Type: Policy
Classification: Strategic
Policy Number: RE202001
Version: 1.1
Released: February 2020
In their pastoral letter Catholic Schools at a Crossroads the Bishops of NSW and the ACT challenged educational leaders and staff to dedicate themselves to ensuring that our schools:
- Are truly Catholic in their identity and life
- Are centres of the ‘new evangelisation’
- Enable our students to achieve high levels of Catholic religious literacy
- Are led and staffed by people who will contribute to these goals.
This policy endeavours to address and meet this challenge.
The distinctive character of the Catholic school is that it is a community animated by the spirit of the Gospel. The choice to work in Catholic education brings both a privilege and a challenge…”it demands a special commitment of caring service to students, parents and colleagues within the mission of the Church.” (Workplace Realities in the Catholic School, p11)
“Teachers in Catholic schools, then, are in a most privileged position. It is they who can provide vital guidance and support to parents and students, and instil in them a sense of the Gospel challenge to acknowledge God’s integral place in their lives to believe in [his] Word. This challenge demands certain essential qualities. It requires careful preparation, a facility for reflection, and a constant readiness for professional renewal and conversion of heart. Such teachers bring to their task an extraordinary giftedness and a profound sense of mission which significantly impact on their school communities, on their students and on their own effectiveness.”
The Privilege and the Challenge: the Teacher in the Catholic School, p6; (cf The Catholic School, n78; The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, n22; Declaration on Christian Education, n8)
It is the responsibility of all who work, teach and lead in Catholic schools to “nurture a partnership in faith, hope and love among students, parents, staff and priests” and to “embrace evangelisation as a responsibility of the entire school community”. Vision Statement for Catholic Schools, p15
Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) and Catholic school communities, therefore, have a responsibility to put into place appropriate, supportive yet rigorous pathways for the preparation and ongoing professional learning of teachers, especially in Religious Education, and for the professional and spiritual formation of those who will lead our schools into the future:
“The identity and success of Catholic education is linked inseparably to the witness of life given by the teaching staff…School staff who truly live their faith will be agents of a new evangelisation in creating a positive climate for the Christian faith to grow and in spiritually nourishing the students entrusted to their care. They will be especially effective when they are active practising Catholics, committed to their parish community and loyal to the Church and her teaching.”
John Paul II: Ecclesia in Oceania, 2001
The Accreditation Policy allows SCS communities to:
- Respond fully to the Archbishop’s invitation and mandate to work, teach and exercise leadership in a Catholic school on his behalf
- Engage all staff in the Catholic life of the school
- Ensure the attainment of academic knowledge and skills in the areas of religious education and Catholic school leadership *
- Use accreditation status under this Policy as one of the criteria to assist with selection of staff for teaching or leadership positions in Catholic schools **.
* as this policy only deals specifically with professional and academic formation, it should be read in conjunction with related Archdiocesan policies that address the broader issues of Catholic faith commitment and practice.
** selection panels will consider a range of relevant criteria in discerning the most appropriate staff for employment in Catholic Schools. In particular, a demonstrable commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church in the area of faith and morals, referred to as the Catholic ethos, along with regular participation in Sunday the life of a Parish community would be seen as desired criteria for selecting ers and support staff in Catholic Schools.
The following ‘Principles of Employment’ apply to all staff, across all levels of accreditation under this policy.
Principles of Employment
Staff in Catholic schools have an indispensable role to play in supporting and promoting the mission and goals of Catholic education. Therefore, as expected of all staff in a Catholic school, you agree to:
a) Conduct yourself in a manner which encourages a co-operative partnership with parents, pastors and the catholic community generally working towards the achievement of the school’s aims;
b) Strive, by your teaching and personal example, to develop in students an appreciation and acceptance of Catholic teaching and values;
c) Avoid, whether by word, action or known public life-style, any influence upon students that is contrary to the teaching and values of the Catholic Church in whose name you act;
d) Accept and espouse the Catholic educational philosophy of the school;
e) Develop and maintain an adequate understanding of those aspects of Catholic teaching that touch upon your subject areas;
f) Commit to the goals of Catholic education;
g) Commit to regular ongoing professional development;
h) Actively contribute to the religious life of the school and the spiritual formation of students.
