School chaplaincy servicesprovidereligious, spiritual, ethical, and personal support to the school community. Chaplaincy Services contribute to students’ educational and spiritual welfare, provide student mentoring and allow Chaplains to be adult role models in schools. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community and with the support of the Parent and Citizens Association.
What does a School Chaplain do?
A school chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provide a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. They care for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and depression. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and foster a supportive, caring school community.
The partnership between the school and the chaplain, supported by local churches, 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.
Models of school chaplaincy
Four models of chaplaincy are available to schools.
In the Pastoral Care model the chaplain provides an additional dimension to the school’s care, guidance and support of students, especially where spiritual and religious or ethical needs arise.
Under the Mentoring model the chaplain acts as a role model for students and assists in the development of supportive relationships for, with and among students.
The Educational Support model sees the chaplain participating in the school as a guest presenter in classrooms when the students are studying subjects with religious themes.
The Chaplain is the hub around which a variety of support agencies, programs and personnel revolve in the Community Development model.
Humpybong State School Chaplaincy
The primary model used at Humpybong State School is Pastoral Care, and aims to complement the existing pastoral care program, although both mentoring and educational support will be included in the role at times. The service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs.
Who is the Humpybong State School Chaplain?
Hi! My name is Nicola. I am a happily married mother of three teenagers. Prior to commencing work as the chaplain at Humpybong SS, I completed a Bachelor of Arts. Prior to that, as a stay-at-home mum, I ran a playgroup, organised concerts, helped out in school classrooms and wrote for a small women’s magazine.
In my spare time I love reading, watching movies and exercising. My family and I currently attend Albany Hills Christian Church at Warner.
What will Chaplaincy look like at Humpybong State School in 2023?
During 2023 I will work in a variety of ways to assist children who are struggling practically, socially or emotionally. I run the Kids Fun Club (KFC) program for Prep – Year 2 which provides a safe lunchtime play environment. I also facilitate the Chappy Lunch and Chappy Fruit programs, providing free lunches and snacks for students without adequate food. I assist in a variety of junior school programs, including the Playgroup and Step Up prep transition program, and work to link families with needs to community organisations who can help. I attend camps and discos and a variety of other school events. As a Triple P facilitator, I am available to support parents, one-on-one or in a seminar setting, to upgrade their parenting skills. Students may also request to see me on an individual basis for support in personal matters.
As always, I count it a privilege to support the Humpybong State School community.
Will my child be involved?
The chaplaincy programme 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, religious or ethical content. Parents have the right to refuse permission for their child to be involved in any element of the chaplaincy programme.
How can you contact me?
I am currently at school every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Also, feel free to contact me on the school main phone number: 3385 1666.
Every school chaplaincy encourages partnership with local churches and communities. Please let me know if you see further opportunities for this to happen.
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