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Department Education, Training and the Arts Queensland
Education Policy and Procedures Register
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Version: 3.3

SCM-PR-012: Chaplaincy Services in Queensland State Schools

This policy: identifies accountabilities and procedures for principals of state schools, who in consultation with local communities and with the support of the Parents and Citizens' Association, implement chaplaincy services as a community initiative; includes processes for developing and implementing a school's chaplaincy program and accompanying documentation including procedure for appointing a paid or volunteer chaplain to deliver a program of chaplaincy services.

Relevant legislation and policy

Legislation and/or regulations Substantive policy Related procedures

Statement of intent

A chaplaincy program is an optional service introduced into a state school to give support in religious and spiritual matters to students. The program may also deal with ethical matters. This policy applies to all chaplaincy services in state schools, regardless of whether they are paid or voluntary and, if paid, regardless of source of funding.

There are various models of chaplaincy services, which contribute to students' educational and spiritual welfare, provide student mentoring and allow the chaplain to be an additional adult role model in schools. These models are the:
a) pastoral care model
b) mentoring model
c) education support model
and a chaplain can undertake a range of activities within a school.

A school's chaplaincy program complements other welfare services in the school such as those offered by the Guidance Officer or Youth Support Coordinator, and is not a counselling service. Local community support is required for the introduction of a chaplaincy program to a school.

School funds provided by the Queensland government for educational purposes cannot be used for chaplaincy services.

Programs of chaplaincy services are compatible with policies and practices that apply to delivery of any service in a multi-faith and multicultural state school community. A chaplaincy program is to be 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 within a chaplaincy program are to be non-discriminatory and equitably available to students, of all beliefs, who choose to participate. Religious Instruction is not part of a school's program of chaplaincy services.

Chaplains contribute towards addressing religious, spiritual and/or ethical needs of students. Whilst personally modeling and owning their own faith positions or belief, chaplains avoid any implications that any one religion, denomination or other set of beliefs is advantageous or superior to any other denomination, religion or belief.

As part of the enrolment process, or upon the introduction of a new chaplaincy program into a school, parents are provided with information about the school's chaplaincy program and written consent (new window) 68k Microsoft® Word document sought for participation on a voluntary basis in the program and in any activities which have religious, spiritual and/or ethical content. Written consent is not needed for students who are living independently from their parents. To ensure parents and the community remain informed, updates as to the nature of the chaplaincy program occur annually, or more often where there are changes to the program, through the school newsletter and website.

Responsibilities

Principals:

Introducing a Chaplaincy Service (new window) 44k Microsoft® Word document

Appointing a Chaplain

Implementing Chaplaincy Services


Chaplains: Local Chaplaincy Committee: Accredited employing authorities: Executive Director (Schools): Student Services Directorate, Central Office:

Forms

Guidelines

Not Applicable

Other relevant documents

Contacts

For information on chaplaincy services in Queensland State schools, contact:

Principal Advisor
Student Services Division
Phone:
(07) 3237 0510
Fax:
(07) 3237 0432

Document information

Approval record: TRIM 07/130556
Date of implementation: 2007-07-17
Date of publication: 2007-07-17
Date to be reviewed: 2009-07-17
This procedure replaces:
Uncontrolled copy. Please refer to Education Policy and Procedure Register at http://iwww.qed.qld.gov.au/strategic/eppr/ for latest version.
Uncontrolled copy. Please refer to Education Policy and Procedure Register at http://education.qld.gov.au/strategic/eppr/ for latest version.

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