Chaplaincy Services provide ethical, spiritual and personal support to school communities. Scripture Union Qld Chaplains provide positive adult role models for students. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community, and with the support of the P&C Association. We are very pleased to have a Chaplaincy program running at our school. The Chaplain supports and assists in the development and implementation of a caring, supportive learning environment.
Our school chaplain is Melissa Haworth. She lives
locally with her husband and son. Melissa has worked in a similar role in
a private high school for 6 years. She holds an undergraduate degree
in psychology and a Master of Counselling. Melissa works in various
volunteering roles within her church.
What does a School Chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities. Working with other members of the school’s support team, the Chaplain cares for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and depression. Our school Chaplain is available to provide pastoral care to students, and to provide support to parents and staff as needed.
Chaplaincy funding
Funding for Chaplaincy services at Grand Avenue State School comes from a variety of sources, the major one being the Federal Government grant, under the National School Chaplain and Student Welfare Program (NSCSWP). This grant provides Chaplaincy services for two days per week and is administered through Scripture Union Qld. The school community also raises money to make possible a third day each week. Chaplain Melissa works three days a week across four part-days, Monday to Wednesday. Throughout the year we hold a range of events to help support the Chaplaincy program within the school; the biggest of which are the Chaplaincy Sausage Sizzles at the annual sports days and the Bail for Jail event every two years.
As a school we are constantly striving to provide a strong pastoral care program which supports staff, students and families. Chaplaincy is an integral part of the support options.
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 program 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 can I contact the Chaplain?
Melissa currently works Monday through to Wednesday and can be contacted on (07) 3372 0555 or by emailing mhawo0@eq.edu.au.