Why Chaplaincy?

NEW - Media Statement re: Strong Demand for Chaplains

Chaplaincy figures released by the Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett, show while demand for both chaplaincy and student welfare services is high, most government schools continue to want Chaplains. Read more here.

Chaplaincy Fact Sheet

Click here to download. ACCESS ministries will continue to review and update this information periodically.

A chaplain is a value add for every school community and a key part of the school welfare team. Representing a wide spread of denominations, our chaplains provide a professional, confidential and spiritual presence for your school. The chaplain’s role can include the formation and implementation of programs targeting core and specific school issues, for example bullying, eating disorders or truancy.

One on one or group sessions can greatly assist students at risk. Chaplains can play a key role in school events like excursions, camps and mentoring programs. A chaplain can also provide support and leadership in the more sensitive events that affect a school community such as funerals and memorial services.

With the increase of ethnic diversity in our schools, cyber-bullying, mental illness, depression, and related deaths, our chaplains now more than ever, find their roles as imperative for the well- being of school communities. They are passionate about their students and families, teaching staff and the wider community that the school represents.

What the chaplains say: 'When I walk out in the hallway I hear Liz, Liz, it’s like Mum, Mum, they are all in need for something, sometimes it’s just a lunch voucher, sometimes we do a lot of grief work, a lot of children have lost families, some in the recent bushfires. I just love them. I just think the students are terrific, and I love them.' - Liz Spicer, Kyabram Secondary College

Your school community can also have the assistance of a chaplain on staff. Call ACCESS ministries on 1800 063 341 or email us today for more information.

Useful Information

• About National Schools Chaplaincy Program (NSCP)

• 2012 Schools with ACCESS Chaplains (71Kb)
• Social Compass Report (1.4Mb)
• The Distinctiveness of Chaplaincy within a Framework of School Support Services (419Kb)