This year has seen the introduction of the National School Chaplaincy Program into our school. This is a voluntary program that has been designed to support and assist schools and their communities in caring for the wellbeing of their students. The objective of this new chaplaincy position is to provide pastoral care for staff and students which includes guidance and advice about values, relationships, ethics, spirituality, and religious issues. The chaplain is available to assist staff and students in exploring their own worldviews and beliefs and will seek to encourage reflection and learning about the spiritual dimensions in life. The role of chaplaincy is designed to support staff and students in terms of providing comfort and a “listening ear” to any who may be seeking it because of: - social issues such as the breakdown of family and community relationships; economic and community hardships such as financial stress, unemployment and depression; as well as being available during times of accidents, illness and bereavement. The school chaplain will be working with staff and students to help the school continue to have an environment of cooperation and respect as well as facilitating access to other agencies within the wider community that may contribute to the overall wellbeing of the school community. Narelle Pfeiffer is joining us to take up this new role at Coonabarabran High School. Since working as a secondary school Agricultural teacher Narelle has spent many years working with Cornerstone Community in Dubbo. She wants to be a positive role model and mentor for young people as she joins in and contributes to the Coonabarabran community.