The Accreditation Policy allows SCS communities to:
3.1. Respond to the changing needs and culture of Catholic schools
3.2. Recognise, promote and affirm appropriate forms of professional learning relevant to working, teaching and leading in a Catholic school
3.3. Provide opportunities for all staff to become familiar with and to be immersed in the culture of Catholic education
3.4. Nurture the spiritual formation, faith development and ongoing professional growth of all staff
3.5. Ensure that all staff meet the accreditation requirements appropriate to their respective roles For Religious Education Coordinators (REC) in Sydney Catholic Schools, this principle extends to attaining Level 1 REC Classification in a timely manner, in addition to attaining Category E Accreditation
3.6. Ensure that, in keeping with contemporary professional practice, all staff maintain currency of their accreditation status through appropriate professional support and development
3.7. Provide and monitor Provisional Accreditation to staff who are working towards full accreditation
3.8. Recognise that many employees bring to their school communities an array of gifts and a depth of Catholic faith and knowledge that far exceeds the minimal requirements of an accreditation structure. This accreditation policy is not intended to deny or minimise their contribution in any way
3.9. Recognise that employees who were satisfactorily accredited previously should only have to maintain currency under the new policy.
4.1. There is an obligation for all employees to obtain accreditation within a specific timeframe. For Religious Education Coordinators (REC) in Sydney Catholic Schools, this extends to attaining Level 1 REC Classification in a timely manner, in addition to attaining Category E Accreditation.
4.2. There is an obligation to maintain ongoing currency of accreditation.
4.3. There is an obligation for all employees to maintain their own records of ongoing professional development and faith formation in order to show their fulfillment of currency requirements.
4.4. Study requirements fulfilled for higher categories of accreditation will meet the requirements for earlier accreditation categories.
4.5. Currency requirements fulfilled for higher categories of accreditation will meet the requirements for earlier accreditation categories.
4.6. Provisional Accreditation may be provided to staff who are working towards full accreditation.
4.7. While SCS recognises and accepts the Accreditation status granted to employees by the other dioceses of NSW & ACT it requires all employees to maintain ongoing currency in accordance with the SCS Accreditation Policy.
4.8. This policy is scaffolded by five accreditation categories:
4.8.1. Category A – Accreditation to Work in a Catholic School (support staff)
4.8.2. Category B – Accreditation to Teach in a Catholic School (all teaching staff, including those who are not teachers of Religious Education)
4.8.3. Category C – Accreditation for Leadership in a Catholic School (Co- coordinators and leaders at Middle Management level)
4.8.4. Category D – Accreditation to Teach Religious Education (all RE teaching staff)
4.8.5. Category E – Accreditation for Senior Leadership in a Catholic School (Principals, APs, RECs)
4.9. Teachers Designated as a Teacher of Religious Education
4.9.1. Teaching positions that are designated as involving the teaching of Religious Education, typically require a Priest Reference prior to appointment.
4.9.2. The SCS Recover at Work Policy is reviewed at least once every two years in consultation with employees and any union representing them. The Policy is available on the SCS intranet.
5.1. Responsibility of Principal:
5.1.1. Monitor the accreditation and currency requirements of all staff (Category A-E)
5.1.2. Complete an annual audit for Category D
5.2. Responsibility of all staff:
5.2.1. Satisfy the relevant accreditation requirements and maintain the relevant currency requirements
5.3. Responsibility of SCS Central Office:
5.3.1. Ensure that all employees are familiar with the Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead in Sydney Catholic Schools Policy
5.3.2. Conduct a system-wide annual audit of Category D Accreditation
5.3.3. Monitor and track Category E Accreditation
5.4. Responsibility of Religious Education Coordinator:
5.4.1. All Religious Education Coordinators (RECs) are expected to hold Category E Accreditation based on the completion of four post-graduate units of study in Religious Education / Theology / Catholic Leadership. These units do not include those used for accreditation to teach Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Sydney (Category D). In addition, it is expected that the Religious Education Coordinator will be classified as Level 1 REC for the purposes of remuneration, in accordance with the Teacher Enterprise Agreement pay tables for Religious Education Coordinators. Religious Education Coordinators are classified, for the purposes of pay, according to the level of religious qualifications held. A substantive appointment requires classification as a Level 1 REC. Religious Education Coordinators who have completed post-graduate study as either a Graduate Diploma or Master of Religious Education / Theology / Theological Studies or who have a Bachelor of Theology are classified as a Level 1 REC. Religious Education Coordinators who have not completed the study of a Graduate Diploma or Master of Religious Education / Theology / Theological Studies or a Bachelor of Theology, are classified as Level 2 and appointed on a conditional basis, the condition being that study would be undertaken that would allow the REC to be reclassified as a Level 1 REC, in a timely manner.
Notions of equivalent qualifications are determined by the Director of Religious Education and Evangelisation. A complete list of approved post-graduate programs and providers can be found at RE Online, which is part of the public website of Sydney Catholic Schools. All study must be undertaken at an institution approved by Sydney Catholic Schools.
6.1. The Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools or Director of Religious Education and Evangelisation may approve transitional arrangements or Provisional Accreditation in anomalous situations.
7.1. Category A – Accreditation to Work in a Catholic School
7.1.1. School support staff who have direct and immediate contact with students, parents and teaching staff are required to participate in a one-day (or equivalent) Orientation Program to acquaint them with the vision and mission of Catholic schools within the context of the evangelising and catechising mission of the Catholic Church. This would normally be conducted at the beginning of a school year for all new support staff.
7.1.2. Aspects of this program may include:
- An introduction as to what it means to be employed in a Catholic workplace
- An exploration of The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools
- SCS guidelines/expectations
- Discussion of the school’s Vision and Mission Statement (if a school-based program)
- Discussion of the relationship of these documents to an individual’s work
- Partnership with families and parishes.
7.1.3. Typically, the support staff to attend the Orientation Program would include:
- School secretaries
- Teachers’ aides/assistants
- Laboratory assistants
- Library assistants
- Grounds persons and cleaners (during school hours) who have direct contact with students
- Permanent canteen staff.
7.1.4. Schools need to determine at a local level how volunteers should be engaged in the relevant aspects of the Orientation Program.
7.1.5. Currency: All support staff are expected to attend a minimum of fifteen hours of formation over a period of five years as a means of maintaining their ongoing Accreditation to Work in a Catholic School. Typically, this formation would consist of attendance at staff faith formation days. It is expected that all schools will utilise one professional development day per year for the purpose of the faith formation of all staff.
7.1.6. Category A – accreditation and currency requirements are tracked by each school.
7.2. Category B – Accreditation to Teach in a Catholic School
7.2.1. All newly appointed teachers, both part-time and full-time, should participate in a two-day formation program offered by the SCS Office so as to meet the Accreditation requirements to Teach in a Catholic School. This should occur within the first twelve months of employment.
7.2.2. Aspects of this formation program may include:
- Mission of the Catholic Church
- The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools
- Catholic Life and Culture
- Pastoral Care
- Scripture, Prayer and Liturgy
- Christian Leadership
- Catholic Ethical and Social Teaching
- Partnership with Families and Parishes
7.2.3. Beginning teachers are required to complete a further two-day formation program in their second year which complements and builds on their first year program. This second year program is coordinated by the SCS Office.
7.2.4. Experienced teachers, new to the Catholic sector, are required to complete a two- day formation program in their first year of employment with SCS in order to meet the Accreditation requirements.
7.2.5. Currency: All teachers are expected to attend a minimum of thirty hours of formation over a period of five years as a means of maintaining their ongoing accreditation. Typically, this formation would consist of attendance at staff faith formation days. It is expected that all schools will utilise one professional development day per year for the purpose of the faith formation and spiritual development of staff.
7.2.6. Category B – accreditation and currency requirements are tracked by each school.
7.3. Category C – Accreditation for Leadership in a Catholic School
7.3.1. All Coordinators and Middle Managers must be qualified teachers, with the necessary background, knowledge and professional commitment to the Vision and Mission of Catholic Schools. Coordinators and Middle Managers holding postgraduate qualifications in Religious Education/Theology/Catholic Leadership are accredited for Category C upon application.
