A teacher for more than 35 years before putting down his chalk and duster in 2013, Sunshine Coast LCC chairman Ian Kerr knows firsthand the value of school chaplaincy.
Still volunteering at Woombye State School and helping the school’s chaplain, Anne Wells, with a boys ‘shed group’, Ian’s passion for schools and their students inspired him to join the LCC almost 20 years ago.
Ian’s Nambour church has also been part of the introduction of chaplains into Burnside and Nambour high schools more than 25 years ago, fully funded from the local community and local churches.
Finding himself on an LCC was only a matter of time.
“It must have been about 20 years ago, prior to federal funding, that while I was acting deputy at Woombye, the school was approached by the pastor of the Woombye Christian Outreach Church to see if the school was willing to introduce chaplaincy at Woombye and Palmwoods Schools, fully funded,” he recalled.
“The schools asked SU to be the employer and Allan Taylor was selected through a thorough interview process and he brought his love for children and energetic enthusiasm to the role.”
Ian became the nominal school representative for the committee but when Allan and his wife, Kari, were tragically killed in a car accident in 2009, Ian and the LCC were left to carry the baton.
“I am now the chair of our LCC and learning on the job, perhaps bringing some insights stemming from being a teacher and the school and the way schools operate. My association with the schools is still part of my reason for being.”
But when asked what some of the biggest wins or successes have been during his time on the LCC has been, it’s the people.
“Over the years we have been able to keep our heads above water financially and we have been able to provide chaplains to our schools who love and care for our children,” he said.
“They have been there to support children in their everyday growing up times and also in times of tragedy.
“Our chaplains over the years have worked with love and integrity and, we are privileged to be in a position to support them and facilitate their ministry in any way we can.”
Ian said during his years on an LCC, some of the biggest lessons he has learned has been appreciating the value chaplains bring to each school, and schools’ and the community’s support.
“Schools really need their chaplains to fulfil their roles and not be tied up fundraising to keep themselves in a job,” he said.
“I’ve learned that every school is different, every chaplain is different and brings a whole range of gifts and talents to their schools, and I’ve learned we need to work with the schools and their programs and not try to set another agenda for them to adopt.”
Ian’s top tips for other LCCs
- Chaplains sometimes feel they have three bosses – the school, SU QLD, and the LCC – so try to support them as they negotiate their way around busy school communities, not imposing unrealistic expectations.
- Try to be open and inclusive in the make-up of the LCC, meeting at regular intervals, twice a term, making the notes from the meetings available to as many as possible.
- Include school, church, and community in the make-up of the LCC.
- Find time to meet other LCCs and learn to support each other. I know I need to learn from others and gain inspiration.