Education in Faith

Education in Faith

At St. Patrick’s Primary School, Religious Education is central to both the formal curriculum and the daily life of our Catholic community.

Inspired by the person of Jesus Christ, the values, ideals, and challenges of the Gospel are embedded throughout the curriculum, culture, and ethos of our school, alongside the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.

Faith formation is recognised as a lifelong journey. In partnership with St. Patrick’s Parish, we affirm the vital role of parents as the first educators of their children in faith. As a Catholic community, we are committed to supporting and nurturing our families in their faith journey.

We acknowledge that the needs of our community continue to grow and evolve. To meet these needs, a variety of approaches are incorporated into our Religious Education program, with emphasis placed on developing knowledge and understanding, fostering faith and worship, and promoting a lived experience of Catholic values.

At St. Patrick’s, we recognise the family as the foundational community of the Church and continually seek to strengthen the important links between home, school, and parish.
Our Religious Education program follows a sequential and developmental curriculum from Prep to Year 6, based on the Horizons of Hope framework from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). This framework guides us in offering authentic learning experiences that nurture faith formation, a sense of wonder, and a deepening relationship with God.
Students are invited to participate actively in the sacramental life of the Parish. In partnership with families and the Parish community, the school supports students in their preparation for the Sacraments, with the following structure:

Reconciliation – Year 3

First Eucharist – Year 4

Confirmation – Year 6

Sacramental Preparation Evenings: Families are invited to attend preparation sessions that support their child’s journey toward receiving the Sacraments.

Mass and Liturgical Life: Students regularly attend Mass with either the whole school or the Parish community. They also participate in special liturgies throughout the year, such as during Lent, Advent, and Christmas.

At St. Patrick’s, Religious Education is more than a subject — it is the heart of who we are, shaping the way we learn, celebrate, and live in faith together.