Genr8ministries.org News

Andy S Workshop - Energy levels in the Classroom

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:07:00 GMT

A snippet from the August 13 Training Day, in Parramatta.

August 2010 Newsletter

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:10:00 GMT

From the CEO

Chaplaincy funding announced by both Government and Opposition.

On Friday August 6 Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that if elected the government will extend and expand the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) until the end of 2014. The Opposition announced their promise to continue the program earlier in the campaign.

While the ALP has committed $222M for three years, and the Coalition has kept the funding at $165M, the details of how funding will be applied have not yet been released. The National School Chaplaincy Association to which GenR8 belongs will work with whatever party wins the election to ensure they understand what is needed to keep the program effective. We greatly appreciate the commitment by both government and opposition to school chaplaincy.

The review of the National School Chaplaincy Program will continue beyond the election, with the release of a paper for public response now expected in October. The NSCA made a substantial submission to the review back in May.

There is a link below to the government press release, as well as a link to the interview with Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby in which the PM announced the government’s funding promise. It is encouraging to see that the PM has expressed her clear commitment to faith-based chaplaincy, and that there are no plans to make it a non-faith-based welfare program.

We thank God for answered prayer and this evidence that chaplaincy has become a permanent part of the national educational landscape with significant benefits to many school communities.

There will be much to work on over the next 18 months in preparation for whatever the extent of chaplaincy will be from 2012 – but there’s an election to negotiate first!

http://www.alp.org.au/federal-government/news/federal-labor-ro-deliver-more-chaplains-for-austra/

http://australianchristianlobby.org.au/make-it-count/

Training Events in 3rd Term

This term sees a number of “mid-year” training events arranged for our SRE teachers and chaplains, and board member= training as well at the western event as well. A successful training day was held at Maclean on the Far North Coast on July 19. Friday August 13 is the metropolitan event at Parramatta. The western event is overnight at Ridgecrest near Wellington on September 4 and 5, and final event will be at Port Macquarie.

City 2Surf

Thanks to all those who sponsored y run/walk in the Cuty2Surf – my first, and glad I was able to break 100 minutes (98mins15seconds). But most of all the commitment to Bibles for SRE and GenR8 was areal privilege to be a catalyst for. I aimed for $3,000 and am on the way to reaching $4,000. I was blessed by running with Bible Society’s Jesus.All About Life T-shirt with SUPPORTING SCRIPURE IN SCHOOLS and GenR8 on the back. A skywriter wrote Come back to Jesus over the event, and one of the jazz quartets I passed on the way was playing Just a Closer Walk With Thee!

QURIOUS BARGAIN

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:14:00 GMT

'The Good Life', the Qurious Scripture Seminar-in-a-box, is now available at a drastically reduced price of only $19.95 from Koorong.

The package includes a DVD with Qurious video clip, vox pops, Bible talk, interview with world champ windsurfer Allison Shreeve & teenager Bridget. The included booklet includes a script for presenting the seminar, step by step guide, small group questions, crowd breaker activities & more. It is designed for running a high school scripture seminar and can be adapted to almost any youth setting.

For reviews & excerpts visit http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/news/stories/connect09_youth_video/

Order on line from Korong here http://orders.koorong.com/search/product/view.jhtml?code=643157404835

NSCA News - Winter 2010

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:37:00 GMT

The National Schools Chaplaincy Association* have released their winter newsletter. The newsletter serves to highlight the effectiveness of Chaplains within schools from all states over Australia.

Download the newsletter

*The National School Chaplaincy Association (NSCA) is a network of Christian chaplaincy organisations in Australia. It is represented by ACCESS Ministries (Vic), Schools Ministry Group (SA), GenR8 Ministries (NSW), Scripture Union (ACT, Queensland, Tasmania) and YouthCARE (WA).

June Newsletter

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 06:43:00 GMT

A note from the CEO

Dear SRE, chaplaincy and GenR8 supporters all:

We are really excited that Bible Society has had such a huge response from their Bibles for SRE campaign that they need to raise funds for an extra 60,000 Bibles over the initial 10,000 offered. GenR8 has been invited to be involved in the campaign. The City to Surf runners sponsorship is mainly for the cost of the extra Bibles, but GenR8 runners and sponsors can direct extra sponsorship to their local SRE. This is really gracious of the Bible Society - making the point that they can hardly distribute Bibles for SRE without SRE classes and teachers! Requests for Bibles have come from both secondary and primary state school SRE teachers.

