Welcome to the South Coast Schools Ministry Support Group Inc

Supporting student well-being and growth through compassionate pastoral care, reflecting the love of Jesus Christ in our schools

Who we are

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Our sole purpose is to ensure that students at our local schools are receiving loving and effective pastoral care support delivered by a trained and resourced Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) school chaplain.

United by our common faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, we are an active group whose common desire is to ensure that appropriate and relevant pastoral care support is made available to all students in government schools on the Fleurieu south coast of South Australia.

With direct collaboration from local churches, other community groups and businesses, and in partnership with Schools Ministry Group, we work to support Pastoral Care Workers as they serve in our local schools delivering school chaplaincy support to the students.

In Matthew 25 Jesus spoke clearly about the call on His people to routinely provide physical and emotional help to those in need. Indeed, He told us that what we do, or not do to others, we do or do not do to Him.

Our choice is to example the mind, heart, hands, and feet of Jesus across our schools via the professional ministry of pastoral care support delivered by credentialed, trained and experienced school chaplains specifically tasked to do so via their work in their school.

What we are doing

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Welcome to our new website

We truly hope and pray that this initiative will act as a broad platform to keep you informed, involved and inspired about all that school chaplaincy is, does and plans for the south coast of the Fleurieu.

Learn more »

Helping our Pastoral Care Workers to serve as role models and mentors, promote school and community engagement, and lead extracurricular activities.

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Our PCWs provide vital one-on-one support to children, helping guide them away from challenging situations and toward a positive and hopeful future. This meaningful work requires time and resources far beyond the one day per week funded by government grants. Through our support, PCWs gain additional time and access to valuable resources, enabling them to better fulfill their important role in schools.

Why we need you

Love and Support

Nurturing students with care and compassion.

Helping Families

Strengthening connections for brighter futures.

Excellence

Encouraging growth through dedication and care.

Government funding for Pastoral Care Workers remains stagnant while costs continue to rise. In South Australia, schools are now required to contribute, expanding opportunities but challenging smaller schools. This puts pressure on schools and chaplains, leaving students at a disadvantage. We’re doing all we can – and you can help too.

It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

In Luke 20 when Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury and a poor woman put in two very small copper coins, He spoke clearly about how much more valuable the poor women’s gift was. We value our supporters for the love they bring, not by how much they give.

We provide our Pastoral Care Workers with essential support, including extended time in schools, active encouragement, prayers for their protection, guidance, and connection, as well as access to funds to assist students in times of need. Additionally, in partnership with the Schools Ministry Group, we offer schools complimentary access to “Life Matters” seminars and workshops, fostering personal development, growth, and spirituality for all students.

We host structured Committee meetings on the second Monday of each school term at one of our supporting churches. These sessions provide an opportunity to hear directly from our Pastoral Care Workers about the successes and challenges they face in schools, and to ask, “How can we better support our PCWs and students?”

All meetings and activities are open to everyone. You’re warmly invited to join us at our next meeting and connect with the team. 

Meeting information

Here are three simple yet impactful ways you can support us:

  • PRAY for each chaplain and the entire school chaplaincy ministry.
  • SHARE the story of school chaplaincy whenever possible.
  • CONSIDER how you can contribute through your time, resources, or financial support.

Find out how you can get involved through volunteering, donations, or partnerships.

We’re here to support our schools, chaplains, and local communities. Whether you want to learn more about what we do, get involved, or need assistance, we’d love to hear from you. Your support makes a difference in fostering strong school communities and empowering students to thrive. Reach out today!

Thank you for you generosity

We are proudly regulated by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Every donation—no matter the amount—comes from a place of love, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity. Your support makes a meaningful impact and is also tax-deductible.