Our school is a participant in the In-School Chaplaincy Program in collaboration with the Department of Education and YouthCARE.
Mariza D’Souza is our YouthCare Chaplain.
This is a voluntary program that enables parents to have the choice as to whether they wish to have their child/children involved in any, or all, of the support services provided by the Chaplain.
The role of the chaplain is to build relationships with, and between, the school, students and their families to provide social-emotional support in a range of circumstances. Our Chaplain:
- Builds positive, productive relationships with students, families and staff;
- Offers pastoral care including social emotional support during times of duress including grief and loss;
- Is a mentor to students experiencing challenges involving behaviour, relationships and;
- Offers input into spiritual and ‘the meaning of life’ questions when requested to do so by families;
- Acts as a positive role model;
- Provides a link between schools and local communities.
The school Chaplain works with teachers and the school leadership team to support students identified as requiring support. Once it is decided that a student should be referred to the Chaplain, parental permission is required before contact can be made.
Parents can also request the support of the Chaplain when they feel it may be needed. This request is made through a member of the school leadership team.
The Chaplain also conducts a small group program (Seasons for Growth) for students experiencing death, separation, divorce or other significant loss. The Seasons for Growth programs provide an opportunity for students to learn the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to understand and respond well to such experiences.
Click below to view a video to see a little of what a YouthCARE Chaplain does
For further information, you can download the YouthCARE chaplaincy flyer here.
YouthCARE has produced a video of Kwinana Chaplains please view it below