Company Wide Policies
School Chaplains
The College's chaplaincy services are supported through the Australian Government's National School Chaplaincy Program, which helps schools provide pastoral care and wellbeing support to students.
The National School Chaplaincy Program is a voluntary initiative that helps schools support the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of students through pastoral care, values-based support and stronger connections with the wider community.
- Provide students, their families and staff with support and/or appropriate referrals, in difficult situations such as during times of grief or when students are facing personal or emotional challenges.
- Support students and staff to create an environment of cooperation and mutual respect, promoting an understanding of diversity and the range of cultures and their related traditions.
- Support students, their families and staff of all beliefs and not seeking to impose any beliefs or persuade an individual toward a particular set of beliefs.
- Conduct and/or organise weekly chapels and two weeks of spiritual emphasis each year.
- Mentor students with behavioural and/or emotional needs.
- Be available to students, staff and parents seeking advice for whatever reason.
- Disclaimer: The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Teachers may refer students to the College Chaplain when additional pastoral care and support would be beneficial. Where appropriate, the Chaplain can also connect students and families with professional counsellors or external support services.
Students are welcome to approach the College Chaplain if they would like to meet and talk. Before ongoing pastoral support is provided, the Chaplain will contact a parent or caregiver to discuss the request and obtain the appropriate consent.
Parents and caregivers are also welcome to contact the College Chaplain directly to request support for their child or to discuss any wellbeing concerns.
Parents and caregivers may choose to opt out of individual or small-group chaplaincy support by contacting the College Principal, who will advise the Chaplain accordingly.
As a Christian school, Macarthur Adventist College integrates faith into the life of the College through activities such as Chapel services and other whole-school programs. These form part of the educational experience and are attended by all students.
If parents or caregivers wish to discuss their child's participation in specific chaplaincy activities outside of the regular College program, they are encouraged to contact the Principal to discuss their request.
If parents or caregivers have any concerns or would like to provide feedback, they are encouraged to discuss the matter with the College Principal. Should a formal complaint be required, information about the College's complaints process and the appropriate forms will be provided.
The College regularly reviews its chaplaincy program to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our school community. Reports are provided to the Home and School Committee and the College Management Committee, while parents and students are invited to share their feedback through regular surveys.
Child Safe Standards
Seventh-day Adventist Schools NSW has made child safety a priority in its response to the new Child Safe Standards.
Counselling
Counselling services are available for students who wish to discuss any issues of concern.
Examples of possible concerns may include:
- Learning, behavioural or physical difficulties
- Issues with family or friends
- Grief and loss
- Bullying
- Stress management
- Career decisions
- Suicide.
Please note: Detailed career's testing is available for students in Years 10 to Year 12.
Please make appointments at reception.
You may talk about anything that is worrying you such as problems with family and friends, learning difficulties, bullying, how to manage stress, grief and loss or your anger, how to deal with thoughts of suicide. You may also talk to your counsellor for career advice.
Anything told to a school counsellor is confidential and will not be reported to anyone else unless the counsellor feels you are in danger or may be planning to put someone else in danger.
Complaints Handling
Please contact Sam Lett, School Principal, for a complaints form if required.
