For those interested in the policy changes see below for the documents:
Link to full text of new SRI policy for Victoria:
Link to new SRI sign up form:
AUGUST SRI POLICY REFORM DETAILS
August 25, 2011
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New form, Old form, it’s a typical case of one step forward and one backwards.
The form may no longer enforce mandatory detention in SRI classes the for hapless many who either don’t get to fill this out or have never seen one but the blatant one sided promotion of Religion in Life over all other choices with a dubious set of links to current learning tenants and standards is horrific.
It needs to be all or nothing. Either provide a considered multi page document that outlines ALL options or just list the religions, but to list them with GRUEN TRANSFER messaging on what choice the department wants you to make sums up it’scompletely spineless approach to a very complex subject.
The agreed Christian syllabus Religion in Life®
◊ complements lesson themes and current Departmental policy
• So the departments policy on creationism, mindless chant, one religion fits all and fire and brimstone is published as such?
◊ builds on the Victorian Essential Learning Standards as they relate to the physical, personal and social
learning strand
• Examples please !
◊ helps children explore their own lives for meaning and purpose
• A very narrow framework to operate in here!
◊ introduces children to the religious life and ideas of their community
• Not a departmental policy so back to point 1, conflict of ideals
◊ provides some understanding of stories, festivals, worship and symbols of the Christian faith in the
Community
• Community eh. I don’t think I have ever seen Religion in Life® being related to anything other imagined settings from 2000 years ago.
◊ respects children’s rights to uphold their own opinions
• Day one the Religion in Life® program TELLS kids what to think, it never ever consults with them on their beliefs or questions its own foundations.
Do you know whether these changes will be brought to the attention of all schools?
I forwarded the link to our principal and he told me no changes would be made unless he was specifically notified by DEECD.
I did the same and asked that all children complete the form again so everyone is fully informed and understands their options.
I received the permission slip recently for my children.
It specifically says “If you do not want your child to participate in Religious Instruction at please sign and return this form to your child’s home group teacher ASAP”
This is still clearly an opt-in situation. It seems that (some) schools are just ignoring the policy change.