Victorian Department of Education to overhaul religious education because ONE person complained
Karen Percy from the ABC wrote the following article:
"[It tells boys] how to land a jet plane, and how to put out a fire in an oven," Ms Voorhoeve said in February."But it also tells them that you can't have relations with non-Christians and specifically that their relationships have to be with girls."
The Department commissioned consulting firm PWC to write a report on the incident. The report states that Access Ministries volunteers did not know that non-SRI students were present when the "Biblezines" were given out.
However, in a summary of the investigation the provider was found to be in breach of regulations: "The content and distribution of the Biblezines is inconsistent with the relevant Volunteer Agreement and Team Leader's Guide; the Education and Training Reform Act 2006; and the Department's Schools Policy and Advisory Guide (SPAG), Supporting Sexual Diversity in Schools Policy and Human Resources Policy on Same-sex Attracted Employees."
More answers needed: Naja Voorhoeve
The way religion is taught in Victorian primary schools will be overhauled after a report found that volunteers from the state's key provider Access Ministries breached its guidelines. (based on the complaint of one person)
A Department of Education investigation found that Access Ministries volunteers gave out between 16 and 18 copies of Refuel 2, a "Biblezine", at a Christmas performance at Torquay College in December last year.
A Department of Education investigation found that Access Ministries volunteers gave out between 16 and 18 copies of Refuel 2, a "Biblezine", at a Christmas performance at Torquay College in December last year.
Naja Voorhoeve complained to the department after her seven-year-old mildly autistic son, who was not enrolled in special religious instruction (SRI) classes, was given the Refuel 2 magazine by another student.
(So lets get some perspective here. A student hands it to another student then the parent demands the Education Department to overhaul the whole RE program? Does the Education department overhaul EVERY program when ONE parent complains? This response is out of proportion because it feeds atheist groups who are angry at every religious organization on the planet)
The magazine-style publication preaches religious and biblical messages to teenagers, in a format used extensively by American evangelical groups.Ms Voorhoeve said the magazine contained homophobic material and endorsed a Christian-only lifestyle.
The magazine-style publication preaches religious and biblical messages to teenagers, in a format used extensively by American evangelical groups.Ms Voorhoeve said the magazine contained homophobic material and endorsed a Christian-only lifestyle.
(So again lets get some perspective here. A Christian magazine will promote only Christian theological doctrine namely one man one woman -= marriage. Christianity does not support homosexuality or homosexual marriage but defines both as sin. Is this not a free country where other voices can be heard or contrary views are demanded to be silent? Having said that, Homosexuality zealotry will increase in Australia and will continue to literally force their immoral views on anyone who objects. Multiple examples of this can be seen. The Sydney Writers festival speaker only said they lied about gay marriage not affecting anyone. They intend to destroy marriage.)
"[It tells boys] how to land a jet plane, and how to put out a fire in an oven," Ms Voorhoeve said in February."But it also tells them that you can't have relations with non-Christians and specifically that their relationships have to be with girls."
(So lets get some perspective here again. There is nothing wrong with two Christians married. Muslims marry Christians but for a very different evil motive)
The Department commissioned consulting firm PWC to write a report on the incident. The report states that Access Ministries volunteers did not know that non-SRI students were present when the "Biblezines" were given out.
However, in a summary of the investigation the provider was found to be in breach of regulations: "The content and distribution of the Biblezines is inconsistent with the relevant Volunteer Agreement and Team Leader's Guide; the Education and Training Reform Act 2006; and the Department's Schools Policy and Advisory Guide (SPAG), Supporting Sexual Diversity in Schools Policy and Human Resources Policy on Same-sex Attracted Employees."
(So lets get some perspective here again.Many parents would not agree with these policies and many parents would NOT be prepared to have their children exposed to homosexual teaches, hence many withdraw and place them in faith school. Second these policies are not supported by Christians.)
As a result of the PWC investigation, Access Ministries volunteers will only be allowed to attend SRI classes, not other school functions such as Christmas parties. The department has also requested that Access Ministries' training and instruction material be updated.
As a result of the PWC investigation, Access Ministries volunteers will only be allowed to attend SRI classes, not other school functions such as Christmas parties. The department has also requested that Access Ministries' training and instruction material be updated.
