DCT - Education

118
From: Laurent, Kristen To: Hawkins, Ross Cc: Seton, Sam ; McNally, Bronwyn ; Shun Wah, Jane Subject: MINSET Dotties - School Chaplains Date: Sunday, 11 November 2018 12:47:16 PM Attachments: School Chaplains 11 November 2018.docx Hi Ross Sorry these are late. As requested I have included cost estimates for schools to employ Chaplains directly from a Chaplaincy Provider, or to employ a Social Worker or Youth Worker. These are indicative costs based on Treasury costs and information I found online. Regards Kristen Laurent | Senior Manager, Policy and Projects Phone: 6207 2327|Email: [email protected] Inclusion and Engagement | Education | ACT Government Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning|Fremantle Drive, Stirling| www.act.gov.au DOCUMENT 13 1 of 3

Transcript of DCT - Education

Page 1: 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

middot There are 42 ACT schools participating in the current Programme comprising of 22 Public 11 Catholic and 9 Independent schools

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

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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Renew the funding agreement and EDU could 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 19 public schools

OR

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP

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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ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

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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

DOCUMENT 16

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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

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

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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

1 of 8

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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

DOCUMENT 22

1 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

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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

DOCUMENT 23

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 25

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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

DOCUMENT 26

1 of 2

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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

1 of 6

ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

DOCUMENT 34

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

1 of 2

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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 37

2 of 2

From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

1 of 5

Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

DOCUMENT 38

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

4 of 5

bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

DOCUMENT 38

5 of 5

DOCUMENT 39

1 of 3

DOCUMENT 39

2 of 3

DOCUMENT 39

3 of 3

From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

1 of 2

have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

2 of 2

DOCUMENT 41

1 of 3

DOCUMENT 41

2 of 3

DOCUMENT 41

3 of 3

This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

1 of 1

From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

1 of 3

| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

3 of 3

  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains

middot The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to employ secular workers

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option represents challenges for the ACT Government in classifying the position as well as impacting on schools This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis

OR

middot

Option

Estimated cost

Indicative roles and Qualifications

School Chaplaincy allocation funded by the Commonwealth through the NSCP

$20000

Key accountabilities include

middot Social and emotional support

middot Spiritual support

middot Mentoring

middot Community Development

middot Educational Support

middot Extra-curricular activities

middot Team contribution

Quals

middot 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 $49993[footnoteRef1]) [1 httpswwwpayscalecomresearchAUJob=ChaplainSalary]

As above

School funds and employs a Social Worker (HP3) for equivalent time commitment (12 hours per week 03FTE)

Approx $29910

Potential roles[footnoteRef2] [2 A Social Workers Guide to Working in Schools httpswwwaaswasnaudocumentitem3153]

middot Group work

middot Community work

middot Advocacy

middot Raising awareness of social issues

middot Role modelling

middot Case management

middot Counselling

Quals

middot University degree

School funds and employs a Youth Worker (ASO4) for equivalent time commitment (12 hours per week 03FTE)

Approx $21711

middot Support and advice for students in a one-on-one or group setting

middot Assessing risks and providing crisis counselling to young people experiencing trauma

middot Providing information and referrals to appropriate specialists or community agencies

middot Advocacy

middot Planning and conducting programs focused on the specific needs of young people

Quals

middot Variable from Cert III and Cert IV to tertiary qualifications

Page 2: DCT - Education

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

DOCUMENT 13

2 of 3

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

DOCUMENT 13

3 of 3

DOCUMENT 14

1 of 3

DOCUMENT 14

2 of 3

DOCUMENT 14

3 of 3

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

1 of 4

Renew the funding agreement and EDU could 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 19 public schools

OR

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP

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

DOCUMENT 15

2 of 4

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

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

DOCUMENT 16

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DOCUMENT 17

17 of 17

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 31

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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

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ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

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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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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DOCUMENT 41

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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 Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

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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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

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  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
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                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains

middot The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to employ secular workers

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option represents challenges for the ACT Government in classifying the position as well as impacting on schools This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis

OR

middot

Page 3: DCT - Education

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

DOCUMENT 13

3 of 3

DOCUMENT 14

1 of 3

DOCUMENT 14

2 of 3

DOCUMENT 14

3 of 3

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

1 of 4

Renew the funding agreement and EDU could 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 19 public schools

OR

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP

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

DOCUMENT 15

2 of 4

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

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

DOCUMENT 16

5 of 5

DOCUMENT 17

1 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

2 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

3 of 17

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4 of 17

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5 of 17

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6 of 17

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7 of 17

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8 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

