Rational:
This school community takes the view that religious instruction is a desirable aspect of the education process.
The following is the Religious Education statement of the Churches Education Commission:
“By Religious Education the Commission means learning to understand and appreciate the beliefs by which people live as an aid to the development of the pupils’ own beliefs and values. While acknowledging that there are other views of life that would have a place in religious programmes, we believe it is appropriate in New Zealand to give particular emphasis to the Christian Faith, the Bible and the life and teachings of Jesus, because of the pervasive influence through our cultural heritage and history, and their continuing power and relevance”.
While exploring the Christian faith there are rich opportunities for clarifying moral and human values, attitudes and feelings which provide a sound basis for inter-personal relationships.
Purpose:
To cater for the spiritual needs of the children.
To help the children gain some knowledge of the Bible, the life and teachings of Jesus, Christian festivals and worship, and the role of the churches in the community.
To invoke the values of humility, aroha and tolerance.
Guidelines:
- When parents/caregivers are enrolling children at the school, the Principal will advise parents/caregivers of the programme, and will record their wishes as to whether their children will participate in Religious Education.
- Each year parents/caregivers will inform the Principal, in writing if they do not wish their children to participate in Religious Education.
- Children who do not participate in Religious Education will be supervised at school. Alternatively, parents/caregivers can arrange to bring their children to school at the end of the Religious Education lesson, as the school is officially closed during this time.
- The classroom teachers will settle their classes in readiness for Religious Education.
- Religious Education teachers must have the class settled at the end of the half hour lesson in readiness for the classroom teacher.
- The Religious Education teacher will contact the classroom teacher before the beginning of the programme to discuss the children in the class.
- The classroom teachers will support the Religious Education teachers in regards to classroom management, and will inform them of any relevant school management policies.
- The syllabus used will be “Religion in Life”, compiled by the Churches Education Commission.
- A copy of the syllabus will be available at the school office for parents/caregivers to read.
- Religious Education teachers will be approved by the Board of Trustees and will be a) credited teachers through the Churches Education Commission’s programme, b) working towards accreditation.
- Religious Education teachers will adhere to the Churches Education Commission’s Code of Expectations for Religious Teachers in State Schools.
- Religious Education teachers, unable to take their class for any reason, must inform the Convenor of the Religious Education programme.
- The Convenor will inform the Principal of the absences of any Religious Education teacher, and provide the name of any reliever.
- Classroom teachers and parents/caregivers are welcome to observe Religious Education classes.
- Any concerns regarding the Religious education programme are to be taken to the Principal.
- The Board of Trustees will survey parents every three years to ascertain whether a continued Religious Education programme is desired.