The town hall gathering was considered very briefly

The class sometimes incorporates ethics material, perhaps developed by the St James Ethics Centre, and activities developed by approved religious providers, who sometimes visit the classrooms to discuss ideas and practices in depth. The yearly excursion takes children to churches, mosques, temples and synagogues so they ''know what those buildings are''. The main project is one of social engagement a charity or environmental endeavour where children from different religious and philosophical backgrounds work together. Schools have international partner schools to learn together about religions and world views. The national curriculum and teaching approach emphasises active listening, building children's skills to take up and defend a position without belittling other points of view. The children learn the basic differences and similarities between a variety of Western, Eastern and indigenous forms of spirituality, including the practice of stillness and silence. At an appropriate age, when the basics have been covered, they debate interesting and difficult topics and engage with their world in a complex way. This multitradition approach is used and is being researched in many countries. It contributes to a greater ability to think laterally, to explore ideas deeply and practically and to develop empathy. It does not urge belief or nonbelief. It builds confidence with the language and concepts of philosophy and theology. That is how. If only the educators would stand up and make their case. Cathy Byrne East Ballina Rudd's request was lowkey and proper I attended the meeting at which Kevin Rudd expressed his interest in attending Hillary Clinton's town hall event at the University of Melbourne (''Rudd ruffles feathers to be in Clinton limelight'', November 10). Mr Rudd was present. The US Assistant Secretary of Rosetta Stone V3 State Kurt Campbell conducted the meeting. The town hall gathering was considered very briefly. The Foreign Minister expressed a desire to attend, which was quickly and readily accepted by Mr Campbell. At no time was the proposition of the Foreign Minister sitting on the stage raised. The discussion was lowkey, lasted less than a minute and occurred only in passing. Kim Beazley Ambassador to the United StatesAnger not enough Bruce Hulbert (Letters, November 10) writes with passion about the tragic level of indigenous infant mortality. However, he does not explain why this happens, or offer any solutions. He just wants the government to do more. The Northern Territory intervention was hardly welcomed by indigenous people, and its outcome is uncertain. Can someone be specific for once? John Christie OatleyPlane nonsense Anyone who believes quieter aircraft will solve Sydney's noise problem is deluding themselves or trying to con the rest of us (''Fast rail to a second airport'', November 10). Since Qantas started early morning departures of an A380 this year, I have had the joy of being woken between 6.05am and 6.15am most days, though the longterm operating plan for Sydney Airport (what a misnomer that was) says takeoffs to the north should not be considered before 7am. The A380 may well be quiet for its size, but when it is a couple of hundred feet above you it is bloody noisy. As far as I am concerned, the A380 can remain grounded forever. For the past few days peace has reigned, at least until 7am. Anne Buckley LewishamSave poets a corner I read with great pleasure the announcement of the Prime Minister's Literary Awards (''Dogs have their day as PM presents her literary awards'', November 9). Yet there was sadness, too, for there is one great gap: no award for poetry. I am baffled by this. Poets such as Les Murray and the late Peter Porter are recognised on the world stage. It seems probable Murray will be numbered among our Nobel laureate. An Australian poet, Ross Donlon, has just won the inaugural (English) Arvon Foundation Wenlock Prize.

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