We are delighted to announce that we have appointed The Reverend Thomas Gerald Edward Pote as our new Chaplain, joining our School community with his wife and young daughter in September 2024. Father Thomas brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for pastoral care and spiritual guidance that will undoubtedly enrich our school environment.
During his recent visit to Western Australia with his family, Fr Thomas had the opportunity to explore our state, and to tour the School and engage with some members of our community. This visit provided Fr Thomas with valuable insights into our School’s culture and ethos, allowing both parties to assess compatibility and determine if there is a strong mutual fit. Such interactions play a crucial role in ensuring a harmonious integration when Fr Thomas officially joins our community in September.
Fr Thomas currently serves as the Chaplain at The King’s School Canterbury, where his leadership has been pivotal in orchestrating the seamless execution of weekly school services spanning both the Preparatory and Senior schools. His responsibilities extend to assisting with the pastoral care of pupils and staff, preparing individuals for baptism and confirmation, and providing support to the school’s most vulnerable students. Additionally, Fr Thomas actively engages with the wider church community, serving as an Honorary Minor Canon at Canterbury Cathedral and participating in various church committees.
Prior to his role at The King’s School, Fr Thomas served as an Assistant Curate at Holy Trinity and St Mary’s, Guildford, UK, where he led weekly worship, managed parish pastoral care teams, and engaged with young people through youth groups and worship activities. His journey into ordained ministry began with his training at Westcott House, Cambridge, where he was ordained as a Deacon in 2019, followed by his ordination to the priesthood in 2020.
Beyond his pastoral work, Fr Thomas brings a diverse educational background, including experience as a language teacher and director of studies. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies from Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, an Masters of Arts in Italian Literature from Royal Holloway, University of London, and a Bachelor of Arts in French and Italian from the same institution.
In addition to his professional endeavours, Fr Thomas is deeply committed to serving his community, evident through his past role as a Foundation Governor at St Jude’s Church of England Junior School, where he contributed to various committees and provided oversight on matters related to education and spirituality. We are confident that Fr Thomas’s blend of pastoral experience, educational expertise, and commitment to service will make him an invaluable addition to our School community.
We extend our gratitude to Sarah Langley, who has admirably served as our Chapel Liaison Officer during the interim period while we awaited the appointment of a new Chaplain. Sarah’s dedication and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining the Chapel’s vibrancy and ensuring the continuity of spiritual guidance within our School community. Furthermore, we congratulate Sarah who is currently in the process of obtaining her licence for Lay Pastoral Minister (LPM), a testament to her ongoing commitment to enhancing our pastoral care offerings. As Fr Thomas joins our team, Sarah will continue to play a vital role as a Lay Chaplain, working collaboratively within our chaplaincy team to strengthen the pastoral care and spiritual services available to our students. Her wealth of experience and recent licence will be invaluable assets as we expand and enhance our support network.
We look forward to welcoming Fr Thomas to Australia and to our community in September as we continue to strengthen and elevate our Chaplaincy team.
