Here at Townsville Central State School, we have been fortunate enough to have the ongoing support of a Scripture Union Queensland (SU QLD) school chaplain for a number of years. Our school chaplain, fondly known as Chappy Laura is at school for two days a week funded by the National Schools Chaplaincy and Welfare Program (NSCWP).
A school chaplain is a safe person who provides spiritual and emotional support to school communities. They are in the prevention and support business: caring and supporting students to help them find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family problems and loneliness, confusing relationships and friendship issues, peer pressure and self-esteem issues, depression and anxiety. They provide a listening ear and a caring presence for kids in crisis, and those who just need a friend. They also offer support for staff and parents of the school community.
The school chaplaincy service looks different from school to school depending on the skill set of the chaplain. In our school, Chappy Laura actively participates in the playground during first break and runs a Chillax room during second break. The purpose of this room is for students to come and chill, relax and hang out in a safe and friendly environment during lunch, helping foster positive social interactions through the fun games that are played. Chappy Laura is active in helping out with school sporting teams, school events (such as school camps), as well as being a positive influence in classrooms supporting our students and staff with their work.
Chaplaincy plays a vital role in our school and we value the care and support Chappy Laura brings to our school community. Chappy Laura is available for all students, staff and family and can be contacted through the school office or via email on: chaplain@towncentss.eq.edu.au