School Chaplain

Apollo Parkways Primary School is a voluntary participant in the National Schools Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program and has a chaplain present within the school 2 days a week. 

Within the myriad of support services, chaplaincy is a position which exists to provide pastoral care and support for those in the school community in response to diverse concerns experienced by children, staff and families.  Generally these may relate to friendships, anxiety, bereavement, family breakdown or other crisis and loss situations.  Support is given in various ways through individual consultations, small group programs that promote social and emotional wellbeing, working in partnership with other student support services, classroom visits and involvement in school activities. 

The chaplain is respectful of the range of cultural and/or religious views, affiliations and traditions in the school and community.  It is not the purpose of chaplaincy services to bring about or encourage commitment to any set of beliefs and the chaplain cannot provide services for which they are not qualified, i.e. counselling services, psychological and/or medical assessments.  They can, however, aid in the referral process for such services where required.

Involvement with the school chaplain is voluntary and can be accessed by families through contacting the school.  Permission from a parent/guardian is sought where a student is referred from within the school or where a student directly makes contact with the chaplain regarding an ongoing concern. 

School council is involved in the evaluation of the chaplaincy role and reports annually on the ongoing support of the school community for the chaplaincy program.  Any further information regarding the chaplaincy program can be gained by contacting our school office.

Disclaimer

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Acknowledgement

This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplaces Relations under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.