Go to www.towardsthegoal.com.au from next week and select Bibles and/or your GenR8 Scripture board to receive the support you raise. For further reading on the Big Rescue campaign, the ACL press release is available

We're really pleased also to show you the just released Chaplaincy Newsletter #2 published for the National School Chaplaincy Association of which GenR8 is a member. The timing is strategic as we are in the midst of the government's review of the chaplaincy program.

NSCP Review

The National School Chaplaincy Association (NSCA), representing 85% of chaplains in state schools nationally have told the review panel what we'd like to see for the future. We want the quality of chaplaincy services to be the best they can be. We support the availability of chaplaincy for all schools, but with special additional funding for disadvantaged and isolated schools.

The government's discussion paper for public response is due to be released this month (June.) But with uncertainty about the date of the federal election events need to be watched very closely. Chaplains and their schools and local supporters can be talking to their local federal member now about the value of and need for chaplains in our schools.

We'll keep you informed of developments and how to join the advocacy effort for growing chaplaincy beyond 2011.

Every blessing in your life and work.

Peter Robinson

Connecting with Generation Z

Fri, 21 May 2010 00:32:00 GMT

An interesting article on the latest research of Mark McCrindle on connecting with Generation Z. View it on money.ninemsn.com.au.

Life of Jesus

Fri, 14 May 2010 04:31:00 GMT

"The purpose of the course is straightforward: to provide the inquiring, the sceptical and believers alike with an opportunity to explore Jesus’ life and to consider its significance for today. Whatever your current perspective, we are confident you will be informed and entertained." - www.lifeofjesus.tv

For more information on this course, please refer to the Life Of Jesus Website (http://www.lifeofjesus.tv/)

70,000 Bibles for SRE

Fri, 14 May 2010 02:43:00 GMT

Earlier this year Bible Society invited applications for Bibles to be used for SRE. They were committed to 10,000. Applications for 70,000 were received. So they have decided to campaign for the funds to meet the demand. There are several ways that you can help.

· Flyers are available for download, or some copies by request (email rgeorge@biblesocietynsw.com.au the information below)

How many ‘Bibles in Schools’ Flyers? ___

Name: ___

Postal address: ___

· Bike 4 Bibles (On 15^th May, 10 riders will spend 8 days riding from Sydney to Melbourne to help raise funds for Bibles in Schools) http://www.biblesocietynsw.com.au/About%20Us/whatWeDo_activitiesForBibles_bikes

· For those in or near Sydney, be part of the ‘Sydney City 2 Surf Fun Run’ for Bible Society on Sunday August 8, with sponsorship money going towards Bibles in Schools. We are adding the option of combining this with sponsorship of your local SRE board/teacher(s).

http://www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au/upcoming-events.html

· Donate online: http://www.biblesocietynsw.com.au/Donate/Australiaschools - donations are tax deductable.

This is a great opportunity to support ministry in state schools.

Make It Count - 2010

Fri, 14 May 2010 05:29:00 GMT

On Monday 21st of June, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and opposition Tony Abbott have agreed to repeat the 2007 event "Make It Count". The event will be web-cast to churches all around Australia. To find out more information or to register your church visit http://webcast.australiavotes.org/ or watch this short video by ACL. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1362586316575

Crusaders Professional Development Day

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:22:00 GMT

When the rubber hits the road - Pressures, Priorities, Prayer

Crusaders upcoming training day on May 14th is shaping up to be a great event. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to be refreshed, encouraged and equipped with new ideas for Christian ministry at your school.

Date: Friday 14th May, 2010
Time: 8:45 am — 3:30 pm
Venue: Ryde Anglican Centre
42-50 Church Street
Ryde NSW 2122
Cost: Earlybird Rate — $120*
(up to 1st April 2010)
Regular Price — $140*
(from 2nd April 2010)
Download the application form

Save Our Scripture (Make a Stand)

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:39:00 GMT

If you want to find out the latest on the ethics course trial or what you can do in response, the make a stand site is a great place to start. Make A Stand (www.makeastand.org.au) is a site maintained by the Australian Christian Lobby.

Lest We Forget Who?

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:32:00 GMT

Some may have missed this article from last year.

A Reflection on Anzac Day

Rev Peter Robinson, GenR8 Ministries CEO

On the "One Day of the Year" there are plenty of events to help the national memory about loss and courage in war. There's a plot of grass outside St. Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney near where I work where the War Widow's Guild invite members of the public to place small wooden crosses in memory of the fallen around Anzac Day.

