunity
GoodShepherdwitnessestothewidercommunitythrough:
• BuildingcollaborativerelationshipswiththeparishandlocalChurch• Participatinginthelifeofthelocalcommunitye.g.serviceorganisations,
youthministry,aged-care• Engagingwithstudentsfromotherschoolstogivewitnesstothebeliefs
andvaluesoftheCatholictradition(CombinedschoolandParishMasseachyearduringCatholicEducationWeek)
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SocialJusticeandActionGoodShepherdpractisesjusticewithinitsowncommunitythrough:
• Identifying,implementingandpromotingpolicies,structuresandpracticesthatrespecttherightsanddignityofallmembersoftheschoolcommunity
• ApplyingChristianstewardshiptotheresourcesandenvironmentoftheschool• Establishingjustprocessesofdiscernmentandcriticaljudgementwhenmakingdecisions
GoodShepherdactsforjusticethrough:
• Implementingpoliciesandpracticeswithintheschoolthatnurtureagenerosityofspirit• Reviewingandmonitoringthecomplexityandexpenseofexperiencesofferedbytheschoolin
lightofcatholicsocialteaching• Engagingwithstudentinitiatedand/orlocaljusticeprojectsaspartofthecurriculum
GoodShepherdconsciouslyreflectsonitsactionforjusticethrough:
• Incorporatingpracticesofreviewandcritiqueinrelationtocurrentactionsforjusticewithintheschoolcommunity
• Buildingareflectivecomponentintoschoolsocialjusticepractices,celebrationsofsignificantevents,andprayerlife.
GoodShepherd’sprograms,activitiesandexperiencesfortheclassroomlearningandteachingofreligionandthereligiouslifeoftheschoolareresponsivetoreligiousdiversity,whilebeingfaithfultotheCatholicChristianidentityoftheschool.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• Explicitteachingaboutprayer-classroomprayerandcommunityprayer• Explicitteachingaboutsocialactionandjustice-studentparticipationinactivitiesand
fundraisingtopromoteCatholicagencies,forexample,ProjectCompassion&OrangeSkyLaundry
• Planningmindmapsandunitsofworkthatincorporatebothclassroomlearningandteachingandthereligiouslifeoftheschool
• Explicitteachingaboutchurch,communityandcelebrationse.g.studentparticipationinplanningBlessingandOpeningliturgy
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PowerfulPedagogies
Thedeliveryofexcellenceinteachingandlearning(DELT)isacoregoalofBrisbaneCatholicEducationOffice.OurschoolsupportsthatgoalthroughitsinvolvementinformationofstaffinsuchpowerfulpedagogiesasDesignThinkingandVisibleLearning.Moredetailswillbegivenlaterinthisdocument.FocusingonlearnersandtheirlearningWhileasmallnumberofourstudentsatGoodShepherdcomefromfamiliesstronglyconnectedtotheirlocalparishcommunityandareliterateintheCatholicChristiantradition,agrowingnumberofourstudentsenterthereligionclassroomwithlowlevelsornoknowledgeofreligiousaffiliationandatbestatentativefamiliaritywithpublicexpressionsofCatholiclife.UsingBCE’sModelofPedagogywithlearnersatitscentre,teachersbeginbyknowingtheirlearnersandwhatpriorknowledgetheycomeintotheclassroomwith.EstablishingclearlearningintentionsandsuccesscriteriaAtGoodShepherd,thestartingplacefortheclassroomreligionprogramistheReligionCurriculumP-12.Religionteachersusethecurriculumtocreateandmakeclearandvisiblethelearningintentionsandsuccesscriteriaforallstudents.Inunitsofwork,therigourofourschool’sapproachtolearningandteachinginthereligionclassroom,drawnfromtheKnowledgeandDeepUnderstandingandSkillsoftheP-12ReligionCurriculumdocument,takesaccountofthecapabilitiesandreadinessofstudents,whileatthesametimeensuringaclassroomthatengagesandchallengesstudents.TimetablingofReligiousEducationatGoodShepherd
GoodShepherdstronglysupportsthemandatedminimumof2.5hoursperweekofreligionteachingfromP-6.Thisequatesto92-100hoursperyear,basedon37-40availableteachingweeksperyear.Liturgy,prayer,hymnpracticeandotherreligiouspracticesarenotincludedinthisprovision.Theeffectivetimetablingofreligionclassesisgivenhighprioritywithinthelifeoftheschool.Asevidencedinthewholeschooltimetablebelow;halfanhourofreligiouseducationisprovideddaily.WholeschoolChristianmeditationfortenminutesdailyisalsotimetabled.
