Chaplaincy Team
What is a school chaplain?
'Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.' ~ Hebrews 10:24
School chaplaincy has a long and richly varied history. The word chaplain comes from the Latin word for a cloak. The term "St. Martin's cloak" originates from the story of St. Martin, a former soldier who became a bishop. He famously cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar in need, demonstrating not just charity but also a willingness to share burdens. A chaplain is someone who walks alongside and offers support as a fellow sojourner. The role of The Chaplaincy Team at Ilfracombe Academy is primarily to come alongside staff, pupils, parents, governors and the wider community and journey with them.
The Chaplaincy Team at the Ilfracombe Academy is an ecumenical body. Each member is encouraged to contribute from the depths of their own traditions and understandings. Specific roles may include leading collective worship, school governance and empowering pupils and adults to be courageous advocates.
The Chaplaincy Team
ICE Youth and Community Worker
The ICE (Initiative in Christian Education) Youth and Community Worker
ICE Ilfracombe is a Christian schools and youth work charity that aims to give young people the opportunity to explore the Christian faith. The ICE Youth and Community worker helps the school live up to its foundation as a Church school, to enable pupils and adults to flourish.
Chaplain for Wellbeing
Karly Daniels
Karly works for ICE (Initiative in Christian education) Ilfracombe as the Delta Manager. She has a passion to see young people in Ilfracombe reach their full potential. Karly trained as a youth leader with SWYM. As our chaplain for wellbeing she works alongside the chaplaincy team supporting students in school and leading the Christian Union.
Chaplain for Christian Union
Pastor Jason Thorpe
Jason Thorpe serves as a Pastor at Woolacombe Calvary Chapel. He loves surfing, rugby and running. Jason studied graphic design and fine arts in Cape Town, South Africa. He served his country in the SADF as a Lieutenant where he became a Christian. Jason has been a Christian youth worker for 20+ years.
Chaplain for Prayer
Rev Mark Ruoff
Mark is the Vicar of Pip & Jim's Church, Ilfracombe, and also St Peter's Berrynarbor & St Peter ad Vincula, Combe Martin. Mark is married to Tandy, and they have 4 children aged between 20 and 11 years old. They have a passion to see young people thriving and discovering their amazing God-given calling and purpose.
Mark and Tandy moved from London two years ago and have worked in cities, towns and villages around the South East, with adults and young people in some inspiring, creative churches. They feel honoured to have been called to serve the beautiful people living in beautiful places around North Devon.
Mark loves sports - he plays for Ilfracombe Tennis Club and enjoys golf and cricket. He is an avid supporter of Arsenal FC and Saracens Rugby Club (sorry Chief’s fans!). He also loves live music and all the arts… Being a bit of a frustrated artist!
Year Group Chaplains
Fr John Roles
John was born and brought up in South London and has lived in Ilfracombe for twenty-nine years. John was lucky enough to have a very good experience of state education. The schools he attended were places of safety, respect and happiness; they had high expectations and encouraged personal development. As a teacher of secondary English for over thirty years John has been committed to providing the same opportunities for his own pupils. John has been the Parish Priest in Ilfracombe since 2016. When not doing priestly things, he enjoys collecting art and antiques, cooking and reading!
Pastor Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith is a husband, father of 4, and the Pastor of Brookdale Evangelical Church in Ilfracombe where he has been since 2009. He is passionate about music, good coffee, sport, and most importantly, following Jesus. He loves chatting about God, including tackling some of the big questions people ask about faith.
Rev Mark Read
Mark is a Salvation Army Officer with a background in education and a passion for supporting young people. He initially trained as a Secondary Art & Design teacher after earning a degree in Fine Art Painting in London. Following this, he briefly worked in education in developing countries before becoming a minister. Mark has been involved in school chaplaincy and governorship while also completing an MA in Education and Social Justice. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities and engaging in creative pursuits like painting and screen-printing. His vision for the school is to create a joyful environment where students can discover themselves and pursue fulfilment in life.
Rev Fran Bliss
Fran started exploring faith in Year 9. She is now a Vicar at St Peters and Holy Trinity in Ilfracombe. She loves music, sci-fi, art, swimming and her dog Boomer. Fran’s superpower is listening, and considers hearing people's stories a privilege. She enjoys talking with students and staff about things that make us laugh and also the bits that are not so easy.
Rev Dave Matthews
Dave is a retired Baptist minister who loves gardening and surfing. Dave lives in Mortehoe with his wife Mary in an old cottage overlooking the sea. Dave has a special interest in relating his faith in Jesus to the environment and believes that we should all take responsibility for the world in which we live. Before becoming the pastor of a Church Dave studied at Art College and then went on train as a teacher for deaf children. Indeed, he is hard of hearing himself, so if he ignores you in the corridor, he is not being rude, he probably hasn't heard you!