Chaplain

Go Back

The role of School Chaplain

Chaplaincy work supports students’ personal and spiritual growth,
through deeper understanding of oneself, others and/or God.



The Chaplain works collaboratively with all members of the school community; in particular with those who hold designated pastoral responsibilities relating to students, staff, and members of the wider community who are connected with the school.

The work of the Chaplain this academic year (2021 – ’22) includes:

One on one check in with students
This work is usually done by appointment and sometimes when a need arises, without an appointment. Students are invited to develop and practice meditation skills during the check in.

Pop-up meditations in the classroom 
This work is usually gifted to staff who arrange the pop-up meditation appointment in advance.     It can sometimes happen spontaneously too. This work develops key skills in stillness.

Meditation programmes during subject classes
This is usually a 4 week programme (each session lasting 30 minutes), to assist with building class spirit. The meditation programmes are requested by teachers and the content is tailored to suit the needs of the teacher (eg. Building deep listening skills / restoring a respectful class spirit etc.).

Development of services and ceremonies:
These services include the Opening of the School Year / In November we Remember / Christmas / Graduation etc.. Services and ceremonies are prepared in collaboration with staff and students. Students on the SST list are identified and invited to engage with preparations for services and ceremonies. The Chaplain also supports students who wish to practice their faith.

Citizenship Education and Intercultural Initiatives
These initiatives support the development of strong and just citizenship education, through development education programmes;
such as the World Wise Global Schools https://www.worldwiseschools.ie/
and community development programmes; such as Localise https://www.localise.ie

This work includes raising awareness of cultural similarities and differences as well as an awareness of cultural bias among students and staff in Larkin. We have 26 different nationalities represented in our school community.

Artist Residencies and Initiatives
Accessing artists and funding for creativity in education initiatives with teachers and curriculum. Partners include:

Links with agencies in the NEIC
Accessing interagency support for students (YPAR / V De P / Crosscare / Local Churches / Jigsaw  etc..). This work includes attending Mental Health Group meetings, Hard To Reach youth services meetings, Community Arts and Culture meetings etc...

What is a school chaplain? What do chaplains do?

  • A chaplain is someone who draws out the Spirit of the members of the school community. 

Do you have to train to be a Chaplain?

  • Chaplains in Ireland have a theological education. 

Who is the Chaplain in Larkin Community College?

  • Máire O’Higgins.

What does the school Chaplain in Larkin Community College do? 

  • Our success as a school is down to the fact that our staff are generous and we work together to make things happen for our students. We do all of this with love.

Some of the work of the Chaplain includes:

  • Listening
  • Being present with students who ask for some time out to just breathe
  • Developing meditation and mindfulness programmes and initiatives 
  • Attending care team meetings once a week 
  • Advocating for young people’s and colleagues’ rights
  • Encouraging the creativity and passion of the students and staff
  • Supporting students to nurture their journey towards the world of work
  • Managing some of the arts and culture partnerships in the school 
  • Celebrating diversity in the school community
  • Building the skills of empathy and compassion and kindness with students and staff
  • Working with others to organise celebratory events like the 6th year Graduation 
  • Remembering and honouring those who have died in our school community 
  • Practicing Restorative Practices with students and staff
  • Managing the Silent Lunch experience twice a week
  • Supporting 1st Years as their Year Head
  • Helping the Home School Liaison Teacher with a Parent Council
  • Supporting the JCSP programme for Junior Cycle students
  • Supporting the development of the Larkin Youth Theatre

Weekly Wellbeing Newsletter

Wellbeing newsletter week beginning 30th of March 2020

Wellbeing newsletter Week Beginning 23rd of March 2020

Inspiration

The Irish writer John O Donohue said ............

Compassion is the ability to vitally imagine what it is like to be an other, the force that makes a bridge from the island of one individuality to the island of the other. It is an ability to step outside your own perspective, limitations and ego, and become attentive in a vulnerable, encouraging, critical, and creative way with the hidden world of another person.


The American writer Maya Angelou said .............. 

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
    

The Tibetan 14th Dalai Lama said............. 

My religion is kindness.

Jason Maupin Talk

In November We Remember 2020

November Service 2019

Peter McVerry Chats to Class 602

Tea and Chats Results Day 2019

Relationships Keepers

Fireside Chats

Mindfullness Course