Chaplaincy services provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities. Chaplains provide positive adult role models for students and are present in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community and with the support of the P&C association.
What does a school chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
Working with other members of the school’s support team, the Chaplain cares for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown and depression.
The partnership between the school and the chaplaincy service, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues, and provide hope, connection, meaning and purpose.
The chaplaincy service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs.
Will my child be involved?
Involvement with the chaplain is entirely voluntary and students choose whether or not they want to be a part of the activities that are offered. Parents/carers will be consulted if their child wishes to be involved in ongoing one-to-one meetings with the Chaplain or in any program or group involving spiritual or ethical content. Parents/carers have the right to refuse permission for their child to be involved in any chaplaincy activity or event.
Disclaimer
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education.
Acknowledgement
This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.
For more information on Chaplaincy and student welfare worker services is available on the Queensland Government website.