Sonia Mealin is one of more than 500 School Chaplains in Queensland State schools who offer their services to support students and parents as they ease into their first week at primary schools, high schools and special schools.

“Any parents, carers or grandparents who know their children are anxious about starting the school year can contact me or other school support staff. We are here to help!” Sonia said.

SU Queensland is the major employing authority for School Chaplains in Queensland. SU Qld School Chaplains connect with approximately 340,000 students and their parents across over 640 schools in Queensland.

SU Queensland Chief Executive Officer Tim Mander said there will be many students who will be beginning school. “School Chaplains are there to work alongside other support personnel to help care for these students,” he said.

“School chaplains are a friendly face in the schoolyard, often looking out for students who are sitting alone, and inviting them to join in activities.

“School chaplains are a great connecting influence in schools, introducing students to other students, or to social or sporting activities.”

Along with other members of school support teams, School Chaplains help students to feel a sense of belonging in the school and help students deal with personal issues such as self-image, personal crises, loneliness, grief and loss.

RIGHT: School Chaplain Sonia Mealin welcomes, from left, Georgia Truman and Aleisha Kyte.