If you've spent any time around the school, chances are you've met Chappy Matt, usually he is out organising a lunchtime game, driving the bus, cooking pancakes, or somehow managing to be everywhere at once.
Chappy Matt plays a huge role in supporting students, staff, and families across our school community. Every lunch break, he provides sporting and fun activities for students of all ages, creating spaces for connection, laughter, and the occasional fiercely competitive game that probably didn't need to get that serious. Beyond lunchtime fun, Matt provides social, emotional, educational, and community support for students, while also being a positive role model around the school. Whether it's having a chat, offering support, or simply being a familiar face, he's someone many students know they can count on. Matt also helps support families by driving the school bus for morning and afternoon pick-ups and drop-offs, proving his role stretches far beyond the school grounds. He participates in home visits alongside student support staff to help address family needs and encourage school attendance.
Outside school hours, you'll often find Chappy Matt involved in local PCYC programs and weekly youth nights, continuing to support young people in the community. He's also a big supporter of staff wellbeing, organising and joining staff gatherings, camping trips, and fishing adventures, because sometimes team bonding is best done outdoors. And, of course, we can't forget the famous Friday morning pancakes and student BBQs. Some say the smell of pancakes is enough to improve attendance on its own. Whether he's supporting students, helping families, or cooking breakfast for half the school, Chappy Matt is a valued part of our community and someone who makes school a better place to be.
Consent for Chaplaincy Services
Student participation in activities within the Chaplaincy service is voluntary. All parents or guardians at enrolment, and on request, are able to access a consent form for Voluntary Student Participation in Program of Chaplaincy Services which:
· Outlines the range of activities specifically with religious, spiritual and/or ethical content within the program of chaplaincy services provided at school
· allows parents to make an informed decision regarding their child's participation in the program of chaplaincy services
· enables parents to withdraw their agreement to, or consent, for their child's participation in chaplaincy services In addition there is a form for Ongoing Parental/Guardian Consent for One on One Meetings with the School Chaplain at Cloncurry State School P-12. This form needs to be completed by parents when ongoing regular support of an individual student is to occur. The Chaplain may sometimes attend school camps and excursions as an adult supervisor and this is advertised to parents before camps/excursions begin. Parents or carers are informed by letter, newsletter and website when new Chaplaincy activities are introduced into the school.
Local Chaplaincy Committee (LCC)
Cloncurry State School P-12 Chaplaincy runs under the guidance of the Local Chaplaincy Committee (LCC), with representatives from parents and staff, local Churches, and Scripture Union (the major employing authority for school chaplains in Queensland.) The Local Chaplaincy Committee is charged with representing the diversity of religious, faith and non-religious beliefs in the school community. Members of the LCC understand the cultural and religious customs and needs of individuals and groups within the school and range of services and support currently available and/or required.
Chaplain Consent (PDF, 627KB)