Chaplain

My name is Joanne Phipps and I am the chaplain at Archbishop Temple Church of England High School. I started this role in early June 2024. The pupils call me Chaplain Jo or just Jo for short.

I’ve worked in education as a teacher for 28 years, covering multiple subjects and key stages. I am excited about my role as chaplain as this gives me an opportunity to support the distinctive Christian Ethos of the school whilst pastorally working with pupils who are going through challenging life circumstances or who are facing difficulties that can affect their attitude to learning or confidence and self-esteem.

I passionately believe that Christian faith is transformative, leading to “life in all its fullness” John 10:10, and that in receiving a Christian education pupils will have the confidence to let their light shine before others. A Christian education allows students to grow in faith and will see themselves as a full and valued part of a community that serves others as Christ has served us. Our community really puts Christ at the centre of everything that is done here, that every person is known by name and valued as a beloved child of God.

It is a blessing to be part of a school committed to our Christian roots and following the words of Jesus. As we work closely with the Blackburn Diocese Board of Education, including the chaplaincy network, we seek to implement their Vision in our context. My role here is to encourage this Vision and our Christian ethos into the whole of school life in such a way that is accessible for everyone. 

The Vision is to see children and young people transforming the world through the love of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Mission is to help build worshipping and prayerful children and young people that love Jesus and want to follow Him, and who live out their faith in communities, in friendships and in families.

We aim to provide an environment where everyone here feels included to explore faith, ask questions and express their ideas as we journey together.  In pursuit of that goal, I help to coordinate and deliver our daily acts of worship, chapel time, faith based clubs and I also enjoy getting involved in all other areas of school life. I believe that in being a chaplain I should be visible, active, accessible and present.

I am also available for 1:1 pastoral support for staff and pupils if ever they may need a listening ear during difficult times that can occasionally affect us all, these are arranged by contacting me directly or through our pastoral tutors and team via the contact form on out school website. 

If you would like to ask me any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Jo Phipps

Chaplain