Encountering Christ in Learning

Religious Education at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is guided by the vision of the Diocese of Cairns and informed by the Religious Education framework of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. We aim to form students who live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are religiously literate in the Catholic tradition, enabling them to engage thoughtfully and authentically with faith and the world around them.

Our Religious Education has two complementary dimensions:

The Religion Curriculum – Classroom teaching and learning, modelled on the Archdiocese of Brisbane Religion Curriculum, focused on developing students’ understanding of the Catholic tradition through the strands of Sacred Texts, Beliefs, Church, and Christian Life.

The Religious Life of the School – Celebrating and living our faith through prayer, liturgy, the sacraments, and service. Students participate in daily prayer, Christian Meditation, whole-school liturgies, and significant celebrations across the year. Families are warmly invited to join us in these moments.

Within our Torres Strait context, faith is lived in a deeply communal and relational way. Students have regular opportunities to engage with clergy and parish members, strengthening their connection to the wider Church and experiencing faith as something lived, shared, and celebrated together.

We also place a strong emphasis on the ongoing formation of our staff. Through professional learning, faith development, and shared reflection, we support our teachers to grow in their own understanding and lived experience of faith. This ensures high-quality Religious Education and strengthens the spiritual life of our entire school community.

In partnership with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, students are supported in preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation through a parish-based program, with parents recognised as the first educators in faith.

As a faith community, we seek to live out the Gospel through action. Students are actively involved in outreach and fundraising initiatives, including Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, Catholic Mission, and the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. These experiences foster compassion, generosity, and a deep awareness of our responsibility to care for others.