1g.
A discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community
who understands that one's purpose or call in life comes from
God and strives to discern and live out this call throughout
life's journey.
1h. A discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community
who respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys
of all people of good will.
- Faith
& the Common Good www.faith-commongood.net
This
website allows teachers to order the Green Rule poster and
the accompanying Study Guide which contains a multitude of
ideas to use in the classroom in conjunction with the Green
Rule poster. The Green Rule was derived from the Golden Rule
found in major faith traditions. The Green Rule is paraphrasing
the Golden Rule by saying: “do unto the Earth as you
would have it do unto you.” The quotes, prayers, and
stories on the poster and in the Study Guide are from a variety
of the world’s great sacred teachings demonstrating
that they all have at their core an awareness of the sacredness
of creation. As a result of this poster with the many possible
learning opportunities, students would most definitely gain
a greater respect for the different world religions.--Lidia
Maglio
H2O
http://h2o.law.harvard.edu/index.jsp
This
website is an interactive forum aimed primarily for youth.
The goal of this discussion forum is to introduce students
to members of other faith traditions and/or cultural backgrounds
to foster a sense of understanding for each other. Students
answer a weekly question based on topics ranging from multiculturalism,
ecumenism, ethic conflict, and even students’ personal
questions on different religions. What is interesting is
that the students can also respond to other students’
posts – particularly those of different faiths.
This
site would be an excellent hands-on weekly activity for
the grade 11 World Religions class. I actually used it in
the University/College section of this course. The site
opens the door for bringing alive the ideas taught and concepts
read in class. By encouraging communication, it is hoped
that students can build bridges with one another, identify
shared commonalities, respect and understand differences
and perhaps strengthen their own faith. --Tanya Emmanuel
1i.
A discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community
who integrates faith with life.
1j.
A discerning believer formed in the Catholic faith community
who recognizes that "sin, human weakness, conflict and
forgiveness are part of the human journey" and that the
cross, the ultimate sign of forgiveness is at the heart of redemption.
(Witnesses to Faith)
2. An effective communicator 2a.
An effective communicator who listens actively and critically
to understand and learn in light of gospel values.
- Center
for Media Literacy http://www.medialit.org/about_cml.html
-
Media Literacy is an essential skill for students to be able
to act responsibly. The information overload from the Media
threatens their ability to choose wisely and justly. This
website offers lesson plans and articles for teachers to support
their own literacy programs. Their goal is to aid in educating
and empowering youth to become leaders and citizens who will
make responsible choices for the good of humanity. --Madeleine
Reyes
2b.
An effective communicator who reads, understands and uses written
materials effectively.
- 2c.
An effective communicator who presents information and ideas
clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others.
2d. An effective communicator who writes and speaks fluently
one or both of Canada's official languages.
2e.
An effective communicator who uses and integrates the Catholic
faith tradition, in the critical analysis of the arts, media,
technology and information systems to enhance the quality of
life.
- Adbusters
http://www.adbusters.org/home/
Although
non-faith based, Adbusters is indeed a rich resource for
students and teachers to help develop media literacy. The
site roots itself in their concern for the denigration of
our environment both culturally and physically. It calls
for literacy and activism against many commercial forces.
Insightful articles are provided on issues ranging from
the exploitation of marketing to youth to the rise of commercialism
as our new “religion”. Students are encouraged
to be participants of our society as opposed to spectators.
Culture is a major theme in the grade 10 Christ & Culture
course. Having current thought-provoking articles and interesting
visuals, provides an up-to-date approach on concepts taught
in the course.
3
A reflective and creative thinker
3a.
A reflective and creative thinker who recognizes there is more
grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing
all challenges.
3b.
A reflective and creative thinker who creates, adapts, evaluates
new ideas in light of the common good.
3c. A reflective and creative thinker who thinks reflectively
and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems.
3d.
A reflective and creative thinker who makes decisions in light
of gospel values with an informed moral conscience.
