Hambledon State School Chaplaincy
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 children 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.
Who is the Hambledon’s School Chaplain?
Stephen (Chappy Steve) has worked with children and families in a variety of settings and roles including as a primary school teacher, counsellor and youth and children’s worker. After teaching with his wife Tracie on Mabuyag Island in the Torres Strait, Stephen taught grade one and five at Hambledon State School. He is passionate about supporting the whole school community to enable all children to experience success at school.
Stephen is married to Tracie who is also a primary school teacher. He enjoys spending time with Tracie, walking, participating in his church community and listening to jazz music.
What will Chaplaincy look like at Hambledon in 2015?
During 2015 Chappy Steve will assist in classrooms, run lunch time activities, attend school camps and excursions, and run programs that support students emotionally and socially. These include programs called ‘Friends for Life’ and ‘Fun Friends’. In addition Chappy Steve will also run groups as different needs/issues arise during the school year. Chappy Steve runs Boost Brekky Program on Wednesday mornings from 8am outside the tuckshop. All students are able to enjoy fresh fruit, scrambled eggs and toast with a variety of spreads to choose from for free. Students may request to see Chappy Steve on an individual basis for support in personal matters. If students seek support after the initial one-to-one meeting, parental consent is required. A consent form will be sent home with the student requesting parental consent.
Will my child be involved?
Involvement with the Chaplain is entirely voluntary and students choose whether or not they want to be a part of the activities that are offered. 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 involving spiritual or ethical content. 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 Steve can be contacted on 4040 8666 (Monday to Wednesday) or via email – stevek@chappy.org.au. In addition, feel free to drop in to the school and visit Chappy Steve. Appointments can also be made through the office.