Chaplaincy Services providespiritual, 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 can, at times 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 ‘Toowoomba East State School’ Chaplain?
From the Chaplain:
“Hi, my name is Kevin Murray. I have been married to my wife Karen since 1977 and have three children, all married and have eleven grandchildren ranging in age from under twelve months old to nine years old.
I grew up in Liverpool, NSW and have also lived in Dubbo (2 years) and Bourke (12 years) prior to moving to Toowoomba in 2006.
I have had various occupations and work roles over my lifetime. Some of these include some labouring jobs (usually between other roles), working for a large insurance company, working for a bank, being a vocational trainer, working as an administration manager of a fruit packing shed, being a staff trainer for a large disability organisation and driving a taxi.
I attend North Toowoomba Church of Christ Church and decided to become a School Chaplain to be available to be a listening ear and a support for young people who at times will struggle with life (as most of us do from time to time).
I enjoy most sports, music and movies as well as the satisfaction of a job well done after tending my lawn and gardens. I am looking forward to a long and favourable association with this school and the school community.”
What will Chaplaincy look like at ‘Toowoomba East State School’ over the next few years
The School Chaplain’s days each week are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He will attend and support sporting and cultural programs, attend school camps, assist students in classrooms and be available and accessible to students at morning tea and lunch periods out in the school playgrounds. From time to time the Chaplain may research and run programmes that help students develop social and life skills. Students or parents may request to see the chaplain on an individual basis for support in personal matters. After the first meeting, written parental consent is required for students to have regular or ongoing meetings with the chaplain.
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?
The School Chaplain can be contacted through the school administration office.