FUNDING to the chaplaincy program at Bridgetown High School has been reinstated for a further 12 months, following concern and support for the position from local community members, parishioners and politicians.
Funding cuts for the position were received at the high school late last year, following a decision by the Federal Government to allow state and territorial governments to determine which schools would benefit from the cuts.
Following the state government’s announcement that Bridgetown High School would be one of the many schools receiving cuts, a community outcry ensured enough support to reinstate the funding to the high school for a further 12 months.
School Chaplain Carol Stokes said it was just amazing to receive the support from the community when the issue came to their attention.
"I really loved how the community pulled together and were prepared to assist with fundraising and to support this position," Ms Stokes said.
"I found out at Christmas that the funding had been reinstated for a further 12 months. It was the best Christmas present ever.
"The support from the local churches and the school community was fantastic and then local MP Robyn McSweeney came on board and helped ensure the position was maintained."
Ms McSweeney said she was very pleased to be able to effect change of policy and have some of the funding for chaplains in the South West reinstated.
"I was not going to let Bridgetown lose a very valuable member of our community," Ms McSweeney said.
"Chaplains play an enormous role in helping children and young people. During my career I have seen the good work that they do."
"14 schools in my area were to lose funding, Bridgetown High School being one. The State Government had lost funding from the Federal Government and needed to backfill a $1.45million shortfall.
"This has now been achieved in a more satisfactory way than first announced. Carol Stokes will now keep her position as well as six others out of those 14 in my area."
Bridgetown High School Principal Stephen Bullied said he was delighted that funding for the position had been secured for a further 12 months.
"This is fantastic news as the service that the Chaplain program provides is there to present our kids who are in need of social and emotional support with that extra amount of care in addition to what we already provide at our school, with our school psychologist and our year leaders," Mr Bullied said.
"The best part of having Chaplain Carol at our school is that she is involved in the wider community as well as at the Primary School, which means we then have links between us at the high school, the primary school and the whole community."
The funding has been guaranteed for a further 12 months, but there is no surety of this being available again after 2015.
"It would be great to continue with our plans for fundraising, so as to ensure funds are available for the position again each year," Ms Stokes said.
Ms Stokes has been in the community for over three years now and is looking forward to being able to continue on with her plans to ensure there are services available to those that need them.
"It is great to be at the high school for three days and the primary school for two days. There are lots of new things happening at both schools, so it is great to know I am now able to follow through on some of my plans," she said.
"The breakfast club will be moving into a new "old building" at the Primary school, which is very exciting and I am planning budgeting workshops for parents and support programs for grandparents bringing up their grandchildren.
"And as we all know, Year 7 students will be commencing at the high school for the first time this year, so that is going to be busy and fun, and for many it may be a huge challenge as they adjust. It is important to make sure everyone feels secure and happy as they go through such a big transition.
"It really is wonderful to see that the Chaplaincy position is now being better recognised in this community, as people are starting to realise that I am there to provide support and care for those that need it," Ms Stokes said.