Chaplaincy Services provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities. SU Australia Chaplains provide positive adult role models for students. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community and with the support of the P&C Association.
At Rochedale State School, our School Chaplain, provides essential social, emotional, and pastoral support to our school community. Supported by SU Australia, the nation’s largest provider of school chaplains with over 30 years of experience, our chaplain is part of a network renowned for professionalism and trust across hundreds of school communities. SU Australia supports over 700 chaplains in more than 1,000 schools nationwide, with most chaplains holding qualifications above the minimum Certificate IV in Youth Work.
Our school chaplain is committed to prevention and support, helping students manage issues such as family challenges, loneliness, friendships, and mental health. Whether offering a listening ear to a young person in crisis, supporting staff, or lending a caring presence to parents, the chaplain’s role is one of compassion and guidance.
At Rochedale State School, we have a Local Chaplaincy Committee that oversees the chaplaincy service and provides support for the program, including communicating with stakeholders and helping with events and activities. If you would like to be part of this committee, please email rochedalesschaplaincy@gmail.com
With the support of our Principal, the P&C Association, and local churches, businesses, and community organisations, the chaplaincy service is open to everyone in the school community, regardless of their religious beliefs. This partnership creates a network of care that offers students and the broader school community a sense of hope, connection, and purpose as they navigate life’s challenges.
What does a School Chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
Working with other members of the school's support team, the Chaplain cares for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self esteem, family breakdown and depression.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues and provide hope, connection, meaning and purpose.
The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of his/her religious beliefs.
Will my child be involved?
Involvement with the Chaplain is entirely voluntary and students choose whether or not they want to be a part of the activities that are offered. Parents will be consulted if their child wishes to be involved in ongoing one to one meetings with the Chaplain or in any program or group involving spiritual or ethical content. Parents have the right to refuse permission for their child to be involved in any Chaplaincy activity or event.
Chappy Jae