NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
At Strathfield South Public School, SRE (also referred to as Scripture) is delivered on Thursdays. Each session is 30 minutes in duration.
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE Participation Letter to complete and return.
After the initial enrolment, notification of withdrawal from a SRE group, to a non-scripture group, should be provided in writing and sent to the office at: strathfies-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Should you wish your child to change SRE groups or move from a non-scripture group into a SRE group, please complete and return this form.
The following SRE classes are offered at Strathfield South Public School:
CHRISTIAN - CATHOLIC
Catholic scripture endeavours to build upon the efforts of parents, promised at Baptism, that the love and presence of God will be experienced by a child at home from the early years. Age, understanding and personal development are taken into account. Topics include bible stories, especially the life and teaching of Jesus and his relevance today. A sense of belonging to the church with its sacraments and major seasons is encouraged.
Prayer is an important feature of every lesson. Using many activities such as worksheets, dialogue, song and drama, an atmosphere of faith, hope and love is the desired goal.
CHRISTIAN - PROTESTANT (e.g. Anglican, Presbyterian, Uniting)
Protestant Scripture aims to provide a simple experience and explanation of what Christians believe from the Bible. The children are told Bible stories such as Noah’s Ark, Moses, Joseph, David and other kings. They learn about the background to Easter and Christmas and the importance of Jesus in the past and present world. Lessons are fun and contain various activities including worksheets, singing, drama and simple craft.
CHRISTIAN - ORTHODOX
Orthodox Christian Scripture lessons are filled with activities, craft and games, Bible readings and stories, as children learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ and the Church from an Orthodox Christian perspective. Lessons are conducted in English. Everyone is welcome.
HINDU
Students are taught devotional songs, stories and simple customs and religious observances so that their visits to temples celebrating festivals will be meaningful and create an interest in the subject. Tests are given periodically. Notes, pictures etc. are given to the students to help them gain an understanding of Hindu beliefs.
BUDDHISM
Buddhist lessons are taught from a book called “Di Zi Gui – Guide to a Happy Life”. The book outlines standards for being a good student and child, which were taught by Chinese saints and sages of the ancient past. It covers lessons such as how to be respectful to our family and how to relate to other people.
ISLAM
Islam is a religion that governs every facet of human life, and teaches us that this life is a life of worshipping our Creator, Allah, together with fasting, praying, being kind, patient, respectful and being a source of uprightness and morality. The religion of Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) over 1300 years ago. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), like Abraham, Jesus, Adam, Noah, Isaac, Moses and Jacob, was a Messenger of Allah.
NON-SCRIPTURE
During the time that SRE classes are being held, students not attending will be located in a separate space and will participate in meaningful activities such as independent reading or task completion work.