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Program Extension
The Australian Government will provide an additional $42.8 million to extend the NSCP for all participating schools until December 2011. The extension of the program will ensure that those schools funded under the NSCP will be able to continue to provide valuable support in the provision of student wellbeing services. During 2010 the Government will also be examining options for the future through a broad and detailed consultation process. This process will involve a range of stakeholders including state education departments, major service providers, representatives of independent and faith based school systems, and peak representative bodies for parent and community organisations, principals and other relevant interest groups.
Schools and Funding Recipients received an email at the end of 2009 informing them of the extension. In March 2010 Funding Recipients received a letter providing further information on the extension process. More information will be available shortly.
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National Consultation Process
The national consultation process will consider the achievements and effectiveness of the NSCP, and its relationship with other student support activities. The process will canvass stakeholder views and issues in relation to future chaplaincy and pastoral care services, and other student support activities. A number of key issues will be examined including:
- NSCP achievements
- Relationship of the NSCP with other student support activities
- What is/ is not working well
- Current and future needs
- Potential target group(s)/ priority areas
- Possible future program options
- Funding model/ mechanisms and funding requirements
The national consultation process will include two stages:
- Stage One – Stakeholder Meetings
- Stage Two – Public Discussion Paper
Stage One (March – August 2010)
A series of meetings with key stakeholders will be conducted in each state and territory to canvass preliminary issues and views on the NSCP.
A Discussion Paper will then be developed on the basis of views and issues raised in the meetings and associated research.
Stage Two (October - November 2010)
The Discussion Paper will be provided to all key stakeholders and will also be available through this website. Submissions and comment on the Discussion Paper are welcome from all interested parties, and submissions received will be collated and analysed for the development of future program options.
If you would like to participate in the consultation process you can provide information or a submission at any time by any of the following methods:
- email the NSCP Consultation mailbox chaplaincyconsultation@deewr.gov.au
or
- post to:
NSCP Consultation
Australian Government Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations
GPO Box 9880
Adelaide SA 5001
Updates and further information on the consultation process will be available on this website as the process progresses.
If you have any questions in relation to the NSCP national consultation process, please contact:
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Background
The National School Chaplaincy Program aims to support school communities that wish to access the services of a school chaplain or secular pastoral care worker.
The National School Chaplaincy Program is a voluntary program that assists school communities to support the wellbeing of their students, including strengthening values, providing greater pastoral care and enhancing engagement with the broader community.
A total of $165 million is available for this program. It provides annual support of up to $20 000 for government and non-government school communities that have established school chaplains or further enhanced services already being provided.
Chaplains/pastoral care workers provide general personal and religious advice, comfort and support to all students and staff, regardless of their religious denomination, irrespective of their religious beliefs. The choice of chaplaincy services, including the religious affiliation, was a decision for the local school community, following broad consultation. Students are not obliged to participate. Parents and students will be informed about the availability and non-compulsory nature of the chaplaincy services.
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Chaplaincy Funding Information
The Australian Government has confirmed that it will honour all funding commitments previously made under this program.
Around 2700 schools were granted funding under the two funding rounds of the program in 2007.
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Information for successful schools
Further information is available to assist successful schools.
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Frequently asked questions
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National School Chaplaincy Program Complaints Code
- Further information about the National School Chaplaincy Program complaints handling process
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Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact:
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