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10 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

11 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

12 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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16 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

17 of 17

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

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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

DOCUMENT 21

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Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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

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

DOCUMENT 22

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 32

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 33

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

1 of 6

ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

DOCUMENT 34

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

4 of 6

February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

DOCUMENT 34

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

DOCUMENT 34

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DOCUMENT 35

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 36

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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

1 of 2

the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 37

2 of 2

From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

1 of 5

Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

DOCUMENT 38

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

4 of 5

bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

DOCUMENT 38

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

1 of 2

have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

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DOCUMENT 41

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DOCUMENT 41

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DOCUMENT 41

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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

1 of 1

From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

1 of 3

| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

3 of 3

  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains

middot The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to employ secular workers

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option represents challenges for the ACT Government in classifying the position as well as impacting on schools This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis

OR

middot

Page 4: DCT - Education

DOCUMENT 14

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DOCUMENT 14

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DOCUMENT 14

3 of 3

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

1 of 4

Renew the funding agreement and EDU could 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 19 public schools

OR

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP

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

DOCUMENT 15

2 of 4

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

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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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DOCUMENT 17

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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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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

DOCUMENT 23

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 25

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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

DOCUMENT 26

1 of 2

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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 31

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 32

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 33

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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

DOCUMENT 33

2 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

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ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

DOCUMENT 34

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

DOCUMENT 34

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

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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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

3 of 5

National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

4 of 5

bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

DOCUMENT 38

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

1 of 2

have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

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DOCUMENT 41

1 of 3

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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

1 of 3

| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

3 of 3

  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains

middot The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to employ secular workers

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option represents challenges for the ACT Government in classifying the position as well as impacting on schools This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis

OR

middot

Page 5: DCT - Education

DOCUMENT 14

2 of 3

DOCUMENT 14

3 of 3

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

1 of 4

Renew the funding agreement and EDU could 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 19 public schools

OR

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP

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

DOCUMENT 15

2 of 4

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

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

DOCUMENT 16

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DOCUMENT 17

17 of 17

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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

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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

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

DOCUMENT 22

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

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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

DOCUMENT 23

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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

DOCUMENT 25

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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

DOCUMENT 26

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 31

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 32

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

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ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

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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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

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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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

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DOCUMENT 41

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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

3 of 3

  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains

middot The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to employ secular workers

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option represents challenges for the ACT Government in classifying the position as well as impacting on schools This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis

OR

middot

Page 6: DCT - Education

DOCUMENT 14

3 of 3

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

1 of 4

Renew the funding agreement and EDU could 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 19 public schools

OR

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP

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

DOCUMENT 15

2 of 4

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

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

DOCUMENT 16

5 of 5

DOCUMENT 17

1 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

2 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

3 of 17

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4 of 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

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DOCUMENT 17

17 of 17

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

DOCUMENT 22

1 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 23

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 26

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 31

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

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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

DOCUMENT 33

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

1 of 6

ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

DOCUMENT 34

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

4 of 6

February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

DOCUMENT 34

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

1 of 2

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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

4 of 5

bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

DOCUMENT 38

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

1 of 2

have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

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DOCUMENT 41

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DOCUMENT 41

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DOCUMENT 41

3 of 3

This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

3 of 3

  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains

middot The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to employ secular workers

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option represents challenges for the ACT Government in classifying the position as well as impacting on schools This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis

OR

middot

Page 7: DCT - Education

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

1 of 4

Renew the funding agreement and EDU could 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 19 public schools

OR

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot One public school who does not have existing funding has contacted EDU to enquire about applying for the NSCP

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

DOCUMENT 15

2 of 4

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

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

DOCUMENT 16

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DOCUMENT 17

17 of 17

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

DOCUMENT 25

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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

DOCUMENT 26

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 32

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

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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

DOCUMENT 33

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

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ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

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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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

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DOCUMENT 41

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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

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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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

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  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains

middot The ACT cannot renew the project agreement with the Australian Government and use NSCP funds to employ secular workers

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot Renew the funding agreement and ACT public schools could act as funding recipients to employ Chaplains (as defined above) directly with NSCP funding This option represents challenges for the ACT Government in classifying the position as well as impacting on schools This option increases the administrative burden on schools to recruiting and training chaplains and report financial acquittals on an annual basis

OR

middot

Page 8: DCT - Education

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

DOCUMENT 15

2 of 4

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

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

DOCUMENT 16

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2 of 17

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3 of 17

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16 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

17 of 17

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

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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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Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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

