FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Welcome Back Morning Tea – Term 3

After a much-needed mid holiday break, we welcomed back Defence Students and their friends to Term 3, with hot chocolates, Tim Tams and travelling tales.   Morning Teas are an opportunity for social and emotional support for the student and to support them during any changes in circumstances.  They are held fortnightly and will be advertised through College News and students emailed directly. 

Donations of Books to Papua New Guinea

In an era of digital communication dominated by emojis and abbreviations, Defence students put pen to paper and created cards and letters for students on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. Chaplain Joseph Hwang and Sapper Bailey Clover from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (Lavarack Barracks) will be travelling to Papua New Guinea in the near future and will be personally delivering our letters and donated books, organised by our Library Staff, Marie Jerome & Sharon Moore.

Education Assistance Scheme

Defence recognises that some students may experience disruption to their education each time they move for a posting.  Financial support is available to help minimise the disruption to education caused by posting.

Defence may provide assistance when a posting means that a student needs to:

  • change schools
  • study at a school not in the posting location
  • study at a tertiary institution away from home.

Financial support available under the Education Assistance Scheme includes:

  • tutoring
  • tuition and boarding school allowance
  • tertiary accommodation
  • loss of scholarship compensation
  • reunion travel.

As a timely reminder, don’t forget, within the first 18 months of starting at a new school you are entitled to tutoring reimbursement to overcome the immediate difficulties caused by changing schools.  For more information about this program:

– visit the DFMS Website  https://defence.gov.au/members-families/Family/kids/education.asp.

– Consult your local Education Liaison Officer (EDLO)

– Email: education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au

Are you getting posted?

Our Farewell Defence Morning Tea will be held in Term 4 where we will be sadly saying goodbye to our students that are posted out of Townsville.  Additionally, we will acknowledge our Year 12 students embarking on their future endeavours.  If you have received your posting order to be relocated out of Townsville, please notify the Defence School Mentor so your daughter can be included in the farewells. 

If you would like any assistance with guiding children through relocations and/or education support, contact the all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608, alternatively please feel free to contact the Defence School Mentor, Ms Gayle Walkom via gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or phone 0747530300. 

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR