Chaplain

​Chaplain Andrew Austin

• Phone: (07) 5595 8684
• Email: aaust117@eq.edu.au​
  
• Scripture Union Qld website
  

Students and families are welcome to make appointments with the Chaplain.

Role statement - Merrimac State High School

• The school chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school, providing a listening ear, caring presence, and message of hope.
• Chaplains care for students struggling with confusing relationships, peer pressure and self-esteem issues, family breakdown, bullying, etc.
• Chaplains run positive, fun activities for young people, both in and out of school, and foster a supportive, caring school community.
• Chaplains provide support for students, staff and families from the wider school community.
• Chaplains foster partnerships between the school, local churches, businesses and community organisations, to provide a network of local support and assistance.
• Chaplains are available to attend school camps.
• Chaplains provide spiritual direction to the school community.
• Chaplains work alongside and in conjunction with the existing and growing support team within the school.
• Chaplains encourage a volunteering mindset, engaging students in activities within the community.

Current programs implemented by the chaplain

• Merrimac CARES - A community service program that engages students in the 5 areas of creativity, activity, responsibility, excellence and service. We work with Tricare Mermaid Beach, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, local emergency services, the school grounds and the school community.
• Breakfast Program - Volunteers from Impact Youth Group have provided a free breakfast for students and staff on Friday mornings from 7:30am-8:45am. The aim is to promote healthy breakfasts and encourage community amongst staff and students.
• Girls With a Purpose - Girls With a Purpose program aims to promote the developmental qualities that enable young people to be healthy, caring and responsible. Using the ‘strengths approach’, the program aims to facilitate healthy discussions and experimental learning. Topics covered include: self esteem, being safe and in control, discovering worth and purpose, focussing on skills and solutions, communication, relationships, families, goal setting and making a difference to others.
• Faith Development Program - Students from all grades who share the Christian faith get together every Friday at lunch time to hang out, support each other, share some snacks and listen to a guest speaker.