Chappy Week 2015 was a fantastic success! It was truly special to see how much positive feedback and community support we received during and following Chappy Week.
Thousands of people turned out to events throughout the state in support of school chaplains. Whether they walked tens of kilometres to fundraise for Gold Coast chaplains in the Ks 4 Kids event, pedalled hundreds of kilometres in Cycle For Hope for FNQ chaplains, or donated time and resources to feed young people breakfast, it was clear that the community is right behind chaplaincy. Thank you for all your backing, in time and resources, to see young people’s lives impacted and improved.
This year’s significant 25 year anniversary of SU QLD Chaplaincy has reminded me of the incredible journey this organisation has been on and also the exciting future which lies ahead.
The recently developed School Chaplaincy Snapshot, which many of you will already know about, has had a tremendous influence over boosting the perception of chaplains in school. Any negative feeling towards chaplains is almost always built on a misunderstanding and misconception over the role of a school chaplain.
The report is rich with facts and information. Just looking at one section regarding programs and activities we get a clear look at the average term for a chaplain and the ways in which they are supporting their school community. The variety of beneficial programs being run across the state is a true testament to the value of school chaplaincy and the hardworking nature of everyone out in the field. According to these statistics, Breakfast Programs are the third most popular program to run and having visited a number of Breaky Clubs, it has been a real privilege to see how these programs meet the needs of the students and school community. It is tremendous to see the way chaplains, volunteers and supporters in the community work together to make the breakfast programs happen.
If you have not yet had the opportunity to look through the School Chaplaincy Snapshot, please visit suqld.org.au/snapshot and take some time to have a read through. It is also available in downloadable PDF format, PowerPoint and limited hardcopies are available through the Brisbane office.
The Annual SU QLD Conference is now only a couple months away and I’m already so excited about this year’s event. If you’re a chaplain, make sure you are registered and prepared for an amazing week.
Thank you for your continued support and your assistance in changing the lives of young people. You are creating a legacy that we will look back on in another 25 years and marvel at the wonderful results that have been achieved.
Best wishes,
Peter James