Hi! My name is Damon Millard and I work full-time as a chaplain here at Ferny Grove SHS. I began 
chaplaincy at Ferny Grove in March of 2009 and I must say my first year was a huge learning experience for me with getting to know the students, staff and others involved within the community. With this said, I have enjoyed every minute of this new journey and would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have warmly welcomed me into this school.
Chaplaincy is part of a strong support network within Ferny Grove SHS providing pastoral care, support programs and a helping hand when needed. We look forward to working with your students this coming year. We hope so much that we can continue to serve in anyway we are needed.
Hi my name is Pum Weerasinghe.
CHAPLAINCY ACTIVITIES
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
V.I. T. A. L
VITAL-Values, Integrated, Through Action based Learning. This program goes for 2 terms with year 10 boys and is designed to help students see and reach their true potential whilst also enhancing their leadership skills. At the end of the program the boys get the opportunity to utilise their skills with both a day out at a ropes course and a campout which helps to test their new found team work, trust and responsibility.
SHINE
Shine Program is a program aimed at young women to build self esteem, confidence and respect for themselves and others. This is done through topics like hair and makeup, etiquette, relationships and nutrition to name a few. A group of 10-12 girls participate in the program for one lesson a week over a term with leaders from local churches. This program really affects the lives of the young ladies that participate.
LUNCHTIME PROGRAMS
ACTIVITIES
With the business of school and study the students need a place to relax and be themselves in a safe environment. The lunchtime activities are held in different year levels and are a fun safe place to hang out for the students where they can sing in karaoke, play board games, Playstation, Wii or dare to verse the chaplain in hand ball.
CHRISTIAN GROUPS
Some of the Christian students in our school meet up regularly before school and in the lunch breaks to do bible studies, pray, worship and encourage one another. There is student prayer on Monday and Thursday mornings before school and small group discussions on Tuesday and Friday. Volunteers from the local youth groups come in and help out with these groups as well.
OUTSIDE of SCHOOL
Camps are a big part of chaplaincy at Ferny Grove with regular school camps, mentoring camps, SU camps and local combined youth camps. Camps can often be a life changing event for young people as they get away from their natural environment and can enjoy the feel of community living and be challenged. We have SU camps running in all the school holidays and all are welcome. SMASH camp is the biggest one of the year where the four local high schools and youth groups come together for a week of fun and friendship at Alexandra Headlands
CHAPLAINCY IN GENERAL
Getting to know so many of the students through excursions, camps, lunch time activities or just hanging with them in the playground on breaks is the biggest role of chaplaincy. Relationships with people, especially students, are what chaplaincy is all about at Ferny Grove. We can not walk around the playground on any break or between class without students saying hello or often stopping to chat, and we show them their importance to us. By giving them time and listening to them, sometimes helping them through serious problems students are supported. Though this may only seem like a little thing, to so many young people it often lights up their day showing them there is someone who cares.
Please feel free to contact us anytime, for any reason through the school.
Thankyou
Damon Millard
(chaplain)
