Chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer (formerly ‘student welfare worker’) services are optional for schools and support the general wellbeing of students, parents and staff, provide an additional adult role model in the school and can enhance engagement with the broader community.
Local community support is required for chaplains and student wellbeing officers to operate in a school. Student involvement in any activities offered by the chaplain or student wellbeing officer is voluntary.
Chaplains and student wellbeing officers are inclusive of, and show respect for, all religious and non-religious beliefs and worldviews represented in the school community. All activities and events provided are non-discriminatory and equally available to all students.
Chaplains and student wellbeing officers are not permitted to engage in evangelising or proselytising, nor attempt to undermine a student's beliefs.
Many
school communities across the state have established a chaplaincy or student wellbeing officer service with the assistance of state and/or Australian Government funding through the use of school funds and/or through local community fundraising. Some schools may have a volunteer chaplain or student wellbeing officer.
Government funded programs include:
By agreement of the
chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer programs cross-sector panel, the allocation of funding to schools is determined by each school sector with consideration for factors such as the number of full time equivalent student enrolments, continuity of service provision, socio-economic disadvantage, geographic location and other characteristics of the school community.
All government funding for chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services in 2023 is fully allocated. During 2023, all Queensland schools will be invited by their respective schooling sector (e.g. Catholic, independent or state) to apply for government funding for a chaplain or student wellbeing officer for the 2024–2027 school years.
The chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services
policy statement and supporting documents provide assistance for schools implementing these services (whether funded or voluntary).
Policy statement
Chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services policy statement
Supporting documents
Forms
Contact for further information
If you have any questions, please contact your relevant schooling authority.
Department of Education
Email:
chaplainswellbeingofficers@qed.qld.gov.au
Independent Schools Queensland
Ms Karen Roman
Email:
kroman@isq.qld.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3228 1512
Queensland Catholic Education Commission
Ms Hannah Orchard
Email:
hannaho@qcec.catholic.edu.au
Phone: (07) 3316 5852