Another school year begins! And what a year it’s shaping up to be.
Some LCCs may have noticed a slight boost to their chaplaincy funds towards the end of last year. This is thanks to the generous supporters across Queensland who attended last year’s Frontline chaplaincy dinners.
For the first time ever, after event costs were covered, all funds raised were distributed directly to local chaplaincies – beginning with those most in need.
In total, Frontline donations helped secure the following:
- Six new chaplaincy services
- Additional hours for all Special Schools
- Additional hours for a hospital school and two juvenile correction centres, and
- Additional hours for more than 100 chaplaincies that were struggling to maintain hours.
This is a great achievement, and is one that I expect to see grow in the coming years as you continue to build relationships in your local communities.
As you know, 2018 marks the final year of National Schools Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) funding. SU QLD has been and will continue to advocate on your behalf for funding to be renewed for a further four years. Thanks to the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive about chaplaincy, we are optimistic of a positive outcome.
Regardless of the outcome, I would encourage all LCCs to be aiming to raise enough funds to have at least one day per week that is purely community funded. This is the best way to ensure that your chaplaincy service will remain in schools to support children and families in need.
Continue to use resources like Champion your Chappy. To date, LCCs across the state have collectively raised in excess of $30,000 simply by signing up and getting the word out via social media that their chaplaincy needs support. Many chaplaincies still have not set up their page – and it could be costing them vital financial support. So please do use that.
The Department of Education and Training (DET) has advised that they expect to deliver the NSCP funding by February 14 this year. As such, SU QLD will soon be invoicing your schools, and informing them that they need to provide a Purchase Order and a Schedule A (DET documents).
DET has also advised us that some schools may be eligible for an additional once-off payment of $10,000 for extra chaplaincy hours this year. This is due to an over-payment of funds that were not used in 2017. If DET has contacted you regarding extra funds, please contact SU QLD at support@suqld.org.au so we can supply your extra hours of service.
Thank you again for all your do for your chaplains. I’m really looking forward to working with you again this year to make a positive difference in the lives of young people across this state.