No. It is acknowledged that persons providing chaplaincy services in a religious-based school will discuss their faith with students. Where parents have demonstrated their acceptance of the faith of the school and their agreement to the values of the school when enrolling their child, this activity is consistent with the Program Guidelines.
It would not be considered proselytising if the faith being discussed is the one which the student/family already adheres to or accepts.
If a parent objects to contact between the person providing chaplaincy services and their child, they may take advantage of the opt-out arrangements available in their school.
There is no reason why this requirement should be in conflict with current practices in religious-based schools. When enrolling their children in these schools, parents agree to have their children taught in that environment. In many schools parents are fully informed of the values espoused in the school and actively ‘sign on’ to have their children taught in that particular religious environment.
Persons providing chaplaincy services may also conduct services according to the faith of the school if they are appropriately qualified to do so.
The requirement to demonstrate broad community support does not prevent religious-based schools from applying for funding under the Program. Religious-based schools may demonstrate that they meet this criterion by (for instance):
- drawing upon processes or documents which outline the ethos of the school (such as school mission statements); or
- including evidence of parental agreement to the values of the school and requirements set out when parents enrol students in the school.
No. The choice of chaplain (including the number of chaplains) is a matter for the school and its community to decide.
No. It is not a requirement that schools use the term chaplain. It is recognised that for some religious affiliations, a more suitable or appropriate term may be used, such as Priest, Imam, Rabbi, lay leader, religious worker. Schools must, however, comply with the recognition and acknowledgement requirements which are set out in Attachment D of the Program Guidelines.
The Program Guidelines are sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of religious-based schools. These Guidelines were developed in close consultation with the Reference Group for the Program, which included people with expertise from various school sectors, chaplaincy providers and parent groups.
No. The voluntary nature of this program is not intended to affect other arrangements in schools, including any current requirements the school may have for mandatory participation.