We have a BIG vision this year, and some exciting new initiatives planned in 2015.
In Term 2, we’re launching a new initiative for students, staff and families in the outback – the Mobile Outback Chaplaincy Service.
Children and their families are doing it tough in the bush – there are so many challenges when you live in remote areas, especially when there are severe drought conditions.
I’d love to have a permanent chaplain in every remote school to support these communities, but it can be a challenge to find the right people. So, while we wait for those permanent chaplains, we are sending ‘mobile chaplains’ to help. They travel between towns, spending a week in each school, helping in classrooms and running programs. You can click here to read more!
Last year, we ran a pilot version of the Mobile Outback Chaplaincy Service. The communities really valued the service, so this year, we’re launching a permanent version. Peter and Christine Coates are our new ‘mobile chappies’, and they’ll hit the road in Term 2, which is exciting!
There’s a lot happening in the coming months, including Chappy Week!
I’d encourage you to take advantage of Chappy Week next month – it provides an amazing opportunity to not only fundraise, but to also strengthen relationships between chaplaincies, staff, students, parents and other community members. And you can also use it to thank all your volunteers and financial supporters.
I want to thank our 23 chaplains and 4 field staff in the Capricorn Coast, Rockhampton and Biloela districts who were affected by Cyclone Marcia in late-February. Some of our staff had damaged property and were without power for weeks, but still continued to work. They not only had to clean up their own homes, but were also out in the community, supporting families and schools following the cyclone! Thank you all!
I also want to thank our chaplains, especially David Kamholtz, working in North Queensland who responded to severe flooding in February. Some remote areas were devastated by flood water, but I heard some amazing reports of how our chaplains supported the communities during the time.
This year marks an amazing milestone for the SU QLD family – 25 years of school chaplaincy in Queensland. You are leaving your own legacy to Queensland’s children and young people through your support. You are helping to bring hope to the next generation. This thought always spurs me on, and it’s humbling to know we can be used to make a difference.
Thanks for your continued support and I hope you’re encouraged reading about ways you can continue helping children and youth!
Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter,
Peter James
CEO, SU QLD