17 chaplains for region”s schools

By Geelong Story Updates
Seventeen new chaplains will provide support including “spiritual development” to students in the Geelong region, according to a federal MP.
The chaplains will be part of a national Federal Government program to provide chaplaincy support at a cost of $115 million.
The region’s 17 chaplains will cost $1.4 million over three years.
Member for Corangamite Stewart McArthur said the Government had responded to “strong demand” for chaplains at schools across the region.
“Many parents believe there is a need for schools to provide a support service for their children in schools to help them work through the pressures of growing up, peer pressure and study,” Mr McArthur said.
“It can be very valuable to have someone independent from parents and teachers whom children can trust to discuss any problems or concerns they have.”
Mr McArthur said spiritual development would be part of the chaplains’ work along with pastoral care and supporting students’ “wellbeing”.
Schools receiving chaplains are: Torquay Primary, Bannockburn Primary, Oberon South Primary, Lara Primary, Geelong High, Norlane High, The Geelong College, Geelong Baptist College, Lara Lake Primary, Corio Bay Senior College, Whittington Primary, Newcomb Secondary College, Chilwell Primary, Covenant College, Geelong East Primary and Leopold Primary.