A STUDY demonstrating comprehensive support among principals for the National School Chaplaincy Program demands Government attention, Tasmanian Liberal Senator Stephen Parry said today.
Senator Parry said the only national research into the program’s effectiveness found that 98% of the 688 public school principals Australia-wide who participated in the survey believe its funding should be continued.
“In spite of its success, the Labor Government has failed to give any indication as to whether the program established under the previous government will be funded for another three years,’’ he said.
“The Rudd Government seems to have no interest in even evaluating the school chaplaincy program, possibly because Labor is too narrow-minded to consider continuing an initiative of the previous government.
“The study commissioned by the National School Chaplaincy Association and undertaken by academics Dr Phillip Hughes and Professor Margaret Sims found school chaplains are providing pastoral care that complements what is being provided by other staff.
“One point of interest is the high percentage of chaplains who are male compared to teachers and social workers. The benefit of this is that more children, particularly boys, are seeing positive male role models at school – something that too many lack in life.
“Chaplains have also assisted school communities in times of grief and loss, and in building links with the wider community.
“I understand this study has been forwarded to the Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister, Julia Gillard, and I urge her to read it, and to think long and hard about the future of this program.’’
The report can be viewed here:
http://www.socialsurvey.com.au/chaplaincyeffectiveness.pdf
Office of Senator Stephen Parry Chief Opposition Whip in the Senate
