Faith Schools are Great Schools

Extraordinary Attack on Non-Government Schools

“The IEUA is most disappointed at the head-high tackle on non-government schools by the Australian Education Union in today’s Australian newspaper,” said Independent Education Union Of Australia Federal Secretary Chris Watt.

“Almost 40% of students in Australia attend ethno-religious, or faith-based schools.

“These schools are actively engaged in educating for and promoting a socially cohesive society.

“They include schools of the Irish Catholic tradition, Greek Orthodox, Vietnamese Catholic, Assyrian, Coptic, Jewish, Islamic, Maronite among a host of others. All contribute to and reflect the rich diversity of our nation.

“Commentary suggesting that these schools somehow create enclaves is misguided and divisive. All school communities value harmony and educators deserve respect and recognition for their work in this area.

“The only alarm bells that should be ringing are those that alert us to an attack on people of faith in our community.”

Contact:

Chris Watt                                                                                           Dick Shearman

Federal Secretary IEUA                                                                     President IEUA

Ph        (02) 6273 3107             0419 259 143                         (02) 9779 3200            0414 234 156