Meet our School Chaplain

At Landsdale Primary School, we are very fortunate to have a full-time YouthCARE chaplain, Michelle Bispo, who supports our community and provides pastoral care. As a vital member of our Student Services Team, she focuses on addressing the social and emotional needs of our students, assisting them with personal challenges, family issues, and social concerns. Michelle creates a safe space where students can talk openly and feel heard.

YouthCARE Chaplaincy Programme

YouthCARE Chaplains are qualified in pastoral care and youth work. They respect all people, no matter who they are, where they are from or what their personal belief system is. YouthCARE chaplains are there to listen, and provide a supportive place to talk. They offer confidential, non-judgmental pastoral care and programs based on respect, compassion and service, regardless of faith or beliefs. Their aim is to support young people and their communities who may be facing challenging personal and social issues. They listen, understand and refer to extra help, if it’s appropriate.

Our Chaplain, Michelle Bispo provides support for a range of day-to-day matters affecting the school community.

What does a YouthCARE Chaplain do?

• Listens compassionately and cares deeply for each and every student;
• Provides pastoral care for students, staff and families.
• Links the school with local community, support agencies and organisations;
• Assists and supports in school events;
• Facilitates pastoral support programs and resources;
• Supports, mentors and encourages the school community;
• Makes referrals to external agencies where necessary and
• Encourages and empowers students and the school community for a positive outcome.

Programmes and Activities the Chaplain is Involved in

• Providing a safe inviting space for pastoral contact and appointments on a daily basis with students and the school community.
• Targeted programmes aimed at supporting young people through difficult life changes.
• Assisting families, connecting with the school and building rapport through provision of pastoral care and support.
• Organising groups to support social and emotional wellbeing of students.
• Playground supports and social skills facilitation.

Chaplain Referral Process

Students can be referred to the chaplain by their parents, teachers and even the students themselves.  We work on an opt-out system at Landsdale Primary School.  Please contact the school office if you have concerns about your child seeing the chaplain. This can be done by email, landsdale.ps@education.wa.edu.au, or by contacting the school office on 9408 3850.

If parents would like to refer their children to the chaplain, please reach out to the classroom teacher or a deputy principal:

Susan Taylor (Kindergarten to Pre-primary): susan.ferguson@education.wa.edu.au

Leonie Mattock (Year 1 to Year 3): leonie.mattock@education.wa.edu.au

Kristin Bunn (Year 4 to Year 6): kristin.bunn@education.wa.edu.au