I am Coolie’s School Chaplain – the kids call me "Chappy Sheree". I have been working in the school since 2019! I am employed by Scripture Union Qld but must comply with the Education Queensland Chaplaincy policy. Before becoming a chaplain my background was in education, teaching in primary schools. .
For those of you who have never met me or been in a school with a chaplain, I would like to explain a little of my role here at the school.
I am a safe person for young people to connect with at school, providing a listening ear and a caring presence. Along with others in the school, I care for students struggling with a range of issues, within themselves or their family networks, which may include:
I also support more widely anyone within the school community, so this can mean staff and families too! I often spend time with parents who are struggling with family and relationship issues, so please feel comfortable to speak with me if you require support in any way.
I assist in building connections with community organisations and churches, facilitating programs that run within the school. All volunteers must comply with the appropriate working with children policies and hold a current Blue Card.
Whilst I don't teach religious education classes in the school (this is undertaken by volunteers from local churches), I am very happy to offer spiritual support to any person who requests this.
Checkout this School Chaplaincy Snapshot for more information about how chaplains operate in Qld State Schools. http://www.suqld.org.au/snapshot/
You can find my office, which I share with our School Guidance Officer, Mrs Over, in the Enrichment Centre.
I am in the school each:
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
I would love to meet you, so please feel free to ask for me at the school office or drop a note into "Chappy's Letterbox" in the school foyer. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Chappy Sheree.
Disclaimer
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the
Australian Government Department of Education.
Acknowledgement
This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education
under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.
School Chaplaincy Programs
Programs currently supported by the Chaplaincy Service:
Breakfast program
Tuesday mornings from 8am at the school tuckshop. This is run by volunteers from a variety of churches and community groups (St Peter’s and St Paul's Anglican Church, Palm Beach; New Beginnings Christian Church, Tugun; Twin Towns Uniting Church, Coolangatta; Quota International, Tweed Heads/Coolangatta).
Menu: Toast with spreads or cheese; fresh seasonal fruit; juice; and a treat such as mini fruit muffins or pikelets, etc.
Bread is donated by Baker’s Delight, Coolangatta, spreads, cheese and margarine is donated by St Vincent de Paul and all other food/supplies are donated by our volunteer groups.
Friends For Life
Is a program run by Chappy Sheree to support kids aged 8 -12 who may be experiencing some anxiety or challenging circumstances in their lives. The skills taught in the program are beneficial for all people – e.g.: learning how to think positively, learning how to listen to our body, relaxation, planning for success, etc.
Fun Friends
This program teaches the same concepts as Friends For Life but has been designed for students in Prep-2 and is also facilitated by Chappy Sheree.
The Shed Project
The Shed Project is a community partnership between the school and the Lions Club of Coolangatta/Tweed. This project was enabled by the successful application for seed funding ($25,000) through the NAB Schools First program.
Students in years 5-6 have the opportunity to engage in woodwork and handcrafts over a four week period with volunteers from the Lions club.
1,2,3 Magic Parenting Program
This parenting program runs over 3 x 2 hours sessions and is run by Chappy Lisa who is a trained facilitator.
Parents learn:
- To engage their child’s cooperation by positively noticing and encouraging them
- To set clear expectations and help them develop frustration tolerance
- To help children’s brains to develop filters for behaving well
- To resolve family conflict quietly
- Some simple strategies to practise being a calm parent
Community Service Visits to Kirra Haven Residential Aged Care Facility
Each Thursday afternoon, a small group (6 students) of Year 5 and 6 students are accompanied by Chappy Lisa to Kirra Haven Residential Aged Care Facility, conveniently located across the road from the school on Appel St, Kirra.
The students participate in a variety of activities during this time such as:
- serving afternoon tea
- playing games such as carpet bowls, bingo, etc.
- general interaction with the residents.
School and Community Services Expo
Each year Chappy Sheree facilitates a School and Community Services Expo in the school hall, early in first term. This is run concurrently with our Parent Teacher Information afternoon. Coolangatta State School is committed to supporting its students and families and therefore holds the Expo event to showcase community services and organisations in the local area which they may access. This also provides an opportunity to meet service providers and assists in breaking down barriers which enables families to be well supported and connected to our community.
Disclaimer
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the
Australian Government Department of Education.
Acknowledgement
This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education
under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.