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 social skills as an alternate option.
You can update your preference by writing to Nowra East Public School or by calling the school office.
Visit the department’s website for more information about religion and ethics.
At Nowra East Public School, SRE and social skills are delivered on Wednesdays from 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm.
Option 1: Catholic
What is SRE?
Special Religious Education (SRE) is the time set aside in Government Schools for Catechists (also called SRE Teachers) from the local Catholic Church to teach Catholic children about Jesus and his message of salvation. SRE is mandated by the Education Act (1990) and gives parents the choice to have children formed in the faith of their family.
Why is SRE Taught?
The Catholic Church sees the education of Catholic children in the Faith as integral and key to its mission. The NSW Department of Education (DOE) describes SRE “as an integral part of school activities.” SRE can be seen then, as part of “a well-rounded education that values and supports the intellectual, creative, physical, social, spiritual and emotional development of each child.”
What is Taught?
Catholic SRE teaching programs are approved by the Bishop of the Diocese in liaison with educational experts, for use by SRE Teachers. Programs contain suitable lessons for children from Kindergarten to Year 6. For more information about the program used in your child’s school, please see your local Parish SRE Coordinator or your Parish Priest.
Option 2: Protestant
Combined Christian SRE (using Anglican Curriculum)
Christian SRE is education in Christian beliefs and practices for children of families from various Christian denominations and churches.
The SRE curriculum used in this school is produced by Christian Education Publications and is approved by each SRE provider. The curriculum explores the good news about Jesus Christ found in the Bible and the depth of God’s love for people. Each lesson has been developed to be taught in an age-appropriate manner. Lessons include activities which make the lessons fun and inclusive for children and young people, and also give them the opportunity to critically explore and deepen their faith, pray, and reflect.
Research has shown that SRE contributes to students’ wholistic education as it nurtures their spiritual wellbeing. For more information about the SRE curriculum used in this school visit https://godspace.org.au/
Option 3: Social skills
During the time that SRE classes are held, students not attending will be located in a separate space and will participate in social skills lessons.