Chaplaincy
At Coopers Plains State School, our chaplain is John Erichsen, who has over 12 years experience in primary school chaplaincy. He started as school chaplain at Coopers Plains State School in June 2017.
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. School chaplains are within a school community to:
- provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support
- provide positive adult role models for students
- be a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope
- run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities
- work with other members of the school’s support team to care for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and depression.
The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious belief.
At Coopers Plains State School, the school chaplain will be involved in various aspects of school life such as:
- camps, excursions and other special events
- providing assistance in classrooms
- programmes that help students with their social emotional development
- lunchtime programs
- pastoral care for students and staff.
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.
John is at school every Monday and Tuesday, and can be contacted by calling the school office phone number (07) 3323 9222. Students can speak to him during break time in the playground or Chappy room, or ask their teacher for permission to speak to him at other times.