The intersection of education and community

Image: Jonathan Borba
“For me, the different religions are beautiful flowers from the same garden, or they are branches of the same majestic tree.”
Mahatma Gandhi
How many different religions and faiths are practised in your school and community? Have you ever thought about how religion and faith might influence your practice?
The ongoing culture war seem to be entering every aspect of our lives. We do well not to forget the constant revision of history, used to form social and political values. In some vain attempt, or foolish self-belief to hold a higher moral code.
Christmas is both a social and religious celebration. Boxing Day has lost true meaning and has become part of well-earnt holidays. For many teachers and school leaders it is the first day to stop, catch a breath and begin to relax. For many families, December 25 is not significant or hold a different meaning in the observance and celebration of their religion and faith.
Perhaps the larger question is how religion and faith is recognised in schools? Faith-based schools have the right to teach the values and practices of that faith. Public schools are challenged to teach the values and practices that represent the broad section of the community. New curriculums are regularly lobbed onto staff laptops, and the attached professional learning drive the expectations that social and cultural perspectives be woven into lessons.
The Australian curriculum (Version 9.0) is being introduced by educational jurisdictions from 2023. The review into the national curriculum documented an ideological campaign, in particular calls to refocus teaching on Australia’s ‘Judeo-Christian’ heritage. Teachers and school leaders receive regular instructions from discussing perceived contentious issues. Increasingly, directives issues to school leaders who are then compelled to implement the directive with teachers. It is apparent that these directives are framed around ‘Judeo-Cristian’ values, excluding many other faith-based values, beliefs and practices. It is very concerning that this is bringing with it outdated prejudices and intolerances!
Term 4 brings an end in sight of a long school year. The last weeks of the school year crash into the summer break. While it might be hard to catch a moment to gather your thoughts, it is important to reflect on the impact that you have had on students this year.
However, you and your family practice and celebrate religion and faith, Gandhi’s metaphor carries with it an invitation to calmness. Be one a beautiful flower or branch of that majestic tree that is our society.