Summary: What's happening with the National Schools Chaplaincy Program and how you can be part of the future of chaplaincy.

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What's happening with the National School Chaplaincy Program?

The government has just released a statement stating that funding for the NSCP will continue until the end of 2011. During this time there will be a review of the current program to determine how the program will look beyond that point.

Genr8 Ministries has represented NSW on the NSCA who have been advocating for chaplaincy in schools to continue. We are now wanting to support existing school chaplaincies and register interest for schools who would consider the program if it goes ahead in 2012.

If you currently have a chaplain and would like to join with GenR8 as we advocate and support chaplains please email us.

If you would like to register your interest for future chaplaincy please email us.

Some information on school chaplaincy:

• 97% of over 600 state school principals surveyed across Australia with chaplains in their schools want the National Schools Chaplaincy Program to continue.

•  Demand in NSW for new chaplains is projected by GenR8 to double or triple numbers from the present 207 state schools if there is more funding.

• Some areas that chaplains are currently involved in include pastoral care, classroom/needs based programs, school events, camps, crises, community networking and fundraising just to name a few.

Principal/staff experiences of chaplains according to a recent survey on school chaplaincy:

• "Where do I start? His [the chaplain’s] position has become such an integral part that I don’t know what we’d do without the role. He has added immense value and purpose to our school and community. Every school should have a funded chaplain" A principal's response in a recent survey when asked what contribution the chaplain made to the school.

• Many staff spoke not only of the pastoral care, but of the ways in which chaplains encouraged responsible behaviour. Without appearing to be judgemental, most chaplains were able toencourage students to push themselves a little harder, to aim a little higher, and to live a little more according to their principles, they said.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on school chaplaincy.

“They do a fantastic job and, in many school communities where there is the unavailability of social workers or other forms of social support mechanisms, they actually are providing the glue which keeps school communities rolling. That is my experience of them.”

Contributor: Sarah Newton - GenR8 Operations Manager. Updated 22-Jul-2010 12:19 PM.
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