Craft Workshop for Orthodox Scripture Teachers
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia provides religious education in State Schools of New South Wales. It is known commonly as “Scripture” and is conducted and organised through every parish. Around 5,000 pupils are enrolled in this weekly program.
Training is provided throughout the year by 193 dedicated volunteers who come from across the State of New South Wales. Each October, on a yearly basis, the teachers are welcomed by the Parish of St Stylianos in Gymea, for a special Scripture Craft Session. This year, the workshop was attended by over 30 representatives from all parishes throughout Sydney.
The focus was on celebrating the upcoming Christmas season. The teachers all came together to learn simple ideas for christmas concerts and meaningful craft activities. The aim of these activities is to encourage, convey and develop an Orthodox ethos.
A teacher from the Parish of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Earlwood said, “It captures the essence of what we teach in our lessons throughout the year.” The workshop also featured a range of activities from simple crafts to more advanced skills to cater to the different needs of students.
Teachers learnt card making, making Christmas baubles with icons, origami Christmas trees and a nativity story wheel. The highlight was a 3D nativity scene, suitable for various age groups.
The shared activities provided attendees with a toolkit of options to engage their students in the lead-up to the feast day of Christmas. Special thanks were extended to Father Constantine Varipatis and his dedicated team for hosting this event at St Stylianos. Their warm welcome and support were instrumental in making this Scripture Craft Session a success.
The next training session will be the Annual Conference in November, to be held at the Church of Saint Gerasimos, Leichhardt. For further enquiries and information about this event, please see your parish priest or local Scripture Coordinator.