A chaplain provides support and pastoral care to the school community. The chaplaincy role involves walking with students through challenges, providing a listening ear and caring presence for young people facing challenges. With parental consent, the chaplain can also provide spiritual support like prayer, for people experiencing grief or loss.
Chaplaincy/student welfare services are optional and provide students and staff with social, emotional and spiritual support, provide an additional adult role model in the school and enhance engagement with the broader community including parents.
Chaplaincy support can involve:
- Social and/or emotional support
- General wellbeing
- Mentoring
- Community development
- Educational support
- Extra-curricular activities
- Facilitating programs (Boys to Men, Little Bros, Girls Club, SUPA club)
- Activities that foster friendship
Chappy Jacob works at Lawnton State School on Thursday and Friday and can be contacted on jfunn15@eq.edu.au