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 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 everyone, my name is Patricia Quattromani. I am the new school chaplain at Toowoomba East State School. The children normally call me Chappy Trish.
I was born in Toowoomba and have lived here most of my life except for the last eight and a half years, when I was living in the Northern Gold Coast area. I am a mother to three adult girls and a grandmother to five grandchildren. I enjoy crafts, board and card games and gardening. I have been a chaplain for nine and a half years. Most of that time I worked in the Beenleigh region. I am looking forward to being part of your school community and getting to know you all.
An important aspect of the school chaplain's role in the school is to offer support for students, staff and parents. If you want to know more about my role please feel free to contact me. If you see me out and about at the school, please do not hesitate to introduce yourself and have a chat."
Chappy Trish will be available at the school each week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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.