 In a school community, which embraces a holistic vision of education,
chaplaincy plays a
pivotal role. The Education Act 1998 Section 9-(d) notes the obligation
placed on schools to
"promote the moral, spiritual and personal development of students in
consultation with parents having regard to
the charismatic spirit of the school". While the chaplaincy is primarily
concerned with moral and spiritual
development of students it also plays an important role in integrating
these with other dimensions of
education, social, personal, academic and physical.
The Chaplaincy Team:
The Chaplaincy team is intimately involved in the life of Castleknock
Community College.
It is totally committed to supporting the ethos of the College through
working together as a team.
The Chaplaincy team operates on an interdenominational basis, and enjoys
the services of a full-time
Catholic chaplain, a part-time Church of Ireland chaplain, the Religious
Studies Department, and
bereavement volunteers who have traditionally been parents. Staff are
also an indispensable part
of the Chaplaincy team.
Open Door:
No matter what stage in life we are at; all of us need some kind of
support. The Chaplaincy team at
Castleknock Community College provides an open door where students can
come and receive support in
a confidential, supportive and safe way. Many students have used this
open door system as their first steps
to dealing with a problem or seeking help. The Chaplain may refer a
student to another member of staff,
another support person or a counsellor, with the permission of the
student. The school Chaplain works
closely with the Principal, Deputy Principals, VEC Educational
Psychologists, local health professionals and
the Guidance Counsellors, as well as the class tutor and Year Heads.
Bereavement Support:
The loss of someone close through death or separation is one of the most
traumatic events in
a person’s life. When the loss occurs during teenage years, the effects
can be even greater.
The Chaplaincy team at Castleknock Community College provides
bereavement support through "The
Rainbows Programme". Rainbows is a support group for young people
dealing with loss
or trauma. A Rainbows site has been set up in the college and is
co-ordinated by the Chaplain. Several
teachers and parents have now completed training to take this programme.
 Prayer & Church:
The Chaplain’s Meditation Room and office provide a haven of peace for a
chat, for prayer, reflection, or
simply a pause during a busy school day. Prayer and Thanksgiving are an
important part of a person’s life.
The Chaplaincy team provide each student with opportunities to nourish
their spirit and get in touch with
their inner self. Class groups are offered prayer experiences, which
help to develop their relationship with
God. Classes take part in Eucharistic Celebrations, Prayer Services, and
Meditation thus making prayer a
part of the ordinary life of the school.
Retreats:
The Chaplaincy team at Castleknock Community College provide a full
retreat programme for the students
in the College. The retreats provide the students with an opportunity to
examine their lives in relation to the
issues they face each day and where God fits into their daily lives.
Senior retreats are conducted away from
the school and are tailored to the needs of the students.
Ecumenism:
Since Castleknock Community College is an interdenominational College it
is our policy to honour and
support all faiths. The First Year multi-faith celebration is the
spiritual highlight of the first term and this is
always a very joyful, collaborative and unifying event. Other ecumenical
occasions are the Christmas Carol
Service and Prize Giving.
Parents:
The Chaplain is always available to meet with parents and to listen to
their concerns.
The involvement of parents is also welcomed in the Chaplaincy team.
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