Chaplaincy and student welfare worker services are optional for schools and provide students and staff with social, emotional and spiritual support, provide an additional adult role model in the school and enhance engagement. Student involvement in any activities offered as part of a school's chaplaincy or student welfare worker service is voluntary.
Chaplains and student welfare workers are not permitted to engage in evangelising or proselytising, nor attempt to undermine a student's religious or other beliefs. The Chaplaincy and student welfare worker services policy statement (DOC, 238KB) provides assistance for schools implementing a chaplaincy or student welfare worker service (paid or voluntary).
Many School Communities across the state have established a chaplaincy or student welfare worker service.
At Bedourie State School our Chaplaincy needs are meet via a mobile service that is administered through Scripture Union, who not only employ our Chaplains but also support both the Chaplains and the schools utilising their services. Our 'Chaplain' is actually a married couple who work together to provide the school's allocation of hours. They travel in a caravan and complete a three-week circuit, where one week is spent in Boulia, one in Bedourie and one in Dajarra. This mobile arrangement suits our smaller, remote communities.
At the time of Enrolment, parents sign a form that gives consent for students to work with the Chaplains. However, if any religious or one on one activities are offered, parents are asked for consent for each of these specific instances. For example, our Chaplains offer an after school Supa Club one afternoon every time they visit. In order for students to participate in this Club, parents must sign a consent form each year that allows their children to participate.