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.
Who are
our Woombye State School Chaplains?
Jamie Weidinger holds a Diploma of Youth and Cert IV in
Chaplaincy. He has worked as school chaplain for the last 6 years at Normanton
State School and Burnside State School where he has been known as Mr Jamie or
‘Chappy’. He is looking forward to
making Woombye School his work home and
helping care for our wonderful students and families.
What does chaplaincy involve at Woombye this year?
As chaplains, we work together with
school staff to encourage and help students; as well as being available to assist
with sporting, cultural and humanitarian programs, attend school camps and
excursions, help with school fundraising activities and assist in classrooms
when required.
Other regular activities include running
life skills groups, helping with student council, weekly parent support group
and the school garden program. Being involved in activities that link the
school with the community is also part of our role. Our annual AnyBites weekend
camp for Years 5 & 6 in October is
a highlight of the year. Chaplains are also on call for hospital and home
visits where appropriate.
Students may request to see us on an
individual basis for personal matters, or be referred by teachers, with
parent’s permission. On-going one-on-one support for students requires written
consent forms to be signed by parents or guardians.
We are always available to staff,
students or school visitors for a chat; and welcome visits from parents who
need encouragement or practical support for their family.
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?
Anne is at school Monday & Thursday
and Jamie is at school Tuesday & Wednesday this year.
Please contact our
service through the school office during school hours or on
0431 293 156 (Anne) 0402 379221 (Jamie)