FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day, 25 April is observed nationally as a solemn day of remembrance held on the anniversary of the landing of the First Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Army troops, at Gallipoli in 1915. This year, we acknowledge Australian service in East Timor (now Timor-Leste) in our ANZAC Day Liturgy on Wednesday, 24 April.

Term 2 brings a busy schedule for our Defence students, with selected representatives attending the Dawn Service and our College participating in the Townsville City Council march along the Strand on Thursday, 25 April. Leading up to ANZAC Day, it is encouraged to visit:

https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day-package

Defence Students will be selling ANZAC merchandise during Week 2 during breaks including badges, stickers, pens, notebooks and scrunchies. Additionally, a local business, Pretty Please Handmade Creations has been busily creating poppy earrings for our students, with $1 donated from every sale to The Oasis Townsville – a community centre for Veterans.

Princes Trust Australia Co Design Session

Over the Easter school holidays, a number of our Defence Students participated in the Princes Trust Program – Eryn & Alex Matters, Indiana Lalor and Madison Long. During this session students explored ideas for the development of a free education program aimed at children of Defence members or Veterans between 12-17 years of age. Sharing their own ideas and experiences the girls were able to develop their entrepreneurial skills, make new friends and each were awarded $100 for their contributions. Congratulations in your participation of this co design session, your efforts were highly praised.

RAAF Enlistment ADF Careers Centre

Officially sworn in as members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), two senior Defence graduates from 2023, Mackenzie Mitchell and Lillian Webb enlisted as an Aviation Support Technician and Administration Assistant respectively with the Royal Australian Air Force at ceremonies held at the ADF Careers Centre. We are very proud of the girls and their chosen careers and wish them every success with their future endeavours.

SUPPORT SERVICES – Moving with Kids

In term 2, we welcome new families to our College. 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 a part of the process.

Education Assistance Scheme

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

– visit the DFMS Website Education Assistance Scheme | ADF Members & Families | Defence

– Consult your local Education Liaison Officer (EDLO), MRS Jessica Stark jessica.stark@defence.gov.au

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

Partner Employment Assistance Program

The Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) provides support and funding for eligible ADF partners for initiatives aimed at improving employability.

Eligibility requirements include:

the partner is formally recognised by Defence
the partner is relocating or has relocated to the current location due to an ADF posting within Australia
the member is serving in the permanent forces, is a Reserve member on continuous full-time service, or is transitioning for medical reasons.

Further information can be found:

Partner Employment Assistance Program | ADF Members & Families | Defence

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 47530300.

Gayle Walkom

DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR