Over morning tea at Co-space last week a large group of people gathered to hear about Mirboo North Schools Chaplaincy. As Rachel O’Connor and Kym Tutty, the Co-Chairs of this organisation outlined, it was an opportunity to say thank you to all of their donors and supporters, as well as bringing people up to date on all things Chaplaincy, including some future projects.
Mirboo North Schools Chaplaincy Inc is the organisation that supports the well-being of our young folk and the school community through financially supporting a Chaplain working at both of the Primary and Secondary schools in Mirboo North. Norm da Silva, the current chaplain of more than 20 years standing, also spoke during the morning tea.
What is a Chaplain and how does the role support Wellbeing in our Schools?
Norm explains this through the Chaplaincy group’s motto – Wellbeing begins with a Listening Heart. Those whose families have experienced Chaplaincy support already know how much value comes from the conversations that Norm has, large and small, with all members of the school community.
For those who don’t, Norm explains that a lot of what he does comes from journeying alongside everyone in the school community, but particularly the kids. He spends time doing what interests them, he gets joy from being in the moment with them, whether it is throwing frisbees or playing carpet bowls. He is one of them. And they know it.
A quote from one school child in the ’20 years of Chaplaincy’ booklet notes: :
“I call it pastoral capital”, explains Norm. “Over time we develop friendships and mutual trust. It allows for important conversations to evolve over time. I explain to the kids that I am not going to fix any problems, but in listening, deeply listening, it allows them to tell their stories or share their concerns”.
Norm added that this allows a person, of whatever age, to start the process of working things out. Once spoken, they can generally think of things they can do or change to handle that challenge.
If you look at the ’20 years of Chaplaincy’ booklet, you will see a number of heartfelt statements by children from the schools, including the following: “I don’t want to ever leave this area coz I like talking to Norm so much. I can always talk to him about things I can’t talk to my friends about.”
“Norm is a trusted adult within the school community and he provides a conduit to a range of more formal health and wellbeing services that are provided in the Schools,” adds Rachel. “He is a key member of the Welfare Team in each school.”
How can you get involved?
Your children will know who Norm is and how to find him if they want to talk. But for the rest of us, how can we get involved? There are a few different ways:
- There is a volunteer bank that you can sign up for: you provide your details and how you might be able to help out with either a Chaplaincy fundraising event or a useful skill. Email mnschaplaincy@gmail.com to sign up.
- There is also a Chaplaincy and Well-being Fund at the Community Foundation that can give you a tax deductible receipt for a donation. These donations support the employment of the Chaplain as well as other well-being projects at the school. Find out more by dropping into Co-Space or emailing us on info@mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au
Or just call in to the monthly Mirboo North Market and buy a sausage at the BBQ shelter as the Chaplaincy group run a sausage sizzle every second month as a fundraiser. All support is greatly appreciated.
