About Us
Who we are
Christian Education In Schools (CEIS) is a wonderful service established by the ACT Churches Council, in response to the allowance for religious education within the ACT Education Act 2004. CEIS has grown a trusted partnership with the Education and Training Directorate (ETD) to provide this service. CEIS can be viewed as an added layer of education for your child; a valuable option for any family that feels this is right or them.
Why we exist
CEIS exists as an option within the public school system for children to seek, question and explore Christian faith and values.
The ACT Education Act 2004 addresses the fact that parents within the government education system may desire specific religious education for their children. In response to this allowance for parents, the ACT Churches’ Council established Christian Education In Schools – CEIS.
What we believe
Christianity is one of the world’s major religions. Christians believe in Jesus Christ as God’s own son and follow his teachings as outlined in the Holy Bible. Jesus’ teachings focus predominantly on God’s love, loving God and loving others. Christians believe Jesus is both human and divine, lived on earth over 2,000 years ago and offers God’s promise of eternal life.
What we provide
CEIS sessions provide an opportunity for students to seek, question and explore Christian faith and values, as outlined through the people and events recorded in the Bible. CEIS is an optional part of a holistic education process and in no way demand beliefs, decisions or church attendance.
seek question explore
From birth, children are on a journey of discovery and development – physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Modern education focuses on supporting and encouraging holistic, lifelong learning for each child in all areas, to enhance their participation in a rapidly changing world. CEIS provides a platform of discovery and learning across open-ended educational sessions.
When & Where
CEIS exists as an option within the public school system for children to seek, question and explore Christian faith and values.
The ACT Education Act 2004 addresses the fact that parents within the government education system may desire specific religious education for their children. In response to this allowance for parents, the ACT Churches’ Council established Christian Education In Schools – CEIS.
FAQ'S
FAQs FROM PARENTS
CEIS is a project responding to requests made by parents for their children to receive Christian Education at school. Provisions within the ACT Education Act 2004 allow parents to request religious education (in a particular religion) for their child.
Yes. The CEIS service is for ACT government schools. Families of students in a government primary, high-school or college can place a request for Christian Education (and CEIS will assist in coordinating a provider).
CEIS can only occur in a government school when a parent requests it for their child. Once a
request is placed CEIS assists the school in organising the sessions and informing the school
community. This also involves liaison with local churches to organise volunteer teams that are
trained and coordinated by CEIS
CEIS may be requested by speaking directly with your school principal. Requests can also be
made via the parent request form, which CEIS then directs to your child’s school. Please do let
your Principal know in person that you have done this if it is a school that does not yet have CEIS.
Requests can be made at any time and this permission remains in effect until your child leaves the
school or until you provide an alternative request.
The CEIS curriculum is available to all schools. Each term a session overview is on the website and
can also be emailed to parents wanting to receive it.
The term themes are:
Term 1: Easter Extravaganza
Term 2: Beyond You
Term 3: Bible Bonanza
Term 4: Christmas Celebrations
No. CEIS sessions are open to all students of any age with no prior understanding required. The
sessions are designed for children with different levels of understanding and ideas, with all
thoughts and responses respected. Sessions are open-ended for individual involvement and
outcome.
No, students always have a choice. Sessions are based on the Bible and may explore relevant
verses using various resources. Praying may be discussed in sessions but actual prayer with
students is unlikely. On a rare occasion a volunteer might say a short generic prayer that is
relevant to the topic, with no requirement that students be involved.
No. CEIS sessions are specifically about Christianity. However, the place for religion in people’s
lives is greatly respected and any discussion that might eventuate will be received accordingly.
CEIS sessions are non-denominational, representing the Christian church as a whole. The basic
festivals and messages of Christianity are presented, with volunteers coming from a range of
Christian denominations. All volunteers sign agreement to the Apostles’ Creed, the basic creed of
the whole Christian church, and commit to working as a united team.
Volunteers are from local churches, have been endorsed by their minister, have completed WWVP
screening documents and attend training sessions. Each team of volunteers is guided by a
teacher-trained CEIS staff member (or on occasion a suitable volunteer leader). A school staff
member is also required to be within observation distance of each session.
