FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR
Hi, my name is Gayle Walkom, and I am the Defence School Mentor for 2023. To our newly posted in families, welcome to the St Patrick’s College Townsville community and to our previous families, welcome back for another year.
My primary role as Defence Support is to provide information and support students of the Australian Defence Force Families to ease the impact of mobility and service related parental absence. Defence families are a significant and highly valued group within the College and supporting our students from an ADF family is a high priority. Being a Garrison City, our staff are well acquainted with the challenges of the ADF lifestyle and look forward to ensuring our students have the most positive experience possible.
At the beginning of the term 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 for the student and to support them during any changes in circumstances.
Senior Defence students Mackenzie Mitchell, Mia Rial, Lillian Webb and Tillie Haughton attended a Memorial Service on Wednesday, 15 February the 81st Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore.
Change in Family Circumstances
Please advise myself when there is a change in your family circumstances, for example: retired, discharging, posting, deployment, large period of parental absences or Member with dependant unaccompanied – MWD(U). This will enable me to provide extra services and provide care to your daughter. Additionally, if you feel you shouldn’t be on the Defence School List, please let me know.
Support Services
Time apart from families due to deployments, training, or other Service requirements are an integral feature of Defence life. Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS), Defence Families Australia and Open Arms are able to inform and prepare you for these times and provide you with support to make these experiences manageable, positive and strengthening ones for your family. DMFS can be contacted via Defence Family Helpline or 1800 624 608.
Are You Aware?
A range of financial support is available to help minimise disruption to education caused by posting within Australia. The aim is to provide students with limited interim assistance to help overcome any immediate difficulties with their education occurring as a direct result of posting. Please note terms and conditions apply. Defence may reimburse fees for tutoring required to overcome immediate difficulties caused by changing schools. This applies to primary and secondary students, within the first 18 months of starting at a new school.
If you will be absent for a period of time in Term 2 due to deployment 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 0747530300.
