FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Dear Defence Families,

WELCOME TO THE COLLEGE

During Week 3, we welcomed new students to the College where we indulged in some tasty treats and shared experiences of our Defence lineage. Morning Teas will be held fortnightly and will be advertised through College News and students emailed directly. This is an opportunity for social and emotional support of the students and to support them during any changes in circumstances. I encourage families to discuss their roles within the Defence to their children as they are extremely proud of your service. 

LATERAL TRANSFERS – WELCOME

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to the families who have recently joined our College community through lateral transfers to Australia, particularly those arriving from the United Kingdom and Ireland. We are delighted to have you as part of our community and hope your transition to life in Australia – and here in Townsville – has been a positive one so far.

FUN FACT

The journey from the UK or Ireland to Townsville is approximately 15,000–16,500 kilometres, often involving more than 20–24 hours of travel time across multiple flights and time zones! That’s quite an adventure and a significant move for families.

Relocating internationally can be exciting, but we also recognise that settling into a new country, school system, climate, and community can take time. There are several excellent Defence support services available locally to assist families during this transition:

  • Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) – Provides programs, community connection opportunities, and practical support for Defence families adjusting to new postings.
  • Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – Offers free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support for current and former ADF members and their families.
  • Defence Housing Australia (DHA) – Assists Defence families with housing services and support related to Defence accommodation.

If you are new to Townsville and would like assistance connecting with school or local community supports, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are proud to support our Defence families and look forward to getting to know you.

ANZAC DAY MARCH – THE STRAND, SATURDAY 25 APRIL 2026

ANZAC Day is a nationally recognised day of remembrance, when Australians and New Zealanders pause to acknowledge and honour the service men and women who have served and sacrificed in times of war.

St Patrick’s College Townsville has a long and proud association with Townsville’s ANZAC Day commemorations. This year, the College will once again participate in the Townsville ANZAC Day March along The Strand.

Our Defence students, Prefects and Year 12 students have been invited to represent the College in the march. Due to capacity limits set by Townsville City Council, each school may nominate up to 50 students to participate.

Eligible students have received an email with a link to confirm their attendance by Monday 30 March. Once responses are received, permission forms will be sent to parents/guardians for approval.

Members of the College community are also warmly encouraged to support the event by lining The Strand and cheering on our students as they march.

ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE DETAILS

Townsville will host two ANZAC Day services, where our College Prefects will attend the Townsville City Service:

Thuringowa Service

  • 5.20am – Dawn Service, Thuringowa Cenotaph, Riverway Precinct
  • 8.30am – Parade form-up (Weir State School carpark)
  • 9.00am – Parade step-off (travelling behind Weir State School, past Riverway Stadium, along Sporting Drive, across Riverway Practice Oval, concluding at the Thuringowa Cenotaph)
  • 9.30am – Mid-morning Service, Thuringowa Cenotaph, Riverway Precinct

Townsville City Service

  • 5.20am – Dawn Service, Anzac Memorial Park Cenotaph
  • 8.30am – Parade form-up (Strand Park)
  • 9.00am – Parade step-off (proceeding along The Strand to Anzac Memorial Park)

Further information can be found here: https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/anzac-day

GECKOS FAMILY CENTRE

For those new to the region, Geckos is located on Lavarack Barracks and provides services, support, and activities to enhance social connections and family resilience within the Defence community of North Queensland. Geckos offer many exciting events throughout the year and the team are looking forward to meeting all the new families in the region. Geckos has a playground that is open all day every day – from dawn until dusk – with access to toilet, parking and cold-water facilities. If you would like to keep up to date with Geckos’ upcoming events and activities (such as school holiday programs), follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/geckosfamilycentre/

ARE YOU AWARE?

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 those subjects in which a child needs support. 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.

If you will be absent for a period of time during the term due to deployment, course or training, 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