Volunteers are needed to teach ethics at Forbes North Public School every Wednesday during school term. Tricia Bolton (Greenhill), long-time coordinator of Primary Ethics classes at the school, is moving interstate, leaving a large hole to fill for the popular classes that see over one third of school students take part.
Trish joined as coordinator seven years ago in 2014 and shortly after Desiree (De) Barter started the ethics program, which runs as an alternative to scripture or ‘supervised care’.
“Tricia has always supported the volunteer teachers in their role, believing strongly in the goals of ethics lessons – for children to learn how to respectfully discuss everyday ethical issues, listening closely to each other, forming their own opinions, sometimes disagreeing but without putdowns. Tricia’s wisdom in this role will be sadly missed,” De said.
Primary Ethics volunteers come from all backgrounds – parents, grandparents, friends and members of the local community.
“You don’t have to have any previous teaching experience. There is free online training provided and lots of ongoing support.”
The ethics curriculum is Department of Education-approved. The classes are for children of all faiths and none, designed to get children thinking deeply and communicating respectfully.
The new Ethics Coordinator, Mary Hinchcliffe, moved to Forbes 5 years ago when she retired. Since joining the team of volunteer teachers, Mary says she is constantly inspired by the children’s enthusiasm.
“Anyone who has an hour a week to spare can apply to volunteer,” Mary said. “You will get a lot out of it and contribute valuable skills for the children’s future”.
Anyone interested in learning more can visit: https://primaryethics.com.au/volunteer/ethics-teacher/ or contact Mary on forbesprimaryethics@gmail.com