7.3.2. Coordinators and Middle Managers not holding such qualifications must complete the equivalent of a four-day (24 hours) Leadership Formation program prior to their appointment or within the first two years of their appointment.
7.3.3. Aspects of the program may include:
- Mission of the Catholic Church
- The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools
- Catholic Life and Culture
- Pastoral Care
- Scripture, Prayer and Liturgy
- Christian Leadership
- Faith Formation of Staff
- Partnership with Families and Parishes
- Catholic Ethical and Social Teaching
- Catholic Worldview across the Curriculum.
7.3.4. Completion of PEARL (Program for Emerging and Aspiring Religious Leaders) satisfies the category C requirements. Alternatively, Coordinators and Middle Managers can meet their accreditation requirements through the successful completion of two units of postgraduate study in Religious Education/Theology/Catholic Leadership.
7.3.5. Category C Accreditation requirements apply to:
- Directors of Study/Curriculum Coordinators
- Heads of Department/Subject Coordinators
- Teacher Educator (Primary) LoP (secondary)
- Year and Welfare Coordinators
- Youth Ministry Coordinators
- Primary School Coordinators
- Any other equivalent roles
7.3.6. Currency: It is expected that all Coordinators and Middle Managers will complete a minimum of forty-five hours of formation over a period of five years as a means of maintaining their ongoing accreditation. It is expected that all schools will utilise one professional development day per year for the purpose of the faith formation and/or spiritual development of staff. Typically, this formation would consist of attendance at staff faith formation days (30 hours), professional development, and/or formal tertiary studies in the approved fields. This may also include formation and immersion programs approved by the SCS Office.
7.3.7. Category C – accreditation and currency requirements are tracked by each school.
7.4. Category D – Accreditation to Teach Religious Education
7.4.1. Teachers of Religious Education must be qualified Catholic* teachers, with the necessary background, knowledge and professional commitment to the Vision and Mission of the Catholic School.
7.4.2. In order to be accredited as a teacher of Religious Education, teachers must have completed:
- undergraduate studies which include a minimum of six approved units in Religious Education/Theology at a Catholic tertiary institution (for students commencing their undergraduate studies from 2013) OR
- undergraduate studies which include a minimum of six approved units in Religious Education/Theology at a secular tertiary institution OR
- a minimum of four SCS approved postgraduate units of study in Religious Education/Theology at a Catholic tertiary institution OR
- a minimum of four SCS approved postgraduate units of study in Religious Education/Theology at a secular tertiary institution OR
- the completion of SCS approved qualification in Religious Education/Theology from an endorsed provider.
7.4.3. Upon individual application, teachers may also be accredited to teach Religious Education if they have previously been accredited to teach Religious Education in another State or Territory of Australia, provided it is in line with the minimum requirements of SCS.
7.4.4. Currency: It is expected that all teachers of Religious Education will complete a minimum of forty-five hours of formation over a period of five years as a means of maintaining their ongoing accreditation. Typically, this formation would consist of attendance at staff faith formation days (30 hours), professional development, and/or formal tertiary studies in the approved fields (15 hours). This may also include formation and immersion programs approved by the SCS Office.
7.4.5. Category D – accreditation requirements are tracked by the SCS Central office. Currency requirements are tracked by each school.
7.5. Category E – Accreditation for Senior Leadership in a Catholic School
7.5.1. Senior leaders in Catholic schools must be qualified Catholic** teachers, with the necessary background, knowledge and professional commitment to the Vision and Mission of the Catholic School. Principals, Assistant Principals and Religious Education Coordinators are considered to be senior leaders.
7.5.2. To be eligible for senior leadership positions employees must:
- be accredited for Leadership in a Catholic School (Category C)
- be accredited to teach Religious Education (Category D)
- have completed a minimum of four units of study at a postgraduate level in Religious Education/Theology/Catholic Leadership at a Catholic tertiary institution or as part of an approved program of study at a secular tertiary institution. The four units must be in addition to studies used for the purposes of category D Accreditation.
