|
A chaplaincy program is an optional service introduced into a state school to give support in religious and spiritual matters to students.
A school's chaplaincy program complements other welfare services in the school such as those offered by the Guidance Officer and is not a counselling service.
The Chaplaincy Service in Birkdale South State School is an integral part of the school’s overall Care Program and as such works closely with teachers, (School Guidance Officer, parents and students.
Our “Happy Chappy” cares for the welfare of all members of the Birkdale South community.
The service has a strong emphasis on Pastoral Care with a focus on the spiritual, ethical and religious needs of students, as well as some educational elements in these areas. Addressing such needs often requires wider community involvement, hence the chaplaincy service aims to act as a conduit to relevant local youth organizations and networks (both “religious” and “secular”) to promote the “well being” of students, staff and the school community as a whole.
The service seeks to assist teachers and parents in fostering the physical, mental, social and spiritual development of students within a supportive environment. The Chaplain may therefore participate where appropriate in other school activities such as Religious Education: right-of-entry, assemblies, camps and specialized counseling arrangements (eg. During any traumatic incidents involving the school community)
The Chaplain is appointed by Birkdale South State School Chaplaincy Committee on a part-time (3 days/week) basis. The Committee has selected SU Queensland as the Employing Authority.
The duties of the Chaplain include:
- be available in the school at times agreed with the principal to give pastoral care to students who seek it
- refer students with major care needs to the appropriate members of staff for further referral to other professional agencies, where necessary
- liaise with local youth organizations and networks – both “religious” and “secular”
- provide resource support for teachers
The Chaplain supports children to deal with relationships and friendships and is a source of moral support. The Chaplain conducts voluntary student activities before school during breaks and after school. These activities include clubs for craft, board games and physical activity. The Chaplain role is a caring role and offers friendship and support for student, staff and families.
On enrolment a consent form is available for parents or guardians for Voluntary Student Participation in Program of Chaplaincy Services which outlines the school's chaplaincy program so that they can:
- know the range of activities (with and without religious, spiritual and/or ethical content) within the school's chaplaincy program
- make an informed decision regarding their child's participation or non-participation in the chaplaincy program overall and in specific activities that are part of that program
- withdraw their consent for their child's participation in the chaplaincy program overall and in specific activities that are part of that program by advising the school in writing.
Additional consent from a parent is required for a regular schedule of ongoing support for a student from the Chaplain. This would normally occur as a result of an interview with the principal. Please see the principal if you wish to discuss any aspect of this program or for your child to access ongoing support from the school Chaplain.
Meet our school Chaplain by downloading the PDF file:
Become a supporter of chaplaincy at Birkdale South State School by downloading the PDF file"
|