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SCOPEANDSEQUENCE(UploadedonSchoolPortal)GoodShepherd’sScopeandSequenceidentifiesandarticulatesaclearprogressionofReligiousEducationlearning.ThisdocumentwascollaborativelydevelopedwithourEORE,andtheteachingstaff.Itisaworkingdocument,whichwillcontinuetoevolveandchangeeachyearasteachersreflectupontheirlearnersandeffectiveteachingpractices.Evidence:GoodShepherd’sReligiousEducationScopeandSequencedocumentisstoredontheSchoolPortal.Currently,duetonumbers,Years4-6planunitsofworktogether.Inpreviousyearswehavehadothercompositeclassesandthismaycontinueforthenextfewyears.LINEOFSIGHTAtGoodShepherd,LineofSightdocumentsareusedtoassistteachersplaneffectively.PlanningalignswiththeAchievementStandardtoensurethatthecorecontentistaughteachyear.Evidence:CurriculumfolderscontaintheLineofSightdocumentsTeachersusecurriculumLOSdocuments,Overviews,UnitPlans,WeeklyPlansfordocumentingplanning
HighQualityTeachinginREatGoodShepherd
TheteachingandlearningidentifiedinthisReligiousEducationProgramisconsistentwithwholeschoolapproachestoteachingandlearningacrossthecurriculumatGoodShepherd.ProfessionalLearningandAccreditationAspartofateacher’sprofessionallearning,BCErequiresthateachmaintainsanaccreditationstatusbyengagingintherequirednumberofhourstomaintain‘AccreditationtoTeachinaCatholicSchool’and‘AccreditationtoTeachReligioninaCatholicSchool’:bothare25hoursoverfiveyears.Theschoolprovidesin-houseProfessionalDevelopmentandaccesstoexternalProfessionalDevelopmentontheallocateddaysintheschoolyear,howeverteachersareexpectedtofindotheropportunitiesintheirowntimetocompletetherequirements.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• NewstaffareprovidedwithatwodayinductionintheyearpriortotheircommencementatGoodShepherdtoimmersetheminGoodShepherd’sVisionandMission,WayofBeingCommunityandLearningandTeaching.
• In2016allteachersparticipatedintheOneConferencewhichprovidedthreedaysofAccreditationtoTeachReligioninaCatholicSchool(Theology,Scripture,SpiritualitywithafocusonSocialJustice)
• ProfessionalLearningrecordsforpupil-freedayseachyear(SeeMySchoolReportonWebsite)
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• ReligiousEducationisafocusinstaffmeetingsscheduledthroughouttheyearandledbyAPRE,EOREorotherprofessionals
• TeachersatGoodShepherdengageincollaborativepracticesthroughteamplanningandtheongoingprocessofConsistencyofTeacherJudgement
• TimetablingmeetingstodiscussCTJrequirementsthroughouttheyear.
PowerfulWholeSchoolPedagogiesatGoodShepherd
Asstatedpreviously,GoodShepherdsupportstheBCEOgoalofDeliveringExcellenceinTeachingandLearning(DELT).OurschoolsupportsthisgoalthroughitsinvolvementinitsformationofstaffinsuchpowerfulpedagogiesasVisibleLearningandDesignThinking.In2016,weareengagedintheMakingLearningVisibleCollaborative.Theteachersuseaprocessoftargetedlearning.Therearetwopartstothisprocess:thefirstisbeingexplicitaboutwhatistobelearned-thelearningintention.Thesecond,isidentifyingifthelearninghasbeenachieved-thesuccesscriteria.Thelessonpathwaymustbetransparentforeachstudent.Theteachersupportsthelearnertomonitortheirindividualprogressinrelationtothelearningintentions.Goodlearningintentionsneedtobeclearandalignedwiththesuccesscriteriainorderforlearnerstoachievetheirgoals.AtGoodShepherd,thestudentisatthecentreofallcurriculumarrangementsandinteractionswithinthelearningcommunity.Theschooloffersthecurriculum,underpinnedbyhighexpectationsofachievement,towhichallstudentsareentitled,realisedthroughthetransformativepedagogiesofteachers.Learningexperiencesaredesignedtohelpstudentsdeveloptheirknowledge,skillsandunderstandingsinalldomainsoflearning.Ourmajorgoalistohavethelearnersengagedin,andenjoying,thechallengeoflearning,sotheygainareligiousknowledgeanddeepunderstandingoftheCatholicfaith,whilstpractisingtheskillstheydrawuponfromtheP-12ReligionCurriculumdocument.Itishopedthattheirfaithjourneywillbecometheirchosenpathforlife.
AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• LearningIntentions/SuccessCriteriadevelopedwhenplanning
• DispositionsofalearneratGoodShepherdPostersdisplayed
• BIToolusedbyteacherstoknowtheirimpactonstudentlearning
• DesignThinkingstrategiesincorporatedintoREunitsofwork
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EffectiveAssessmentWithintheGoodShepherdcommunity,studentachievementisrecognisedandcelebrated.AtGoodShepherdassessingstudentlearningisanintegralpartoftheschoolclassroom.Itimproveslearningandinformsteaching.Itistheprocessthroughwhichteachersidentify,gatherandinterpretinformationaboutstudentachievementandlearninginordertoimprove,enhanceandplanforfurtherlearning.Teachersatallyearlevels,aspartoftheirplanning,andteaching,employthefivekeystrategiesforformativeassessment,namely:
1. Clarifying,sharingandunderstandinglearningintentionsandcriteriaforsuccess2. Engineeringeffectiveclassroomdiscussions,activitiesand learningtasksthatelicitevidenceof
learning3. Providingfeedbackthatmoveslearningforward4. Peerfeedback5. Self-assessment
AtGoodShepherd,itisbelievedthatevidenceofachievementshouldreflecttheknowledge,deepunderstandingandskillsdescribedintherelevantachievementstandardsandreflectedinthelearningintentionandsuccesscriteria.ToolsforAssessmentTeachersatGoodShepherdareencouragedtousearangeandbalanceofassessmenttools.Thisallowsteacherstocaterforalllearnersandlearningsituations,tomeasuretheimpactoftheirteachingandplanforfurtherlearningandteaching.Assessmentrevolvesaroundthreecorepractices,namely:
• Teacherobservation• Student/teacherconsultation(FormativeAssessment,StudentFeedback,SelfAssessment)• Focusedanalysis.
AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• Classroomdiscussions,activitiesanddisplays• Studentsamplesofwork• LearningIntentionsandSuccessCriteria• Sharingstudentlearning-InvitationstoClassrooms,WellbeingDays,CommunityGatherings,
Reporting,Parent-teacherevenings/ParentPortal/StudentiPad• Displaysofworkwithinschoolenvironment.
ConsistencyofTeacherJudgementProcesses
Atawholeschoollevelandataninter-schoolleveltheteachingstaffparticipatesinthecollaborativeprocessknownasmoderation.Thisprocessisvitaltodeliveringexcellentteachingandlearning.Thisisundertakeninasupportiveprofessionalenvironmentthatfocusesonachievingconsistency,comparabilityandconsensusaboutthestandardofstudentwork.Itengagesteachersinprofessionaldialoguefocusingontheextenttowhichanachievementstandardisevidentinapieceofstudentwork.Theprocessenhancesteacherprofessionaljudgement.
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AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:• TimetablingmeetingstodiscussCTJrequirementsthroughouttheyear• Intraandinterschoolmoderationtodiscusssamplesofworkandteacherjudgements• ConsistencyofTeacherJudgementdayinTermFourwithaclusterofschools
ReportingStudentLearning
Studentachievementisrecognisedandcelebratedwithinourschoolcommunityinavarietyofways.GoodShepherdSchoolusestheBrisbaneCatholicEducation’sonlinestudentreportingtool:SRS.Thistoolfacilitatesthereportingofstudentlearningandreportsarepublishedtwiceayear,intermstwoandfour.Teachersmeetwithparentsforqualityconversationsintermoneandsharingofreportandlearningintermtwo.Teachersmeetwithparentsatothertimes,whennecessary.ReligiousEducationisreportedatthisschoolusinga5pointscale.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• SemesterreportsthatincludeaReligiousEducationgradeandcomment• Annotatedworksamples• FeedbackisprovidedinParent/TeacherconversationsonReligiousEducation• Celebrationofstudentsuccess.
