Exploring Faith and Culture: Year 9 Reflection Days

November 8, 2024

At Santa Maria College, nurturing respect for diverse beliefs is an important aspect of our educational approach. Our recent Year 9 Reflection Day exemplified this commitment, guiding students on an enlightening journey through visits to a Hindu Temple and a Jewish Synagogue. This excursion aligns seamlessly with our newly launched Diversity Strategy, part of our strategic plan to enrich students’ worldviews and embrace diversity.

Preparing for a Day of Understanding

In preparation for the visits, students engaged in enriching discussions in the classroom and watched educational videos highlighting the sacred nature of places of worship. This thoughtful preparation focused on key teachings around reverence, appropriate behaviour, and cultural sensitivity. With guidance on attire, gestures, and respectful silence, students approached each space with openness and awareness.

Discovering Hindu Traditions

At the Perth Hindu Temple, Dr A R Krishnan led the students on an insightful tour of the temple’s ornate shrines, each dedicated to a Hindu deity. His teachings delved into the temple’s historical and spiritual significance, blending architectural wonder with profound rituals. A memorable moment was when students witnessed a blessing on the teachers, for the school community. The experience concluded with a taste of South Indian hospitality through a delicious vegetarian meal, giving students a flavourful glimpse into cultural traditions.

Insights into Judaism

Under the guidance of Rabbi Lieberman at the Perth Congregation Synagogue, students had a unique, in-depth look into Judaism and what it means to Jewish people today. The experience was engaging and eye-opening, giving us an opportunity to understand a faith that, while ancient, adapts in interesting ways to the modern world. Rabbi Lieberman welcomed us warmly, encouraging open-mindedness and curiosity. His teaching of observing Shabbat demonstrated how Judaism is not just a set of rules, but a deeply rooted way of life.

Reflections and Takeaways

The impact of Reflection Day was immediate and meaningful. Students expressed an appreciation for diverse religions and their underlying values, noting that interfaith understanding is about more than tolerance – it requires genuine curiosity and respect. As Isabel Taranto and Therese Robertson reflected, “We were able to appreciate the diversity of religions in our world.” Sophie Gault and Ella Di Boni shared their excitement: “The Hindu temple was beautiful with intricate statues, and the Rabbi’s discussions were engaging and sacred.”

The Broader Impact on Education

Experiences like these are integral to our Religious Education curriculum. Cultural excursions are more than academic activities; they reflect our College’s dedication to preparing students for a global world where understanding and embracing diversity is essential. Through these meaningful encounters, students are developing a broader appreciation for all individuals, regardless of faith or background – a core tenet of our Catholic mission.

Students found these visits very interesting and were able to make comparisons with Catholicism. Our Reflection Days reminded us of the importance of respecting and learning from other faiths. By understanding and appreciating the beliefs of others, we’re able to foster a more inclusive and compassionate school community.

CulturalExcursion, CulturalUnderstanding, DiversityStrategy, Featured, InterfaithEducation, ReflectionDays, ReligiousEducation, Year9ReflectionDay

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.