Supporting wellbeing for 15 years

For the past 15 years, Barbara Kingwill has listened, cared and baked for the Buln Buln primary school community as the school's chaplain.
Retiring at the end of term, Ms Kingwill said it was her "delight" to have listened and cared for members of the school community since 2008.
Cooking and baking were among the additions the dedicated chaplain brought to her position.
"I added a lot of cooking and this activity led the way in creating and nurturing community and in supporting learning at our school," she said in her goodbye speech.
"I've lost count of the number of cakes I've made."
Ms Kingwill also is a valued member of her local church and leads worship on occasion.
Before becoming a chaplain Ms Kingwill was engaged in youth work and decided to complete a degree in theology with the hope of putting her learning to use in her church and wider community.
Fortunately for Ms Kingwill, the stars aligned. In 2007 the government launched the National School Chaplaincy Program, and a position opened at Buln Buln Primary School - a perfect fit for Ms Kingwill.
"I was fortunate to be able to work at such an excellent school," she said.
Throughout her career Ms Kingwill supported the wellbeing of families, students, and staff.
Over her 15 years of service, the school experienced many highs and lows, including shutdowns due to bushfires, and more recently, due to COVID.
However, Ms Kingwill was part of a team of staff and community members that helped the school thrive.
Ms Kingwill's decision to retired was influenced by her husband's retirement 18 months ago.
Now, she intends to engage in travelling, volunteering and other ventures with her free time.
The school holidays brought her first adventure - a month long trip to Africa with her husband, Peter, and their friends.
She has plans to visit Buln Buln Primary School in August and said she used her departure to teach students that people can experience a mix of "joy and sadness" sometimes.
"I've really felt at home at Buln Buln," she said. "It is such a welcoming school."