FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR
Dear Defence Families,
Defence Morning Teas & Student Support
Defence Morning Teas continue to be held fortnightly and are advertised through College News, with students also emailed directly. These morning teas provide students with opportunities for:
- Social connection
- Emotional wellbeing support
- A safe space to connect with other Defence students, Veteran families and friends
This term, we were very grateful to receive a kind and generous morning tea donation from the Kelly family – and, as always, the Tim Tams were the first to go!
2027 Postings
Families have now received details of their 2027 postings. In Term 4, Defence students whose families are posting out of location will be formally farewelled from the College. If your family is leaving Townsville at the end of the College year, please email Ms Joanna Pacey at jpacey@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au and the Defence School Mentor so we can ensure your daughter is included in our farewell.
Families are encouraged to read “Moving with Children” on the DMFS website in preparation for the journey ahead: https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/military-life-cycle/posting-relocating/moving-children
Unaccompanied Resident Family (URF)
When a military member is posted, families may choose to remain in their current location while the military member moves alone to their new posting. This is called an Unaccompanied Resident Family, or URF. Families may choose this option to support family stability, allow partners to keep their current job, enable children to remain at their school, or maintain consistent access to healthcare. Choosing to become an URF is an important family decision.
Our local Defence Social Workers are available to speak with families who are exploring URF as a potential option and would like further information or support.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS)
Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS), Defence Families Australia and Open Arms provide support for families before, during and after deployments, postings and major transitions. Families can contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
Emergency Support
If an emergency or crisis occurs while an ADF member is absent, families may access practical assistance and emergency support by contacting the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
Education Assistance Scheme (EAS)
The Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) helps minimise disruption caused by postings by providing financial support for tutoring and assistance for students with additional learning needs. Eligible Defence families may access up to 14 weeks of tutoring, with one hour per week per subject, within the first 18 months of a posting. For more information, families 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 – Change in Family Circumstances
Please let me know if your family experiences any of the following:
- A posting
- A deployment
- Retirement or discharge
- Extended parental absence
- An unaccompanied posting, or your family is considering becoming an Unaccompanied Resident Family (URF)
This helps me ensure the appropriate support is in place for your daughter. If you believe your family should not be listed as a Defence family, please also let me know.
If you have not yet connected with me, please contact me via email at gwalkom@stpatscollege.qld.edu.au or phone 07 4753 0300. Students are welcome to see me during PC, morning tea and lunch in E Block, Library.
Gayle Walkom
DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR
