SRE is Back at School and many show their support

With SRE programs relaunching at schools, hear some of the celebrations and challenges that teachers have faced.

I still remember my first day of High School. I especially remember trying to put on a brave face and having a belly full of butterflies.

Over the last few weeks, Primary and High School SRE teachers all across NSW have had their own “first day of school” – albeit a first day back after COVID restrictions.

Now that restrictions have slowly lifted, SRE teachers are gradually being given the opportunity to teach again. For some, the emotions were just as high as they were for me all those years ago.

As High School SRE Advisor for Youthworks, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with paid and volunteer teachers across Sydney who are committed to the work of SRE classes in schools.

I asked three of our teachers – Stephen, Amy and Katie, to share their reflections about returning to SRE teaching this term after the COVID-restrictions of Term 2.

On Amy’s first day back to school she felt that she could pick up right where she left off.

“It's been great to catch up with all my students and to find that the majority of them are happy to be back in SRE even after a term off,” Amy shared.

All sorts of members of the wider school community have also shown their support.

Stephen shared that one principal invited them back for Week 1 of Term 3 on the exact same day that the NSW Department of Education announced that SRE was allowed to return.

The students have also been excited as well. Katie noted that one student exclaimed “Hooray!” when they found out SRE was back on.

When SRE paused due to COVID-19 last term, our teachers really struggled because for them, they had to stop doing what they loved and what they were most passionate about.

“I felt so sad to be out of the school at such a critical time. I wasn’t able point them to the truth and hope of the Bible's message through the SRE curriculum. I wasn’t able to offer prayer support in person,” Katie shared.

Stephen also felt similarly adding that in order to care for his students from a distance, he would pray that they would be connected to their local churches through online means.

Amy also relied on prayer when SRE was paused due to COVID-19. She found that it was a significant way that she could support her students in the absence of SRE.

“I prayed that God would continue deepening my students' trust in him, and that they would know his peace, which surpasses understanding,” Amy added.

When SRE paused due to COVID-19, our teachers had a chance to reflect on the importance of SRE in schools.

“I am trained to teach science to teenagers. While it is valuable helping them to learn about the world God has created and how they can live in it, it is infinitely more valuable to help them learn about the God who created everything and the eternal life he promises in Jesus Christ,” Stephen shared.  

Amy also enjoys guiding her students to think deeply, sharing that, “High School SRE is an amazing opportunity for students to investigate what the Bible teaches and to consider its answers to our biggest questions in life.”

Praise God that SRE is back and running again, even in the midst of the uncertainty that the pandemic has brought upon us.

Let’s keep praying for our SRE teachers and students and keep thanking God for this precious opportunity.