Hundreds converge to support ethics classes in NSW schools

From Byron Bay to Bungendore, Canowindra to the Central Coast, Milton to Manly, volunteers descended on the first Primary Ethics conference held at UNSW on Saturday.

Primary Ethics is a not-for-profit organisation that offers free training and curriculum to community members to deliver weekly ethics classes to children at public primary schools across the state.

Ethics classes are held at the same time as scripture and non-scripture, and give children from kindy to year 6 the opportunity to develop thinking, reasoning and decision-making skills to help them in all aspects of their life.

On Saturday, 350 teachers, coordinators and regional managers gathered to share experiences, network and develop skills in facilitating classes and managing programs that they will take back to the programs which are currently operating in 460 schools across the state and teaching ethics to 36,500 children. Continue reading →

October Newsletter

Welcome to our October News. View the full version here.

Highlights

Inaugural Conference

To take stock of how far we’ve come, and to prepare our path for the future, we’re hosting our first Primary Ethics conference on Saturday October 28.

120+ Volunteers recognised across NSW

Primary Ethics volunteers help make the world a better place, and a number of our people were recently recognised for their contributions at award ceremonies across the state.

Mythbusting

What are children in non-scripture legally allowed to do in this time?

Our people

Get to know our staff, trainers and classroom support team.

PrimaryEthics@Home

If you found a koala in your backyard, does that make it your pet? Discover the latest topics from ethics classes in this e-news for parents and carers.

View the full news here.
Thank you for supporting Primary Ethics.

Nominees for NSW Volunteer of the Year Award

Congratulations to our dedicated volunteers who were nominated for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award. Here are some who we managed to catch on camera at the recent ceremonies held across the state. Thank you all, for your time, skill and energy in delivering ethics classes to children in primary schools across NSW.

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New CEO continues push for clarity around ethics option

Evan Hannah seeks fair and informed choice for parents

Sydney, Monday 7 August 2017

Allowing parents to make an informed choice when enrolling their children in NSW public schools is simply a matter of fairness, says incoming CEO of Primary Ethics Evan Hannah.

“In NSW you cannot enrol your child in ethics classes on the enrolment form, as you can for religious instruction,” Evan said.

“The burden is on parents to work through the current confusing process before they finally get the chance to access ethics classes for their child.”

The former journalist and news media manager became CEO of the not-for-profit organisation in July. Continue reading →

Administration Coordinator

Primary Ethics is hiring! Are you our next Administration Coordinator?

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Role Description

The Administration Coordinator is a part-time role (9am-3.30pm, Monday to Friday) with the potential to become full-time, responsible for a wide range of duties that will support Primary Ethics’ operations across training, recruitment and volunteer support functions. Our office is located in Potts Point, a short walk from Kings Cross station.

Continue reading →

Welcome to the June edition of our Quarterly Newsletter.

View the full newsletter here.

Recognising volunteers

During Volunteer Week in May, we launched a recognition scheme inviting volunteers to nominate a colleague for their extraordinary efforts as an ethics teacher, ethics coordinator, regional manager or classroom support team member. The entries have been rolling in! Read more 

Tax deductible donations sought

acnc-registered-charity-tick.jpgHelp children develop skills for life. Please consider a donation to Primary Ethics this EOFY. Your donation will help meet our goal to provide ethics as an option for every parent of every child in NSW public primary schools. Make your donation here. 

Shadow education minister shows support for ethics classes

Jihad Dib MP joined former Premier the Hon Nick Greiner at Earlwood Public School to watch a stage 1 ethics class. Mr Dib recognises the role that community plays in making a thriving school environment, and believes volunteering as an ethics teacher is a great way to be involved in a school community. Read more

WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO IQ2 DEBATE ‘PRISON WORKS’

The Ethics Centre has generously donated a double pass to the next debate for a Primary Ethics supporter. Email your name and contact phone number to events@primaryethics.com.au by 5pm June 30 to go in the draw.

Students from years 5 & 6 share their experience of ethics class

Why do you do ethics? We ask students from Hunter School of Performing Arts.

View the full newsletter here.

Hiring – Events and Engagement Manager

Thank you for you interest. Applications for this position are now closed.

Primary Ethics is seeking a dynamic, experienced individual to work in our educational not-for-profit as a part-time Events and Engagement Manager.

The Events and Engagement Manager is initially for a 12 month period with possibility of extension. The Events and Engagement Manager will be primarily responsible for ensuring the success of the Primary Ethics’ inaugural annual conference, scheduled for 28 October 2017, and to develop and maintain ongoing relationships with organisational stakeholders including parents and carers, volunteers, schools and the Department of Education, donors and supporters.

Read the position description and apply here: https://www.seek.com.au/job/33695030

Out now: PrimaryEthics@Home June 2017

Hen

An adaptation of the story of the Little Red Hen is used in the topic ‘When is it fair?’

Doing harm without meaning to, When is it fair?, Persuading, Good reasons and more! Term 2’s edition of PrimaryEthics@Home is out now. Designed for parents and carers of children in ethics class, it gives background to the topics covered in class and activities to help continue the conversation at home.

Our skills based program is designed to support the important work of parents and teachers by giving children the confidence and skills to talk about ethical issues with those around them.

Read more

Ethics class in Earlwood a lesson in fairness

An ethics class in Earlwood yesterday had some extra special guests.

Shadow Minister for Education Mr Jihad Dib MP, along with former Premier and Minister for Education The Hon Nick Greiner, sat in a colorful classroom at Earlwood Public School and listened as volunteer ethics teacher Marta Tordi facilitated a discussion on fairness using the story of the Little Red Hen.

Nick Greiner Jihad Dib visit ethics class

The Hon Nick Greiner and Mr Jihad Dib MP were welcomed to the school by school captains Andrew and Poppy.

 

Children explained their reasons as to whether they thought different animals should get larger portions of bread depending on, for example, whether they had helped to sow or mill the wheat, or according to their size, or whether all portions should instead be divided equally. It was not entirely dissimilar to the current debate around school funding.

Continue reading →