I placed one this week for the uncle I never knew who died in a trainer aircraft during an electrical storm over Northern Ireland in 1944. He was only 22. He's buried in a church yard near where they found his remains. We have a photo of him having his RAAF wings placed on his chest just months before. His old school was shocked to lose their popular former Captain of Athletics. He volunteered to put his life on the line for a cause he believed in.

I heard my 83 year old mother, his younger sister, utter an imprecation against "Bloody Hitler" watching a war documentary just last year, recalling our loss of Ken. My mother never says Bloody. Almost never. I'd never before heard her express this feeling against Hitler the ultimate cause of her brother's death. Lest we forget.

The increase in the numbers of young people at Anzac Day ceremonies and marches over the last generation has often been noted. The Bomaderry Anzac Day march and service that I officiated at from the mid-90's until two years ago is the biggest event every year in that town of 8,000 at the end of the South Coast Line three hours by train from Sydney, opposite the pub that was a rehabilitation hospital during WW1. About 800 turn up each year, many of them young people. They are getting an education in a major ritual of our national identity.

As we educate and influence young people in the things that give identity and coherence to our communities and nation, it is well to remember that it can be pretty selective memory that is passed on. Uncle Ken died in a training accident - like thousands of others. This is not something we explicitly name on Anzac Day. Nor do we name the Allied atrocities that happened during the two world wars, though they happened. The murder of prisoners, rape, Dresden. War brings out both remarkable good and appalling evil in people.

A certain theology emerges at some Anzac Day services I've witnessed, or in some forms of words that I've read and decided not to use but instead composed ones I can live with. The theology that dying for one's country has somehow sacralised the lives of all those we've lost. Some clergy have composed prayers that say that the fallen are acceptable to God because they paid the ultimate sacrifice. It sounds comforting. But it reminds me of the wisecrack that goes: "From what they say about people at funerals you'd think dying was preserved for the chosen few." We prefer to take our reality with plenty of padding to soften it.

How do we teach our youth the accurate meaning of our past, of our national stories, of why we are as we are? Schools have Anzac commemorations close to the time of Anzac Day itself. This is vital for their broader education. Groups of students from all the schools in Bomaderry, public and private, march in front of the current members of the services from HMAS Albatross followed by the diggers. It's stirring stuff. The Nowra Town Band or whoever is helping this year always does a great job.

Scripture teachers and chaplains can model and teach much about the Christian sources of our national identity. The churches of this country have contributed hugely to our heritage, just as the Australian Christian Heritage Forum seeks to highlight. Not because they want to prove who has the greatest role in shaping our culture, but because a genuine Christian influence is likely to be somehow counter-cultural, pointing beyond it to a far greater reality.

Culture has no salvation in itself, and all culture is blighted by sin - whether mateship, heroism, helping neighbours in a time of disaster, not ratting on your mates or the tall poppy syndrome. Our hearts are not pure. God's salvation in Jesus Christ, which is still at the centre of the symbolism of Anzac Day with its crosses for the fallen and sacrificial language constantly challenges human culture and its pretensions in demanding our compliance and agreement. Culture by itself can be as deathly an expression of idolatry as any other. Especially when dressed up in patriotism.

Is that what we want our young people to fall into line behind, mindlessly chanting Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi! - my country right or wrong? Or will we help them renew our culture and national life because they bear no ultimate allegiance to it, but rather to God's kingdom and the Heavenly Jerusalem? The best hope of our nation is young people who discover the truth of those references to Jesus and his cross ignorantly used by many on Anzac Day. As the writer to the Hebrews put it: "Let us then go to Jesus outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." (13.13.)

This awareness is for me demonstrated in our complete collective unawareness of the meaning of the best known words of our commemoration of the fallen on Anzac Day. It is a three word phrase about not forgetting, that almost no one has any idea what it is referring to. What we can be very sure about on Anzac Day is that collectively we have completely forgotten the meaning of Lest We Forget.

This is a stunning irony. It should be an embarrassing call back to basics, and help us draw our young people's attention to those basics as we explain and model our remembrance of the cost of war, and the real grief of the nation at so much loss.

These words were coined from Rudyard Kipling's poem known as The Recessional, written for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It is remarkable poem, often sung as a hymn on Anzac Day. At the height of the power of the British Empire Kipling is reflecting on its impermanence. God can sweep it all away, as happened almost completely by 1997 with the hand over of Hong Kong to the Chinese government.