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

DOCUMENT 22

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

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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

DOCUMENT 25

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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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ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

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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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

1 of 3

| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

3 of 3

  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Page 9: DCT - Education

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

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

DOCUMENT 16

5 of 5

DOCUMENT 17

1 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

2 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

3 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

4 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

5 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

6 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

7 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

8 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

9 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

10 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

11 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

12 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

13 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

14 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

15 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

16 of 17

DOCUMENT 17

17 of 17

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

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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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

DOCUMENT 22

1 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

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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

DOCUMENT 23

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 25

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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

DOCUMENT 26

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 31

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

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ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

4 of 6

February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

DOCUMENT 34

5 of 6

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

1 of 2

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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

1 of 2

the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 37

2 of 2

From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

1 of 5

Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

DOCUMENT 38

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

3 of 5

National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

4 of 5

bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

DOCUMENT 38

5 of 5

DOCUMENT 39

1 of 3

DOCUMENT 39

2 of 3

DOCUMENT 39

3 of 3

From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

1 of 2

have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

2 of 2

DOCUMENT 41

1 of 3

DOCUMENT 41

2 of 3

DOCUMENT 41

3 of 3

This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

1 of 1

From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

1 of 3

| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

3 of 3

  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Page 10: DCT - Education

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

DOCUMENT 22

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

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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

DOCUMENT 23

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 26

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 31

2 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 33

2 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

1 of 6

ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

DOCUMENT 34

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

DOCUMENT 34

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

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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

DOCUMENT 36

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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 37

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

DOCUMENT 38

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

3 of 5

National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

4 of 5

bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

DOCUMENT 38

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DOCUMENT 39

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DOCUMENT 39

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

1 of 2

have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

2 of 2

DOCUMENT 41

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DOCUMENT 41

2 of 3

DOCUMENT 41

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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

1 of 3

| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

3 of 3

  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Page 11: DCT - Education

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

ACT MINISTERIAL BRIEF

UNCLASSIFIED TRIM NoMIN181122 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

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 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

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

Attachments

image1jpeg

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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

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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

DOCUMENT 16

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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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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

DOCUMENT 22

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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

DOCUMENT 23

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 25

1 of 1

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

DOCUMENT 26

1 of 2

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

1 of 2

Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 31

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 32

1 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 33

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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

DOCUMENT 33

2 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

1 of 6

ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

DOCUMENT 34

3 of 6

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

DOCUMENT 34

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

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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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

DOCUMENT 38

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

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DOCUMENT 41

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DOCUMENT 41

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DOCUMENT 41

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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

2 of 3

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

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  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Attachment

Title

Attachment A

NSCP Project Agreement 2019-2022

Attachment B

Key agreement outputs summary

Executive Director Service Design and Delivery Ross Hawkins

Phone

6205 7719

Action Officer Kristen Laurent

Phone

6207 2327

To

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development

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

Page 12: DCT - Education

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

DOCUMENT 16

2 of 5

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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DOCUMENT 17

17 of 17

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

DOCUMENT 22

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

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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

DOCUMENT 23

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 26

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 31

2 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 33

2 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

1 of 6

ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

DOCUMENT 34

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

DOCUMENT 34

5 of 6

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

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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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 37

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

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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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

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  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Page 13: DCT - Education

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

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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

DOCUMENT 16

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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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

DOCUMENT 22

1 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 23

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 26

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 31

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

1 of 6

ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

DOCUMENT 34

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

DOCUMENT 34

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

1 of 2

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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

1 of 2

the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 37

2 of 2

From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

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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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

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  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
                                  • Doc 29_Redacted
                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Page 14: DCT - Education

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

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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

DOCUMENT 16

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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

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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

1 of 8

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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

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

DOCUMENT 22

1 of 2

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 22

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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

DOCUMENT 23

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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

DOCUMENT 25

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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

DOCUMENT 26

1 of 2

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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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

DOCUMENT 32

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 32

2 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 33

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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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

1 of 6

ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

DOCUMENT 34

2 of 6

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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

DOCUMENT 34

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

DOCUMENT 34

4 of 6

February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

DOCUMENT 34

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

DOCUMENT 34

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DOCUMENT 35

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

DOCUMENT 36

1 of 2

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

DOCUMENT 36

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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

1 of 2

the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 37

2 of 2

From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

DOCUMENT 38

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

DOCUMENT 38

2 of 5

Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

DOCUMENT 38

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DOCUMENT 39

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DOCUMENT 39

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DOCUMENT 39

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

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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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
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                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
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                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

Page 15: DCT - Education

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

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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

