Changes in Quebec schools create opportunities
Christian Direction to hire Protestant animators
By
Sandra Smith
Special to ChristianWeek
MONTREAL–The greatest transformation in the Quebec school system since the inception of the Ministry of Education takes effect this month, bringing unique opportunities for Protestants in Quebec’s public schools. As the final stage of the new Education Act (introduced in 1988) is implemented, changes will affect school boards, parent involvement and confessional services.
What used to be 150 Catholic and Protestant school boards are now 69 French and English school boards, ending the confessional structure of the system. Major changes in territories, buildings and student populations are changing the picture for thousands of students and staff across the province.
A governing board with increased powers for parents is replacing school and orientation committees in local schools. The new law dedicates more than 30 articles to explain its responsibilities. This board of parents, staff delegates and the principal determines the nature of each school and how funding is used. A most important priority in the first two years will be to decide the confessional status of the school–Protestant or Catholic.
The new system maintains confessional services in all elementary and secondary schools, to be administered in two ways. First, the Moral and Religious Education (MRE) program is still part of the required curriculum, and parents maintain the right to choose MRE Catholic, Protestant or Moral for their children. These options are especially relevant since schools can no longer hide under the shelter of a confessional school board, claiming to be just Catholic or just Protestant.
Also, "religious animation," the chaplaincy service that has been in place for years, is taking on new significance. To address the spiritual needs of the Protestant population, many school principals are looking to the government to hire religious animators for their schools. More requests will come as Protestant parents become more aware of this opportunity and work together to request an animator.
The Ministry of Education has asked Christian Direction, Inc. of Montreal to oversee this portfolio, including hiring, training and administering the funds for Protestant religious animators, an unprecedented opportunity for this urban mission. CDI staff member Bernard Racicot has been appointed director of Religious Animation Services. There are now 30 part or full-time Protestant animators and Raciot is looking to hire 12 more in the first year.
"We are looking for people who have a strong Christian faith, yet can work in a pluralistic setting," says Raciot. "The animator interacts with kids and is the presence of Christ in that school. But they can’t proselytize or preach. It takes a very special kind of person."
