Our School Chaplin
Chaplaincy Services provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities. SU 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.
Working with other members of the school's support team, the Chaplain cares for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and depression.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues, and provide hope, connection, meaning, and purpose.
The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs.
Who is the Mackenzie Primary School Chaplain?
Hello Mackenzie community! Megan Laurie-Thomson is my name and I'm known as Chappy Meg around the school. Teaching as a classroom Music teacher in primary and secondary schools all my working life, I'm excited to now be able to work with large groups, small groups, and individuals in my new Chaplaincy role in this beautiful school. I believe in the power of positive, healthy, relationships. I have four teenage and young adult children, and a dog, "Lucy". A holiday for me includes making music, 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.
What will Chaplaincy look like at Mackenzie Primary in 2021?
In 2021, I will coordinate lunchtime games (Thursday, second break in the library – all welcome), assist in classrooms, support school events, and run programmes that help students develop social and life skills. Students may request to see me on an individual basis for support in personal matters, with parental/carer permission. Please download the form from our school website or contact the office for a consent form.
Will my child be involved?
Involvement with the Chaplain is entirely voluntary and students choose whether or not they want to be a part of the activities that are offered. Parents will be consulted if their child wishes to be involved in ongoing one-to-one meetings with the Chaplain or in any programme or group involving spiritual or ethical content. Parents have the right to refuse permission for their child to be involved in any Chaplaincy activity or event.
How can I contact the Chaplain?
Contact me via email - meganl@chappy.org.au – or during school hours on 3420 2111 Tuesday, Thursday or Friday if you have any questions or suggestions.