Defence Mentor News

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

Defence Club News

Defence Captains for 2026 Announced!

We are very happy to announce our new Defence Captains for 2026 — Alana Frost and Axl Muller.

Both Alana and Axl demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and a genuine passion for the Defence Program during their applications, sharing thoughtful ideas about how they could contribute to supporting our Defence students and community.

They have already stepped into their new roles with pride, representing Seymour College beautifully at the Remembrance Day ceremony held at Seymour Hospital, where they both read the poignant poem In Flanders Fields. Their confidence, respect, and sense of occasion made us all very proud.

Congratulations, Alana and Axl! We look forward to seeing the wonderful things you will bring to the Defence Program in 2026.

A heartfelt thank you to Ava-Mae on her beautiful reading of the Ode during our school’s Remembrance Day ceremony.

Ava-Mae’s calm and respectful delivery over the P.A. system reminded everyone why we pause to remember those who have served and sacrificed. She also led the minute’s silence with grace and maturity.

An amazing job, Ava-Mae — we are all so proud of you.

Thank You to our Poppy Appeal Helpers.

A big thank you to all the students who stepped up and went around the school selling poppies for the RSL Poppy Appeal.

Your help and enthusiasm have made it possible for Seymour College to raise money for the RSL and support veterans in our community. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and demonstrate the incredible spirit of our students.

Special Visit from Zappa Ted at Defence Club!

Defence Club students had a very exciting surprise last week — a visit from Zappa Ted! 🐾

Students loved meeting Zappa Ted, giving him plenty of cuddles, and learning about how he helps bring joy and comfort to everyone he meets. It was a wonderful, hands-on experience that brought smiles and laughter all around.

Happy birthday to the following students in November; Tess, Savannah and Paige

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!

Posting Season Reminder

Posting season is coming in strong! If you have not yet updated the school or myself regarding any change in circumstances, or if your family will be posting out and leaving Seymour College, could you please let us know as soon as possible.

Keeping us informed helps ensure a smooth and supported transition for your child and family.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us make the process as easy as possible.

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/