Defence Mentor News

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

Welcome Back Defence Families – Term 4

Welcome back to Term 4! I hope everyone enjoyed a well-deserved, relaxing getaway over the two-week break and had a chance to recharge for the busy term ahead.

With the warmer weather finally returning, our Thursday Defence Club will be bringing back icy-poles for all our Defence students to enjoy. Tuesdays will continue to be our art, craft, and games day, offering plenty of fun, creativity, and connection for all age groups.

As always, a friendly reminder to please update the school or myself if there have been any changes to your family’s circumstances — such as living arrangements, new posting orders, or any concerns you’d like to share. Keeping this information current helps us to support your child and family in the best way possible throughout the term.

Looking forward to another great term together!

Birthdays!

Happy birthday to the following students in October; Bailey, Lilly, Matilda and Kyaana.

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!

Pipes & Drums – Expression of Interest

Seymour College has been offered the exciting opportunity to start a Pipes & Drums programme, with the long-term goal of forming our very own School Army Band.

This programme would give students the chance to learn either the bagpipes or drums, and in time, perform at significant events such as Vietnam Veterans Day, ANZAC Day, and school ceremonies.

At this stage, we are simply seeking expressions of interest from students who may like to be involved. Final details regarding times, days, and structure will be shared after planning meetings with programme leaders.

If your child is interested, please contact Kelly Quigg, Defence School Mentor, to register their name.

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/