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Who we are

The South Coast Schools Ministry Support Group (SCSMSG) is dedicated to increasing the presence and impact of School Chaplains in local schools, ensuring children receive the care, guidance, and support they need to thrive. We are part of a proud Christian tradition of supporting school children through chaplaincy, which provides love, protection, and encouragement as they learn and grow.

Here on the Fleurieu South Coast, local churches have been actively supporting school chaplaincy long before government programs existed, relying on the generosity of the community. Today, we continue this vital work, representing and being supported by the Christian community from Victor Harbor to Goolwa and beyond.

While the mission of school chaplaincy remains the same, its importance and scope have grown. The increasing complexity of school life means the need for chaplaincy has never been greater. Our mission is to go beyond government-provided support, extending the time and resources School Chaplains can dedicate to our schools.

This collaborative effort involves:

  • The Government: Through the National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP), the government provides funding for approximately 300 hours of Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) support per school each year—equivalent to one day a week.
  • The Schools Ministry Group (SMG): As an approved NSWP service provider, SMG recruits, employs, trains, and supports Pastoral Care Workers.
  • The South Coast Schools Ministry Support Group (SCSMSG) Inc.: This is where we step in to make a real difference. Our mission is to raise and manage additional funds from the local community, ensuring School Chaplains can be present in schools for at least two days a week—or more. This extra time enables them to:
    • Build stronger, more meaningful relationships with students.
    • Provide consistent emotional and social support to children in need.
    • Work closely with school staff to foster a positive and nurturing environment.
  • Local Churches and the Christian Community: Over 95% of the funds we distribute currently come from the generosity of local churches and individuals who believe in the transformative power of school chaplaincy.

Every additional hour that School Chaplains spend in our schools means more opportunities to positively impact the lives of children, their families, and the broader school community. Together, we are making a difference—one student, one school, and one community at a time.

Our amazing PCW team

Amy Mackenzie bio

Amy Mackenzie

Supporting Goolwa Secondary College

Joanne Knight bio

Joanne Knight

Supporting Goolwa Primary and Victor Harbor Primary

Jacob Schilling bio

Jacob Schilling

Supporting Victor Harbor High School

Zahrna Manley bio

Zahrna Manley

Supporting Victor Harbor High School

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.

Amy Mackenzie

Goolwa Secondary College

Hello! My name is Amy Mackenzie and I am the Pastoral Care Worker for Goolwa Secondary College. I am blessed that I have been in this role since the very beginning of our new school in 2022, and have been able to play a part in forming the culture and legacy of the school body.

I am a qualified teacher and have experience supporting youth and their wellbeing through roles working with the YMCA and Operation Flinders. I built my own home in Goolwa in 2021, an Earthship made from recycled car tyres and other repurposed materials, and have loved slowly becoming a member of the Goolwa community.

I attend Vive Church Goolwa and am a member of the newly formed Goolwa Community Association, which helps to organise the yearly Goolwa Christmas Festival. I feel grateful to be part of the GSC School staff team and love the opportunities that our local youth get through Goolwa Secondary College.

Joanne Knight

Supporting Goolwa Primary and Victor Harbor Primary

Hello, my name is Jo and I am the Pastoral Care Worker for both Goolwa Primary School and Victor Harbor Primary school. I started in this role at Goolwa at the start of 2023 and at Victor Harbor in February of 2025. I really love the school communities and what I do.  I am passionate about my role and love building relationships and connections with students, staff and families within the school communities.

My husband and I moved to the Victor Harbor area at the beginning of 2024 and have fallen in love with the beautiful Fleurieu South Coast region. I also work at Goolwa Primary School OSHC as well as YMCA OSHC in other schools in the region.

I attend Bayside Church and enjoy being a part of a strong Christian community. My Christion faith and relationship with Jesus is the driving factor in everything I do. I feel very privileged to be able to serve my school communities and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around me.

Jacob Schilling

Supporting Victor Harbor High School

Hi! My name is Jacob Schilling and I am one of the Pastoral Care Workers for Victor Harbor High School. I have been in the role and connected to this community since 2023, having the privilege of sharing encouragement and support to students, staff and parents during this time.

I also work as an instrumental tutor teaching drums locally, connecting with other students in the community through music. While offering general support to students, I also tend to utilise my music skillset in my role as a PCW running a lunchtime jam program with students and some staff. My fellow PCW Zahrna and I also run other programs from time to time, such as our morning breakfast club program.
 
I attend and serve in church at Exalt Church in Port Elliot. I am grateful to be in this role and have the opportunity to serve my God and community in this way.

Zahrna Manley

Supporting Victor Harbor High School

Hi! My name is Zahrna, and I am one of the Pastoral Care Workers at Victor Harbor High School. This is my fourth year in the role, and I absolutely love what I do. Supporting and encouraging students, staff, and families is such a privilege, and I am passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space where young people feel valued and supported.

I have lived in Victor Harbor my whole life, and this community means so much to me. I love being involved in programs that bring people together and make a difference, both at school and beyond. Alongside my role at Victor High, I am also the Youth Coordinator at Exalt Church in Port Elliot, where I have the joy of mentoring and supporting young people in their faith and personal growth.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is being there for students—offering a listening ear, providing encouragement, and walking alongside them through life’s challenges. I believe in the power of genuine connection and creating a space where students feel heard, valued, and supported. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of the VHHS community and to have the opportunity to make a positive impact every day.

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.