- The
Catholic Spot: www.catholicspot.com/youth
The
‘Catholic Spot’ website features an excellent
and creative online resource specifically designed for youth
with respect to such issues as relationships, pro-life,
music, drugs, and confession. Catholic educators and students
can explore moral decisions and challenges faced by today’s
youth through hypothetical stories, gospel readings, and
accurate information from the Catholic Church’s perspective.
Students are encouraged to complete a personal questionnaire
on moral decisions they would make before and after gaining
information provided on this site. Catholic links regarding
summer youth conferences, music, artists, magazines, books,
and youth ministries can also inspire students to consider
their current choice of entertainment, recreation, and community
activities and make a few changes if necessary. The ‘Catholic
Spot’ features a Teen’s Creed that captures
the essence of being a “reflective and critical thinker”
and could be read on a daily basis at school and/or displayed
in the classroom. The teacher could also take an active
role in the suggested activity that requires students to
formulate questions about the Church, etc. and discuss possibilities/decisions
based on gospel values. This activity could involve small/large
group discussions or even be posted on this website. --Diane
Marchini
3e.
A reflective and creative thinker who adopts a holistic approach
to life by integrating learning from various subject areas and
experience.
3f. A reflective and creative thinker who examines, evaluates
and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political,
ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development
of a just and compassionate society. 4.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner
4a.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who demonstrates
a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity
and welfare of others.
4b.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who demonstrates
flexibility and adaptability.
4c.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who takes initiative
and demonstrates Christian leadership.
- Life
Teen http://www.lifeteen.com
This
organization allows Christians from all over the world to
socialize and share their faith and experiences with one another.
It’s a Catholic movement that serves the Church by helping
to lead teens closer to God. They offer resources to parish
ministries, camps and also uses multimedia to spread the word
of Christ and the Church. --Anna Colangelo-Marchesano
-
- 4d.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who responds
to, manages and constructively influences change in a discerning
manner.
4e.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who sets appropriate
goals and priorities in school, work and personal life.
4f.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who applies
effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, time
and resource management skills.
- 4g.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who examines
and reflects on one's personal values, abilities and aspirations
influencing life's choices and opportunities.
4h.
A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who participates
in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy
lifestyle.
5. A collaborative contributor
5a.
A collaborative contributor who works effectively as an interdependent
team member.
5b.
A collaborative contributor who thinks critically about the
meaning and purpose of work.
5c. A collaborative contributor who develops one's God-given
potential and makes a meaningful contribution to society.
- Community
Information and Volunteer Centre www.civc.ca
Students
who are experiencing difficulties finding a Christian Service
placement or if they want to give back to society by volunteering
their time must check out this website. Students are able
to search thousands of organizations and programs, not-for-profit
groups and volunteer opportunities. What makes this site unique
is that potential volunteers use an on-line preliminary volunteer
matching tool to match them with organizations that can make
use of their skills. For many students this site would enable
them to connect their skills with organizations that can make
use of their skills and willingness to volunteer and in doing
so would make a meaningful contribution to society. --Lidia
Maglio
5d.
A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity, fulfillment
and vocation in work which contributes to the common good.
5e.
A collaborative contributor who respects the rights, responsibilities
and contributions of self and others.
5f.
A collaborative contributor who exercises Christian leadership
in the achievement of individual and group goals.
- The
Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools: Enhancing the Religious
Dimension of Catholic Eduation: http://www.eoccc.org/csfcs
The
Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools: Enhancing the Religious
Dimension of Catholic Education explicitly outlines this
expectation in terms of Catholic themes and anchor concepts,
(e.g., Community and the Common Good) with corresponding
lessons that can be easily adapted into the curriculum.
Through scriptural stories, church teachings, quotations,
and reflection questions, the teacher is able to provide
concrete examples of the importance of taking a leadership
role in order to achieve goals. This information could inspire
students to exercise their leadership at the school or community
level. A power point tutorial for students and teachers
is also made available on how to initiate and execute school/community
action plan. Students may wish to take a leadership role
by organizing a school play, a liturgical event, or a fundraiser.
