Chaplaincy services provide students, staff and parents with social, emotional and spiritual support by providing an additional adult role model in the school, and enhancing engagement with the broader community.
Chaplaincy services are inclusive of, and show respect for, all religious and non-religious beliefs and other stances represented in the school community. All activities and events provided are optional, non-discriminatory and equally available to students of all beliefs, and are provided at the discretion of the school principal, in consultation with the school community.
What does a School chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
Working with other members of the school's support team, the Chaplain helps care for students who are struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and mental health.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues, and provide hope, connection, meaning, and purpose.
Who is the Nundah State School chaplain?
Hi! My name is Elda Perez, or Chappy Elda as the students like to call me. I am passionate about supporting people and love seeing children thrive in their environments. This is one of the major reasons I am now working as a Chaplain, have already obtained my Cert IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care and am also, currently working on a Bachelor of Counselling.
My interests are neuroscience as I love learning about the brain, how it works and how it is affected through various experiences and circumstances. I have dealt with a lot of anxiety, depression and mental health issues within my own family, and these experiences have added to my knowledge and life skills. I am a Mum of three children including two teenagers and an adolescent. I also have a dog who's a chocolate Labrador and I consider my fourth child - I love animals!
I am of Latino background and speak Spanish. I have always been around different cultures and love being involved in community development. I love to be involved in deep conversations about life, religion, culture and love meeting new people. Music is definitely one of my passions – I play the guitar and the bongos! I also love spending time outdoors, bushwalking, going to the beach and swimming wherever there is water!
What does chaplaincy look like at Nundah State School?
The Chaplaincy service currently assists with sporting and cultural programs, attends school camps, assists in classrooms, run programmes that help students develop social and life skills, and will be running a spiritual support program, as well as lunchtime interest clubs. Chappy Elda loves equipping children with tools, either in small group settings, or one-on-one meetings, that they can use in real life situations.
Students may request to see Chappy Elda on an individual basis for support in personal matters. School and Chaplain policy allows one initial Chaplain visit, further visits require written parental consent.
Will my child be involved?
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 run by the chaplain. Parents have the right to refuse permission for their child to be involved in any Chaplaincy activity or event.
How can I contact the chaplain?
Chappy Elda currently works Monday, Tuesday and Friday during the school term. She is available between the hours of 8am to 4pm. Arrange an appointment by contacting the school on ph 3635 5888 or email Chappy direct on eldaperez@suchaplaincy.org.au
We acknowledge the contribution of the Federal Government through the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.
Complaints Process
If there is an issue of concern, please contact the principal.