At Kenmore, for the past three years we have had two chaplains - Fiona and Justin. It has been really beneficial for the students (2000 at the school) to have both a male and female chaplain.
However due to a shortfall in funding for 2025, the school has to face the tough reality of losing the second chaplain. Kenmore State High School is currently seeking support to specifically help to keep Fiona in the school.
Chaplains are in the school to provide a listening ear and a caring presence to students as they journey through the challenges of daily life. At our school the role focuses on pastoral care - helping students from grades 7 to 12, deal with friendship issues, grief and loss, mental health struggles, parental separation and many other life events.
Fiona has a Master of Psychology degree, and is an experienced chaplain with a passion for helping and caring for young people. She lends a listening ear, a caring presence and some strategies for those facing friendship issues, school behaviour challenges, mental health issues – anxiety, depression, family problems, or grief and loss, that impact young people's lives. Fiona has built a great rapport with the students from grades 7-12 and is well respected within the school. Kenmore State High currently has a fundraising page – “Champion your Chappy" where donations can be directed. Any community help would be greatly appreciated.
Please click on the link if you are wanting to make a difference in the lives of the young people at Kenmore State High School.
https://fundraise.su.org.au/fundraiser/KenmoreStateHighSchoolChaplaincy