Chaplaincy

Our Mission

ACCESS ministries, in partnership with Churches, provides a Christian presence and service in State schools through its religious education and pastoral care programs.

School Chaplaincy

ACCESS ministries Chaplain support school communities through pastoral care of students, teachers, families and the wider local community. School chaplaincy has been recognised as one of the most significant youth-focused ministries for young people that is taking place in Australian schools.

Chaplain fulfil a unique role in school communities:

• They are active in promoting student wellbeing, particularly through the provision of pastoral care
• They encourage reflection about the spiritual dimensions of life
• They have an educative role in the areas of beliefs, values, morals, ethics and religion
• They work to facilitate the connection of students into the school network and wider community

In Victoria, School Chaplaincy has been managed by ACCESS ministries (formerly CCES) for over 50 years. There are currently 76 Chaplain in primary and secondary state schools. Chaplain respect the range of religious views and cultural traditions of the school community. Chaplain have the highest standards of professional qualifications and take part in on-going training and accountability structures.

Chaplaincy at Balwyn High School

There has been a chaplain at the school since 1991. The Chaplain’s position is full time. He serves as part of the student wellbeing team. He is a qualified and experienced counsellor who is available to all members of the school community.

• The Chaplain welcomes all members of the school community, whatever their faith traditions, and whether or not they have religious beliefs.
• Whilst the Chaplain does teach some classes, and is involved in many of the wellbeing programs of the school, his main role is individual pastoral care and counselling.
• The Chaplain is also available to talk with parents about any issue which is concerning them whether it is an issue concerned with a student’s schooling or a family matter.

• Where have I come from?
• Where am I going?
• Why am I here?

Representatives from local churches, staff and school parents make up a committee which enjoys supporting the Chaplain personally, raises awareness and funds, and functions as a sub-committee of ACCESS ministries. More than 80% of the finances needed to fund the Chaplain in the school are raised by this committee through the sale of Second-Hand Books and the Uniform Exchange. Further funds have also been made available through the National School Chaplaincy Programme.

Contact

The Chaplain and committee office-bearers can be reached by contacting the school.

• Telephone
  Roy Hamer - (03) 9862 4128
  
• Fax
  (03) 9819 7395
• Postal Address
  Balwyn Chaplaincy Committee
  Buchanan Avenue
  North Balwyn 3104

Related Links

You may also be interested in:

ACCESS ministries National School Chaplaincy Programme

Sponsors

The legal basis for Chaplaincy appointments is the provision for State School Religious Instruction contained in Section 23 of the Education Act 1958. Within the school, the Chaplain operates under the general direction of the School Principal.

Balwyn High School

There has been a Chaplain at Balwyn High School since 1991 - first established with Ross Wilkins and followed later by Lynne Robertson and John Shilliday. During 2002 the School Council reviewed the position of Chaplain and renewed its commitment to Chaplaincy at the school. At the beginning of Term 2 2003, Jim Vaughn was appointed as Chaplain and remainded Chaplain until Term 4, 2009 when Roy Hamer was appointed.

School Chaplaincy, as organised by ACCESS ministries, is a Christian ministry within a State school. A chaplain is appointed to a school only at the request of the school and with the support of the local churches, the school community and the local community. Such support is normally expressed through a chaplaincy committee.

Australian Government

Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST)

National School Chaplaincy Programme – The Australian Government is committed to assisting schools and their communities to provide greater pastoral care, general religious and personal advice and comfort to all students and staff. The National School Chaplaincy Programme recognises that schools play a key role in providing support and assistance for all students as they cope with the challenges and stresses of life.

Contact

The Chaplain and committee office-bearers can be reached by contacting the school.

