Chaplaincy Services provide spiritual, ethical and personal support to school communities. SU Qld Chaplains provide positive adult role models for students. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community, and with the support of the P&C Association.
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 cares for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and depression.
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.
The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs.
Meet Hatton Vale School Chaplain
My name is Helen Gilmour and I am the Chaplain at Hatton Vale State School. I have a Bachelor of Social Science and have had experience in the Community Welfare field. I am a mother and grandmother with 5 married children and 9 grandchildren. I was raised in the country and so really enjoy working in the Lockyer Valley. When not working I enjoy gardening, sewing, spending time with my family and curling up with a good book.