- Currency: It is expected that all senior leaders will complete a minimum of seventy-five hours of formation over a period of five years as a means of maintaining their ongoing accreditation. Typically, this formation would consist of attendance at staff faith formation days (30 hours), professional development, conference attendance and/or formal tertiary studies in the approved fields (45 hours). This may also include formation and immersion programs approved by the SCS Office.
7.5.3. Category E – accreditation and currency requirements are tracked by the SCS Central office.
7.5.4. Senior School Leaders – Statement of Commitment – In the first year of work as a Senior School Leader at a school, the leader shall affirm personal adherence to the teachings and values of the Catholic Church by making a formal Statement of Commitment as required by the Archbishop of Sydney, in the presence of the Parish Priest and the local Parish community. In some Catholic secondary schools, the location of this Commissioning Ceremony may need to be determined according to local circumstances. The Statement of Commitment will also be made before the Executive Director of SCS at the annual Principals’ Commissioning Ceremony in January as part of an initial orientation to the role of Principal. This applies to substantive appointments and interim appointments of 12 months or more, to positions requiring Category E accreditation.
7.6. Provisional Accreditation
7.6.1. Provisional Accreditation is premised on the underlying philosophy that all teachers of Religious Education and leaders in Catholic schools are acting in these specific roles on behalf of the Archbishop. In essence, the Archbishop mandates teachers to proclaim the Gospel message within the Catholic tradition in his name. Hence, accreditation is a requirement for all those who teach Religious Education or holding leadership positions in Catholic schools.
7.6.2. The category of Provisional Accreditation applies to those who are yet to satisfy their specific accreditation requirements in the following categories:
- Accreditation D – Accreditation to Teach Religious Education – (All RE teachers)
- Accreditation E – Accreditation for Senior Leadership – (Principals, Assistant Principals and Religious Education Coordinators).
7.6.3. The status of Provisional Accreditation is granted for a maximum of four years and will be detailed in the employee’s individual contract and/or letter of appointment.
7.6.4. In extraordinary circumstances Provisional Accreditation may be extended for a period of up to five years. In the case of Maternity Leave, the extension will correspond to the time on leave.
7.6.5. Provisional Accreditation would generally be granted when the following provisions are met:
- the applicant is Catholic, or on the basis of their strong commitment to the Catholic ethos, has received special endorsement (Category D and E only)
- the details surrounding the contractual nature of the arrangement are fully documented
- a professional development pathway is developed, e.g. enrolment in and completion of a relevant postgraduate study program.
7.6.6. The Provisional Accreditation of teachers of Religious Education and senior leaders, including Religious Education Coordinators, Assistant Principals and Principals, will be monitored by the SCS Central office.
*It is generally expected that all teachers of Religious Education are Catholic and will display a demonstrable commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church in the area of faith and morals along with regular participation in Sunday Eucharist and, more generally, in the life of a Parish community.
In special circumstances, teachers from other Christian denominations, notably the Orthodox tradition, may be granted provisional accreditation to Teach Religious Education by the Director of Religious Education and Evangelisation.
** All senior leaders in a Catholic school must be Catholic and must display a demonstrable commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church in the area of faith and morals along with regular participation in Sunday Eucharist and, more generally, in the life of a Parish community.
In special circumstances, teachers from other Christian denominations, notably the Orthodox tradition, may be granted accreditation for Senior Leadership by the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools.
8.1. Related policies
8.2. Supporting documents
- Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney
- New Horizons: Inspiring Spirits and Minds 2015-2018 Strategic Plan
- Position Description: Religious Education Coordinator (Approved SCS Leadership Team November 2018 | SCS Trust Board December 2018)
9.1. Policy Number: RE202001-1.1
9.2. Document Rescinds / Replaces: Accreditation Policy to Work, Teach and Lead in Sydney Catholic Schools (RE201901-1.0)
9.3. Released: February 2020
9.4. Review by: February 2021
9.5. Document Owner: Identity and Mission Directorate
9.6. Enquiries: Strategy, Policy and Governance Team on (02) 9568 8215