Our School Chaplain
Chaplaincy Services provide social, emotional and spiritual support to school communities. Scripture Union Qld Chaplains provide positive adult role models for students. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community, and with the support of the P&C Association.
What does a School Chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities. These positive relationships help young people and families to face difficult issues, and provide hope, connection, meaning, and purpose.
What does Chaplaincy look like at Mackenzie Primary?
Chaplaincy forms part of Mackenzie Primary's student wellbeing and engagement team. A primary role is to provide pastoral care and wellbeing support to members of our school community. In our school, you will also see the Chaplain in classrooms supporting teachers, and organising activities such as Pancake Breakfasts, which help foster a strong sense of belonging.
Being a chaplain means being a trusted, caring adult who is available to listen, offer encouragement, and provide guidance when students are experiencing challenges at school or at home.
Pastoral care support may include:
- Offering a safe and supportive space for students to talk about worries, friendships, family changes or school concerns
- Providing encouragement and mentoring to help students build confidence and self-esteem
- Supporting students through difficult times such as grief, anxiety or social challenges
- Connecting families or students with additional support services when needed
Wellbeing support may include:
- Running small group programs or activities that build social skills, resilience, kindness and connection
- Supporting positive peer relationships and a sense of belonging at school
- Promoting strategies for coping, emotional regulation and problem-solving
- Contributing to whole-school wellbeing initiatives and community events
It is important for families to know that the Chaplain is not employed to provide religious instruction or to promote any particular faith or belief system. The focus of the role is care, wellbeing and support for all students, regardless of background or beliefs.
The chaplaincy service at our school is made possible through a combination of government grant funding, P&C contributions and school fundraising. We are grateful for this community support, which helps strengthen student wellbeing across our school.
Will my child be involved?
Participation in chaplaincy support is voluntary. Parent or caregiver consent is required for students to take part in ongoing chaplaincy programs or small-group wellbeing activities. This ensures we work in partnership with families to provide holistic support for our students.
Who is the Mackenzie Primary School Chaplain?
Hello Mackenzie community! I'm known as Chappy Meg around the school. Teaching in primary and secondary Music classrooms all my working life, I very much enjoy working with large groups, small groups, and individuals in my Chaplaincy role in this beautiful school. I believe in the power of positive, healthy, relationships, and I enjoy supporting people of all ages to be the best version of themselves.
A holiday for me includes making and listening to music, reading a novel, visiting the beach and doing jigsaws. Card and board games are also high on the list of favourite things to do.
In 2026, I will be working as chaplain each Wednesday and Friday.
How can I contact the Chaplain?
If you would like more information about the chaplaincy service, or have any questions about required consent for student participation in ongoing chaplaincy programs, please feel welcome to contact me via:
Email – megan.laurie@suchaplaincy.org.au ,
during school hours on 3420 2111 Wednesday or Friday,
or through ClassDojo if you have any questions or suggestions.