Our School Chaplain is an invaluable part of our Student Support Services team.
Chaplaincy Services provide spiritual, ethical, and personal support to school communities. SU QLD 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 David Lamont
Get to know Chappy David
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you became a Chaplain?
My name is David Lamont, but at Craigslea, students and teachers call me Chappy David. I started at the beginning of Term 2, 2023.
I grew up in the local area and attended Craigslea State High as a student. After finishing school, I studied Chemistry and Psychology at Uni.
After working briefly overseas teaching Koreans English and studying bible and ministry at a bible college, I returned to Uni providing counselling, support, advice and training to a diverse group of Uni students.
I then studied education and worked as a Maths and Science teacher for seven years. Along the way, I have been involved with various church youth and young adult groups.
What do you enjoy most about being a Chaplain?
Young people in schools are not just students, but people who often need support in a range of areas in life. I look forward to pastoral care conversations, serving and supporting the school community, running or attending a lunch time group or spending time out and about with students on their lunch breaks, camps and excursions. I want to encourage students to develop their strengths and engage in the community around them.
What was your first week like at Craigslea SHS?
It's been a real privilege to get to meet the staff and students around the school, whether in staff rooms, classrooms or the playground. It was great to pop into Year Level Assemblies and say hi and give out some fruit. It's been great to meet the helpful staff who have welcomed me as I've set up my room and equipment. I'm looking forward to getting to know staff and students more as I get involved in things like Brekky club (April 27), Year 7 camp (May 8-10), clubs and activities and in National Chaplaincy Week (May 21-28).
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.
Email: admin@craigsleashs.eq.edu.au (Attention: School Chaplain)