Now in its 20th year, the chaplaincy program at Kyabram P-12 College offers Year 12 students much more than just a chat around a table.
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Its vital support contributes to the health and wellbeing of students and offers blessings for their final year of studies.
Chaplain Liz Spicer said the program was about giving without expecting anything back.
“Every year, we provide the Year 12 students with coffee, tea, Milo, milk, baked beans, and soups. We also get a coffee van to attend the school for a special occasion,” Liz said.
“Even cleaning products they may need to use in their pantry/kitchen area help get them through their final year of schooling. It’s all supplied.
“They are like blessings. Well, that’s what I call it anyway. What makes it even more special is that it all comes from the kindness of others in our community.”
Every year at exam time, the chaplaincy also provides the students with a free morning tea to wish them luck for their final stages of study.
Around the same time of year, cartoonist Brett Cardwell from Cardytoons goes to the school and draws a unique portrait of each student.
“Brett is great and is also an ex-chaplain,” Liz said.
“Every year, he draws each student’s portrait, and it’s so much fun. It’s a special day that gives the students something to take home and remember.”
As the school’s Year 12 students now navigate their way through their final high school challenges, Liz said she hoped the kindness of others would help strengthen their journeys.
“The program is run from the kindness and generosity of others donating food, pantry items, vouchers, even money — it’s quite amazing,” she said.
“It’s all about giving without expecting anything back, like paying it forward.
“We do many things that happen in this school that don’t happen in others, and everywhere I go, someone gives me money or donations for the students here.
“People are so generous, and I see the good in people daily. We must celebrate those things in life while wishing the Year 12s good luck for their final year.”