Malcolm Potts November 13th 2016 ~ North Cott Primary and us

Christian Religious Education [CRE] has been a staple in Australian government schools for as long as I can remember but those days seem to be coming to an end.CRE is enshrined in legislation in Australia. In WA The teaching of religious education is governed by the School Education Act 1999 (The Act), sections 66-71, which states that the curriculum and teaching in Western Australian public schools is not to promote any particular religious practice, denomination or sect.Whether CRE is taught is the decision of the Principal and the school board.  In recent times, with greater pressure coming on schools to both meet diverse parental expectations and be a ‘catch all’ to educate responsively to societal trends, the squeeze has been put on good old CRE.All this to say that North Cottesloe Primary School have pulled the pin on CRE after nearly 30 years.  That is how long St Philips volunteers have been faithfully bringing the story of the Bible to kids for 30 minutes once a week.  CRE is not reviled, it is just that its relevance is questioned in a largely secular, multi-faith society.  It has become hard to justify educationally.The North Cott PS continues to welcome St Philips’ involvement but now it is as support in classrooms or Kids Club volunteers in an optional Christian programme at lunchtimes.It is very important that we continue our engagement in our local schools.  To do this we must be flexible and creative.  While existing CRE volunteers might be willing to flex into classroom helpers or Kids Club volunteers, experience is suggesting this is a time of new opportunities and new faces.Is God speaking to you about engaging as a helper in a local school?While CRE is concluding, state schools cannot get enough chaplains.  There are nearly 400 chaplains in schools around WA and there is a need for more.  Support with values is highly sought after.  Many of these chaplaincy jobs are very part-time.  Might this be for you?In conclusion, I honour without reservation the years of faithful service given by all those who have engaged in CRE for their impact on thousands of children who would never have heard about the love of Christ were it not for their dedication and commitment.Vale CRE teachers and supporters.  Well done good and faithful servants.Blessings,Malcolm