DCT - Education
Transcript of DCT - Education
From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Seton Sam McNally Bronwyn Shun Wah JaneSubject MINSET Dotties - School ChaplainsDate Sunday 11 November 2018 124716 PMAttachments School Chaplains 11 November 2018docx
Hi Ross
Sorry these are late As requested I have included cost estimates for schools to employ Chaplainsdirectly from a Chaplaincy Provider or to employ a Social Worker or Youth Worker These areindicative costs based on Treasury costs and information I found online
Regards
Kristen Laurent | Senior Manager Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2327|Email kristenlaurentactgovauInclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
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MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
bull There are 42 ACT schools participating in the current Programme comprising of 22 Public Catholic and Independent schools
bull Schools receive a chaplaincy grant of $20000 per annum (GST exclusive) allocated through an application process convened by a Cross Sector Panel chaired by EDU and comprised of representatives from the Catholic Education Office and the Association of Independent Schools of the ACT
bull To receive the payment of $20000 (excluding GST) school chaplains must provide services for a minimum of four hundred (400) hours per calendar year This equates to ten hours per week over 40 school weeks
bull Schools and Funding Recipients can negotiate a level of servicing above the minimum requirement however extra hours of service must be funded by the school In the ACT it appears schools employ Chaplains for 12 hours per week
bull The 2016 NSCP Guidelines state ldquoIt is not the intention that this initiative will in any way diminish or replace existing careers advice counselling services or any other wellbeing service funded by schools and the ACT Government The Program is designed to provide a tailored option based on the requirements of the school community and their decisions regarding the service to be deliveredrdquo
Option Estimated cost Indicative roles and Qualifications School Chaplaincy allocation funded by the Commonwealth through the NSCP
$20000
Key accountabilities include o Social and emotional support o Spiritual support o Mentoring o Community Development o Educational Support o Extra-curricular activities o Team contribution
Quals
o Generally diploma in Youth Work or higher
School funds and employs a Chaplain directly from a Chaplaincy Provider
Approx $14997 (Based on average salary of $499931)
As above
School funds and employs a Social Worker (HP3) for equivalent time commitment (12 hours per week 03FTE)
Approx $29910 Potential roles2 o Group work o Community work o Advocacy o Raising awareness of social
issues
1 httpswwwpayscalecomresearchAUJob=ChaplainSalary 2 A Social Workers Guide to Working in Schools httpswwwaaswasnaudocumentitem3153
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o Role modelling o Case management o Counselling
Quals o University degree
School funds and employs a Youth Worker (ASO4) for equivalent time commitment (12 hours per week 03FTE)
Approx $21711 o Support and advice for students in a one-on-one or group setting
o Assessing risks and providing crisis counselling to young people experiencing trauma
o Providing information and referrals to appropriate specialists or community agencies
o Advocacy o Planning and conducting
programs focused on the specific needs of young people
Quals o Variable from Cert III and Cert
IV to tertiary qualifications
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From McNally BronwynTo Laurent KristenSubject FW Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]Date Tuesday 13 November 2018 101400 AMAttachments School Chaplains 12 November 2018docx
Hi Kristen just waiting for Cathy Crook at this point
Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601
wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Seton Sam Sent Monday 12 November 2018 940 AMTo McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Fwd Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Hi Bron
Please see below- do you have capacity to work on this today
Kind regards Sam Seton | DirectorPhone 02 62057196 | samsetonactgovauStudent Engagement| Schools for All ProgramEducation Directorate| ACT GovernmentGPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601| wwwactgovau
Begin forwarded message
From Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtDate November 12 2018 at 85326 AM GMT+1030To Seton Sam ltSamSetonactgovaugtCc Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt McGarvey CaitlinltCaitlinMcGarveyactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt
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o Role modelling o Case management o Counselling
Quals o University degree
School funds and employs a Youth Worker (ASO4) for equivalent time commitment (12 hours per week 03FTE)
Approx $21711 o Support and advice for students in a one-on-one or group setting
o Assessing risks and providing crisis counselling to young people experiencing trauma
o Providing information and referrals to appropriate specialists or community agencies
o Advocacy o Planning and conducting
programs focused on the specific needs of young people
Quals o Variable from Cert III and Cert
IV to tertiary qualifications
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From McNally BronwynTo Laurent KristenSubject FW Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]Date Tuesday 13 November 2018 101400 AMAttachments School Chaplains 12 November 2018docx
Hi Kristen just waiting for Cathy Crook at this point
Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601
wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Seton Sam Sent Monday 12 November 2018 940 AMTo McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Fwd Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Hi Bron
Please see below- do you have capacity to work on this today
Kind regards Sam Seton | DirectorPhone 02 62057196 | samsetonactgovauStudent Engagement| Schools for All ProgramEducation Directorate| ACT GovernmentGPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601| wwwactgovau
Begin forwarded message
From Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtDate November 12 2018 at 85326 AM GMT+1030To Seton Sam ltSamSetonactgovaugtCc Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt McGarvey CaitlinltCaitlinMcGarveyactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt
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From McNally BronwynTo Laurent KristenSubject FW Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]Date Tuesday 13 November 2018 101400 AMAttachments School Chaplains 12 November 2018docx
Hi Kristen just waiting for Cathy Crook at this point
Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601
wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Seton Sam Sent Monday 12 November 2018 940 AMTo McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Fwd Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Hi Bron
Please see below- do you have capacity to work on this today
Kind regards Sam Seton | DirectorPhone 02 62057196 | samsetonactgovauStudent Engagement| Schools for All ProgramEducation Directorate| ACT GovernmentGPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601| wwwactgovau
Begin forwarded message
From Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtDate November 12 2018 at 85326 AM GMT+1030To Seton Sam ltSamSetonactgovaugtCc Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt McGarvey CaitlinltCaitlinMcGarveyactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt
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From McNally BronwynTo Laurent KristenSubject FW Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]Date Tuesday 13 November 2018 101400 AMAttachments School Chaplains 12 November 2018docx
Hi Kristen just waiting for Cathy Crook at this point
Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601
wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Seton Sam Sent Monday 12 November 2018 940 AMTo McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Fwd Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Hi Bron
Please see below- do you have capacity to work on this today
Kind regards Sam Seton | DirectorPhone 02 62057196 | samsetonactgovauStudent Engagement| Schools for All ProgramEducation Directorate| ACT GovernmentGPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601| wwwactgovau
Begin forwarded message
From Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtDate November 12 2018 at 85326 AM GMT+1030To Seton Sam ltSamSetonactgovaugtCc Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt McGarvey CaitlinltCaitlinMcGarveyactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt
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From McNally BronwynTo Laurent KristenSubject FW Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]Date Tuesday 13 November 2018 101400 AMAttachments School Chaplains 12 November 2018docx
Hi Kristen just waiting for Cathy Crook at this point
Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601
wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Seton Sam Sent Monday 12 November 2018 940 AMTo McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Fwd Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Hi Bron
Please see below- do you have capacity to work on this today
Kind regards Sam Seton | DirectorPhone 02 62057196 | samsetonactgovauStudent Engagement| Schools for All ProgramEducation Directorate| ACT GovernmentGPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601| wwwactgovau
Begin forwarded message
From Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtDate November 12 2018 at 85326 AM GMT+1030To Seton Sam ltSamSetonactgovaugtCc Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt McGarvey CaitlinltCaitlinMcGarveyactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt
DOCUMENT 15
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From McNally BronwynTo Laurent KristenSubject FW Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]Date Tuesday 13 November 2018 101400 AMAttachments School Chaplains 12 November 2018docx
Hi Kristen just waiting for Cathy Crook at this point
Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601
wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From Seton Sam Sent Monday 12 November 2018 940 AMTo McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Fwd Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Hi Bron
Please see below- do you have capacity to work on this today
Kind regards Sam Seton | DirectorPhone 02 62057196 | samsetonactgovauStudent Engagement| Schools for All ProgramEducation Directorate| ACT GovernmentGPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601| wwwactgovau
Begin forwarded message
From Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtDate November 12 2018 at 85326 AM GMT+1030To Seton Sam ltSamSetonactgovaugtCc Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt McGarvey CaitlinltCaitlinMcGarveyactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt
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Subject FW Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Dear Sam Please can you allocate this to a team member (needs to be back on Wed and cancome straight to be following Samrsquos clearance) RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 12 November 2018 913 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only] Hi Josh Irsquoll clarify with you this morning We can recut the brief we have that is with youcurrently RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Thursday 8 November 2018 413 PMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject Chaplains Hi Meg When you have a moment I need to have a chat with you about the path forwardon chaplains
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In brief wersquod like to
Renew the agreement with the CommonwealthAdvise existing government schools with a chaplain that Minister hasreluctantly done so and asks that they directly employ a secular welfareworker even if this means engaging their existing chaplain on a secular basisndash minister will write to them Irsquoll draftEstablish in writing a policy position that no additional government schoolswill seek funding under the program and that if a government schoolchaplain ceases the school may not reengage a chaplainFormalise these arrangements in administering the ACTrsquos role under theagreement
This isnrsquot the approach wersquod aimed to take but unfortunately time hasnrsquot allowedmore advanced work towards an alternative option for government schools Irsquod appreciate your team bedding down how direct employment will be facilitated(ie process and employment classification) in time for Ministerrsquos letter to affectedgovernment school principals before contracts need to be renewed Irsquom also keen to have some advice about whether the 3 administrationcontribution is actually sufficient to cover our cost of administering the agreement Keen to talk when you can Joshua CeramidasSenior Advisor | Office of Minister Yvette Berry MLAPhone (02) 620 53465 | Mobile 0422 668 243
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Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
bull The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to
employ secular workers
bull The Agreement clearly states the key output is the delivery of the NSCP in Australian schools to support the wellbeing of students through the delivery of chaplaincy services
bull If the ACT signs the Agreement EDU must comply with clause 32 on page 8 that states for the purpose
of the agreement a Chaplain is an individual who i is recognised by the school community and the appropriate governing
ii authority for the school as having the skills and experience to deliver school chaplaincy to the school community and
iii is recognised through formal ordination commissioning recognised religious qualifications or endorsement by a recognised or accepted religious institution and
iv meets the NSCPs minimum qualification requirements
bull If the agreement is signed clause 11 section b of the Agreement states that the ACT would need to invite all schools in the ACT to apply to participate in the NSCP Establishing a policy position that no additional government schools will seek funding under the program would breach this clause of the agreement
The options open to the ACT include
bull Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could potentially act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis
OR bull Renew the funding agreement and EDU could potentially act as funding recipient to employ Chaplains
directly with NSCP funding This approach would have a financial impact on EDU and require a full- time position to manage the recruitment and training of Chaplains This would also impact on Chaplaincy ACT who manages the funding through recruiting training and supporting chaplains on behalf of 20 public schools Classifying the position would be an additional challenge as the Agreement defines a chaplain as articulated in point 3 People and Performance have provided initial advice that there is uncertainty as to whether the above defined criteria could be a mandatory requirement in the recruitment process This would require further exploration
OR bull Remove ACT public schools from participating in the NSCP and negotiate with the Commonwealth to
administer the funds on behalf on the independent and catholic sectors The Australian Government is likely to withdraw the funding from the ACT
OR bull The ACT could not sign the agreement and therefore no schools in the ACT could participate in the
NSCP This will impact on the Catholic and Independent sectors however many of these schools already employ chaplains as part of their schoolrsquos pastoral care services
OR bull Sign the agreement roll over existing schools to 2019 as proposed by the Australian Government and
allow all schools to apply for NSCP funding through an application process to be held mid 2019
bull One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP A number of stakeholders including schools have enquired as to the status of the Programme in the ACT EDUrsquos response has been to advise the Directorate is reviewing the new Programme is in communication with the Australian Government and advice will be provided in the coming weeks
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From Laurent KristenTo McNally BronwynSubject FW MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-
Official-Use-Only]Date Thursday 15 November 2018 85509 AMAttachments MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx
From Sturgiss Kim On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 15 November 2018 850 AMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt McNally BronwynltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject FW MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx[SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
From Hawkins Ross Sent Wednesday 14 November 2018 433 PMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx [SEC=UNCLASSIFIEDDLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Meg ndash Hope this assists
Thanks
Ross
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In brief wersquod like to
Renew the agreement with the CommonwealthAdvise existing government schools with a chaplain that Minister hasreluctantly done so and asks that they directly employ a secular welfareworker even if this means engaging their existing chaplain on a secular basisndash minister will write to them Irsquoll draftEstablish in writing a policy position that no additional government schoolswill seek funding under the program and that if a government schoolchaplain ceases the school may not reengage a chaplainFormalise these arrangements in administering the ACTrsquos role under theagreement
This isnrsquot the approach wersquod aimed to take but unfortunately time hasnrsquot allowedmore advanced work towards an alternative option for government schools Irsquod appreciate your team bedding down how direct employment will be facilitated(ie process and employment classification) in time for Ministerrsquos letter to affectedgovernment school principals before contracts need to be renewed Irsquom also keen to have some advice about whether the 3 administrationcontribution is actually sufficient to cover our cost of administering the agreement Keen to talk when you can Joshua CeramidasSenior Advisor | Office of Minister Yvette Berry MLAPhone (02) 620 53465 | Mobile 0422 668 243
DOCUMENT 15
3 of 4
Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
bull The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to
employ secular workers
bull The Agreement clearly states the key output is the delivery of the NSCP in Australian schools to support the wellbeing of students through the delivery of chaplaincy services
bull If the ACT signs the Agreement EDU must comply with clause 32 on page 8 that states for the purpose
of the agreement a Chaplain is an individual who i is recognised by the school community and the appropriate governing
ii authority for the school as having the skills and experience to deliver school chaplaincy to the school community and
iii is recognised through formal ordination commissioning recognised religious qualifications or endorsement by a recognised or accepted religious institution and
iv meets the NSCPs minimum qualification requirements
bull If the agreement is signed clause 11 section b of the Agreement states that the ACT would need to invite all schools in the ACT to apply to participate in the NSCP Establishing a policy position that no additional government schools will seek funding under the program would breach this clause of the agreement
The options open to the ACT include
bull Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could potentially act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis
OR bull Renew the funding agreement and EDU could potentially act as funding recipient to employ Chaplains
directly with NSCP funding This approach would have a financial impact on EDU and require a full- time position to manage the recruitment and training of Chaplains This would also impact on Chaplaincy ACT who manages the funding through recruiting training and supporting chaplains on behalf of 20 public schools Classifying the position would be an additional challenge as the Agreement defines a chaplain as articulated in point 3 People and Performance have provided initial advice that there is uncertainty as to whether the above defined criteria could be a mandatory requirement in the recruitment process This would require further exploration
OR bull Remove ACT public schools from participating in the NSCP and negotiate with the Commonwealth to
administer the funds on behalf on the independent and catholic sectors The Australian Government is likely to withdraw the funding from the ACT
OR bull The ACT could not sign the agreement and therefore no schools in the ACT could participate in the
NSCP This will impact on the Catholic and Independent sectors however many of these schools already employ chaplains as part of their schoolrsquos pastoral care services
OR bull Sign the agreement roll over existing schools to 2019 as proposed by the Australian Government and
allow all schools to apply for NSCP funding through an application process to be held mid 2019
bull One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP A number of stakeholders including schools have enquired as to the status of the Programme in the ACT EDUrsquos response has been to advise the Directorate is reviewing the new Programme is in communication with the Australian Government and advice will be provided in the coming weeks
DOCUMENT 15
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From Laurent KristenTo McNally BronwynSubject FW MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-
Official-Use-Only]Date Thursday 15 November 2018 85509 AMAttachments MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx
From Sturgiss Kim On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 15 November 2018 850 AMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt McNally BronwynltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject FW MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx[SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
From Hawkins Ross Sent Wednesday 14 November 2018 433 PMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx [SEC=UNCLASSIFIEDDLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Meg ndash Hope this assists
Thanks
Ross
DOCUMENT 16
1 of 5
Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
bull The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to
employ secular workers
bull The Agreement clearly states the key output is the delivery of the NSCP in Australian schools to support the wellbeing of students through the delivery of chaplaincy services
bull If the ACT signs the Agreement EDU must comply with clause 32 on page 8 that states for the purpose
of the agreement a Chaplain is an individual who i is recognised by the school community and the appropriate governing
ii authority for the school as having the skills and experience to deliver school chaplaincy to the school community and
iii is recognised through formal ordination commissioning recognised religious qualifications or endorsement by a recognised or accepted religious institution and
iv meets the NSCPs minimum qualification requirements
bull If the agreement is signed clause 11 section b of the Agreement states that the ACT would need to invite all schools in the ACT to apply to participate in the NSCP Establishing a policy position that no additional government schools will seek funding under the program would breach this clause of the agreement
The options open to the ACT include
bull Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could potentially act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis
OR bull Renew the funding agreement and EDU could potentially act as funding recipient to employ Chaplains
directly with NSCP funding This approach would have a financial impact on EDU and require a full- time position to manage the recruitment and training of Chaplains This would also impact on Chaplaincy ACT who manages the funding through recruiting training and supporting chaplains on behalf of 20 public schools Classifying the position would be an additional challenge as the Agreement defines a chaplain as articulated in point 3 People and Performance have provided initial advice that there is uncertainty as to whether the above defined criteria could be a mandatory requirement in the recruitment process This would require further exploration
OR bull Remove ACT public schools from participating in the NSCP and negotiate with the Commonwealth to
administer the funds on behalf on the independent and catholic sectors The Australian Government is likely to withdraw the funding from the ACT
OR bull The ACT could not sign the agreement and therefore no schools in the ACT could participate in the
NSCP This will impact on the Catholic and Independent sectors however many of these schools already employ chaplains as part of their schoolrsquos pastoral care services
OR bull Sign the agreement roll over existing schools to 2019 as proposed by the Australian Government and
allow all schools to apply for NSCP funding through an application process to be held mid 2019
bull One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP A number of stakeholders including schools have enquired as to the status of the Programme in the ACT EDUrsquos response has been to advise the Directorate is reviewing the new Programme is in communication with the Australian Government and advice will be provided in the coming weeks
