But Rob Hodgson's role in Airds High School is just as important.

Mr Hodgson has been the school's pastoral-care worker for the past 18 months.

He divides his working week between Airds High and Ambarvale and John Warby Public schools.

His job came about through Federal Government funding under the National School Chaplaincy Program and he only knows of two other pastoral-care workers in the Macarthur area.

``Other states have had school chaplains for quite some time,'' he said. ``In NSW there are only about 40.

``I can understand some of the apprehension initially about the idea of putting chaplains in schools but now I can see how useful it is.

``We can offer support for the whole community.''

Last month, the National School Chaplaincy Association released the findings of a national study into the effectiveness of chaplains or pastoral-care workers who work with students.

It found the most recurrent problems included anger management, bullying and harassment, peer relationships, loneliness, self-esteem and student/family relationships.

Mr Hodgson said there needed to be more awareness of roles like his.

``I'm not coming from a theological background,'' he said. ``I'm Christian but I'm not here to ram religion down their throats.

``I can talk to the kids. They don't see me as the school counsellor and I can come from a different angle.

``It's a brilliant opportunity for early intervention and anything we can do to help the school we need to do.

``I feel the program needs to be opened up within the Macarthur area.

``I think there are a lot of schools that would benefit from a program like this.''

Airds High teacher John Kennedy said Mr Hodgson's background as a youth worker also benefited.

For more information about school chaplains/pastoral care workers: schoolchaplaincy .org.au.