The National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program (NSCSWP)
General statement and aim on the service within our school
Our school vision is that “Tannum Sands State School empowers all learners to reach their full potential in a challenging and supportive community environment". We value integrity, empathy, excellence and courage. These equate to our school rules of being respectful, being responsible, being friendly and being safe. We are all active learners and this is represented in our school motto “Sail to Success’. The Chaplain will work to support students and families in these areas.
Our Chaplain is Geoff Parnell. A large portion of the role is a pastoral one. Geoff is available, Wednesday and Friday, for students who wish to talk and gain support from a person who is not in a position of authority, but a person who can work alongside them.
Overview of the role of the Chaplain within our school
Providing another significant adult in the lives of primary aged children has significant benefits to the students at our school.
Of their own volition, students can see Chappy Sandy and chat with her. She is available during the school breaks either in the grounds or in her work area.
Support for Chaplaincy was established to start in 2013. The majority of parents indicated they agree or strongly agree that our school provides a supportive environment for the individual. Chaplaincy is an important aspect of this.
Our part-time Chaplain is part of the funded program under the NSCSWP.
There is a co-operative Religious Education program as determined by the Local Council of Clergy which is delivered to Year 2 to 4 students by volunteers from local parishes.
It is each student’s choice as to whether or not they wish to approach Chappy Sandy for support.
How to access activities such as arranging for one-on-one sessions
Chappy Sandy runs activities at lunchtimes for students. This creates a point of contact whereby individuals can make a further time to speak with her. Parents are also welcome to make an appointment.
Complaints handling avenues
Any complaints are managed through the School’s Complaints Process by reporting to the Principal.
Details of school community consultation
This is done through the Parents and Citizens’ Association which is representative of the School Community. Newsletters and Social media are used to provide information as well.
Recognition and acknowledgement of the Program
The School acknowledges that chaplaincy/student welfare services under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program have been funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
DisclaimerThe views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
AcknowledgementThis project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and WorkplaceRelations under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.
Any evaluation surveys conducted must ask participants if they are aware of the source of funding for the activity and, if so, how they became aware of the funding source.
The Funding Recipient must provide to the Australian Government or its agent, if requested, any National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program materials for placement on the Department’s website, or for use in any other Australian Government or Departmental publication.