Your School Chaplain
At The Donahies, we have a full-time Chaplain (Con Kelly) dedicated to the spiritual and personal well-being of our entire school community. The Chaplain is an important part of both the Religion Department and the Student Support Team, helping to connect these vital areas.
How the Chaplain Can Help:
The Chaplain plays a key role in religious activities such as liturgies and works closely with the Counsellor (Denise Maguire), Home-School-Liaison officer (Geraldine O’Leary), and school management to provide comprehensive student support. While the Chaplain's support has a faith and spiritual dimension, they are here for all students, regardless of their beliefs. You're welcome to connect with the Chaplain for purely pastoral support.
Services Offered:
- Spiritual development and pastoral care
- Individual student support
- Group programs (e.g., Wellbeing Through Fitness, Coping Skills and Resilience)
- Religious services and liturgies
- Bereavement support
The Chaplain is also involved in:
- Meeting with parents
- Providing support during illness
- Organizing school activities and charity work
- Connecting with local parishes
- Collaborating with other staff members.
The Reflection Room: A Quiet Space for Everyone
Our school has a large Reflection Room, regularly used by the Chaplain and Religion teachers, and open to all students. It's a place for liturgical events, meditation, quiet reflection, or simply to take a break. If you're feeling upset, you can light a candle or say a silent prayer here. The room is also a meeting space for parent and HSCL events.
Check the notice board outside the Reflection Room for updates on religious and pastoral news, well-being tips, charity events, important dates, and information about local places of worship.
Services and Events in the Reflection Room:
Throughout the year, the Chaplain and Religion teachers organize various services, including:
- Beginning of Year/First Year Welcome Services (non-denominational)
- Advent/Christmas liturgies
- Lenten/Easter Liturgies
- End of Year/Exam Time Services
- November Remembrance Services
- Distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday
The Chaplain also works with teachers on class-specific activities like:
Harvest/Halloween/Remembrance activities
Curriculum-related services or meditations (e.g., LCA Liturgy, 6th Year Pre-Exam Meditations)