DOCUMENT 15
4 of 4
From Laurent KristenTo McNally BronwynSubject FW MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-
Official-Use-Only]Date Thursday 15 November 2018 85509 AMAttachments MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx
From Sturgiss Kim On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 15 November 2018 850 AMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt McNally BronwynltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject FW MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx[SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
From Hawkins Ross Sent Wednesday 14 November 2018 433 PMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx [SEC=UNCLASSIFIEDDLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Meg ndash Hope this assists
Thanks
Ross
DOCUMENT 16
1 of 5
From Laurent KristenTo McNally BronwynSubject FW MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-
Official-Use-Only]Date Thursday 15 November 2018 85509 AMAttachments MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx
From Sturgiss Kim On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 15 November 2018 850 AMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt McNally BronwynltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject FW MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx[SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
From Hawkins Ross Sent Wednesday 14 November 2018 433 PMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject MIN18 1122 Brief Revised- NSCP Project Agreement TehanRHdocx [SEC=UNCLASSIFIEDDLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Meg ndash Hope this assists
Thanks
Ross
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MINISTERIAL BRIEF
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 1
UNCLASSIFIED
To Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
TRIM No MIN181122
From Deputy Director-General
Date 14 November 2011
Subject National School Chaplaincy Programme Project Agreement
Critical Date 16 November 2018
Critical Reason A response is requested by the Australian Government for States and Territories to sign the new National School Chaplaincy programme project agreement by 16 November 2018
Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
Recommendations That you
1 Provide approval for the ACT to participate in the NSCP 20192022 Agreed Not Agreed Please Discuss
2 Sign the attached letter at Attachment B to the Hon Dan Tehan Minister for Education if you agree to participate in the NSCP 2019-2022 and Agreed Not Agreed Please Discuss
3 Note the policy parameters and approach for ACT public schools contained in this brief Noted Please Discuss
Yvette Berry MLA helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip helliphelliphellip
Ministerrsquos Office Feedback
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UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 2
Background
1 The Education Directorate (EDU) briefed you in August 2018 (MIN18513) on the Australian Governmentrsquos budget announcement to continue the NSCP A further brief was provided in October 2018 to respond to your request for options for Canberra Public Schools if the ACT decided against participating in the Programme (MIN18857)
2 You wrote to the Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan on 5 October 2018 (MIN18 703) requesting the Minister consider including secular student welfare workers in the 2019-2022 Programme
3 Minister Tehan responded stating the NSCP funding is a contribution for the costs of employing school chaplains only
4 The agreement at Attachment A articulates responsibilities for administering both the Programme and funds under the 2019-2022 Project Agreement with the Australian Government
5 The Programme would be implemented and monitored through the ACT NSCP Guidelines 2019-2022 to be developed by EDU and based on previous Guidelines This document will articulate the responsibilities of chaplains and funding recipients and align with the outputs in the Project Agreement
6 States and Territories have provided input to the draft agreement and this resulted in changes that provide greater clarity of the role of the chaplain and greater transparency to the community through requiring the publication of schools in receipt of funding on States and Territories websites However the Commonwealth has not reflected our broader observations relating to secular support and more broadly a greater support for student welfare
7 A key change of the new program includes the provision of training for chaplains through the e-Safety Commissioner on bullying and cyber bullying The key outputs that form terms for participation in the agreement are at Attachment B
8 EDU has reviewed the agreement and are disappointed that our broader observations have not been included and that this arrangement misses the opportunity to be more embracing of student welfare needs beyond provision by religious institutions We do however recognise that this arrangement is for all schools in the ACT including the Catholic and Independent sectors
Issues
9 The Directorate notes your position regarding the secular nature of ACT schools 10 The Directorate has been investigating how to align broader ACT participation in the
NSCP while meeting your preferred position of an alternative approach focused on the welfare of students in a secular way
11 In addition to supporting renewal of the Project Agreement the Directorate will establish a policy position for development of an alternative approach for ACT public schools to enable the direct employment of secular workers as part of schoolsrsquo broader wellbeing teams
12 This would support concurrent delivery of the NSCP (which would directly benefit Catholic and Independent schools) while looking to support a transition of ACT public schools into an alternative arrangement
13 The Directorate notes you will write to each ACT public School Principal in relation to the ACT Governmentrsquos participation in the NSCP and set your expectations with
DOCUMENT 16
3 of 5
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 3
principals regarding the secular nature of ACT schools and transitioning away from chaplaincy support to a welfare focused model supported by secular workers where appropriate
14 Schools and the Directorate will develop an appropriate employment mechanism for the direct employment of the services provided by current chaplains for schools transitioning out of the NSCP This would be on the understanding that the current chaplains were willing to be utilised on a secular basis and could be employed locally
15 The NSCP agreement requires that all schools in the jurisdictions are invited to participate and that the process for how schools apply for NSCP funding be published
16 The Australian Government has agreed to roll over all schools who are currently in the Programme in 2019 provided an application process is undertaken in 2019 for schoolsrsquo participation in 2020-2021 This means that in the ACT 22 public schools will participate in the NSCP for 2019
17 The establishment of a process for application in 2019 can be managed like previous years with an application process with appropriate criteria We will also convene a senior cross sectoral panel to review applications received from schools
18 This will allow time for the development of transition arrangements for the 22 public schools into alternative arrangements including a shift to school-based funding
19 For any new ACT public schools who wish to enter the program in 2019 (ie non-roll over schools) discussions can be focussed on moving to a secular approach in the first instance
20 In transitioning the ACT public schools away from the NSCP there is a risk that the commonwealth may terminate participation with the ACT As part of developing any alternative arrangements we will seek GSO advice on broader implications (including for Catholic and Independent schools) noting that the Project Agreement states the Agreement is not legally enforceable
Financial Implications 21 The total funding allocation for the ACT is $98000000 Of this allocation $2940000
can be used by States and Territories to administer the Programme 22 Schools will receive an allocation of $2028000 per annum
Consultation
Internal
23 Nil
Cross Directorate
24 Nil
External 25 Ministerial and Commonwealth relations has been liaising with the Department of
Education and Training
DOCUMENT 16
4 of 5
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 4
BenefitsSensitivities 26 The National and ACT Branches of the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the ACT
Council of Parents and Citizens Associations (ACT PampC) have previously voiced concerns about the Programme The AEU was concerned that the ACT Government needed to preserve the secular nature traditions of public schooling and that funding should be invested in wellbeing programs more broadly The ACT PampC position was that more school counsellors not chaplains were needed
27 Feedback provided by schools through an annual reporting process indicate that chaplains employed under the Programme are valued members of school wellbeing teams Through this process schools are required to report any complaints received about the Programme No complaints have been reported regarding the 2015-2018 Programme in the ACT
Media Implications
28 There is likely to be continued media interest in the Programme particularly in relation to the perceived risk of chaplains proselytising in public schools EDU will prepare a communication strategy in relation to the ACT participation or non partcipation in the Programme
Meg Brighton Deputy Director-General
Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins Phone 6205 7719
Action Officer Kristen Laurent Phone 6207 2327
Attachments Attachment Title Attachment A NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022 Attachment B Key agreement outputs summary
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From Laurent KristenTo Spinks JacintaCc Eshman GillianSubject FW National School Chaplaincy program January 2019 follow upDate Monday 24 December 2018 90500 AM
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
FYI
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 24 December 2018 903 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugt Fleck Katrina ltKatrinaFleckactgovaugtLaurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject National School Chaplaincy program January 2019 follow up
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Dear Ross
My thanks to you and the team for the work this year on the national school chaplaincy program
In January please could you1 Follow up Russell Noud on direct engagement of chaplains2 Settle with Kristen the messaging for public school principals about transitioning off the
chaplain arrangements and move to welfare function3 Confirm that other public schools (not currently in the program) are clear that they should
engage welfare functions directly rather than through this arrangement4 Liaise with the Office (keep Ag DDG and DG in the loop) on the Mins proposed letter to
principals My advice to CoS was that this was better suited to be from the DG andoutlining the Governmentrsquos position
5 Start the work re panel for access to the program for Non-Government entities
ThanksMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
DOCUMENT 18
1 of 1
Sequence Lead Due datecritical date
1 Minister will write to DG outlining her expectations MO
2Contact People amp Performance and CMTEDD WCAG re direct engagement of chaplains Student
Engagement
Letter from DG on policy position - not participate beyond 2019
- option to directly engage chaplains- not deliver additional hours beyond reqs of the PA
Student Engagement
ED SDD and EDSI to have 11 phone discussions with each of the principles to ensure consistency of message opportunity forchaplains to direct employment (pls discuss with DDG prior to leave) ED SDD and ED SI Email confirming contract finalised and include checklist and comms for websiteschool newsletter
Follow-up email from Kristen re approach and intent to terminate current deed and that a letter and a new deed will follow Draft letter to Scripture Union outlining policy position and responsing to question re rollover of residual funds Student
Engagement EDU finalise corro to Scripture Union Student
Engagement Draft letter from [DG] to contract holders (14 in total) formally advising termination of current contract and providing new deeds for signature Letter should advise of changes from previous agreement highlight deed is for 12months only and that panel will be established in second half of 2019 to select schools for 2020 and beyond
Student Engagement
Update EDU web content when we have cleared messaging Student Engagement
Deed and guidelines
EDU website
Comms
Status and Tasks ndash Chaplaincy PA
StatusTasks
Principals
Funding Recipients
DOCUMENT 19
1 of 6
Contact governance and legal to sound check approach a update existing contracts and use as template for new contracts b update guidelines with same info as above and consider whether could tweak to narrow to just the parameters of the PA and flexible enough to consider future optionsc will the contract need to terminate at the end of 12 months andor how do we activate extension clause for 3 years if they apply and are successfuld do we need GSO advice - NO
Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Check financial delegations and who needs to be delegate Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Get further detail on the professional learning requirement either from files or contact Cth directly Student Engagement
Update deed and guidelines Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop checklist for principals outlining roles and resp as part of the rollover (eg annual consent forms at enrolment publishing processes and details of the chaplaincy services on the school website evidence and feedback of consultation with school community)
Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop guidance for princiapls on comms with school communities This could include a form article for inclusion in school bulettins informing communities on - rollover for 2019 and program continuation
Student Engagement
Develop checklist for funding recipients - roles and responsibilities Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop generic content for schools to publish on their websites details of any program funded services Student Engagement
Within 3 months of commencement
Develop narrative and messaging on participation in the new program for clearance
Check what the process is for SU to return unacqtuited funds and then for EDU to return $ to CthStudent Engagement
Check if any other providers have residual funding - check aqcuitals in the first instance Confirm all funds will be expended for 2019 with the rollover and that a selection panel does not need to be established in 2019
Student Engagement
Transition to new program
DOCUMENT 19
2 of 6
Check if principal of Kaleen needs to do anything in terms of changing to a new funding recipient Student Engagement
Update contact list Student Engagement
In establishing a policy position for ACT Schools we may need to preclude ACT Schools from funding additional hours Need to confirm if any schools are already funding additional hours
Student Engagement
DOCUMENT 19
3 of 6
Notes
Russel Noud
Q - will this be from the Minister
Q - will Scripture Union receive both this letter and the letter above from Minister Note - Fusion no longer a funding recipient Services for Kaleen will be administed by Chaplaincy ACT
Could note future arrangements with Chaplaincy ACT
DOCUMENT 19
4 of 6
Note Initial contact with Shared Services advised to complete a request for procurement form Their initial advice is that new contracts need to be established with their help given the total quantum of funding exceeds $200000 However this may not be warranted given each deed is for a lesser amount Form was completed and provided to Danielle Krajina in the first instance to confirm whether we need to go through shared services
KL can be contact but needs to be signed by Director level
Waiting on advice from KerryDanielle
Q - how will this be provided to principles
Q - how will this be provided to principles Note Guidelines stipulate there must be consultation with and ongoing support from the broader school community about the demand for and role of a school chaplain
As per guidelines schools need to publish this detail within 3 months of commencement Section 65 of the guidelines indicates the minimum information to include
Noting narrative should have regard to historyjourney of program and policym changes to the program legislation changing landscape of schools eg school psychologists in schools
DOCUMENT 19
5 of 6
Switching from Fusion ACT to Scripture Union ACT
Noting the guidelines stipulate that schools and funding recipients can negotiate a level of servicing above the minimum requirement and that anything extra is funded by the school
DOCUMENT 19
6 of 6
From Laurent KristenTo Spinks JacintaSubject FW Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]Date Friday 4 January 2019 102400 AM
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 17 December 2018 237 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject FW Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
From Noud Russell Sent Monday 17 December 2018 903 AMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
Will do
Russell NoudDirector Public Sector Industrial Relations | Convenor of AppealsWorkforce Capability and Governance DivisionChief Minister and Treasury Directorate| ACT GovernmentLevel 5 Canberra Nara Centre | GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Web wwwactgovauPhone (02) 6207 6019 | Fax (02) 6205 0334 | Mobile 0413 153433 | Emailrussellnoudactgovau
Please consider the environment before printing this email
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 17 December 2018 809 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins RossltRossHawkinsactgovaugt Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet]
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi Russell
DOCUMENT 20
1 of 3
We are still looking for a resolution on this ndash can you liaise with Ross and Alison and they canprovide me with the adive Many thanksMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Wednesday 5 December 2018 1020 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins RossltRossHawkinsactgovaugt Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject Re Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet] Thanks Russell Our employment would be secular and welfare focused Similar to the current externallyprovided chaplains who need a religious affiliation but arenrsquot permitted under the arrangementsoperate as religious operators (eg Secular execution) Thanks
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
On 5 Dec 2018 at 908 am Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugt wrote
I havenrsquot forgotten this Meg ndash there is some history on this that Peter and Ian recall(apparently we did employ chaplains at some stage (we think in Health)) Wersquore just looking for the information but all our resource material was culledwhen we went to ABW so we may not have it anymore Russell NoudDirector Public Sector Industrial Relations | Convenor of AppealsWorkforce Capability and Governance DivisionChief Minister and Treasury Directorate| ACT GovernmentLevel 5 Canberra Nara Centre | GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Web
DOCUMENT 20
2 of 3
wwwactgovauPhone (02) 6207 6019 | Fax (02) 6205 0334 | Mobile 0413 153433 | Emailrussellnoudactgovau Please consider the environment before printing this email
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 26 November 2018 931 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtSubject Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet] Hi Russell Thanks for the chat the other week about Chaplains in schools Wersquove tried to getour hands on their employment contracts with the third party providers and havebeen unable to ACT is contemplating not agreeing to the Commonwealth initiative for schoolchaplains and Irsquod like advice as to how we might direct employ those chaplains whoare already working within our public schools (move them from third party providerto direct employment as welfare officers) Any assistance would be welcome RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
DOCUMENT 20
3 of 3
From Laurent KristenTo Shun Wah Jane Spinks JacintaCc Eshman GillianSubject FW MINSET action ChaplaincyDate Monday 7 January 2019 85100 PMAttachments YB to SU regarding chaplainsdocx
YB to school principals regarding chaplains 2docxYB to Tehan regarding NSCP signonDOCX
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
FYI ndash Ill discuss with Ross tomorrowkristen
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 7 January 2019 535 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt Matthews David ltDavidMatthewsactgovaugtLaurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject RE MINSET action Chaplaincy
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Neglected to include attachments
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 7 January 2019 503 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugtMatthews David ltDavidMatthewsactgovaugt Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject MINSET action Chaplaincy
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Dear Ross
Discussed Chaplaincy implementation at MINSET today
1 Minister will write to DG outlining her expectations (similar content to the attached draft)2 DG will then write to the ACT public school principals (22) outlining our policy position ndash
SE to draft3 EDU to draft letter to SU (note Min will also still write to SU outlining policy position of
DOCUMENT 21
1 of 8
Ms Jenni Dobbin
Director of Field Operations
School Chaplaincy ACT and Scripture Union QLD
PO Box 1167
EAGLE FARM QLD 4009
cc Ms Lyndal Rogers Field Development Manager School Chaplaincy ACT
Dear Ms Dobbin
I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022
In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community
The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions
Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation
Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools
I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The ACT Education Directorate is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the people currently engaged to work in government schools
In approaching this issue I have sought to balance the legitimate religious faith held by some members of the community and their opportunity to access for their children religious support and instruction with my equal obligation to the integrity of ACT government schools
While you may not agree with this decision I consider it vital that the ACT Government uphold ACT law and respect secularism particularly when providing services to children and young people during their formative years
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
hellip
hellip
hellip
Dear Principal
I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 I understand that your school is currently host to a school chaplain engaged under the current program
In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community
The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists and the Network Student Engagement Teams and have additional investment planned for the future However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions
Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools It would also seem to me to be preferable that the program be reoriented to focus on the engagement of qualified social or youth workers
I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities
I appreciate your cooperation in making this change
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
cc Natalie Howson Director-General Education Directorate
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Education
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister
While I the employment of religious school chaplains is a priority for the current federal government the incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools
If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation I was also disappointed to learn that ACT feedback provided to your department highlighting a need to provide greater clarity in the draft program agreement about a student welfare focus for these workers regardless of their role designation
I have decided that as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded Government schools currently participating in the program will be asked to transition to direct engagement of secular student welfare workers
However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
Please find attached a signed copy of the project agreement
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
the Government)4 SE follow up with PampP and CMTEDD re direct engagement (email to CMTEDD Alison F
and Ross late 2018)5 ED SDD and ED SI to have 1 1 phone discussions with each of the principals to ensure
consistency of message opportunity for chaplains to transition to direct employment ndashplease discuss with DDG prior to leave
6 EDU to finalise corro to SU7 EDU to establish panel for access to program (noting ACT Government policy position)
RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
DOCUMENT 21
2 of 8
YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
