What does a School Chaplain do?
A school chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school. Working in the early intervention and prevention space, they help students find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family breakdown and loneliness to friendships and mental health.
They provide a listening ear and a caring presence for children and young people in crisis, and those who just need some extra help. They also provide support for staff and parents in school communities.
Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
Chaplains are in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community, and with the support of the P&C Association. The partnership between the school and the chaplaincy service, supported by local businesses, community organisations and churches, 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.
Chaplaincy Model of Care
Chaplains play an invaluable role within a school community, working with other school staff to provide 6 arms of support:
Who is and how do I contact the Chaplain?
Our Chaplain is Nathan Cruz. Chappy Cruz is available on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Chappy Cruz actively supports our school community in a variety of ways, including ongoing support for students with social and emotional needs, running programs to develop student friendship and resiliency skills, attending school camps and sports days, and simply being present as a caring adult in the school playground.
To get in contact with Chappy Cruz or to make an appointment, please phone the school office on (07) 3550 2222 or you may prefer to send an email directly to Nathan Cruz nathan.cruz@suchaplaincy.org.au
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.
The Local Chaplaincy Committee (LCC)
The LCC is a committee of representatives from the school, parents and community who work to support the chaplaincy service, in terms of strategy for the service, and for funding the service.
The LCC encourages and wants to be pro-active in partnering with local churches and communities. Please let the LCC know if you see further opportunities for this to happen.
Contacting the Local Chaplaincy Committee
The LCC can be contacted via the school office at EPSSoffice@evertonparkss.eq.edu.au
Funding
How we shape chaplaincy, and, the potential it has to influence our children and families is enormous. However, in order to continue to bring hope to the families of our school we need to raise $34,770per annum to provide chaplaincy at the school 2 days a week.
To achieve this we need your help! Become a sponsor of chaplaincy now by making a one off donation or becoming a regular supporter.