Statement of intent

A chaplaincy program is an optional service introduced into a state school to give support in religious and spiritual matters to students. The program may also deal with ethical matters. This policy applies to all chaplaincy services in state schools, regardless of whether they are paid or voluntary and, if paid, regardless of source of funding.

There are various models of chaplaincy services, which contribute to students' educational and spiritual welfare, provide student mentoring and allow the chaplain to be an additional adult role model in schools. These models are the:
a) pastoral care model
b) mentoring model
c) education support model
and a chaplain can undertake a range of activities within a school.

A school's chaplaincy program complements other welfare services in the school such as those offered by the Guidance Officer or Youth Support Coordinator, and is not a counselling service. Local community support is required for the introduction of a chaplaincy program to a school.

School funds provided by the Queensland government for educational purposes cannot be used for chaplaincy services.

Programs of chaplaincy services are compatible with policies and practices that apply to delivery of any service in a multi-faith and multicultural state school community. A chaplaincy program is to be inclusive of and show respect for all religious and non-religious beliefs and other stances represented in the school community. All activities and events provided within a chaplaincy program are to be non-discriminatory and equitably available to students, of all beliefs, who choose to participate. Religious Instruction is not part of a school's program of chaplaincy services.

Chaplains contribute towards addressing religious, spiritual and/or ethical needs of students. Whilst personally modeling and owning their own faith positions or belief, chaplains avoid any implications that any one religion, denomination or other set of beliefs is advantageous or superior to any other denomination, religion or belief.

As part of the enrolment process, or upon the introduction of a new chaplaincy program into a school, parents are provided with information about the school's chaplaincy program and written consent (new window) 68k sought for participation on a voluntary basis in the program and in any activities which have religious, spiritual and/or ethical content. Written consent is not needed for students who are living independently from their parents. To ensure parents and the community remain informed, updates as to the nature of the chaplaincy program occur annually, or more often where there are changes to the program, through the school newsletter and website.