Religious Education, St. Brother Andre Catholic High School
6160 16th Avenue East Markham, On L3P 3K8
kevin.moore@ycdsb.ca
905-294-7671 ext.86828
School Mission:
The Mission of Saint Brother André Catholic High School, as a diverse Catholic family, is to educate each student in a Christ-centered environment to reach full potential in a rapidly changing world through Gospel-inspired learning experience, in partnership with home, church and community. Our staff and students will become creative and critical thinkers who integrate Catholic values into their daily lives, as socially responsible global citizens.
St. Brother Andre Catholic High School is rooted in the teachings and person of Jesus Christ reaffirming its commitment to the educational mission of the Roman Catholic Church. Its mission is to lead the youth to a deeper appreciation of the presence of God and the social responsibility, given high value to God’s gifts of faith, hope, and love while striving to live with prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. We are the community characterized by sharing of talents and devotion to the service of others.
We are Catholic Learning Community of collaborative partners called to serve one another by being accountable for Quality Learning by All, with Jesus as our inspiration. Our goals, in partnership with the home, parishes/community, and our staff, continuously develop educational plans that all students live and communicate our dynamic Catholic faith and that all students achieve personalized educational objectives.
We continue to use the three pillars of our educational system as the foundation of fulfilling the growth of our students;
1. Quality Education for All
2. Safe and Caring Schools
3. Catholic communities of Faith
Curriculum: How students grow in faith through the curriculum:
Religious Studies integrated in curriculum for Grade 9 to Grade 12
Cross-curricular activities
Morning and afternoon prayer each day
Grade 9s are given a Bible during religion course at Muskoka Woods
Making own rosary at Muskoka Woods
Grade 11 students taken to Interfaith Places of Worship, Morning prayers and of day prayers
Retreats
Teacher Program plans through the lens of a Catholic institution (Chaplaincy Pastoral Plan)
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Students learn to respect the faith traditions, world religions and the life journeys of all people of good will.
Daily prayers and reflections in all classes to begin and focus the learning.
Students plan CPTs on ceremonies and illustrate rites of passage for different religious faiths, trips to places of worship, Religious
Websites
Students actively reflect on God’s Word as communicated through the Hebrew and Christian scriptures.
School promotes a universal church which extends beyond language barriers; addresses intolerance, promotes tolerance, acceptance, inclusivity, and respect for others. (Chaplaincy Pastoral Plan)
School Retreats:
The Gr. 9 retreats will consist of team building activities, prayers, sharing of stories, and small group discussions. The day will include all Gr. 9s, the SBA newcomers who will be led and facilitated by SBA Student Government, student clubs, and council leaders, and peer mentors. Students will share a communal lunch. (Muskoka Woods?)
Gr. 9 Retreat – Sem 1 and Sem 2 Students will have a day for education and community service. (St. Paul’s Cathedral). The day will start with prayer and service then the students will have an opportunity to learn, serve, and participate in the response of daily needs of those who are less fortunate at Good Shepherd Ministries Homeless Shelter. The day will consist of dialogue, letter writing, packing of goods, etc. Students will be responsible to pack their own lunch or have an option of purchasing their own lunch.
Grade 10 Retreat – Sem1 and Sem2 (Used to visit St. Michael’s Cathedral)
The Grade 10 retreat takes is Students will have an opportunity for an inner walk in the city and connect with ST. Michael’s Cathedral. Students will be responsible to pack their own lunch or have an option of purchasing their own lunch.
Grade 10 Retreat – Sem1 and Sem2 (On site) Theme: We Are Many, We Are One!
This retreat will focus on relationships, unity, and belongingness. We will dialogue on how we can connect with our friends, classmates, teachers and build relationships that has been changed since after the pandemic. Students will have an opportunity to learn, serve, and participate in the response of daily needs of themselves and those who are less fortunate. We are so many, so diverse of our culture wants and needs, but yet we are one. We live in one community who belong to one another.
Grade 11 Retreat – Sem1 and Sem2 (Places of Worship: Orthodox Church, Synagogue,
Mosque, Hindu, and Buddhist Temples)
Visit and connect with Places of Worship. Gr. 11 retreat will focus on interfaith dialogue and education. Students will have an opportunity to visit various places of worship. This is an opportunity for the student s of World Religions to discover the SACRED in each faith congregation. Students will be responsible to pack their own lunch or have an option of purchasing their own lunch.
Grade 12 Retreat – (Out of school venue – Community Centre etc.)
The grade 12 retreat program will bring back together the graduating class of 2023 for a full day of activities that will include prayer, small and large group discussions, a keynote speaker, lunch, and an opportunity to share their legacy with their peers. The venue for the retreat is yet to be determined but will take place outdoors.
School Liturgy: Liturgical Celebration (Mass or Prayer Service) is a way of responding to life, and when life is recognized as a gift from God, it is a way of responding to Him. There are five liturgical seasons throughout the year. These seasons celebrate Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The liturgical seasons and corresponding colours for linens are:
Advent (purple), Christmas and Epiphany (white), Lent (purple), Easter (white) and Ordinary Time (green). School liturgies are planned in a collaborative spirit of community to follow the Liturgical calendar (Chaplaincy Pastoral Plan)