My name is Bobbie Djurovitch and I am the school chaplain for Coombabah State School. I'm currently employed for two days per week, under the federal government plan for this purpose.
The role of a school chaplain
- The school chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school, providing a listening ear, caring presence, and message of hope.
- Chaplains care for students struggling with relationships, peer pressure and self-esteem issues, family breakdown, bullying, etc.
- Chaplains run positive, fun activities for young people, both in and out of school, and foster a supportive, caring school community.
- Chaplains provide support for students, staff and families from the wider school community from a well being perspective as well as practical support for example food parcels.
- Chaplains foster partnerships between the school, local churches, businesses and community organizations, to provide a network of local support and assistance. Examples like school breakfast club, Christmas hampers, bread donations and seeking sponsorship for these and all other activities.
- Chaplains are available to attend school camps.
- Chaplain's role is essentially a non-religious role though chaplains may provide spiritual support to the school community when requested.
- Chaplains work alongside and in conjunction with the existing and growing support team within the school.
- Chaplains encourage a volunteering mindset, engaging students in activities within the community.
When is the chaplain available?
I'm available all day Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at Breakfast Club on both days and at Playgroup (until 11am) on Wednesdays only.