Listen: "If you have a heart for chaplaincy there are so many different ways that you could be involved in this program," Alexia said.
By Salt 106.5 TeamTuesday 13 Aug 2024The Morning Wake-up with JordanaInspirational StoriesReading Time: 2 minutes
Alexia Hoffman is the chaplain at Buderim Mountain State School.
Key points
- A day in the life of a chaplain looks different every day.
- Alexia says the work is incredibly fulfilling and fun.
- Listen to the full conversation in the player above.
Chappy Alexia, as she is more commonly known, offers pastoral care and support to students and their families.
She also acts as a role model, friend and gives a listening ear to students who seek her advice.
“A day in the life of a chaplain is quite different from day to day,” Alexia said and explains that she runs different programs throughout the week.
“During the day I might be in and out of classrooms, running programs… we do a little program which involves kindness, confidence and courage.”
A day in the life of a chaplain looks different every day.
Alexia coordinates lunchtime activities including the ‘Chappy Room,’ facilitates a Breakfast club, connects community members and students in the school’s student mentor program, and teaches social-emotional lessons in a classroom setting. She also joins in with sporting events, special lessons, excursions, camps and walk-to-school Wednesdays.
Whether reading stories to younger students, teaching about managing anxiety or introducing different characters to help students with their own emotions, Alexia says the work is incredibly fulfilling and fun.
“If you have a heart for chaplaincy there are so many different ways that you could be involved in this program,” Alexia said.
Alexia says the work is incredibly fulfilling and fun.
“Everyone has something that they can bring to the chaplaincy space, and you never need to feel like… you weren’t enough for this particular role.
“I started out with just the willingness to want to have a go and love others, and I think if we have that heart, whatever skills we need to upgrade in we can easily do if we really have the desire to be able to minister to children.”
If you are interested in the role of a School Chaplain, visit chappy.org.au or call SU QLD on (07) 363 2222.
Listen to the full conversation in the player above.