Director of Field Operations School Chaplaincy ACT and Scripture Union QLD PO Box 1167 EAGLE FARM QLD 4009 cc Field Development Manager School Chaplaincy ACT Dear I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
DOCUMENT 21
3 of 8
2
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The ACT Education Directorate is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the people currently engaged to work in government schools In approaching this issue I have sought to balance the legitimate religious faith held by some members of the community and their opportunity to access for their children religious support and instruction with my equal obligation to the integrity of ACT government schools While you may not agree with this decision I consider it vital that the ACT Government uphold ACT law and respect secularism particularly when providing services to children and young people during their formative years Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
DOCUMENT 21
4 of 8
YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
hellip hellip hellip Dear Principal I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 I understand that your school is currently host to a school chaplain engaged under the current program In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists and the Network Student Engagement Teams and have additional investment planned for the future However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools It would also seem to me to be preferable that the program be reoriented to focus on the engagement of qualified social or youth workers I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded
DOCUMENT 21
5 of 8
2
However I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the person currently engaged to work in your school Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the program and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look in the first instance to your school staffing allocation to facilitate direct engagement of these workers acknowledging that the government continues to add to resources available to schools for student welfare The Education Support Office can assist you to work through this process I appreciate your cooperation in making this change Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development cc Natalie Howson Director-General Education Directorate
DOCUMENT 21
6 of 8
YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
The Hon Dan Tehan MP Minister for Education PO Box 6022 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Dear Minister I am writing to follow-up on your reply to my letter and our telephone conversation about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 While I the employment of religious school chaplains is a priority for the current federal government the incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation I was also disappointed to learn that ACT feedback provided to your department highlighting a need to provide greater clarity in the draft program agreement about a student welfare focus for these workers regardless of their role designation I have decided that as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded Government schools currently participating in the program will be asked to transition to direct engagement of secular student welfare workers However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
DOCUMENT 21
7 of 8
2
Please find attached a signed copy of the project agreement Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
DOCUMENT 21
8 of 8
From McNally BronwynTo Hawkins RossCc Spinks JacintaSubject Meeting outcomes with CMTEDD re ChaplaincyDate Monday 14 January 2019 51238 PM
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi RossAs discussed Jacinta and I met with Russell Noud Director of Public Sector Workplace Relationsand two of his team members this afternoon to discuss direct engagement options for existingChaplains as Student Welfare Officers They advised that direct employment is possible we justneed to determine what the best approach would be They need to work out whether therersquos anexisting job classification that the Student Welfare Officers would align with or whether a newspecific classification needs to be established Our initial feel is that the Youth Workersclassification would probably provide an adequate fit but we will investigateNext steps are to
1 Research and provide the below information to Russell and the teamInfo on current chaplains
Position descriptions and rolesresponsibilitiesPay ratesWhether they work in multiple schools andor across sectorsRequired skillsetqualificationsAny pertinent information regarding the contract between the funding recipient andchaplain Eg possible prohibitions in service agreements andor deed of granthindering chaplains ability to work directly for schools
Info on future arrangementsProposed skillsetqualificationsPermanent or temporary employment (noting anything over 6months will requireadvertising and merit process)Work conditions (eg expected hours overtime school terms or office hours WWVPchecks etc)Any thoughts on potential classifications that would align ndash eg youth worker healthprofessional counsellorProcess for schools sharing a worker
2 Once we have completed the above scoping we will reconvene in the next week or so todiscuss the best way forward
3 Russell mentioned giving the union a heads-up He is meeting with the CPSU thisWednesday where he suggested he could flag it However given wersquore still workingthrough it and comms havenrsquot gone out to schoolsfunding recipients yet it might be a bitpremature We said to hold off until we run it by you
Could you please confirm ifYou are happy for us to proceed with the next steps and continue liaison with Russell andhis team AndYou would like Russell to flag this issue with CPSU at this stage
Thank youBronwynBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovau
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Student Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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From Spinks JacintaTo Hawkins RossCc McNally BronwynSubject RE Advice - Chaplaincy programDate Wednesday 16 January 2019 41414 PM
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveGreat thanks Ross Wersquoll get a draft to you tomorrowCheersJacinta
From Hawkins Ross Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 410 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Andersen JosephineltJosephineAndersenactgovaugtSubject RE Advice - Chaplaincy program
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveGood question ndash I would suggest that if this is the DGs understanding then we probably shoulddraft (given we havenrsquot got anything from the office yet) I would suggest we pick up thefollowing
Clear on policy linkage and the position of the GovernmentClear on importance of welfare functions and Min support for theseClear on the importance on secular support for schoolsHappy for those supporting to continue but within a secular contextRequest DG to be clear with principalsRequest EDU to set up appropriate processes to facilitate public schoolsRequest EDU o manage this on behalf of Catholics and AIShellip
Happy to discussThanksRoss
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 321 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Advice - Chaplaincy program
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi RossDanielle Krajina from the Governance team sent the below emails and called today about aconversation she had with the DG earlier today seeking an update on the chaplaincy program
Danielle has the impression that Natalie thinks we (student engagement) are meant to bedrafting the letter from the Minister to the DG outlining expectations It is not clear from step 1in Megrsquos original email (attached) who was drafting this letter We had thought it was the MOwho was going to draft and send this letter ndash is that your understanding or do you want us toconfirm with the MOMany thanksJacintaJacinta Spinks | Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2024|Email jacintaspinksactgovau
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Inclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 202 PMTo Krajina Danielle ltDanielleKrajinaactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveNo worries yoursquore not intruding at allThatrsquos our understanding too but we havenrsquot seen anything from the Min to the DG yet (thatrsquosnot to say it hasnrsquot been sent) We suspect it will come through shortly and are just preparingfor it to start drafting comms Wersquoll let you know once we receive somethingCheersJacinta
From Krajina Danielle Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 157 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]Has a letter come from the Min to the DG which is Nataliersquos understanding of the process SorryI donrsquot mean to intrude I just mentioned to Natalie that we were providing assistance to theteam in progressing the deedsDanielle
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 126 PMTo Krajina Danielle ltDanielleKrajinaactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveThanks DanielleWe are in the process of drafting letters from DG to schoolsfunding recipients at the momentbut will flag with Ross Hawkins that the DG is looking for an updateCheersJacinta
From Krajina Danielle Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 123 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]JacintaThe DG was asking today about the process for progressing this Ie Letter from Minister to DGletters from DG to non govt schools and comms You may have covered it but can someoneprovide an update to the DG possibly through relevant Executive Group Manager and DDGDanielle
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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16
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From Ceramidas JoshuaTo Hawkins RossSubject RE Draft documents NSCPDate Monday 4 February 2019 111235 AM
Yep Irsquoll have her sign a short note for the record when she signs the SU letter
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 1005 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCP
UNCLASSIFIEDNo sorry ndash more than happy for you to write to SU (I just want to get the sequencing right withthe principals for this)Was thinking more the letter from the minister to the DG regarding the Ministers expectationson the DirectorateR
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Monday 4 February 2019 933 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCPYou mean about who writes to SU Not sure why this is an issue
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 920 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCP
UNCLASSIFIEDThanks Josh ndash AcknowledgedWill you send through the note from Min to the DG re expectations We will be clear with principals that this change returns the Govt to alignment with thelegislation ndash we will book this session with Principals on Wednesday (unless we hear from youthat this doesnrsquot work for the Min)ThanksRoss
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Monday 4 February 2019 902 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject Re Draft documents NSCPThese are ok and appear to largely reflect the drafts I wrote Minister needs to write to SU notthe DG Important to be clear with principals that while a policy change this in fact returns thegovernment to alignment with the Act
Sent from my iPhone
On 23 Jan 2019 at 1956 Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt wrote
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi JoshAs discussed
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Here is the pack of letters Corro we have drafted re chaplains These include- Drafted letter from Min to DG- Letter from Min to SU or Letter from DG to SU (dependent on your advice)- DG Letter to principals- Talking points for a me Mark Huxley to discuss with Principals
We have also attached some proposed timelines to sequence events We werethinking that we could do this next week or week after (Mark Huxley is on leave
until the 4th) ndash but would welcome a steer on when you think the Min would wantto send a letter to SUHappy to pop over and run through these if that would be usefulThanksRoss
ltDG letter to Scripture Union - policy direction from 2020docxgt
ltDraft Letter Min to DG - policy directiondocxgt
ltDraft Letter Min to SU - confirmation of policy directiondocxgt
ltList of gov schools NSCP 2015-2018docxgt
ltTalking Points ED Teleconference with Principalsdocxgt
ltTimelines NSCP policy direction commsdocxgt
ltDG letter to Principals - policy direction from 2020docxgt
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From McNally BronwynTo Hawkins RossCc Laurent KristenSubject Dot Points for ACTPADate Wednesday 6 February 2019 44732 PMAttachments NSCP Dot Points for ACTPAdocx
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi Ross please find dot points for ACTPA attachedLet me know if yoursquod like any changes madeBronBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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middot As a result of this realignment ACT government schools will only continue to participate in the Program for the 2019 rollover year and will not continue beyond 2019 while secular wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP
middot A number of ACT government schools (22) have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and they are valued by school communities
middot The Directorate is making arrangements to provide schools with the option to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of ongoing employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis
Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools
Background
bull In December 2018 the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed
the Project Agreement with the Australian Government to administer the NSCP in the ACT
for a further four years
bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were
participating in the 2015-2019 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year
bull Prior to signing the Agreement the Minister wrote to the Commonwealth Minister for
Education Dan Tehan requesting the inclusion of secular wellbeing workers into the
program This request was denied
Key points
bull Education in ACT government schools is required to be non-sectarian secular education
which is not only consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) but also with prevailing
expectations of the ACT community
bull The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation
of our government schools
bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the
number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams
bull In recognising this investment and the maturing landscape of student wellbeing support in
our schools the Directorate is working to realign the wellbeing supports provided by faith-
based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with the Education Act
bull As a result of this realignment ACT government schools will only continue to participate in
the Program for the 2019 rollover year and will not continue beyond 2019 while secular
wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP
bull A number of ACT government schools (22) have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and
they are valued by school communities
bull The Directorate is making arrangements to provide schools with the option to directly
engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of
ongoing employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a
secular basis
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From Howson NatalieTo Hawkins Ross DGEDUofficeCc McNally Bronwyn Brighton MegSubject RE For clearance -Letter to DG and dot pointsDate Wednesday 6 February 2019 105801 PMImportance High
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveRossHow did the teleconference goI am happy with the letter but would like advice on one minor pointI suspect a schools capacity to pay sits on a broad continuum given small schools like Theodoreand Richardson are on the list Can you adjust the letter in concert with CFO advice to saysomething like lsquoin the first instance we expect the position to be funded from existing staffingallocation however I encourage you to speak with ( CFO nominee) or Mark should you feel thisapproach creates significant challenges for your schoolrsquo ( you will need to make sure thisconversation is informed and can be had with the fight ESO officer and a CFO rep)Also it would be good to know if any schools on the list have a staffing debt Natalie
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 805 PMTo Hughes RebeccaJ ltRebeccaJHughesactgovaugt DGEDUofficeltDGEDUofficeactgovaugtCc Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject FW For clearance -Letter to DG and dot points
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi BecAttached are the letters for the DG to sign to the Principals regarding the Chaplaincy service Weare awaiting the direction from the Minister to the DG (regarding Chaplains) and the office hasconfirmed they will write to Scripture union This should happen in the next 2448 hoursMark and I will speak with principals (we think on Wednesday) This letter to them will be thefinal component not sure if the DG would want to sign or she would prefer this comes from Megor I Irsquom relaxed but I think the position agreed with Meg was that the DG would sendhellipHappy to discuss further Irsquom conscious there has been a lot of work to get us hereMany thanksR
From McNally Bronwyn Sent Monday 4 February 2019 502 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject For clearance -Letter to DG and dot points
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi RossPlease find attached the draft letter from the DG to principals as well as accompanying dotpoints for your review Please note I have included in the dot points the point thatcorrespondence will also need to be sent to Young Life as a funding recipient who manageschaplaincy services on behalf of Belconnen High SchoolCould you please advise whether you prefer to flag that correspondence is also required to thisorganisation with the Ministerrsquos Office or would you like us to do this through the DLO
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Once you have cleared the letter and dot points I will address to the individual schools and liaisewith Kim to progress through TRIM for DG review and signatureI am also in the process of updating the timelines and speaking notes for the teleconferencethese will be sent on shortlyPlease let me know if you need any other infoBronBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Second teleconference with principalsThursday 7 February 20191228 PM
Bruce McCourtKerrie ClarkeAndy MisonLara Coman - Black Mountain School
Mark Huxley
Moving away during 2019Direct engagement if valued
Couldnt sustain two YWs Currently two YWs for cost of oneCosts absorbed by schools but potential alternative mechanism for fundingExpert extra pair of hands to support student wellbeing
Bruce -Clear parameters in agreement to avoid proselytisingWord chaplaincy is a sticking point Work is powerful and significant across 2 differentsettingsAlso have a YW how could they afford to fundHaving a chaplain at the school resonates well with families moving from non-gov sector
Mark individual discussions with schools who cant afford to sustainFederal election comingMaterials to come today - letterTalking points for staff
Time to develop careful management over next few monthsHow to respect diversity of need v religion Need for interpretation of legislation andpractical examplesMin to lead out on media
Kerrie-
contacted her re having advertised for position at school 1 applicationProceedAlso relevant to Black Mountain School
Handling of vacanciesTransition year
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We will come back on that issueHold off on discussing with chaplains yet - dot points on where to direct them into Geenral Update came from Qld yesterdayBron to draft email to schools who didnt attend teleconference Created with Microsoft OneNote 2016
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From Laurent KristenTo DGEDUofficeCc Hawkins Ross McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject FW DG Letter and Information for PrincipalsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 30215 PMAttachments DG letter to Principals - Transition from NSCP -revised 7 Febdocx
Information for Principals NSCP 7 Feb 2018docxATTACH A- List of gov schools NSCP 2015-2018docx
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Good afternoon AmiePlease see attached a letter and information in relation to the National School ChaplaincyProgram for Natalie to send to the list of principals in the attachment Natalie will be expectingthese and they follow the teleconferences held with relevant principals earlier today If youplease arrange for Nataliersquos signature and to send the letters that would be greatly appreciatedRegardsKristen Laurent | Senior Manager Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2327|Email kristenlaurentactgovauInclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 7 February 2019 257 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject DG Letter and Information for Principals
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi KristenChanges made to the info for principals and DG letter as discussedBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Directorate will be speaking directly with Scripture Union QLD (trading as Chaplaincy ACT) and Young Life about the transition away from the NSCP As you can appreciate this discussion needs to be handled with sensitivity I understand Ross Hawkins and Mark Huxley have communicated the importance of ensuring communication to these organisations comes from the appropriate representatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the Directorate As discussed at the teleconference if you receive any queries from your chaplaincy provider or wish to discuss the matter further you can direct these queries to Ross Hawkins on 6205 7719 or via email at Please find attached key information that provides an overview of the approach the Directorate is taking
I appreciate your cooperation in making this change
Yours sincerely
Natalie Howson
7 February 2019
image1jpeg
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 2
Background
1 The Education Directorate (EDU) briefed you in August 2018 (MIN18513) on the Australian Governmentrsquos budget announcement to continue the NSCP A further brief was provided in October 2018 to respond to your request for options for Canberra Public Schools if the ACT decided against participating in the Programme (MIN18857)
2 You wrote to the Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan on 5 October 2018 (MIN18 703) requesting the Minister consider including secular student welfare workers in the 2019-2022 Programme
3 Minister Tehan responded stating the NSCP funding is a contribution for the costs of employing school chaplains only
4 The agreement at Attachment A articulates responsibilities for administering both the Programme and funds under the 2019-2022 Project Agreement with the Australian Government
5 The Programme would be implemented and monitored through the ACT NSCP Guidelines 2019-2022 to be developed by EDU and based on previous Guidelines This document will articulate the responsibilities of chaplains and funding recipients and align with the outputs in the Project Agreement
6 States and Territories have provided input to the draft agreement and this resulted in changes that provide greater clarity of the role of the chaplain and greater transparency to the community through requiring the publication of schools in receipt of funding on States and Territories websites However the Commonwealth has not reflected our broader observations relating to secular support and more broadly a greater support for student welfare
7 A key change of the new program includes the provision of training for chaplains through the e-Safety Commissioner on bullying and cyber bullying The key outputs that form terms for participation in the agreement are at Attachment B
8 EDU has reviewed the agreement and are disappointed that our broader observations have not been included and that this arrangement misses the opportunity to be more embracing of student welfare needs beyond provision by religious institutions We do however recognise that this arrangement is for all schools in the ACT including the Catholic and Independent sectors
Issues
9 The Directorate notes your position regarding the secular nature of ACT schools 10 The Directorate has been investigating how to align broader ACT participation in the
NSCP while meeting your preferred position of an alternative approach focused on the welfare of students in a secular way
11 In addition to supporting renewal of the Project Agreement the Directorate will establish a policy position for development of an alternative approach for ACT public schools to enable the direct employment of secular workers as part of schoolsrsquo broader wellbeing teams
12 This would support concurrent delivery of the NSCP (which would directly benefit Catholic and Independent schools) while looking to support a transition of ACT public schools into an alternative arrangement
13 The Directorate notes you will write to each ACT public School Principal in relation to the ACT Governmentrsquos participation in the NSCP and set your expectations with
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UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 3
