Chaplain at Cottesloe:
School chaplains contribute towards creating positive, supportive cultures within public school communities across Western Australia. Here at Cottesloe Primary School, our chaplain is provided by YouthCARE, an organisation whose core values are care, respect, compassion and service. The chaplain cares for the social, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of students, families and staff. This support aims to help students achieve their potential, both academically and in their personal lives.
The chaplain is available to listen compassionately and confidentially, suggest resources or refer to extra help where necessary, and to run programs and activities to enhance social skills, school values or student wellbeing. The chaplain’s support is open to all students and families within our multicultural school community, irrespective of faith or beliefs. Use of the chaplain’s services is voluntary and parent permission is required for students to receive on-going support from our chaplain.
At Cottesloe Primary School, our chaplain is Katie Almeida, and she is involved in:
· providing one-on-one pastoral care to students, families and staff.
· being available at recess and lunchtime in the playground to connect with students for teachable moments and pastoral care.
· training and support of the Year 6 student leaders involved in ‘Peer Mentoring’.
· Thursday lunchtime in the library – for reading, colouring & games.
· building rapport with students by assisting in classrooms and running sessions or programs focusing on school values, friendships or wellbeing.
· running small groups for students, as needed, to address issues such as grief and loss, or friendship issues.
· providing resources and organising workshops about wellbeing and parenting skills for staff and parents.
· liaising with local organisations to provide wellbeing support and resources.
Katie is at school on Thursdays and Fridays. If you would like to contact her, please either talk to your child’s teacher, leave a message through the school office on 9382 7300, or send her an email: kathryn.hillalmeida@youthcare.org.au