John Charadia Videos for Catechists
Video Guidance Part 1
Video Guidance Part 2
Common Questions and Answers:
I have students who want to avoid participating; what do I do?
Research the subject matter and provide the students with interesting facts. For example, when a catechist spoke about the Magi (Three Wise Men) being the first astronomers, students were engaged and interested in participating. Those not keen can be placed in groups of two or three and create a religious Christmas card, write a Christmas song/rap, or create a Christmas word search.
I have a combined Year 5/6 class; how do I go over all the scriptures?
Choose fewer bible passages or those that are similar for both Years 5 and 6.
I have a large class, how do I manage the lesson, the reflection and the art in the four, half hour lessons?
Starting your Christmas lessons as early as possible in Term 3 is a good idea. The lessons, the draft reflection and the commencement of the art can all be covered in the first four weeks of the term. The students can then take the artwork home to complete.
Can the students take the artwork home to finish?
Artwork may be sent home for completion; however, the work must be the student’s own work and not a family team effort!
I don’t have any art supplies, so how can my scripture class participate?
Students can bring in their own art materials to use. Some parishes may also assist with supplies.
Can I ask the classroom teacher for art supplies?
Yes, ask the classroom teacher if you can use the school’s art supplies.
What if a student does not have any art supplies at home?
Ask the classroom teacher if the student can work on their artwork at school during their lunch break or free time, using school materials.
What if the students take the artwork home and don’t finish it?
Encourage students to bring their artwork back, even if they haven’t completed their reflection or artwork. CCD will award them a certificate acknowledging their effort and participation.
What symbols do we avoid in the artwork?
How can I teach them art techniques if I am not an art teacher?
You will gain some tips at CCD’s workshop, or you can google more information, but it is really the students who are showing what they can do – their ideas, their work, their inspiration from the Holy Spirit.
If painting on a canvas board, do I need to paint the sides?
Yes, the artwork is only complete if the sides are painted. Whilst students are welcome to use paints, for SRE classes that are short on time, it may be best to use ‘dry materials’ such as lead pencils, coloured pencils, crayons, and pastels, which are easier to distribute and collect. A few years ago, a public school student won the ‘School Club Prize Award’ with a shaded pencil drawing.
How do I get a copy of the published Christmas Story Art Exhibition Booklet 2025?
All exhibitors will receive a booklet at the Exhibition. You can obtain a copy in The Catholic Weekly the week following the Exhibition.
Do students get their artworks back; if so, how?
Students will receive their artwork back with a certificate before SRE classes finish in Term 4. Your Area FEO will deliver the artwork and certificates to your Coordinator for you to present to students in your SRE classes.
For the artworks selected for the Exhibition in December, your Area FEO will return these directly to the schools after Monday, 8 December 2025.