principals regarding the secular nature of ACT schools and transitioning away from chaplaincy support to a welfare focused model supported by secular workers where appropriate
14 Schools and the Directorate will develop an appropriate employment mechanism for the direct employment of the services provided by current chaplains for schools transitioning out of the NSCP This would be on the understanding that the current chaplains were willing to be utilised on a secular basis and could be employed locally
15 The NSCP agreement requires that all schools in the jurisdictions are invited to participate and that the process for how schools apply for NSCP funding be published
16 The Australian Government has agreed to roll over all schools who are currently in the Programme in 2019 provided an application process is undertaken in 2019 for schoolsrsquo participation in 2020-2021 This means that in the ACT 22 public schools will participate in the NSCP for 2019
17 The establishment of a process for application in 2019 can be managed like previous years with an application process with appropriate criteria We will also convene a senior cross sectoral panel to review applications received from schools
18 This will allow time for the development of transition arrangements for the 22 public schools into alternative arrangements including a shift to school-based funding
19 For any new ACT public schools who wish to enter the program in 2019 (ie non-roll over schools) discussions can be focussed on moving to a secular approach in the first instance
20 In transitioning the ACT public schools away from the NSCP there is a risk that the commonwealth may terminate participation with the ACT As part of developing any alternative arrangements we will seek GSO advice on broader implications (including for Catholic and Independent schools) noting that the Project Agreement states the Agreement is not legally enforceable
Financial Implications 21 The total funding allocation for the ACT is $98000000 Of this allocation $2940000
can be used by States and Territories to administer the Programme 22 Schools will receive an allocation of $2028000 per annum
Consultation
Internal
23 Nil
Cross Directorate
24 Nil
External 25 Ministerial and Commonwealth relations has been liaising with the Department of
Education and Training
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UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 4
BenefitsSensitivities 26 The National and ACT Branches of the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the ACT
Council of Parents and Citizens Associations (ACT PampC) have previously voiced concerns about the Programme The AEU was concerned that the ACT Government needed to preserve the secular nature traditions of public schooling and that funding should be invested in wellbeing programs more broadly The ACT PampC position was that more school counsellors not chaplains were needed
27 Feedback provided by schools through an annual reporting process indicate that chaplains employed under the Programme are valued members of school wellbeing teams Through this process schools are required to report any complaints received about the Programme No complaints have been reported regarding the 2015-2018 Programme in the ACT
Media Implications
28 There is likely to be continued media interest in the Programme particularly in relation to the perceived risk of chaplains proselytising in public schools EDU will prepare a communication strategy in relation to the ACT participation or non partcipation in the Programme
Meg Brighton Deputy Director-General
Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins Phone 6205 7719
Action Officer Kristen Laurent Phone 6207 2327
Attachments Attachment Title Attachment A NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022 Attachment B Key agreement outputs summary
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From Laurent KristenTo Spinks JacintaCc Eshman GillianSubject FW National School Chaplaincy program January 2019 follow upDate Monday 24 December 2018 90500 AM
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
FYI
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 24 December 2018 903 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugt Fleck Katrina ltKatrinaFleckactgovaugtLaurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject National School Chaplaincy program January 2019 follow up
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Dear Ross
My thanks to you and the team for the work this year on the national school chaplaincy program
In January please could you1 Follow up Russell Noud on direct engagement of chaplains2 Settle with Kristen the messaging for public school principals about transitioning off the
chaplain arrangements and move to welfare function3 Confirm that other public schools (not currently in the program) are clear that they should
engage welfare functions directly rather than through this arrangement4 Liaise with the Office (keep Ag DDG and DG in the loop) on the Mins proposed letter to
principals My advice to CoS was that this was better suited to be from the DG andoutlining the Governmentrsquos position
5 Start the work re panel for access to the program for Non-Government entities
ThanksMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
DOCUMENT 18
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Sequence Lead Due datecritical date
1 Minister will write to DG outlining her expectations MO
2Contact People amp Performance and CMTEDD WCAG re direct engagement of chaplains Student
Engagement
Letter from DG on policy position - not participate beyond 2019
- option to directly engage chaplains- not deliver additional hours beyond reqs of the PA
Student Engagement
ED SDD and EDSI to have 11 phone discussions with each of the principles to ensure consistency of message opportunity forchaplains to direct employment (pls discuss with DDG prior to leave) ED SDD and ED SI Email confirming contract finalised and include checklist and comms for websiteschool newsletter
Follow-up email from Kristen re approach and intent to terminate current deed and that a letter and a new deed will follow Draft letter to Scripture Union outlining policy position and responsing to question re rollover of residual funds Student
Engagement EDU finalise corro to Scripture Union Student
Engagement Draft letter from [DG] to contract holders (14 in total) formally advising termination of current contract and providing new deeds for signature Letter should advise of changes from previous agreement highlight deed is for 12months only and that panel will be established in second half of 2019 to select schools for 2020 and beyond
Student Engagement
Update EDU web content when we have cleared messaging Student Engagement
Deed and guidelines
EDU website
Comms
Status and Tasks ndash Chaplaincy PA
StatusTasks
Principals
Funding Recipients
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Contact governance and legal to sound check approach a update existing contracts and use as template for new contracts b update guidelines with same info as above and consider whether could tweak to narrow to just the parameters of the PA and flexible enough to consider future optionsc will the contract need to terminate at the end of 12 months andor how do we activate extension clause for 3 years if they apply and are successfuld do we need GSO advice - NO
Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Check financial delegations and who needs to be delegate Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Get further detail on the professional learning requirement either from files or contact Cth directly Student Engagement
Update deed and guidelines Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop checklist for principals outlining roles and resp as part of the rollover (eg annual consent forms at enrolment publishing processes and details of the chaplaincy services on the school website evidence and feedback of consultation with school community)
Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop guidance for princiapls on comms with school communities This could include a form article for inclusion in school bulettins informing communities on - rollover for 2019 and program continuation
Student Engagement
Develop checklist for funding recipients - roles and responsibilities Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop generic content for schools to publish on their websites details of any program funded services Student Engagement
Within 3 months of commencement
Develop narrative and messaging on participation in the new program for clearance
Check what the process is for SU to return unacqtuited funds and then for EDU to return $ to CthStudent Engagement
Check if any other providers have residual funding - check aqcuitals in the first instance Confirm all funds will be expended for 2019 with the rollover and that a selection panel does not need to be established in 2019
Student Engagement
Transition to new program
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Check if principal of Kaleen needs to do anything in terms of changing to a new funding recipient Student Engagement
Update contact list Student Engagement
In establishing a policy position for ACT Schools we may need to preclude ACT Schools from funding additional hours Need to confirm if any schools are already funding additional hours
Student Engagement
DOCUMENT 19
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Notes
Russel Noud
Q - will this be from the Minister
Q - will Scripture Union receive both this letter and the letter above from Minister Note - Fusion no longer a funding recipient Services for Kaleen will be administed by Chaplaincy ACT
Could note future arrangements with Chaplaincy ACT
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Note Initial contact with Shared Services advised to complete a request for procurement form Their initial advice is that new contracts need to be established with their help given the total quantum of funding exceeds $200000 However this may not be warranted given each deed is for a lesser amount Form was completed and provided to Danielle Krajina in the first instance to confirm whether we need to go through shared services
KL can be contact but needs to be signed by Director level
Waiting on advice from KerryDanielle
Q - how will this be provided to principles
Q - how will this be provided to principles Note Guidelines stipulate there must be consultation with and ongoing support from the broader school community about the demand for and role of a school chaplain
As per guidelines schools need to publish this detail within 3 months of commencement Section 65 of the guidelines indicates the minimum information to include
Noting narrative should have regard to historyjourney of program and policym changes to the program legislation changing landscape of schools eg school psychologists in schools
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Switching from Fusion ACT to Scripture Union ACT
Noting the guidelines stipulate that schools and funding recipients can negotiate a level of servicing above the minimum requirement and that anything extra is funded by the school
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From Laurent KristenTo Spinks JacintaSubject FW Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]Date Friday 4 January 2019 102400 AM
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 17 December 2018 237 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject FW Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
From Noud Russell Sent Monday 17 December 2018 903 AMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
Will do
Russell NoudDirector Public Sector Industrial Relations | Convenor of AppealsWorkforce Capability and Governance DivisionChief Minister and Treasury Directorate| ACT GovernmentLevel 5 Canberra Nara Centre | GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Web wwwactgovauPhone (02) 6207 6019 | Fax (02) 6205 0334 | Mobile 0413 153433 | Emailrussellnoudactgovau
Please consider the environment before printing this email
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 17 December 2018 809 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins RossltRossHawkinsactgovaugt Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet]
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi Russell
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We are still looking for a resolution on this ndash can you liaise with Ross and Alison and they canprovide me with the adive Many thanksMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Wednesday 5 December 2018 1020 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins RossltRossHawkinsactgovaugt Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject Re Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet] Thanks Russell Our employment would be secular and welfare focused Similar to the current externallyprovided chaplains who need a religious affiliation but arenrsquot permitted under the arrangementsoperate as religious operators (eg Secular execution) Thanks
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
On 5 Dec 2018 at 908 am Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugt wrote
I havenrsquot forgotten this Meg ndash there is some history on this that Peter and Ian recall(apparently we did employ chaplains at some stage (we think in Health)) Wersquore just looking for the information but all our resource material was culledwhen we went to ABW so we may not have it anymore Russell NoudDirector Public Sector Industrial Relations | Convenor of AppealsWorkforce Capability and Governance DivisionChief Minister and Treasury Directorate| ACT GovernmentLevel 5 Canberra Nara Centre | GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Web
DOCUMENT 20
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wwwactgovauPhone (02) 6207 6019 | Fax (02) 6205 0334 | Mobile 0413 153433 | Emailrussellnoudactgovau Please consider the environment before printing this email
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 26 November 2018 931 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtSubject Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet] Hi Russell Thanks for the chat the other week about Chaplains in schools Wersquove tried to getour hands on their employment contracts with the third party providers and havebeen unable to ACT is contemplating not agreeing to the Commonwealth initiative for schoolchaplains and Irsquod like advice as to how we might direct employ those chaplains whoare already working within our public schools (move them from third party providerto direct employment as welfare officers) Any assistance would be welcome RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
DOCUMENT 20
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From Laurent KristenTo Shun Wah Jane Spinks JacintaCc Eshman GillianSubject FW MINSET action ChaplaincyDate Monday 7 January 2019 85100 PMAttachments YB to SU regarding chaplainsdocx
YB to school principals regarding chaplains 2docxYB to Tehan regarding NSCP signonDOCX
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
FYI ndash Ill discuss with Ross tomorrowkristen
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 7 January 2019 535 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt Matthews David ltDavidMatthewsactgovaugtLaurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject RE MINSET action Chaplaincy
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Neglected to include attachments
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 7 January 2019 503 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugtMatthews David ltDavidMatthewsactgovaugt Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject MINSET action Chaplaincy
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Dear Ross
Discussed Chaplaincy implementation at MINSET today
1 Minister will write to DG outlining her expectations (similar content to the attached draft)2 DG will then write to the ACT public school principals (22) outlining our policy position ndash
SE to draft3 EDU to draft letter to SU (note Min will also still write to SU outlining policy position of
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Ms Jenni Dobbin
Director of Field Operations
School Chaplaincy ACT and Scripture Union QLD
PO Box 1167
EAGLE FARM QLD 4009
cc Ms Lyndal Rogers Field Development Manager School Chaplaincy ACT
Dear Ms Dobbin
I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022
In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community
The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions
Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation
Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools
I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The ACT Education Directorate is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the people currently engaged to work in government schools
In approaching this issue I have sought to balance the legitimate religious faith held by some members of the community and their opportunity to access for their children religious support and instruction with my equal obligation to the integrity of ACT government schools
While you may not agree with this decision I consider it vital that the ACT Government uphold ACT law and respect secularism particularly when providing services to children and young people during their formative years
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
hellip
hellip
hellip
Dear Principal
I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 I understand that your school is currently host to a school chaplain engaged under the current program
In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community
The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists and the Network Student Engagement Teams and have additional investment planned for the future However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions
Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools It would also seem to me to be preferable that the program be reoriented to focus on the engagement of qualified social or youth workers
I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities
I appreciate your cooperation in making this change
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
cc Natalie Howson Director-General Education Directorate
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Education
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister
While I the employment of religious school chaplains is a priority for the current federal government the incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools
If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation I was also disappointed to learn that ACT feedback provided to your department highlighting a need to provide greater clarity in the draft program agreement about a student welfare focus for these workers regardless of their role designation
I have decided that as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded Government schools currently participating in the program will be asked to transition to direct engagement of secular student welfare workers
However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
Please find attached a signed copy of the project agreement
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
the Government)4 SE follow up with PampP and CMTEDD re direct engagement (email to CMTEDD Alison F
and Ross late 2018)5 ED SDD and ED SI to have 1 1 phone discussions with each of the principals to ensure
consistency of message opportunity for chaplains to transition to direct employment ndashplease discuss with DDG prior to leave
6 EDU to finalise corro to SU7 EDU to establish panel for access to program (noting ACT Government policy position)
RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
Director of Field Operations School Chaplaincy ACT and Scripture Union QLD PO Box 1167 EAGLE FARM QLD 4009 cc Field Development Manager School Chaplaincy ACT Dear I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
DOCUMENT 21
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2
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The ACT Education Directorate is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the people currently engaged to work in government schools In approaching this issue I have sought to balance the legitimate religious faith held by some members of the community and their opportunity to access for their children religious support and instruction with my equal obligation to the integrity of ACT government schools While you may not agree with this decision I consider it vital that the ACT Government uphold ACT law and respect secularism particularly when providing services to children and young people during their formative years Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
hellip hellip hellip Dear Principal I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 I understand that your school is currently host to a school chaplain engaged under the current program In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists and the Network Student Engagement Teams and have additional investment planned for the future However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools It would also seem to me to be preferable that the program be reoriented to focus on the engagement of qualified social or youth workers I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded
DOCUMENT 21
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2
However I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the person currently engaged to work in your school Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the program and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look in the first instance to your school staffing allocation to facilitate direct engagement of these workers acknowledging that the government continues to add to resources available to schools for student welfare The Education Support Office can assist you to work through this process I appreciate your cooperation in making this change Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development cc Natalie Howson Director-General Education Directorate
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
The Hon Dan Tehan MP Minister for Education PO Box 6022 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Dear Minister I am writing to follow-up on your reply to my letter and our telephone conversation about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 While I the employment of religious school chaplains is a priority for the current federal government the incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation I was also disappointed to learn that ACT feedback provided to your department highlighting a need to provide greater clarity in the draft program agreement about a student welfare focus for these workers regardless of their role designation I have decided that as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded Government schools currently participating in the program will be asked to transition to direct engagement of secular student welfare workers However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
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2
Please find attached a signed copy of the project agreement Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
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From McNally BronwynTo Hawkins RossCc Spinks JacintaSubject Meeting outcomes with CMTEDD re ChaplaincyDate Monday 14 January 2019 51238 PM
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi RossAs discussed Jacinta and I met with Russell Noud Director of Public Sector Workplace Relationsand two of his team members this afternoon to discuss direct engagement options for existingChaplains as Student Welfare Officers They advised that direct employment is possible we justneed to determine what the best approach would be They need to work out whether therersquos anexisting job classification that the Student Welfare Officers would align with or whether a newspecific classification needs to be established Our initial feel is that the Youth Workersclassification would probably provide an adequate fit but we will investigateNext steps are to
1 Research and provide the below information to Russell and the teamInfo on current chaplains
Position descriptions and rolesresponsibilitiesPay ratesWhether they work in multiple schools andor across sectorsRequired skillsetqualificationsAny pertinent information regarding the contract between the funding recipient andchaplain Eg possible prohibitions in service agreements andor deed of granthindering chaplains ability to work directly for schools
Info on future arrangementsProposed skillsetqualificationsPermanent or temporary employment (noting anything over 6months will requireadvertising and merit process)Work conditions (eg expected hours overtime school terms or office hours WWVPchecks etc)Any thoughts on potential classifications that would align ndash eg youth worker healthprofessional counsellorProcess for schools sharing a worker
2 Once we have completed the above scoping we will reconvene in the next week or so todiscuss the best way forward
3 Russell mentioned giving the union a heads-up He is meeting with the CPSU thisWednesday where he suggested he could flag it However given wersquore still workingthrough it and comms havenrsquot gone out to schoolsfunding recipients yet it might be a bitpremature We said to hold off until we run it by you
Could you please confirm ifYou are happy for us to proceed with the next steps and continue liaison with Russell andhis team AndYou would like Russell to flag this issue with CPSU at this stage
