Chaplaincy Services provides spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities. SU Qld Chaplains strive to 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 and the availability of the NSCP funding which has made this all possible.
What does a School Chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and 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.
Stella Hundert (Chappy Stella) is the Thabeben State School Chaplain
My Name is Stella Hundert and I have been married for 16 years to my husband Andy and I have two children (1 boy, 1 girl). Four years ago my family and I moved from Canada to Australia but I was born in Germany where I lived for 16 years.
I have been a Chappy at Thabeben for one year now. I work at Thabeben State School on Mondays and Wednesdays. The days I am not at Thabeben I work as a Chappy at Walkervale State School.
I enjoy baking, gardening, crafts, going to the beach and generally I just enjoy life.
What will Chaplaincy look like at Thabeban this year?
During the year I will assist with sporting and cultural programs, attend school camps and outings, assist in classrooms and run programs that help students develop social and life skills.
I will be running craft activities for the students in P-3 on Mondays, first break and 4-6 Wednesday, first break.
This year we will celebrate student’s birthdays by giving out homemade cupcakes at the end of each month.
I will be teaming up with Mrs. D. in Years 5/6 to help out with the gardens to produce more fruit and veggies so the students can learn how to become little gardeners themselves.
Students may request to see me on an individual basis for support in personal matters. If there are ongoing repeated visits, there is a consent form available through the office for parental consent. Again, this is all voluntary.
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?
Chappy Stella is available at the school 2 days a week on Monday and Wednesday. And you can contact her on the school phone number 07 4150 8333, and speak to the office ladies about making an appointment.