Religious Studies

The Religion Department at St. Jean de Brebeuf CHS prides itself in implementing the revised religion curriculum for our grade 9 and 10 students. All Religion teachers have access to the resources which have been provided by the board to assist teachers in familiarizing students with the skills required to learn the new curriculum. Alot of emphasis has been placed on Scripture study since understanding that Scripture is God’s word helps provide students with a solid foundation for further study.

Students are provided with a variety of experiences not only within the classroom but also in the form of outdoor retreats and in house guest speakers. Each of these serve to enhance and connect the curriculum content to students’ own experiences of faith and in turn help students come to a clearer understanding of their role in our world and their own faith development.

Grade 9 Retreat to St. Francis Center

The grade 9 students have had the wonderful privilege of attending St. Francis Center for their retreat. Here the Franciscans guide our students into understanding the life of St. Francis and how this saint followed the teaching of Jesus from the beatitudes to the messages of the Parables.

Through discussion, question and answer period and a variety of collaborative and cooperative games, students enjoy learning about their faith and their journey with Christ becomes enriched allowing these students to discern Christ’s role in their lives early on in their journey.

Grade 10 Retreat at St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts

Once again this year the grade 10 students were given an opportunity to attend the retreat center at St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts. The day included interacting with the clients at the center. Students made rosary bracelets with them and organized drama skits. Working with the special need adults at St. Jude’s reinforced Christ’s message that we are all relational beings with unique gifts. The students took with them these special memories and will cherish the friendships made this day forever. As Jean Vanier states, “to be human is to be bonded together, each with our own weaknesses and strengths, because we need each other.” To be human, therefore is to be a person in a relationship with others and to live in communities. To be human also means to live in a culture of shared beliefs, values, meanings and practices.

Grade 11 World Religion Speaker Todd Jamieson

Todd Jamieson was a fantastic speaker. He opened our eyes to what life really is as an Aboriginal person. He talked to us about the wonderful rituals and practices in his culture (like smudging or the pow wow dance) and how important they are to him and Aboriginal spirituality. He explained the struggles he went through growing up as an Aboriginal child and living on a reserve. He taught us that no matter what life may throw at you, it only makes you stronger. He also showed us important items from his culture that he made such as the eagles wing and the bear claw. He taught us that everything in nature, including us, are connected and that nothing should go to waste. We must always be thankful to the Creator. He made us more aware about Aboriginal culture and challenged us to rethink what we thought we knew about Aboriginal persons. Having a true Aboriginal person speak to our grade 11 classes at St. Jean de Brebeuf really taught us never to judge a book by its cover. Awesome experience!