Thank youBronwynBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovau
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Student Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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From Spinks JacintaTo Hawkins RossCc McNally BronwynSubject RE Advice - Chaplaincy programDate Wednesday 16 January 2019 41414 PM
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveGreat thanks Ross Wersquoll get a draft to you tomorrowCheersJacinta
From Hawkins Ross Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 410 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Andersen JosephineltJosephineAndersenactgovaugtSubject RE Advice - Chaplaincy program
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveGood question ndash I would suggest that if this is the DGs understanding then we probably shoulddraft (given we havenrsquot got anything from the office yet) I would suggest we pick up thefollowing
Clear on policy linkage and the position of the GovernmentClear on importance of welfare functions and Min support for theseClear on the importance on secular support for schoolsHappy for those supporting to continue but within a secular contextRequest DG to be clear with principalsRequest EDU to set up appropriate processes to facilitate public schoolsRequest EDU o manage this on behalf of Catholics and AIShellip
Happy to discussThanksRoss
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 321 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Advice - Chaplaincy program
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi RossDanielle Krajina from the Governance team sent the below emails and called today about aconversation she had with the DG earlier today seeking an update on the chaplaincy program
Danielle has the impression that Natalie thinks we (student engagement) are meant to bedrafting the letter from the Minister to the DG outlining expectations It is not clear from step 1in Megrsquos original email (attached) who was drafting this letter We had thought it was the MOwho was going to draft and send this letter ndash is that your understanding or do you want us toconfirm with the MOMany thanksJacintaJacinta Spinks | Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2024|Email jacintaspinksactgovau
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Inclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 202 PMTo Krajina Danielle ltDanielleKrajinaactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveNo worries yoursquore not intruding at allThatrsquos our understanding too but we havenrsquot seen anything from the Min to the DG yet (thatrsquosnot to say it hasnrsquot been sent) We suspect it will come through shortly and are just preparingfor it to start drafting comms Wersquoll let you know once we receive somethingCheersJacinta
From Krajina Danielle Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 157 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]Has a letter come from the Min to the DG which is Nataliersquos understanding of the process SorryI donrsquot mean to intrude I just mentioned to Natalie that we were providing assistance to theteam in progressing the deedsDanielle
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 126 PMTo Krajina Danielle ltDanielleKrajinaactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveThanks DanielleWe are in the process of drafting letters from DG to schoolsfunding recipients at the momentbut will flag with Ross Hawkins that the DG is looking for an updateCheersJacinta
From Krajina Danielle Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 123 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]JacintaThe DG was asking today about the process for progressing this Ie Letter from Minister to DGletters from DG to non govt schools and comms You may have covered it but can someoneprovide an update to the DG possibly through relevant Executive Group Manager and DDGDanielle
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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16
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From Ceramidas JoshuaTo Hawkins RossSubject RE Draft documents NSCPDate Monday 4 February 2019 111235 AM
Yep Irsquoll have her sign a short note for the record when she signs the SU letter
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 1005 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCP
UNCLASSIFIEDNo sorry ndash more than happy for you to write to SU (I just want to get the sequencing right withthe principals for this)Was thinking more the letter from the minister to the DG regarding the Ministers expectationson the DirectorateR
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Monday 4 February 2019 933 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCPYou mean about who writes to SU Not sure why this is an issue
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 920 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCP
UNCLASSIFIEDThanks Josh ndash AcknowledgedWill you send through the note from Min to the DG re expectations We will be clear with principals that this change returns the Govt to alignment with thelegislation ndash we will book this session with Principals on Wednesday (unless we hear from youthat this doesnrsquot work for the Min)ThanksRoss
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Monday 4 February 2019 902 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject Re Draft documents NSCPThese are ok and appear to largely reflect the drafts I wrote Minister needs to write to SU notthe DG Important to be clear with principals that while a policy change this in fact returns thegovernment to alignment with the Act
Sent from my iPhone
On 23 Jan 2019 at 1956 Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt wrote
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi JoshAs discussed
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Here is the pack of letters Corro we have drafted re chaplains These include- Drafted letter from Min to DG- Letter from Min to SU or Letter from DG to SU (dependent on your advice)- DG Letter to principals- Talking points for a me Mark Huxley to discuss with Principals
We have also attached some proposed timelines to sequence events We werethinking that we could do this next week or week after (Mark Huxley is on leave
until the 4th) ndash but would welcome a steer on when you think the Min would wantto send a letter to SUHappy to pop over and run through these if that would be usefulThanksRoss
ltDG letter to Scripture Union - policy direction from 2020docxgt
ltDraft Letter Min to DG - policy directiondocxgt
ltDraft Letter Min to SU - confirmation of policy directiondocxgt
ltList of gov schools NSCP 2015-2018docxgt
ltTalking Points ED Teleconference with Principalsdocxgt
ltTimelines NSCP policy direction commsdocxgt
ltDG letter to Principals - policy direction from 2020docxgt
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From McNally BronwynTo Hawkins RossCc Laurent KristenSubject Dot Points for ACTPADate Wednesday 6 February 2019 44732 PMAttachments NSCP Dot Points for ACTPAdocx
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi Ross please find dot points for ACTPA attachedLet me know if yoursquod like any changes madeBronBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DOCUMENT 31
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middot As a result of this realignment ACT government schools will only continue to participate in the Program for the 2019 rollover year and will not continue beyond 2019 while secular wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP
middot A number of ACT government schools (22) have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and they are valued by school communities
middot The Directorate is making arrangements to provide schools with the option to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of ongoing employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis
Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools
Background
bull In December 2018 the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed
the Project Agreement with the Australian Government to administer the NSCP in the ACT
for a further four years
bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were
participating in the 2015-2019 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year
bull Prior to signing the Agreement the Minister wrote to the Commonwealth Minister for
Education Dan Tehan requesting the inclusion of secular wellbeing workers into the
program This request was denied
Key points
bull Education in ACT government schools is required to be non-sectarian secular education
which is not only consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) but also with prevailing
expectations of the ACT community
bull The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation
of our government schools
bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the
number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams
bull In recognising this investment and the maturing landscape of student wellbeing support in
our schools the Directorate is working to realign the wellbeing supports provided by faith-
based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with the Education Act
bull As a result of this realignment ACT government schools will only continue to participate in
the Program for the 2019 rollover year and will not continue beyond 2019 while secular
wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP
bull A number of ACT government schools (22) have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and
they are valued by school communities
bull The Directorate is making arrangements to provide schools with the option to directly
engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of
ongoing employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a
secular basis
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From Howson NatalieTo Hawkins Ross DGEDUofficeCc McNally Bronwyn Brighton MegSubject RE For clearance -Letter to DG and dot pointsDate Wednesday 6 February 2019 105801 PMImportance High
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveRossHow did the teleconference goI am happy with the letter but would like advice on one minor pointI suspect a schools capacity to pay sits on a broad continuum given small schools like Theodoreand Richardson are on the list Can you adjust the letter in concert with CFO advice to saysomething like lsquoin the first instance we expect the position to be funded from existing staffingallocation however I encourage you to speak with ( CFO nominee) or Mark should you feel thisapproach creates significant challenges for your schoolrsquo ( you will need to make sure thisconversation is informed and can be had with the fight ESO officer and a CFO rep)Also it would be good to know if any schools on the list have a staffing debt Natalie
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 805 PMTo Hughes RebeccaJ ltRebeccaJHughesactgovaugt DGEDUofficeltDGEDUofficeactgovaugtCc Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject FW For clearance -Letter to DG and dot points
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi BecAttached are the letters for the DG to sign to the Principals regarding the Chaplaincy service Weare awaiting the direction from the Minister to the DG (regarding Chaplains) and the office hasconfirmed they will write to Scripture union This should happen in the next 2448 hoursMark and I will speak with principals (we think on Wednesday) This letter to them will be thefinal component not sure if the DG would want to sign or she would prefer this comes from Megor I Irsquom relaxed but I think the position agreed with Meg was that the DG would sendhellipHappy to discuss further Irsquom conscious there has been a lot of work to get us hereMany thanksR
From McNally Bronwyn Sent Monday 4 February 2019 502 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject For clearance -Letter to DG and dot points
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi RossPlease find attached the draft letter from the DG to principals as well as accompanying dotpoints for your review Please note I have included in the dot points the point thatcorrespondence will also need to be sent to Young Life as a funding recipient who manageschaplaincy services on behalf of Belconnen High SchoolCould you please advise whether you prefer to flag that correspondence is also required to thisorganisation with the Ministerrsquos Office or would you like us to do this through the DLO
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Once you have cleared the letter and dot points I will address to the individual schools and liaisewith Kim to progress through TRIM for DG review and signatureI am also in the process of updating the timelines and speaking notes for the teleconferencethese will be sent on shortlyPlease let me know if you need any other infoBronBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Second teleconference with principalsThursday 7 February 20191228 PM
Bruce McCourtKerrie ClarkeAndy MisonLara Coman - Black Mountain School
Mark Huxley
Moving away during 2019Direct engagement if valued
Couldnt sustain two YWs Currently two YWs for cost of oneCosts absorbed by schools but potential alternative mechanism for fundingExpert extra pair of hands to support student wellbeing
Bruce -Clear parameters in agreement to avoid proselytisingWord chaplaincy is a sticking point Work is powerful and significant across 2 differentsettingsAlso have a YW how could they afford to fundHaving a chaplain at the school resonates well with families moving from non-gov sector
Mark individual discussions with schools who cant afford to sustainFederal election comingMaterials to come today - letterTalking points for staff
Time to develop careful management over next few monthsHow to respect diversity of need v religion Need for interpretation of legislation andpractical examplesMin to lead out on media
Kerrie-
contacted her re having advertised for position at school 1 applicationProceedAlso relevant to Black Mountain School
Handling of vacanciesTransition year
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We will come back on that issueHold off on discussing with chaplains yet - dot points on where to direct them into Geenral Update came from Qld yesterdayBron to draft email to schools who didnt attend teleconference Created with Microsoft OneNote 2016
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From Laurent KristenTo DGEDUofficeCc Hawkins Ross McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject FW DG Letter and Information for PrincipalsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 30215 PMAttachments DG letter to Principals - Transition from NSCP -revised 7 Febdocx
Information for Principals NSCP 7 Feb 2018docxATTACH A- List of gov schools NSCP 2015-2018docx
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Good afternoon AmiePlease see attached a letter and information in relation to the National School ChaplaincyProgram for Natalie to send to the list of principals in the attachment Natalie will be expectingthese and they follow the teleconferences held with relevant principals earlier today If youplease arrange for Nataliersquos signature and to send the letters that would be greatly appreciatedRegardsKristen Laurent | Senior Manager Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2327|Email kristenlaurentactgovauInclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 7 February 2019 257 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject DG Letter and Information for Principals
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi KristenChanges made to the info for principals and DG letter as discussedBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Directorate will be speaking directly with Scripture Union QLD (trading as Chaplaincy ACT) and Young Life about the transition away from the NSCP As you can appreciate this discussion needs to be handled with sensitivity I understand Ross Hawkins and Mark Huxley have communicated the importance of ensuring communication to these organisations comes from the appropriate representatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the Directorate As discussed at the teleconference if you receive any queries from your chaplaincy provider or wish to discuss the matter further you can direct these queries to Ross Hawkins on 6205 7719 or via email at Please find attached key information that provides an overview of the approach the Directorate is taking
I appreciate your cooperation in making this change
Yours sincerely
Natalie Howson
7 February 2019
image1jpeg
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 3
principals regarding the secular nature of ACT schools and transitioning away from chaplaincy support to a welfare focused model supported by secular workers where appropriate
14 Schools and the Directorate will develop an appropriate employment mechanism for the direct employment of the services provided by current chaplains for schools transitioning out of the NSCP This would be on the understanding that the current chaplains were willing to be utilised on a secular basis and could be employed locally
15 The NSCP agreement requires that all schools in the jurisdictions are invited to participate and that the process for how schools apply for NSCP funding be published
16 The Australian Government has agreed to roll over all schools who are currently in the Programme in 2019 provided an application process is undertaken in 2019 for schoolsrsquo participation in 2020-2021 This means that in the ACT 22 public schools will participate in the NSCP for 2019
17 The establishment of a process for application in 2019 can be managed like previous years with an application process with appropriate criteria We will also convene a senior cross sectoral panel to review applications received from schools
18 This will allow time for the development of transition arrangements for the 22 public schools into alternative arrangements including a shift to school-based funding
19 For any new ACT public schools who wish to enter the program in 2019 (ie non-roll over schools) discussions can be focussed on moving to a secular approach in the first instance
20 In transitioning the ACT public schools away from the NSCP there is a risk that the commonwealth may terminate participation with the ACT As part of developing any alternative arrangements we will seek GSO advice on broader implications (including for Catholic and Independent schools) noting that the Project Agreement states the Agreement is not legally enforceable
Financial Implications 21 The total funding allocation for the ACT is $98000000 Of this allocation $2940000
can be used by States and Territories to administer the Programme 22 Schools will receive an allocation of $2028000 per annum
Consultation
Internal
23 Nil
Cross Directorate
24 Nil
External 25 Ministerial and Commonwealth relations has been liaising with the Department of
Education and Training
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UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 4
BenefitsSensitivities 26 The National and ACT Branches of the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the ACT
Council of Parents and Citizens Associations (ACT PampC) have previously voiced concerns about the Programme The AEU was concerned that the ACT Government needed to preserve the secular nature traditions of public schooling and that funding should be invested in wellbeing programs more broadly The ACT PampC position was that more school counsellors not chaplains were needed
27 Feedback provided by schools through an annual reporting process indicate that chaplains employed under the Programme are valued members of school wellbeing teams Through this process schools are required to report any complaints received about the Programme No complaints have been reported regarding the 2015-2018 Programme in the ACT
Media Implications
28 There is likely to be continued media interest in the Programme particularly in relation to the perceived risk of chaplains proselytising in public schools EDU will prepare a communication strategy in relation to the ACT participation or non partcipation in the Programme
Meg Brighton Deputy Director-General
Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins Phone 6205 7719
Action Officer Kristen Laurent Phone 6207 2327
Attachments Attachment Title Attachment A NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022 Attachment B Key agreement outputs summary
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From Laurent KristenTo Spinks JacintaCc Eshman GillianSubject FW National School Chaplaincy program January 2019 follow upDate Monday 24 December 2018 90500 AM
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
FYI
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 24 December 2018 903 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugt Fleck Katrina ltKatrinaFleckactgovaugtLaurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject National School Chaplaincy program January 2019 follow up
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Dear Ross
My thanks to you and the team for the work this year on the national school chaplaincy program
In January please could you1 Follow up Russell Noud on direct engagement of chaplains2 Settle with Kristen the messaging for public school principals about transitioning off the
chaplain arrangements and move to welfare function3 Confirm that other public schools (not currently in the program) are clear that they should
engage welfare functions directly rather than through this arrangement4 Liaise with the Office (keep Ag DDG and DG in the loop) on the Mins proposed letter to
principals My advice to CoS was that this was better suited to be from the DG andoutlining the Governmentrsquos position
5 Start the work re panel for access to the program for Non-Government entities
ThanksMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
DOCUMENT 18
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Sequence Lead Due datecritical date
1 Minister will write to DG outlining her expectations MO
2Contact People amp Performance and CMTEDD WCAG re direct engagement of chaplains Student
Engagement
Letter from DG on policy position - not participate beyond 2019
- option to directly engage chaplains- not deliver additional hours beyond reqs of the PA
Student Engagement
ED SDD and EDSI to have 11 phone discussions with each of the principles to ensure consistency of message opportunity forchaplains to direct employment (pls discuss with DDG prior to leave) ED SDD and ED SI Email confirming contract finalised and include checklist and comms for websiteschool newsletter
Follow-up email from Kristen re approach and intent to terminate current deed and that a letter and a new deed will follow Draft letter to Scripture Union outlining policy position and responsing to question re rollover of residual funds Student
Engagement EDU finalise corro to Scripture Union Student
Engagement Draft letter from [DG] to contract holders (14 in total) formally advising termination of current contract and providing new deeds for signature Letter should advise of changes from previous agreement highlight deed is for 12months only and that panel will be established in second half of 2019 to select schools for 2020 and beyond
Student Engagement
Update EDU web content when we have cleared messaging Student Engagement
Deed and guidelines
EDU website
Comms
Status and Tasks ndash Chaplaincy PA
StatusTasks
Principals
Funding Recipients
DOCUMENT 19
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Contact governance and legal to sound check approach a update existing contracts and use as template for new contracts b update guidelines with same info as above and consider whether could tweak to narrow to just the parameters of the PA and flexible enough to consider future optionsc will the contract need to terminate at the end of 12 months andor how do we activate extension clause for 3 years if they apply and are successfuld do we need GSO advice - NO
Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Check financial delegations and who needs to be delegate Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Get further detail on the professional learning requirement either from files or contact Cth directly Student Engagement
Update deed and guidelines Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop checklist for principals outlining roles and resp as part of the rollover (eg annual consent forms at enrolment publishing processes and details of the chaplaincy services on the school website evidence and feedback of consultation with school community)
Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop guidance for princiapls on comms with school communities This could include a form article for inclusion in school bulettins informing communities on - rollover for 2019 and program continuation
Student Engagement
Develop checklist for funding recipients - roles and responsibilities Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop generic content for schools to publish on their websites details of any program funded services Student Engagement
Within 3 months of commencement
Develop narrative and messaging on participation in the new program for clearance
Check what the process is for SU to return unacqtuited funds and then for EDU to return $ to CthStudent Engagement
Check if any other providers have residual funding - check aqcuitals in the first instance Confirm all funds will be expended for 2019 with the rollover and that a selection panel does not need to be established in 2019
Student Engagement
