Chaplaincy at Alinjarra Primary School
At Alinjarra Primary, we are proud to be part of the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program (NSCSWP), delivered in partnership with YouthCARE WA. This program supports the social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of our students and wider school community.
Our Chaplain, Cathy Lyons, is available onsite every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, offering a safe, confidential space for students to be heard, supported and empowered.
What does the Chaplain do?
The Chaplain works in close partnership with the Student Services team to deliver a wide range of wellbeing initiatives, including:
- Individual and small group support for students navigating personal, emotional, or social challenges
- Crisis care and referrals for families and staff during times of grief, stress, or hardship
- Resilience-building and peer leadership programs tailored to classroom and cohort needs
- Community engagement projects that strengthen connections between school and local organisations
- Pastoral care planning that aligns with the school’s wellbeing goals and values
Alinjarra Breakfast Club
The Chaplain also coordinates Alinjarra’s Breakfast Club, offering students a welcoming start to the day each week. On Wednesdays, toasted sandwiches are available for all students and their siblings who would like to drop in. On Thursdays, our wonderful volunteer ladies from the Wesleyan Methodist Church make hot pancakes for everyone to enjoy. Both of these whole-school breakfast opportunities take place in the Redgum block wet area and offer a light meal alongside a friendly, relaxed start to the day. It’s a lovely way to promote wellbeing, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
On the remaining three days, the Chaplain coordinates our Foodbank Breakfast Program. This program supports students who have been identified as needing some extra support, providing a simple breakfast each morning in a calm and caring environment to help them start the day well. If your family is going through a challenging time and this support may be helpful, please feel comfortable reaching out to your child’s teacher or our Chaplain to have a conversation.
Chaplain Referrals
Parents and carers are warmly invited to contact the front office to arrange a referral to the Chaplain or to learn more about other wellbeing supports available.