Spiritual Life & Chaplaincy

SPIRITUAL LIFE

Canberra Grammar School is an Independent Anglican school that welcomes students of all backgrounds and faiths.

The School’s culture, aspirations, and principles are founded on Christian values and traditions. We value each individual as being created in the image of God, with unique gifts and abilities to be nurtured and developed through a careful and loving education. We thus strive to teach and nurture faith in God, and to respond to human need with loving service. It is our aim to educate young leaders of the future who are distinguished by compassion grounded in faith, who exemplify gratitude, and who value giving more than receiving.

Our Religious and Values Education programme is designed to give a respectful encounter with the Christian faith, while also deepening and promoting understanding and respect for the diversity of religions and traditions within our community. We aim always to be sincere, respectful and reflective in spiritual matters, and encourage our students to explore faith with a spirit of generosity.

Canberra Grammar School maintains strong links to the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn and supports its vision, while also enjoying collaboration with other Anglican Schools and organisations.

THE CHAPLAINCY

The Chaplaincy cares for the entire School community, from students in the Early Years through to Year 12, their families, former students, members of staff and their families.

All students attend Chapel each week, and opportunities exist for students to actively participate in Chapel Services. Each senior House has a Sacristan (usually Year 12) who plays a significant part in planning, officiating and fostering House involvement in Chapel.

The Chaplain is available for pastoral support and advice to all members of the School community.

In addition to guiding students through schooling, the Chaplain performs baptisms, Confirmation, weddings and funerals either in the Chapel of Christ the King or elsewhere in the community.

The Chapel of Christ the King

The Chapel is a powerful symbol of the School’s Christian foundation and is the focal point for worship at Canberra Grammar School. It is regularly open to the School community. Members of the wider School community are welcome at all regular services, including the weekly Eucharist (Holy Communion) which takes place at 8.00am every Wednesday in term time. Occasional community services are advertised in advance.

Weekly Events

Weekly Eucharist (Holy Communion): 8:00am – 8:30am Wednesday

Senior House Chapel: 1:50pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Junior School Chapel: 10:00am – 10:45am Friday (for Years 3 and 5)  
12:15pm – 1:00pm Friday (for Years 4 and 6) 

Northside and Southside Infants Campus: 2:15pm (Northside) and 2:30pm (Southside) alternating Fridays.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

The School recognises that an awareness of the transcendent begins early, and we encourage the nurture of the very young in religious practice, discussion and thought, both at home and at school.

Canberra Grammar School recognises that our student body is diverse, and we respect the variety of religions and traditions within our community. We always seek to be sincere, open-minded and reflective in spiritual matters, rather than assertive or dogmatic. Our Religious and Values Education programme is thus designed to share understanding and experience and to stimulate discussion on many religions, philosophies and experiences of the spirit. It is an essential and rigorous part of our academic curriculum and is distinct from the Chaplaincy.