Meaningful,RelevantLearningExperiences(QualityResourcingforReligiousEducation)TheReligiousEducationCurriculumandReligiousLifeoftheSchoolareeffectivelyresourced.As a Key Learning Area, Religious Education is allocated a budget each year. The APRE provides regularinformationregardingnewresources,aswellasresourcingduringplanningdaystosupportclassroomlearning and teaching of religion. Resource-Link provides teachers with easy access to a plethora of valuable and useful resources.Prayerboxesareprovidedforclassroomuse.APREhasayearlybudgetof$2000toresourceboththeRECurriculumandReligiousLifeoftheSchool.
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MonitoringandEvaluationinREatGoodShepherd
ProcessesusedatGoodShepherdformonitoringandevaluatingstudentachievementanddevelopmentforthewholeschool,yearlevel,classandindividualplanning.WholeSchoolProcesses:ReligiousEducationisnottaughtinisolation.Itisacurriculumareasimilartoallothercurriculumareasintheschool.Itistaught,assessed,reportedandevaluatedinthesamewayasothersubjectareas.TheREprogram,incorporatingtheReligiousLifeoftheSchool,isevaluatedaspartofGoodShepherd’sStrategicRenewalProcess.
Moderation
TheModelofPedagogyisusedatGoodShepherdforallplanning,teachingandassessing.Informalmoderationoccursateveryplanningcycle(onceeverythreeweeks),withaformalprocessoccurringinOctober(CTJDay)andduringreporting(June&November).GoodShepherdmoderateswithanumberofotherschools.Reporting
Reportingoccursformally,intermsofreportsissued,twiceayear.Theschool’sreportingprocessesincludethefollowing:ParentInformationSessions,QualityConversationswithParents,Parent/Teacher/StudentConversations,SharingofLearningSessions,CommunityGatherings.
ProcessesforMonitoringStudentAchievement:
GoodShepherd’sReligiousEducationProgramoutlineshowstudentprogressandachievementaremonitoredtoensurehighexpectationsforeachstudent.Dataisusedtoevaluatecurrentpracticeandinformdecision-makingandactionrelatedtotheclassroomteachingofReligionandReligiousLifeoftheSchool.GoodShepherdusesavarietyofprocessestomonitorstudentprogressandachievement.Thisdatainformsdecision-makinginanumberofways.AtGoodShepherdstudentprogressagainstthe
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AchievementStandard,planningandevaluatingtheeffectivenessofassessmentprocessesoccursduringthethree-weeklyplanningcycle.AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• Useofdata:SRS,StrategicRenewaltoevaluatecurrentpracticewithinacultureofcontinuousimprovement
• WalksandTalks• Teacherparticipationinprofessionallearningaboutassessmentandreportingtoimprove
consistencyofpractice• CommentsonreportcardsdetailingprogressinReligiousEducation• Teachershaveaccesstoreportsfrompreviousyearstotrackstudentprogress• Teachersuseassessmenttoevaluatetheeffectivenessofunitsofworktaught(KnowThy
Impact)• TermcalendarsprovideinformationontheinReligiousLifeoftheSchool• Teachersmoderateonsamplesofworkacrossyearlevelswithintheschoolandwith
surroundingschools-CTJ
ProcessesforMonitoringPlanning:
AtGoodShepherd,teachershavecontributedtoaSchoolScopeandSequence.Teachersreviewtheirunitsandthetimingoftheunitswithintheschoolyeartoensurestudentsarereceivingbestpractice.Teachersdiscussasteams,andwithAPREandPLL,tomakeadjustmentstomeetstudentneeds.
AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• TeachersareencouragedtouploadtheirReligionPlanstotheSchoolPortal• TeachersaregiventheopportunitytoworkwithAPREandPLLtomakerelevantchangesfor
studentswithindividualneeds• TheScopeandSequenceisaworkingdocumentandteachersmayadaptandchangeit
accordingtostudentneedsandReligiousLifeofSchool(eg.JubileeYearofMercy)• ReflectivepracticeandworkingwithAPREandPLLallowsteacherstoreviewandinformfuture
planning
ProcessesforMonitoringtheReligiousLifeoftheSchool:
AtGoodShepherd,bothformalandinformalprocessesareusedtomonitorhoweffectivelythecomponentsoftheRLOSarebeingaddressedandtaught.Thismonitoringalsooccursaspartoftheongoingcyclicalrenewalprocess.
