Crystal Brook’s community role models

By Cathy Moore
Schools Ministry Group

Posted in Culture

A model railway and hobby show held recently at the Crystal Brook Primary School drew people from the town and across the region to see all that was on display.

The South Australian N-Gauge Society (SANGS) had their “Greater Portland” layout showcasing the N-gauge trains and landscaping that even included a zoo and a concert area! The show also included Lego, Hornby, Dinky and Meccano displays, model planes and cars, miniature vehicles, craft, and models that were made by Crystal Brook Primary School students.

The model railway and hobby show was organised by the Crystal Brook Chaplaincy Management Committee (CBCMC) to raise funds to support the chaplaincy service at Crystal Brook Primary School.

“A child’s education is really important, but so is emotional, social and spiritual support as they grow,” says Christine MacKinnon, Chairperson of CBCMC. “Every child has a questioning nature, and it is really good for them to have someone they can ask questions of, someone who will listen, and someone to help them.”

Volunteers from Crystal Brook Uniting Church and St Silas Anglican Church worked together to ensure the event was a success, recognising the value of chaplaincy in many school communities.

“School chaplaincy provides pastoral care and practical support to school communities in a way that is flexible, holistic, respectful of diversity and inclusive to all. It works alongside and complements other welfare and wellbeing staff in a school,” explains Angela Jolly, the Executive Director of Schools Ministry Group.

Money raised from the model railway and hobby show will be used to provide funding for Bill and Alison Clarke, who are the Christian pastoral support workers (or chaplains) at Crystal Brook Primary.

Crystal Brook Primary School has had a chaplaincy service for almost 12 years, and Principal Anne Franks speaks very highly of the service.

“I see the positive impact in many different ways. Bill and Alison organise a breakfast club for children who may not had breakfast at home. Many children who have already had breakfast still come along because they want to be a part of it,” she explains.

“Bill plays the guitar, and now some of the children have gotten really interested in learning how to play. Bill also does model building with the children, which develops fine motor skills and interests in hobbies and a myriad of other different things which flow on to positive outcomes for that child.”

Samantha Wurst (pictured with her family), whose son, Logan, attends the school, has seen the positive impact of chaplaincy and Christian pastoral support.

“Bill and Alison do a really good job in the school. Logan has made some models, and has shown he has a real creative side. He also loves the breakfast club because it is a bit of a social gathering. He doesn’t make friends easily and the breakfast club gives him that opportunity to be social and make friends. As a result, Logan is much more confident, and I have noticed he is able to speak to adults now without hiding away,” Samantha says.

“I believe that the community should support the chaplaincy service,” Principal Anne Franks continues. “It means that our children are shaped by positive influences and role models, and when we look at our wellbeing surveys on site, our results are very, very positive – our children feel nurtured, valued and cared for. We are very fortunate to have Bill and Alison at our school.”


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