Teacher resource: Against Militarism

West Papua nativesThe intent of this teacher resource is to illustrate opportunities in school curricula for engagement with the history and nature of militarism, war and conflict. Where possible specific topics, units, content and outcomes are suggested.

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Friends of the Holy Land Christmas Song – ‘Hear Angels Cry’.

Friends of the Holy Land Christmas Song – ‘Hear Angels Cry’.

In a departure from the traditional festive decorations and Christmas tree lighting, the Bethlehem Municipality has chosen to cancel Christmas festivities due to thousands killed and in a prayer for peace. Amidst the rubble and ruins, a poignant voice rises to declare that the light of hope will persist in the small West Bank town where the Christmas story unfolded.

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2024 Lunar New Year: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon

2024 Lunar New Year: Celebrate the Year of the DragonThe Year of the Dragon brings luck, wealth and power. Come on a journey with SBS Learn as we explore how Lunar New Year is celebrated, watch short videos from SBS programs, find words, colour in, and so much more! A teacher resource is available.
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Judaism: How to Talk to Your Children about Israel and Terrorism – A Toolbox

Parenting children in time of warDuring this time of tragedy and mourning, it can be difficult to speak to children about what is happening. Depending on their age, they may be hearing or seeing frightening things on the news, at home, at school, or online. Children often find out news on their smart-phones, before parents know. As caregivers, it is important to both shield our children from trauma while providing skills to cope with fear and anxiety.

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Launch of Special Religious Instruction Book

Launch of Special Religious Instruction BoA new, ground-breaking report will be published dealing with the importance of Special Religious Education/Instruction, known colloquially as scripture classes. The report presents five important values that will bring integration and less bullying in schools.
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Is the cheery praise for mindfulness based on expert evidence?

mindfulness in schools

Educators, desperate to offset the mental health impacts of COVID on students, are taking up mindfulness programs to address the wellbeing needs of students. But is the cheery praise for mindfulness based on expert evidence?

It’s becoming a staple within Australian education – from preschool to universities. The Smiling Mind Primary School Program, for example, has been rolled out to 445 schools across NSW, including 13 specialist schools, and is gaining increased direct funding support from government.

Many in education – including educators, school leaders and policy-makers – have welcomed mindfulness and are excited about what mindfulness may hold for education. But is enthusiasm for mindfulness outpacing the evidence in its favour? Do applications of mindfulness in education retain an overly narrow account of what mindfulness is? If we are using mindfulness with young people, what is it best used for?

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Book Launch: “Special Religious Education in Australia and its Value to Contemporary Society”

Special Religious Education in Australia and its Value to Contemporary Society
Better Balanced Futures represents the major faith groups involved in public school religious education – is delighted to invite you to the national launch of the book, “Special Religious Education in Australia and its Value to Contemporary Society” on Monday 29th Aug 2022, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

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NSW: Meeting with Shadow Education Minister for SRE and GRE

NSW: Meeting with Shadow Education Minister for SRE and GREHindu Council of Australia and other faith SRE providers met with Prue Car, Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Member for Londonderry, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education, and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Learning (Australian Labor Party) on 24th May 2022. The meeting was to discuss SRE and GRE in enrollment, and seeking bipartisan support for Special Religious Education and General Religious Education.

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Noosa Temple of Satan education challenge dismissed by judge as ‘jumble of confected nonsense’

"Noosa Temple of Satan

A Supreme Court judge has dismissed a group of Satanists’ bid to teach religious classes in some Queensland schools, describing the case as a “deplorable waste of state resources” and a political stunt.

Justice Martin Burns also directed group founder Robin Bristow to appear before him in two weeks to prove why he should not be prosecuted over his testimony.

Mr Bristow’s attempt to meet legal criteria of a religious organisation resulted in a “jumble of confected nonsense”, Justice Burns found.

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Bullying and Belief – Secondary Sources

 Bullying and Belief - Primary Sources

The Bullying and Belief toolkit is a resource to support schools to deal with the topic of religious bullying. It contains five 60-minute lessons for Primary and Secondary schools, with resources and films on which to base your teaching within lessons. The toolkit also contains resources for organising assemblies around this theme.

Download the Bullying and belief Toolkit Booklet

More resources below …

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