Photo: Supplied.
BY TOM ANDREWS, OAM, CHAIRMAN OF WYNNUM MANLY CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEE
School Chaplaincy started in Queensland State Schools in 1991 with Adam Pike at the Wynnum State High School, and today there are Chaplains in eight local State Schools.
OUR CHAPLAINS
We now have five Chaplains at six of the eight State Schools in our district. They are:
Greg Deighton: Wynnum State High School and Manly State School (five days a week)
Randall Gill: Brisbane Bayside State College (three-and-a-half days a week)
Adam Whitehead: Wynnum State School (two days a week and two days at Wishart S.S.)
Lydia Prater: Wondall Heights State School (two days a week)
Lynda Frame: Tingalpa State School (three days a week)
Vacancies: Lota State School and Wynnum West State School
FUNDING – URGENT ONGOING ISSUES
The Wynnum Manly Chaplaincy Committee needs to raise approximately $100,000 each year. In 2007, the Federal Government legislated a grant of $20,000 for each Chaplain and this continues. In 2007 this covered two days, but today in 2022 this covers one-and-a-quarter days per week. Our Annual Gala Chaplaincy Dinner is our main fundraiser and this year it will be held at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club on Saturday, 3 September 2022. Please support Chaplaincy.
WHAT DO THE CHAPLAINS DO?
Our Chaplains provide significant support and assistance to students, staff and their families. Throughout the year, Chaplains can also assist students to cope with school pressure and give guidance in how to cope with life in general. Social and emotional challenges, relationship problems, homelessness, violence, and finding friends are some of the many and varied situations where students need support.
SUPPORT FROM BUSINESSES, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND INDIVIDUALS
Over the 32 years of Chaplaincy it has been difficult to obtain ongoing financial support. Bartons and the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club have been the exception. Thanks to Mark Beitz and Craig Thomas for support over the years. I would humbly ask if you are in a business, or know of businesses who would support Chaplaincy as a one-off or on an ongoing basis, I urge you to please contact me, Tom Andrews, 0408 457 931 or [email protected].
