2XHBookstore​

Balwyn Chaplaincy Second-hand Books: (also called 2XHB or BHS Second-hand Books)

In 1988 a few parents at BHS who were connected with local churches dreamed of having a Chaplain in the school – to bring a new rank of caring for students, parents, and staff at a time when there was no-one other than staff to tackle large and complex personal and relationship problems. It had to be funded. Churches, businesses, individuals were canvassed, cake stalls, fetes and the starting of a formalised Second-hand Booksale in the School were actioned, and soon it was proved the money could be raised for the Community and Committee portions. Negotiations were made with the Provider of Chaplains (CCES – Council for Christian Education in Schools) who then approached the School Council. In the 2 years it took to get through the agreements and paperwork, the 2XHB burgeoned and paved the way with its energy and its exact fitting with a need. A Uniform Shop joined in and also got permission to direct their profits to Chaplaincy. The first Chaplain was inducted in 1991. 2XHBooks and the Uniform Shop have walked closely with the Support Committee/Group through every year since.

The Chaplain at Balwyn High School:

The Chaplain is full-time, and works as part of the now large Welfare Team in the Well-Being Centre at the western Moody St entry to the school. A Chaplain is employed by KORUS Connect, provider of Chaplains, and supplied to BHS with the wage in this particular contract being equally divided between the school and the Balwyn Chaplaincy Support Group – set up for that purpose, and to which some churches and some individuals also commit.

The Balwyn Chaplaincy Support Group:

The Support Group which is a sub-group under Korus Connect is responsible for raising the majority of funds for providing a chaplaincy service to staff and students at Balwyn High School. To do this they contact churches in the area for a mission contribution and seek other ways of raising funds and awareness. As a registered not-for-profit they are able to provide tax-deductible receipts for personal donations. The Second-hand Books and the Second-hand Uniforms Enterprises – separate entities under the BHS Council – continue to donate generously and to provide enough extra to make up the shortfall as donations from local churches and private or business donors have dwindled in recent years. The income through selling second-hand books and uniforms provides the Support Group with the bulk of its portion of funds.

The Support Group holds gatherings regularly to meet with and hear from the Chaplain, and to increase Vision and Values awareness in the school in every way possible. The Secondhand Books Group and Secondhand Uniforms Group attend, share and report to the Support Group.