School Chaplain
Chaplaincy services
provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities.
Scripture Union Queensland Chaplains provide positive adult role models for
students. Chaplains also provide pastoral care for students, staff, and families
within the school community. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation
of the Principal, in consultation with the local community and with the support
of the Parents and Citizens 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 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, depression, and
grief at the passing of a loved one.
The
partnership between the school and the chaplaincy service, supported by local
churches, businesses, and community organisations, provide 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 Sunnybank State School
Chaplain?
My
name is Jeff and I am the Chaplain at Sunnybank State School. I have been involved
in Chaplaincy since 1998 (in Townsville NQ, my family moved to Brisbane
at the start of 2017). I love the opportunity as a Chaplain to support young
people and their families as they journey through school life. I am married
to an incredible lady Mechelle, we have two
children, one who is in university
and the other in Year ten. My family and I attend a local Baptist church.
I
have always had a love of sports (Cowboys and Lions are my teams), and I have
played Rugby League, soccer, golf, cricket, cycling, AFL and some others. I
also enjoy umpiring sport and have been an accredited Rugby League and Cricket
umpire, as well as currently umpire AFL (along with my children).
I
have furthermore spent six years as a Sports Chaplain with the Townsville
Crocodiles NBL Club.
How can you contact the Chaplain?
Chappy
Jeff, is available at school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
To make an appointment
to see Chappy Jeff you can contact him by calling the school office, or
emailing him cthom768@eq.edu.au.
Will my child be involved?
Involvement
with the Chaplain is entirely voluntary and students choose whether 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.
