2003

Monday 15th September 2003
Keeping the Flame Alive: State School Religious Education Volunteers' Conference
Across NSW each week thousands of volunteers - known as Special Religious Education (SRE) teachers, Catechists or Scripture teachers - provide religious education classes for hundreds of thousands of State primary and secondary school students.

In Newcastle tomorrow (Tuesday September 16) over 100 SRE teachers from various Churches in the Manning, Hunter, Newcastle and Armidale regions will attend a one-day creative gathering to explore the theme Keeping the Flame Alive.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Special Religious Education Unit is hosting the gathering.

"The purpose of the gathering," says Mrs Mary Smith, SRE Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan Director, "is to provide SRE teachers with an opportunity to reflect on their mission, and expand their knowledge and ability to reach students in the many and varied ways that young people learn."

"These teachers - both younger and older - are often not recognised for the wonderful work that they do; they are very much the quiet achievers. This gathering is an opportunity to acknowledge their significant contribution and to offer them the personal support and professional skills required to undertake the challenging task of child and young adult faith education."

Guest speakers at the gathering are Ms Helene O'Neill - in a role quite different from her ABC radio sports commentating! - and Ms Anita Sicari, who is involved in the training and support of SRE teachers in Sydney. Both speakers will motivate their audience and share their ideas on what it takes to 'keep the flame alive'.

Workshops will cover a range of issues such as: drama, art and music in the classroom; how children deal with loss and grief; the use of Aboriginal symbols in worship; understanding the culture and customs of the Middle East; and managing classroom behaviour.

In the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Catholic SRE teachers work collaboratively with other Christian denominations. Hence, representatives of other Christian Churches will also attend the gathering.

WHEN?
Tuesday 16th September 2003, 9:00 am til 3:30 pm

WHERE?
Catholic Diocesan Centre, (Victor Peter's Suite) 841 Hunter Street Newcastle West.

N.B. According to the 2001 Census, approximately 15,400 Catholic students attend State primary and secondary schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle incorporates the Newcastle, Hunter and Manning regions.

For more information about State School Religious Education click here.

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