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AtGoodShepherd,someexamplesinclude:
• Termandyearlyoverviewofreligiouseventsoccurringwithintheparishandschoolcommunity• RosterforCommunityGatherings• InvolvementwithsocialjusticeprogramssuchasCaritas’ProjectCompassion,OrangeSky
Laundry,andStVincentDePaulappeals,aswellasotherprojectsthatareidentifiedeachyear• CyclicalreviewofthefivecomponentsoftheMissionandReligiousEducationpriority
undertakeneachyear(throughtheInternalReviewprocess),duringstaffmeetingsandmeetingwithstaff/community/students
• MeetingsareheldonceatermwithParishandStAugustine’stosetourcommongoals(Masses,Liturgicalcelebrationsandprayerrituals)
• InductionsDaysfornewstaff• WholeSchoolChristianmeditation• StaffPrayer• StudentandCommunityparticipationinrituals.
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Appendix1. CommunityGatheringTemplate
2 StaffMeetingOverviewSample
3. StaffPrayerRosterSample
4. ReligiousLifeoftheSchoolYearCalendarSample
5. Well-BeingDaySample
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COMMUNITY GATHERING GATHER:
· Sign of Cross
· Gathering rite – music, song, Tibetan bells, rain stick (whatever’s in your prayer box)
· Brief intro of theme – relate to classroom learning and teaching of religion
LISTEN:
· Scripture or story related to theme in simple language – remember our audience!
· Role Play/dramatization
· Liturgy – enacted – echo mime, liquid picture etc (Rina Wintour books – I have these on USBs in my office)
· Explanation
RESPOND:
· Prayers of intercession
· Prayers of thanks/praise/blessing
· Song/dance/movement
· Audience interaction
GO OUT:
· Sign of the cross
· Song
· Ritual
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StaffMeetings-Term32013
Week Topic Attendance Other
Week1Tues9thJuly
Admin:Term dates, changes, Mission Statement
All staff
Week 2Wed17th July
6 month reflection
Teachers
Week 3Thurs 25th July
GoalSettingStrategicRenewal
All Staff Bring goals to finalise
Week 4Thursday 1st Aug
Curriculum:New RE curriculum
Teachers Bring laptops & RE planning
Week 5Wed7th Aug
Admin:Blessing and Opening
All Staff
Week 6Wed14th Aug
Farewell Stephanie! All Staff
Week 7Tuesday 20th Aug
Well-being day – book week celebration planning
All Staff
Week 8Thursday 29th Aug
Curriculum:Design Thinking
Teachers Bring current planning/unit for discussion
Week 9Wed4th Sept
Curriculum – Geography Teachers
Week 10Wed11th Sept
Blessing and Opening finalise details and/or arrangements
All Staff
Week 11Wed 18th Sept
End of Term celebration All Staff
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WeeklyStaffPrayerRoster-TermThree2014
Tuesdaymornings8amintheLibrary
WEEKSTAFFMEMBER INFO
1
Tues 15 Jul
Judith
Deep listening - Dadirri
2
Tues 22 Jul
Terese
BCE Sustainability Commitment
The greatest wonder
3
Tues 29 Jul
Jacinta
Encountering God in the Natural World p.4
4
Tues 5 Aug
Rebecca
St Francis of Assisi p. 6
5
Tues 12 Aug
Mel
Humanity & the environment in relationship p.8
6
Tues 19 Aug
Prue
Living justly, kindly & humbly p.12
7
Tues 26 Aug
Charito
Song of the Creator p. 14
8
Tues 2 Sept
Sandie
Caring for Country p.16
9
Tues 9 Sept
Jayde
Christians living sustainably
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Term 1
Week Topic Led by
Week1Fri31stJan
WelcomeBack+Janbirthdays
Judith/TereseHarry/MacKenzie
Week2Fri7thFeb
OpeningMass9amShineamongthem
Mauro/Terese
Week5Fri28thFeb2:30pm
Iwanttobeday–paradeofjobsSing–ShineamongthemStVincentdePaul–Rosegavecertificateforxmasappeal2013
TereseJai/Scarlette
Week6Wed5thMar
AshWednesdayliturgy11am Mauro/Terese
Week7Fri14thMarch2:30pm
Februarybirthdays
JudithLiam/Alex
Week9Fri28thMarch2:30pm
MarchbirthdaysEndofterm–HolyWeekliturgyHymnpractice?
