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.
Who is the
Meridan State College Chaplain?
Senior
School: Cathie Clancy
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Primary/Secondary
School: Dave Larkin
Monday, Tuesday and Friday
What does
our Chaplaincy program look like at Meridan State College?
Our
Chaplains will assist with sporting and cultural programs, attend school camps,
assist in classrooms, run programs that help students develop social and life
skills (such as Youth Excel and Building Bridges). Our Chaplains coordinate
lunch time activity groups, mentoring and breakfast clubs. Students may request
to speak with the Chaplains for personal matters (NB. Parent consent is
required for this on enrolment). The Chaplains also supports parents and
families in need.
Will my
child be involved?
Involvement
with the Chaplains 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?
Please
contact the College 5490 2666 to make an appointment with our Chaplains.
Disclaimer - The views
expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian
Government Department of Education.
Acknowledgement - This
project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education under
the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.