Margaret Coote, recently retired Principal of Homebush West Primary School, Sydney, is a firm believer in school chaplaincy. She says...

I believe the school chaplaincy program has been invaluable at Homebush West Public School where the mobility of the population is high and so many members of the school community are new arrivals to Australia. The chaplain has made all new members of the community feel welcome. She has been a wonderful asset in facilitating communication between home and school.

She makes home visits to ascertain the needs of parents and their children and she spends time explaining school procedures, issues and expectations to them. Regular morning teas, gardening sessions, cooking demonstrations, an open house time and 'special' days are organised by the chaplain to encourage parents to network. They feel supported and comfortable in the school environment.

Last year, the school won a high commendation in the NSW Government's Cohesive Community Awards. Where 90 percent of the school population is from a language background other than English, and where so many of the parents are new to Australia, this is an outstanding achievement. Much of the credit for this is due to the school chaplain and to the willingness of the school staff to support her programs.

As Principal, I believed the school chaplaincy program was one of the pillars of our school values. I was strongly supported in my leadership role by the school chaplain because, whilst 1 ad the commitment to parent involvement in student learning, 1 was often constrained by time to get out and about and meet parents in their homes. The chaplain did this for me, which 1 was grateful for.

The school in this community would be poorer for the loss of the chaplaincy program. Not only does the chaplaincy program lighten everyone's loads within the school community, but it brings a warmth and cohesion to the community that is long lasting.