126Religious instruction

126 Religious instruction

(1)  In this section –

general religious education means education about the forms of religious thought, belief and expression practised in Australian society and other societies, both currently and historically, but does not include specific instruction in any one particular religion or religious denomination alone;

religious instruction means specific instruction in any particular religion that is not related to, and part of, a broader education of religious thought, belief and expression practised in Australian society and other societies.

(2)  Religious instruction, for students, may be provided at a State school only in accordance with the Secretary's instructions.

(3)  Religious instruction for students at a State school may not be provided by a teacher at that school who is a State Service officer or State Service employee employed in, or for the purposes of, the Department.

(4)  Attendance at any class for religious instruction is not compulsory for any student.

(5)  A principal may require a parent of a student at a State school to notify the principal, in writing, whether or not the student is to attend any religious instruction provided by the school.

(6)  Nothing in this section prevents a teacher at a State school who is a State Service officer or State Service employee employed in, or for the purposes of, the Department from providing general religious education.