FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

2026 DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR PROGRAM

My name is Gayle Walkom, and I am the Defence School Mentor for 2026. To families who have recently posted into Townsville, welcome to our College community – and to our returning Defence families, welcome back.

My role is to provide information and support students of 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.

WHO IS A DEFENCE STUDENT?

A Defence Student is a child whose parent or caregiver is:

  • Serving in the Australian Defence Force (Army, Navy or Air Force) on Continuous Full-Time Service.

We also welcome students and staff who have a Defence connection to be part of our Defence community and activities .If your family fits this description but you have not received any communication from me, please email me so I can ensure your daughter is included in Defence student support programs.

Students may not always be aware of the exact nature of their parent or carer’s ADF service. If a student self-identifies as a Defence student and seeks support, the Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP) requires that their needs are addressed. This may include referral to the College wellbeing team for further support.

The DSMP also requires schools to provide statistical data on the number of Defence students enrolled, which makes it important that families keep their Defence status updated with the College.

DEFENCE MORNING TEAS & STUDENT SUPPORT

In Week 3 of Term 1, new Defence students will be formally welcomed to the College.

Defence Morning Teas will then be held fortnightly and advertised through College News, with students emailed directly. These provide:

  • Social connection
  • Emotional wellbeing support
  • A safe space to connect with other Defence students

I encourage families to talk with their daughters about your Defence roles – students are extremely proud of your service.

CHANGE IN FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES

Please let me know if your family experiences:

  • A posting
  • Deployment
  • Retirement or discharge
  • Extended parental absence
  • Unaccompanied posting

This allows me to ensure appropriate support is provided. If you believe you should not be listed as a Defence family, please also advise me.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS)

DMFS, Defence Families Australia and Open Arms provide support for families before, during and after deployments, postings and major transitions. Contact 1800 624 608.

Are You Aware – Education Assistance Scheme (EAS)?

Eligible Defence families may receive:

  • Up to 14 weeks of tutoring
  • 1 hour per week per subject
  • Available within the first 18 months of a posting

The Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) helps minimise the disruption caused by postings by providing financial support for tutoring and assistance for students with additional learning needs. 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.

Contact the Defence School Mentor

If your family is experiencing a posting, deployment this term or you have not yet connected with me, please contact myself via email at gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or phone (07) 4753 0300. Students have access to see me daily during PC, Morning Tea and Lunch Times in the E Block Library.

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR