Chaplaincy Services provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities. SU 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, and depression.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, 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.
The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs.
What does Chaplaincy look like at Oakwood State School?
The chaplaincy service at Oakwood serves the school community in a number of ways.
The chaplain provides pastoral care to all students and is available to chat through anything with any student. Students can be referred to the chaplain through their teachers or via their parents. All parents are informed of any referrals for their children which may be made to the chaplain. Written parental permission is required for ongoing one-on-one sessions with the chaplain. The chaplain also supports and prompts the schools anti-bullying program through regular ‘spots’ on parade and the distribution of educational material to classes.
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?
Phone the school office on 4130 9333 to make an appointment, or simply pop into the Office.