National School Chaplaincy Program

Last year our school was successful in obtaining funding through the National School Chaplaincy Program and the Department of Education, Science and Training.  It is a voluntary program that will assist schools and their communities to support the spiritual wellbeing of their students.  The tasks of the school chaplain (Pastoral Care Support) will vary depending on the needs of individual schools and their communities, they could include, but would not be limited to: assisting school counsellors and staff in the delivery of student welfare services; supporting students to explore their spirituality; providing guidance about spiritual, values and ethical matters; and facilitating access to the helping agencies in the community, both religious–based and secular.  It was decided by the P&C Association and school community that our school could benefit from this 3 year program.

Mindy Dyce has been selected to take on the role of Pastoral Care Support Person and will work in the school two days a week starting Term 4, 2008.  Mindy has a Christian background and has taught scripture in a local primary school for the past 5 years. This role will be aimed at welfare issues that face students, staff and parents. All religious views and cultural traditions will be respected as well as the rights of parents/guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children is in line with their own convictions.   No religious beliefs will be imposed and no one will be persuaded toward a particular set of religious beliefs.  Details of the program are still being worked out and will be based on the Values for Australian Schooling professional learning resources. Students and parents should understand that this is a voluntary program and have the option of whether to utilise the service.  Anyone wishing to speak to Mrs Dyce can contact her through the school office.