Defence Mentor News

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

All October Birthdays will receive a lunch voucher at Defence Club on Tuesday and Thursday.

Kane, Katlyn, Kyaana & Ben

Any students who have had a birthday and have not yet received their free lunch card or showcase voucher please see Kelly.

As we kick off the final term of the year, we are excited to welcome two new students to our Seymour College Defence community—Leah and Harvey, who have just joined us from the UK. We look forward to helping them settle in and become part of our vibrant school family. Here’s to a fantastic Term 4 filled with learning, friendship, and new adventures!

Term 4: Defence Club Activities 

Defence Hot Milo Welcome Event

Last Thursday, we held a special Defence Hot Milo session to warmly welcome our new families from the UK! We introduced them to the classic Tim Tam Slam, pairing Tim Tams with Hot Milos, which everyone enjoyed. It was a fantastic event, and the children thoroughly loved the experience!

Tuesdays - Arts & crafts, games.

Thursdays - Hot chocolate with marshmallows. If your child has any milk allergies please let me know asap via email and I will supply an alternative.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Gnarly Neighbours and Veterans Health Week event has been postponed until the 28th of this month. We apologize for any disappointment and appreciate your understanding. We look forward to the event going ahead on the 28th and hope to see everyone there!

QBD Books Defence VIP Night

This Friday, 18th October, QBD Books is hosting a special Defence VIP Night from 6pm to 8pm. Defence families, friends, and veterans can enjoy exclusive savings of 20-60% off books! To access these discounts, please bring a form of ID to confirm your Defence family or veteran status. Don’t miss this great opportunity!

Poppy Project 2024

Support for Families Who Have Left the ADF.

Even after leaving the Australian Defence Force (ADF), your Defence School Mentor (DSM) and the school continue to offer support for your family. We understand that transitioning out of military life can bring its own set of challenges, and we remain committed to helping your children through these changes.

Our services include emotional, social, and academic support, ensuring that your family remains connected and supported during this new phase. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance or assistance—we are here for you, every step of the way.

Update Us on Your Current Circumstances!

To ensure we provide the best possible support for you and your children, we kindly ask that you update the school or myself on your current circumstances. Whether you're married living unaccompanied, your partner has been deployed, or they are currently outfield, it's important for us to stay informed.

By keeping us updated, we can offer tailored support and resources for your family during times of change. Please reach out if you need assistance or have any concerns. We're here to help!

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling

The Open Arms Community and Peer Advisor will be on base to provide information about available support services through Open Arms.

Drop into the PDNC at Puckapunyal to learn more about how Open Arms can assist you and your family.

To learn more about Open Arms, free, confidential 24-hour counselling service, including your eligibility, call 1800011046.

For more information about Open Arms or their programs, visit: Open Arms

POSTING ORDERS!!!!

As posting orders are being released, we kindly request that you inform us if your family will be posting out. This can be done either by emailing me directly or contacting the school.

Your timely update will allow us to support the social and emotional needs of your children and ensure a smoother transition for both your family and your child as they move to another school.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Defence Member and Family Helpline          1800 624 608

For advice, support or local community information, contact our all-hours Defence Member and Family Helpline. Run by Defence Member and Family Support, the helpline is the best way to access the programs and services that we offer to help Defence families manage the military way of life. 

The helpline is available 24/7 and is staffed by qualified Human Services professionals, including social workers and psychologists.

Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust – Scholarships

AVCAT continues to support veteran families through tertiary scholarships for children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. We take pride in our long history and strive to honour the legacy of those who have served and the families that support them. We embrace the camaraderie and unique bond shared by veteran families across Australia and take pride in our scholars and alumni.

For more information visit: Australian Veterans & Children Assistance Trust

Defence Special Needs Support Group

Defence Special Needs Support Group Inc. is a non-profit benevolent volunteer organisations established to assist Navy, Army and Air Force families with a family member with special needs.

Information about DSNSG and the support offered can be found at www.dsnsg.org.au