Chaplaincy services provide students, staff and parents with social, emotional and spiritual support by providing an additional adult role model in the school, and enhancing engagement with the broader community.
Chaplaincy services are inclusive of, and show respect for, all religious and non-religious beliefs and other stances represented in the school community. All activities and events provided are optional, non-discriminatory and equally available to students of all beliefs, and are provided at the discretion of the school principal, in consultation with the school community.
What does a school Chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
Working with other members of the school's support team, the Chaplain helps care for students who are struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and mental health.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues, and provide hope, connection, meaning, and purpose.
Who is the Jandowae State School Chaplain?
Hi! My name is Claire Cantwell, better known as Chappy or Chappy Clairea. I love supporting the young people of our school and community and supporting our staff in helping our young people achieve their very best. Supporting young people is why I got into Chaplaincy. To achieve this I obtained a Certificate IV in Youth Work and also a Diploma in Youth Work.
I have been at Jandowae State School as the Chaplain since 2019. I have loved seeing how the kids and school have changed and grown and am privileged to be a part of the school community. I enjoy playing games with the kids such as handball, Uno, soccer and drawing pictures. I have also been lucky enough to do a lot of cooking with the students here which is one of my passions outside of school, so it is always fun to do it at work.
I love joining in on classes and seeing what the kids are up to, and seeing their progress in and outside the classroom. Being able to join in on a range of excursions and dress up days, class rewards and rewards days are just some of the special extras that I have the honour of being included in.
What does Chaplaincy look like at Jandowae State School?
Will my child be involved? Involvement with Chaplain is completely voluntary and students are able to say whether they would like to participate in activities that the Chaplain provides. Every parent is given a Chaplain consent form on enrolment and this allows the child to access the Chaplain any time during school hours. Parents will be consulted if their child wishes to be involved in ongoing one-to-one meetings with the Chaplain or in any programme or group run by the Chaplain. Parents have the right to refuse permission for their child to be involved in any Chaplaincy activity or event.
How can I contact the Chaplain? Chappy Claire currently works Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during the school term. She is available between the hours of 7:45am-3:45pm. Arrange an appointment by contacting the school (07) 4668 4333.
Complaints process: If there is any issue or concern, please contact the Principal.