School Chaplaincy Program

Schools Chaplaincy Program

At Dingley PS we have been fortunate to secure government funding for the next four years for a Chaplain (2024-2028). Schools enlist chaplains to support the educational, social, and emotional well-being of students. Collaborating closely with well-being and allied health staff, chaplains offer support to students, staff, families, and the broader school community.

Prior to engaging in chaplaincy services, schools must secure written consent from parents/guardians/carers. Please note that chaplaincy services are voluntary.

Chaplains will:

Collaborate with the school's well-being team to deliver student well-being services.
Contribute to enhancing student engagement and connectedness.
Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Offer pastoral care and guidance to students.
Engage within the school community and with external service providers.

Chaplains may undertake roles such as:

Providing support in areas like student attendance, engagement, and mental health.
Assisting students during challenging situations, such as grief or personal/emotional struggles, by offering support or making appropriate referrals.
Offering pastoral care and ethical guidance to students, referring or sourcing services as needed, potentially involving community resources.
Supporting the creation of an environment that promotes students' physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development and well-being.
Encouraging cooperation, mutual respect, and an understanding of diversity among students and staff.

Chaplains must not:

Exploit their position to promote a particular religious viewpoint.
Compromise confidentiality, acknowledging situations where students may seek confidentiality.
Allow their personal conduct to interfere with service delivery, even in private capacities.
Perform tasks for which they are not qualified.
Conduct religious services or ceremonies or lead religious observances.
Provide special religious instruction.