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 Sophie Board. Sophie has been a chaplain for the past 5 years in primary schools in the Central Queensland region. She has a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Human Services & Counselling) and is currently studying her postgraduate degree in Psychology. Sophie is particularly passionate about ensuring that students feel safe and connected at school so that they are able to effectively engage in their learning. Students, staff and families can locate Sophie in M block on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can also reach her through her email address: sophieb@chappy.org.au, or call the school office.
What does a School Chaplain do?
The role of a state school chaplain is to provide social, emotional and spiritual support to students, parents and staff. The role of the chaplain will reflect the specific needs of the students attending the school.
Chaplains and student welfare workers may be involved in any of the following:
Social and/or emotional support — assisting students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that support learning, positive behaviour and constructive social relationships through social skills programs.
Spiritual support — providing an additional dimension to the school's care, guidance and support of students with spiritual and/or religious needs.
Mentoring — acting as a role model for students and assisting in the development of supportive relationships for, with, and among students.
Community development — enhancing the links between the school and its community, working with school-based support staff and community-based youth organisations and networks to support students.
Educational support — assisting with classroom activities (under the direction of a teacher) where involvement by the chaplain/student welfare worker provides further social, emotional or spiritual support for those students who may be at risk of disengagement.
Extra-curricular activities — participating in general school activities, for example, camps, excursions, sports days or coaching team sports.
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 Sophie works three days a week; 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.
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?
Sophie currently works Monday through to Wednesday and can be contacted on (07) 3372 0555 or by emailing sophieb@chappy.org.au