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 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 our chaplain?
Anne Bonner has been a school chaplain for many years and has worked with children and youth in Stanthorpe for over 20 years as a teacher and youth worker. Anne commenced her role as chaplain as Stanthorpe State High School in 2011 and has firmly established herself in this role, offering a wide and varied range of services which may include:
Facilitate and provide pastoral care and personal support for students, staff and parents of the school community, in co-operation with the school’s support staff
Facilitate and provide pastoral care and support following critical incidents
Participate in general activities in the life of the school
Participate in school camps, excursions, sports days, speech nights, form meetings, assemblies, school committees
Facilitate groups, events and activities with voluntary student participation, including breakfast clubs, lunchtime groups, etc.
Visit students who are absent from school (including school refusal, hospital visitation, bereavement)
Participate in life skills/personal development programs
Assist with special needs and behaviour management programs
Participate as part of a team in the school-wide bullying management plan
Co-ordinate or participate in special events/fundraising activities
Assist students to explore their worldview and beliefs through education and conversation
Facilitate Christian activities on school campus with voluntary student participation
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 chaplain, Anne Bonner, is available every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between the hours of 9am to 3.10 pm. If you have any enquiries please contact us.