Student Spirituality

At St Agnes' Primary School, we acknowledge the innate spirituality of every child. Opportunities to nurture their spiritual growth are planned for and provided through a variety of experiences. These connect children to a faith community, give them a sense of security and belonging and remind them that they are deeply loved.

We strive to guide students toward living responsible and just lives by teaching and modelling the Gospel values of love of others through compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, advocating for justice and service to the poor and marginalised.

At St Agnes' Primary School, we encourage students to develop their whole selves, treat others fairly and respectfully, be responsible for their actions, and follow moral and ethical principles. We strive to activate this with opportunities to celebrate and learn about the Catholic faith through Religious Education classes, social justice initiatives, daily prayer, retreats, reflection days, liturgies and Mass.

At St Agnes' Primary School, we incorporate programs that build upon and complement the Catholic Schools Office Student Discipleship Continuum from Year 4 - Year 12. The sequential and age-appropriate continuum provides students with intentional faith-filled opportunities where they feel free to discuss and develop their faith.

Students can experience school and Catholic Schools Office programs such as:

Accedere Year 4 Retreat

While completing the Sacraments of Initiation in Year 4, the purpose of this activity is to invite these students to a retreat day that focuses on the theme of 'friendship in Jesus'. Developed by the CSO, this program is provided to schools to implement with selected students from their Year 4 cohort. This retreat is delivered with the support of the Youth Ministry Officers (YMOs).  

Exuro Year 5 Retreat

Exuro is a Student Discipleship Retreat Day for some Year 5 students held in each of the five regions of the diocese. Year 9 CSYMA student leaders facilitate small group discussions and activities. Formed parish school staff now convene these retreats.

Incitare Year 6 Retreat

A one-day retreat for Year 6 students using various group processes and student-led discussion. Students will experience faith-nurturing activities and skilling for being faith leaders in their respective schools. It is intended that this cohort of students will build capacity and feel inclined to take up a position in the secondary school Youth Ministry class using the CSYMA program. 

For St Agnes' Primary School students, each of these retreats is recreated using the participating students as group leaders for their peers. Grade staff facilitate the program with the support of YMOs from within the Parish when they are available.

Further to the Continuum are:

Schools of Prayer 

We endeavour to nurture a proper understanding of the role of prayer in the faith life of students. Our focus is developed to assist age-appropriate parish school engagement in prayer experiences. The main forms of prayer that have been promoted in Catholic Education are the traditional forms, parts of the Mass and the Rosary, Awareness Examen, Labyrinth, Lectio Divina, and the contemplative prayer of Christian Meditation.

All grades across the school take turns leading Monday morning school prayer. Families are welcome to join us for any, but particularly when their children are presenting.

The St Agnes' School Prayer, which was created by staff and students, is prayed regularly in classes and at whole school gatherings.

Music Ministry 

Wildfire, the Diocesan Worship team, offers whole school evangelisation to our students. St Agnes' students engaged wholeheartedly with the Wildfire Band and based on students' voices. We are engaging more with these songs of worship.

Digital Ministry 

Quality communications are available in the Proclaim Lismore Student digital platforms featuring Facebook and Instagram, with a focus on evangelisation of youth, praise and worship, and youth ministry digital networking (YouTube; Vimeo). The Understanding Faith and Know Worship and Love 

Sacramental Preparation

St Agnes' Primary School staff work collaboratively with the two other parish primary schools to support students preparing for their Sacraments. This may take the form of a school-based program of preparation or support for a parish-based program.

God our Father, 

We thank you for our wonderful school St Agnes’. 

Our teachers who teach us, our family and friends who care for us. 

St Agnes’, watch over our community as we learn and grow together every day. 

Give us the courage to do what is right, the grace to accept our differences and be true to ourselves and Christ. 

St Agnes’, Patron Saint of children, Pray for us.