FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

This term, we have sadly farewelled some of our Year 12 Defence students as they prepare to graduate and move on to the next chapter of their lives. To mark this milestone, we held a special morning tea where staff and students gathered to share memories, celebrate achievements, and wish our departing students every success for the future. 

As part of the farewell, each student was presented with a Remembrance Poppy and a copy of The Let Them Theory – a book filled with thoughtful advice and encouragement to guide them as they navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

It was also a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge our inaugural Defence School Leader, Theodora Arends, who has been outstanding in her support and mentorship to our Defence students. Theodora has provided guidance, encouragement, and a welcoming presence, and her efforts have helped strengthen the sense of connection within our Defence community at school.

We are very proud of the contributions our Year 12 students have made, and of the resilience they have shown as Defence families. On behalf of the College, I extend our warmest congratulations to our graduates and their families. We wish them all the very best for the exciting journeys ahead.

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

Defence Member Family Helpline

For advice, support or local community information, contact the all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline. Run by Defence Member and Family Support, the helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life.

2026 Postings

Families have now received details of their end of their 2026 postings. If you are being posted at the end of the College year (and leaving Townsville), please email Ms Joanna Pacey, jpacey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au, Enrolments & Alumni Registrar, 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 part of the process.

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