Defence Mentor News

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

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

Sam Q, Quinn, Max L, Jack M, Sam W, Xavier M, Harrison, Jackson, & Tobias.

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

Vietnam Veterans Day 

On Sunday, 18th August, I attended a Ceremony, with my family, honouring our Vietnam Veterans; we were joined by Seymour College student Cena Marshall. Both Cena and Alexis respectfully laid a wreath, marking a poignant moment in the ceremony. 

The presence of the Veterans was a powerful reminder of the heroism and sacrifice. These brave individuals stood as living testaments to the courage and resilience they displayed during the War. Their stories of service and endurance serve as an inspiration to all reminding us of the deep gratitude, we owe to those who have fought for our freedoms. 

Goodbye & Good Luck

In this week's newsletter, we say a heartfelt goodbye to Lucas and Layla Smith, two wonderful students who joined our school on 8th August 2022 from the UK. Sadly, at the end of this week, they will be flying back to the UK. 

Lucas and Layla have been an important part of our school community, and they will be greatly missed by students and staff alike. We wish them all the best as they embark on this next chapter of their lives and hope they carry with them fond memories of their time here at Seymour College. Safe travels, Lucas and Layla!

Term 3: Defence Club Activities 

This week in Defence Club, we have embraced the winter chill by keeping the warmth alive with our delicious hot milos topped with marshmallows. These cosy drinks have become a favourite, adding a touch of comfort to our afternoons as we gather together.

On the craft front, we've been getting creative with winter-themed projects. The students have had a blast making pom-poms and button poppies. The pom-poms have added a bit of fluffy fun, while the button poppies have been a beautiful and meaningful way to honour and remember. 

On the craft front, we've been getting creative with winter-themed projects. The students have had a blast making pom-poms and button poppies. The pom-poms have added a bit of fluffy fun, while the button poppies have been a beautiful and meaningful way to honour and remember. 

As always, Defence Club continues to be a place where creativity and camaraderie flourish, even on the coldest of days

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.

Poppy Project 2024

Veterans' Health Week

Seymour College is excited to announce that we’ve been fortunate enough to receive the Veterans Health Week grant, with this year's theme being "Keep Connected." As part of this initiative, we have a wonderful workshop planned for some of our lucky Defence students. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks! 

It’s going to be Gnarly!

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

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

New Letter to Schools

General Campbell, Chief of Defence Force has issued a letter addressing the unique challenges ADF families face in relation to schooling and gaining enrolment for their children.

The letter aims to raise awareness among schools and childcare centres of the unique circumstances faced by Defence families. This letter will not circumvent existing school policies but requests that schools provide consideration, within the framework of their existing policies and procedures, supporting ADF families facing significant enrolment challenges. 

Please contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or your local Defence Member and Family Support Area Office (https://www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/local-services-events/area-offices) to obtain a copy of the letter and discuss other support we have available

An ADF Families Event: The Great VIC/TAS Recipe Share

ADF members and their families are invited to contribute to The Great DMFS VicTas Recipe Share!!

Make and photograph your meal, snack, or dessert of choice and send your photo, the recipe, any recipe credits, and meaningful stories related to your recipe to dmfs.victas@defence.gov.au.

You may enter as many recipes as you like in as many categories (we reserve the right to pick our favourites if we get overwhelmed with recipes).

DMFS staff will then compile all chosen recipes into a PDF format recipe book which will then be emailed out to all those who registered.

The online version will be promoted through DMFS eNews for others to request a digital copy.

Suggested categories may include:

• 30 Minute Solo Parenting Dinners
• Move-in Night Dinners and 1 Pot Wonders
• Better than a RAT Pack Snack
• Feed the New Neighbours
• Finicky Feeders
• Deployment Desserts

All recipes must be received by Wednesday 25 September 2024 to be eligible.

Registration and more information can be found on Eventbrite.