Elementary Religious Education
“Religious education seeks to develop not only knowledge and disciplinary skills but also to foster in students the attitudes and values that are part of faith and constitute the Catholic stance within the world.”
(Ontario Catholic Elementary Religious Education Curriculum Policy Document, 2012)
In Kindergarten, guided by the 2019 Ontario Catholic School Kindergarten Program and in Grades 1-8, guided by the 2012 Elementary Religious Education Curriculum Policy Document, Elementary BHNCDSB Religious Education programs support the values and education in faith that are a part of the child’s family at home and the celebration and witness of this faith in a community. The foundation of Catholic education is strengthened by the vibrant partnerships that exists between home, school, and parish in our district. Focusing on the interwoven themes of scripture, profession of faith, sacramental life, prayer, and Christian moral development, the Gospel values of Jesus Christ permeate the entire curriculum and daily life of our Catholic schools
While fostering welcoming, nurturing, and inclusive environments where all students can learn and grow in their faith, our Educators use the following religious education resources:
- Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ: This religious education program for Grades K-8 has been developed by Pearson in close association with the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO) and through consultation with Religious Educators throughout the province.
Elementary Family Life Education
Guided by the 2023 Family Life Education Curriculum Policy Document, Family Life Education in Ontario Catholic Schools seeks to help students know what it means to be human, what God calls us to in loving relationships and what our vocation is. It reflects a distinctively Catholic view of human life, sexuality, marriage and family. It incorporates the curriculum expectations set out by the Ministry of Education’s Health and Physical Education Curriculum, from Strand D – Healthy Living, along with the Social Emotional Learning Skills of Strand A. The knowledge, skills, attitudes and values acquired in Family Life Education are meant to complement those instilled by families.
In Grades 1-3 in Ontario Catholic schools, the program used for instruction in Family Life Education is Blessed & Beloved. Blessed & Beloved is a new Family Life Education program sponsored and approved by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO). The program emphasizes strong links between family, school and parish and is comprised of five units that align with the liturgical year: God’s Gift of Self, God’s Gift of Family, Rooted in Relationship, Life and Love in Christ, and Growing in Community.
In Grades 4-8, educators in Ontario Catholic schools will continue to use Fully Alive to teach Family Life Education until each grade is replaced by Blessed & Beloved. Fully Alive is a Family Life Education program sponsored and approved by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO).
Secondary Religious Education and Family Life
Our BHNCDSB Catholic Secondary schools provide a distinctive faith-based educational experience that includes courses in Religious Education. Reinforced by special programs such as school liturgies, retreats, social justice initiatives, and community involvement, these courses are designed to integrate Catholic values throughout the curriculum.
Guided by the 2016 Secondary Religious Education Curriculum Policy Document, the Secondary BHNCDSB Religious Education program builds on the learning in the Grades 1-8 Religious Education and Family Life programs. In Grades 9 and 10, open courses are inclusive of all levels of learning. In Grades 11 and 12, courses which offer specific preparation for university or college programs are added to the open level courses.
Each course reflects five themes: Profession of Faith, Sacred Scripture, Prayer and Sacramental Life, Christian Moral Development, and Family Life. In addition, students are expected to build their Research and Inquiry skills by focusing on one area of the course content in greater detail.
Campus Ministry in our BHNCDSB Secondary Schools – Chaplaincy Leaders:
Each of our high schools has a Campus Ministry program led by a Chaplaincy Leader. Campus Ministry acts as a liaison to our local parish communities and with our dioceses. Our Chaplaincy Leaders help to create a community rooted in compassion, hospitality, and inclusion. Chaplaincy Leaders are a source of support for all students and staff. They are available to listen, provide spiritual accompaniment, and share resources to support religious education in our Catholic schools. Community worship, prayer, retreats, and social justice outreach initiatives in our schools are coordinated by our Chaplaincy Leaders.