What does a School Chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is an approachable adult for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, and a caring presence. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
The Chaplain works with other members of the school’s student support services which include the Guidance Officer and School-Based Youth Health Nurse. The Chaplain assists students struggling with issues that teenagers face in everyday life.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, in collaboration with local churches, community organisations and businesses, provides a network of local support and assistance. The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs. The Chaplain is here to serve all students and staff respectfully, and with sensitivity to all individuals’ personal religious beliefs. The Chaplain does not evangelise (to preach or advocate a cause or religion with the object of making converts to Christianity) or proselytise (attempt to convert someone to another opinion and/or belief, particularly a religion) but can provide spiritual support for students with parental consent.
Who is the Chinchilla State High School Chaplain?
Tanya Errey began as a Chaplain at Chinchilla State High School in 2022. She loves working alongside youth, encouraging them to fulfil their potential and providing hope in what can often be a turbulent time.
What does Chaplaincy look like at Chinchilla State High School?
Chaplaincy work will be conducted from Chinchilla State High School unless the Chaplain is off-site for excursions or meetings. Detailed information in relation to the duties performed throughout the year follows:
The following duties will be performed:
Duties without religious and/or spiritual content
Liaise with the Support Services Team to assist with student referral.
Attend camps, excursions and school activities as requested and approved by the Principal.
Provide reports to the Local Chaplaincy Committee meetings.
Communicate with the school community through school newsletters and reports to the P&C.
Attend professional development as approved by the Principal including completion of Student Protection course.
Participate in annual reviews of the program at Chinchilla State High School.
Duties including religious and/or spiritual content
Liaise with local community organisations and religious groups.
After seeking Principal approval, advise the school community through the newsletter of any additional activities with religious or spiritual content.
When initiated by students, be available to discuss spiritual or ethical matters in line with appropriate permissions and only upon completion of form CP2. For example, facilitated lunch discussions and readings.
The following duties may be performed:
Duties without religious and/or spiritual content
Provide a weekly Breakfast Club for the school community.
Organise lunch time activities for students who have no religious or spiritual content, for example chess and handball competitions.
Assist the Support Services Team to provide programs and presentations for "at risk" students that contain no religious or spiritual content.
Be available to assist at the school by providing support following critical incidents as requested by the Principal.
After seeking Principal approval, and working with the LCC, organise fundraising that is in support of the Chaplaincy service.
Please note: Religious Instruction delivered at the school is not a part of the Chaplaincy Program but is a service provided by local church volunteers under an approved agreement.
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 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.
Permission forms are available at enrolment.
How can I get involved?
The school Chaplaincy Program encourages partnership with local churches and other community organisations. You can help by:
Volunteering to assist at school breakfasts, student groups, and other fundraising events.
Offering financial assistance
Holding a fundraising event
Joining the Local Chaplaincy Committee that oversees the Chaplaincy Service. (please see below)
How is the Chaplaincy Service Governed?
The Local Chaplaincy Committee (LCC) provides a forum to discuss the provision of chaplaincy services (ideas, activities, support and networking) and is to assist in the annual review of chaplaincy services. The LCC reports to the school executive.
Under Education Queensland policy:
“the LCC is required to represent the diversity of religious, faith and non-religious beliefs in the school community and should understand the cultural and religious customs and needs of the individuals and groups within the school and the range of support services that are currently available and/or required.”
The required LCC membership is set out under DETE policy. Current Chinchilla State School and Chinchilla State High School (a collective committee) LCC members are:
School Executive representative: Mr Rob Burke and/or Mr Bret Bowman
The Chaplains: Mrs Tanya Errey (Chinchilla State High School) and Mrs Leanne Muller (Chinchilla State School)
- Field development manager (Scripture Union): Miss Lilyan Flett
- Community representative: Pastor Carly Dallmann (Chairperson)
- Community representative: Mrs Angela Wales (Secretary)
- Community representative: Pastor Carly Dallmann (Treasurer)
The LCC is always looking for additional members from the Chinchilla community who represent the diverse range of beliefs and faiths that we have at our school. LCC meetings are held on a Wednesday afternoon. If you are interested in volunteering on the LCC or would like any further information regarding the LCC, this can be obtained by contacting the LCC Chairperson, Pastor Carly Dalllmann on (07) 4668 9471.
How can I contact the Chaplain?
If you would like to contact the Chaplain to arrange a one on one session for your student or have any queries please contact Tanya on (07) 4672 9333. Alternatively you can send an email to Tanya.
The chaplain’s office is located in C block and Tanya is available during school hours Monday to Thursday. It is best to make an appointment to ensure availability.
Complaints Process
If you have a complaint or a concern, please contact the School Deputy Principal, Mr Bret Bowman (07) 4672 9333. Alternatively you may make contact with the Department of Education, Training and Employment’s Chaplaincy Services in State Schools at our Regional Office on (07) 4616 9111.