Pastoral Care
Ipswich Adventist School has a three-person chaplaincy and school counselling team supporting our students and their families.
Our main focus is on helping children feel safe and supported in our school community. Bullying is not tolerated. Teachers, chaplains and counsellors follow restorative practices, where the goal is to repair relationships that have been damaged, by seeking to bring about a sense of remorse and positive action on the part of the instigator, and forgiveness on the part of the victim.
Our chaplains have an open door policy. They promote inclusion by running lunchtime clubs, spend time in classrooms and on the playground, keep an eye on vulnerable individuals and assist in student welfare and developing positive social interactions.
Chaplains are also responsible for our spiritual development programs, including our weekly Prime Time chapel services held on Tuesday mornings and our annual Week of Worship. Parents and friends are welcome to join us for these programs.
ROLE OF CHAPLAINS AT IAS
The chaplains’ main objectives are to:
- Foster and encourage the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the whole school community
- Give comfort and support to students, staff and parents/caregivers in times of need such as grief and trauma
- Promote an understanding of diversity and to work in a wider spiritual context to support students and families of all religious affiliations
- Assist school counsellors and staff in the delivery of student services
- Support students to explore their spirituality, providing guidance about spiritual, values and ethical matters
- Facilitate access to the helping agencies in the community
- Create an environment of cooperation and respect
If you would like a school counsellor to work with your child, please contact us through the office.
Disclaimer
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Acknowledgements
Mrs Nadia Goltz's appointment is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.
Pastor Blake May’s appointment is funded by South Queensland Adventist Schools.