Chaplaincy Services provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities. Scripture Union 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?
Tanya Errey has been our school chaplain since 2022. For many years she has worked with youth and the broader community in Chinchilla. Tanya 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, Tanya Errey, is available during school hours Monday to Thursday.