(So lets get some perspective here. Updated to reflect secular values? I think not? Secular values are plain wrong)
It will also "clarify and communicate the authorising framework and procedures in relation to the conduct and approval of SRI; and clarify the framework and procedure for religious themed events". A new directive issued by Education Minister Martin Dixon earlier this month also prohibits instructors from offering gifts to students and rules that religious materials cannot be displayed or distributed in Victorian government schools.
It will also "clarify and communicate the authorising framework and procedures in relation to the conduct and approval of SRI; and clarify the framework and procedure for religious themed events". A new directive issued by Education Minister Martin Dixon earlier this month also prohibits instructors from offering gifts to students and rules that religious materials cannot be displayed or distributed in Victorian government schools.
More answers needed: Naja Voorhoeve
(So lets get some perspective here. Why should one person be allowed to do this? This woman's situation does not even justify this position.)
While the one-page summary has been provided to interested parties including the media, a spokesman has told the ABC that the report will not be released in full because of legal and privacy reasons.
Access Ministries in Victoria
The ABC understands Access Ministries is not named in the summary at its request, but Access Ministries is the only Christian-related instruction provider for Victorian primary schools. Ms Voorhoeve said she wants more answers from the department.
"The summary fails to identify the organisation responsible for distributing the Biblezines," Ms Voorhoeve told the ABC via email. "The entire summary is based on the premise that the Biblezines were distributed by the SRI provider, however, since that provider is not named this information cannot be verified.
While the one-page summary has been provided to interested parties including the media, a spokesman has told the ABC that the report will not be released in full because of legal and privacy reasons.
Access Ministries in Victoria
- Contracted to provide 30 minutes of religious instruction to each class level in state primary schools each week.
- Classes are held in school time and are undertaken by Access Ministries volunteers.
- A teacher from the school must be present during the classes.
- Parents can opt in to the program.
- Students who are not allowed to attend are removed from the classroom for other activities.
- Costs the State Government more than $730,000 every yea
- (So lets get some perspective here. $730,000 on what basis is this made? This is outlandish. I have personally observed teaches in the room are catching up on their work while RE continues)
The ABC understands Access Ministries is not named in the summary at its request, but Access Ministries is the only Christian-related instruction provider for Victorian primary schools. Ms Voorhoeve said she wants more answers from the department.
"The summary fails to identify the organisation responsible for distributing the Biblezines," Ms Voorhoeve told the ABC via email. "The entire summary is based on the premise that the Biblezines were distributed by the SRI provider, however, since that provider is not named this information cannot be verified.
(So lets get some perspective here. She wants to bully this organization? Really? Is that her attitude?)
"In particular, the Department of Education has not clarified the role of the school chaplain in the distribution of Biblezines." Department will not endorse Access Ministries curriculum. The SRI curriculum does not currently require approval from the Education Department, and that is unlikely to change.
It is likely, however, that there will be greater oversight of SRI materials. A revised consent form is also expected to be released which clarifies what is being offered with a link to the Access Ministries material, so parents can get a better idea of what is being taught. Access Ministries is currently taking legal action against the parents' group Fairness in Religions in Schools (FIRIS) after it posted samples of the curriculum on its website.
In a letter seen by the ABC, Access Ministries claims it is a breach of copyright. FIRIS spokesperson Scott Hedges said the curriculum was posted to inform parents. "There should be absolute transparency," he said.
"In particular, the Department of Education has not clarified the role of the school chaplain in the distribution of Biblezines." Department will not endorse Access Ministries curriculum. The SRI curriculum does not currently require approval from the Education Department, and that is unlikely to change.
It is likely, however, that there will be greater oversight of SRI materials. A revised consent form is also expected to be released which clarifies what is being offered with a link to the Access Ministries material, so parents can get a better idea of what is being taught. Access Ministries is currently taking legal action against the parents' group Fairness in Religions in Schools (FIRIS) after it posted samples of the curriculum on its website.
In a letter seen by the ABC, Access Ministries claims it is a breach of copyright. FIRIS spokesperson Scott Hedges said the curriculum was posted to inform parents. "There should be absolute transparency," he said.
(So lets get some perspective here. FIRIS are just like all atheist groups who want all religions out of schools, unfortunately, for that to occur, secular religion would also have to be removed along with it teachers)
"People shouldn't be surprised that their kids are in what amounts to Sunday school on a Wednesday." The ABC has asked Access Ministries for a response to the report.
"People shouldn't be surprised that their kids are in what amounts to Sunday school on a Wednesday." The ABC has asked Access Ministries for a response to the report.
