Catherine McAuley Catholic College Medowie eNewsletter

A message from the Leader of Religious Education

Sarah Gardiner

Religious Education at the Halfway Mark: Wisdom, Wind, and the Work Ahead

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place… And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting." — Acts 2:1–2

As we enter the liturgical season of Pentecost, we’re reminded of the Holy Spirit’s power to inspire, renew, and propel us forward with courage and clarity. Fittingly, we find ourselves at the midpoint of Term 2. For Year 11, this marks the mid-point of their Preliminary Religious Education journey; for Year 12, it is a clear signpost that their final chapters are swiftly approaching.

Across our 7–12 classrooms, students are immersed in rich learning experiences:

Year 7	Exploring Sacred Story, delving into foundational narratives that shape our faith. There is no formal assessment scheduled for this term—itis a time to build understanding and curiosity.
Year 8	Beginning revision in preparation for the Diocesan Religious Literacy Exam, to be held Monday 23 June during Session 2. Students will need a charged laptop and writing tools, as the exam includes both digital and written components.
Year 9	Just completed their first formal assessment for the year, submitting work on the Faith and Science module via Compass by 9am Friday 6 June.
Year 10	Mid-way through their group presentations on God and the Human Experience module. These are due via Compass by 9am on Monday 23 June. Each group member must submit individually.
Year 11 Studies in Catholic Thought 1U & 2U	Working on their second assessment task, focusing on the Trinitarian God and Humanity module. Submissions are due to Compass by 9am Tuesday 17 June.
Year 11 Studies of Religion 1U & 2U	Preparing a presentation on the Principal Beliefs of Christianity. These are also due via Compass by 9am Tuesday 17 June.
Year 12 Studies in Catholic Thought	Completing their final formal assessment task before their end of course examination during the Trial HSC block in early Term 3. This is a presentation on The Good Works module and is due by 9am on Tuesday 17 June.
Year 12 Studies of Religion 1U	Will sit their third assessment task during Session 1, Monday 16 June. This is an in-class assisted test on their Christianity and Buddhism Depth Studies.
Year 12 Studies of Religion 2U	Continuing working through a Christianity Depth Study, learning about the significant figure- Paul of Tarsus, bioethical teachings, and Baptism.

As the Spirit moved the early Church into bold action, so too we pray our students feel inspired and supported to finish this term well. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in the formation of young minds and hearts.

Sarah Gardiner

Leader of Learning- Religious Education