On Wednesday May 24, the Beerwah State School community acknowledged the incredible work of Chaplain Mike Turner with a specially organised BBQ breakfast. Held during National Chaplaincy Week; students, staff, and parents gathered to show their appreciation for ‘Chappy Mike’, who is also marking his 20th year of service.
Mike started working within the Beerwah community as a full-time chaplain at Beerwah State High School in 2007. Commencing his role at Beerwah State School with just one day a week in 2017; he now works fulltime across both schools.
Principal of Beerwah State School, Scott Bowden, said having Mike as part of the school community was a wonderful support to many of the families in the area. He said the student cohort benefited greatly from Mike’s encouraging mentorship and genuine enthusiasm to support, engage, and connect. He said some of popular programs Mike had initiated in recent years included heading up the Beerwah Bounty Hunters Frisbee Team, and helping kids start up their own rock band.
“Chappy Mike consistently put’s his heart and soul into his work, and we are extremely fortunate to have him here with us. He supports so many of the local families here,” said Principal Bowden.
Chatting to GC&M News, Mike said he loved working as a Chaplain, and enjoyed the variety and uniqueness of the role.
“Chaplains bring all types of different styles to their work, and what I think is important is to be constantly adapting to make sure you are meeting the needs of the school, which can evolve and change over time,”
Mike said he felt one of the most essential components of his work was to genuinely ‘have a heart’ for kids and teenagers, and to understand that young people were a work in progress who, more often than not, needed to feel part of a tribe, valued routines and having stable people around them.
He said a big part of what he did was encourage young people to look to good people around them – who they could turn to when needed.
“I understand life is sometimes not easy and it can be hard. I want to help kids to know that’s its ok, and there will be hurdles. There will also be positive experiences and that life is a gift and an amazing adventure. One of my biggest thrills is to see kids capture a passion for something and watch them run with it,” he said.
Mike appreciates the unique aspect of his work and being able to acknowledge a spiritual side, which allowed him to have a more holistic understanding of people.
“Our job is like being a tour guide who can make suggestions or provide support to empower young people – it’s the kids who do the work. Young people and teenagers are amazing – they can be positive, optimistic, and fun and if they are interested, they’ll soak it all up!”
