Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
Our classroom teachers are on the front line of pastoral care as they interact with students on a day-to-day basis. We implement anti-bullying and discipline practices that build harmonious relationships and resolve issues of concern or conflict openly and respectfully.
Our chaplains provide support to students, staff and school families regardless of their faith. They are active in coordinating programs for social wellbeing and emotional development, interacting with students in the playground and offering a friendly listening ear, mentoring students, enhancing engagement with the broader community, and providing a range of opportunities for spiritual reflection. In times of loss and trauma, they provide additional support to individuals, families and the school community.
School Chaplains
The National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. This is a voluntary program that assists school communities to support the wellbeing of their students, including strengthening values, providing greater pastoral care and enhancing engagement with the broader community.
ROLE OF CHAPLAINS IN THE SCHOOL
- Provide students, their families and staff with support and/or appropriate referrals, in difficult situations such as during times of grief or when students are facing personal or emotional challenges
- Support students and staff to create an environment of cooperation and mutual respect, promoting an understanding of diversity and the range of cultures and their related traditions
- Support students, their families and staff of all beliefs and not seeking to impose any beliefs or persuade an individual toward a particular set of beliefs
- Conduct and/or organise weekly chapels and a week of spiritual emphasis each year
- Mentor students with behavioural and/or emotional needs
- Be available to students, staff and parents seeking advice for whatever reason
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
HOW CHAPLAINCY LINKS TO OTHER SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICES
Teachers can refer students directly to the chaplaincy service when they see fit. The chaplain can offer referrals to counsellors and outside agencies when and if the need arises.
HOW DO I ARRANGE A ONE-ON-ONE SESSION?
Students are able to contact the chaplain directly for a meeting. It is necessary that the chaplain contact the parent and let them know that such a request has been made and ask for permission to go ahead.
Parents may contact the chaplain by phone and request that he or she meet with their child.
HOW TO OPT-OUT OF SERVICES
Parents and guardians can opt-out of any chaplaincy service provided by the school by contacting their child's Head of School, who will pass this information on to the chaplain.
As a Christian school, parents have sent their children to this school knowing of the religious content that is taught. Therefore, any programs run by the chaplain that involves the whole school are compulsory. If the parent does not wish their child to be involved in any one-on-one or group activities with the chaplain, a letter requesting exemption from specific activities may be forwarded to their child's Head of School.
COMPLAINTS HANDLING
If parents and carers have any complaints they are welcome to discuss the matter with the Head of School who will provide the complaints forms if required.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
A report is prepared and presented to both the Home and School Committee and the Board of Management each year. Parents and students are also given the opportunity to have their say by completing a survey.
Counselling
Counselling services are available for students who wish to discuss any issues of concern. Examples of possible concerns may include:
- Learning, behavioural or physical difficulties
- Issues with family or friends
- Grief and loss
- Bullying
- Stress management
- Suicide
Please note: Detailed career's testing is available for students in Year 10. Please contact the School Office for further information.
Please contact the School Office to make an appointment with the School Counsellor.
WHAT CAN I DISCUSS WITH THE SCHOOL COUNSELLOR?
You may talk about anything that is worrying you such as problems with family and friends, learning difficulties, bullying, how to manage stress, grief and loss or your anger, how to deal with thoughts of suicide.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Anything told to a school counsellor is confidential and will not be reported to anyone else unless the counsellor feels you are in danger or may be planning to put someone else in danger.