Judith
Week10Fri4thApril
Holyweekliturgy10am TBC
Term 2
Week3Fri9thMay2:30pm
Aprilbirthdays
Week4Mon12thMay2:30pm
PrayerAssembly–Prep
Mother’sDay
Week5Mon19thMay2:30pm
PrayerAssembly–MacKillop1 May=monthofMary
Week6 PrayerAssembly–MacKillop3 Sat24th–MaryHelpof
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Mon26thMay2:30pm
Christians
Week6Fri30thMay2:30pm
Maybirthdays
Week7Mon2ndMay2:30pm
PrayerAssembly–Year4/5 Sun1stMay=AscensionSun8thMay=Pentecost
Week9Fri20thMay2:30pm
AssemblyCross-countryawardsReminderparent/teacherconversationstomorrow
Judith
Term3
Week1Fri18thJuly2:30pm
Assembly–welcomebackJunebirthdaysHymnpracticeforCathEdWeekMass
Week 2Mon 21st July2:30pm
Prayer Assembly – Year 3
Sat 26 – Sts Anne & JoachimGrandparents of Jesus
Sun 27th July9am
Parish Mass – St Augustine’sCatholic Education Week
Week 3Fri 31st July2:30pm
Catholic Education WeekCome, live life in all it’s fullnessChildren who have celebrated Confirmation & EucharistJuly birthdays
Week 4Mon 4th Aug2:30pm
Prayer Assembly – Prep Mary MacKillop?
Week4Fri8thAug9am
Liturgy–FeastDayofSt.MaryoftheCrossMacKillop
Week5Fri15thAug2:30pm
AssemblyAugustbirthdaysAthleticsCarnivalawards?
Week7Mon25thAug
PrayerAssembly–Year4/5
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Week8Mon1stSept
PrayerAssembly-1/2 Spring
Fri5thSept AssemblySeptbirthdays
Week9Mon8thSept
PrayerAssembly–1/2 Mary’sbirthday
Week9Fri12thSept9am
GoodShepherdFoundationDaycelebrationMassfollowedbyactivities
Term4
Week1Fri10thOct
Assembly–welcomebackTerm4Octbirthdays
Week 3Wed 22nd Oct
Mission Day – Well-being DayLiturgy 9am followed by activities
Week 3Fri 24th Oct
Assembly
Week 4Fri 31st Oct
World Teacher’s Day
Week 6Tues 11th Nov
Remembrance DayCatherine McAuley Feast DayLiturgy 11am
Week 6Fri 14th Nov
AssemblyNovember birthdays
Week 8Fri 28th Nov
Christmas Fair 4-6pm
Week 9Thurs 4th Dec2pm
End of year Mass
Week 9Fri 5th Dec12pm
End of 2014 Year lunch
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WELLBEINGDAY-FRIDAY20MARCH
HARMONYDAY+NATIONALDAYOFACTIONAGAINSTBULLYING&VIOLENCE
ACTIVITY STAFF PLACE RESOURCESNEEDED
Allen’sAdventureStory+activity
http://www.takeastandtogether.gov.au/under8/index.html
MelHoskins MacKillop-SacredSpace
iPadsx6(charged)
HarmonyDayballoonactivity
http://www.harmony.gov.au/celebrate/do-it-yourself
MelissaKB Ignatius1 Balloontemplate+orangecrepepaper
EnemyPie-Makeafriendshippie RebeccaLennon
AssisiRed Sunshineonline+paperplates/scissors/colours
Rapaboutit PhoebeBell AssisiBlue Youtube(bars&melody)
Collaborativegame PrueDurre Uppergrassarea
parachute/legropes
teamwalkers
Collaborativegame SamHowden Uppergrassarea
parachute/legropes/teamwalkers
Plantingsunflowersingarden? SandieThorncraft
OutsideMacKillop
Sunflowerseeds/mulch/pots/waterin
gcans/gloves
Crumpledpaperchain JessPeterson MacKillopPurple
A4scrappaper/stripsofcoloured
paper/pencils/colours
Bullies,victims&bystanders TereseShephard
Library Bullies,victims&bystandersgame
Interactivemap+same/differentgame LesleyParry Adminarea Largeworldmap/pins
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