Phipps has spent the last 23 years teaching Harewood School's Room 8 about God. She is also there for the students' sport and drama lessons.Her students are full of praise for their teacher.

"Mrs Phipps is very friendly, caring and encourages us to do our best," said one pupil.

"She always come to things like kapa haka, sports days, choir, trithalon and many more. She is like our grandma," said another.

Phipps says she realised the preciousness of children when her own son, Timothy, passed away at a very early age.She says that when she talks to Room 8 about God, she knows not everyone believes like she does, but does not mind. She says that she is there to celebrate the "beauty" and "fragility" of youth.

"Chaplains go into schools as a trusted friend and a listening ear". 

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Recently retired Churches Education Commission National Manager Petrea Medland talks to Marie Anticich about how far the organisation has come in the past few years.

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