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

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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

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Yvette Berry MLA

Deputy Chief Minister Minister for Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentMinister for Housing and Suburban DevelopmentMinister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceMinister for Sport and RecreationMinister for Women

Member for Ginninderra

2

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

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

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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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Dot Points Transition from the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) for ACT Government schools

Background

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains has always been incompatible with the operation of our government schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot

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

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 34

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ACT

[Title First Name Last name]

[Position title]

[Organisation]

[Address - Street or P O Box]

[SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode]

Dear [Principal]

I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year

As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act

Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement

The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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

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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP

I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process

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

Director-General

7 February 2019

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

image1jpeg

As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7 February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | 220 Northbourne Ave Braddon ACT 2612 | phone 6207 5111 | wwweducationactgovau

[Title First Name Last name] [Position title] [Organisation] [Address - Street or P O Box] [SUBURB STATE POSTCODE - ALL CAPS - 2 SPACES BETWEEN EACH][Followed by 3 Returns with the first return following the postcode] Dear [Principal] I am writing about the National School Chaplaincy Program 2019-22 (NSCP) I understand you were advised in December 2018 that the ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development signed the Project Agreement extending the program for a further four years For 2019 program services will be rolled over allowing you the option to continue to participate in the program this year As yoursquore aware 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 As such the incorporation of faith-based chaplains is not aligned with the Act Since 2014 when States and Territories were invited to deliver the NSCP the ACT government has advocated to the Australian Government for the inclusion of secular welfare workers in line with ACTrsquos Education Act 2004 When considering the latest iteration of the NSCP the Minister expressed her disappointment that this recommendation was again excluded This fails to acknowledge that pastoral care in its modern meaning of providing personal and emotional support and support for the wellbeing of a school community does not require a person to have a religious association or endorsement The ACT Government is committed to supporting the wellbeing of ACT students and recognises this as an important enabling factor to access learning Over the years we have made significant investment in this area through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams We also have additional investment planned for the future As a result ACT government schools are well equipped to offer a range of supports for student and school community wellbeing

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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 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 student wellbeing workers remain excluded from the NSCP I recognise a number of ACT government schools including yours have engaged chaplains through the NSCP and understand they are valued by school communities The Education Support Office is making arrangements to directly engage people currently performing a chaplain role under NSCP funding with an offer of direct employment to provide government schools with student wellbeing workers on a secular basis Given the limited number of hours of support offered under the NSCP and relatively small associated financial cost I am asking that you look to your school staffing allocation in the first instance to facilitate direct engagement of these workers However if you have concerns I encourage you to speak with your Director of School Improvement should you feel this approach creates significant challenges for your school It is anticipated a staggered approach to the transition from the NSCP will occur throughout 2019 and the Education Support Office will assist you to work through this process 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 RossHawkinsactgovau 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 Director-General 7 February 2019

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National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

bull In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

bull As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

bull EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

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 is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

bull Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports 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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are

expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase

chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A- As the employer Chaplaincy ACT will want to be the first to communicate with their chaplains Chaplaincy ACT have advised they will be communicating with their chaplains via email by COB 7

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February 2019 The Directorate will work closely with Chaplaincy ACT throughout the roll over year and the transition process Please refer to the key points above when discussing the reason for changes and reassure chaplains this change is not a reflection of the work they do and they are valued by school communities

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Government Schools currently receiving Chaplaincy Funding under 2015-2018 Program

School Name

Sector Funding recipient

1 Amaroo School EDU Scripture Union QLD 2 Belconnen HS EDU Young Life 3 Black Mountain School EDU Scripture Union QLD 4 Calwell HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 5 Campbell High School EDU Scripture Union QLD 6 Caroline Chisholm EDU Scripture Union QLD 7 Erindale College EDU Scripture Union QLD 8 Gordon PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 9 Hawker College EDU Scripture Union QLD 10 Isabella Plains Early Childhood School EDU Scripture Union QLD 11 Lake Tuggeranong College EDU Scripture Union QLD 12 Malkara Specialist School EDU Scripture Union QLD 13 Melba Copeland Secondary School EDU Scripture Union QLD 14 Mt Stromlo HS EDU Scripture Union QLD 15 Ngunnawal PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 16 Richardson PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 17 Theodore PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 18 Torrens PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 19 UC High School Kaleen EDU Scripture Union QLD 20 UC Lake Ginninderra College EDU Scripture Union QLD 21 Wanniassa Hills PS EDU Scripture Union QLD 22 Wanniassa School Jnr Campus EDU Scripture Union QLD

