Welcome back to yet another exciting year for chaplaincy. Thanks to your invaluable support, hundreds of thousands of Queensland students are returning to school (or starting school) safe in the knowledge that their school chaplain is there once again to journey with them.
This is an important year for the future of school chaplaincy. In May the Federal Government will announce its decision on whether funding for school chaplaincy will continue.
Through your efforts in reaching out to your local community, and of course thanks to the tireless efforts of your chaplains, the positive impact of school chaplaincy is well known to school principals, staff, students and their families. It is well recognised also by our elected leaders.
I expect this support to continue going forward.
Many of you enjoy great community support, and your chaplaincies will continue to thrive regardless of Federal funding. But for those chaplaincies who, despite being valued by your local community, may be struggling to get necessary financial support, I’d encourage you to make use of the fundraising resources such as Champion Your Chappy.
We will continue to help resource you with tools and tips to support you this year. We have and will continue to advocate on your behalf to keep funding going for school chaplaincy.
Regardless of what the Federal Government decides, please remember that the current funding model will continue through to the end of this year. So this means nothing will change for you and your chaplains this year.
I will be in touch again on May 8 to inform you of the Government’s decision, and will keep you updated on what that decision will mean for you going forward.
Thank you again for all your support and for making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people throughout Queensland through your support of school chaplaincy.
Have a great 2018!
Peter James, CEO SU QLD.