Queensland
state schools embrace a multitude of cultural, religious and non-religious
beliefs. Under the Education (General
Provisions) Act 2006, schools are to provide Religious Instruction (RI) if
approached by a faith group seeking to provide RI and students of that faith
attend the school.
RI
informs students about the beliefs and values of a particular religion. It is
delivered by volunteers of a faith group using instructional materials approved
by that faith group. RI is required to be consistent with legislation and
Department of Education policies and procedures.
All
RI instructors must hold a blue card and participate in compulsory Student
Protection and Code of Conduct training. RI instructors are only entitled to
deliver the RI program outlined below. A school staff member will be present
during the delivery of RI.
Participation in RI is not compulsory. Any student (except Prep
students) may participate in RI if a parent has provided written instructions
to the school.
Religious Instruction is offered at Oakleigh State School for students in Years 1 to 6 and is conducted for 30 minutes each week. Information regarding consent for your child’s participation in this program is collected at the time of enrolment.
Note: this consent remains in effect unless the parent provides notification with the school office.
Additional information can be found in the links to the right.
There are three options available to our students:
Option One - The Christian RI (CRI) program: Volunteer RI Instructors from local Christian Churches come together to offer “Christian RI”. The program is organised by local Christian church communities. Approved and trained instructors are accredited by these local churches and must follow the CEP Connect and CEP Big Questions programs.
Option Two – The Buddhism Program: The Buddhist Education Services for Schools program. The aims and goals of the BESS program are:
- to
teach universal Buddhist values
- to enhance children’s ability to better
relate to themselves and to others through these values
- provide
children with good life skills that will help promote a more harmonious
and caring community.
Option Three – Students not participating in either of the above programs will do classroom work independently under appropriate supervision.