School Chaplain

 Mr. John Vander-Velde, or Mr. Vann as he has become known, is a very welcome addition to our staff at Bimbadeen.  He is employed by ACCESS Ministry through the National School Chaplaincy Program and we are fortunate to have his support and expertise for two days a week.  He will also be working at Mooroolbark East Primary. John’s professional background has centered on running his own business as a management consultant and lecturing/tutoring at university.  But those of us who know him realise that his passion has always been working with children and families.  John, and his wife Val, have been foster parents in crisis care for twelve years and for the past eight years have also been CRE teachers at Bimbadeen and other schools.

John will be working closely with teachers and the Student Wellbeing Coordinator to obtain the best possible outcome for the wellbeing of your child - spiritually, emotionally and socially.  He is sensitive to the multi-faith, multi-cultural school community and is available to support all students, parents and teachers in a safe and confidential setting.