Kipling is quoting Deuteronomy 6.10-12, which says in part, "When the LORD your God brings you in to the land he swore to your fathers.... be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."

Kipling like most of the British intelligentsia of his time was very familiar with the narrative of the Bible through the school system of the 19th century. In the King James Version he would have used the verse reads, "Then beware lest thou forget the LORD...." Kipling applied these words to himself and Great Britain under Queen Victoria. Do not take God's blessings for granted. God wants us to have humble servant hearts. "Lest we forget. Lest we forget."

May we teach our young people the profound significance of remembering the LORD, who delivers his people from slavery to sin, evil, death and hell by the one supreme true sacrifice that is able to give us a future and identity that will never be taken away from us, in this world or the next. Then see how our young people influence our national culture and identity in the years to come, even at the cost of laying down their own lives for the reality that truly endures.

For the words of The Recessional by Rudyard Kipling go to

http://www.web-books.com/Classics/Poetry/Anthology/Kipling/Recessional.htm

Why the National Curriculum Must include the Bible

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:55:00 GMT

Journalist and Author Scott Monk on "Why the National Curriculum Must include the Bible" (click to read)

GenR8 Prayer Letter - March

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:49:00 GMT

Praise For:

New teachers joining up with GenR8 - pray that they will settle in and form good and effective relationships in their schools.

SRE in NSW and the strength and vitality it has.

For chaplains and SRE teachers who have stepped out of their ministry role - thank God for all their hard work and pray that the ministry they have developed will continue and grow.

The amazing scripture boards who enable SRE teachers to be placed in their local schools.

Supportive principals and other school staff.

Responsive students and those growing in faith and knowledge.

The challenge of the ethics pilot to promote the value of SRE to poli-ticians and the community.

Pray For:

The vision to see an SRE teacher for every possible student in every state High School in NSW.

The growth of existing ministries and starting up of new boards.

Primary SRE teachers who have the ethics course pilot happening in their schools next term - pray that God will give them wisdom in their response.

Boards and schools looking for SRE teachers or chaplains, that the right people will be found.

For local board chairs and members to be clear about the local vision for schools ministry and promote it strongly and prayerfully.

Radical trust in God's provision for kingdom ministry, and willingness to ask.

For Brian Elliott head of HSIE who oversees SRE for the Department of Education and Training that he will help schools and churches organise SRE effectively.

keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:34:00 GMT

The government website "full of information for teachers, police officers, childcare workers and other mandatory reporters about the key changes to the state's child protection system." Visit the site

Football and Religion - Phillip Jensen

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:28:00 GMT

It was nearly thirty years ago, so I cannot remember the details accurately but the local primary school P&C meeting ran something along the following lines.

“There is no agreement amongst the community as to which football code to follow. Some want Soccer others League or Union and still others want Aussie Rules. So we, the staff, have decided that the school will not play any football this winter.”

“But all the boys like League, surely we can have one team for them.”

“Some of the parents think it’s too rough and are worried about injuries.”

“What about we change to soccer?”

“There are injuries in soccer too.”

“But this school has always played League and nobody was injured last year.”

“Well, we have a couple of families who have moved from Victoria and they want to have Aussie Rules, and we can’t provide everything.”

“So why not provide for the majority and keep going like we always have?”

“That wouldn’t be fair to the ones who want Aussie Rules. So it is better to have no football at all. That is fair for everybody.”

“It’s not fair, it’s stupid!”

“That’s the only way we can treat everybody the same. We don’t have any football - so nobody misses out.”

“You mean everybody misses out! My boys and their mates will miss having football for sport. They’re all mad keen on footie.”

“Studies have shown that in sporting development the girls are the same as boys in primary school and so we have to offer sports that both boys and girls can participate in together.”

“I don’t want my girl playing football.”

“No, we won’t be offering it, so your girl won’t have to.”

“But my boys want to play footie. They’ll be so disappointed. They enjoyed it last year. Do we have to integrate the sports? Can’t the boys have football and the girls play something else, they like?”

“Girls can play football just as well as boys.”

“I don’t believe that, but if it is true then why not have football for all who want to play?”

“Football is not really suitable for children. It is too violent and it encourages violence in the playground. The staff think there are more suitable games for boys and girls to play together.”

“You mean the staff do not like football. How many of them have ever played it?”

“That’s an irrelevance. The staff are all professional teachers and will coach whatever sport is considered appropriate for the age and development of the children.”

