FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Dear Defence Families

St Patrick’s College Townsville Defence School Mentor Program

Hi, my name is Gayle Walkom, and I am the Defence School Mentor for 2024. To our newly posted in families, welcome to the St Patrick’s College 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. I encourage families to discuss their roles within the Defence to their children as they are extremely proud of your service.

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 Unaccompanied postings. 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.

Open Arms Courses

A number of courses are available for Defence members and partners.

Engaging Adolescents (Three Week Parent Program)

Wednesdays 24 April – 8 May

Managing Pain (Six Week Program)

Fridays 3 May – 7 June

In addition to the above face-to-face groups, Open Arms also provides a range of educational online training and workshops. To register your interest and for the most up-to-date information visit: https://www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/treatment-programs-and-workshops

Support Services

Time apart from families due to deployments, training or other Service requirements is 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 https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/crisis-support/helplines/defence-member-family-helpline or 1800 624 608.

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 offers 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, 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 subject 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 next term 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@stpats college.qld.edu.au or phone 0747530300.

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR