As we head into Term 2, I’ve got some important updates to share with you.
Changes to Structure
As many of you will already be aware, we are currently in a season of change at SU, which has included the reshaping of our regional leadership and executive teams as we continue the process of unifying our national movement, not just in name but in practice too.
This reshaping of our regional leadership structure has meant we’ve recently said goodbye to some wonderful and faithful people who have served SU with their whole heart for many years, including Jenni Dobbin.
Jenni was on staff with SU for 26 years, serving as a chaplain, Regional Manager, Director of Operations and most recently as our East Zone Director for SU Australia. She developed close relationships with many in Education Queensland, as well as in schools, Local Chaplaincy Committees, all while overseeing the delivery of camps and management of chaplains. Jenni has left behind a wonderful legacy and will be greatly missed.
There have also been some changes to leadership on a more regional level, with some familiar names that you may recognise stepping into new positions. These changes primarily include Jeff Howard stepping into the Regional Director role for South East QLD (meaning he will be overseeing the field delivery from Brisbane to Bundaberg); Phil Magarey covering Southern QLD & the Northern Rivers of NSW, and Christy Marhin will now be overseeing the Northern Territory and Kimberleys region, in addition to Central and North QLD.
As we look to the future, I’m very much looking forward to partnering with you as we continue the ongoing and sustainable delivery of our ministries to children, young people and their families in local communities across Queensland and beyond. Thank you for the vital role you play in making all of this possible!
National Chaplaincy Week 2023
Later this term, we are looking forward to seeing communities unite to celebrate Chaplaincy Week – but for the first time, this will be a national celebration!
From May 21-28, schools, P&Cs, LCCs, local businesses, churches and community groups are invited to get involved by celebrating their chaplains and sharing about the invaluable work they do in schools around the country.
For access to 2023’s Chaplaincy Week resources, click the button below.
NSWP Application Process
As most of you will be aware, earlier this year the Department of Education released the news that schools will be given the choice to decide to hire either a school chaplain or wellbeing officer under the new National School Wellbeing Program (NSWP).
Through 2023, each school will be asked to reapply for NSWP funding for the years of 2024-2027. Whichever choice the school makes, they need to be appointed by an accredited employing authority such as SU Australia.
You’ll be informed of the actions you need to take going forward, but if you have any questions around this process, please get in contact with the team by emailing info@su.org.au.
Fundraising for Term 2
Term 2 is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year when it comes to fundraising, and this year is no different!
We have a number of school chaplaincy fundraising events and dinners happening all across the state. We invite you to spread the word among your networks and community groups.
I was especially encouraged to hear about a combined “Village” fundraiser that will be held in mid-May in Brisbane West. This event is being held to raise money for chaplains who work across a variety of situations; including a hospital-school, secondary-school and a youth-detention centre. What a great way to promote the diversity of environments that our chaplains can make a difference in!
If you’re planning to host your own fundraising event this term, just remember that fundraisers must be mentioned in your chaplain’s work plan, and hosted in line with the Department of Education’s fundraising procedures.
If you have any questions, please contact the team at info@su.org.au.
E-Safety Training
It is a mandatory requirement for your chaplains to complete their E-safety training. Please encourage your chaplains to complete this as soon as possible, as this is a vitally important requirement of their role.
Please also note that chaplains employed under the current NSWP funding need to complete the training and upload it to their CDP, and new chaplains are required to complete this within three months of employment.
SU Australia Conference 2023
During the Term 2 school holidays, we are looking forward to once-again hosting our National SU Australia Conference on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
This four-day Conference is packed with professional-development workshops, networking opportunities and inspirational messages to empower and equip your chaplains as they support the young people and families in your local community. It’s always a fantastic event, and we’re excited to gather together as a national movement.
Some of the electives we’re looking forward to presenting at this year’s conference include:
- Navigating the tensions of faith, sexuality and gender when providing pastoral care for young people,
- Working together to create flourishing communities,
- Diagnosing the world of adolescents,
- Neurodiversity in young people,
- Suicide and spirituality,
- And much more!
Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support and dedication to support the chaplain/s in your school community. We couldn’t do this work without you!
All the best for the term ahead,
Ian Cumming