Why I Might Become a School Chaplain 

Océ Ford is a Ministry Trainee at St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart and has offered this reflection on her experiences as a trainee chaplain.

Hello, my name is Océ Ford. For the past year and a half, I have been doing a ministry traineeship at St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart. After graduating from the school in 2024, I went straight into this traineeship.  

During this traineeship, I have been involved in: 

• Speaking at chapels across our three campuses 
• Helping to run and organise four Bible study groups, again across all three campuses 
• Assisting in the Junior School’s faith and life classes 
• Studying online at Ridley College 
• Support raising 

I began this traineeship hoping to gain experience, develop my skills and gifts and explore whether school ministry is something that I would like to pursue long term. Having grown up in and around schools as a principal’s child and a boarder, and having personally been blessed by school’s ministry, I have always had an appreciation for this kind of work.  

One area I have particularly enjoyed is being involved in the Junior School Faith and Life classes. These classes provide valuable opportunity to connect with students, have meaningful discussions and support them in their learning and growth. This was something I did not expect to enjoy as much as I have, as I previously thought I preferred working with teenagers rather than younger children. I have found that younger students bring honesty and enthusiasm that make classes both meaningful and enjoyable. Their questions are simple but genuine and their willingness to engage is really encouraging.  

I have also greatly valued being involved with the Bible study groups. These groups create space for students who are exploring faith, established in their faith or simply looking for a structured and welcoming environment during lunch. Walking alongside students as they grow and learn has given me a deeper understanding of the pastoral side of school ministry. It has been a privilege to see students ask thoughtful questions, wrestle with ideas of faith and mature over time.  

Chapels, however, have been more of a mixed experience. The compulsory nature of chapel, especially for the older students, can make engagement challenge. Learning how to communicate effectively with students who may not want to be there has stretched me, taught me patience and the importance of clarity. Planning an entire term of chapels has also been a challenge, particularly when trying to maintain a consistent message while keeping each service engaging and varied. Each chapel has required careful thought about how to communicate truth in a way that is both accessible and compelling. Despite these challenges, I have grown in confidence and have enjoyed involving students in leading services and seeing them push themselves outside their comfort zones.   

Through this traineeship, I have come to appreciate both the great joys and the great challenges that come with school chaplaincy.  

So, will I become a School Chaplain? Maybe. Do I enjoy school chaplaincy? Yes. Is it always easy? No. Is it an important ministry? Absolutely. 

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Océ Ford is a Ministry Trainee at St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart. Océ is exploring her gifts, abilities, and future ministry possibilities in the context of Chaplaincy. It has been for her a chance to learn more about how to teach the Bible and share Jesus with young people. With the unique perspective of being a recent graduate of Collegiate the traineeship has provided for her many opportunities to support and encourage the students as they grow in faith.