Children's Ministry » News

NEW Cyber Smart Resources

Emma — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:46:32 +0000

Cybersmart is a website which provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world. You might think this is just an issue for teens but younger kids are ‘connected’ and making use of online/social media at an increasing rate too!

Through the online story books/videos, games and downloadable youtube videos you can learn more about fast-changing world. Young people (and adults!) are not only connected by computers and laptops with internet, but the explosion of social media and mobile phone online access anytime, virtually anywhere! Particularly young people can be oblivious to the dangers and just how public what they are ‘posting’ even to friends can be.

This website and resources have been developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Cybersmart is part of the Australian Government’s cybersafety program.

To check out Cybersmart, follow the link below or cut and paste into your browser:
http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/

Ethics Class Option for Non-SRE Students

Emma — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 03:42:54 +0000

After several years of lobbying, a 10 week trial, an independent review and much deliberation time, the NSW parliament passed an amendment to the Education Act 1990 which now allows schools to host ‘special education in ethics’ classes as an option for those children whose parents do not wish for them to attend a Special Religious Education (SRE/Scripture) class.

These ethics classes can happen from Term 1, 2011 but will only happen where there is sufficient interest from the school community and sufficient suitable volunteers to adequately coordinate and teach ethics classes. SRE classes will remain the primary options and ethics classes will only be on offer for those who have ‘opted out’ of SRE. The group responsible for coordinating the ethics curriculum, volunteer training and other administration across the state is ‘Primary Ethics’ a company founded by St James Ethics Centre.

Last week a communication was sent out to primary school principals from Brian Elliot in the Department of Education and Training (DET) outlining what is required in order for a school to include an ethics class as an option for non-SRE students in the SRE time slot in 2011.

Here is a summary of these requirements from the DET.

The principal of a school must consult with the community if there is interest in ethics classes for next year.
There must be interest from at least 20 parents and 2 volunteers who are willing to train as ethic class teachers. If there is this sufficient support, the principal contacts the ‘Primary Ethics’ group, established by St James Ethics Centre to deal with queries, coordination and requirements for ethics classes.
Until any new course material is approved, the only material which can be taught is that which made up the pilot lessons, taking into account the pilot evaluation recommendation to cover each lesson unit over two weeks instead of one. Thus there is 20 weeks of approved course material for ethics classes.
Currently the Ethics Classes can only be offered to years 5 & 6. However there is plans for a roll out for all primary school age levels in the future.
The SRE liaison officers will not have responsibility for overseeing/monitoring ethics classes.
The legislation directs that the ethics classes must take place at the same time as SRE – the timetabling of SRE is negotiated by the SRE providers and ethics providers must accept what has been negotiated by SRE providers.
The schools most likely to introduce ethics classes in Term 1 are the 10 school involved in the trial and those schools whose P&C has already discussed and voted for ethics classes in their school. See a list of P&Cs which voted in favour of ethics classes (at 15^th Dec 2010).

Below are links to statements and articles from ICCOREIS, the Department of Education and Training, and ‘Primary Ethics’ which contain further information about the ethics classes, the assured place of SRE, and preparations for 2011.

Statement from the Chairperson of ICCOREIS Ann Maree Whenman

http://www.iccoreis.asn.au/news.htm#news1

DET News Articles

Education Act 1990 Ammendment

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/about-us/news-at-det/news/ethics-classes-to-start-in-2011

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/about-us/news-at-det/news/law-ensures-ethics-classes-can-start-in-2011

Further Information from ‘Primary Ethics’

http://www.primaryethics.com.au/principals.html

Refresh KCO 2011

Rowena — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:23:55 +0000

Imagine… space to breathe, space to think, space to explore …

That is what Refresh KCO 2011 is all about!

Elanora is a beautiful environment in which to explore God’s creation, nurture children’s faith and be part of an exciting program. Children will have opportunities to be part of small and large groups. The experiences will include walking, swimming, games, craft and eating meals together.

