The whole ethos behind a Jewish primary school in New South Wales is to love and nurture children, to educate them, and to teach them life skills, encourage kindness, respect and tolerance, with a special focus on inclusivity. A Jewish primary school is always going to focus on Judaism, including the Jewish traditions, Jewish songs, Jewish history, a Jewish ethos, and Jewish art, poetry and music- similar to how a Catholic school has a Roman Catholic focus. But a Jewish school is very aware of the importance of teaching about inclusivity and tolerance, and for this reason, a Jewish school is not going to be exclusive. If a child is keen to go to a Jewish school, and they are of a different religion, they are welcomed.
Talk to the teachers about religion
Children at a Jewish primary school near you in New South Walesare primarily Jewish, simply because it is Jewish families who want their children to get that Jewish basis. If you are not Jewish but still keen for your child to go to the school, chat to the school. Set up a meeting with the head teacher, or teachers, take some time at the school, and see if this is the right environment for your child. And this is something that Jewish parents should do too. A child must always like the school and feel like they will fit in. Any parent should take time to choose a school, and should not just choose a school because of its ethos or because of its proximity.
A good primary school is one that is nurturing, encouraging, stimulating, understanding, tolerant, respectful, kind, and of course, educational. It is a school where children should learn, be happy, make friends and feel a real sense of belonging. If it’s close by, even better.
So if you want a Jewish primary school for your Jewish child, or for any child, chat to the school!
