Introduction

The Chaplaincy is at the heart of St Leonards-Mayfield School. It exists to provide relevant spiritual and emotional support to all girls and staff in the school community.

The Chaplaincy is a place of question and debate, as well as catechesis and evangelisation. It provides an informal and experiential spiritual education in partnership with the Religious Studies Department’s formal curriculum. The Chaplaincy attempts to engage with the life of the school and the girls, making connections between their experience and the Christian Gospel and in so doing helping them to realise that Christianity is relevant and can make a positive difference to their lives.

As a centre for pastoral care, the Chaplaincy is a safe, comfortable place away from the demands of life at school. As Chaplain I have an open door policy encouraging the girls to come and chat about anything and everything over biscuits, or cake if they are lucky! I also ‘waste time’ around the school getting to know the girls and making sure they know that if they ever need a listening ear or an advocate the Chaplaincy is a place where they can find one. I work closely with the Deputy Head (Pastoral & Boarding), Counselling Service, Health Centre, House Mistresses, Year Coordinators and families to provide a support network adaptable to the needs of the individual.

The Chaplaincy is at the beginning of an exciting process of change. There will soon be a Chaplaincy common room for girls to relax in and a quiet room in the centre of school where girls can find space for prayer or reflection. 

Although headed by a Lay Chaplain all within the school have a part to play in maintaining and developing the Catholic and spiritual ethos of the school. Ideas and questions are always welcomed.

Rachel Saum BSc
Lay Chaplain

Rachel Saum joined us as Lay Chaplain in January 2009. She was educated at Newcastle-under-Lyme School before heading to Scotland for four years to read Environmental Geoscience at the University of Edinburgh. Since graduating in 2000, she has worked with young people in various roles: a youth worker for Christian Aid; a development worker for the Jesuit Volunteer Community; and most recently as Assistant Director of Soli House, the Birmingham Diocesan Catholic youth retreat centre for 14-18 year olds.