Chaplaincy
Fusion has been managing a chaplaincy program at
Liz Sulley is the current chaplain.
What does the Chaplain do?
The aim of my role is to help students to be their best (physically, spiritually and emotionally). So I work in a variety of ways to help students to do this.
I work with volunteers from Fusion and the local churches to provide a Breakfast club program, every Thursday at Churchill (7.30- 8.25am) and every Friday at Morwell (7.30-8.25am). Breakfast club aims to provide a place where students can have a meal and where they feel cared about and supported by people from the local community. The Breakfast club menu changes each week and so far we have had pancakes, French toast, toast,
I also work alongside the team from Fusion to run the Lunchtimes with a Difference (LWAD) program. We run this program one lunchtime per week at each campus- Wednesday lunchtime at Morwell and Thursday lunchtime at Churchill. Lunchtimes with a Difference are times when we get to connect with students in a fun way, which encourages creativity, teamwork, respect for others, problem solving skills and appropriate interaction between students and adults. So far this year LWAD activities have included: Snow boot throwing, 2-ball soccer, bobbing for apples, festival skills training, creative hanging around. LWAD is open to any student who wants to join in. The activity title will be announced in the daily student bulletin on Wednesday (for Morwell) and Thursday (for Churchill).
This year I am looking to work with Kurnai staff, welfare organisations, community groups and others to run programs that address current issues/concerns for students. These programs will encourage students to think about how they relate to others, how they feel about themselves and what they can do to make a difference to their own lives and the lives of others.
I work with students individually to discuss ways to resolve issues. Sometimes these issues may be related to school, friends, family, teachers etc.. When students come to see me, I treat their issues seriously and confidentially. Some of the ways I work with students to help resolve issues are: listening to them and talking about what may help, referring to other services and mediating.
My role also involves linking the school in with the local community. In particular my role is to encourage the local churches/community organisations to help support Kurnai. One of the ways that I do this is to speak to local churches about my role and how the church may be able to help support programs run in the school. Members of the churches then support the programs through donating finances, helping run programs, and praying for the teachers and students.
Here is a reference from the school:
Matt I would like to congratulate you on the Chaplaincy program that runs within our College. We are very fortunate to have such a great service available to us here at
Liz Sulley (College Chaplain) has become a valued member of our college community and has an integral role working with our young children. Her ability to offer support across a range of needs, engage with our young children and broader campus groups is to be commended.
Fusion (through Liz) has proactive in identifying external agencies to help support our students in programs such as “The Breakfast Program” and “Lunch Program”. Liz also offers support to the student coordinators and student welfare staff in dealing with broader student management and welfare concerns.
I have no doubt that without the Fusion Chaplaincy program the services and support that we offer our students would be compromised. The program is held in high regard by staff, parents and most importantly students. It is a great asset for any College to have.
Craig Lamshed
Principal
Morwell Campus
