The Australian Government is committed to assisting schools and their communities to provide greater pastoral care, general spiritual and personal advice and comfort to all students and staff. The National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program recognises that schools play a key role in providing support and assistance for all students as they cope with the challenges of life.
The national school chaplaincy and student welfare program
Our school Chaplain, is employed through this program which focuses on assisting school communities to provide pastoral care and general spiritual, social and emotional comfort to all students, irrespective of their faith or beliefs. This can include support and guidance about ethics, values, relationships and spiritual issues, the provision of student welfare and enhancing engagement with the broader community.
Access to advice, support and guidance about ethics, values and relationships may already be available at schools through existing services, such as counsellors, youth workers, social workers and psychologists. National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program funded services are designed to form part of the already existing wellbeing services provided within the school community.
Participation in the Program by school communities is voluntary. It is not compulsory for students to participate. Consent forms for pre-arranged one on one appointments/ sessions and ongoing assistance with the school chaplain are available. Parents/ guardians can opt-out of the service. All Bradfordville Public School children and families are welcome to make an appointment at any time during school term. Please see our chaplain referral form (PDF 142KB) to participate.
Tasks performed by the chaplain
- provide pastoral care and personal assistance for students, staff and parents of the school community in coordination with the school counsellor and other support staff
- facilitate groups, events and activities to support student wellbeing, with voluntary student participation
- assist in the development and continuation of the school's welfare programs
- network with welfare services, local churches and other agencies in the local community to provide a broad range of support services to the school community
- work with School Learning Support Team to facilitate student wellbeing
- support staff at school camps, excursions and other activities as required.