Graham McDonald the Executive Director of 'DIDYNO and the Christian connection' (Did you know) has revealed that Australia's 'Christian heritage' will be taught for the first time, in lessons on 'how Australia is a secular nation and a multi-faith society'(former Minister for Education Mr Christopher Pyne).
Graham writes: In 2006 a couple of colleagues and I met with the then Federal Minister for Education, Ms Julie Bishop. We discussed the upcoming national school curriculum and pointed out how Christianity through various people and organisations had significantly contributed to the development and well-being of this great nation.
The Minister's response was 'What exquisite timing! Please have your submissions to me as soon as possible.'Within six weeks they were in her hands and subsequently we were led to believe that either all or most of these submissions were accepted.
With the change of government, two of my colleagues in 2007-8 were invited by the then Labor Government to sit on some of the advisory panels. However the national school curriculum that was later released had very little to say about our Christian heritage or our Western culture.
With the return of the Coalition Government in 2013, the National School Curriculum was revisited. The then Federal Minister for Education Mr Christopher Pyne engaged the services of Mr Ken Wiltshire and Mr Kevin Donnelly.
Ken Wiltshire is a professor of Public Administration at the University of Queensland Business School and Kevin Donnelly in 2008 established the Education Standards Institute in Melbourne and is also a senior research fellow at the Australian Catholic University.
Published into the public domain
Quoting from The Australian September 19, 2015 in reference to the revised National School Curriculum:
'Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne said the changes would resolve "overcrowding'' in the primary school curriculum, boost the teaching of phonics and strengthen references to Western influences in Australia's history'.
'Australia's "Christian heritage" will be taught for the first time, in lessons on "how Australia is a secular nation and a multi-faith society''. 'Mr Pyne said he was "absolutely delighted'' the states and territories had backed the reforms, which have been driven by the federal and NSW governments.'
Quote: Historically, the influence of the Christian church ....
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) chief executive Robert Randall said the new curriculum would give teachers more time to teach the basics of maths, literacy, science and history in primary school. Mr Randall said the new curriculum had a greater focus on Western civilisation. "Historically, the influence of the Christian church has been important,' he told the Australian.
You too can have free access to these stories that tell of our Christian Heritage. Please go to the www.diduno.info website and sign up with the many other Australian teachers, clergy, Chaplains and parents who already receive their free monthly Christian heritage story and distribute it widely to all their friends and colleagues.
We would encourage churches and schools to use their social media contacts to distribute these stories far and wide.
Each of us can support and encourage the teachers of the State and Federal Education Departments by having 'family' discussions about the studies. Parents and students alike will see how Jesus and his teachings have benefited our society. Children will be inspired by some of the great Christians of the past and encouraged to embrace a similar lifestyle.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html