“Has this decision got anything to do with the last male staff member leaving? Now that Mr X has left the school, does that mean there are no men left to coach the boys in footie?”

“No, it has nothing to do with that at all! Our staff are all professional educationalists and could coach football if needed, but they feel that we have to reduce the level of violence in the playground and teach the children how to play quieter, less anti-social games together.”

“You mean games for girls.”

“Not just for the girls, the boys can be taught to enjoy them, also.”

“So there is no place for what boys like in school?”

“No, that’s not true. Studies have shown that boys and girls can have the same interests, if the environment in which they are raised encourages cooperation and removes anti-social behaviour fed by competitiveness and physical violence. Furthermore, there are some boys who are very good students but do not like football. They feel alienated and left out by the social status of football in the playground. School is an educational institution and it is a shame when some of the best scholars feel they have no place in the school.”

“You just don’t like football!”

“No, it’s just that there is no agreement on which football the community wants, and we cannot offer them all, so it is better to have none.”

“When did you last go to a footie game?”

“My personal preference has nothing to do with it. It is purely a professional educational issue. Football has no real place in an educational institution.”
Strangely, it was almost the same argument that I was experiencing about the place of religion in the university, where as a chaplain I saw Christians and Christianity being continually marginalised.
“There are too many religions, and so nobody can be catered for lest others are disadvantaged.” For many, religion was deemed to be anti-social and anti-feminist, the staff had no competence in it, people in powerful positions did not like it, and felt that it was not what a university is about - so “better to have none than any”. Of course this had nothing to do with personal opinions or private prejudices! It also flew in the face of students’ widespread interest in religion and the place of religion in history, literature, music, culture and society.

It is much the same today in the media, politics and public debate and wherever secularists are given sufficient power to censor others’ opinions in a “free and open society”.

By Phillip Jensen Feb 08 2010
- See the original

Bible Society offers Bibles for SRE students

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:20:00 GMT

For a limited time the Bible Society are offering free of charge a limited number of bibles to SRE Teachers. The bibles are to be used as a class set during SRE lessons or personally given to the students to keep and be used during SRE lessons. Offer closes monday March 8th 2010.

Apply Now!

IMPORTANT! Timothy Partnership Enrolment Deadline February 8th

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:48:00 GMT

Dear Fellow-Labourer,

Enrol now to improve qualifications

If you need to develop your qualifications in line with the requirements of your employment contract - namely, you do not have an approved Diploma of Theology or equivalent or better - and you receive non-reportable fringe benefits (FBTE) - you will need to enrol in the Timothy Partnership or another approved educational provider for at least one subject per semester, with a minimum rate or three semesters each two years.

The Timothy Partnership enrolment deadline for distance (on-line) mode this semester is Monday February 8. You can simply enrol on-line at http://timothypartnership.com.au/. Go to Apply on the menu-bar. The Semester One study period is February 22 to June 4 with exams between June 7 and 18. Semester Two enrolments close Monday July 12, with study from July 26 to November 5. See the prospectus for details of Intensive Mode units done for a few days at Youthworks College and other locations.

Peter Robinson

CEO GenR8 Ministries

Read the full article

Premier says "well done" to Gospel Tent at Country Music Festival

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:10:00 GMT

"Tamworth, NSW, hosts the Annual 'Country Music Festival' in January. Last week saw many volunteers helping with childrens' ministry and the music ministry. We had hundreds of people come through the tent for free drinks in the 38 degree heat. As one of the bands played, we had a surprise visit from our Local Tamworth MP Peter Draper, as well as the NSW Premier Kristina Keneally. A member of our evangelism team, Dawn Clay Obst, 'scooped' Ms Keneally in to the tent from the main street and offered her some refreshments. I was able to explain the purpose of the tent in brief as well as my role in the North West of NSW in setting up and supporting SRE teachers and Chaplains in Public Schools. Ms Keneally mentioned her own children attending SRE classes." - Jonathan Harris

More? Read the Scripture Union Media Release, or Peter Draper (Tamworth MP) Media Release

Audio: Jim French on 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:57:00 GMT

Recorded at Genr8 Annual Conference 2010, Jim French from Youthworks College talks on the Timothy Partnership, and from 2 Timothy 1:1-14.
Download as mp3

January Newsletter - Genr8 Ministries

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:37:00 GMT

From the CEO

What does 2010 hold for schools ministry in NSW? 2009 saw a huge leap in Genr8’s growth. This year we plan to build on that growth. Our vision is for a Scripture teacher for every possible (eligible) student in every NSW state high school, and for a chaplain for every state school in NSW. We exist to strengthen ministry of word and deed in our schools.

