Chaplaincy at Kings Meadows High School

Aims and Guidelines

Introduced in 2007, the National School Chaplaincy Program has made valuable contributions to the wellbeing of school communities across Australia.

It is a voluntary program that assists school communities to support the spiritual, social, and emotional wellbeing of their students. This can include support and guidance about ethics, values, relationships and spirituality; the provision of pastoral care; and enhancing engagement with the broader community. (National Chaplaincy guidelines) The following general principles apply to the Program:

• Participation in the Program by school communities is voluntary. Participation must be reaffirmed annually.

• It is not compulsory for students to participate.

• Chaplaincy operates within a strong ethical framework which supports and upholds the Values for Australian Schooling. The National Framework can be accessed at Chaplaincy guidelines can be accessed at

Chaplaincy Role

  • Chaplains work as part of the student welfare team and refer on as necessary.
  • Chaplains do not evangelise or push their own religious beliefs.
  • Chaplains have relevant qualifications and update themselves with ongoing professional training.
  • All services and programmes must be approved by the school’s up-line manager.
  • Chaplains must respect a range of spiritual views and cultural traditions.
  • One-on-one sessions with students can be held as necessary.
  • Chaplains must build relationships with students, staff and wider school community.
  • All participation/interaction is voluntary and can be ceased at any time.
  • The chaplain will be supported by the Local Chaplaincy Committee.
  • Communication/interaction with the wider school community is encouraged. This may include newsletters, assemblies, School Association, whole school activities, staff meetings.

Complaints

All complaints about the school chaplain or chaplaincy service within the school should be directed to the chaplain and/or Kate Blaubaum.Complaints may be escalated to the Funding Recipient and/or the Department if the outcome of these talks is unsatisfactory.