School Chaplaincy Program

Clarinda Primary School Chaplaincy Program

Schools engage chaplains to support the educational, social and emotional wellbeing of students. They work closely with wellbeing and allied health staff in schools to support students and their educational outcomes, staff, families and the wider school community.

Chaplains are guided by the Department’s Principles for Health and Wellbeing which underpin effective professional practice to promote and support optimal health, wellbeing and educational outcomes for students.

Consent

Schools must obtain written consent from parents/guardians/carers or the student (if adult or mature minor) prior to the provision of chaplaincy services. Please click NSWP_Consent_Form_2024_Approved for consent form.

Parents/guardians/carers and students must be advised that chaplaincy services are voluntary. They must also be informed of the nature of the chaplaincy service to be provided, the role of the chaplain, the type of information to be collected and reasons for its collection, conditions applying to disclosure of such information, and their right of access to the information. Schools can obtain consent from parents/guardians/carers and students at the beginning of each school year, as appropriate. 

Roles and responsibilities

Chaplains will:

  • work as a member of the school’s wellbeing team in the delivery of student wellbeing services
  • contribute to improving student engagement and connectedness
  • contribute to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
  • provide pastoral care and guidance to students
  • operate within the school community and with external providers.

The roles and responsibilities of chaplains could include:

  • providing support in areas such as student attendance, engagement and mental health
  • providing students with support and/or appropriate referrals in difficult situations such as during times of grief, or when students are facing personal or emotional challenges
  • providing pastoral care and guidance to students about values and ethical matters, referring students, or sourcing appropriate services to meet their needs, which may involve access to services in the community
  • supporting students and staff to create an environment which promotes the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development and wellbeing of all students
  • supporting students and staff to create an environment of cooperation and mutual respect, and promoting an understanding of diversity within the range of cultures and relevant traditions.

Chaplains must not:

  • take advantage of their privileged position to proselytise, evangelise or advocate for a particular religious view or belief
  • put themselves, or allow themselves, to be placed in a compromising situation, recognising that there are circumstances where confidentiality may be sought by the student
  • conduct themselves in a manner which impacts the delivery of their services, even in a private capacity
  • perform professional or other services for which they are not qualified
  • conduct religious services or ceremonies or lead students or staff in religious observances unless agreed to by the Principal
  • deliver special religious instruction.