School Chaplain

The School

Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School has over 3,000 students from K-12 at campuses in Moonee Ponds, Essendon and Keilor East. We have outstanding staff, facilities and programmes to enhance student well-being and learning and develop courageous, creative, curious, ethical, persistent, reflective and strategic thinkers. PEGS promotes the safety, well-being and participation of all students, including supporting children from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with individual needs.

The School provides a diamond education, with a co-educational Kindergarten programme, single-sex education at the Junior Schools and Middle Schools from Years 7 to 10 and co-education at the Larkin Centre (Years 11 to 12).

The School is associated with the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania within the Uniting Church in Australia. Religious Education classes are compulsory for students up to Year Nine, designed to foster the ideas of social development and awareness within a Christian framework and student wellbeing and care is an important facet of the programme. 

The Role

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people? We are seeking an enthusiastic and empathetic individual to join our community as a School Chaplain, where you will empower students and nurture their holistic development.

We are seeking an engaging and forward-thinking School Chaplain to provide spiritual leadership and support for the school. The role may include teaching Religious Education classes to Middle School girls and/or boys from Years 7 to 9. You will be committed to supporting the emotional, spiritual, and well-being of students and foster creativity, inclusivity, and personal growth.

As a member of the school's Chaplain team, you will help lead the school's Religious Education programme and oversee all religious activities within the school including the Commencement, Easter, Mid-year, Valedictory and Christmas Church Services. 

The School Chaplain will create a secure and confidential space, and implement innovative pastoral support and techniques to enhance well-being. You will assist in leading church services, attend school assemblies and develop and implement creative and contemporary programs that encourage self-expression, mindfulness, and personal development. You will collaborate with and support the Principal and Senior Leadership to lead the staff to integrate innovative approaches to spirituality and character development into the curriculum, to contribute to a holistic educational experience. You will also be willing to be involved in the wider school community and support co-curricular activities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Minister of the Word or Deacon in the Uniting Church or another Christian faith 
• A strong Christian theology with a liberal and open attitude towards people of all faiths, with the ability to work well with all groups of staff and students. 
• Demonstrated experience supporting student wellbeing and providing chaplaincy services, preferably within a school environment 
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with secondary students 
• An energetic, caring, warm and pro-active approach 
• A strong commitment to child safety, including demonstrating an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children with diverse needs and backgrounds 
• An inspiring and engaging speaker able to connect with students, staff and families 
• Strong curriculum knowledge, with a genuine desire to shape and deliver innovative curriculum 
• A desire to collaborate with other staff members 
• Strong ICT skills that enhance your ability to connect, create, and communicate in today’s digital world
• A commitment to actively supporting and engaging in the broader school life, including co-curricular activities 
• Support for the values and policies of the school 
• Secondary teaching qualifications and experience teaching Religious Education would be highly regarded. 

If you are a compassionate and creative individual, ready to inspire young minds and support their journey both inside and outside the classroom, we encourage you to apply for our School Chaplain position. Join us in shaping a nurturing environment where every student can flourish!

Click here to watch our Principal's welcome.

Benefits

• A collaborative and supportive environment
• Excellent facilities and resources
• Excellent professional development opportunities and staff wellbeing support
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

Previous experience within the school or education sector is desirable and you must have eligibility to work in Australia and have a valid Working with Children Check.

Please see the position description for further details.

To Apply

Please provide a letter of application that addresses your suitability to the requirements of the position, a resume and the names of three referees to Mrs Simone Fisher, Director of Human Resources via the link.

Applications are due by 2 September 2025.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we will maintain strict privacy and confidentiality regarding your application.

Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity principles and understands the importance of diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone has the right to an equitable, safe and productive environment and to be treated with dignity and respect.  We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

PEGS promotes the safety, wellbeing and participation of all students, including supporting children from culturally diverse backgrounds and those with individual needs.