Felicity McClenaghan: Chaplain
Chaplaincy
services provide spiritual,
ethical, and personal support to school communities. Scripture Union Queensland Chaplains provide positive adult role
models for students. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation
of the Principal, in consultation with the local
community, and with the support of the P&C Association.
What does a School Chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school nad provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
Working with other members of the school’s support team, the Chaplain cares
for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other
children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown and depression.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported
by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network
of local support and assistance. These
positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues, and provide
hope, connection, meaning and purpose.
The Chaplaincy service is available to everyone in the school community
regardless of their religious beliefs.
Who is the Middle Park State SS School
Chaplain?
My name is Felicity McClenaghan but the students call me Chappy Felicity.
- I
have been a chaplain for over nine years in different schools in the western suburbs but have worked with primary school children for over 13 years.
- I have a
Bachelor of Human Services and a Diploma of Ministry.
- I am experienced
in pastoral care and have focussed my training on social skills, emotional resilience and mental health related issues.
- I attend a large Pentecostal church in the Mount Gravatt area and have ties with many of the local churches in the Centenary suburbs.
- I have many interests. I like reading fantasy novels, learning new skills (at the moment that is sewing clothes), music and watching movies.
- I have a passion for the students of this school and will
help and support them throughout their time at this school. I am also here to
work with parents and teachers for the best results for our students.
- I am part of a student wellbeing team at this school and as a team we are focused on student support and guidance.
What will Chaplaincy look like at Middle
Park State School?
During the year, I assist with sporting and cultural programs,
attend school camps, assist in classrooms, run programs that help students
develop social and life skills, and run a lunch time interest club.
Students may request to see me on an
individual basis for support in personal matters. However, prior to me doing that, the parents/carers will need to
complete the Chaplaincy service consent form. Printed copies of this form are available from the administration office.
Some of the
things you will find me doing include:
- Chappy Games every Monday at first break
- Breakfast Club every Tuesday morning at 8am
- Visiting classrooms
- Running small groups
- Assisting families who need help of any type, helping with uniforms and following up with phone calls, food hampers and support
- Supporting P&C
activities
- Running special events, including Chappy Week;
- Building community connections with churches and local groups.
Will my child be involved?
Involvement with the Chaplain is entirely voluntary and students choose
whether or not they want to be a part of the activities that are offered. Parents will be consulted if their child
wishes to be involved in ongoing one-to-one meetings with the Chaplain or in
any programme or group involving spiritual or ethical content. Parents have the right to refuse permission
for their child to be involved in any chaplaincy activity or event.
How can I contact the Chaplain?
I am available for appointments Monday and Tuesday. To make an appointment please contact the administration office on 3712 9888 during office hours
(8.00am to 3.45pm). I can also be contacted via email: felicitym@chappy.org.au.