Defence Mentor News

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

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

Happy birthday to the following students in June; Cooper, Rylie, Lilly, Isla and Axl.

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!

Defence Club

Over the past two weeks, Defence Club has been buzzing with energy, connection, and purposeful activities designed to support our Defence students socially and emotionally.

Week 8 – Smarties Game

Students participated in a fun 'Getting to Know You' game using coloured Smarties and Skittles. Each student picked a Smartie and answered a question based on the colour they chose. This simple yet effective activity sparked some great conversations and helped students learn more about each other in a relaxed and playful way. It was especially valuable for our newer members who are still building confidence and connections.

Week 9 – Social Bingo & Fun with Friends

We kicked off with a lively and laughter-filled Social Bingo session. Students took turns being the bingo caller and added their own creative twist by making up rhymes to go with each number. This light-hearted activity encouraged confidence, humour, and collaboration among students of all ages. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement, positive peer interaction, and inclusive fun—some great conversations were sparked simply by shared moments of joy.

Café Thursdays – A Defence Favourite

Thursdays remain a highlight of the week, with our Cakes and Slices from the School Café tradition going strong. It’s a lovely way to come together in a relaxed setting, enjoy a treat, and check in with one another as the week winds down.

Just a quick reminder!

As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s that time again when posting orders begin to roll in for many of our Defence families. If you know—or even suspect—that you may be posting out at the end of the year, I kindly ask that you touch base with me via email as early as possible.

Early communication helps us begin a smooth and supported transition out of Seymour College and into your child’s new school environment. It allows us to prepare the necessary documentation, support your child emotionally and academically through the process, and connect with the receiving school's Defence Mentor to ensure continuity of care and understanding.

Posting can be a big adjustment, and we are here to help ease that journey for both students and families. Whether it’s providing reassurance, preparing farewell activities, or sharing school information with your next location—we’re committed to making it a positive and supported experience.

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/