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc Sturgiss Kim McNally BronwynSubject Draft email for schoolsDate Thursday 7 February 2019 34400 PMImportance High

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Ross

As requested please see below a draft email for you to send to the school principals that did notattend one of the Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

1 Campbell High School-Steve Collins2 Gordon PS-Bruce Murray3 Ngunnawal PS-Kristine Stuart4 Torrens PS- Rachel Mathews5 Lake Ginninderra College- Gerard Barrett6 Lake Tuggeranong College -Julie Murkins7 Erindale College -Jessie Atkins

As you were unable to attend the teleconference this morning I am writing to update you oninformation provided in relation to the National School Chaplaincy Program for ACT publicschools in 2019

You will be aware that late last year the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Developmentsigned the renewed Project Agreement on the National School Chaplaincy Program and thatprogram services will be rolled over for 2019 The purpose of the teleconference was to informprincipals of the Ministerrsquos decision that ACT public schools will not continue to participate in theprogram beyond 2019 This move away from the program is to realign the wellbeing supportsprovided by faith-based chaplains under the NSCP to a secular provision to align with theEducation Act

The Directorate is working towards a transition out of the NSCP to be implemented through astaggered approach throughout 2019 This includes establishing arrangements for schools todirectly employ their current chaplains on a secular basis As you can appreciate it importantthat communication on this issue is managed with sensitivity and that at this stagecommunication to chaplaincy providers and the broader community come from the appropriaterepresentatives from the Ministerrsquos Office andor the DirectorateChaplaincy ACT is aware of the transition and they have advised they will be communicating withtheir chaplains via email this afternoon The Directorate will be working closely with ChaplaincyACT throughout the rollover year and through the transition process to make this as smooth aspossible for the chaplains working in our schools

Further correspondence with greater detail will be send to you this afternoon or tomorrowmorning from the Director General If you have any initial questions donrsquot hesitate to contact me

Regards

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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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From Murkins JulieTo Hawkins RossCc Fox Richard (ACTEDU)Subject RE Chaplaincy teleconferences this morningDate Friday 8 February 2019 83517 AM

Hi RossOh I am so sorry that I missed the teleconference ndash my intentions were good but hellipI have read the letter and communique that came out later yesterday and we will treat thismatter with the utmost sensitivity and care Itrsquos certainly an interesting world I fully support theposition that has been taken even though we are a school that has always enjoyed magnificentservice and support from the program I guess wersquove just always had the luxury of chaplains whowere amazing in their own right Interestingly enough of the I have known here atLTC have held qualifications and so they lsquogetrsquo school contexts and young peopleexceptionally wellThe matter of exclusion of secular candidates in the program vexed our Board and staff threeyears ago but out overwhelming lsquopositionrsquo has been to continue supporting the program IF thequality of the candidature was visible to us As I mentioned above in that regard we have beenfortunate indeedWe will definitely be one of the schools looking to continue engaging a person in the pastoralcare role currently provided by our chaplainThanks RossJulie MurkinsPrincipalLake Tuggeranong CollegeLEARN - THRIVE - CONNECTCowlishaw Street | Tuggeranong ACT 2901P 02 6142 3666 |M 0408 006 547wwwltcacteduau

From Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugt On Behalf Of Hawkins RossSent Thursday 7 February 2019 533 PMTo Collins Steven ltStevenCollinsedacteduaugt Bruce MurrayltMurrayBruceedacteduaugt Stewart Kristine ltKristineStewartedacteduaugt MatthewsRachel ltRachelMatthewsedacteduaugt Barrett Gerard ltGerardBarrettedacteduaugtMurkins Julie ltJulieMurkinsedacteduaugt Atkins Jessie ltJessieAtkinsedacteduaugtSubject Chaplaincy teleconferences this morning

UNCLASSIFIEDGood AfternoonI am conscious that you were unable to dial into the teleconference this morning You wouldhave received a letter this afternoon from the Director-General with information regarding theNational School Chaplaincy Program If you have any questions please donrsquot hesitate to contactmeKind RegardsRoss Hawkins | Executive Director Service Design and Delivery | Education Directorate | ACTGovernmentHedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning | GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601T +61 2 6205 7719 | M 0409871248 | E Rosshawkinsactgovau

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are not

DOCUMENT 37

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the intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From Laurent KristenTo Hawkins RossCc McNally Bronwyn Sturgiss KimSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Date Friday 15 February 2019 75600 AM

UNCLASSIFIED

OK thanks Ross Bron and I will keep this movingKristen

From Hawkins Ross Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 811 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject RE Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Kristen

