Defence Mentor News

Kelly Quigg-Akkersdyk
Defence School Mentor
Kelly.Quigg@education.vic.gov.au

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Happy birthday to the following students in August; Sam Q , Xavier, Quinn, Sam W, Alana, Eleanor, Jack and Harrison.

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!

Vietnam Veterans Day

Next Monday, 18th August at 11:00am, Seymour College VM students, together with Defence Mentor Kelly Quigg-Akkersdyk, will have the honour of hosting this year’s Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony.

The ceremony will be MC’d by Defence students Max Chetcuti and Dylan Frost, with the Catafalque Party proudly supported by the School of Armour.

This significant event will be held at the Vietnam Veterans Walk, under the helicopter.

It is a special opportunity for our students and community to come together in remembrance, to pay tribute to those who served, and to ensure the legacy of our Vietnam veterans continues.

Defence Club

We had the cutest little visitors — puppies! They were an absolute hit with everyone involved. The room was filled with laughter, joy, and constant chatter as students enjoyed pats, cuddles, and puppy antics. This visit not only brightened the day but also created an easy, natural way for students to connect with each other.

Tuesdays will continue to be Craft and Games during second break in the library. It’s a great chance for students to get creative, unwind, and connect with others.

Thursdays are our much-loved hot Milo sessions — perfect for warming up and having a chat during these colder months.

Thursday’s Defence Club is one of our most popular yet! We were completely overwhelmed with the turnout — all the hot chocolate, marshmallows, and biscuits were gone in no time. The atmosphere buzzing with conversation, smiles, and laughter. It's moments like these that show the true value of connection and support among our Defence community. The help from our senior primary students was outstanding and showed leadership and kindness in action.

Defence Families – Keep Us Updated

Just a friendly reminder to please keep the school informed of any changes to your family’s circumstances — particularly if a parent is heading outfield or will be away for an extended period. This information helps me provide the best possible support for your child during these times.

Also, if your posting orders have come in and you know that you'll be relocating to another state, please contact me Kelly.quigg@education.vic.gov.au or the front office as soon as possible. Early notice ensures a smooth transition into your child’s next school and allows us to provide the right support during this time of change.

Thank you for helping us stay connected so we can continue supporting your family throughout the school year.

🎀 Ribbon Donations Wanted 🎀

Our Defence Club is seeking ribbon donations for a meaningful project we’ll be running in Term 3. Any colour, size, or length of ribbon is welcome!

The ribbons will be used to create personal "trees" for each student as well as a large, shared tree for the whole school. Each colour will represent different feelings and emotions. While students work on this creative activity, there will be guided conversations around belonging, emotions, friendships, and building new connections.

Donations can be dropped at the front office or sent to school with your child.

Thank you for supporting a program that encourages connection, creativity, and community. 💙🌳

Kookaburra Kids

This program is dedicated to supporting the unique needs of children from serving and ex-serving ADF families has been made possible by the Australian Government. For registrations or more information kookaburrakids.org.au, or contact Scott White, the Defence Community Liaison Officer Victoria on 1300 566 525 or email scott.white@kookaburrakids.org.au

https://kookaburrakids.org.au/defence-program/

Defence Special Needs Support Group

Defence works with the Defence Special Needs Support Group http://dsnsg.org.au/ to offer additional assistance to Defence families with a family member with special needs. Offering resources, equipment, services, guidance, and a community of individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Defence families.puckapunyal@dsnsg.org.au

https://www.dsnsg.org.au/find-a-dsnsg-group/victoria/item/puckapunyal

Open Arms for health professionals

Open Arms provides training and support to all our counsellors, to enable the ongoing delivery of high quality mental health assessment and clinical counselling for Australian veterans and their families. Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, and their families.

https://www.openarms.gov.au/