FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Term 3 brings another busy schedule for our Defence students as they participate in significant community events, prepare for Senior Defence Farewells and continue with assessments. 

VP80 Commemorative Service

On Thursday 15 August, a group of our Year 12 students proudly represented the school at the VP80 Commemorative Service held at Anzac Park. The service marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served during World War II.

Our students joined veterans, dignitaries, and community members in reflection and remembrance, paying their respects to the men and women who contributed to peace in our region. Their attendance demonstrated both maturity and respect, and we commend them for upholding the school’s values on this significant occasion.

Supporting Igam Barracks Primary School, PNG

On Thursday 19 June, donations from nine Townsville schools, including St Patrick’s College Townsville, were presented to Igam Barracks Primary School in Papua New Guinea. Organised by CPL Baylee Glover, the initiative saw over two tonnes of educational resources and sporting equipment being gifted, with the students, teachers, and families at Igam deeply appreciative of the generosity shown.

A special highlight for the College was the involvement of our staff Nikea Tompkins, Ashlee Webb & Kate Tomerini who worked with Defence students to organise donations and write letters to the students at Igam. These created a touching “pen pal” connection, with more than 50 return letters now on their way back to the Townsville Region.

The donations will enhance learning opportunities and strengthen the school’s PE program with the addition of new sporting equipment. This initiative has had a significant impact on the Igam school community and will continue to grow when Exercise Puk Puk returns next year. 

Are You Aware – Tutoring Assistance is Available

Don’t forget that the Education Assistance Scheme is available to minimise the disruption of a posting, providing assistance with tutoring costs, and some support for students with special needs. Funding for additional tuition is available within the first 18 months of the posting. Tutoring is funded for 1 hour per week per subject for 14 weeks for subjects in which a child needs support. Details can be found here: https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/assistance-for-a-primary-or-secondary-student-moving-schools

For more information you can contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, or email the Education team at education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au. 

2026 Postings

Families have now received details of their end of their 2026 postings. If you are getting posted at the end of the College year (and leaving Townsville), please email Mrs Joanna Pacey, jpacey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au and the Defence School Mentor so a farewell morning tea can be held.

Ensure you read “Moving with Children” on the DFMS website in preparation for the journey ahead https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/posting-relocating/moving-children. As a result of mid-year postings, we welcomed new families to our College at the end of Term 2. Moving is a major life change, and children may face challenges as they leave behind friends and familiar places and activities. To make the process more manageable for children and to help them become more positive and self-reliant, communicating truthfully and openly is important to help them understand and cope with the change. This will allow the children to feel empowered, valued and make them feel a part of the process.

ADF Family Health Program

ADF families can be reimbursed for many services that help them maintain healthy lifestyles through the ADF Family Health Program.

From 1 July 2025, the ADF Family Health Program will expand its claimable services to include suitably qualified counselling and lactation consultants.

The program currently allows eligible family members to claim a benefit for a variety of health services from allied health, General Practitioners, specialists, diagnostic and radiology services, and some preventative health measures.

Reimbursement for psychology and psychiatry services is already included in the program. The expansion to include counselling services offers an additional option for ADF families requiring this support.

Eligible family members of permanent ADF personnel and reservists rendering full time service (who are registered for the program) are able to claim for these services.

If you will be absent for a period of time during the term due to deployment/exercises or would like further information about the services provided, please feel free to contact the Defence School Mentor, Ms Gayle Walkom via gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or phone 07 4753 0300. 

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR