Schull Community College

CHAPLAINCY

The Book of Ecclesiastes states "there is a season for everything" and in the young person's life, there is a season for adolesence. Adolescence represents a critical time in the cognitive, emotional, physical, social and spiritual development of the young person. It is a time when young people strive for identity and question who they are in relation to themselves, to others, to God and to the universe. Aware that their self concept is changing, they seek to harmonise who they were as children with who they are becoming as adolescents.

As part of the Pastoral Care Team, the chaplain Sr Patricia O'Donovan is available to each student in the school, journeying with and supporting them during the ordinary ups and downs of daily life. Being available to listen, to deal with and understand students' personal needs as they arise in such a way that their overall well-being is promoted and enhanced is one of the most valuable contributions that can be made. Being one of the counsellors on the staff, Sr. Patricia is available to facilitate a therapeutic process whereby the student feels safe and secure. The school community also includes staff and parents, therefore it is crucial that she is also a supportive presence and is available to all.

Chaplaincy is also about being a faith presence in the school. Of special importance are the celebrations of the main liturgical events, namely Advent, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter, along with events at the beginning and end of the school year. Facilitating participation in these or delivery is so often appreciated by students. Offering opportunities for meditation, relaxation can also help deepen the students' spiritual development. Respecting the range of religious views and affiliations of each student is of paramount importance.



The main areas of responsibility of the chaplain include:

Ministry to Students

• Availablity
• Counsellor - meeting students individually
• Confidental Listener
• Support, especially in times of bereavement and trauma
• Class contact
• Liturgical celebrations
• Organising Retreats
• Critical Incidents
• Referrals as appropriate

Ministry in the Community

• Parenting programmes
• Home visitation
• Support in times of trauma
• Availability to parents in school
• Links with local parishes
• Liaison with local caring agencies
• Liaison with youth and community workers.

The Pastoral Care System is working very well in the school. It cares for the students at every level within the school. This great level of care and support for students is reflected in the important role played by Year Heads, Class Teachers, Guidance Counsellor, Chaplain, Subject Teachers, Learning Support Department and management.

All of the above mentioned work in co-operation to monitor each student’s personal development and to provide appropriate support when necessary. There is an on-going effort being made to ensure that the different pastoral elements at work within the school are both supporting and complementing of each other. Periodic evaluation of the system takes place to ensure that effective communication is maintained.

The Guidance Counsellor works closely with the College Chaplain in an effort to provide a caring and supportive environment where students can obtain their full potential.

The Chaplain and Guidance Counsellor play central roles in pastoral care proving support and counselling for students and meet with Year Heads on a regular basis. The Year Heads give particular attention to academic progress, attention to matters of discipline, student attendance and meet with parents. The staff of the Special Education Needs Department also play an active and very important part in the care and support of those students.

The school is very fortunate in having the services of a Counsellor on a part time basis. She provides a confidential, safe space where the students can talk freely about their fears and pain openly and get some clarity on how it really is for them. In addition she provides a safety valve for emotions which cannot be released either in class or at home.

Mentoring (Pastoral Care) Programme

The Mentoring Programme is a systematic approach to education which seeks to value and develop the young person to every level. It implies caring for the quality of relationships between the partners in the School Community.

Structure

The organisation of the school system to enable Pastoral Care Values to be lived out. These structures are related to our school needs. These include the Mentoring Teams

Year Head/Class Teacher Teams
Year Heads give particular attention to academic progress, student attendance and meet with parents.
Class teachers wholeheartedly assist the year heads in much of the
above.

S.P.H.E. Team
An important role for them as the school develops towards being a ‘Pastoral School’.

Counselling Team
The chaplan and guidance counsellor play central roles in pastoral care providing support and counselling for students.

Disciplinary Committee
It gives attention to matters of discipline. It has a ladder of referral.

Learning Support and Special Needs Team
The staff here play an active part in the care and support of students with specific learning needs. .

Parents Council
Parents feel included, involved and listened to. They are kept aware of all school activities. They are consulted on major school events including the development of school policies.

Students Council
Students are afforded a voice in the school through it.



There is an on-going effort being made to ensure that the different mentoring (pastoral) elements are at work within the school are both supporting and complementing each other. Periodic evaluation of the programme takes place to ensure that effective communication is maintained.