What does RENEW stand for?

RENEW – Religious Education Network of Ecumenical Writers

What is RENEW?

RENEW is a gathering of experts in religious education in state schools in Queensland, who work together to share resources and ensure that RE is as effective as it can be. To that end, RENEW writes books and training programs, runs workshops and seminars and holds an annual conference.

How did RENEW come about?

Once, a small child went out to a field to paint a picture. She set up her easel and, looking out over the scene in front of her, she began to paint. After a few moments something caught her eye in the neighbouring field. There was a little boy also painting a picture of the same scene. Once she noted this, the girl looked all around her. She saw eight or nine painters, all hard at work. With a loud voice, the child gathered all the painters together.
“What if,” she asked, “we all painted together? Think of how big the picture would be!”
“It would be even more beautiful!” said another painter.
“We could share paints and enjoy each other!” said another.
And that, metaphorically, is how RENEW was born.

What has RENEW produced?

Renew has produced a number of resources for RE teachers. They include:

What else does RENEW provide?

Top Up Your Tank days in or around May provide participants with new training in their “backyards”. Spread over four venues, scattered around Brisbane to make attendance easier, the RENEW team provides a day long series of workshops and plenary sessions written to cater for RE teacher demand. The RENEW team have also taken TUYT to Toowoomba, Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

The annual RENEW Conference in October attracts around 200 RE teachers who come together to share in the best new ideas and resources on offer. With a mixture of panel discussions, major speakers, electives, prayer and fellowship, the day-long conference grows in size each year.

How can I make contact with RENEW?
Contact any of the RENEW group directly or:
Phone:          3514 7442
Mail:          PO Box 1261, Milton. 4064
Email: jonathans@ministryeducation.org.au
Website:          www.childrensministrynetwork.org.au

Some comments from participants in RENEW events

“Thank you RENEW for another excellent workshop day. I’m teaching tomorrow and my students will enjoy what I’ve learnt here.”

“An entertaining and educational day – I want it all again!”

“So many good ideas. I can’t wait to use them!”

“This is exactly the stuff I needed to know. Thank you!”

“A good balance of practical help and theory to back it up. Marvellous!”

Some of the many workshops RENEW can run for you…