Year 5 Christian Studies - Exploring Community and Service
This term, our Year 5 students have been delving into the theme of Community and Service through Christian Studies, asking the big questions:
- ‘How can I use God's teachings to serve those in most need?’ and
- ‘How can I use my life to impact others?’
Through their Christian Studies lessons, they have been exploring what it means to belong to a community, why people live in community with one another and how we can take responsibility for the world around us. Drawing from scripture, students have been reflecting on God’s call to serve:
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
— 1 Peter 4:10
With this bible verse at the core, students have researched a range of charities, including Wildlife Warriors, OzHarvest and Foodbank to understand how Christians live out their faith through service. In their groups, students will go on to choose one of these charities to donate the profits of their upcoming PBL Hub Market sales to, putting their learning into action in a meaningful way!
Together, the Year 5 team has established that making an impact doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes it’s about using the gifts God has given us, working as a team and stepping out in love. This important message will be shared further in their upcoming HOP services on Thursday, 11 September and Sunday, 14 September, as they reflect on their experiences of community and service; as well as share ways that students can give back to their community. This reinforces the call of Galatians 5:13: ‘Serve one another humbly in love.’ This learning has also been linked with ‘R U OK? Day’, encouraging students to consider not only large acts of service but also the importance of checking in and caring for those around them. Some suggestions on how to do this include:
- Looking out for your friends;
- Being kind to those around you;
- Including others in play and classroom activities;
- Offering a listening ear; and
- Showing care and support when someone needs it.
This fits perfectly with what Year 5 has been learning this term about community and service - caring for others, taking responsibility and showing compassion, just as Jesus taught us to do. It also connects beautifully with our school values of Lead with Love, Better Together and Be the Change; reminding us that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Tess Grogan
Director of Learning