Spiritual

Chaplaincy

As a chaplain I have the privilege of connecting with students and families during times of need and celebrations. It is fantastic to be able to get close to students, to have them share openly and confidentially, and be able to help them move to a more positive position. My role works in harmony with the school youth worker and management, and one of the benefits of being chaplain on site is being here when the students need me. Chaplaincy involves listening, sharing hope, and praying with students. So cool! I have been teaching for nearly forty years, and as a ‘kidult,’ I still love the interaction with teens (I have teenage grandchildren!). I have a passion to see students not only succeed academically, but in their social and spiritual journey as well. Chaplaincy also involves actively promoting positive Christian values such as: Service, Integrity, Reliability, Trust, Determination and Resilience, amongst many others. Each fortnight students and staff, through worship time during roll mark, promote and discuss the practical as well as the theoretical aspects to these values. I even get to spend one evening a week connecting with the Boarders in an evening worship time.

Each fortnight of term, I coordinate a Chapel/Assembly programme. During that time we have guest speakers visit, celebrations of learning and success, musical and cultural presentations, and praise and worship in song. These feature the many talents of our students.

Two fantastic times of the year to which both students and staff look forward are our ‘Spiritual Emphasis Weeks’ commonly known as the ‘Week of Prayer’. The first one, usually in term one and organised by the Chaplain, is a time in which a guest speaker is brought into the college for a week and a particular theme is pursued. The programme is supported by prayer, the school’s own praise and worship band, personal testimonies and a follow-up with students who want further study of God’s word. The second programme, usually in term three, is run entirely by the students under the Chaplain’s guidance; it follows a similar format as the first, but students do all the speaking and running of the programme. Amazing times! These two weeks are a spiritual highlight of the college, and a number of students commit their life to Christ during this time.

Chaplaincy – the best position in the college! I love it.