Community Support
What the community is saying about School Chaplains
School chaplains are an integral part of any school community, as recognised by the following statements made by community members…
“He strives to make connections with our most troubled souls. He sources individuals who volunteer to come into the school giving their expertise in areas that we lack. Hands-on activities for older boys are critical. He brings groups into the school and coordinates the most fantastic events that promote school harmony and community participation such as the Waverley Advent Pageant.”
Primary School Principal, Tasmania
“The chaplain has made all new members of the community feel welcome. She has been a wonderful asset in facilitating communication between home and school. She makes home visits to ascertain the needs of parents and their children and she spends time explaining school procedures, issues and expectations to them. Regular morning teas, gardening sessions, cooking demonstrations, an open house time and ‘special’ days are organised by the chaplain to encourage parents to network. They feel supported and comfortable in the school environment.”
School Principal, NSW
“It is now difficult to imagine how we operated without a chaplain for so long.”
Primary School Principal, Victoria
“She provides great insight into students’ needs and situations, which provides us with a better understanding. Judy has… had an amazing influence on us all. For us we have been really blessed by having a wonderful Christian Pastoral Support Worker (or School Chaplain) appointed to our school. Would I recommend to other schools to appoint a CPS Worker (or School Chaplain)? Absolutely!”
Primary School Principal, South Australia
“Chaplaincy programs help to strengthen the sense of community at our schools and provide valuable support for students who may be experiencing difficulties with a range of issues, from peer pressure to emotional hardship to just normal problems that are part of growing up.”
John-Paul Langbroek MP, State Opposition Leader, Queensland Parliament
“Students consider the chaplain a friend, a confidante… a person to go to in times of need…”
Primary School Principal, Queensland
“Students feel they can approach their chaplain and talk to him about issues that they might not feel they can talk to us (teachers) about. But they also know that they’re very caring people… They’re an integral part of our school.”
High School Principal, Queensland
“When you have a chaplain, you always know there’s a soft place for kids to fall. In fact, the chaplain supports everybody in the school community. The students have someone to go to, and the parents and staff also have someone to go to.”
High School Principal, Queensland
“It is now difficult to imagine how we operated without a chaplain for so long.”
Primary School Principal, Victoria
“Parents are requesting the Chaplain for home visits, counselling support, parenting support, to networks of other service providers and advocating for families with disabilities in all areas of community life.
Welfare issues at school are better managed through stronger connections with families. School home issues are effectively followed up and often issues which cause added hardship are resolved. Ultimately this improves connectedness and student/school relationship.”
Special School Principal, Victoria
“Daniel has been able to support the spiritual needs of the school through the relationships he forms and the programs that he operates. He focuses on bringing out the strengths in the individuals that he works within the context of home and family support, crisis support, hospital visitation and hospitality in the community. He liaises with external organisations such as Fusion, and is able to offer referrals to other counselling services.
His consistent approach to working with the whole person earns the trust of families and gives them confidence in approaching him regarding matters of spirituality. Students recognise that Daniel is someone who will listen without judgment and they often request time with him when they are feeling unsettled.”
Primary School Assistant Principal, Tasmania
“This role in our busy society allows students time to talk, time to be listened to, time to be guided, and encouraged.”
High School Parent, Victoria
“Her work with families suffering trauma due to terminal illness has been outstanding.”
Primary School Principal, Victoria
“She (the chaplain) has been very successful in supporting individuals and families to deal with family breakdown and custody battles, illness, bereavement, violence and bullying.”