My name is Gill Smith and I am the new Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) at Para Hills High. I joined this wonderful community at the beginning of the year and have been busy settling in during term 1. This community is dear to my heart in a number of ways. I grew up in Para Hills and attended PHH as a student myself. I then returned 20 years ago in the role of School Chaplain and have now returned again to the same position although the name has since been changed to Pastoral Care Worker. In many ways it has been like coming home. The welcome from students and staff alike has been wonderful and the ethos of this beautiful community seems to have remained and I am really enjoying being a part of it again. I am passionate about encouraging and supporting young people to be their best selves and to set and reach goals which is why I absolutely love the school motto of “raising aspirations and inspiring excellence”.

A snapshot of myself:  I am married to the wonderful and incredibly patient David and we have two children. I have been working with young people in and around the education sector for 38 years. Prior to returning to PHH this year I worked at St Paul’s College as their Student Counsellor for 15 years but have held roles as Youth Worker, Case Worker and Youth Employment Manager over the years and after leaving here as Chaplain 20 years ago I went on to coordinate Chaplaincy in Secondary Schools in South Australia.

I work here Tuesdays and Wednesdays and am based in the Well-being Hub working with the fabulous Leonie Roberts (Well-being Coordinator) and our 2 wonderful Youth Leaders Bridget Hoare and Nick McIver.  My role is complimentary to the amazing work of this dynamic team. 

Many schools, primary and high, have PCW’s so likely you are already aware of the role but in case  not, the role of a PCW is to provide Chaplaincy Services to a School Community. This entails supporting the social, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of both staff and students. The program is federally funded by the National Schools Chaplaincy Program and my role is provided by Schools Ministry Group (SMG). Access to PCW’s is available to all members of the school community is voluntary.

If I can ever be of support to yourself or your child please don’t hesitate to give me a call at the school on Tuesday’s or Wednesdays or leave a message with the front office and I will get back to you.

Kind regards,

Gill Smith