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FURTHER HELP FOR CATECHISTS/SRE TEACHERS

Unit 2 Correspondence Course for SRE teachers
This course deals with the following topics:
* Mission and Ministry of the SRE Teacher/Catechist
* Jesus, centre of our faith
* Preparing to teach
* Understanding the learner
* Christian Living
* More Teaching Strategies I
* More Teaching Strategies II
* Teaching the Scriptures
* Gospels of Matthew and Mark
* Gospels of Luke and John
* The Epistles and the Acts of the Apostles
* The Book of Revelation
* The Old Testament in general
* Judge, Kings, Prophets
* The “Writings” Sections of the Old Testament

THERE ARE NO EXAMINATIONS

* Assessment - Twenty (20) written assignments;
* One lesson observation;
* Teaching and evaluating one supervised lesson.

Further information from:
Miss Helen Ryan
Ph: 02 6331 3611
Fax: 02 6331 4869
email: reception@bathurst.catholic.org.au

CODE OF CONDUCT

Child Protection and SRE Teachers ~ Part 1
Since SRE teachers go into schools as ambassadors for Christ their relationships with children are marked by the Christian virtues of respect, service, justice and love.

As SRE teachers we share the privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus to children in state schools. However, like every adult person who works with children, each SRE Teacher is obliged by NSW Child Protection Legislation and other legislation to fulfil certain requirements. Such legislation aims to protect children for whom the Department of School Education is responsible, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of the delivery of SRE to students.

Each church authority is allowed to send its SRE Teachers into NSW state schools only on condition that the church has in place structures to ensure that its SRE Teachers conform to the requirements of this legislation.

Child Protection measures are in harmony with the Christian notion that each person is valued as a unique person fashioned in the image and likeness of God. SRE Teachers actively support and adhere to such legislation.

Child Protection legislation requires that children are, at all times, treated in such a manner that they are enabled to develop into free, unique and autonomous persons endowed with dignity.

In order to protect themselves against allegations of abuse by children or by others, SRE teachers ensure that when they need to converse with a sole student, that the student and the teacher remain within the view of other persons. SRE teachers refrain from unofficial out-of-school contact or communication with students, unless such contact or communication has the express permission of the child’s parent(s). (See extract from the draft Code of Conduct for Catholic Volunteers)

SRE Teachers respect physical and emotional boundaries that are essential for the maintenance of right relationships between students and teachers. They bring sensitivity, prudent judgement and self-control to all aspects of their dealings with students. They are careful to deal with students in ways that are open to scrutiny. (See extract from draft Code of Conduct for Catholic Volunteers)

SRE Teachers avoid all actions that could be construed as hostile to students; all overfamiliar or inappropriate language and the invasion of the personal space of students. They take all reasonable steps to protect children and to act in the best interests of students.

SRE Teachers seek at all times to use calm speech when dealing with students. This is especially necessary when they have to deal with student misbehaviour. Where student misbehaviour persists, the SRE teacher refers the problem to the class teacher or to another member of the school staff. Under no circumstances does the SRE teacher take things into her or his own hands and physically discipline a student.