KCO allows children to be part of a wider Christian community, to meet other children and leaders and share in worship and Bible study as part of that community. It also provides leaders with a chance to talk to others, be encouraged and enjoy the weekend with minimum preparation but maximum fun. Young leaders in particular are able to take responsibility with guidance and a special time on Saturday night is set aside for them to be mentored and encouraged.

When:            Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 March 2011
Time:            Saturday 1.00pm until Sunday 1.00pm
Where:          Elanora, 19a Wesley Street, Elanora Heights NSW
Who:              Children in years 3- 6 in 2011 (Children in years 7-12 can come along as assistant leaders and congregation helpers) Please remember NO group is too small, all are welcome!!

Costs will be $75 per person (children and adults), and this includes lunch on arrival, afternoon tea, an evening meal, supper, breakfast, morning tea and lunch before leaving. Generous serves, healthy meals and food preferences and allergies catered for, if notification is given on forms. This also includes a bed and pillow in a shared cabin (with ensuite) or camping. It also includes all of the program, including entertainment, activities, booklets etc.

Not included is linen – bedding and towels. These can be included for an additional $15. Otherwise campers need to bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, and towels as required.

Registration packs will be on our website for download in early January.

As we don’t want anyone to miss out because of the cost, we are offered ‘KCO Scholarships’ to subsidise the cost. If your church has children who might not be able to attend KCO due to the cost, please contact Judyth Roberts on 8267 4289 or email judythr@nsw.uca.org.au

Australia 2nd Best Country for Mums

Rowena — Fri, 07 May 2010 04:35:54 +0000

04 May 2010 | 11:07:43 AM | Source: AAP

Australia is the second best country in the world to be a mum but it’s a different story for children, a new report has revealed.

Best and worst countries to be a mum

On the eve of Mother’s Day celebrations, the annual Save the Children report places Australian mothers second only to Norway on key economic, education and health scores.

With an average life expectancy of 84 years and an expected average 21 years of formal schooling, it says Australian women are well placed to give their children the best chance of survival, at least by international standards.

But the report highlights the difference in child mortality rates among Aboriginal children compared with their white counterparts, with three times more indigenous children dying before their fifth birthday.

Save the Children’s Dr Annie Pettitt, who specialises in child rights, said that while Australia’s report card was encouraging, more maternal health workers were needed to cut the child mortality rates.

“An important first step would be to tackle the shortfall of almost 2000 midwives in Australia, especially in remote and rural areas where we know the shortage is greatest,” she said in a statement.

“It would be great if every pregnant mother had access to a midwife or doctor and every sick child had the option to see a doctor in a clinic, but in developing countries around the world, and even in Australia, that is not the reality.

“Without putting more women on the front lines of health care provision, the world will never overcome the extreme shortages that are deadly for many children and women.”

The report also highlights war, violence and lawlessness as critical barriers to the well-being of mothers and their children.

In the 10 bottom-ranked countries, women face disadvantage at every level, with little education, low income ratios to men for equal work, and a high likelihood of losing at least one child.

It says that in Afghanistan fewer than 15 per cent of births are attended by trained health workers in a country where women earn 25 cents or less for every dollar men earn, and where a typical woman receives less than five years of formal education.

The State of the World’s Mothers report points out that the troubled country has seen a 20 per cent drop in maternal deaths between 2000 and 2008 as a result of a government-funded midwife program.

Despite this, Afghan women face a one in eight lifetime risk of dying of pregnancy-related causes, compared with one in 13,300 in Australia.

NSW Child Protection Legislation Changes and New, Interactive Working with Children Check Website

Rowena — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:11:57 +0000

The NSW Commission for Children and Young People has recently launched a new, interactive working with children check website with updated information to reflect new laws with respect to working with children and young people. The new website follows a question and answer format to help people understand the requirements for the many varied volunteer/employment situations, as well as providing information for parents.The main practical change for volunteers is that the existing child protection declaration for working with young people 0-18 years – the Prohibited Employment Declaration also known as an ‘Attachment 4’ or ‘PED’ – has been replaced by a Volunteer/Student Declaration. The Volunteer/Student Declaration is available from www.kids.nsw.gov.au/check and is designed to be completed online and then printed for signing.

