Our School Chaplain plays a vital role within our Student Support Services team. They offer support with pastoral care, addressing social and relationship challenges, while also leading initiatives that encourage hope, purpose and a sense of meaning among students.
Chaplaincy Services provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities. SU QLD External link Chaplains provide positive adult role models for students. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community.
Chappy Marlene Van Luik
Get to know Chappy Marlene
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you became a Chaplain?
I
am so honoured and excited to introduce myself as the new Chaplain at
Craigslea State High School! This new chapter is both humbling and
exhilarating, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in
this role, supporting the incredible students, staff and school
community.
I
am a dedicated wife and mother to three wonderful boys, and my journey
into chaplaincy has been shaped by a lifelong passion for encouraging
others and forming meaningful connections. Since 2019, I’ve felt a
strong calling to chaplaincy, recognising it as the perfect blend of
empathy, encouragement and practical care.
My
background includes a Diploma of Chaplaincy, a Diploma of Ministry and
ongoing studies in a Diploma of Counselling, which I am currently
pursuing to further enhance my ability to provide effective support.
Over the years, I’ve also trained in education support, youth work
methods, trauma care, mental health first aid and disaster chaplaincy,
equipping me to meet a variety of needs with compassion and
understanding.
In
addition to my training, I’ve been serving as a pastor at Nexus Church
since 2021. This experience has been invaluable, allowing me to deepen
my skills in pastoral care and strengthen my commitment to fostering
individual well-being.
What do you enjoy most about being a Chaplain?
What
excites me most about this role at Craigslea SHS is the opportunity to
build genuine connections with the students, staff and families who make
up this vibrant school community. I look forward to being a trusted
presence—someone who can lend a listening ear, offer encouragement and
walk alongside others through both challenges and celebrations.
I
see chaplaincy as a 'go-between bridge,' connecting people within the
school to valuable resources and support networks that can help them
flourish. Whether through programs, activities, or simple yet heartfelt
conversations, my hope is to create spaces where people feel valued,
supported and empowered to thrive.
Thank
you for welcoming me into this role. I am deeply grateful for your
support, and I look forward to partnering with you to make a positive
and lasting impact on the Craigslea SHS community and beyond!
What does a School Chaplain do?
A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope.
Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
Working with other members of the school’s support team, the Chaplain cares for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and depression.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues, and provide hope, connection, meaning, and purpose.
The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community, regardless of their religious beliefs.
School Food Program
School food programs are essential in helping to improve student health and learning outcomes. At Craigslea State High school we provide free breakfast three times a week to ensure students have access to nutritious food to fuel their learning.
For Enquries
For any enquiries regarding the School Chaplain, please email admin@craigsleashs.eq.edu.au and address your message to the School Chaplain.