Sample letter to parents
Dear parents / carers,
This is a note to introduce myself to you and give you some information about your child’s SRE class this year.
My name is […………………………..]. I teach a Year [year no and denomination] group each [….…day] at [time] for [half an hour]. I have been teaching SRE (Special Religious Education) at [school name] for [.....] years. Like most SRE teachers, I do this on a voluntary basis following authorisation from my local church minister, attesting to my character and suitability to teach, proof of Child Protection training and completion of the necessary Prohibited Employment Declaration. We all have ongoing training in creative teaching, classroom management skills, safety, curriculum updates and more.
List your experience with children and some personal info that helps them to see you as a “real” person.
[For example, I am a mother/grandfather and have taught public schools for ….. years. I’ve also been involved in tutoring, netball coaching, Sunday School teaching, playgroup coordinating and holiday club leading as well as being a mum to both natural and foster children. Yes, I love kids!]
[I am very grateful to have a helper: .................... She will be of great assistance with classroom management, activity book help and answering the children’s questions.] The class is a great size - [number] students at the moment - so [I/we] should be able to learn the children’s names well over the next few weeks. [I am/we are] looking forward to our time together each [……day].
Describe how SRE is set up in this school
[For example, Instead of grouping children into specific denominations for SRE, all Protestant children are kept in grade groups and are taught by teachers from local Anglican, Baptist, Uniting, Church of Christ or Presbyterian churches. This has resulted in a sharing of resources and manpower, and has taken away the need for composite SRE classes, allowing us to better present material at the appropriate maturity and interest level of each child. There is a very positive unity as the churches work together in this way.]
[We do not promote any particular denominational doctrine/ we teach only children of ………….denomination]. We concentrate on presenting the basics of the Christian faith, using the curriculum called ……. Describe some of the material.
[Our church is happy to provide these materials, so you do not need to send money to cover the cost/ you may like to contribute towards the cost/ the school P&C contributes towards the cost.]
Include what happens in a regular lesson and some of the resources you may have available, for example, a class set of Bibles.
[……………….] Primary School is very supportive of SRE.
Describe any merit certificates or awards which may be given out for SRE.
Thankyou for the privilege of teaching your child this year – I pray that it will be a positive experience for all of us. Please feel free to contact me (via notes or phoning the number below) if you wish to find out more about our classes, want to inspect the material used or have any concerns. I am well aware that the children may get confused or misinterpret things teachers say in any classroom, so will be more than happy to listen to your concerns, if they arise, and work together to clarify things if necessary.
[Teacher’s name (ph: …………………)]