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 the Anakie State School Chaplain?
Hi my name is Mark Burley, and I have been Chaplain at Anakie State School since September 2013.
Things that I enjoy include, spending time with family and friends, especially my children, reading, gardening, craft and socialising whether that is with family or friends.
What did Chaplaincy look like at Anakie State School in 2013?
Through the help of the Local Chaplaincy Committee we have started a breakfast time of toast before school which the children attend eagerly. On average I cook three loaves of bread each morning that I’m at the school. Different children help out each day, serving the toast or helping the smaller children learn to spread their own toast. The feedback from staff has been positive about the difference it makes to the children.
Other activities that I participated in are: in class support and activities, gardening, lunch time games and craft, attending some swimming days, swimming carnival, eisteddfod, prep transition days, staff meetings, P&C meetings and getting to know and support staff and families of the school.
What will Chaplaincy look like at Anakie State School in 2015?
In 2015, I look forward to getting to know the children, staff and families more, and being more involved within the school and wider community. I will continue with in class support, the toast breakfast and lunch time activities as well as attending school events where possible.
We have recently asked the children what activities they would like to do in lunch times, so far suggestions have been cricket, soccer, making necklaces, craft things, board and card games to name a few. Oh and skateboarding, not sure whether I have the skills for that one!
We also talked about a paper plane making competition, so that might be in the planning as well.
Students can contact me on an individual basis for support in personal matters, this is with parental consent. Consent forms are available at the school.
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?
I’m at the school on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am until 3pm and you are able to contact me via the school office on (07) 4981 1111.
You’re most welcome to drop in and have a chat anytime on those days.