December Newsletter
Posted: 18-Dec-2009
From the CEO about important training developments
The Timothy Partnership has just been launched – allowing every SRE teacher to gain minimum theological qualifications for SRE teaching over time – not just for the ATO requirement for religious practitioner status, but because we want to help deliver the best quality SRE ministry possible without making it too burdensome.
You should have received information on training from GenR8 in the last week (if not contact us). This will outline the best way to fulfil the qualification requirements
in the contract for GenR8 SRE teachers. It includes the Prospectus. SRE
teachers who are receiving non-reportable fringe benefits as religious
practitioners and do not have an ACT DipTheol or equivalent or better will
need to enrol through the Timothy Partnership or another approved college
to start next year
The minimum rate of study we are setting is three units
over two years, so you may plan to cover just one unit in first or second
semester next year to get settled in. Or do two to take the pressire of
the next year, or go full on to enjoy maximum benefits of first rate input
on the Bible, theology and working with young people. The cost needs to
be covered through fee-help if eligible (see the Prospectus), or by the
local SRE board, or personally. These options need to be decided locally
in the next couple of months for those starting first term.
For more information go to http://timothypartnership.com.
More Certainty for Chaplaincy
On November 21 the Prime Minister announced that all present chaplaincy funding will continue until the end of 2011. Even more significantly he announced that a parliamentary committee will review the NSCP during 2010 to recommend the form it will take from 2012 after community consultation. GenR8 as well as the other NSCA members will have input into this review. All stakeholders are encouraged to make submissions.
The outcome of the lobbying is different from what we expected – we hoped for expansion from next year. But we now have time to consolidate benchmarks and role expectations, prepare for minimum training standards from 2012, encourage chaplains to start the DipTheol before then, develop an induction program for new chaplains, encourage other sponsors to transfer their chaplaincies to GenR8 where appropriate, invite churches and boards to partner with us in supporting chaplaincies locally, and prepare for a major increase in numbers from 2012.
Well done to everyone who stepped up for our lobbying campaign. One of the real strengths of having GenR8 is greatly improved advocacy. GenR8 also has access to the resources and expertise of the other major chaplaincy providers in the NSCA who have done most of the hard yards. Successful lobbying since 2007 and some $100,000 invested successfully in research and submissions is great to be part of.
The Ethics Course proposal and SRE.
You may well be aware of this big news story from the last few weeks. There's lots of different opinions out there. To find out more about the implications see the website.
It's a good opportunity to refocus the value of SRE for schools and communities. Let's start 2010 with good SRE stories and publicity about its advantages for students, families and schools.
Church leaders are making representations to the state government, as the ethics course proposal contradicts the DET Policy Guidelines for SRE. Pray for the new premier Kristina Keneally and the Education Minister Verity Firth as they listen to interested parties.
See the website for more information and ways to strengthen support for SRE.
