Karen Andrews (McPherson, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to talk about a fantastic school in my electorate, Elanora State High School. Just a few weeks ago I presented the school with a new flag and I had the opportunity to speak with students and staff. Elanora High's motto is 'Aim to excel' and there certainly is a very positive atmosphere and culture at the school, where students are supported and encouraged to be their best.

A feature of Elanora High is the strong chaplaincy program. Chaplaincy is a partnership between the school and the chaplain, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, which provides a network of local support and assistance to the school community. Elanora has two chaplains, and I give them a big shout-out today. They run positive, fun activities for the students both in and out of school.

Some sections of the media have certainly struggled to understand the concept and the value of the chaplaincy program in schools. I can tell you that school communities certainly have not had such difficulties. They have a deep understanding of the value of the program, especially in reaching out to young people who may be experiencing difficulties. As the Elanora High website explains:

A school chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school, providing a listening ear, caring presence and a message of hope.

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This includes support for at-risk students, support for staff and families from the wider school community, and spiritual support and direction for the school community.

Elanora High is today running a free-dress day to raise funds for their chaplaincy program. I commend the students on their enterprise, which reflects the value they place on the work that Dave and Stephanie do. I am certain that many of my colleagues in this place have similar positive examples in their electorates, and I take time today to thank the many fantastic people working in chaplaincy programs in schools in my electorate and throughout the country. To Elanora High I say: congratulations to you on the great work that you have been doing and I hope you are having a fantastic time at your free-dress day today.

Yesterday and today I have been wearing the scarf of the Australian Diamonds netball team, our world champions, and I will do that with pride as I continue to support the Australian Diamonds and all of the sporting community organisations in my electorate of McPherson on the southern Gold Coast.

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