Though we make sure that from the very beginning parents and members of TLFH/HEdCen know that we are a non-sectarian school, questions and issues about this matter still arise. Before a child is accepted we assume the family can embrace this fact having decided to send their children to The Little Farm House.

Maybe discussing the matter can help answer some questions? By non-sectarian we do not mean “faith-less”. For us it simply means allowing the children to learn to embrace and respect the faiths and spiritual beliefs of others and acknowledging that we are all His children-no favoritism, no one ahead of the other. What we teach here is Values Ed. in place of Religion. And because there are different faiths here, we leave the matter of teaching religion to parents.

This is how it has always been and like T. Emma points out to parents, we have lived harmoniously with each other this way. When they get to Grade 3, children of other faiths are invited to attend the First Holy Communion of their Catholic classmates and stand in as part of the choir. Most of them attend because they are aware of how important this event is for their classmates. They only are able to ofcourse because their parents allowed them.

Teachers may or may not make the sign of the cross. Ofcourse if we are teaching the children to respect the faiths of others, others include their teachers. They do not deserve any less respect, right parents?

We know children at this point tend to follow whatever the teacher (or the majority) does. So, teachers in turn (should) make it clear that children may pray however way they are accustomed to for as long as it is respectful to the One we pray to

We hope parents not only understand but support the school in teaching the children this kind of tolerance and respect. They need not believe in the same things right?

In class, we pray the Body Prayer (said with actions).
See it below. You can even ask your child to show you the actions. Or maybe you can ask your child to lead prayer and use this some times…

Body Prayer

O my Lord,
I offer you myself like a flower opening its petals
Give me the grace of openess,
and from the depths of my being,
I offer you all that I am
and all that I have,
for Your greater honor and glory
Amen

…beautiful isn’t it?

Posted in: issues | | July 2007