In case any other parents need an opt out letter for RI

[boxsey]

Here is mine. Feel free to cut and paste.

Dear Principal,

Re: Religious Instruction

We do NOT give consent for our daughters, NAME (Grade 1) and NAME (Grade 3), to attend the Christian Religious Instruction.

In accordance with the Laws and Qld Educations policies pertaining to RI in Queensland State Schools, we expect our children (and any other students who have not indicated their religion as being Christian and who have also not given written consent to attend Christian RI – as per SCM-PR-021), to be given alternative activities in a separate room from which the RI is taking place, and with adequate supervision.

We would like to be informed of the day and times set for RI, as well as the planned activities for our children, as well as the number of other children who will be sitting out with them. We would hope that alternative activities are interesting and enjoyable for them – and not just additional worksheets. If the school is unable to provide a suitable alternative to the songs, stories and craft provided by the RI teacher, then please let either of us know so that we can. I’m sure there are many alternatives – for example, our children would probably really enjoy the extra time playing on the computer.

We would also ask that there are plans in place so that if the usual teacher is absent, any relief or substitute teachers can also abide by our wishes. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss any concerns or problems.

Thank you

Yours sincerely


CC - to each of thier teachers as well.

[boxsey]

It shits me that i have to do this every friggin year. And that despite my repeated letters and objections and discussions, they still don't follow thier own departments policies.

[boxsey]

Oh...the policy and legislation reffered to is QUEENSLAND. You may have to look up your own states policy so you don't look like a dill.....

[SchizoDeluxe]

That sucks that it has to be like that, your kids must feel like outsiders or something when it should be the other way around.

[Free Brain Removal]

How about the kids get the chance for some excercise instead of the religion class? Let's see any kid want to stay in that class when their Atheist peers are getting an extra recess instead

[Vonnie]

As usual, an excellent letter, Boxsey! I only wish that you didn't have to fight this ridiculous battle...

Luckily, my children's school tends to play by the rules, so this year's letter is similar to last years:

We request that Isabella is “opted out” of Religious Education (RE).

(FYI: She participated in RE for Grades 1, 2 and part of Grade 3 and now has a good basic knowledge of the Christian religion, and we have decided that any further instruction could be considered to be indoctrination into the Christian faith. We are doing our best to bring up Isabella to be a rational, free-thinking young lady with good morals, ethics and values and feel that she can decide which religion she chooses to belong to – or not – when she is of an appropriate age.)

It would be appreciated if you would advise us what day RE is held on, and what alternative activity Isabella will be doing instead. (Last year she went to the Library; in Grade 3 she, and other opted-out children had use of a computer.)

If you wish to discuss this – or anything else regarding Isabella – with me further, we’d be happy too.

(I just hope that her teacher this year isn't some fundy who wants to play silly buggers and push my buttons...)

Vonnie

PS: Boxsey, as you can see, I have obtained a copy of the Education Queensland's standard primary student font "Beginner's Alphabet". If you want a copy, just PM me with your email addy!

[boxsey]

I will, vonnie - thanks!

Yeah, it does suck. the note sent home with my grade one'r was horrid. I'll find it and type out the bit about religion, and how they encourage all kids to attend later.

Last year, DD1 was the ONLY kid not doing RI. I am hopeful, but not confidant, that that will not be the case this year.

[davo]

Originally Posted by Vonnie

PS: Boxsey, as you can see, I have obtained a copy of the Education Queensland's standard primary student font "Beginner's Alphabet". If you want a copy, just PM me with your email addy!

Vonnie, unfortunately web pages do not pass the font, they just define the font to use .. you see it as it is installed on your computer, as would anyone else with the font installed, but those of us without the font, just see normal text.

I'd like the font too!

[Buddhish]

Hi Boxsey and Vonnie,
Thanks for the letters here - really great to see the wording you have used, and also to know we are not alone or as weirdo-extremist as we are sometimes treated to be worried about this stuff.

I'm planning on chatting to the class teachers next week about the alternatives for the kids - my son's teacher has indicated she is happy to let me know how many other kids in his class are opted out, and what activities he would be undertaking instead (perhaps I can suggest that he gets to watch The Simpsons... last night's episode here was the one where Lisa fights for the teaching of evolution in schools - couldn't have been more timely in our household!). Now that would have the god-botherers looking on jealously!

Will have to see re my daughter's teacher as it is harder for grade 1 children to be amused with computers etc. Great to know you are all here to share with!!! And to see such articulate parents fighting the system here in QLD... love the climate but you do pay for it in other ways hey?!

[boxsey]

I kinda feel like i have the school a bit scared of me now. I went over their heads a while back, to the regional director, and they got a slap on the wrist. I added the bit about the other kids, because i want to ensure that there will be other kids sitting out with mine! Statistically, there has to be at least 50% of the kids in that school from non believers - or believers in things other than JC. However, they make out like its good for the kids to do RI, and with no organised alternative...its certainly easier.