Transition to new program
DOCUMENT 19
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Check if principal of Kaleen needs to do anything in terms of changing to a new funding recipient Student Engagement
Update contact list Student Engagement
In establishing a policy position for ACT Schools we may need to preclude ACT Schools from funding additional hours Need to confirm if any schools are already funding additional hours
Student Engagement
DOCUMENT 19
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Notes
Russel Noud
Q - will this be from the Minister
Q - will Scripture Union receive both this letter and the letter above from Minister Note - Fusion no longer a funding recipient Services for Kaleen will be administed by Chaplaincy ACT
Could note future arrangements with Chaplaincy ACT
DOCUMENT 19
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Note Initial contact with Shared Services advised to complete a request for procurement form Their initial advice is that new contracts need to be established with their help given the total quantum of funding exceeds $200000 However this may not be warranted given each deed is for a lesser amount Form was completed and provided to Danielle Krajina in the first instance to confirm whether we need to go through shared services
KL can be contact but needs to be signed by Director level
Waiting on advice from KerryDanielle
Q - how will this be provided to principles
Q - how will this be provided to principles Note Guidelines stipulate there must be consultation with and ongoing support from the broader school community about the demand for and role of a school chaplain
As per guidelines schools need to publish this detail within 3 months of commencement Section 65 of the guidelines indicates the minimum information to include
Noting narrative should have regard to historyjourney of program and policym changes to the program legislation changing landscape of schools eg school psychologists in schools
DOCUMENT 19
5 of 6
Switching from Fusion ACT to Scripture Union ACT
Noting the guidelines stipulate that schools and funding recipients can negotiate a level of servicing above the minimum requirement and that anything extra is funded by the school
DOCUMENT 19
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From Laurent KristenTo Spinks JacintaSubject FW Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]Date Friday 4 January 2019 102400 AM
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 17 December 2018 237 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject FW Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
From Noud Russell Sent Monday 17 December 2018 903 AMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
Will do
Russell NoudDirector Public Sector Industrial Relations | Convenor of AppealsWorkforce Capability and Governance DivisionChief Minister and Treasury Directorate| ACT GovernmentLevel 5 Canberra Nara Centre | GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Web wwwactgovauPhone (02) 6207 6019 | Fax (02) 6205 0334 | Mobile 0413 153433 | Emailrussellnoudactgovau
Please consider the environment before printing this email
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 17 December 2018 809 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins RossltRossHawkinsactgovaugt Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet]
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi Russell
DOCUMENT 20
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We are still looking for a resolution on this ndash can you liaise with Ross and Alison and they canprovide me with the adive Many thanksMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Wednesday 5 December 2018 1020 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins RossltRossHawkinsactgovaugt Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject Re Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet] Thanks Russell Our employment would be secular and welfare focused Similar to the current externallyprovided chaplains who need a religious affiliation but arenrsquot permitted under the arrangementsoperate as religious operators (eg Secular execution) Thanks
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
On 5 Dec 2018 at 908 am Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugt wrote
I havenrsquot forgotten this Meg ndash there is some history on this that Peter and Ian recall(apparently we did employ chaplains at some stage (we think in Health)) Wersquore just looking for the information but all our resource material was culledwhen we went to ABW so we may not have it anymore Russell NoudDirector Public Sector Industrial Relations | Convenor of AppealsWorkforce Capability and Governance DivisionChief Minister and Treasury Directorate| ACT GovernmentLevel 5 Canberra Nara Centre | GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Web
DOCUMENT 20
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wwwactgovauPhone (02) 6207 6019 | Fax (02) 6205 0334 | Mobile 0413 153433 | Emailrussellnoudactgovau Please consider the environment before printing this email
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 26 November 2018 931 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtSubject Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet] Hi Russell Thanks for the chat the other week about Chaplains in schools Wersquove tried to getour hands on their employment contracts with the third party providers and havebeen unable to ACT is contemplating not agreeing to the Commonwealth initiative for schoolchaplains and Irsquod like advice as to how we might direct employ those chaplains whoare already working within our public schools (move them from third party providerto direct employment as welfare officers) Any assistance would be welcome RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
DOCUMENT 20
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From Laurent KristenTo Shun Wah Jane Spinks JacintaCc Eshman GillianSubject FW MINSET action ChaplaincyDate Monday 7 January 2019 85100 PMAttachments YB to SU regarding chaplainsdocx
YB to school principals regarding chaplains 2docxYB to Tehan regarding NSCP signonDOCX
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
FYI ndash Ill discuss with Ross tomorrowkristen
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 7 January 2019 535 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt Matthews David ltDavidMatthewsactgovaugtLaurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject RE MINSET action Chaplaincy
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Neglected to include attachments
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 7 January 2019 503 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugtMatthews David ltDavidMatthewsactgovaugt Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject MINSET action Chaplaincy
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Dear Ross
Discussed Chaplaincy implementation at MINSET today
1 Minister will write to DG outlining her expectations (similar content to the attached draft)2 DG will then write to the ACT public school principals (22) outlining our policy position ndash
SE to draft3 EDU to draft letter to SU (note Min will also still write to SU outlining policy position of
DOCUMENT 21
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Ms Jenni Dobbin
Director of Field Operations
School Chaplaincy ACT and Scripture Union QLD
PO Box 1167
EAGLE FARM QLD 4009
cc Ms Lyndal Rogers Field Development Manager School Chaplaincy ACT
Dear Ms Dobbin
I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022
In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community
The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions
Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation
Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools
I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The ACT Education Directorate is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the people currently engaged to work in government schools
In approaching this issue I have sought to balance the legitimate religious faith held by some members of the community and their opportunity to access for their children religious support and instruction with my equal obligation to the integrity of ACT government schools
While you may not agree with this decision I consider it vital that the ACT Government uphold ACT law and respect secularism particularly when providing services to children and young people during their formative years
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
hellip
hellip
hellip
Dear Principal
I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 I understand that your school is currently host to a school chaplain engaged under the current program
In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community
The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists and the Network Student Engagement Teams and have additional investment planned for the future However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions
Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools It would also seem to me to be preferable that the program be reoriented to focus on the engagement of qualified social or youth workers
I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities
I appreciate your cooperation in making this change
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
cc Natalie Howson Director-General Education Directorate
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Education
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister
While I the employment of religious school chaplains is a priority for the current federal government the incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools
If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation I was also disappointed to learn that ACT feedback provided to your department highlighting a need to provide greater clarity in the draft program agreement about a student welfare focus for these workers regardless of their role designation
I have decided that as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded Government schools currently participating in the program will be asked to transition to direct engagement of secular student welfare workers
However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
Please find attached a signed copy of the project agreement
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
the Government)4 SE follow up with PampP and CMTEDD re direct engagement (email to CMTEDD Alison F
and Ross late 2018)5 ED SDD and ED SI to have 1 1 phone discussions with each of the principals to ensure
consistency of message opportunity for chaplains to transition to direct employment ndashplease discuss with DDG prior to leave
6 EDU to finalise corro to SU7 EDU to establish panel for access to program (noting ACT Government policy position)
RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
Director of Field Operations School Chaplaincy ACT and Scripture Union QLD PO Box 1167 EAGLE FARM QLD 4009 cc Field Development Manager School Chaplaincy ACT Dear I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
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Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The ACT Education Directorate is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the people currently engaged to work in government schools In approaching this issue I have sought to balance the legitimate religious faith held by some members of the community and their opportunity to access for their children religious support and instruction with my equal obligation to the integrity of ACT government schools While you may not agree with this decision I consider it vital that the ACT Government uphold ACT law and respect secularism particularly when providing services to children and young people during their formative years Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
hellip hellip hellip Dear Principal I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 I understand that your school is currently host to a school chaplain engaged under the current program In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists and the Network Student Engagement Teams and have additional investment planned for the future However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools It would also seem to me to be preferable that the program be reoriented to focus on the engagement of qualified social or youth workers I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded
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However I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the person currently engaged to work in your school Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the program and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look in the first instance to your school staffing allocation to facilitate direct engagement of these workers acknowledging that the government continues to add to resources available to schools for student welfare The Education Support Office can assist you to work through this process I appreciate your cooperation in making this change Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development cc Natalie Howson Director-General Education Directorate
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
The Hon Dan Tehan MP Minister for Education PO Box 6022 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Dear Minister I am writing to follow-up on your reply to my letter and our telephone conversation about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 While I the employment of religious school chaplains is a priority for the current federal government the incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation I was also disappointed to learn that ACT feedback provided to your department highlighting a need to provide greater clarity in the draft program agreement about a student welfare focus for these workers regardless of their role designation I have decided that as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded Government schools currently participating in the program will be asked to transition to direct engagement of secular student welfare workers However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
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Please find attached a signed copy of the project agreement Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
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From McNally BronwynTo Hawkins RossCc Spinks JacintaSubject Meeting outcomes with CMTEDD re ChaplaincyDate Monday 14 January 2019 51238 PM
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi RossAs discussed Jacinta and I met with Russell Noud Director of Public Sector Workplace Relationsand two of his team members this afternoon to discuss direct engagement options for existingChaplains as Student Welfare Officers They advised that direct employment is possible we justneed to determine what the best approach would be They need to work out whether therersquos anexisting job classification that the Student Welfare Officers would align with or whether a newspecific classification needs to be established Our initial feel is that the Youth Workersclassification would probably provide an adequate fit but we will investigateNext steps are to
1 Research and provide the below information to Russell and the teamInfo on current chaplains
Position descriptions and rolesresponsibilitiesPay ratesWhether they work in multiple schools andor across sectorsRequired skillsetqualificationsAny pertinent information regarding the contract between the funding recipient andchaplain Eg possible prohibitions in service agreements andor deed of granthindering chaplains ability to work directly for schools
Info on future arrangementsProposed skillsetqualificationsPermanent or temporary employment (noting anything over 6months will requireadvertising and merit process)Work conditions (eg expected hours overtime school terms or office hours WWVPchecks etc)Any thoughts on potential classifications that would align ndash eg youth worker healthprofessional counsellorProcess for schools sharing a worker
2 Once we have completed the above scoping we will reconvene in the next week or so todiscuss the best way forward
3 Russell mentioned giving the union a heads-up He is meeting with the CPSU thisWednesday where he suggested he could flag it However given wersquore still workingthrough it and comms havenrsquot gone out to schoolsfunding recipients yet it might be a bitpremature We said to hold off until we run it by you
Could you please confirm ifYou are happy for us to proceed with the next steps and continue liaison with Russell andhis team AndYou would like Russell to flag this issue with CPSU at this stage
Thank youBronwynBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovau
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Student Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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From Spinks JacintaTo Hawkins RossCc McNally BronwynSubject RE Advice - Chaplaincy programDate Wednesday 16 January 2019 41414 PM
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveGreat thanks Ross Wersquoll get a draft to you tomorrowCheersJacinta
From Hawkins Ross Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 410 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Andersen JosephineltJosephineAndersenactgovaugtSubject RE Advice - Chaplaincy program
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveGood question ndash I would suggest that if this is the DGs understanding then we probably shoulddraft (given we havenrsquot got anything from the office yet) I would suggest we pick up thefollowing
Clear on policy linkage and the position of the GovernmentClear on importance of welfare functions and Min support for theseClear on the importance on secular support for schoolsHappy for those supporting to continue but within a secular contextRequest DG to be clear with principalsRequest EDU to set up appropriate processes to facilitate public schoolsRequest EDU o manage this on behalf of Catholics and AIShellip
Happy to discussThanksRoss
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 321 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Advice - Chaplaincy program
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi RossDanielle Krajina from the Governance team sent the below emails and called today about aconversation she had with the DG earlier today seeking an update on the chaplaincy program
Danielle has the impression that Natalie thinks we (student engagement) are meant to bedrafting the letter from the Minister to the DG outlining expectations It is not clear from step 1in Megrsquos original email (attached) who was drafting this letter We had thought it was the MOwho was going to draft and send this letter ndash is that your understanding or do you want us toconfirm with the MOMany thanksJacintaJacinta Spinks | Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2024|Email jacintaspinksactgovau
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Inclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 202 PMTo Krajina Danielle ltDanielleKrajinaactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveNo worries yoursquore not intruding at allThatrsquos our understanding too but we havenrsquot seen anything from the Min to the DG yet (thatrsquosnot to say it hasnrsquot been sent) We suspect it will come through shortly and are just preparingfor it to start drafting comms Wersquoll let you know once we receive somethingCheersJacinta
From Krajina Danielle Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 157 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]Has a letter come from the Min to the DG which is Nataliersquos understanding of the process SorryI donrsquot mean to intrude I just mentioned to Natalie that we were providing assistance to theteam in progressing the deedsDanielle
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 126 PMTo Krajina Danielle ltDanielleKrajinaactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveThanks DanielleWe are in the process of drafting letters from DG to schoolsfunding recipients at the momentbut will flag with Ross Hawkins that the DG is looking for an updateCheersJacinta
From Krajina Danielle Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 123 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]JacintaThe DG was asking today about the process for progressing this Ie Letter from Minister to DGletters from DG to non govt schools and comms You may have covered it but can someoneprovide an update to the DG possibly through relevant Executive Group Manager and DDGDanielle
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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16
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From Ceramidas JoshuaTo Hawkins RossSubject RE Draft documents NSCPDate Monday 4 February 2019 111235 AM
Yep Irsquoll have her sign a short note for the record when she signs the SU letter
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 1005 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCP
UNCLASSIFIEDNo sorry ndash more than happy for you to write to SU (I just want to get the sequencing right withthe principals for this)Was thinking more the letter from the minister to the DG regarding the Ministers expectationson the DirectorateR
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Monday 4 February 2019 933 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCPYou mean about who writes to SU Not sure why this is an issue
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 920 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCP
UNCLASSIFIEDThanks Josh ndash AcknowledgedWill you send through the note from Min to the DG re expectations We will be clear with principals that this change returns the Govt to alignment with thelegislation ndash we will book this session with Principals on Wednesday (unless we hear from youthat this doesnrsquot work for the Min)ThanksRoss
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Monday 4 February 2019 902 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject Re Draft documents NSCPThese are ok and appear to largely reflect the drafts I wrote Minister needs to write to SU notthe DG Important to be clear with principals that while a policy change this in fact returns thegovernment to alignment with the Act
Sent from my iPhone
On 23 Jan 2019 at 1956 Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt wrote
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi JoshAs discussed
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Here is the pack of letters Corro we have drafted re chaplains These include- Drafted letter from Min to DG- Letter from Min to SU or Letter from DG to SU (dependent on your advice)- DG Letter to principals- Talking points for a me Mark Huxley to discuss with Principals
We have also attached some proposed timelines to sequence events We werethinking that we could do this next week or week after (Mark Huxley is on leave
until the 4th) ndash but would welcome a steer on when you think the Min would wantto send a letter to SUHappy to pop over and run through these if that would be usefulThanksRoss
ltDG letter to Scripture Union - policy direction from 2020docxgt
ltDraft Letter Min to DG - policy directiondocxgt
ltDraft Letter Min to SU - confirmation of policy directiondocxgt
ltList of gov schools NSCP 2015-2018docxgt
ltTalking Points ED Teleconference with Principalsdocxgt
ltTimelines NSCP policy direction commsdocxgt
ltDG letter to Principals - policy direction from 2020docxgt
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From McNally BronwynTo Hawkins RossCc Laurent KristenSubject Dot Points for ACTPADate Wednesday 6 February 2019 44732 PMAttachments NSCP Dot Points for ACTPAdocx
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi Ross please find dot points for ACTPA attachedLet me know if yoursquod like any changes madeBronBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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middot As a result of this realignment ACT government schools will only continue to participate in the Program for the 2019 rollover year and will not continue beyond 2019 while secular wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP
middot A number of ACT government schools (22) have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and they are valued by school communities
middot The Directorate is making arrangements to provide schools with the option to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of ongoing employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis
Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools
Background
bull In December 2018 the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed
the Project Agreement with the Australian Government to administer the NSCP in the ACT
for a further four years
bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were
participating in the 2015-2019 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year
bull Prior to signing the Agreement the Minister wrote to the Commonwealth Minister for
Education Dan Tehan requesting the inclusion of secular wellbeing workers into the
program This request was denied
Key points
bull Education in ACT government schools is required to be non-sectarian secular education
which is not only consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) but also with prevailing
expectations of the ACT community
bull The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation
of our government schools
bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the
