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. Participation is totally voluntary and where spiritual content is involved, parent permission will always be required.
Teaching 'Religious Education' is not part of the role of a school chaplain.
Each year a consultative process is undertaken through the P&C to determine the level of support for our chaplaincy service.
Any concerns about the school's chaplaincy program should be directed to the Principal.
Who is the Banksia Beach School Chaplain?
The Banksia Beach School Chaplain is Chappy Caitlin. At school Chappy attends school camps, assists in classrooms, runs programs that help students develop social and life skills, and runs lunchtime programs.
Students may be referred to Chappy Caitlin on an individual basis for support in personal matters. Parent permission will be required for ongoing support. Chappy Caitlin is available at school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and can be contacted via the school office.