With 40 chaplaincies sponsored by Genr8 we are now aiming to develop more local support for chaplains through partner churches and boards, while also encouraging other Christian sponsors to consider transferring their chaplaincies to us for increased impact through our services and advocacy.

We are committed to helping Scripture boards increase their effectiveness through joining with Genr8 for employment services and ministry resources. We will soon be employing some 50 SRE teachers on behalf of 40 local Scripture boards.

Annual Conference

In the beautiful setting of Avondale College west of Lake Macquarie next to the Sanitarium factory (Weetbix were definitely on the menu) SRE teachers, chaplains, board members and staff met to be encouraged, equipped better and inspired for the year ahead. The SDA college staff were generous hosts. We were treated to a great opening sermon from Jim French from the Timothy Partnership, then split up for separate strands for teachers, chaplains and boards. Greg Holmes a former principal did extensive work with the teachers on curriculum development, three advisers and I worked with board members on making boards more effective, and Jeanine Ecob from Southern Community Welfare addressed chaplain’s issues as well as leading a session for everyone on self-care in ministry.

Day two started with a very informative session from Denise Nicholls from ACCESS Ministries Victoria on what they are doing in scripture and chaplaincy. Each state differs slightly, and it is interesting to collaborate. Murray Norman from Presbyterian Youth and I covered some current issues: extended funding for chaplains, the pilot ethics course’s implications for SRE, developing chaplaincy partnerships locally, and more about the Timothy Partnership and training requirements. Dean McPherson introduced our new-look website.

Before lunch we had a ministry expo with Scripture Union, Christian Education Publications, Qurious, Jesus Racing, Leanne and Adrian Felsch, Word of Life, Focus on the Family, Fervr and of course, the Timothy Partnership.

Lots of good contacts were made and friendships developed. One SRE teacher who was appointed only the day before the conference was there on Monday morning ready to learn all she could! Conference finished with worship, encouragement from Ephesians about the spiritual battle we’re in, singing, a time of dedication to our ministries for this year led by Genr8 chair Glenn Coombs, and prayer groups. A great way to end an enriching couple of days in readiness for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Thanks to everyone involved.

Peter Robinson

New Website!

The Genr8 website www.genr8ministries.org has just been revamped! Check out the new homepage, the forums for chaplains, teachers, and board members or keep up with our news posts. The website is made for people in schools ministries, with resources, fundraising ideas for boards and much more! A good resource from one of our chaplains Rob Hodgson, is a powerpoint he created to help explain his role in pastoral care. Check it out!

December Newsletter

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:24:00 GMT

From the CEO about important training developments

The Timothy Partnership has just been launched – allowing every SRE teacher to gain minimum theological qualifications for SRE teaching over time – not just for the ATO requirement for religious practitioner status, but because we want to help deliver the best quality SRE ministry possible without making it too burdensome.

You should have received information on training from GenR8 in the last week (if not contact us). This will outline the best way to fulfil the qualification requirements in the contract for GenR8 SRE teachers. It includes the Prospectus. SRE teachers who are receiving non-reportable fringe benefits as religious practitioners and do not have an ACT DipTheol or equivalent or better will need to enrol through the Timothy Partnership or another approved college to start next year The minimum rate of study we are setting is three units over two years, so you may plan to cover just one unit in first or second semester next year to get settled in. Or do two to take the pressire of the next year, or go full on to enjoy maximum benefits of first rate input on the Bible, theology and working with young people. The cost needs to be covered through fee-help if eligible (see the Prospectus), or by the local SRE board, or personally. These options need to be decided locally in the next couple of months for those starting first term. For more information go to http://timothypartnership.com.au/. Click on Apply in the menu bar for an application form. This is a state-of–the-art online course with regular online contact with a tutor and a tutorial group of other students no matter where you are, and minimal intensives at one of the colleges for one or two weeks in the year only.

More Certainty for Chaplaincy

On November 21 the Prime Minister announced that all present chaplaincy funding will continue until the end of 2011. Even more significantly he announced that a parliamentary committee will review the NSCP during 2010 to recommend the form it will take from 2012 after community consultation. GenR8 as well as the other NSCA members will have input into this review. All stakeholders are encouraged to make submissions.