For those who have already completed an ‘Attachment 4/PED’ for their current volunteer position, it remains valid*, but for a new volunteer (from the 31^st March 2010) the new Volunteer/Student Declaration* will need to be completed.

Another major change is that volunteers who mentor disadvantaged young people or provide for individual personal care for disabled young people now need consent to a ‘working with children check’ via an Applicant Declaration and Consent, instead of just signing the Volunteer/Student Declaration.

We encourage you to check out the new NSW Commission for Children and Young People website (www.kids.nsw.gov.au/check) which is now easier to navigate and provides ready access to further information and the forms mentioned above.

*Volunteers providing more intimate personal care will need to complete the new Applicant Declaration and Consent to continue to meet the requirements.

First Aid in Church

Rowena — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:59:27 +0000

The following is an article extracted from the Aug 2009 Issue of ‘What’s Up?’, A newsletter created by the Synod of SA for people in ministry with children and their families. The article raises some good questions that can guide you in providing a safe place for children.

What’s Up?

Mary Jo recently attended a First Aid course run by St John. It turned out to be an enjoyable, non threatening, and helpful experience. And it got her musing. In our duty of care for children in our churches:

Ø Do I know who among our regular attendees is qualified to administer first aid or CPR?

Ø Should there be a list posted prominently so ushers/stewards and Sunday school leaders know who to call on?

Ø Is someone with this training present at all events involving children?

Ø Do we have an adequate first aid kit? Do all our Sunday school (kids club, playgroup) leaders know where it is?

Ø Do we understand that where parents/carers attend an activity with their children, they have primary duty of care for their child in the case of an accident or injury but if parents are not present, it is our responsibility?

Ø Do we always know how to contact parents when they leave their children with us?

Ø Do we know of any medical conditions of the children that need ongoing monitoring or that might impact on the first aid administered in case of an emergency?

Ø Is there a phone available at all times for ringing 000 in case of an emergency?

Ø When did we last do an assessment of the building and surrounds to spot potential hazards? Have we dealt adequately with these hazards?

Ø When did our leaders and First Aid officers last browse through the Uniting Church of SA’s Called to Care document? Has everyone acted to fulfil their responsibilities? Have I fulfilled my responsibilities?

If any of this resonates with you. If you are already doing some of the things suggested or have other ideas, please let us know at the Resource Centre, so we can pass on your ideas to other What’s Up readers. rccfm@bigpond.com

Forum 2009 – Valuing Volunteers

Rowena — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:07:05 +0000

Forum – Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers. sponsored by ICCOREIS

When: On Monday 31st August, 9.30 – 3.45

Who: This event is primarily designed for SRE coordinators and ministry coordinators (such as children’s and youth ministers), but would be equally relevant to leaders of ‘not for profit’ agencies which rely heavily on volunteers for the bulk of their staffing.

Where: The venue is Trinity Chapel, Robert Menzies College, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park. The site is easily accessible by public transport as well as by car.

What: The keynote speaker is Mr Michael Ryan, who is a lecturer in the School of Education at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). Michael has been working in the area of Volunteering in Community Organisations – enhancing volunteer capacity.

A feature of the programme will be a selection of workshops presented by ICCOREIS members. There will also be the opportunity to buy resources.

Cost: ICCOREIS will be heavily subsidizing the cost of the day to keep it at an achievable level for participants who already give very generously to the work of SRE. The registration fee, which includes morning tea and lunch, will be only $10.

REGISTER NOW

30th Anniversary of United Nations: International Year of the Child

Luke — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:31:57 +0000

Surely a time to celebrate the contribution of children to the life of the church and challenge the church to fresh vision, inspired by the spirit of the child. Visit Year of the Child 2009