Brett’s Story

My daughter goes to North Sydney Demonstration school. During school hours, electives are available for religious tutelage in the denomination of choice as available. It is our choice that Juna not attend, as the religious learning of specific traditions is something we felt was more appropriate outside of school hours. Whilst we accept the right of other children to have this experience, there is a clear bias against those who choose not to, in that no alternative learning is provided. I have been informed by the school:
“It is a Department of Education (DET) requirement/ policy that scripture is offered in all schools, and also a DET requirement that all children are given the same learning opportunities. Hence we are unable to run formalised curriculum lessons during this period as some children would not be able to attend due to timetabling constraints.”

It would appear that DET are in contravention of their own policy. My daughter is missing out on a learning opportunity on religious grounds. Perhaps DET policy makers should take a class in Ethics themselves.

There is overdue emphasis on the rights of children with Catholic parents, without any reasonable consideration for those who choose to bring up their children differently, for whom ethics and values are an important.

Other electives should and must be offered to our children.

Sincerely,

Brett Elliott