Maleny State School Chaplaincy Service has been in place at the school since 2007. The service was established under the National School Chaplaincy Programme. Funding is provided by the Australian Government and also by the Local Chaplaincy Committee, which guides and supports the position and fundraises to supply our Chaplain with resources to work with children.
Participation in the Chaplaincy Program is voluntary, with written parental/guardian consent being sought for ongoing one-on-one meetings and involvement in specific programs. Whilst the Chaplain is able to model their own faith position, they must not promote any one faith, denomination or philosophy as being superior to another.
The service has adopted two models of operation, the Pastoral Care Model and the Mentoring Model:
- The Pastoral Care Model – provides an additional dimension to the school’s care, guidance and support of students with spiritual, religious and/or ethical needs.
- The Mentoring Model – involves acting as a role model for students and assisting in developing supportive relationships with and among students.
More specifically, the chaplain’s role is to:
- Build positive relationship with, and between, students.
- Promote a sense of wellbeing and belonging.
- Encourage students to realise their potential.
- Help children to resolve friendship difficulties,
- Provide religious and ethical guidance when requested.
- Assist students to explore their spirituality when requested.
- Work closely with other staff to help provide a nurturing and supportive school environment.
- Assist students who have personal issues such as family breakdown, family illness, divorce, grief, loss etc…
- Facilitate groups and lunchtime activities.
- Follow-up with new students.
- Refer to the Chaplaincy Service brochure for further information.
If you'd like more information about this service please contact the office.