St Brigid’s understands the unique needs of students with a parents in the Australian Defence Force. We have a Defence School Mentor (DSM) to support our Defence students and their families. It is important for these children and their families to make connections and integrate within the school and the wider community.
Defence students look forward to weekly time with the DSM where they can share their thoughts and feelings, as well as have the chance to spend time with other Defence children who understand the uniqueness of their situation.
At St Brigids, we welcome parent involvement and are happy to arrange a meeting to discuss any aspect of the student’s wellbeing and educational journey.
Our DSM is a mother of three and a former Defence spouse of 15 years with a great understanding of the Defence lifestyle and all that it entails.
PROGRAM’S MISSION
The program’s mission is to assist Defence students and their families in four key areas throughout their education and as they transition from one school to another.
THE KEY AREAS ARE:
- Welcoming
- Integrating
- Absence support
- Farewelling
WHAT BENEFITS DOES THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR PROGRAM PROVIDE?
- Facilitating a supportive educational environment for Defence families during times of change
- Establishing ongoing programs and resources for use during and beyond the life of the program
- Helping link Defence families into their local community
- Providing a conduit to education and community resources to support Defence children’s wellbeing.
The Defence Community Organisation is committed to the continuation of the program, a key component of the delivery of support to alleviate the significant school challenges encountered by Defence families due to frequent relocations in the course of their service.
