Chaplaincy
Chaplains work as part of the school support network, including the school nurse, social worker and psychology services to promote student, teacher and family health and well-being.
Former Reece High School principal Grant Armistead describes chaplains as the school “triage service” and “good cops” of the school; the “expert listeners and encouragers” who are “independent and non-judgmental”.
Chaplains have a diverse role, from organising the school breakfast program, to providing a safe space for students to share their thoughts and feelings, to organising food relief and other practical care for families.
A comprehensive 2017 independent research report confirms the enormous value of chaplaincy.
Student Mentoring
One-to-one volunteer mentors provide students with a caring and supportive relationship that can help them through school and enable them to be better equipped for further education, future employment and ongoing relationships.
Every mentoring relationship is designed to be flexible enough to meet each student’s specific individual needs and ultimately to improve their self-esteem, associated health and well-being, academic performance and school attendance.
Mentors generally meet weekly with students before or after school for 70 to 90 minutes.
Our Funding
Chaplaincy is funded by Government and through a combination of Devonport Churches members, corporate sponsors and individual donors. (We acknowledge our major partners below).
Some chaplains donate their time while others are paid a modest wage to serve from one to three days a week.
Chaplaincy relies heavily on sponsors and donors for its continuation. Donations are tax deductible.
Support
Our Food 4 Thought breakfast program provides students with a nutritious breakfast prepared in the Loaves and Fishes Tasmania Devonport kitchen.
Loaves and Fishes also provides food hampers for families through the chaplaincy program.
Chaplains also support parents, teachers and students in times of crisis such as bereavement, family breakdown and sickness.
Fundraise
Raising funds for Devonport Chaplaincy is an effective way of helping people in need and is limited only by your imagination.
Simple fundraising events include:
• Organising a breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea or barbecue and charging guests to attend, with proceeds going to chaplaincy.
• Organising your own endurance event such as completing the Overland Track or a sponsored ride.
• Asking friends and family to give a donation to Devonport Chaplaincy in lieu of birthday, Christmas or anniversary presents.
You can set up your own fundraising profile on our website and link to social media to get sponsors.