The Department of Education's National Student Wellbeing Program provides funding for Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Officers in State schools.
Chaplains and student wellbeing officers (SWOs) provide wellbeing support across the whole school community – students, families and staff. They help to monitor school wellbeing, are an additional adult role model for students, support students socially and emotionally, and are involved in parent and community engagement.
A school chaplain is a safe person for young people and families to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and wellbeing care. Chaplains are involved with positive activities for students, staff and families and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
The chaplaincy service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs.
At Mount Ommaney Special School, the Chaplain connects with students in classroom and playground settings to foster positive relationships, model and teach social skills, and provide pastoral care to those who wish to discuss life issues.
The Chaplain also runs different groups throughout the school such as protective behaviours groups, groups on puberty, recreational groups, and parent support and engagement both one on one and in group settings. The Chaplain is also involved in supporting families in the ECDP.
The Chaplain works with the Social Worker and other support providers to provide emotional and material support to students and families.
Involvement with the chaplain is entirely voluntary and parents and students choose whether or not they want their student to be a part of the activities that are offered.
The Chaplain at Mount Ommaney Special School is Deb Pasley. Deb has 10 years' experience as a School Chaplain and has worked in the disability sector previously. Deb is at the school on Tuesdays and can be contacted by phone on (07) 3717 6888 or email at deb.pasley@suchaplaincy.org.au