REACH has existed as a partnership between local churches in the Chatswood and Willoughby area for over 20 years. It is an expression of our common desire to see Special Religious Education (SRE) taught well in our local high schools, ultimately for the good of the students.

We believe that it is the responsibility of the local churches to ensure that SRE lessons are not only made available in public schools, but taught consistently and to a high standard. Working together through REACH, we are able to offer a professional, reliable and high-quality SRE program, delivered in a coordinated manner by permanent and professional teaching staff.

You can read more about REACH here.

Mark Penn
Chair of REACH Committee
Associate Pastor, Chatswood Baptist Church

“SRE is a strength of our public education system, it benefits student mental health and well-being, provides safe places for students to explore faith and belief and strengthens multiculturalism.”

(The Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC, New South Wales Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning)

SRE is an effective way of providing a range of important benefits to students:

• Nurturing wellbeing
• Helping to shape personal values
• Answering searching questions
• Broadening education
• Providing care and support

More information on the value of SRE can be found in the study (PDF) from Better Balanced Futures, as well as in the report (PDF) that came out of the 2015 review of SRE and SEE in government schools.

Specifically, Christian SRE is open to students of all religions, faith backgrounds and walks of life. Classes are typically run fortnightly and we would love to get you involved in one way or another!