The National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP) enhances the wellbeing of Australian school students through chaplaincy and student wellbeing services.
CSNSW oversee applications, management and allocation of funding (from the Commonwealth Government) for the program.
- Participation in the NSWP is entirely voluntary for all schools and students.
- Catholic schools participating in the 2024 NSWP can be found on this page.
Pastoral care and more
Formerly known as the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP), the NSWP fosters a supportive school environment.
It offers pastoral care and implementing strategies tailored in collaboration with the school community, staff and principals.
These initiatives include activities such as:
- volunteering
- breakfast clubs
- excursions
- lunchtime activities
- workshops for parents and carers.
How to apply
Application for participation in the program is currently closed.
All Catholic schools in NSW were invited to apply for funding under the 2023-2027 NSWP in July 2023.
Applications closed in August 2023 and assessment criteria and selection methodology were applied. All schools who applied to participate in the program were advised of the outcome of their application in September 2023.
Cross-Sector Panel
Catholic Schools NSW is a participant in the NSW Cross-Sector Panel for the National Student Wellbeing Program.
Other members of the cross-sector panel include the NSW Department of Education and the Association of Independent Schools NSW. The Terms of Reference for the cross-sector panel can be found here.
Assessment criteria and selection methodology
We assessed applications against the core criteria and common conditions, as outlined in the Guidelines. In addition, we also apply a further needs-based assessment to applications, which included ICSEA and other student engagement and wellbeing factors.
Funding disbursement – Catholic sector
Upon receipt of funding from the NSW Government, CSNSW will disburse funds to participating school authorities to use as per the Program Guidelines and Funding Agreement.
Roles and responsibilities of the Chaplain or Wellbeing Officer
Refer to the Program Guidelines for more information on the role and responsibilities of the Chaplain or Wellbeing Officer.
Cyber safety professional learning
As part of the NSWP, all Chaplains and Wellbeing Officers must complete free professional training on preventing and responding to cyberbullying.
The eSafety Commissioner provides the training.
Register for training for Chaplains and Wellbeing Officers.
Complaints handling
Catholic schools need to have a process for managing complaints about individual chaplains or wellbeing officers.
- We must be informed of any complaints against chaplains or wellbeing officers.
- We acknowledge and recognise the support of the Commonwealth and NSW Governments in this wellbeing initiative.
For further information, please contact Nathan Smith, the Senior Policy Officer, Wellbeing, Catholic Schools NSW:
Links
Download the National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP) – NSW Guidelines for 2023 to 2027.