The role of a School Chaplain is to "provide social, emotional and spiritual support to students, parents and/or staff within a school community (Department of Education, Training and Employment, DETE)". The Chaplain's role reflects the specific needs of the school and is consultative in its approach.
What does a School Chaplain do?
As outlined by Your Dream Queensland, we support in these areas:
- work with existing programs/services in the school
- liase with school welfare team and counsellor
- work with local community groups/services
- participate in sports, camps, excursions and other activities
- mentor and support students identified with higher needs
- provide support for staff, students and parents
- assist with student-led activities
Chaplains do not provide professional counselling nor do they refer to outside agencies. They are not responsible for the case management of students and must work within specific, mandated guidelines (DETE).
Whilst chaplains will hold to a specific faith worldview, there are strict guidelines in place that govern how a chaplain may approach matters of spirituality within the school context. Chaplains are not permitted to proselytise, coerce, initiate spiritual conversations, use social media or school newsletters to promote faith, or undermine another religious or spiritual believe (DETE).
Moorooka State School Chaplaincy
At Moorooka State School, Chappy Tiff works with students in both group and individual settings, to provide pastoral care, emotional and social support, and to just "share life" with the students. For specific one to one support students can be referred to our school chaplain, through the leadership team; with the permission of their parent/caregiver. Participation with the chaplain is voluntary. The P and C Association approve and support the Chaplaincy program at Moorooka SS.
Chappy Tiff also works in classrooms to offer social and emotional skills to the students through engaging play, storytelling, and planned programs designed to enhance students' personal development.
Chaplain introduction letter
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 will be consulted if their child wishes to be involved in ongoing one-to-one meetings with the Chaplain or in any programme or group involving spiritual or ethical content. Parents have the right to refuse permission for their child to be involved in any Chaplaincy activity or event.
How is the chaplaincy service governed?
The Local Chaplaincy Committee (LCC) provides a forum to discuss the provision of chaplaincy services (ideas, activities, support and networking) and is to assist in the annual review of chaplaincy services. The LCC reports to the school executive.
Disclaimer
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Acknowledgement
This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.