Unfortunately not we need to manage a transition in year But I think we should have threetransition points end of term 2 3 and 4

We need the deed to reflect these points and we need to look to get schools that want totransition to do so in a orderly way

We need to

Finalise the DeedGet a lsquomud maprsquo plan to the office of how we will manage transition (within the week)Get some comms out to school (ASAP) that we have now met SU and CACT and that wewill work though transition together Chaplains that want to be employed as a youthworker will have this option We should also prepare some comms for the principals ifasked by their communitiesCan I get some examples of the work welfare teams are doing in other schools (ie thegreat supports we are providing student in schools without chaplains)Work through the employment conditions ndash I want Allison Stott across the approach Weneed to have this by the end of term 1 in a really clear wayI would like to think about the PD associated with welfare staff youth workers andwhether we can do more to connect and support themhellip

Happy to discuss

R

From Laurent Kristen Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 316 PMTo Hawkins Ross ltRossHawkinsactgovaugt

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Cc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugt Sturgiss Kim ltKimSturgissactgovaugtSubject FW Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018Importance High

UNCLASSIFIED Hi Ross Please see the dot points Bron prepared from our meeting with the Scripture Union yesterday Iwonder whether there is scope to re-visit the MOrsquos preference to transition throughout 2019rather than allowing schools to see out the full school year with their funded chaplains Thiscould be a gesture of goodwill that builds upon the positive interactions we had yesterday andwould allow for

Certainty for schools students SU and chaplainsTransition planning to commence in Semester 2 in readiness for 2020A straightforward process for the variation and paymentsMinimised risk of negative media

Also I have asked Gill to add Chaplaincy to the agenda of our first cross-sectoral meeting thisterm as wersquoll need to foreshadow the work on convening a panel for participation of schoolsfrom 2020 It would be good to give them earlier notice however of the changes so they heardirectly from us Would you like us to prepare an email for you to send to 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

From McNally Bronwyn Sent Thursday 14 February 2019 241 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtSubject Meeting Notes-Scripture Union 13 Feb 2018

UNCLASSIFIED HI there Second draft as discussed Bronwyn McNally | Research and Policy Executive OfficerPhone +61 6205 7619| Email bronwynmcnallyactgovauStudent Wellbeing | Education | ACT Government

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Hedley 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-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 38

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National School Chaplaincy Program

Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019

bull A meeting was held with Scripture Union QLD to discuss the response to the Ministerrsquos letter informing

them ACT public schools will transition out of the NSCP in 2019 Representatives from Scripture Union included Chief Executive Officer Director of Field Operations and

Manager Field Operations Chaplaincy ACT

bull Scripture Union (SU) expressed their disappointment with the Ministerrsquos decision to transition public schools out of the NSCP SU provided a number of examples of how Chaplains support the wellbeing of the school community particularly in times when the school community experiences grief and loss such as the incident at Campbell High School in 2018

bull SU intend to respond to the Ministerrsquos letter to address a perceived misunderstanding about the nature of the Chaplainrsquos role in the school community

bull SU consider the role of the Chaplain to be unique in the school setting as it is not a clinical case management approach but rather the development of trusted relationships to support wellbeing Chaplains also implement school wide programs such as the mental health ambassadors program at Hawker College

bull The unique role of the chaplain will need to be considered when classifying the position for schools to directly engage Chaplains as secular workers

bull Scripture Union was concerned about the timing of transition indicated in the Ministerrsquos letter Of

particular concern is to provide certainty to Chaplains on their employment and not disrupting existing programs schools have in place for children and young people Scripture Union expressed a preference to allow services to continue to the end of the school year to enable schools to continue to implement planned programs for students and the school community

bull There was general agreement that the transition would not occur in semester 1 to ensure adequate time for consultation and planning and to avoid any potential implications of the federal election in May 2019

bull A transition away from the program will need to be carefully planned in partnership with schools and

Chaplaincy ACT to ensure services provided to students and families that have been planned for the year are not negatively impacted

bull Chaplaincy ACT provides ongoing professional support to Chaplains through professional learning

mentoring networks and access to social and emotional learning programs and strategies Scripture Union would welcome a conversation on the possibility of continuing to provide this support to schools

bull Chaplaincy ACT uses funds raised in the community to supplement Chaplains hours on a school by school basis This roughly equates to an additional four hours per week above the NSCP funded 10 hours EDU has requested a breakdown of hours of each Chaplain at each school (Note Principals have queried whether they are expected to cover the actual cost of chaplaincy services in schools to meet the gap between what the NSCP provided and what SU contributes)

bull Scripture Union also raised the question of whether Chaplaincy ACT could continue to provide community funds to schools for chaplaincy services outside of the National School Chaplaincy Program

bull There are currently 17 Chaplains employed in ACT public schools Two schools are in the process of

recruiting a Chaplain In some instances a Chaplain will work across two school communities