A ‘Curriculum Planning Template’ with an outline
of the process can be used to guide the student through
this process. For example: (1) What is the learning expectation?
(2) Why? (Purpose) (3) Evidence of learning (4) Sequence
of learning activities (5) Reflective Questions (6) Supporting
Resources. Personal and small group reflection questions
are provided to help students/teachers relate this Catholic
graduate expectation to their own experiences and determine
how their leadership roles can be further extended into
their Catholic community, (e.g., church activities, community
service). --Diane
Marchini
5g.
A collaborative contributor who achieves excellence, originality,
and integrity in one's own work and supports these qualities
in the work of others.
- 5h.
A collaborative contributor who applies skills for employability,
self-employment and entrepreneurship relative to Christian vocation.
-
6.
A caring family member
6a.
A caring family member who relates to family members in a loving,
compassionate and respectful manner.
6b.
A caring family member who recognizes human intimacy and sexuality
as God given gifts, to be used as the creator intended.
6c. A caring family member who values and honours the important
role of the family in society.
6d.
A caring family member who values and nurtures opportunities
for family prayer.
- Awaken
to Prayer http://landru.i-link-2.net/shnyves/prayer.html
This
web site offers a variety of different ways to pray for various
times of the year. There are ways to “Get Started”
and also how to make praying a part of one’s everyday
routine. --Anna Colangelo-Marchesano
Finding
God www.findinggod.org
The
website, ‘Finding God’ is an excellent and comprehensive
faith formation resource designed for catechetical leaders,
principals, teachers, parents, teens, and children in terms
of “valuing and nurturing opportunities for family
prayer.” The ‘Online Religion Teacher’s
Helper’ features on-line retreats, prayer meditations,
articles, and reflections on entering into a relationship
with God through prayer. It provides questions that our
students frequently ask such as, “What does it mean
to pray? How can I pray? How can I help myself and others
in my family deepen our prayer lives?”. Similarly,
students can visit the teen section of this site for quiet
retreats, music, and ways for celebrating the Liturgical
Year with their family. The ideas provided for celebrating
holidays, baptismal anniversaries, prayer services, sacraments,
and the start of a new year with family members are inevitably
vital in developing this Catholic Graduate Expectation.
Some examples include, living Lent as a family, Bible reading
tips, daily programs for spiritual fitness, and using the
rosary as a personal and intimate form of family prayer.--Diane
Marchini
- Catholic
Family www.catholic-family.org/Information/icon.htm
This
web site is great because it offers a list of prayers that
can be easily used by family members for different occasions,
moods or times of the day. The prayers are not only geared
towards adults, but also towards younger children. Many of
the prayers are familiar ones but there are also many new
ones. The section I really enjoyed was the one in the area
titled “Prayers for younger children”. Towards
the end of this page, there was a section that teaches you
how to build a prayer around 4 thoughts – Thanks, Sorry,
Please and I love you. It shows that by incorporating these
thoughts you can personalize your prayer and create one that
is meaningful to you…………. You do not
have to use a standard prayer that you have to memorize. This
I found to be overtly important for students who just pray
for the sake of praying. So often I find that there is no
REAL meaning behind the words they memorize and recite each
day. For them to actually see and experience that they can
bring meaning into their prayer through gestures, symbols
or by using their own words, it can be an eye opening experience.
It would be more meaningful if they find this information
on their own, instead of being told about it. --Erica Noronha
6e.
A caring family member who ministers to the family, school,
parish, and wider community through service.
7.
A responsible citizen
7a.
A responsible citizen who acts morally and legally as a person
formed in Catholic traditions.
- Leaders
Today http://www.leaderstoday.com/
One
of the best ways that Jesus taught us was through his actions.
In other words, he led by example. Catholics hear read of
the countless stories of Jesus washing his disciples’
feet, interacting with women, and dining with the “outcasts”
of society. These are some examples of teachings that Jesus
also wanted his followers to mirror. There are a number
of issues facing our youth these days such as bullying,
war, women’s rights and the list goes on. Often students
and even adults can fall into an apathetic mentality. Citizenship
based on Christian roots can easily be clouded with feelings
of being overwhelmed.
