Defence Mentor News

Defence News

As we come to the end of another busy and successful term, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our Defence families for your continued support and partnership throughout Term 2.It has been wonderful to see so many students engaging in Defence Club activities, leadership opportunities, and wellbeing programs across the term.

End of Term Defence Club Celebration

To finish off a fantastic Term 2, we will be holding an End of Term Defence Club Party during second break on Tuesday.

After listening to student feedback throughout the term, I can confidently say that the food requests have been received loud and clear! Students have certainly been very passionate in sharing their wish lists, and we will be doing our best to include some of their favourite party foods as we celebrate together.

This will be a great opportunity for students to relax, enjoy some food, spend time with friends, and celebrate another successful term of Defence Club activities.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Defence Club Highlights

Throughout Term 2, students have participated in a variety of activities designed to build connections, resilience, confidence, and friendships. Some of our highlights included:

• Hot chocolate afternoons with marshmallows and plenty of conversation.
• Trivia challenges covering a range of interests and age groups.
• Guinness World Record challenges that encouraged teamwork, persistence, and lots of laughter.
• Leadership opportunities for students to assist in running activities and supporting younger students.
• Morning wellbeing catch-ups for students needing a quieter start to their day.
• Weekly social connection opportunities where students could relax, connect and build friendships with other Defence students.

Student Leadership

A number of students stepped into leadership roles throughout the term, helping organise activities, welcome new students and create a positive environment for all club members.

Leadership Tokens were awarded to students who demonstrated our school values of:

• Respect
• Inspire
• Excel

It has been fantastic to see students growing in confidence and supporting one another.

Defence Student Support

Throughout the term, I have continued to work closely with students, families, teachers and wellbeing staff to support Defence students with:

• Posting transitions
• Parent absence due to service commitments
• Student wellbeing and school engagement
• Career and pathway discussions
• Individual student check-ins
• Referrals to Defence and community support services where required

Community Connections

This term also saw continued planning and community engagement around our Defence Memorial Garden project, which is being supported by our VM students and community partners. We are excited to continue developing this important space that recognises the service and sacrifice of Defence families and veterans.

Looking Ahead

As we move into Term 3, we have several exciting opportunities coming up, including:

• Vietnam Veterans Day preparations

  Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony

  📅 Tuesday 18 August

  🕚 11:00am

  📍 Vietnam Veterans Walk, Seymour

• Defence Club leadership opportunities
• New wellbeing and social connection activities

• Continued support for students and families experiencing transitions

   

I would like to wish all Defence families a safe, relaxing and well-deserved break. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your children's educational journey. It is a privilege to support such an incredible group of young people.

If your family circumstances change over the holidays, including postings, deployments or wellbeing concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Enjoy the holidays and I look forward to seeing everyone in Term 3.