School chaplaincy
A state school community can decide to introduce a chaplaincy service to complement other support services in the school. These services provide students, staff and/or parents with social, emotional and spiritual support, provide an additional adult role model in the school, and enhance engagement with the broader community including parents.
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 non-discriminatory and equally available to students of all beliefs.
Delivering a chaplaincy or student welfare service
Where the school community has supported the introduction of the chaplaincy/student welfare service, general interaction between students and the chaplain/student welfare worker within the school does not require additional parental consent. While it is not compulsory for any student to participate in activities or receive services from a chaplain/student welfare worker, written informed consent (for example, Form 1) is required for ongoing one-to-one meetings with the chaplain/student welfare worker.
A chaplaincy/student welfare service is not a counselling service. Chaplains/student welfare workers are not permitted to engage in evangelising or proselytising, nor attempt to undermine a student’s religious or other beliefs.
Chaplaincy Guidelines
Students meet with the chaplain on a voluntary basis. Students can choose not to talk to the Chaplain at any time.