Chaplain: Ms Cribbin
The school chaplain is a faith presence in the school community who is available to all students and staff. S/he accompanies members of the school community on their journey through life. The chaplain’s non-disciplinary role in the school enables him/her to develop a relationship of trust with the students, staff and parents. S/he will respond firstly to the spiritual and religious needs of the students and the whole school community respecting the denominational, religious and personal convictions of all.
The chaplain receives a mandate that is both educational and ecclesial. As an extension of the Principal, the chaplain puts flesh on the holistic aims of the Education Act (1998) which obliges schools to ‘promote the moral, spiritual, social and personal development of students.’
The chaplain is also missioned by the Christian community to accompany and support young people so that they may ‘have life and have it to the full’ (Jn. 10:10) S/he works in close co-operation with the Board of Management, principal, R.E. subject department, staff and students.
The chaplain participates in activities which relate to the wellbeing and development of the school community, e.g. pastoral care meetings, student support team, school planning, evaluation, in-service.
The chaplain ensures that the characteristic spirit of the school, reflecting the founding intention of the school and the school’s Mission Statement, finds practical expression in faith formation as well as pastoral, liturgical, para-liturgical and school outreach activities.
The school chaplain exercises his/her pastoral role by:
- personal contact with individual students.
- access to class and small groups.
- provision of liturgical functions.
- maintaining a lively interest in recreational, cultural and outreach activities.
- responding to the day to day pastoral needs of the students.