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.
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, anxiety and depression.
Chaplaincy does not provide counselling or psychological services. If a student requires this support, the chaplain will be happy to work with the family to organise a referral to an appropriate service.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported by local religious communities, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues, and provide hope, connection, meaning, and purpose.
The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs. Chaplaincy programs do not teach religious instruction. Chaplains, through their way of operating, provide a role model for a positive approach to living and learning.
Who is the Grand Avenue State School’s Chaplain?
Hello, my name is Sophie Board and I am the school chaplain here at Grand Avenue State School. I have a background in working with families and children. My education includes a Bachelor of Social Sciences and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology. You can find me at Grand Avenue on, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays every week. I run a few programs in our school such as Rock and Water, Seasons for Growth, lunchtime activities and our great breakfast club on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. I also provide check in's with students who are struggling. Feel free to say hellow if you see me around school or at one of our amazing school events.
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 programme 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 is at Grand Avenue State School on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday every week. Sophie can be contacted on Phone (07) 3372 0555, or via email at sophie.board@suchaplaincy.org.au.
Below is the link for donations towards our Chaplaincy. All donations from $2 are tax deductible and can be made weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually (or as a once off donation)
https://www.suqld.org.au/donate/grand-avenue-ss-chaplaincy-tax-deductible/
