Defence Mentor News
Kelly Quigg-Akkersdyk
Defence School Mentor
Kelly.Quigg@education.vic.gov.au
MAY BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays will receive a lunch voucher at Defence Club on Tuesday and Thursday.
Kaylee, Aiden and Eli
At Seymour College, all defence students who celebrate a birthday each month are recognised:
Secondary School students will receive a canteen voucher.
Primary students will receive a Showcase voucher.
If you’re celebrating your birthday this month, please be sure to come and see me either at Defence Club or in my office at the Wellbeing Centre to collect your voucher.
We hope you all have a wonderful birthday!
Defence Club
It’s been a busy and exciting term in Defence Club, with students getting hands-on and creative in preparation for the upcoming Seymour Show.
Our defence students have been hard at work every Tuesday, creating their own special entries for the show. One of the crowd favourites is the “Best-Dressed Wooden Spoon” competition, with some very imaginative designs already taking shape! Next week, we’ll be diving into clay pottery projects, giving students another chance to showcase their talents and contribute to the show.
Meanwhile, Thursdays continue to be a highlight for our senior students, with the Defence Club Café serving up homemade cakes and slices. It’s always a popular time to catch up, connect, and enjoy some delicious treats made with care.
Defence Club Creativity and Connection
This week in Defence Club, our students have been getting hands-on with clay modelling as we continue working on entries for the upcoming Seymour Show. The focus has been on creativity, imagination, and showcasing the unique talents of our Defence students.
There have been some fantastic clay creations taking shape, and the fun isn’t over yet! Next week, students will continue to refine their pieces and begin the painting process. It’s been wonderful to see students fully engaged—designing, creating, and enjoying the process together.
Beyond the artistic fun, these sessions have also created a great opportunity for connection. There’s been lots of laughter and conversation around the table, helping build friendships and a sense of belonging.
Our Tuesday Defence Club sessions are all about creativity, while Thursdays continue to centre around food—thanks to our amazing team in the school café who help make those mornings something to look forward to.
We’re so proud of the enthusiasm and teamwork our Defence students bring each week!
Reminder for Defence Families – Keeping Us Updated
A friendly reminder to all families to please keep the Defence School Mentor (DSM) or the school office informed of any changes in circumstances. This includes updates such as a new relocation address, changes within the family, or if your partner is currently outfield, deployed, or attending a course.
Keeping us informed allows us to better support your child during times of transition. We offer a range of activities and programs designed to build resilience and help students stay connected and supported through these changes.
Your communication helps us provide the best possible care and connection for our Defence students.
No Defence Club This Thursday
Please note that there will be no Defence Club this Thursday due to a regional Defence School Mentor (DSM) meeting being held in the city.
These termly meetings bring together DSMs from across the region and are an important opportunity for us to collaborate, share ideas, explore new programs, and stay informed about upcoming funding and support available for Defence families. It also allows us to continue developing our skills and knowledge so we can provide the best possible support to your children.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at Defence Club next week!
Supporting Defence Families
A gentle reminder to all Defence families: please update us with any changes to your circumstances, such as new addresses, relocations, postings, or even if your partner is away on course for a few weeks. Keeping this information current helps us provide the right support for your child and cater to their individual needs. It’s all part of the Defence School Mentor program’s commitment to supporting our families.
DMFS Helpful Links and Factsheets
Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP)
Posting and Relocating Resources
More links and factsheets can be found here