Croydon Uniting Church has been supporting Chaplains in Croydon Schools for 43 Years. It cost about $80,000.00 annually to have chaplains at the two Schools. Presently a Government grant contributes $40,000 towards this cost and the remaining $40,000 is raised through funding from the schools, donations from the local churches, the general community and over $8000 being raised through fund-raising by a small committee of about twelve people. 

Steve Lisopad is our Chaplain at the Primary school for 2 days a week. During the year he has been working one on one with students helping them feel connected, included and valued.   At recess and lunch time Steve tries to be out in the yard connecting with the students, encouraging social cohesion and friendship building, learning new skills and participating as a team and continues to coach some of the school teams in need of some support and self confidence. He continues to support some staff members who are in need of it and also meeting with parents who have concerns.. The Principal, Julie Gilbert really appreciates having a Chaplain at Croydon Primary School and writes “Every interaction has had a positive outcome and the whole community is better for Steve's involvement at Croydon”.

Chris Waddell is our Chaplain at Melba College for 3 days a week.   Chris has participated in a number of camps and student programs. He considers the Year 7 camp as important in getting to know the students as they begin their Secondary education at Melba. On the first day of school Chris is on hand to meet and greet the new year 7's and has important conversations with nervous and excited students and parents. Likewise he feels it important to meet with the year 12 students as they leave their exam rooms to encourage and support them. Chris says that the important issues have been Mental Health, school refusals, anger issues and family breakdowns. Chris’s breakfast club continues to be a great success by providing breakfast for over 50 students 3 mornings a week. He is being supported in this work through the  North Ringwood Uniting Church.  Pastoral Care is a major part of Chris’s role. Many students he may only have one meeting with, but for some others, he journeys with them over a long period of time.  He assists the school “Well-being  Team” to enable students and Parents to be directed to external support agencies where needed , following up that with those people on a regular basis. 

Both Steve and Chris agree that Chaplaincy programs make a considerable difference in their schools. By their actions and example both are living out the love of Christ through their interaction with the Students, Parents and Teacher that they meet each day in these schools. I am proud that our church is committed to ensuring that Croydon Primary School and Melba College have Chaplains that support our witness in Croydon. Please remember their work in your prayers. 

Thank you for supporting this wonderful program!