Our School Chaplains

As the year draws to a close, it is a timely reminder to acknowledge the great work our Chaplains do within our schools and to thank these wonderful people who reach out to others with the love, care, and concern of Christ.

We have a number of Chaplains appointed across our school communities who assist the principal and school leadership teams in delivering some of the pastoral care opportunities and Christian spiritualitycentered activities in schools.

Some of the many important contributions that Chaplains regularly make to our schools include sporting and cultural activities and programs before, during, and after school, as well as providing a listening ear and a caring presence for all students. Including those who are in crisis, those who just need a friend, those who are stressed and anxious, or those who just want to have a chat – their network extends to the staff and parents too!

Chaplains are often instrumental in preventing the ‘bruising and injury’ by being a safe and supportive influence to those who need it. They are worthy influencers in the areas of pastoral care and the spiritual dimension of life.

Thank you!

Guidance Counsellors prepare with“Stormbirds”

Children and young people can be particularly vulnerable when their families and communities are exposed

to natural disaster events. Exposure can effect their mental health and impact their educational outcomes both in the short and longer-term. However, evidence suggests that most children will cope effectively following a disaster given support, time and the appropriate intervention.

Good Grief and The MacKillop Institute delivers an early intervention education program “Stormbirds” that trains staff to provide tailored support to children and young people affected by natural disasters. Developed in 2009 in response to the Black Saturday Bushfires in Victoria, “Stormbirds” has supported many regional communities following bushfires in Victoria, NSW, SA, WA and QLD cyclones and floods and in Christchurch, New Zealand, following the earthquake.

“Stormbirds” is embedded in the foundational principles of the Seasons for Growth evidence-based loss and grief program. The program invites children and young people to learn and practice ways of identifying and responding to significant life events and disasters, with an emphasis on understanding the effects of change, loss and grief. This provides children and young people with the skills to manage and overcome their trauma and builds their resilience to cope in the likely event of tough times ahead in their communities.

Across 2021 all Guidance Counsellors employed by Townsville Catholic Education were trained and supported by The MacKillop Institute to enable them to deliver the 4-session program directly to small groups of children and young people. This amazing collaboration with The MacKillop Institute and Good Grief was facilitated by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission and rolled out across multiple Dioceses.

Across our schools, Guidance Counsellors are now well equipped to support our students should there be future disaster events where appropriate intervention is required to reduce the impact on their educational outcomes.