DOCUMENT 38

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bull EDU is currently reviewing the Deed of Grant to include the necessary clauses regarding the transition

bull Scripture Union and EDU will meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the transition in greater depth

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Friday 15 February 2019 33200 PM

UNCLASSIFIED

Thanks Likewise we were very grateful for your grace and understanding in challengingcircumstancesEnjoy your weekendKristen

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 329 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNally Bronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear Kristen

Thank you so much for letting us know

We really appreciated meeting with you Bronwyn and Ross Thank you for your professionalismand diligence in the support of schools and students

Best wishes

On Fri 15 Feb 2019 223 pm Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovau wrote

UNCLASSIFIED

Good afternoon

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances

I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and we

DOCUMENT 40

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have encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview 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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 40

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DOCUMENT 41

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This document is not released in accordance with Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2016 schedule 16

DOCUMENT 42

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From Laurent KristenToCc McNally BronwynSubject RE National School Chaplaincy ProgramDate Tuesday 19 February 2019 114857 AM

UNCLASSIFIED Sensitive

Hi

Thanks for raising this and for copying us into the correspondence you sent to Minister Berry

During the teleconferences with principals we had advised that the transition of public schoolsfrom the program would occur in a staged approach during 2019 and further information wouldbe provided when he had undertaken further planning around the transition arrangements Partof this planning will include consideration of the financial implications for schools and how thiscan be managed I think schools will welcome the certainty for Semester 1 and we will continueto keep them informed as our transition planning unfolds

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

From Sent Friday 15 February 2019 559 PMTo Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugtCc McNallyBronwyn ltBronwynMcNallyactgovaugtSubject Re National School Chaplaincy Program

Dear KristenThanks so much for letting us know and keeping us informed

I am concerned that information regarding Term 1 and 2 may cause concern when the originalinformation was rollover of NSCP funds for 2019 Some Principals may not have budget availableother than NSCP for this vital role I realise you are trying to allow for transition time and trustPrincipals will be able to choose to continue to use the funds during that transition period in thesecond half of the year

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you Bronwyn and Ross this week andappreciate these opportunities to express concerns openly

Kind regards

DOCUMENT 43

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| Director of Field Operations

SU QLD Logo switchboard 1300 478 753 | direct | mobile

| wwwsuqldorgau Level 1 126 Barry Pde Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 | PO Box 1167 Eagle Farm QLD4009 follow twittercomsuqld | like facebookcomsuqld | watch youtubecomsuqld

Email Signature Footer Image

SU QLDhellip bringing hope to a young generation Scripture Union Queensland is a member of the worldwide Scripture UnionInternational community

The information contained in this email is confidential and may be privileged It is intended solelyfor the addressee If you receive this email by mistake please promptly inform us by reply emailand then delete the email There is no warranty that this email is error or virus free Check anyattachments for viruses before opening This email may be a private communication and if sodoes not represent the views of SU QLD

On Fri Feb 15 2019 at 223 PM Laurent Kristen ltKristenLaurentactgovaugt wrote

UNCLASSIFIED Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to meet with us on Wednesday It was lovely to meet you inperson albeit in difficult circumstances I thought you would appreciate a quick update in relation to our communication with schoolsWe are emailing principals (in not this afternoon then on Monday) to advise that we met withyour organisation to discuss changes to the program for ACT public schools this year and thatcurrent chaplaincy arrangements will remain in place for terms 1 and 2 We have advised wewill continue to work closely with Scripture Union chaplains and schools to ensure a smoothtransition and minimise potential disruption to students and the school community Wersquovealso reiterated that the decision to transition from the NSCP was to ensure the alignment ofeducation supports in public schools with the Education Act - we know chaplains fundedthrough the NSCP are valued for the work they do with students staff and families and wehave encouraged schools to reassure chaplains of this in any conversations you may have withthem about the transition We will be in touch as this work progresses and when the nee Deed of Grant is ready for yourreview

DOCUMENT 43

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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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------This email and any attachments may be confidential and also privileged If you are notthe intended recipient please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmissionalong with any attachments immediately You should not copy or use it for any purposenor disclose its contents to any other person-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DOCUMENT 43

