School Chaplains provide social, emotional and pastoral support to school communities. They are in the prevention and support business: helping students find a better way to deal with issues, ranging from family breakdown and loneliness to friendships and mental health. Chaplains also provide support for staff and families in school communities.
The school community provides a chaplaincy program, endorsed by the school's Parents and Citizens' Association, and is available on a voluntary basis to all students. The chaplain is involved in a range of activities at the school, which are free of religious or spiritual content.
Voluntary student activities, free of religious, spiritual and/or ethical content include but are not exclusive to:
- Breakfast Club - Breakfast Club is run every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday is a free program for all students.
- Mentoring/support – where appropriate, school staff will refer students to the Chaplain for regular mentoring and support.
- Fundraisers and community/social welfare projects.
- Outdoor education programs, including school camp programs.
- Assistance with school sporting events.
- Support with whole of school events.
The below activities are available to all students who may voluntarily participate unless a parent/carer requests in writing that this is not to occur for their student:
- Pastoral support – students can self-refer or be referred to the Chaplain for pastoral support regarding issues, including bullying, school problems, family conflict, etc. This support may or may not include spiritual and/or ethical content.
- Bible studies/prayer meeting – the Chaplain assists student-led bible and prayer meetings during lunch breaks.
School-Based Youth Health Nurse
School-Based Youth Health Nurses are employed by Queensland Health to promote health and wellbeing within state high schools.
School-Based Youth Health Nurses provide class-based education and individual consultations with support, health information and referral options related to:
- healthy eating, sleep and exercise
- relationships
- personal and family problems
- mental health
- sexual and reproductive health
- smoking, alcohol and other drugs – including vaping
- growth and development.
The school-based youth health nurse does not provide medical treatments, first aid, medications, physical examinations, or ongoing counselling.
For more information, head to: School Based Youth Health Nurse External link.
Sarah, our School-Based Youth Heath Nurse, can be contacted directly by emailing nurse.centenary@health.qld.gov.au.
Confidentiality
Young people have a right to confidentiality when accessing health services. As a health service provider, the School-Based Youth Health Nurse respects this but there are some things which the nurse must refer or act upon. Please discuss what can be expected regarding confidentiality with the School-Based Youth Health Nurse.
Therapy Dog
Betty Centenary joined our Connections Team in 2023. Betty has been ethically bred, with specific breeding traits including high compliance and a stable and robust temperament, ensuring she is able to adapt comfortably to new and ever-changing environments.
Betty completed her initial training as a therapy dog with Empower Assistance Dogs. This organisation continues to provide ongoing accreditation for Betty, and support and training to her handlers.
There is an abundance of research to support the use of therapy dogs in schools, to support academic learning and emotional and wellbeing support. Betty works with our Guidance Officers to:
- reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of loneliness by offering unconditional love, comfort, and a non-judgmental presence, to improve emotional wellbeing
- elevate students' mood, increase relaxation and promote a sense of happiness, thus creating a positive and calming atmosphere at school, helping students to feel more at ease
- alleviate stress from academic pressures and personal challenges through the act of petting Betty (research shows that petting a dog is known to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress)
- serve as a catalyst for social interaction among students and support staff
- improve focus and attention in the classroom and improve cognitive abilities, leading to better academic performance
- involve students in her care, and to teach responsibility and accountability, empathy and compassion
- support student attendance.
Our Connections Team are aware that not everyone likes dogs, may have an allergy to dog hair or saliva, or may be scared of dogs. Please be sure to let our Connections Team know if we need to remove Betty from our office space during your visit.