About Us
Special Religious Education (SRE) or Scripture
is an important Ministry within the Diocese, that supports parents, students, SRE teachers, clergy and parishes in the religious education of Catholic students attending State/Government Schools. The role of the SRE Department is to coordinate this ministry so that the developing faith of students is based on sound educational principles.
Director of Special Religious Education
The role of the Director includes the support and encouragement of SRE Teachers, parishes and clergy. This role include the organisation of training, in-service days, reflection days, opportunities for faith formation, networking and advocacy.
Contact the SRE Director
Deanery SRE Co-ordinators
The role of the Deanery Coordinators is to support and encourage SRE teachers in both a professional and pastoral capacity. This involves working with Parish SRE coordinators, teachers and clergy.
Contact your Deanery SRE Co-ordinator
What is SRE?
Special Religious Education is that religious education provided by religious persuasions during part of the school week set aside specifically for that purpose. SRE teachers may be referred to as Catechists or Scripture Teachers and SRE is often referred to as ‘Scripture'.
The NSW Education Reform Act 1990 requires government schools to provide two types of religious education:
1. Special Religious Education (SRE) - defined as education in the beliefs and practices of an approved religious persuasion by authorised representatives of that persuasion; AND
2. General Religious Education (GRE) - defined as education about the world’s major religions, what people believe and how that belief affects their lives. It is taught mainly through the school curriculum.
The Department of Education and Training definitions and guidelines can viewed online.
Becoming an SRE Teacher
Special Religious Education (SRE) teachers are volunteers who are authorised and commissioned by the parish priest to go into the classroom to teach religious education using an approved curriculum.
SRE teachers are traditionally known as 'catechists' or 'scripture teachers'.
Successful SRE teachers have a love for children and communicate well with them. They are comfortable with being on a faith journey with the children and are willing to more learn about themselves and their faith. They will commit to attend classes punctually and regularly.
If you are interested in knowing more about becoming an SRE teacher why not offer to be a classroom assistant. To find out more information in your parish contact the parish priest or SRE coordinator. The parish priest is responsible for authorising volunteers to teach SRE in the school.
Formal requirements
An SRE teacher must comply with the Child Protection Legislation and complete a Volunteer/Student Declaration Form.
An SRE teacher also needs to complete an SRE Teachers Declaration and SRE Volunteer Engagement Form. Documentation is available from the parish priest or can be downloaded from this website.
The teacher then receives a Provisional Authorisation Card.
Training
All new SRE teachers and assistants are introduced to the Code of Conduct before entering the classroom.
Attendance at orientation and enrolment in Level 1 training is encouraged in their first year.
Child Protection training must be completed at the earliest opportunity and updated every three years.
SRE teachers and assistants are encouraged to attend Level 2 and 3 over the next few years.
SRE teachers are expected to attend training before they commence teaching. Ongoing training and inservice days are offered during the year. A Certificate is presented at the completion of a Unit of training. On the completion of 3 Units of training an Accreditation Certificate and pin are presented at the Diocesan Mass.
SRE Curriculum Outlines
Catholic SRE in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is presented from one of two authorised curriculum; Christ Our Light and Life (CCD Sydney) and Walking with Jesus, Pathways of Discipleship (CCD Broken Bay).
Outlines for each of these programs can be found below -
Contact Us
SRE Head Office
PO Box 756, Newcastle, 2300.
Catherine McAuley Building
Rear 841 Hunter Street , Newcastle West, 2302
Ph: (02) 4979 1329 Fax: (02) 4979 2035 or Email
Diocesan Director - John Donnelly
Ph: (02) 4970 1329 or Email
Deanery Co-ordinators :
Administration - Jenny Harris Ph: (02) 4979 1328 or Email