• Telephone
  Roy Hamer - (03) 9862 4128
  
• Fax
  (03) 9819 7395
• Postal Address
  Balwyn Chaplaincy Committee
  Buchanan Avenue
  North Balwyn 3104

Related Links

You may also be interested in:

ACCESS ministries National School Chaplaincy Programme

Balwyn Chaplaincy Committee

Representatives from churches, staff and school parents make up a committee which enjoys supporting the Chaplain personally, raises awareness and funds, and functions as a sub-committee of ACCESS ministries, the service provider of chaplaincy services to public schools in Victoria. At monthly meetings the Committee plans events and strategies. It finds ready involvement by the school and staff, particularly in the management of the Second-hand Booksale and Uniform Exchange, and seeks parental volunteers to help on a weekly/monthly roster.

The aim of the Committee is to serve as a support of the work of Chaplaincy in Balwyn High School by:

• promoting Chaplaincy and providing personal and prayer support and encouragement to the Chaplain
• seeking to co-operate with interested bodies including local churches, Ministers’ Associations and School Councils
• stimulating interest in and support for the work of School Chaplaincy
• organising and promoting the raising of funds from parents, churches, business and community and from private individuals

Committee Office Bearers

• President - Jane Campbell
• Vice President - David Vernon
• Secretary - Andrea Vorlicek
• Treasurer - Michael Gin

Contact

The Chaplain and committee office-bearers can be reached by contacting the school.

• Telephone
  Roy Hamer - (03) 9862 4128
  
• Fax
  (03) 9819 7395
• Postal Address
  Balwyn Chaplaincy Committee
  Buchanan Avenue
  North Balwyn 3104

Related Links

You may also be interested in:

ACCESS ministries National School Chaplaincy Programme

Chaplaincy Services

A Chaplain is a person specially skilled and trained in counselling, teaching and youth affairs who helps to clarify beliefs and values for living today.

Pastoral Care and Counselling

One of the Chaplain’s major roles is as pastoral carer and counsellor, working with the student services team.

Students come with a variety of issues. It may be the stresses that occur with the change from primary to secondary school, problems making friends, handling anger, or simply organising study time. Many students have problems at home. The ‘normal’ adolescent conflicts of rebelling against authority may be compounded by the breakup of the family, or having to get used to Mum or Dad having a new partner.

The adolescent years may be the first time students have experienced grief. The death of a friend or family member is a time when lots of support is needed to work through feelings. Communication with outside agencies assisting individuals and families is also of importance. And the Chaplain must stand beside teachers; if they feel supported, they are able to pass on that care to their students.

Excursions

A third major role of the Chaplain is that of attending school excursions and co-curricular activities.

Attending regular educational excursions and school camps also plays an important role in keeping Chaplain in close contact with the students as well as school staff. The Chaplain also acts as patron to Christian and religious groups operating successfully in weekly lunch programs.

Roy Hamer also helps coordinate student led programs in the school such as Social Service and Oaktree Seed.

Contact

The Chaplain and committee office-bearers can be reached by contacting the school.

• Telephone
  Roy Hamer - (03) 9862 4128
  
• Fax
  (03) 9819 7395
• Postal Address
  Balwyn Chaplaincy Committee
  Buchanan Avenue
  North Balwyn 3104

Related Links

You may also be interested in:

ACCESS ministries National School Chaplaincy Programme

Book Sales

The Booksale began in 1988, raising money to fund a Chaplain. From modest beginnings it has evolved to a busy, computerised service to help save money, and to raise money – providing a major portion of the funds necessary. Run entirely by Volunteers, we are grateful for the fine help from parents, students & staff.

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NORMAL OPEN TIMES: 11 – 12 Tuesdays Term 1 & 2.

LOCATION: F 16 (below McGrail Theatre)
(Also F 08 during Intake and Selling Season)

Contact

The Chaplain and committee office-bearers can be reached by contacting the school.

• Telephone
  Roy Hamer - (03) 9862 4128
  
• Fax
  (03) 9819 7395
• Postal Address
  Balwyn Chaplaincy Committee
  Buchanan Avenue
  North Balwyn 3104

Related Links

You may also be interested in:

School Books ACCESS ministries National School Chaplaincy Programme