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

Defence Mentor News
Kelly Quigg-Akkersdyk
Defence School Mentor
Kelly.Quigg@education.vic.gov.au
It's been another busy and rewarding week in the Defence Mentor space!
Our Defence Club students have continued to build friendships while taking part in creative activities and enjoying a welcoming environment during break times. It has been wonderful to see students from different year levels connecting, supporting one another and making new friendships.
Planning is also well underway for our Vietnam Veterans' Day Community Commemoration on Tuesday 18 August. Our VM students have been working hard alongside our veteran community to prepare speeches, readings, and commemorative displays as they take on the important role of hosting this year's ceremony. With this year marking the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, the students are committed to ensuring the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam veterans is honoured with the respect it deserves.
Week 3 – Build It! LEGO & Clay Competitions 🧱🎨
This week, Defence Club was buzzing with creativity as students took part in our Build It! LEGO and Clay Competitions.
Students had the opportunity to choose between building an imaginative LEGO creation or designing a masterpiece from modelling clay. The room was filled with fantastic ideas, teamwork, laughter and friendly competition as students challenged themselves to think outside the box.
The quality of the entries was exceptional, making it incredibly difficult for our judges to choose the winners. Congratulations to all of our participants for their creativity, effort and willingness to have a go. It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another and celebrating each other's unique creations.
Coming Up in Week 4 – Guinness World Record Attempt Day 🌍🏆
Next week promises to be one of our most exciting Defence Club sessions yet as we host our very own Guinness World Record Attempt Day!
Students will work together to take on a variety of fun and fast-paced challenges inspired by official Guinness World Records. The afternoon will be filled with teamwork, problem-solving, plenty of laughs and maybe even a few school records of our own!
We encourage all Defence students to come along, join in the fun and see if they have what it takes to become a Defence Club record holder. Whether you're competing or cheering on your friends, it's sure to be an unforgettable afternoon!
Our popular Thursday Defence Café continues to be a favourite each week, providing students with a welcoming space to relax, connect and enjoy a delicious hot chocolate together.
An important part of the café is the opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills. Each week, a new team of student leaders volunteers to help set up the café, prepare and serve the hot chocolates, welcome students and pack everything away at the end of the session. It has been wonderful to see so many students stepping into leadership roles, taking pride in their responsibilities and helping create the warm and inclusive atmosphere that makes the Defence Café such a special part of our week.
A big thank you to all of our student leaders for their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to serve others. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and help make Defence Club a place where everyone feels welcome.
A very Happy Birthday to all of our Defence students celebrating their birthdays this month!
Sam Q, Xavier M, Quinn, Sam W, Alana, Blake and Jack – we hope you all have a fantastic birthday filled with fun, laughter and special memories with your family and friends.
As a small birthday treat from the Defence Mentor Program, don't forget to come and collect your birthday canteen voucher to enjoy a complimentary lunch from the school canteen.
Have an amazing birthday, and we hope your year ahead is filled with happiness, success and exciting adventures!
Happy Birthday from everyone at Seymour College Defence Club! 🎂🎈🎁
🇦🇺 Vietnam Veterans’ Day Ceremony – Tuesday, 18 August @ 11:00 am
This year, VM will again be hosting the annual Vietnam Veterans’ Day Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Walk in Seymour.
This important community event honours the courage, service and sacrifice of all Australians who served during the Vietnam War.
We would love to see our Defence families and the wider Seymour College community attend and support our veterans. Your attendance is a meaningful way to show appreciation for those who served and to help ensure their stories continue to be remembered by future generations.
We hope to see everyone there!




Kelly Quigg-Akkersdyk – Defence School Mentor