John Smith School Pastoral Care Worker (PCW)

Acknowledgement This project is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) under the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP). Disclaimer: The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). This project is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) under the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP). Disclaimer: The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

Background The Sponsor (employer) is GenR8 Ministries - a combined churches organisation responsible for administering the Federal Government funding. The supervision of the PCW is shared by each school Principal and the Sponsor within DEEWR guidelines. The Sponsor (employer) is GenR8 Ministries - a combined churches organisation responsible for administering the Federal Government funding. The supervision of the PCW is shared by each school Principal and the Sponsor within DEEWR guidelines.

Role and Purpose Providing welfare and pastoral support in three school communities: -X High School -Y Primary School - Z Primary School The underlying purpose is to meet the needs of students, staff and families. Providing welfare and pastoral support in three school communities: -X High School -Y Primary School - Z Primary School The underlying purpose is to meet the needs of students, staff and families.

Tasks -Leadership. -Counseling/referral. -Problem solving. -Education and Personal Development. -Mediation. -Morale and team building. To promote school values and networks. -Leadership. -Counseling/referral. -Problem solving. -Education and Personal Development. -Mediation. -Morale and team building. To promote school values and networks.

Issues School community welfare issues are diverse, including issues involving: -Families and relationships. -Health. -Culture. -Finances. -Legal. -Behaviour/Learning. School community welfare issues are diverse, including issues involving: -Families and relationships. -Health. -Culture. -Finances. -Legal. -Behaviour/Learning.

Strategies -Student contacts. -Staff liaison. -Family support. * Over 100 contacts and referrals in the first six months. -Program development: * The Pink Project, Gardening Groups, Rock and Water. -Student contacts. -Staff liaison. -Family support. * Over 100 contacts and referrals in the first six months. -Program development: * The Pink Project, Gardening Groups, Rock and Water.

The Pink Project A girls’ group focusing on health and well being.

The Gardening Group An alternative educational program for struggling students.

Rock and Water A personal development program with an anger management focus.

Personal Reflection In my view, the Pastoral Care Role provides a great opportunity for school ministry with a community welfare focus. Schools are increasingly central to the community, where early intervention in social issues can be achieved. In my view, the Pastoral Care Role provides a great opportunity for school ministry with a community welfare focus. Schools are increasingly central to the community, where early intervention in social issues can be achieved.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock”. 1 Peter 5: 2 & 3.