The outcome of the lobbying is different from what we expected – we hoped for expansion from next year. But we now have time to consolidate benchmarks and role expectations, prepare for minimum training standards from 2012, encourage chaplains to start the DipTheol before then, develop an induction program for new chaplains, encourage other sponsors to transfer their chaplaincies to GenR8 where appropriate, invite churches and boards to partner with us in supporting chaplaincies locally, and prepare for a major increase in numbers from 2012.

Well done to everyone who stepped up for our lobbying campaign. One of the real strengths of having GenR8 is greatly improved advocacy. GenR8 also has access to the resources and expertise of the other major chaplaincy providers in the NSCA who have done most of the hard yards. Successful lobbying since 2007 and some $100,000 invested successfully in research and submissions is great to be part of.

The Ethics Course proposal and SRE.

You may well be aware of this big news story from the last few weeks. There's lots of different opinions out there. To find out more about the implications see the website.

It's a good opportunity to refocus the value of SRE for schools and communities. Let's start 2010 with good SRE stories and publicity about its advantages for students, families and schools.

Church leaders are making representations to the state government, as the ethics course proposal contradicts the DET Policy Guidelines for SRE. Pray for the new premier Kristina Keneally and the Education Minister Verity Firth as they listen to interested parties.

See the website for more information and ways to strengthen support for SRE.

Latest News On Chaplaincy Extension

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:30:00 GMT

Good News! Rudd announced that Chaplaincy funding will be extended til the end of 2011, here are some News articles for further information.

Ninemsn - Rudd to extend school chaplaincy to 2011

Sydney Morning Herald - School Chaplains to stay

Australia.to - Christian Lobby highlights role of chaplains in helping young people at risk

Sunrise 27/11/09 - Should School Chaplains be Scrapped?\

Sunrise Forum- school chaplains a good idea?

NSCA Media Release

Thank you to all the supporters of Chaplaincy who contributed in some way to lobbying for this further funding. Please read this thank you letter from the NSCA.

Schoolies' Red Frog Man

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:47:00 GMT

"It's mainly because of mixer drinks," says Andy Gourley who founded the volunteer Red Frogs Chaplaincy Network, which now plays guardian angel to tens of thousands of schoolies from Cairns to Margaret River .

"I used to walk into rooms and there'd be empty beer cans everywhere. They'd make 'beer walls' out of the empties. Now it's all vodka mixers and pre-mixed drinks and a lot of them are 6 to 7 per cent alcohol so we're getting a lot more cases of alcohol poisonings and over-intoxications than previously."

Read the original at News.com

GenR8 Annual Conference

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:50:00 GMT

Genr8 Annual Conference is fast approaching!

We are very excited to announce three amazing speakers for our conference in January.

Boards - Richard Grellman, Director of AMP Ltd, President and Chairman of Mission Australia and Chairman (Board and Council) of NSW Motor Accidents Authority just to name a few will be addressing board chairs and members on how to have your board working at optimum health and effectiveness.

SRE Teachers - experienced SRE teacher and curriculum developer Greg Holmes will be helping SRE teachers with curriculum development and programming in 2010

Chaplains - Experienced and qualified counsellor Jeneane Ecob will be speaking to chaplains about how to create safe environments to work with students in the school, issues that may come up with students and also boundaries - professional and personal

On top of the excellent speakers we have lined up, the chance to get together with peers in your field from all around NSW and support, minister to and learn from one another is invaluable - be sure not to miss it!

For more information of JanCon download the brochure.

Be sure to register online now for the earlybird discount!

Australia's First Ever National Research Findings on Chaplaincy in Australian Government Schools

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:52:00 GMT

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST EVER NATIONAL RESEARCH FINDINGS ON CHAPLAINCY IN

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

Tuesday, 13 October 2009 (Aus EST)

Wednesday, 7 October 2009

“Chaplaincy in Australian government schools is making a major contribution to school morale; it is proactive, unique, effective and important. Government project funding should be continued when the three year cycle of project funding ends.” These were some of the sentiments of 98% of principals who took part in Australia’s first ever national research project on “The effectiveness of National School Chaplaincy Association (NSCA) Chaplains in Government Schools in Australia”. The national research findings are being presented at the National Conference of the Australian Council of State Schools Organisation (ACSSO) which takes place in Hobart, Tasmania today. Copies of the Research Report have been supplied to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minster’s offices.

