Christian RI program
Participating Faith Groups: The Christian faith groups (denominations) who work cooperatively together for the program at the school include the majority of Christian Church denominations. The program has churches working together and on behalf of each other. This includes Anglican, Australian Christian Churches, Catholic, Churches of Christ, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Uniting and many others. For details, see the “Ministers' Arrangement" held by the school's Administration staff.
While parents/caregivers must "opt in" their child into the program, it is not necessary to belong to any faith group to participate.
Authorised program: "Beginning with God", “Connect" and “Big Questions" (all published by Christian Education publications) or “GodSpace" (by Burst Publications). Currently Year 1 use “Beginning with God", Year 2 use “Infant Connect", Year 4 use “Lower Primary Connect", Year 5 use “Upper Primary Connect", and Year 6 use either “Upper Primary Connect" or “Big Questions". Also CRI programs by Quiz Worx for Easter and Christmas assemblies may supplement classroom lessons.
Aims and goals: The Christian RI program seeks to give students the opportunity to explore and question faith and Christian values for themselves as part of a full education. It is one way of promoting the child's spiritual development and well-being. The program empowers student decision making, fosters student action, and encourages student responsibility for the choices they will be making both now and into the future. The program goals include creating a safe place for students to explore deeper questions of faith and belief. It aims to use age-appropriate methods (including storytelling, music, drama, games, quizzes, video clips and puppet shows), with program resources written by professional educators.
Lesson structure: Lessons usually take place once a fortnight, and
are approximately 45 minutes in length. Two Student Activity Books
are used by students each year. These books are provided free of charge,
with costs covered by the religious instruction providers.
For further information, including module and/or lesson descriptions, visit https://cepconnect.com.au/curriculum and www.christianri.org.au