School: Townsville Central State School (QLD)
Partner: Scripture Union – TEACH Cluster Local Chaplaincy Committee
Townsville Central State School is one of four schools involved in a partnership with the Scripture Union (Queensland). The other schools are: Garbutt State School, Townsville West State School and Townsville State High School. The schools are located within a 1k radius and represent a diverse cross section of families in the Townsville area. One school has a significant number of Indigenous students. Another has a high proportion of students with English as a second language. A third school has a relatively high proportion of students with disabilities. The schools all differ in size and client base and draw on families from low to mid socio-economic backgrounds.
Scripture Union Queensland provides school chaplaincy services, camps, and a range of community outreach and kids-at-risk connect programs.
As part of their triennial school review, each of the four schools conducted a needs analysis in 2007. School surveys, reviews of student referrals, and academic data pointed to several key challenges. Issues needing to be addressed included growing numbers of critical incidents; the need for staff, student and families to be given support during times of bereavement; very difficult family situations for some students; a number of students with low self esteem; and the types of issues common to a catchment area of schools in a low socio-economic area.
The need for a partnership that would address the social, emotional and spiritual development of students and the community was clear and meetings were held between the school principals and the Scripture Union. A cluster approach was adopted and a collaborative planning process that engaged the broader community led to the successful implementation of school chaplains into the school community. These chaplains work across the four schools and have generated a range of activities designed to build self esteem, engage students in school, create a safe environment for at-risk students, and support families, staff and students.
Feedback from staff and students has shown the chaplains have played a significant role in improving how students feel about themselves and school. Data shows improvement in the attendance and performance of those students who use the service.
The partners are committed to the program and some corporate partnerships with local businesses have been developed to ensure the sustainability. The Impact Award money will be used towards Chaplain salary and activities for the children to enhance social and emotional development.
