At St Joseph’s, we are incredibly proud of our Catholic identity, which forms the heart of everything we do. A cornerstone of this identity and a vital element in the spiritual growth of our students, is prayer.

You might wonder how prayer fits into the busy school day. We actively look to make prayer a personal and relevant experience for every child. We believe that prayer is not just about reciting words, it's about fostering a meaningful relationship with God, cultivating gratitude and building empathy.

While we appreciate the tradition of prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary, we also embrace creative and contemporary methods to help children connect with God in ways that resonate with them. This includes:

• Reflecting on scripture: Quietly pondering Bible passages to discover God's message for them.
• Praying with gratitude: Actively thanking God for daily blessings.
• Engaging with art and music: Using visual and auditory expressions to deepen prayer.
• Mindful moments: Practicing quiet reflection and stillness to connect with God's presence.
• Prayer for others: Learning the importance of praying for our community and the wider world.

We know that the most effective faith formation happens when home and school work hand-in-hand. Here are some practical ways you can speak to your children about their Catholic school experience and their participation in prayer:

1. Ask open-ended questions about prayer at school:

• "Did you learn a new prayer or a new way to pray at school?"
• "What did you pray about during assembly/class or mentor prayer?"

• If they learned a prayer, say it together at home before meals or bedtime.
• If they mentioned praying for someone in need, find a way to offer kindness or support to that person as a family.

• If they express confusion or questions about prayer, listen patiently and respond honestly.
• It's okay not to have all the answers; explore them together by looking up resources, speaking with a teacher or our parish priest, Father Nathan.

By having open conversations you significantly enhance the spiritual journey your child experiences at St Joseph’s. We are blessed to partner with you in raising compassionate young people.