Our Catholic community has been working together to update the way we share our faith with children and young people through a draft new curriculum for Religious Education, Living Life to the Full.
After significant interest and feedback including from the Church, community and experts in Religious Education, Scripture and Theology, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, has asked Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta to pause the engagement and implementation of the draft new curriculum.
“We will now take the time needed to consider all of the feedback we have received before determining the next steps,” Bishop Vincent said. “Forming the young in the way of Jesus is at the heart of our endeavour.”
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Executive Director Greg Whitby said that the pause will provide an opportunity to reflect on considered feedback received about Living Life to the Full.
“This is all about sharing the Catholic faith with the next generation,” Greg said. “We’ve been listening to our community, and making changes based on what we’ve heard. Consider this a pause for further reflection!”
Greg has written to families and staff about this news with thanks for their partnership in supporting children and young people in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains to grow in faith and learning.
This letter included reassurance that Year 11 and Year 12 students will not be disadvantaged by this decision. It was also acknowledged that schools and families are fully focused on meeting students’ needs during this period of remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions at this time.