number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams
bull In recognising this investment and the maturing landscape of student wellbeing support in
our schools the Directorate is working to realign the wellbeing supports provided by faith-
based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with the Education Act
bull As a result of this realignment ACT government schools will only continue to participate in
the Program for the 2019 rollover year and will not continue beyond 2019 while secular
wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP
bull A number of ACT government schools (22) have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and
they are valued by school communities
bull The Directorate is making arrangements to provide schools with the option to directly
engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of
ongoing employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a
secular basis
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From Howson NatalieTo Hawkins Ross DGEDUofficeCc McNally Bronwyn Brighton MegSubject RE For clearance -Letter to DG and dot pointsDate Wednesday 6 February 2019 105801 PMImportance High
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveRossHow did the teleconference goI am happy with the letter but would like advice on one minor pointI suspect a schools capacity to pay sits on a broad continuum given small schools like Theodoreand Richardson are on the list Can you adjust the letter in concert with CFO advice to saysomething like lsquoin the first instance we expect the position to be funded from existing staffingallocation however I encourage you to speak with ( CFO nominee) or Mark should you feel thisapproach creates significant challenges for your schoolrsquo ( you will need to make sure thisconversation is informed and can be had with the fight ESO officer and a CFO rep)Also it would be good to know if any schools on the list have a staffing debt Natalie
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 805 PMTo Hughes RebeccaJ ltRebeccaJHughesactgovaugt DGEDUofficeltDGEDUofficeactgovaugtCc Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject FW For clearance -Letter to DG and dot points
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi BecAttached are the letters for the DG to sign to the Principals regarding the Chaplaincy service Weare awaiting the direction from the Minister to the DG (regarding Chaplains) and the office hasconfirmed they will write to Scripture union This should happen in the next 2448 hoursMark and I will speak with principals (we think on Wednesday) This letter to them will be thefinal component not sure if the DG would want to sign or she would prefer this comes from Megor I Irsquom relaxed but I think the position agreed with Meg was that the DG would sendhellipHappy to discuss further Irsquom conscious there has been a lot of work to get us hereMany thanksR
From McNally Bronwyn Sent Monday 4 February 2019 502 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject For clearance -Letter to DG and dot points
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi RossPlease find attached the draft letter from the DG to principals as well as accompanying dotpoints for your review Please note I have included in the dot points the point thatcorrespondence will also need to be sent to Young Life as a funding recipient who manageschaplaincy services on behalf of Belconnen High SchoolCould you please advise whether you prefer to flag that correspondence is also required to thisorganisation with the Ministerrsquos Office or would you like us to do this through the DLO
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Once you have cleared the letter and dot points I will address to the individual schools and liaisewith Kim to progress through TRIM for DG review and signatureI am also in the process of updating the timelines and speaking notes for the teleconferencethese will be sent on shortlyPlease let me know if you need any other infoBronBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Second teleconference with principalsThursday 7 February 20191228 PM
Bruce McCourtKerrie ClarkeAndy MisonLara Coman - Black Mountain School
Mark Huxley
Moving away during 2019Direct engagement if valued
Couldnt sustain two YWs Currently two YWs for cost of oneCosts absorbed by schools but potential alternative mechanism for fundingExpert extra pair of hands to support student wellbeing
Bruce -Clear parameters in agreement to avoid proselytisingWord chaplaincy is a sticking point Work is powerful and significant across 2 differentsettingsAlso have a YW how could they afford to fundHaving a chaplain at the school resonates well with families moving from non-gov sector
Mark individual discussions with schools who cant afford to sustainFederal election comingMaterials to come today - letterTalking points for staff
Time to develop careful management over next few monthsHow to respect diversity of need v religion Need for interpretation of legislation andpractical examplesMin to lead out on media
Kerrie-
contacted her re having advertised for position at school 1 applicationProceedAlso relevant to Black Mountain School
Handling of vacanciesTransition year
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We will come back on that issueHold off on discussing with chaplains yet - dot points on where to direct them into Geenral Update came from Qld yesterdayBron to draft email to schools who didnt attend teleconference Created with Microsoft OneNote 2016
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From Laurent KristenTo DGEDUofficeCc Hawkins Ross McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject FW DG Letter and Information for PrincipalsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 30215 PMAttachments DG letter to Principals - Transition from NSCP -revised 7 Febdocx
Information for Principals NSCP 7 Feb 2018docxATTACH A- List of gov schools NSCP 2015-2018docx
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Good afternoon AmiePlease see attached a letter and information in relation to the National School ChaplaincyProgram for Natalie to send to the list of principals in the attachment Natalie will be expectingthese and they follow the teleconferences held with relevant principals earlier today If youplease arrange for Nataliersquos signature and to send the letters that would be greatly appreciatedRegardsKristen Laurent | Senior Manager Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2327|Email kristenlaurentactgovauInclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 7 February 2019 257 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject DG Letter and Information for Principals
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi KristenChanges made to the info for principals and DG letter as discussedBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Directorate will be speaking directly with Scripture Union QLD (trading as Chaplaincy ACT) and Young Life about the transition away from the NSCP As you can appreciate this discussion needs to be handled with sensitivity I understand Ross Hawkins and Mark Huxley have communicated the importance of ensuring communication to these organisations comes from the appropriate representatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the Directorate As discussed at the teleconference if you receive any queries from your chaplaincy provider or wish to discuss the matter further you can direct these queries to Ross Hawkins on 6205 7719 or via email at Please find attached key information that provides an overview of the approach the Directorate is taking
I appreciate your cooperation in making this change
Yours sincerely
Natalie Howson
7 February 2019
image1jpeg
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED TRIM No MIN181122 4
BenefitsSensitivities 26 The National and ACT Branches of the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the ACT
Council of Parents and Citizens Associations (ACT PampC) have previously voiced concerns about the Programme The AEU was concerned that the ACT Government needed to preserve the secular nature traditions of public schooling and that funding should be invested in wellbeing programs more broadly The ACT PampC position was that more school counsellors not chaplains were needed
27 Feedback provided by schools through an annual reporting process indicate that chaplains employed under the Programme are valued members of school wellbeing teams Through this process schools are required to report any complaints received about the Programme No complaints have been reported regarding the 2015-2018 Programme in the ACT
Media Implications
28 There is likely to be continued media interest in the Programme particularly in relation to the perceived risk of chaplains proselytising in public schools EDU will prepare a communication strategy in relation to the ACT participation or non partcipation in the Programme
Meg Brighton Deputy Director-General
Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins Phone 6205 7719
Action Officer Kristen Laurent Phone 6207 2327
Attachments Attachment Title Attachment A NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022 Attachment B Key agreement outputs summary
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From Laurent KristenTo Spinks JacintaCc Eshman GillianSubject FW National School Chaplaincy program January 2019 follow upDate Monday 24 December 2018 90500 AM
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
FYI
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 24 December 2018 903 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugt Fleck Katrina ltKatrinaFleckactgovaugtLaurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject National School Chaplaincy program January 2019 follow up
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Dear Ross
My thanks to you and the team for the work this year on the national school chaplaincy program
In January please could you1 Follow up Russell Noud on direct engagement of chaplains2 Settle with Kristen the messaging for public school principals about transitioning off the
chaplain arrangements and move to welfare function3 Confirm that other public schools (not currently in the program) are clear that they should
engage welfare functions directly rather than through this arrangement4 Liaise with the Office (keep Ag DDG and DG in the loop) on the Mins proposed letter to
principals My advice to CoS was that this was better suited to be from the DG andoutlining the Governmentrsquos position
5 Start the work re panel for access to the program for Non-Government entities
ThanksMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
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Sequence Lead Due datecritical date
1 Minister will write to DG outlining her expectations MO
2Contact People amp Performance and CMTEDD WCAG re direct engagement of chaplains Student
Engagement
Letter from DG on policy position - not participate beyond 2019
- option to directly engage chaplains- not deliver additional hours beyond reqs of the PA
Student Engagement
ED SDD and EDSI to have 11 phone discussions with each of the principles to ensure consistency of message opportunity forchaplains to direct employment (pls discuss with DDG prior to leave) ED SDD and ED SI Email confirming contract finalised and include checklist and comms for websiteschool newsletter
Follow-up email from Kristen re approach and intent to terminate current deed and that a letter and a new deed will follow Draft letter to Scripture Union outlining policy position and responsing to question re rollover of residual funds Student
Engagement EDU finalise corro to Scripture Union Student
Engagement Draft letter from [DG] to contract holders (14 in total) formally advising termination of current contract and providing new deeds for signature Letter should advise of changes from previous agreement highlight deed is for 12months only and that panel will be established in second half of 2019 to select schools for 2020 and beyond
Student Engagement
Update EDU web content when we have cleared messaging Student Engagement
Deed and guidelines
EDU website
Comms
Status and Tasks ndash Chaplaincy PA
StatusTasks
Principals
Funding Recipients
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Contact governance and legal to sound check approach a update existing contracts and use as template for new contracts b update guidelines with same info as above and consider whether could tweak to narrow to just the parameters of the PA and flexible enough to consider future optionsc will the contract need to terminate at the end of 12 months andor how do we activate extension clause for 3 years if they apply and are successfuld do we need GSO advice - NO
Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Check financial delegations and who needs to be delegate Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Get further detail on the professional learning requirement either from files or contact Cth directly Student Engagement
Update deed and guidelines Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop checklist for principals outlining roles and resp as part of the rollover (eg annual consent forms at enrolment publishing processes and details of the chaplaincy services on the school website evidence and feedback of consultation with school community)
Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop guidance for princiapls on comms with school communities This could include a form article for inclusion in school bulettins informing communities on - rollover for 2019 and program continuation
Student Engagement
Develop checklist for funding recipients - roles and responsibilities Student Engagement Wc 7 January 2019
Develop generic content for schools to publish on their websites details of any program funded services Student Engagement
Within 3 months of commencement
Develop narrative and messaging on participation in the new program for clearance
Check what the process is for SU to return unacqtuited funds and then for EDU to return $ to CthStudent Engagement
Check if any other providers have residual funding - check aqcuitals in the first instance Confirm all funds will be expended for 2019 with the rollover and that a selection panel does not need to be established in 2019
Student Engagement
Transition to new program
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Check if principal of Kaleen needs to do anything in terms of changing to a new funding recipient Student Engagement
Update contact list Student Engagement
In establishing a policy position for ACT Schools we may need to preclude ACT Schools from funding additional hours Need to confirm if any schools are already funding additional hours
Student Engagement
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Notes
Russel Noud
Q - will this be from the Minister
Q - will Scripture Union receive both this letter and the letter above from Minister Note - Fusion no longer a funding recipient Services for Kaleen will be administed by Chaplaincy ACT
Could note future arrangements with Chaplaincy ACT
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Note Initial contact with Shared Services advised to complete a request for procurement form Their initial advice is that new contracts need to be established with their help given the total quantum of funding exceeds $200000 However this may not be warranted given each deed is for a lesser amount Form was completed and provided to Danielle Krajina in the first instance to confirm whether we need to go through shared services
KL can be contact but needs to be signed by Director level
Waiting on advice from KerryDanielle
Q - how will this be provided to principles
Q - how will this be provided to principles Note Guidelines stipulate there must be consultation with and ongoing support from the broader school community about the demand for and role of a school chaplain
As per guidelines schools need to publish this detail within 3 months of commencement Section 65 of the guidelines indicates the minimum information to include
Noting narrative should have regard to historyjourney of program and policym changes to the program legislation changing landscape of schools eg school psychologists in schools
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Switching from Fusion ACT to Scripture Union ACT
Noting the guidelines stipulate that schools and funding recipients can negotiate a level of servicing above the minimum requirement and that anything extra is funded by the school
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From Laurent KristenTo Spinks JacintaSubject FW Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]Date Friday 4 January 2019 102400 AM
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 17 December 2018 237 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject FW Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
From Noud Russell Sent Monday 17 December 2018 903 AMTo Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
Will do
Russell NoudDirector Public Sector Industrial Relations | Convenor of AppealsWorkforce Capability and Governance DivisionChief Minister and Treasury Directorate| ACT GovernmentLevel 5 Canberra Nara Centre | GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Web wwwactgovauPhone (02) 6207 6019 | Fax (02) 6205 0334 | Mobile 0413 153433 | Emailrussellnoudactgovau
Please consider the environment before printing this email
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 17 December 2018 809 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins RossltRossHawkinsactgovaugt Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject RE Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet]
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi Russell
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We are still looking for a resolution on this ndash can you liaise with Ross and Alison and they canprovide me with the adive Many thanksMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Wednesday 5 December 2018 1020 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtCc Fitzgerald Alison ltAlisonFitzgeraldactgovaugt Hawkins RossltRossHawkinsactgovaugt Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugtSubject Re Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet] Thanks Russell Our employment would be secular and welfare focused Similar to the current externallyprovided chaplains who need a religious affiliation but arenrsquot permitted under the arrangementsoperate as religious operators (eg Secular execution) Thanks
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
On 5 Dec 2018 at 908 am Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugt wrote
I havenrsquot forgotten this Meg ndash there is some history on this that Peter and Ian recall(apparently we did employ chaplains at some stage (we think in Health)) Wersquore just looking for the information but all our resource material was culledwhen we went to ABW so we may not have it anymore Russell NoudDirector Public Sector Industrial Relations | Convenor of AppealsWorkforce Capability and Governance DivisionChief Minister and Treasury Directorate| ACT GovernmentLevel 5 Canberra Nara Centre | GPO Box 158 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Web
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wwwactgovauPhone (02) 6207 6019 | Fax (02) 6205 0334 | Mobile 0413 153433 | Emailrussellnoudactgovau Please consider the environment before printing this email
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 26 November 2018 931 AMTo Noud Russell ltRussellNoudactgovaugtSubject Chaplains (CONFIDENTIAL) [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive Cabinet] Hi Russell Thanks for the chat the other week about Chaplains in schools Wersquove tried to getour hands on their employment contracts with the third party providers and havebeen unable to ACT is contemplating not agreeing to the Commonwealth initiative for schoolchaplains and Irsquod like advice as to how we might direct employ those chaplains whoare already working within our public schools (move them from third party providerto direct employment as welfare officers) Any assistance would be welcome RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
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From Laurent KristenTo Shun Wah Jane Spinks JacintaCc Eshman GillianSubject FW MINSET action ChaplaincyDate Monday 7 January 2019 85100 PMAttachments YB to SU regarding chaplainsdocx
YB to school principals regarding chaplains 2docxYB to Tehan regarding NSCP signonDOCX
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
FYI ndash Ill discuss with Ross tomorrowkristen
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 7 January 2019 535 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugt Matthews David ltDavidMatthewsactgovaugtLaurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject RE MINSET action Chaplaincy
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Neglected to include attachments
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
From Brighton Meg Sent Monday 7 January 2019 503 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Brighton Meg ltMegBrightonactgovaugt Education DLO ltEDUDLOactgovaugtMatthews David ltDavidMatthewsactgovaugt Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject MINSET action Chaplaincy
UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Dear Ross
Discussed Chaplaincy implementation at MINSET today
1 Minister will write to DG outlining her expectations (similar content to the attached draft)2 DG will then write to the ACT public school principals (22) outlining our policy position ndash
SE to draft3 EDU to draft letter to SU (note Min will also still write to SU outlining policy position of
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Ms Jenni Dobbin
Director of Field Operations
School Chaplaincy ACT and Scripture Union QLD
PO Box 1167
EAGLE FARM QLD 4009
cc Ms Lyndal Rogers Field Development Manager School Chaplaincy ACT
Dear Ms Dobbin
I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022
In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community
The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions
Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation
Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools
I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The ACT Education Directorate is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the people currently engaged to work in government schools
In approaching this issue I have sought to balance the legitimate religious faith held by some members of the community and their opportunity to access for their children religious support and instruction with my equal obligation to the integrity of ACT government schools
While you may not agree with this decision I consider it vital that the ACT Government uphold ACT law and respect secularism particularly when providing services to children and young people during their formative years
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
hellip
hellip
hellip
Dear Principal
I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 I understand that your school is currently host to a school chaplain engaged under the current program
In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community
The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists and the Network Student Engagement Teams and have additional investment planned for the future However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions
Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools It would also seem to me to be preferable that the program be reoriented to focus on the engagement of qualified social or youth workers
I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities
I appreciate your cooperation in making this change
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
cc Natalie Howson Director-General Education Directorate
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Education
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister
While I the employment of religious school chaplains is a priority for the current federal government the incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools
If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation I was also disappointed to learn that ACT feedback provided to your department highlighting a need to provide greater clarity in the draft program agreement about a student welfare focus for these workers regardless of their role designation
I have decided that as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded Government schools currently participating in the program will be asked to transition to direct engagement of secular student welfare workers
However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
Please find attached a signed copy of the project agreement
Yours sincerely
Yvette Berry MLA
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
ACT Legislative assembly
London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
yvettesberry
YvetteSBerry
YvetteSBerry
image1jpg
image2jpeg
the Government)4 SE follow up with PampP and CMTEDD re direct engagement (email to CMTEDD Alison F
and Ross late 2018)5 ED SDD and ED SI to have 1 1 phone discussions with each of the principals to ensure
consistency of message opportunity for chaplains to transition to direct employment ndashplease discuss with DDG prior to leave
6 EDU to finalise corro to SU7 EDU to establish panel for access to program (noting ACT Government policy position)
RegardsMeg
Meg Brighton | Deputy Director-General Education Directorate | ACT GovernmentT +61 2 6205 9458 | E megbrightonactgovauLevel 6 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT2601 | wwweducationactgovau
