NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
During enrolment, you can choose a special religious education option for your child from the school’s available approved providers. You can withdraw your child from special religious education by selecting alternative meaningful activities, or special education in ethics if it’s available.
You can update your preference by writing to the school or through the online form available at participating schools.
Visit the department’s website for more information about religion and ethics.
SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (SRE)
A feature of the public education system in NSW is the opportunity to provide time in class for education in ethics, faith and morality from a religious or non-religious perspective at the choice of parents.
Christian SRE (Special Religious Education, formerly known as “scripture”) is provided at Hunters Hill Public School, represented by three Christian traditions:
* Catholic SRE is provided by Holy Name of Mary Parish in Hunters Hill;
* Protestant SRE (Anglican, Congregational, Presbyterian and Uniting) is provided by the Anglican Parish of Hunters Hill and the Hunters Hill Congregational Church;
* Orthodox SRE is provided by St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, Gladesville.
Christian SRE occurs each Wednesday as part of the school program. Parents and Carers are required to notify the school in writing if they wish for their child to participate in SRE, and the school office, or a member of the SRE Team, can assist you with this documentation.
Why SRE?
To Nurture Spiritual Wellbeing
The NSW Department of Education recognises spiritual wellbeing plays an important role in successful learning. SRE will nurture your child’s sense of meaning and purpose and promote positive connections with faith and community.
To Answer Searching Questions
‘What is God like?’, ‘Who wrote the Bible?’ Your child’s searching questions require informed and sensitive answers. Christian SRE teachers are trained to encourage every child’s natural curiosity and respond appropriately from a biblical perspective.
To Help Shape Personal Values
SRE can be invaluable in helping shape your child’s values. Christian SRE offers a worldview that teaches traditional ethics and values, and fosters genuine tolerance towards those with a different faith heritage.
To Broaden Your Child’s Education
Christian SRE will help your child appreciate the impact of Christianity upon Western culture. Our legal system, literature, art, music, and even our language have all been influenced by Christianity. The idea of someone being a “Good Samaritan” only has meaning in the context of understanding its biblical heritage.
To Provide Extra Pastoral Care for Students and Families
Life can sometimes be very challenging for students and families. Christian SRE provides an avenue for families to connect with the local faith community and networks of support.
Your Christian SRE teachers work together, and a unique part of Hunters Hill Public School is that we provide Ecumenical Assemblies at Easter and Christmas. The Christmas Service at All Saints’ is a particular highlight for many students, not only for the watermelon, but for the opportunity to engage with a sacred and heritage space.
Your Christian SRE Teachers pray for our entire school regularly, and value the wonderful opportunity of being a part of the school, especially getting to know your child. If you would like further information about SRE, please contact Rev’d Michael Armstrong (revmichael@aphh.com.au) on behalf of the SRE Providers.
SPECIAL EDUCATION IN ETHICS (SEE)
Ethics classes support children to develop a life-long capacity for making well-reasoned decisions about ethical issues. Through the give-and-take of reasoned argument students learn to disagree respectfully, to challenge ideas and to support their arguments with considered evidence rather than according to habit or peer pressure. Our volunteer ethics teachers, which are trained members of the school and broader community, use detailed lesson materials which present a range of stories, scenarios and questions to generate discussion. Ethics teachers are trained to impartially facilitate student discussions, helping students develop their critical thinking and collaborative inquiry skills. Ethics teachers support student learning by:
* modelling the inquiry process – by asking questions and encouraging discussion
* showing genuine curiosity and interest in the questions being discussed
* staying neutral – ethics teachers are trained to keep their own views out of the discussion
* creating a positive learning environment – by allowing students time to think, and encouraging students to share ideas and give reasons
The Special Education in Ethics program is provided by Primary Ethics. You can find out more information about the program by contaccting Loretta Mitchell at loretta.mitchell2010@gmail.com or from the Primary Ethics Website.