School chaplaincy across Australia

More than 3000 schools across Australia choose to engage a school chaplain as a part of their student wellbeing team.

School chaplains are qualified youth workers who support young people in the schoolyard.

They are positive role models who deliver compassionate pastoral and practical support to school communities.

Chaplains are in the prevention and support business: helping students find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family breakdown and loneliness, to friendships and mental health.

They provide social, emotional and spiritual support – a listening ear and a caring presence for children and young people in crisis, and those who just need a friend. They also provide support for staff and parents in school communities.

Chaplains are trained to a nationally recognised standard in how to recognise mental health issues, and how to ensure students with such issues connect with other care professionals, including psychologists. They have completed training to manage cyber-bullying, provided by the eSafety Commission.

Chaplains are qualified to support students’ religious and spiritual needs in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way.