The Chaplaincy program
The Chaplaincy Program is a service introduced into Southbrook Central State School to provide students, staff and parents with support. A school chaplain is a
safe person for children to connect with at school, providing a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. The Chaplaincy service provides a positive adult role model within the school.
Our Chaplaincy program is compatible with policies and practices that apply to delivery of any service in a multi-faith and multicultural State School community. The Chaplaincy program is inclusive of and shows respect for all religious and non-religious beliefs and other stances represented within the school community. Religious instruction is not part of the schools chaplaincy program and occurs only in accordance with legislation and departmental policy.
Religious Instruction
Queensland state schools embrace a multitude of cultural, religious and non-religious beliefs. Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, schools are to provide Religious Instruction (RI) if approached by a faith group seeking to provide RI and students of that faith attend the school.
RI informs students about the beliefs and values of a particular religion. It is delivered by volunteers of a faith group using instructional materials approved by that faith group. RI is required to be consistent with legislation and Department of Education policies and procedures.
All RI instructors must hold a blue card and participate in compulsory Student Protection and Code of Conduct training. RI instructors are only entitled to deliver the RI program outlined below. A school staff member will be present during the delivery of RI.
Participation in RI is not compulsory. Any student (except Prep students) may participate in RI if a parent has provided written instructions to the school.
Students are allocated to RI based on information provided by parents on the completed
Application for Student Enrolment unless other written instructions have been provided to the school.
Note: This consent remains in effect unless the parent informs the school otherwise in writing.
A description of the RI available is provided below.
Participating faith groups: Living Grace Toowoomba; Pittsworth Lutheran Parish; Catholic Church Pittsworth; Uniting Church Pittsworth
Authorised program: God's Space
Aims and goals:
RI teachers do not promote particular denominational attitudes or activities. We endeavour to:
- Explore Bible stories and the geography, history and culture of the times.
- Discover what the Bible says about God and the life and teachings of Jesus.
- Learn to value and respect their own and other's beliefs.
- Be encouraged to develop positive values and choices e.g. thankfulness, forgiveness and hope.
We use various methods such as story telling, drama, interactive discussions, music, games and craft.
Lesson structure: Tuesday Fornightly
Students who are not participating in RI will either remain in class with their class teacher or will be supervised in a separate room and provided with class work.
Parents will be advised of any changes to the RI and other instruction programs to ensure they are able to make an informed decision on their child’s participation.