07-15-2004, 07:31 PM
<b>Australian School Starts Hindu Class for Hindu Students</b>
SYDNEY,JULY 14: Cherrybrook Public School is leading the way when it comes to cultural and religious diversity. It's now the first school in the Hills district to offer Hindu classes as part of its religious scripture program. Vice principal Dale Neilson said teachers and parents were thrilled that Hindu classes started at the school to serve a growing portion of the school community. Classes started last term after prompting from parents who saw there was an increasing number of Hindu students attending the school. Thirty-eight of the school's 688 students attend Hindu classes on Friday mornings. "Before these scripture classes were held, the Hindu children would normally go into the non-religious classes during scripture time," Mrs. Neilson said. She said after parents raised the issue, school principal Jennifer Ryan surveyed the school community. "We had a very supportive response. "The next step was to get teachers to teach the lesson. "Now we have 18 infants and 20 primary students attending the classes," said Mrs. Neilson. Hindu scripture teacher, Mr "Muni" Ramasamy Muniappan said the students were always keen to participate. "I can see the lessons becoming an integral part of many schools in the area, " he said.
SYDNEY,JULY 14: Cherrybrook Public School is leading the way when it comes to cultural and religious diversity. It's now the first school in the Hills district to offer Hindu classes as part of its religious scripture program. Vice principal Dale Neilson said teachers and parents were thrilled that Hindu classes started at the school to serve a growing portion of the school community. Classes started last term after prompting from parents who saw there was an increasing number of Hindu students attending the school. Thirty-eight of the school's 688 students attend Hindu classes on Friday mornings. "Before these scripture classes were held, the Hindu children would normally go into the non-religious classes during scripture time," Mrs. Neilson said. She said after parents raised the issue, school principal Jennifer Ryan surveyed the school community. "We had a very supportive response. "The next step was to get teachers to teach the lesson. "Now we have 18 infants and 20 primary students attending the classes," said Mrs. Neilson. Hindu scripture teacher, Mr "Muni" Ramasamy Muniappan said the students were always keen to participate. "I can see the lessons becoming an integral part of many schools in the area, " he said.