Wolvi school chaplain to compete in marathon fundraiser to continue working at the school

The emotional and social support worker at Wolvi State School assists in supporting students and staff through distressing emotional situations.

Wolvi State School chaplain Joy “Chappy” Mahoney will compete in the Bridge to Brisbane marathon in August to help raise the money needed to fund her position.​

Wolvi State School chaplain Joy “Chappy” Mahoney will compete in the Bridge to Brisbane marathon in August to help raise the money needed to fund her position.

Ms Mahoney works part-time at the school providing social and emotional support for students through pastoral care and helping them deal with issues from family breakdown to depression and anxiety.

She also provides support for staff dealing with similar issues.

She said on Wednesday she was raising funds to continue her work as a chaplain at the school, describing the marathon as “a kick-starter for the long term”.

Ms Mahoney has been at Wolvi State School for just under a year, and said the best part of her job was supporting the students.

“My favourite part is doing the school day with the students from start to finish...to witness the beautiful kids that are there, and to support each one and to celebrate each one,” she said.

She also said she enjoyed doing breakfast club with the students, where the group makes breakfast together.

Racing in the Bridge to Brisbane will also be a personal challenge; Ms Mahoney hopes to beat her time of 53 minutes which she set when she last ran it in 2019.

“It was an absolute blast,” she said.

“It’s time to get serious about training again.”

She has a goal of raising $1500 before the marathon, which will take place in Brisbane on August 29.