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 chaplains 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.

Chaplains 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 chaplains in primary and secondary state schools. Chaplains respect the range of religious views and cultural traditions of the school community. Chaplains 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.

Bruce Armstrong, Principal of Balwyn High School, in his address at the Chaplain's Commissioning Service for Jim Vaughn stated, 'The Chaplain’s role and presence in our community will be a reminder that the sum of our worth is not in the amount of material things that we amass and will point us to the validity and authenticity of the spiritual quest and the search for meaning. He will remind us that humanity has been ceaseless in its debate and quest to answer the questions:

• 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 Chaplains personally, raises awareness and funds, and functions as a sub-committee of ACCESS ministries. More than 80% of the finances needed to fund the Chaplains 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 Chaplains and committee office-bearers can be reached by contacting the school.

• Telephone
  Jim Vaughn - (03) 9862 4128
  Edmund Chow - (03) 9819 7911 ext. 609
• Fax
  (03) 9819 7395
• Postal Address
  Balwyn Chaplaincy Committee
  Buchanan Avenue
  North Balwyn 3104

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