College News

Principal's Update

Religious Freedom

I recently attended the Christian Schools Policy Forum in Canberra, where the forum's focus was on religious freedom. One of the speakers, Dr. Michael F. Bird, spoke on religious freedom in a secular age. In his book with the same title, Bird argues that secularism is not what most people think it is. He points out that Australia is not a secular country. Instead, it is a pluralistic country with a Christian heritage and a secular government. As a result of this separation of powers, there is freedom of religion, which is why we can have a multi-faith society. Bird goes on to argue that there is an increasing social hostility to people of faith. In fact, there is an increase in activism against people of faith. 

These tensions are not new. In Acts 17:1-9 (NRSV), we see tension play out in Thessalonica between Paul and Silas and the Jewish people. We read that many devout Greeks began to believe in Jesus the Messiah. Then, in Verse 5 we read: 

"But the Jews became jealous, and with the help of some ruffians in the marketplaces they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. While they were searching for Paul and Silas to bring them out to the assembly, they attacked Jason’s house. When they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some believers before the city authorities, shouting, ‘These people who have been turning the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has entertained them as guests. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of the emperor, saying that there is another king named Jesus.’ The people and the city officials were disturbed when they heard this, and after they had taken bail from Jason and the others, they let them go."

As people of faith, we need to continue to ‘turn the world upside down’. In doing so, we make mere Christianity our base and pursue religious freedom for all. At the same time, we do not vacate the public square.

COVID Reminders

As mentioned in my email this week, COVID is still active in our community. In the College since the start of May, we have now had 51 reported cases in students and staff. This is a timely reminder that we still need to practice social distancing and hand washing. The public health advice is to wear a mask when indoors. In the current climate, the College endorses this advice to minimise disruptions to learning and help keep the College open. Please consider this advice and follow it as you feel appropriate.

If you have a student who tests positive for COVID, they are required to isolate at home for seven days. You must report the result to the College and log the test result online at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au. If you are a household contact, you are required to complete a Rapid Antigen Test every day for five out of seven days. RAT kits are available from the College. Students who are a household contact are permitted to attend school, but parents must notify the College that they are a household contact. Students must wear an N95 mask (available from the College) and conduct RAT’s five out of seven days. If a student then tests positive on a RAT, they must isolate for seven days and not attend school. If you need further clarification on this, please refer to the Coronavirus Victoria website or contact College reception.

Allister Rouse

Principal