Teaching about Peace amid Religious & Cultural Conflict

Invitation to Share Free Professional Development Webinar –

Teaching about Peace amid Religious & Cultural Conflict

Australian Association for Religious Education Members please note:

Informit, in partnership with RMIT University and the Australian Council for Education Research, warmly invites your members to attend a free professional development webinar designed for teachers, librarians and education leaders:

Teaching about Peace amid Religious & Cultural Conflict
Date: Monday, 15 September 2025
Time:

• VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT, TAS – 4:30 PM AEST

• SA, NT – 4:00 PM ACST

• WA – 2:30 PM AWST

Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)
Duration: 1 hour
Register here

About the session:
This session will explore how schools can effectively and respectfully address contentious issues related to religion and belief systems. Attendees will gain insights into how history can inform contemporary approaches to curriculum, while promoting religious literacy, fostering intercultural understanding, and supporting inclusive teaching practices in diverse classrooms.

The webinar will conclude with practical strategies and curriculum resources that connect to the International Day of Peace, (21 Sept 2025) empowering educators and students to act now for a more peaceful world.

Guest speakers:

• Professor Peter Sherlock– Associate Director of Yindyamarra Nguluway & Executive Director (Acting), Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Charles Sturt University.
• Pru Mitchell– Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).

This is a valuable opportunity for educators to gain professional insights and practical tools to navigate religious and cultural diversity with confidence and respect.

Christian Teachers Connect SU NSW online event

We are looking forward to connecting with many NSW Christian school staff

at our upcoming Christian Teachers Connect event. 

Be part of this FREE online event designed specifically to encourage, connect and refresh 

Christian teachers working in NSW public schools. 

Consider: Even though the content will be designed specifically to encourage, connect and refresh Christian teachers working in the ‘NSW public schools arena and context’ – Being part of this FREE online event = may provide you with benefits in YOUR ministry type and location.

Go to the YouthCARE Art Competition Page

Announcing the YouthCARE Art competition starting today!

Entries submitted before the AARE CaRE Celebration on September 20^th  – will be displayed around the room on the day.

• Submit your entry by completing the online form here(Primary) or here (Secondary) by Friday, 24th October 2025
• Winners will be announced on Monday, 3rd November 2025

WIN amazing prizes and the opportunity to feature in YouthCARE’s 2025 Annual Report.

Link for print verion of ‘Trust‘ poster                                            Link for print verion of ‘Valued’ poster 

Celebration Event cancelled

Dear Friends,

 It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the AARE Celebrations planned for this coming Saturday.

 We know this will come as a disappointment, especially for those who have poured so much love, time, and effort into preparing for what promised to be a rich and meaningful gathering. Please know how deeply grateful we are for your generosity and commitment. We are making arrangements to refund your registration.

 Though this particular celebration will not take place, the vision and passion behind it remain alive, and I trust that God will continue to bless the good work you are doing in your ministry and service.

 Please accept our sincere thanks for your support and commitment.

 PS: You might be interested to know that we have one last activity for the Year of CaRE; that is an online Gratitude Wall.

This will go live next week and I encourage you and your colleagues / students to take advantage of the opportunity to show your appreciation / gratitude to a current or former chaplain or religious educator.

 With gratitude, Blessings & Joy

Chris Callus

WA & National President

Australian Association for Religious Education

Celebrating 50 Years of Service – 1974 to 2024

2025 – Year Of CaRE

www.aare.org.au        president@aare.org.au

Christian Mediation Learning Opportunity

– coming up soon for WA contacts

Flyer Attached Here

Where: St Catherine’s House of Hospitality, 113 Tyler St Tuart Hill

When: Tuesday 5 August 2025

Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm

Christmas Story Time 2025!

“We have 6 groups at 4 libraries”

What is Christmas Story Time?
Christmas Story Time is a free, family-friendly event held in local libraries. It’s a chance to:

• Share the true message of Christmas through Christian storybooks read aloud.
• Create joy with fun children’s activities such as crafts, colouring, and a special gift bag to take home.
• Connect our community with local Christians and ministries in a warm, welcoming environment.

Why are we doing this?
Because Jesus is the reason for the season! We want to bless families in our community, celebrate the heart of Christmas, and open doors for future outreach opportunities.

How can YOU be involved?
We’re looking for volunteers who are willing to:

• Be willing to be trained and equipped to run a Christmas Story in their local library
• Work as part of a team
• Attend a volunteer training/ information session (Photo of training group below)

 Interested? Email Jenny    jennifer2@westnet.com.au    

Report and plans since 2024 events: Below:

Endoresement:

Dear AARE Friends and Colleagues,

I am excited to share with you Results & PLANS:

30 August 2025.  2pm- 4pm (Perth Location TBA) (National locations later)

Plans for 2025 to run the Christian Christmas Story Time event again this year start with a Face-to-Face team planning meeting. In September there will be training for individuals or churches around Australia who are interested in hosting events in their local area.

Attached example below – the 2024 invitation to participate in the first activity leading up to 2025 – The Year of the Chaplain and Religious Educator; reading the Christmas story to children in your local community library. There is a Tab/Page with more details in the Top Menu.

Please share this with your chaplains and religious educators.

Blessings & Joy

Chris Callus

WA & National President

Australian Association for Religious Education

Celebrating 50 Years of Service – 1974 to 2024    

  www.aare.org.au        president@aare.org.au

Christmas Story reading to children > PD

The Badge Competition entries

closes 30th June = coming soon.

See the Student Competition section

We invite you to join us to celebrate 2025 as the “Year of the CaRE”  by ecouraging students –

To design the:

• commemorative badges for chaplains & religious educators

Click here to download the information