By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
THE seniors of Noosa District State High School are determined to keep their chaplain Shane Brigg on board, as lack of funds look to significantly decrease his hours by the end of the month.
The chaplaincy at Noosa District State High School has been developed over many years out of the keen partnerships between SU Queensland, the school, P&C, community sponsors and government funding.
Shane, fondly referred to as “Chappy” has been in his role at Noosa District State School for over three years now, and has become a much-loved and highly valued member of the school community.
Unfortunately, lack of funds means that it is likely Shane’s hours will be more than halved; cut down to just two days over the two campuses in Cooroy and Pomona.
He is integral in providing spiritual and emotional support, pastoral care, and creative connections for all students and staff, irrespective of religious beliefs.
As school chaplain, Shane also supports the wider school community in a range of ways, such as assisting students in exploring their spirituality; providing guidance on values and ethical matters; helping school counsellors and staff in offering welfare services and support in cases of bereavement, family breakdown or other crisis and loss situations.
With Shane already strapped for time, the decrease in hours will significantly impact on his ability to support all those in need.
With Year 7s now added to the school, there are even more students in need of Shane’s services and he is certain that the cuts will lead to constant waiting lists and an extremely “tricky balancing act” for him.
In light of the situation, Year 12 student Kriquet Thompson has set up an online petition for the school community to sign to show their support for Shane.
The school and wider community are encouraged to take the time to read the petition and show their support by sharing how Shane has helped them, a friend, family member or peer, or by simply signing it.
“If anyone needs someone to help or support them, Chappy is always there,” Kriquet said.
“He is the least judgemental person in the world.”
“For us as students, it is so important to have a supportive environment at school and Chappy plays a vital role in this,” fellow student Isabella Gibson agreed.
“The petition is to raise awareness of the importance of our Chappy and hopefully gain the support of the wider community,” Kriquet added.
“There is still this stigma that chaplains just pray, but there is so much more to it, and that is what we are hoping to get across with this campaign.
For more information and to sign the petition visit www.change.org/p/noosa-district-state-high-school-let-us-keep-our-chappy .The petition can also be signed at either of the Noosa District campuses.
