Religious Education Programme

Religious Education is an integral part of our learning at St Brigid’s School. Our faith guides everything we do, shaping the way we learn, play, and interact with one another.

Our newly adopted Religious Education curriculum, To Tātou Whakapono – Our Faith, strengthens the connection between faith, culture and community. It embraces both our Catholic identity and the rich heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand. Through this curriculum, students are supported to explore their personal faith journeys, develop a sense of belonging, and recognise the presence of God in the world around them.

Prayer/Inoinga

Together, as a school community, we celebrate our faith through prayer, liturgy, and service – growing in our relationship with God and with one another. Daily prayer is a fundamental part of our school routine, integrating faith into the lives of our children. The school day begins with a prayer – a morning reflection and this sets the spiritual tone for the hours ahead. Students participate in prayers before lunch and at the end of the school day.

Service
Having all students, from the youngest to the oldest, involved in “service roles within and beyond our school gates” ensures that this value is modelled and practised daily, making it a natural, expected, and rewarding part of their growth. This focus on community contribution is essential for shaping well-rounded individuals who understand their role in the wider world.

Liturgies and Masses

St Brigid’s maintains a strong and enduring connection with our parish Church of St Francis of Assisi, Ohariu, and with Challenge 2000. Our children attend termly team and whole-school Masses held in the Parish Church. Whānau are warmly invited to attend all Masses and liturgies.

In addition, we celebrate a range of other important liturgical events throughout the school year, including St Brigid’s Feast Day, Lent, Ascension, Advent, and many others. Our final Mass, held near the end of the school year, provides a special opportunity to give thanks for the year’s blessings and to farewell our Year 8 students as they prepare for the next stage of their journey.

Sacramental Programme
A Sacramental programme is available to all children who have been baptised into the Catholic faith and reached school Year 4 or above. The programme is run each year through the Parish. For more details please contact the parish office on 478 7137 or send an email to office@stfrancisohariu.nz.