Initially you could speak with your child’s CEIS volunteer at school, contact the CEIS Coordinator
or read through any material available via our website. You could also personally arrange
to visit a minister at a local church, who would be happy to provide you with more information
and help answer your questions.
FAQs FROM SCHOOLS
Please contact the CEIS Coordinator who will arrange a meeting with you to discuss the regular
process for CEIS.
The CEIS curriculum is available to all schools. Each term a session overview is available on our
website. On occasion a Family Connections page is emailed to parents wanting to receive it.
Yes. The resources and activities included in the four sessions each year are based on modern
teaching practices with consideration given to variations in learning styles and abilities, learning
intelligences, discovery learning, investigation stations and student ages.
CEIS provides a one-hour session each school term, with groups of 25-30 students at time. If more
students are participating then an extra hour will be needed per group. CEIS sessions are
scheduled on a day negotiated with each school during weeks 6-10 and are during lesson time.
Your school will need to:
• provide relevant information to school families
• maintain a list of participating students
• ensure students are organised to attend on the scheduled day, along with a supervising staff
member
• provide a suitable time and space for CEIS (while regular lessons continue for other students)
• welcome CEIS volunteers and show them the allocated space and amenities
FAQs FROM VOLUNTEERS
Any member of a Christian denomination can volunteer (those under 18 can be placed in an
assisting role). New volunteers are encouraged to come along to one of our next training sessions
or arrange a meeting with the CEIS Coordinator.
Volunteers are required to:
• undertake a WWVP check
• complete relevant documents including a minister endorsement
• attend a training session each term (or visit a school to view materials)
• work with a volunteer team under the direction of a CEIS leader
Volunteers require about 2 hours for training each term (available during day or evening) and 1
hour for each school session they assist with (over 100 hours to choose from). Many volunteers use
flex-time or lunch-time to commit to CEIS.
Ideally each one-hour session of CEIS requires 4 volunteers plus the CEIS leader. This allows a
volunteer to be available for any small-group stations or to assist with students as required.
Volunteers are very welcome to come along to any session simply to provide extra support or
care.
FAQs FROM CHURCHES
Your church can partner with CEIS as an organisation through:
• organising a CEIS presentation
• committing to be involved in a local school
• celebrating ‘Let’s Go Sunday’
• adding CEIS to your annual budget
• supporting and promoting CEIS fundraisers
Churches can partner with CEIS by encouraging individual members to:
• volunteer
• request CEIS at their child’s school or tell parents about it
• subscribe to the termly CEIS Shared Prayers
• become a personal donor
• participate or help with fundraisers
• follow CEIS on Facebook
CEIS sessions work best in schools when local churches commit to regular leading and
volunteering. This allows relationships with students and staff to consolidate and student
exploration to be well supported. Contact the CEIS Coordinator who will help your church to
facilitate this process.
CEIS presentations take about 10 minutes and are tailored to suit individual churches. They usually
include:
• a brief overview of CEIS
• information specific to your area
• highlighting biggest needs
• celebrating student participation
Presentations can be a mix of verbal, video, power-point, resources and activities, depending on
your church preferences and capabilities.
Now called ‘Let’s Go Sunday’, CEIS designates the Sunday at the end of week 1 of the new school year as a moment for
churches to unite in prayer and celebration for all school ministry. Some churches choose an alternative date later in the year. Information and resources are provided for SMS and CEIS staff are available to make a presentation.
The School Prayer Network is simply a gathering of all interested Christians (church members,
ministers, chaplains, volunteers, etc) who consider it valuable to pray for children, families, schools
and community connections. Gatherings vary in style each term.
CEIS hosts some specific fundraisers through the year. Please contact the CEIS Coordinator for further information.
Additionally, CEIS encourages and welcomes ANY fundraising by ANY church, group or individual at ANY time!
CEIS runs only on donations and directs all funds towards children being able to seek, question and explore God, Jesus and the Bible.