According to the 688 principals who participated in the national study, chaplains in their government schools were also helping to build the sense of community in the school , support the school ethos and were assisting the integration of potentially ‘at risk’ students, including recent immigrants and Aboriginal students.

The quantitative and qualitative study, commissioned by the National School Chaplaincy Association (NSCA)* involved feedback from school principals, chaplains, teaching staff, parents and students. In their research, Edith Cowan University and University of New England academics Dr Phillip Hughes and Prof Margaret Sims found that Chaplaincy in government schools was not only unique, proactive and effective, but also a neutral and non-judgmental service that has long term value to the wellbeing of Australian Communities.

‘A WINNING FORMULA’

According to Stanley Jeyaraj, NSCA Convenor and Rev Peter Robinson CEO of GenR8 Schools Ministries (the largest provider of Chaplaincy Services in NSW public schools), the research findings confirm that the role and impact of school chaplains in government schools should not be watered down or altered. “This is a winning formula. Chaplains are making significant impact within the school and the broader community. They are often able to make an important contribution in linking the schools with the wider community. This is particularly significant in rural and isolated areas where chaplains are more likely to be living in the local community, being able to bring support within the school for community projects.”

But not just in isolated areas. Recently retired Principal of Homebush West Public School Margaret Coote said of her experience of chaplaincy in its first year that “the school in this community would be poorer for the loss of the chaplaincy program. Not only does the chaplaincy program lighten everyone’s loads within the school community, but it brings a warmth and cohesion to the community that is long-lasting. [The chaplain] has made all new members of the community feel welcome. She has been a wonderful asset in facilitating communication between home and school.”

To download the full media release, please click here.

New Genr8 Video for Boards

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:13:00 GMT

Genr8 board Video by Genr8 Ministries
Download

Genr8's Resource Package for setting up boards now available

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:41:00 GMT

If you are thinking of setting up a combined churches board in your area to place teachers in one or more schools Genr8 has both resources and advisers to help you. Existing boards may pick up some pointers as well.

Prospective boards can send us their details via the Start A Board form to be contacted by a regional schools advisers who will guide them through the process. This includes getting a log-in name and password for the Boards section of this site.

As of Friday April 24 we have loaded a flowchart of all the steps involved. Each step links to all the documentation and instructions needed.

Dean McPherson joined us a few weeks ago to do one day a week website input (he's at uni the rest of the week.) He and Ellena Dunstall our administrator got all the documentation loaded in the one day. Pretty amazing. Angelo Cavaliere our schools adviser for the Hunter region has pulled together all his experience and resources to put the package together. He expects together we will refine it as time goes on, and we welcome input from existing boards.

Dean will continue to keep uploading resources, monitoring the way the site works to make sure we're meeting real needs.He will be creating templates for various types of event that boards can adapt. Especially publicity and fundraising events, like supporters' dinners and trivia nights. Boards that have produced really effective brochures are encouraged to email or fax them to Genr8 so we can make the best ideas available for everyone.

Genr8 affiliated boards can check out the flowchart and resources for starting new boards under Board Member Training - Admin.

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Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:43:00 GMT

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Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:29:00 GMT

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Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:24:00 GMT

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Genr8ministries.org News

Andy S Workshop - Energy levels in the Classroom

August 2010 Newsletter

QURIOUS BARGAIN

NSCA News - Winter 2010

June Newsletter

A note from the CEO

NSCP Review

Connecting with Generation Z

Life of Jesus

70,000 Bibles for SRE

Make It Count - 2010

Crusaders Professional Development Day

Save Our Scripture (Make a Stand)

Lest We Forget Who?

Why the National Curriculum Must include the Bible

GenR8 Prayer Letter - March

Praise For:

Pray For:

Prayer Letter Sign Up

keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au

Football and Religion - Phillip Jensen

Bible Society offers Bibles for SRE students

Apply Now!

IMPORTANT! Timothy Partnership Enrolment Deadline February 8th

Read the full article

Premier says "well done" to Gospel Tent at Country Music Festival

Audio: Jim French on 2 Timothy 1:1-14

January Newsletter - Genr8 Ministries

December Newsletter

From the CEO about important training developments

More Certainty for Chaplaincy

The Ethics Course proposal and SRE.

Latest News On Chaplaincy Extension

Schoolies' Red Frog Man

GenR8 Annual Conference

Australia's First Ever National Research Findings on Chaplaincy in Australian Government Schools

New Genr8 Video for Boards

Genr8's Resource Package for setting up boards now available

boards-start

teachers-positions

news