Defence Mentor News
Kelly Quigg-Akkersdyk
Defence School Mentor
Kelly.Quigg@education.vic.gov.au
Defence News
In Defence Club we have been busy creating special Mother’s Day crafts and cards, with students showing wonderful creativity and thoughtfulness in their designs. Thursdays continue to be a favourite, with students enjoying warm hot chocolates topped with marshmallows while spending time together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Before school, we also have a small group that joins us for a morning catch-up and a delicious hot Biscoff drink, lovingly created by our very own Ani — it has certainly been a hit with the students!
If your child is experiencing difficulties with motivation, anxiety, or simply finding it hard to start the school day, please know they are more than welcome to join our before-school morning group. It provides a calm and supportive space for students to connect, chat, and settle into the day.
We are also currently looking for ideas to continue expanding our Defence Garden following the installation of our beautiful iron Light Horseman. We are excited to keep developing this special reflection space for our Defence students, families, and wider school community.
May Birthdays: Kaylee & Ani
DMFS Social Workers
Did you know that ADF spouses and family members are able to access support through the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Social Workers?
Families can contact the all-hours DMFS Helpline on 1800 624 608 for immediate assistance or reach out via email at:dmfs.puckapunyal@defence.gov.au
Beyond Blue – Defence Partnership ProgramBeyond Blue also offers free support specifically tailored to the Defence community.
The program includes six mental health coaching sessions with a specially trained coach. Coaches complete an initial assessment, help develop a personalised support program, and assist participants in creating practical goals and strategies to manage work and life pressures.
This service is available to:
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel
- ADF Reservists
- Australian Public Service (APS) employees
- Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) employees
- Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) employees
- Immediate family members
Further information can be found here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support
Defence Support for Families with Special Needs
Defence provides support to members who have recognised family members with special needs and works closely with the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG), which offers a national support network for Defence families both within Australia and overseas.
The DSNSG provides information, advocacy, assistance, and connection opportunities for serving and ex-serving ADF families.
For more information:
- Email: specialneeds.families@defence.gov.au
- Website: Families with special needs | ADF Members & Families | Defence
DSNSG – Computer 4 Kids (C4K) Program
The Defence Special Needs Support Group also runs the Computer 4 Kids (C4K) program, which assists families in contributing towards the purchase of an iPad for children with special needs.
iPads can be an excellent assistive tool due to their:
- portability,
- ease of use,
- communication support,
- literacy and learning applications,
- behaviour regulation tools,
- motor skill development supports.
Families can access a wide range of applications tailored to their child’s individual needs and learning goals.
For more information:
Aruma Disability Services – Youth Weekend Respite
Aruma Disability Services are now offering Youth Weekend Respite for young people aged 13–17 years at their respite house, Holt Place in Pakenham.
They will also be running a school holiday respite program during the September holidays, providing families with additional support opportunities and young people with engaging experiences in a supportive environment.
Families interested in learning more or booking a discussion can do so via:https://www.aruma.com.au/Book-a-call/South-East-Victoria