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  • Doc 13_Redacted
    • Doc 15
    • Doc 15a
      • MINSET 12 November 2018 - School Chaplains
          • Doc 14
          • Doc 15
            • Doc 17
            • Doc 17a
              • Dot points 13 November 2018 - School Chaplains
                  • Doc 16
                    • Doc 18
                    • Doc 18a
                      • Purpose To seek your agreement to proceed with the National School Chaplaincy Programme (NSCP) noting the proposed approach for ACT public schools
                      • Recommendations
                      • Background
                      • Issues
                      • Financial Implications
                      • Consultation
                      • Internal
                      • BenefitsSensitivities
                      • 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 part
                      • Attachments
                          • Doc 17_Redacted
                          • Doc 18
                          • Doc 19_Redacted
                            • Sheet1
                              • Doc 20
                              • Doc 21_Redacted
                                • Doc 25
                                • Doc 25a
                                • Doc 25b
                                • Doc 25c
                                  • Doc 22
                                  • Doc 23
                                  • Doc 24_Redacted
                                  • Doc 25 Place holder
                                  • Doc 26
                                  • Doc 27
                                  • Doc 28
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                                  • Doc 30_Redacted
                                  • Doc 31
                                    • Doc 34
                                    • Doc 34a
                                      • Doc 32
                                      • Doc 33_Redacted
                                      • Doc 34
                                        • Doc 37
                                        • Doc 37a
                                        • Doc 37b
                                          • National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019
                                          • 7 February 2019
                                            • Doc 37c
                                              • Doc 35_Redacted
                                              • Doc 36
                                              • Doc 37_Redacted
                                              • Doc 38_Redacted
                                                • Doc 42
                                                • Doc 42a
                                                  • National School Chaplaincy Program
                                                  • Meeting with Scripture Union 13 February 2019
                                                      • Doc 39_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 40_Redacted
                                                      • Doc 41_Redacted
                                                        • Doc 45
                                                        • Doc 45a
                                                          • Doc 42 Place holder
                                                          • Doc 43_Redacted

School Name

Sector

Funding recipient

1

Amaroo School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

2

Belconnen HS

EDU

Young Life

3

Black Mountain School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

4

Calwell HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

5

Campbell High School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

6

Caroline Chisholm

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

7

Erindale College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

8

Gordon PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

9

Hawker College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

10

Isabella Plains Early Childhood School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

11

Lake Tuggeranong College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

12

Malkara Specialist School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

13

Melba Copeland Secondary School

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

14

Mt Stromlo HS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

15

Ngunnawal PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

16

Richardson PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

17

Theodore PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

18

Torrens PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

19

UC High School Kaleen

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

20

UC Lake Ginninderra College

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

21

Wanniassa Hills PS

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

22

Wanniassa School Jnr Campus

EDU

Scripture Union QLD

National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) Arrangements 2019

7 February 2019

Background

middot In December 2018 the Minister signed the Project Agreement with the Australian Government committing to deliver the National School Chaplaincy (NSCP) Program in the ACT for 2019-2022

middot As part of this Agreement the Australian Government allowed schools who were participating in the previous 2015-2018 program to be rolled over for the 2019 school year

middot 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 Minister Tehan denied this request

middot EDU notified funding recipients (who manage chaplaincy services on behalf of schools) of the roll over in December 2018

Key points

middot 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

middot The incorporation of faith-based chaplains is incompatible with the Education Act that governs our schools

middot Over time there has been significant investment in student wellbeing supports through increasing the number of school psychologists and expanding the Network Student Engagement Teams

middot 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

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 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

FAQs

Q- Our school was part of the 2015-2018 program but do not currently have a Chaplain are we able to continue with the Program in 2019

A- As a program participant in 2018 your school has the option to continue to with the program in the 2019 roll over period However schools should consider the benefits of proceeding with a recruitment and induction process for a program that will be phased out over 2019 The Directorate will meet with chaplaincy providers and discuss the approach to ongoing recruitment of chaplains throughout the roll over period

Q- Scripture Union provide additional funding to increase chaplain hours in schools If schools are expected to cover these costs will the Directorate cover the shortfall currently provided by Scripture Union

A- EDU is aware that Scripture Union utilises community funding raised by the organisation to increase chaplaincy hours to 12 from the 10 hours per week covered by the NSCP funding If schools consider that covering the costs of existing support hours will present a significant challenge this can be discussed on a case by case basis in the context of each schoolrsquos approach to wellbeing supports

Q- What do I tell my chaplain about the transition

A-

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