The
above site is a youth-based organization that specifically
focuses on developing leadership skills in our students.
Motivational talks, hands-on activities and international
volunteer trips are offered for students. What is really
great is that youth who are involved post blogs of their
experiences. This allows for students to better digest the
skills of leadership as they are relating to people of their
own age group. It is crucial that our students have an understanding
that being a Christian is beyond being aware of issues,
but it also means taking action (in all forms). It is hoped
that youth also develop an understanding that they have
an important role in the betterment of our society. This
reminds me of a comment made on the University of Toronto’s
Peace & Conflict website whereby a young university
student indicated that the youth of today need to prepare
for the complexities of tomorrow particularly because they
have a life-time ahead of them where they would have to
bear those issues.--Tanya Emmanuel
7b.
A responsible citizen who accepts accountability for one's own
actions.
7c.
A responsible citizen who seeks and grants forgiveness.
7d.
A responsible citizen who promotes the sacredness of life.
- Pro-Life
www.catholicsites.com/prolife.html
This
web site offers a wide range of pro-life issues which do
not necessarily all relate to the unborn child, which was
important to me, as life encompasses so many different aspects
of our existence. The many issues this site discusses could
all jeopardize the sacredness of life (e.g. capital punishment).
Through the Catholic stand point, this site offers a way
to promote the value of life which we Catholic educators
possess and hold dear to us. Each topic is listed and then
broken down into smaller sections where we are provided
with a brief synopsis of related links, articles and web
sites. It is great for students because it openly shows
the vast amount of issues which we often take for granted,
yet they are things we need to consider when looking to
promote the sanctification of life.--Erica Noronha
7e.Witnesses
Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and
solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society.
- Free
the Children http://www.freethechildren.com
- This
organization was created by children to help other children
around the world. It provides a great example for students
to see how others like them can make a huge difference in
this world. The organization has a list of things in the site
how students can help such as Build a School, Adopt a Village,
and Start a Youth in Action Group. There are also video feeds
for teachers to show students in class including motivational
speeches and testimonials from children.--Madeleine Reyes
Tolerance.org
www.tolerance.org
This
is a site that promotes equality and is working towards
dismantling bigotry and hatred within homes, communities
and schools. The site provides links to areas that are suitable
to be used respectively for teachers, parents, teens and
kids. These resources provide daily news about the organization
and also provide guide books, games and other literature
resources for groups and individuals who are actively working
towards tolerance and fighting hate. It allows for our teens
and adolescents to become youth activists and show positive
leadership in our schools and communities.--Stella Carella
7f.
A responsible citizen who respects and affirms the diversity
and interdependence of the world's peoples and cultures.
7g.
A responsible citizen who respects and understands the history,
cultural heritage and pluralism of today's contemporary society.
7h.
A responsible citizen who exercises the rights and responsibilities
of Canadian citizenship.
7i.
A responsible citizen who respects the environment and uses
resources wisely.
- Toronto
Environmental Alliance (tea) http://www.torontoenvironment.org
TEA
is a local group which tries to find solutions to this city’s
environmental problems. Their mission is to promote a greener
Toronto. They do this by working with concerned individuals,
community groups, and professionals in the local area. TEA
focuses on issues such as Smog and Climate Change, Public
Transit, Toxics and Urban Pesticides, Waste Reduction and
Clean Water. --Anna
Colangelo-Marchesano
7j.
A responsible citizen who contributes to the common good.
- Stewardship
Seeds http://www.archstl.org/stewardship/seeds/index.html
This
site is developed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis and promotes
Christian stewardship as a way of everyday life. It focuses
on fostering a commitment to the Gospel call of stewardship
by allowing community members to become actively aware and
actively responsible for their own parish communities. It
supports this by providing teachers with ideas and resources
that can be easily used within the classroom, and in turn
implemented within the school and parish community.
