FROM THE DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

As we move towards the mid-year holidays, there are many activities organised around Townsville. 

  • NQ Holidays provide exclusive Defence discounts on accommodation and tours by booking various hotels, apartments and tours located throughout Queensland and Australia at exclusive rates. https://defenceholidaysnq.com.au/

Most of the activities require bookings, so make sure you regularly check Eventbrite & What’s On Townsville as the activities fill up very quickly.

SUPPORT SERVICES – Absence from Home Support

As you are aware, there has been an increased presence of military personnel in Townsville across air, sea, and land operations. This is due to the military exercises such as Exercise Warfighter and in the near future, Exercise Talisman Sabre.

As part of Defence life, time apart due to deployment, training, or other service requirements is common for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. While these absences are temporary, they often bring a range of emotional, financial, and practical challenges as families adjust to daily life without a parent or caregiver at home.

I encourage you to:

  • Provide opportunities for students to express their feelings — there may be a very good reason behind their behaviour.
  • Support them with activities that build coping skills and resilience.
  • Be mindful that emotions may fluctuate, including feelings of fear, loneliness, anxiety, frustration, or anticipation.
  • Remember that the upcoming school holidays may also feel different for students with a parent away.
  • Write a diary or a letter for the absent parent for their return.

SUPPORT SERVICES – Moving with Kids

In Term 2, we welcome new families to our College but we also are notified of possible moves for the next posting cycle. 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. 

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:

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