Media Release: APPA Welcomes Boost to National Schools Chaplaincy Program

The Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) today welcomed the announcement by the Minister for School Education of increased funding to extend the National School Chaplaincy Program.

APPA sees the decision to target schools in remote, regional and disadvantaged areas for inclusion in the Chaplaincy Program as one which will benefit many students who would not otherwise have access to such support and guidance.

Click here to download the complete APPA media release.

Click here to download the Minister's media release announcing the increased funding.

APPA President, Norm Hart, said today’s announcement by the Minister offers schools the opportunity to work with their local community in delivering a much valued program:

“Schools are increasingly expected to meet the needs of students across all areas of their development. Primary school principals recognise the significant need that exists in Australia’s primary schools for sustainable support of social and emotional learning. The National School Chaplaincy Program offers school communities a valuable resource which impacts positively on the wellbeing of students and also supports the work of principals and teachers.”

Mr Hart said that school communities are best placed to decide the most effective way to implement the program and that the broad base detailed in the announcement meant that schools could work with their community to target specific areas of need. He said that working in a cooperative way with service providers to meet the identified needs of students is the most important element.

Mr Hart congratulated the Federal Government for responding to the need for schools to be supported in their endeavours to improve student wellbeing:

“The 2700 schools across Australia that are currently in the National School Chaplaincy Program speak enthusiastically of what the program has achieved. The additional 1000 schools to be offered access ensures greater opportunities for improved pastoral care and engagement with the community, and is a measure to be congratulated.”

Today’s announcement means that all schools across the Catholic, Independent and Government sectors will be able to access this valuable additional funding.