About Us
Somerville House is a school of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA), which is a mission of the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches. A day and boarding school for girls established in 1899, Somerville House provides an exceptional education for students from Pre-prep through to Year 12. Somerville House students have the opportunity to participate in an extensive academic, spiritual, sporting and cultural programs, while receiving high standards in pastoral care and individual attention within the School community. Somerville House is a school of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA). The PMSA is a mission of the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches.
Christian Ministry
Students from all backgrounds are welcome at Somerville House and all participate in Christian Education, Assemblies and Chapel Services. The broad goal of Christian Education is to help students reach the point of making well-informed decisions about their beliefs and values, having considered Christian claims. Students are encouraged to explore and articulate their beliefs and convictions as well as respect the diverse beliefs and convictions of their peers. Christian Education staff utilise a range of creative strategies to enable this to meaningfully take place.
Students are encouraged to clarify and deepen their understanding of reasons for belief in the Christian faith. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of the wisdom of the Christian foundation as they explore the life application of the good news of Jesus. The goal of Christian Education is to enable all students to discover how a relationship with God can enable their lives to flourish as this relationship informs their spirituality, ethical decision making, service, approach to justice and their contribution to the transformation of communities of which they are a part. Christian Education is a key aspect of the Christian formation process which enables students to grow in character, life purpose and apply their God given gifts.
The Role
The Associate Chaplain plays a vital pastoral and spiritual role within the Somerville House community. Working primarily with young learners in the Junior School, with reach into the Senior School, in collaboration with the Senior Chaplain, the Associate Chaplain nurtures the spiritual life of the school by providing Christian leadership, age-appropriate spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and emotional support to students, staff, and families.
Aligned with the Christian faith and ministry philosophy of the PMSA, the Associate Chaplain fosters a welcoming, compassionate, and grace-filled environment where young girls are encouraged to explore the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and develop a deep sense of purpose, belonging and worth. The Associate Chaplain seeks to embody and enable all members of the School community to know what it means to be loved by God and show love to self and others. In these ways the Associate Chaplain provides opportunities for students, staff and families to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and accept the invitation to follow him.
This position reports directly to the Senior Chaplain, and indirectly to the Head of Junior School.
This position will commence from 1 January 2027 on a fixed-term, full-time basis for three years, continuing until 31 December 2029. Additional 2027 opportunities for teaching Christian Education may be advertised separately during Term 4.
The successful applicant will:
- Possess a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the ability to explain the historical Christian message based on his life, death and resurrection primarily to younger learners in a Junior School setting.
- Have a proven ability to engage large groups of students in exploring the Christian message and its implications.
- Have expertise in teaching Christian Education with a contextual understanding of the Australian Curriculum.
- A strong commitment to teamwork is essential for success in this collaborative teaching environment.
- Value innovation, engaging teaching strategies and ongoing professional growth.
- Understand the importance of positive relationships in creating effective and inclusive learning environments.
- Hold current Queensland College of Teacher registration and relevant tertiary qualifications.
- Attend a Christian church regularly and actively contribute to their faith community with endorsement from their Minister.
At Somerville House, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a child-safe environment where students are respected, protected and empowered. We seek staff who actively support and uphold our commitment to child safety and who demonstrate appropriate behaviours and professional boundaries at all times.
Please refer to the School's website for the Associate Chaplain Position Description which outlines the application requirements and process.
Email enquiries to employment@somerville.qld.edu.au
Applications close at 9:00am Monday 26 October 2026. Somerville House reserves the right to contact suitable candidates prior to the closing date to schedule an interview. |
