Building Blocks

It is an honour to have joined Calvin this year as School Chaplain.

From the moment I set foot on the ground, it was evident that this School does not just advertise their values on a website but they practise them! This is a School where faith, hope, love, respect, community and stewardship are lived out, through their teaching and support of students and in how they love each other.

For as long as I can remember I have had a passion to see young people thrive and this passion has led me to pursue a career in helping them. I am in my final year of a Bachelor of Psychology and have spent time working for Youth Alive Tasmania, in out of home care programs, student well-being support, and have been involved in programs and events for youth since I was a child. Even in my early primary school days, I have fond memories of my parents taking me along to youth groups, youth rallies, school ministry programs and youth leadership meetings.

“Our young people are the building blocks of the future”

From a young age it was implanted in my heart how important the next generation are and, as a young person, I personally experienced and saw the impact that was made in the life of others. It is transformative when you have someone invest in you, see you and speak over you that God made you on purpose, for a purpose.

Our young people are the building blocks of the future and it is a great privilege to work in an environment and with a pastoral care team that is just as passionate as I am to see young people thrive; in their social and emotional development, growing in resilience and kindness, recognising their unique set of talents, the individual calling upon their life and learning that they don’t have to do life alone.

I am excited that this year I get to be a part of this wonderful community and it will never be lost on me the honour and the importance that this role affords, in being a support to, and a voice for, our young people.

Beth Smithies-Sharples - Chaplain