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
Director of Field Operations School Chaplaincy ACT and Scripture Union QLD PO Box 1167 EAGLE FARM QLD 4009 cc Field Development Manager School Chaplaincy ACT Dear I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request
DOCUMENT 21
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2
Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The ACT Education Directorate is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the people currently engaged to work in government schools In approaching this issue I have sought to balance the legitimate religious faith held by some members of the community and their opportunity to access for their children religious support and instruction with my equal obligation to the integrity of ACT government schools While you may not agree with this decision I consider it vital that the ACT Government uphold ACT law and respect secularism particularly when providing services to children and young people during their formative years Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
DOCUMENT 21
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
hellip hellip hellip Dear Principal I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 I understand that your school is currently host to a school chaplain engaged under the current program In ACT government schools education occurs in the context of a non-sectarian secular environment consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) and prevailing expectations of the ACT community The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT school students and recognises that the wellbeing of children and young people is an important part of enabling access to learning We have made significant investment in this area such as through large and growing engagement of school psychologists and the Network Student Engagement Teams and have additional investment planned for the future However I also recognise that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the emotional wellbeing of a school community are important functions Fulfilling these functions does not require a person providing pastoral care to have some form of religious association or endorsement and I am disappointed that the current federal government has imposed religious association or endorsement as a condition of accessing federal funding for school chaplains Incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools It would also seem to me to be preferable that the program be reoriented to focus on the engagement of qualified social or youth workers I have recently written to the federal Minister for Education the Hon Dan Tehan MP seeking his agreement to allow secular school welfare workers under the program He has declined my request Consequently as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded
DOCUMENT 21
5 of 8
2
However I also recognise that a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged school chaplains through the program and understand that these workers are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements that will allow the direct engagement of student welfare workers including through offering employment transition to the person currently engaged to work in your school Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the program and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look in the first instance to your school staffing allocation to facilitate direct engagement of these workers acknowledging that the government continues to add to resources available to schools for student welfare The Education Support Office can assist you to work through this process I appreciate your cooperation in making this change Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development cc Natalie Howson Director-General Education Directorate
DOCUMENT 21
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YvetteSBerry YvetteSBerry yvettesberry
Yvette Berry MLA Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Women Member for Ginninderra
ACT Legislative assembly London Circuit Canberra ACT 2601 Australia GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia Phone +61 2 6205 0233 Email berryactgovau
The Hon Dan Tehan MP Minister for Education PO Box 6022 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Dear Minister I am writing to follow-up on your reply to my letter and our telephone conversation about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-2022 While I the employment of religious school chaplains is a priority for the current federal government the incorporation of religious workers into ACT government schools is incompatible with the secular non-sectarian operation of these schools If these workers are genuinely engaged for student welfare rather than religious purposes there seems little justification to oblige them to hold religious affiliation I was also disappointed to learn that ACT feedback provided to your department highlighting a need to provide greater clarity in the draft program agreement about a student welfare focus for these workers regardless of their role designation I have decided that as a matter of policy and consistent with ACT law ACT government schools will not continue to participate in the program while secular student welfare workers remain excluded Government schools currently participating in the program will be asked to transition to direct engagement of secular student welfare workers However in recognition of the faith basis of many ACT non-government schools I have decided to enter into the project agreement to allow these schools to continue to participate in the program
DOCUMENT 21
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2
Please find attached a signed copy of the project agreement Yours sincerely Yvette Berry MLA Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development
DOCUMENT 21
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From McNally BronwynTo Hawkins RossCc Spinks JacintaSubject Meeting outcomes with CMTEDD re ChaplaincyDate Monday 14 January 2019 51238 PM
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi RossAs discussed Jacinta and I met with Russell Noud Director of Public Sector Workplace Relationsand two of his team members this afternoon to discuss direct engagement options for existingChaplains as Student Welfare Officers They advised that direct employment is possible we justneed to determine what the best approach would be They need to work out whether therersquos anexisting job classification that the Student Welfare Officers would align with or whether a newspecific classification needs to be established Our initial feel is that the Youth Workersclassification would probably provide an adequate fit but we will investigateNext steps are to
1 Research and provide the below information to Russell and the teamInfo on current chaplains
Position descriptions and rolesresponsibilitiesPay ratesWhether they work in multiple schools andor across sectorsRequired skillsetqualificationsAny pertinent information regarding the contract between the funding recipient andchaplain Eg possible prohibitions in service agreements andor deed of granthindering chaplains ability to work directly for schools
Info on future arrangementsProposed skillsetqualificationsPermanent or temporary employment (noting anything over 6months will requireadvertising and merit process)Work conditions (eg expected hours overtime school terms or office hours WWVPchecks etc)Any thoughts on potential classifications that would align ndash eg youth worker healthprofessional counsellorProcess for schools sharing a worker
2 Once we have completed the above scoping we will reconvene in the next week or so todiscuss the best way forward
3 Russell mentioned giving the union a heads-up He is meeting with the CPSU thisWednesday where he suggested he could flag it However given wersquore still workingthrough it and comms havenrsquot gone out to schoolsfunding recipients yet it might be a bitpremature We said to hold off until we run it by you
Could you please confirm ifYou are happy for us to proceed with the next steps and continue liaison with Russell andhis team AndYou would like Russell to flag this issue with CPSU at this stage
Thank youBronwynBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovau
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Student Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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From Spinks JacintaTo Hawkins RossCc McNally BronwynSubject RE Advice - Chaplaincy programDate Wednesday 16 January 2019 41414 PM
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveGreat thanks Ross Wersquoll get a draft to you tomorrowCheersJacinta
From Hawkins Ross Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 410 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Andersen JosephineltJosephineAndersenactgovaugtSubject RE Advice - Chaplaincy program
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveGood question ndash I would suggest that if this is the DGs understanding then we probably shoulddraft (given we havenrsquot got anything from the office yet) I would suggest we pick up thefollowing
Clear on policy linkage and the position of the GovernmentClear on importance of welfare functions and Min support for theseClear on the importance on secular support for schoolsHappy for those supporting to continue but within a secular contextRequest DG to be clear with principalsRequest EDU to set up appropriate processes to facilitate public schoolsRequest EDU o manage this on behalf of Catholics and AIShellip
Happy to discussThanksRoss
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 321 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Advice - Chaplaincy program
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi RossDanielle Krajina from the Governance team sent the below emails and called today about aconversation she had with the DG earlier today seeking an update on the chaplaincy program
Danielle has the impression that Natalie thinks we (student engagement) are meant to bedrafting the letter from the Minister to the DG outlining expectations It is not clear from step 1in Megrsquos original email (attached) who was drafting this letter We had thought it was the MOwho was going to draft and send this letter ndash is that your understanding or do you want us toconfirm with the MOMany thanksJacintaJacinta Spinks | Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2024|Email jacintaspinksactgovau
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Inclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 202 PMTo Krajina Danielle ltDanielleKrajinaactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Laurent KristenltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveNo worries yoursquore not intruding at allThatrsquos our understanding too but we havenrsquot seen anything from the Min to the DG yet (thatrsquosnot to say it hasnrsquot been sent) We suspect it will come through shortly and are just preparingfor it to start drafting comms Wersquoll let you know once we receive somethingCheersJacinta
From Krajina Danielle Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 157 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]Has a letter come from the Min to the DG which is Nataliersquos understanding of the process SorryI donrsquot mean to intrude I just mentioned to Natalie that we were providing assistance to theteam in progressing the deedsDanielle
From Spinks Jacinta Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 126 PMTo Krajina Danielle ltDanielleKrajinaactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveThanks DanielleWe are in the process of drafting letters from DG to schoolsfunding recipients at the momentbut will flag with Ross Hawkins that the DG is looking for an updateCheersJacinta
From Krajina Danielle Sent Wednesday 16 January 2019 123 PMTo Spinks Jacinta ltJacintaSpinksactgovaugtSubject RE Draft NSCP Program deed template for review [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED DLM=Sensitive]JacintaThe DG was asking today about the process for progressing this Ie Letter from Minister to DGletters from DG to non govt schools and comms You may have covered it but can someoneprovide an update to the DG possibly through relevant Executive Group Manager and DDGDanielle
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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16
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From Ceramidas JoshuaTo Hawkins RossSubject RE Draft documents NSCPDate Monday 4 February 2019 111235 AM
Yep Irsquoll have her sign a short note for the record when she signs the SU letter
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 1005 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCP
UNCLASSIFIEDNo sorry ndash more than happy for you to write to SU (I just want to get the sequencing right withthe principals for this)Was thinking more the letter from the minister to the DG regarding the Ministers expectationson the DirectorateR
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Monday 4 February 2019 933 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCPYou mean about who writes to SU Not sure why this is an issue
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 920 AMTo Ceramidas Joshua ltJoshuaCeramidasactgovaugtSubject RE Draft documents NSCP
UNCLASSIFIEDThanks Josh ndash AcknowledgedWill you send through the note from Min to the DG re expectations We will be clear with principals that this change returns the Govt to alignment with thelegislation ndash we will book this session with Principals on Wednesday (unless we hear from youthat this doesnrsquot work for the Min)ThanksRoss
From Ceramidas Joshua Sent Monday 4 February 2019 902 AMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtSubject Re Draft documents NSCPThese are ok and appear to largely reflect the drafts I wrote Minister needs to write to SU notthe DG Important to be clear with principals that while a policy change this in fact returns thegovernment to alignment with the Act
Sent from my iPhone
On 23 Jan 2019 at 1956 Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt wrote
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi JoshAs discussed
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Here is the pack of letters Corro we have drafted re chaplains These include- Drafted letter from Min to DG- Letter from Min to SU or Letter from DG to SU (dependent on your advice)- DG Letter to principals- Talking points for a me Mark Huxley to discuss with Principals
We have also attached some proposed timelines to sequence events We werethinking that we could do this next week or week after (Mark Huxley is on leave
until the 4th) ndash but would welcome a steer on when you think the Min would wantto send a letter to SUHappy to pop over and run through these if that would be usefulThanksRoss
ltDG letter to Scripture Union - policy direction from 2020docxgt
ltDraft Letter Min to DG - policy directiondocxgt
ltDraft Letter Min to SU - confirmation of policy directiondocxgt
ltList of gov schools NSCP 2015-2018docxgt
ltTalking Points ED Teleconference with Principalsdocxgt
ltTimelines NSCP policy direction commsdocxgt
ltDG letter to Principals - policy direction from 2020docxgt
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From McNally BronwynTo Hawkins RossCc Laurent KristenSubject Dot Points for ACTPADate Wednesday 6 February 2019 44732 PMAttachments NSCP Dot Points for ACTPAdocx
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Hi Ross please find dot points for ACTPA attachedLet me know if yoursquod like any changes madeBronBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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middot As a result of this realignment ACT government schools will only continue to participate in the Program for the 2019 rollover year and will not continue beyond 2019 while secular wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP
middot A number of ACT government schools (22) have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and they are valued by school communities
middot The Directorate is making arrangements to provide schools with the option to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of ongoing employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis
Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools
Background
bull In December 2018 the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed
the Project Agreement with the Australian Government to administer the NSCP in the ACT
for a further four years
bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were
participating in the 2015-2019 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year
bull Prior to signing the Agreement the Minister wrote to the Commonwealth Minister for
Education Dan Tehan requesting the inclusion of secular wellbeing workers into the
program This request was denied
Key points
bull Education in ACT government schools is required to be non-sectarian secular education
which is not only consistent with the Education Act 2004 (ACT) but also with prevailing
expectations of the ACT community
bull The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation
of our government schools
bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the
number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams
bull In recognising this investment and the maturing landscape of student wellbeing support in
our schools the Directorate is working to realign the wellbeing supports provided by faith-
based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with the Education Act
bull As a result of this realignment ACT government schools will only continue to participate in
the Program for the 2019 rollover year and will not continue beyond 2019 while secular
wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP
bull A number of ACT government schools (22) have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and
they are valued by school communities
bull The Directorate is making arrangements to provide schools with the option to directly
engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of
ongoing employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a
secular basis
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From Howson NatalieTo Hawkins Ross DGEDUofficeCc McNally Bronwyn Brighton MegSubject RE For clearance -Letter to DG and dot pointsDate Wednesday 6 February 2019 105801 PMImportance High
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveRossHow did the teleconference goI am happy with the letter but would like advice on one minor pointI suspect a schools capacity to pay sits on a broad continuum given small schools like Theodoreand Richardson are on the list Can you adjust the letter in concert with CFO advice to saysomething like lsquoin the first instance we expect the position to be funded from existing staffingallocation however I encourage you to speak with ( CFO nominee) or Mark should you feel thisapproach creates significant challenges for your schoolrsquo ( you will need to make sure thisconversation is informed and can be had with the fight ESO officer and a CFO rep)Also it would be good to know if any schools on the list have a staffing debt Natalie
From Hawkins Ross Sent Monday 4 February 2019 805 PMTo Hughes RebeccaJ ltRebeccaJHughesactgovaugt DGEDUofficeltDGEDUofficeactgovaugtCc Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject FW For clearance -Letter to DG and dot points
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi BecAttached are the letters for the DG to sign to the Principals regarding the Chaplaincy service Weare awaiting the direction from the Minister to the DG (regarding Chaplains) and the office hasconfirmed they will write to Scripture union This should happen in the next 2448 hoursMark and I will speak with principals (we think on Wednesday) This letter to them will be thefinal component not sure if the DG would want to sign or she would prefer this comes from Megor I Irsquom relaxed but I think the position agreed with Meg was that the DG would sendhellipHappy to discuss further Irsquom conscious there has been a lot of work to get us hereMany thanksR
From McNally Bronwyn Sent Monday 4 February 2019 502 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugtCc Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject For clearance -Letter to DG and dot points
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi RossPlease find attached the draft letter from the DG to principals as well as accompanying dotpoints for your review Please note I have included in the dot points the point thatcorrespondence will also need to be sent to Young Life as a funding recipient who manageschaplaincy services on behalf of Belconnen High SchoolCould you please advise whether you prefer to flag that correspondence is also required to thisorganisation with the Ministerrsquos Office or would you like us to do this through the DLO
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Once you have cleared the letter and dot points I will address to the individual schools and liaisewith Kim to progress through TRIM for DG review and signatureI am also in the process of updating the timelines and speaking notes for the teleconferencethese will be sent on shortlyPlease let me know if you need any other infoBronBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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UNCLASSIFIED For-Official-Use-Only
Second teleconference with principalsThursday 7 February 20191228 PM
Bruce McCourtKerrie ClarkeAndy MisonLara Coman - Black Mountain School
Mark Huxley
Moving away during 2019Direct engagement if valued
Couldnt sustain two YWs Currently two YWs for cost of oneCosts absorbed by schools but potential alternative mechanism for fundingExpert extra pair of hands to support student wellbeing
Bruce -Clear parameters in agreement to avoid proselytisingWord chaplaincy is a sticking point Work is powerful and significant across 2 differentsettingsAlso have a YW how could they afford to fundHaving a chaplain at the school resonates well with families moving from non-gov sector
Mark individual discussions with schools who cant afford to sustainFederal election comingMaterials to come today - letterTalking points for staff
Time to develop careful management over next few monthsHow to respect diversity of need v religion Need for interpretation of legislation andpractical examplesMin to lead out on media
Kerrie-
contacted her re having advertised for position at school 1 applicationProceedAlso relevant to Black Mountain School
Handling of vacanciesTransition year
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We will come back on that issueHold off on discussing with chaplains yet - dot points on where to direct them into Geenral Update came from Qld yesterdayBron to draft email to schools who didnt attend teleconference Created with Microsoft OneNote 2016
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From Laurent KristenTo DGEDUofficeCc Hawkins Ross McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject FW DG Letter and Information for PrincipalsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 30215 PMAttachments DG letter to Principals - Transition from NSCP -revised 7 Febdocx
Information for Principals NSCP 7 Feb 2018docxATTACH A- List of gov schools NSCP 2015-2018docx
UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive
Good afternoon AmiePlease see attached a letter and information in relation to the National School ChaplaincyProgram for Natalie to send to the list of principals in the attachment Natalie will be expectingthese and they follow the teleconferences held with relevant principals earlier today If youplease arrange for Nataliersquos signature and to send the letters that would be greatly appreciatedRegardsKristen Laurent | Senior Manager Policy and ProjectsPhone 6207 2327|Email kristenlaurentactgovauInclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive Stirling| wwwactgovau
From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 7 February 2019 257 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject DG Letter and Information for Principals
UNCLASSIFIED SensitiveHi KristenChanges made to the info for principals and DG letter as discussedBronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT GovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|51 Fremantle Drive Stirling| GPO Box 158Canberra ACT 2601wwweducationactgovau | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Google+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not theintended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along withany attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purpose nor disclose itscontents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Directorate will be speaking directly with Scripture Union QLD (trading as Chaplaincy ACT) and Young Life about the transition away from the NSCP As you can appreciate this discussion needs to be handled with sensitivity I understand Ross Hawkins and Mark Huxley have communicated the importance of ensuring communication to these organisations comes from the appropriate representatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the Directorate As discussed at the teleconference if you receive any queries from your chaplaincy provider or wish to discuss the matter further you can direct these queries to Ross Hawkins on 6205 7719 or via email at Please find attached key information that provides an overview of the approach the Directorate is taking
I appreciate your cooperation in making this change
Yours sincerely
Natalie Howson
7 February 2019