Chaplains in schools are about picking up students who need emotional support or maybe helping mum to get a pair of boots or so her boy can play on the footy team.
They are also about families going through a tough time– perhaps homeless or needing help with meals, clothing or pretty much anything.
And this Saturday their work at two Noosa schools will be given a boost with proceeds from the sale of plants at Sunshine Beach Anglican Church.
One chaplain (or Chappy) who has seen a “significant rise” in the number of kids needing help since she started work at Sunshine Beach State Primary School 12 months ago is Simone Weaver,
“I’m seeing now about 20 children a week. I’m part of a team which has a guidance officer and a well-being officer. At the moment, their list is full and people are being referred to me for them to get extra help.”
The other school is Sunshine Beach State High and Luke Robertson, who is youth support co-ordinator there, told Noosa Today: “School chaplains do one on one relationship mentoring with programmes designed to help self-determination and self-appreciation.
“They seek support from agencies who raise funds so we can provide breakfast hampers with good quality fresh food, biscuits and all types of things to families that need pretty much anything, even financial support for kids in times of crisis.
“Most of our wellbeing comes from church groups, supporters and sponsors and we are grateful to the Anglican Church for thinking of us with its plant sale.”
Co-ordinator of the plant sale is church member, Dr Anne Jobling, who is also a researcher and lecturer in disability at UQ.
She said: “The chaplains are somebody the students can go and talk to because they have no one else. Often the teachers will say I’m a bit concerned about this child who has come to school unwashed or there are obviously issues there. They just come in to see the chaplain and start talking and often the children just open up.
“The chaplains are so vital for the wellbeing and emotional support of students. They are there for the disadvantaged, for children who are hungry, the homeless and those in need in times of crisis.
“However, the funds available for them to undertake their work are limited.”
Anne said the plant sale would be a Father’s Day Weekend special. “Clivias, orchids, flowering pots and herbs are just some of what we have for sale. Many will be in the $5 to $15 price range. There will also be bargain novelty plant gifts for Dads for children to buy plus a sausage sizzle, scones, jam and cream and coffee.”
Plant sale. Saturday, September 6. 11am ‘til 3pm. Sunshine Beach Anglican Church, Bicentennial Drive. Sunshine Beach.
