Anglican Identity

The Reverend Justine Coverdale John Wollaston Anglican Community School

Being the new chaplain in an Anglican school can be challenging. Every school has its own culture, busy calendar and ways of doing things and the chaplain is expected to be involved in just about every aspect of school life. ‘Being involved’ can mean anything from organising the Valedictory service to comforting a distressed parent or judging a bake-off competition. Every chaplain has to find their own way of being present.

As I approach the end of my first semester at John Wollaston Anglican Community School, I am pleased to report that I am beginning to find my way. Beyond simply being involved, I am building relationships and claiming that which is core to chaplaincy – namely, keeping the rumour of God alive and planting the seeds of future faith.

By far my greatest privilege and joy is introducing children and young people to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. For many students and staff, a school chapel service is their first experience of ‘Church’ and I take seriously my responsibility to make a positive and lasting impression of Christianity.

In my view, what sets Anglican schools apart from some other faith schools is our diversity and inclusivity. We are not only open to all comers, but we celebrate and value difference - John Wollaston Anglican Community School being an excellent example of this. I am looking forward to a long association with Anglican schools.

from the Chaplains

The Reverend Patrick King Anglican Schools Commission While technically not a chaplain myself, it’s a great privilege to spend time with those who serve across all our schools; walking alongside them in their ministry as they in turn journey with each and every member of our communities. In my role as Director of Anglican Identity, I have been challenged to consider and encourage our distinctive Anglican character.

When we think about our personal identity, we often think about things we do - sport or hobbies, good deeds (or bad deeds!), the things we give out and put into the world. But when we look deeper, we realise that our true identity is shaped and nurtured far more by what we receive in life - the care from loved ones, instruction from teachers, and indeed the unconditional love that we receive from God.

In their presence in our schools, our chaplains more than simply ‘model’, rather they ‘become’ that unconditional love of God, made tangible in our communities. In their nurture and care for us, we receive the nurture and care of God, and in that receiving, our identity is shaped and formed.

God is present in our midst as the love we show for one another. The Reverend Kim Thomas Peter Carnley Anglican Community School

I came to PCACS at the beginning of the year in 2020 knowing that there hadn’t been a Chaplain here for two years and wondered how much of the Anglican identity remained.

The school had done so well and hardpressed teachers had done a sterling job covering chapel services, but there was very much a sense of ‘thank goodness you are here!’

It became apparent that this was now an opportunity to regroup, look at just what being an Anglican School means and how we can express the rich diversity of faith and Anglican worship to both staff and students. In chapel services we strive to ensure growth in character, behaviour and faith in an Anglican setting and invite people to experience God’s love through God’s son Jesus.

Anglican Schools give people the opportunity to explore belief and worship, with the understanding that there are many who come with differing beliefs and some no belief at all.

I never take for granted both the privilege and calling I have as a Chaplain and thank God daily that God uses me for God’s glory in this place.

The Anglican Schools Commission Inc. PO Box 2520 Mt Claremont WA 6010 P (08) 9286 0290 F (08) 9384 5023 E info@ascschools.edu.au W www.ascschools.edu.au