MARGARET River schools are celebrating the return of their chaplains after the state government announced a $20,000 funding grant for local schools.
Chaplaincy services were cut to many schools after the federal government cut the $1.4 million program in December.
School chaplain Kathryn Seisun has been at Margaret River Senior High School since 2007 and the funding cut meant she had to cut her work days to just two a week.
She originally worked three days a week thanks to Youth Care, an organisation which caters for young West Australians.
While commonly mistaken as preachers, school chaplains offer counselling, guidance and support to students in need of a friendly ear or helping hand.
“When federal funding came in we were able to extend those three days to full time at the high school and part time at the primary school,” Ms Seisun said.
“With the shock announcement in December we had to reduce the hours.
“I’m very pleased about being able to support families and students in the school. It’s a privilege to see people graduate and go on to being members of our community.”
Margaret River Senior High School Principal Andrew Host is thrilled Mrs Seisun can once again be a full time part of the school.
“Chaplains provide really good support for our students,” he said.
“They are proactive and run programs such as Girl Talk which helps girls build confidence and self esteem.
“It’s about being available to the students and being there to talk about anything.”
Student Tahneeka Rowcliffe said programs such as Girl Talk, which sees groups of girls talk through issues over hot chocolate, are a big help during school life.
“There are just some things you can talk to Kathryn about that you can’t talk to anyone else about,” she said.
Youth Care leader Margaret Lindsay said the grant was vital for the chaplaincy services.
“We just had our backs against the wall,” she said.
“The school community is so desperate for any help it can get.
“Now they know they have a foot in the door and they have jobs.”
