Each month, articles that can be included or adapted for a school newsletter by a chaplain are provided in Chaplaincy Matters. Regular communication to the school community will help improve the understanding of what a chaplain does and help families and staff get to know ‘their chappy’ and the service being offered at the school. If people in a school community don’t understand what a chaplain does, or that the service even exists at the school, fundraising and other activities can be difficult.
Consider doing the following:
- Get permission from your Principal for newsletter articles and check if there is approval for the inclusion of a Bible verse before you use one.
- Call it something like ‘Chappy’s corner’ or ‘Food for thought’. Include a photo of yourself – you wan
t the school community to recognise you. - Finish the article with your name e.g. Chappy Jan.
- Have at least one article a month included in your weekly school newsletter, weekly if possible.
- Below are 5 articles for the next month – provided by Chappy Teresa. Teresa has been a chaplain for 12 years and is now a regular Chaplaincy Matters contributor sharing articles she has prepared for her school newsletters over the years. Teresa has also given chaplains permission to put their own names to her articles – so that they can be a personal message from chaplains to their school community!
Other articles have been available in previous editions of Chaplaincy Matters.
Article 1 – the theme is about Anzac Day and being Thankful
Food for Thought
After the special services on Anzac Day, many Australians were reminded to be thankful for the country we live in and for the sacrifices others have made for this country, particularly the Anzacs.
What about you? Are there things in your life that you should be thankful for? If you are struggling to come up with an answer, consider this –
I recently read that 43% (almost half of the world’s population) live on an income of less than $2 a day. In our country I don’t believe that there are any families that can honestly claim that their entire family income amounts to less than $2 a day per person. We all know of many people who spend more than that on their dog.
If you sleep in a bed, have clothes and shoes to wear and food to eat, you are far better off than many millions of people around our world. You therefore have a great deal to be thankful for.
It is easy to concentrate on the negative things that are in our lives, but if you adopt the habit of spending time considering the blessings in your life, the love of your family and friends and the fact that you live in a country where you can feel free and safe – then you will probably become a more positive and happier person.
See if you can turn each and every day into a ‘thanksgiving day’.
A message from Chappy……..
Article 2 – the theme is about ROLE MODELS
Food for Thought
Whether we like it or not, the fact remains that the adults who are in charge of us as we grow up have a significant influence on our lives and on our behaviour, regardless of whether they are birth parents, step-parents or foster parents.
As parents, it is our job to guide our children to become responsible and respected members of society. We need to teach them to be considerate of others, to talk through problems, instead of getting into arguments and to obey the law.
Please be aware though, that our children learn much more from what we do, than from what we say. You are your child’s role model. If you are not considerate of others, if you yell and scream when things aren’t going your way and you are in the habit of breaking road rules and other laws, then that is the pattern of behaviour that your child will most likely adopt.
Work hard at being the best role model you can be for your child. Be a loving, thoughtful and responsible parent, and you are more likely to have the pleasure of watching your child grow into an adult son or daughter that you are truly proud of.
A message from Chappy……..
Article 3 – the theme is about Past Hurts
Food for Thought
Is there someone in your life who has greatly upset you? Does the mention of their name cause you to become angry and grumpy? If that is the case, then I hope the following words of wisdom will release you from that burden:
‘Talking about every little irritation and piece of gossip only keeps the fires of anger going. Refusing to discuss them cuts the fuel line and makes the fires die out.’ (Life Application Study Bible)
When thoughts of past hurts come into your head, don’t allow them to control your moods and steal your peace of mind. Take control of your life back and deliberately distract your mind with doing something positive. That might be; going for a walk, doing housework, playing some music or doing something fun with your family, whatever works best for you. The more you practise this, the easier it becomes to leave the past in the past and to enjoy your present.
A message from Chappy……..
Article 4 – the theme is about NICK VUJICIC
Food for Thought
One of the most interesting people I have ever heard of is a young Queenslander called Nick Vujicic. This man was born with no arms or legs and by the age of 6 had become convinced that his life could never amount to anything worthwhile. His future looked very bleak.
Nick had no idea that he would become a world renowned speaker. He didn’t realise that he had been blessed with an amazing gift for encouraging others. In his adult years, he has visited many countries and has toured many areas of Australia, using his life story to transform the lives and attitudes of many thousands of people.
Nick reaches out to all those who are struggling with problems, teaching them ways to face life’s difficulties, just one step at a time. This man has had to overcome some incredible hurdles in his own life and yet joy and love just radiate from him.
If you haven’t encountered Nick, please let me suggest that you visit www.attitudeisaltitude.com – you will be amazed at this man.
A message from Chappy……..
Article 5 – the theme is about Mother’s day and Unconditional Love (make sure you edit correctly with son/ daughter)
Food for Thought
As you are aware, many of us have recently celebrated Mothers’ Day. This year, I found myself considering what it was about my mother and father that made them such great parents. The answer, I realised, was that they both gave me unconditional love.
There were many times that I upset them and there were many of my choices and decisions that they strongly disagreed with.
Yet, in spite of my many flaws, I was always reminded that nothing could ever change the fact that I was their son/daughter, and because of that, they would always love me and would always be there to help me. It was their unshakable love that made me want to be a better person, a better son/daughter.
Please remember that the greatest thing that you can give your children, your parents and your siblings is your unconditional love. They may not be perfect, but after all, neither are you.
A message from Chappy……..