Chaplain

My name is Audrey and I’m privileged to be Clarkson Primary School’s Chaplain.  I am passionate about delivering a high level of pastoral care to your children and the families of CPS. I understand personally the joys and challenges of parenthood and feel privileged to walk alongside students and families in their vital schooling years. 

Experience and Background

I have extensive experience in working with children and young people, youth at risk, and in the local community. I am passionate about social and the emotional wellbeing of all students, and place great emphasis on the importance of building positive self-esteem and self-worth among students I work with. I have a heart for encouraging students and families one conversation at a time. I am available to students and families at the school Tuesdays and Thursdays.

C - Carer - Providing pastoral care, being there to care for children and whole school community.

H - Helper - The chaplain’s role is to help the school on many fronts, especially to help students to have the resilience to work through problems. These issues may include family/home relationship, grief, low esteem, dealing with feelings, bullying etc.

A - Accessible - The chaplain is available to children, teachers and parents, who can make an appointment to see the chaplain and talk through issues. Where relevant, they can be referred to appropriate external agencies or organisations for further assistance.

P - Positive Presence - Being there, and being someone the children can turn to, is probably the most powerful role of the chaplain, who is a positive influence on the school community in general

L - Listener - The chaplain is a listening ear in times of need. The chaplain will keep confidentiality as required in a pastoral care situation. However, any concerns that may relates to any form a ‘abuse’ or where a child may be ‘at risk’ will be reported to the Principal, as required by the Department of Education Guidelines

A - Activities - Being involved in regular school activities such as outings, carnivals, special events etc. enable the chaplain to get to know people in the school community even better, and build a foundation of trust.

I - Interested in Individuals - The chaplain respects each person in the school community and understands the importance of an individualised approach. Regardless of a person’s background, culture, religion, race, gender, ethnicity etc. the chaplain is genuinely interested in each child’s welfare and well-being.

N - Not a Teacher - Not being a teacher or an administrator in the school, frees the chaplain on a number of fronts. A chaplain does not have an ‘authoritative’ role within the school and therefore is able to come alongside students, casually and non-intrusively, so student’s can develop trust and confidence in knowing that there is someone to turn to.