Chaplain

Mental health and wellbeing has been foremost in our minds as we continue to negotiate the ever changing landscape of life with COVID-19. Consistently through psychological research on wellbeing, one factor emerges as having a positive impact on wellbeing. This factor acts as a protection against mental ill health; sees a reduction in risky behaviour like binge drinking; reduces depressive symptoms and promotes dispositions like forgiveness and gratitude. This factor is spirituality/religiosity. The body of research convincingly shows that investing in good spiritual development is extremely helpful for wellbeing. Developing spirituality/religiosity means providing opportunities to explore questions about God. Giving time for celebration, learning and reflection is essential. Encouraging students to ask good spiritual questions and seek complex answers contributes to this development as well. Finally, time reflecting on rich texts of the bible is a good means of growth. Faith in a higher personal being does not, as some suggest, “poison everything” (a common phrase used by Christopher Hitchens), rather the research shows  it brings wellness. The staff Professional Learning Day allowed for a number of teachers to explore some of the research and reflect on the implications for the Redlands context.

Our school is committed to offering opportunities to develop good wellbeing. The Pastoral program provided valuable learning about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and one component is the opportunity for Chapel. Although our students do not always appreciate the value, Chapel is an essential space in encountering the divine and forming a robust worldview as they explore the God question. Currently Chapel has been modified to enable students to participate in their Tutor Groups in the Secondary School and by Zoom in the Junior School. Additionally this allows an opportunity for the Secondary School parents to peek in and see what goes on. I invite parents to do so and always value feedback. Currently Yrs 11-12 are reflecting on Words of Wisdom from Jesus. Yrs 7-10 will be exploring a series on Faith speaks to the Critic.

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9830

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9897