Religious Education
The provision of religious instruction (RI) in school hours in Queensland state schools is legislated in the
Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 and the Education (General Provisions) Regulation 2006. The
legislative requirements apply to:
 RI in state primary, secondary and special schools
 the ability of religious denominations or societies to provide an RI program
 state primary and special schools offering programs of selected Bible lessons
Specific details listing the full responsibilities of principals, religious leaders, RI coordinators and approved
instructors in regard to the delivery of RI can be found in SCM-PR-021: Religious Instruction in School Hours.
Children from Years 3 – 6 have the opportunity to attend Religious Education classes each Wednesday
afternoon based on information on their enrolment forms and permission forms which are sent out at the
beginning of Year 3.
These classes include Orthodox/Greek Orthodox, Protestant, Baha’i, Roman Catholic, ,Islam, Hindu and
Buddhist.
Years 3 & 4
between 1.55pm and 2.30pm
Years 5 to 6
between 2.30pm and 3pm
The Study Of Religions - Option
West End is known for its multicultural community which prides itself on tolerance and respect of ethnicity,
beliefs and religions. This is enhanced by education and awareness.
Families at West End SS who have no religion nominated in their enrolment forms, yet wish their children to
learn about the religions of the world have traditionally, yet informally, contacted the school to take advantage
of our range of religious instruction options.
During 2012, the West End School Council endorsed the option of providing all families with the option for their
child to study other religions by attending the weekly faith based classes.
From 2013, we are formalising the process to allow all families to nominate for your child to attend the weekly
30 minute religious instruction as the STUDY OF RELIGION option if you would prefer.
If you have a religion stated on your enrolment form, your child in also able to participate in the Study of
Religion option during their RI class time.
If you have “No Religion’ stated on your child’s enrolment form, you have 2 options:
1 Your child can participate in an independent reading session under the supervision of a teacher. For this
program, children are able to bring and read books independently from school or home at their own ability and
interest level.
2 Your child can be nominated for ‘Study of Religion”. This will be entered as ‘Other’ in our OneSchool
management system. You will be able to enrol in a different Religious Instruction Class each year on an annual
basis. This option would enable your child to study a cross section of religious faiths from Years 3-6 during
their primary schooling. You will be given a form in Weeks 1 or 2 each year to select from the range of religion
classes or return to the non- religion class participating in independent reading.
Descriptions of the programs offered in our faith based classes at West End have each been provided by our Faith leaders:
Baha’i Religious Education
Classes are based on the teachings of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith. In Baha’i classes, the development of spiritual
attributes or virtues common to all the world’s major religions are explored. In addition Baha’i Religious Education Classes
attempt to develop within the students the knowledge, skills, understandings and attitudes required to be world citizens and to
embrace the equality of all peoples, regardless of race, religion, nation, class or gender. Students participating in the classes
explore ways in which they may be able to contribute to society and serve humanity.
Buddhism
BESS (Buddhist Education Services for Schools) is a voluntary organization committed to providing Buddhism Education
primarily in government schools under the legal provisions for religious instructions. BESS includes members of all three
Buddhism streams (Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana) from a variety of local Buddhism Centres including: Amitabha
Buddhist Association, Chenrezig Institute, Chung Tian Temple, Linh Son Temple, Pure Land Learning College, Queensland
Buddhist Vihara, Rangton Buddhist Centre, Sri Lanka Buddhist Monastery, Tzu Chi Foundation, etc.
The curriculum consists of modules on the life of the Buddha and his basic teachings: ethics, tolerance, metta (loving-kindness),
mindfulness, precepts, the Four Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Thirty-Seven Practices Leading to Enlightenment.
Simple meditation instructions at a level suitable for children will also be given. The purpose of the program is to teach universal
values that the Buddha taught to enhance children's ability to better relate to themselves and others by enhancing children's
qualities such as self-discipline, concentration, generosity, honesty, patience, compassion and self-understanding
Orthodox/ Greek Orthodox
The purpose of or Greek Orthodox religious education classes is to teach the children what the Church believes about Jesus Christ,
His mother Mary and the Saints. We also teach them about what we see and do during the liturgy (Church services).
Protestant Religious Education
In our class each week, we learn about God and the Bible through fun activities, discussions, music and games. We use the
“Connect” Religious Education curriculum designed for Australian and New Zealand schools, with each child having their own
activity workbook. All teachers are experienced in religious education and engaging with children, and are members of local
church congregations.
Roman Catholic
The Missionaries of Charity (sisters of Mother Theresa) teach the Catholic Religion, with lessons largely based on Scripture.
Children wishing to be prepared for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation,
attend Sunday School after the 10am Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church, West End, during school terms. Interested parents
should contact us by phone 32524441 early in the school year.
Hinduism
The Hindu program is the ‘Essential Of Hinduism’ program authorised by the Ramakrishnavedanta Centre of Qld Brisbane,
Islam
The Islamic faith program is authorised by the Islamic Society of West End. Islam is a complete way of life. Islam is all about
three things. Believing all the power ultimately belongs to most Supreme, Allah (GOD), the most just, and the most kind and most
gracious and He's in charge of all the worldly affairs and all the time [Tawheed, Oneness to Allah]. Islam teaches us to enjoy what
is good and forbid what's evil [Halal and Haram]. Lastly, Islam teaches us the unity and that the doors of mercy and forgiveness of
God is always open for everyone at any time. During the classes, children will be taught three main subjects from the teachings of
Muhammad: The six pillars of Eman (Believes, Faith),The five main pillars of Islam and The equality of men and women (the
Adam and Eve story).
If you choose at a future time to change the class your child attends, you can obtain a form from the office
which you’ll need to complete and return.
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OPTIONS
Student Name _________________________________________
Year Level ________________
Religion: _____________________________________________
□
Option 1
Religion classes to attend are the same as was on the Enrolment Form, which was:
Baha’i
Buddhism
Catholic
Greek Orthodox (English/ Greek)
Hindu
Islam
Protestant (Christian)
If ‘Non Religion’, please indicate your preference by ticking your preferred option
□
Option 2
Non religion (independent reading activities)
□
Option 3
The Study of Religions (participation for 12 months at a time in a faith class)
NB. Students will return to Option 2 during the year if they wish to opt out of the faith class
during the year.
Baha’i
Buddhism
Catholic
Greek Orthodox (English/ Greek)
Hindu
Islam
Protestant (Christian)
Parent/Caregiver Name _______________________________
Signature ___________________________________________
Date ________________