Jen1977ni

I recently submitted my CV to a few of the local private schools. Today I've received an email saying:

'To process your application further we will require your Christian Testimony and a Pastor’s reference.'


Erm...anyone?!

Briar

Many private Anglican and Catholic schools will not employ anyone without these. It is to prove to them that you are practising in their religion and accept the ethos of the school.

Good Luck!

Jen1977ni

Well I don't attend church, so does that mean I should just give up now?

kar-kier

Unfortunately Jen, yes!! Virtually all the 'faith' schools will only employ people of that faith. In saying that, you may get lucky!

Good luck xx

Jen1977ni

lol

Briar

Sorry Jen - if you cant provide what the faith schools require, you are paddling up stream!!

Nailed it

It seems that most private schools seem to have some kind of religious affiliation, I'm not a religious person but if I wanted to work in one of these schools do I just need to start going to church when I get to Oz and introduce myself to the vicar? Then when the time comes to get a letter all should be ok!?!

Has anybody had to do this?...Or know a way around this situation? I'm probably halfway to Hell anyway so bending the rules like this should secure me a prime seat!

WS

I applied to a local private Christian school for relief work recently and they said without a church reference they weren't interested - and this was just for relief!!

saoghalbeag

I did not really notice any schools of this sort in the UK when I was there so if you base your understanding on UK 'faith schools' it is not going to be entirely accurate. I think faith schools in the UK are more traditional denominations and you may get away with some of the above suggestions in an Anglican or Catholic (ie: traditional) Christian school, but in any of the more contemporary places you will struggle.

Some will want you to sign a statement of faith, attend church regularly and participate in worship services and prayer and etc during school time. They will also expect you to commit to living according to a Biblical worldview (no drinking or mad shagging...or swearing, or in some cases NO DANCING!) and expect you to promote this to the students. One school I taught at had a revival during morning assembly and half the school stayed in the hall singing and praying whilst the others went to class.

You also have to ask yourself whether that is the environment in which you would feel comfortable teaching.

That said, I know many of these schools have their handful of renegades - often teachers from more traditional church backgrounds. Or Baptists.

saoghalbeag

Re: Christian testimony...

www.stevensworld.biz/christian_testimony.html
Told whilst performing with a variety of juggling equipment

www.whatagod.com/addguest.htm

Okay, so I haven't checked these and they might be mad, but it's basically the story of how you came to know the Lord - road to Damascus type stuff.

saoghalbeag

btw, were the schools who wanted this TCC or COC???

Aussie30

That is not entirely true, I worked at an Independant Catholic school for over a year and I am not part of any Church. I just left that part blank on the Job Application form and nothing was said about it.

Jen1977ni

Yup lol not telling you which tho tee hee

saoghalbeag

lol hope it goes well - is that the school you're waiting to hear back from? I did a prac at TCC. The school history is very interesting but maybe for a PM - don't want to be sued!!

Jen1977ni

PM ME, PM ME! lol