The Anglican Parish of Gosford provides chaplaincy to Point Clare and Gosford Public Schools. Chaplaincy is about "pastoral care".

School chaplaincy works alongside existing school programs and services such as counselors, psychologists and youth workers. Chaplaincy compliments these programs providing Pastoral Care to individuals and families who voluntarily participate.

Pastoral care, as opposed to other existing services, has no set agenda. It does not have any determined outcomes except to provide care for the person in need. Pastoral care is not about analysis, reflection or outcomes. Pastoral Care is about accompanying. The greatest gift we can give another human being is to be alongside them in times of trial, crisis, or just the difficulties of everyday. An accompanist does this – they are there for another person. It is giving a person help, support, hope and space at a time when they need it.

Accompanying is usually illustrated in music. The accompanist provides a musical framework which the soloist uses to explore the range of their instrument or voice. Music is made when the two players are aware of one another. They empathise with each other, listening carefully so that they can perform their best. In a similar way, the Pastoral Carer accompanies the individual as they explore the world about them.

Accompanying is not counseling. Accompanying is not necessarily befriending. Accompanying is not mentoring. Accompanying is walking alongside.

Chaplains are appointed by the School Principal upon consultation with the school community, staff members and approval by the Department of Education, Science and Training. The Chaplain reports directly to the Principal.

The Chaplain is also available to the school community for general religious and personal advice. The Chaplain will be well acquainted with the customs and needs of other denominations and faiths and be able to assist others in contacting representatives of their own tradition where appropriate.

The chaplain is also present to provide comfort to the school community, especially in times of need and distress.

The Chaplain is available to undertake religious services as deemed appropriate.

Point Clare Public School Chaplain                                      

The Fr Richard Loh, is a priest in the Anglican Parish of Gosford and the chaplain to Point Clare Public School. Fr Richard is a qualified counsellor and worked with Mission Australia as a chaplain before joining the Diocese of Newcastle.
Fr Richard commenced as Chaplain to Point Clare Public School in Mid 2010. He is available in the school community on Wednesday and Thursday from 11-3pm. Other times are available by appointment.

Gosford Public School Chaplain

In August 2008 Mrs Julie Reynolds joined our team as Chaplain at Gosford Public School. Julie comes from Western Australia where she has worked as a Primary School Chaplain for over seven years. She has a wealth of experiences and talent to offer Gosford Public School.