Thanks for such a warm welcome to Central! I look forward to working with the school community so I thought I’d write a quick note for everyone to explain my role, and possible ways in which I could be making myself useful around the school community!
The attached statement of intent is intentionally quite vague, mainly because of the recognition that each school is different and therefore the specific role and daily activities of the chaplain will vary between each school.
Lunchtimes will be invaluable (especially during first term) as far as getting to know students. I’ll be playing, skipping, eating and making friends in all different areas of the playground... I’ll be particularly looking out for new students or students who seem to be by themselves.
- I will be available during teaching times if there are particular students who would benefit from working outside the classroom doing their work with me.
- Maybe some sort of ‘organized play’ during a set lunchtime designed to help students learn how to appropriately play and interact socially – more like mentoring than teaching.
- My role can also be to connect with students and their families, particularly foster families, or families going through hard times of loss, tragedy, divorce, whatever really…just a friendly face – an extra person who can be a friend and positive influence during their primary school years.
- Wherever possible, I’d love to come along to any camps, excursions, presentations, sports days, leadership building activities…if your looking for someone to cheer in the audience, participate in activities, generally be made a fool of….I’m your gal!!!
- I’ll be at Central 2 days a week, Wednesdays and Thursdays ( I am at Sunbury Mondays and Tuesdays)… But if there are special events or appointments on other days in the week please let me know and I’ll be more than happy to rearrange my schedule to be there! The same goes for special events at Sunbury so my days may be a little flexible at times…I’ll always try to communicate any changes to normal days well in advance.
So there it is! The chaplaincy service will obviously grow and develop as the year progresses and as we get to know how the service can be best utilized…Please bear with me as I learn names and faces!
Thanks! See you Wednesdays and Thursdays!
Jess Gunn
Chaplain: Maryborough Central and Sunbury State Primary Schools
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