"EQ Employees teaching Religious Instruction (RI)

 

Although religious instruction (RI) is not part of the formal approved curriculum that our state schools have a responsibility to deliver, the Department is supportive of the provision of RI. 

 

Although some Education Queensland (EQ) employees currently provide this instruction during their non-contact time, the primary responsibility of EQ employees is to perform work specifically related to the approved curriculum.  Nevertheless, an EQ employee, if present in the classroom during RI for supervisory purposes, may assist in the conduct of the RI class.

 

Full time EQ employees who currently teach RI during paid time may continue to do so at their current school provided that it is undertaken in a voluntary capacity, has the approval of the principal and does not impact on the operations of the school (e.g. the need for students not participating in RI to engage in other supervised activities in a separate location as mandated by the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006).

 

If EQ employees teaching RI are transferred or retire, another EQ employee is not to undertake these duties nor are these employees to undertake the role in a new context.

 

Part-time EQ employees may conduct RI during their own time when they are not being paid by the Department."