Student Wellbeing Support Program
If you have applied for a grant under the Student Wellbeing Support Program and would also like to be considered for a PSC NSW community grant of $7000 please register your interest below.
PSC NSW will contact you once the outcome of applications to the SWSP are announced. This is due to take place on the 8th December 2017
“The Student Wellbeing Support Program 2018 – 2020 is a 3-year program to support schools, working in partnership with their local community, with additional funding for a student wellbeing support officer to support school wellbeing approaches.
The NSW Department of Education will provide funding to successful schools of up to $7,000 to engage a student wellbeing support officer. Schools must contribute $7,000 and source $7,000 from the community.
Schools have the option to engage a chaplain or youth worker to fill the role of student wellbeing support officer based on what best meets the needs of their students.”
For more information please see the Department of Education – Wellbeing Support page
What Principals Say
Register your Interest
Please contact me regarding Public Schools Chaplaincy NSW
Features
School Selection
The Principal is responsible for the appointment of the School Chaplain. Principals identify specific school requirements prior to commencing the recruitment process.
PSC NSW members are committed to working alongside their schools to find the suitable candidates for the role.
Wellbeing Support
School Chaplains are trained to provide one-on-one care, mentoring and support for students, parents and staff.
Chaplains also run specific programs tailored to the needs of the school. These programs deal with a range of issues including relationships, social skills, grief and loss, family breakdown, bullying, resilience and school disengagement. Examples of these programs include:Seasons for Growth, Drum Beat, Esteem Designz, Friends for Life and Brave..
Trained Accredited Chaplains
All PSC NSW Chaplains meet the minimum qualification requirements of either a certificate IV in Youth Work or Pastoral Care, or an equivalent qualification. The qualification must include competencies in ‘mental health’ and ‘making appropriate referrals’.
Seven Key Ways of Support
1. Mentoring and Role Modelling
Chaplains model positive values, attitudes and behaviours to students and mentor students towards positive goals and outcomes.
They help students become better role models for others and provide access to adult role models and mentors.
2. Small Group Programs
Chaplains complement other school-based support services focused on promoting student wellbeing through facilitating programs that help students deal with a range of issues and build on their personal and social capabilities.
3. Educational Support (including in-class help)
Chaplains support the educational goals schools have for their students through in-class support, talking to students about school issues and helping students organise their school day.
4. Extra-curricular Activities
So much goes on in the everyday life of a school and Chaplains participate in many aspects of it.
They coach sporting teams, go on camps and excursions, attend school events, help out in school musicals and support student leaders.
5. Connecting with the Community
Chaplains facilitate links between the school and local organisations like community based support services to enhance the support available to students, parents/carers and staff.
6. Referrals
Understanding where the role of a Chaplain stops and other professional services begin is vital to ensuring wellbeing.
Chaplains have a clear understanding of the referral process and how to refer appropriately.
7. Informal Conversations
A significant part of the Chaplaincy role is being available for students when they need to talk.
A trusted adult is able to not only express care in such conversations but also provide support, challenge growth, and expand possibilities.
Funding
Aligned with NSCP guidelines
In 2007 the Australian government established the National Schools Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP), that provided funds to place a Chaplain in schools that successfully applied for a grant.
The Programme aims to support students through the provision of pastoral care services and the promotion of strategies that support the emotional wellbeing of students and the broader school community.
Pastoral care is defined in agreement with the Commonwealth as “the practice of looking after the personal needs of students, not just their academic needs, through the provision of general spiritual and personal advice.”
About Public School Chaplaincy NSW
Public School Chaplaincy NSW (PSC NSW) provides wider state representation and will be involved in advocacy and research in the coming months.
2017 marks the 10th anniversary of public school chaplaincy in NSW.
In 2007 the Australian government established the National Schools Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) which kickstarted School Chaplaincy in NSW public schools.
Since then NSW has experienced a four-fold increase in the number of School Chaplains, supporting local public schools, with thousands of students, parents and teachers impacted across the state.
Founding Members
BCA
The Bush Church Aid Society of Australia has a heart for people living in remote and regional Australia. They are committed to ‘going the distance’ – reaching out to the far corners of NSW.
For almost 100 years, it has been BCA’s privilege to see lives changed, and communities transformed and strengthened. And School Chaplains play a part in this.
Generate Ministries
A major provider of School Chaplains across the state. Generate partners with schools in the recruitment, training, supervision and ongoing professional development of School Chaplains, ensuring the placement of well-trained and qualified Chaplains who are equipped to support young people and strengthen local communities.
Tamworth Chaplains Board
Tamworth Chaplains Board was one of the original chaplaincy providers formed to serve the public schools in the local area. They now have Chaplains serving in 9 schools.
Young Life
Young Life Australia is a non-profit Christian organisation committed to connecting with young people in their world, providing strong and positive influences in their lives. Young Life seeks to reach out to young people, connecting with them in their world and foster a sense of purpose and value in their lives through meaningful relationships with adult role models. Our Mission a To build confidence, values and resilience in Australia’s young people through significant relationships with adults who model the love of Jesus Christ.