A Chaplaincy service is provided at Rochedale South State School two days per week. On-going community consultation and endorsement supports the continuance of the Chaplaincy Service at our school. 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.
Chaplaincy Services provide social, emotional and spiritual support to school communities. SU Chaplaincy (as part of Scripture Union Australia) provides positive adult role models for students and enhance engagement with the broader community, including parents.
Our Chaplaincy program is subsidised by the Federal Government National Schools Chaplaincy Program for approx. 1.5 days a week, the remaining required funding is sourced through community donors and fundraising.
What does a school chaplain do?
They provide a listening ear and a caring presence for children and young people in crisis, and those who just need a friend. They also provide support for staff and parents in school communities.
SU chaplains, or 'chappies', provide spiritual and emotional support to school communities. They are a safe person for young people to connect with at school who 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 anxiety.
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, age, gender, sexuality or culture.
Here is a Snapshot of Chaplaincy across Qld in 2022 https://suchaplaincy.org.au/snapshot/
Our Model of Care
SU Chaplaincy realises its commitment to promoting social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing through our model of care. School chaplains focus their work around six role elements to provide developmentally appropriate care and support to students, families and school staff. All chaplains are appropriately qualified to carry out these roles, using their expertise and experience to tailor the role to school needs.
School chaplains complement the work of existing school-based support staff through:
Social & Emotional Support
Chaplains provide proactive pastoral care for students, staff and parents, helping to create a positive and safe school environment and looking out for those in need. They support students and the school community through bereavement, family breakdown, peer relationships and other difficulties such as bullying, depression and suicide.
Spiritual Support
Chaplains provide an additional dimension to a school's care by supporting the spiritual needs of students, regardless of their faith or beliefs. For students who seek it, chaplains can help them explore their worldview in relation to spirituality, values and ethics in a safe and respectful environment.
Educational Support
Chaplains support the learning environment through classroom activities (under the direction of the teacher) and other structured programs in order to provide further social, emotional or spiritual support, particularly with students at risk of disengagement.
Extra-curricular Activities
Chaplains participate in general school activities including camps, excursions, sports days or coaching team sports, adding value to everyday school life.
Mentoring
Chaplains act as role models for students, assisting them to develop positive and supportive relationships. Chaplains may also implement mentoring programs, utilising resources and volunteers from the local community.
Community Development
Chaplains help to build strong links between the school and the wider community. They network with school-based support staff, community based organisations, churches and other networks to mobilise the resources of the community to support student needs
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.
Our Chappy: Cassie Love
Our school Chaplain is Cassie Love. Cassie is a trained teacher with experience working in Qld secondary, primary and special schools. She has also taught overseas at schools in England and Cambodia. As well as teaching, Cassie has worked supporting families in a community neighbourhood centre, run programs at her local church for children and families, and developed a community children's arts festival in North Qld. Her interests are reading, sewing, camping and hanging out with her family.
At our school Chappy Love offers the following programs and activities:
- Lego Club
- Eco Rangers and Eco Marines
- Rhythm to Recovery drum circles
- Seasons for Growth grief and loss program
- Triple P – Positive Parenting Program
- Girls Group for Year 5/6
- Puberty information evening for parents/students
- Cooinda Mother Daughter Camp
- Dads and Kids Campout
- Termly CONNECT event for families
- One-to-one pastoral care conversations
- In class and small group educational support
To speak with our school Chaplain please call the office or 0434 789 465 (Tuesday, Friday) or email cassie.love@suchaplaincy.org.au
Check out the photo gallery for some of the great work of Chaplaincy in our school – attach photo gallery here