School Chaplain
Our school chaplain, Alana de Bruyn
•positive role models for students
•a listening ear/confidant
•a caring presence
•a resource on spirituality, values, meaning and purpose
•a link between your school and its community
About Alana:
Hey my name is Alana de Bruyn and I am the Chaplain from Scripture Union Tasmania at Penguin District School. I’m originally from Perth WA. Three years ago I embarked on an adventure to live in Penguin, where I met my now husband Josiah. I’m passionate about supporting young people through life’s tough challenges and celebrating in the good. I love sports, travelling, outdoors and new adrenaline adventures.
In my role as school chaplain, I spend time getting to know the staff and students and am working with other support staff to best provide for students’ needs. This includes casual chatting in classrooms and in the playground, more organised group work and one-on-one time with students.
Chaplaincy approval:
Alana are our School Chaplain at Penguin District School. The chaplaincy service is approved by the School Association. Each year a school community consultation process is conducted through the School Association and Parent body to establish approval for funding for the following year and the continuation of the chaplaincy service.
Support Team:
Alana is a part of the support service team at Penguin District School. She is available to support students, parents and staff. If you would like to make an appointment for your child or yourself to see our Chaplain, please contact the school office.
Qualifications:
Alana has a Certificate IV in Youth Work and Pastoral Care - Chaplaincy.
Our Chaplain's work pattern:
Alana works each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, sharing her time between both the Primary and Secondary campuses. As well as being involved in classroom activities, Alana also supports with programs during break times and those that run alongside timetabled classes at Penguin District School.
These include, but are not limited to
•Break time support - pastoral care, encouraging, listening and being a friend
•Classroom support - assisting students and staff in the classroom and on extra-curricula activities
•Shine and Strength programs for grade 8 students - encouraging social, emotional wellbeing and
understanding
•Supporting students who need extra assistance
•Choir and musical performances/school productions - assisting staff and students with all aspects
of these events
•Class excursions and grade camps - attending and supporting staff and students with the program.
The Chaplaincy program is not a religious program and is not used for any religious instruction.
Parental Consent:
It is important to note that a student's involvement with our Chaplains is voluntary. If you do not want your child/ren to be involved in the chaplaincy service in this school, including any of the above roles and activities that the Chaplain performs, then please register your intention at the school office.
How can you support our chaplain?
•Become part of the Local Chaplaincy Committee (LCC) which oversees the service. The LCC meets once a term to review the chaplain's work and to make recommendations and goals for future action. The dates of these meetings can be obtained from the school office
•Volunteer as a helper in programs run by the chaplain - a current Working with Children Check is needed for this.
•Contribute feedback in person or via email to the chaplain or Principal.
•Support the program financially; Chaplaincy is made possible through Federal support, plus contributions from the local community and the schools. Support can be made to Chaplaincy in Penguin via Scripture Union in Hobart.
What if you have a complaint about the chaplain?
•If you have reason to make a complaint regarding the chaplain, arrange to meet with the complaints officer Mr Matthew Perry, Principal of Penguin District School.
•Scripture Union Tasmania, the funding recipient and service provider for the service, can also be contacted (details below). You are entitled to make an anonymous complaint. All complaints will be kept strictly confidential.
•All attempts will be made to resolve complaints at the local level.
•If do not wish to address your complaint to the School Principal, Complaints Officer or Funding Recipient, they may be made directly to the Department by completing the complaint reporting form available at the Program website: www.deewr.gov.au/schoolchaplaincyandwelfare or emailing schoolchaplaincyandwelfarecomplaints@deewr.gov.au
Scripture Union Tasmania is the Funding Recipient and service provider of the Australian Government's National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program at this school and the Tasmanian Department of Education approved provider of school chaplaincy in the state. This chaplaincy position is supported and managed by a Local Chaplaincy Committee comprising representatives from the school and the local community.
Scripture Union of Tasmania
23 Clarence Street, Bellerive 7018
Phone: (03) 6244 8422
Fax: (03) 6244 8477
Email: enquiries@sutas.org.au
Our Chaplain's contact details
School Phone: 03 6434 2222
alana.de.bruyn@education.tas.gov.au or taylor.forward@education.tas.gov.au
Acknowledgement
This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.
Disclaimer The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian
Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
