Our Role

The Chaplains are local church leaders who are in school on a rota basis each weekday at lunchtime. We are available to all students and staff (and their families). Our primary purpose is to be "a listener" or a sounding board for them. So we get to share the joys and sorrows which they bring to us. We give advice, where appropriate, based on our own life experience and walk of faith together with our Biblical knowledge. We often pray with those who come to talk with us.

We get to lead School Assemblies - often to coincide with and highlighting the major Christian festivals. We are also invited to bring a christian perspective into some of the general curriculum subjects including History, English and RE. Some of the team are regularly welcomed into discussion sessions with the 6th Form Students.

Bill Caldwell

Bill is "the senior chaplain" - that just means he's been there the longest! It's got nothing to do with his age (honest!). He was one of the first team of chaplains, local church leaders, invited into Ellowes by the then head teacher in 1996.

Ed McGirr

Known as Pastor Ed - he is the Pastor at St Paul's Church just by the Fiveways roundabout at Lake Street. A Mexican American Ed has worked with young people in many places with 'Youth with a Mission'. He brings his talents to bear on a regular basis in school assemblies. He does some conjuring and puppetry - and cooks a pretty mean breakfast too!

Geoff Donnison

Geoff is the most recent addition to the team and is already developing a good rapport between himself and the young people.

Jeremy Parkes

Jeremy is one of the original chaplaincy team. He and his wife Joy lead the Living Hope Church, who meet in the Milking Bank Junior School.
In addition to involvement with occasional school assemblies at Ellowes, Jeremy is often called upon to bring a christian viewpoint into a number of classroom subjects and to the 6th Form.

Mark and Wendy Raybould

Mark and Wendy work within Zoar Methodist church and are heavily involved in youth work with the Gornal Youth Project.
They make a significant link between the youth project and the school pupils.

Steve Levett

Steve's church responsibilities are with Lake Street, Upper Gornal and Fiveways Methodist churches. He is married to Louise and they have three lively youngsters. RevLev is involved in the daily chaplaincy and his, at times, unorthodox style communicates well with the young people.