Our Defence School Mentor is Suzanne Waddell and she is onsite to support our Defence students on Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons on odd weeks.
The establishment of the DSM program is an Australian Defence Force initiative aimed at reducing the difficulties experienced by ADF families as a result of changing schools.
The Defence School Mentor (DSM) Program provides support to students of Australian Defence (ADF) members and their families, particularly during their transition into and out of a school on posting or during parental absences due to deployment, exercises or courses.
Many young people from an ADF background adapt easily to new situations, however everyone reacts differently and there is no right or wrong way to deal with change. The DSM supports students through the myriads of changes they experience and can assist with emotional or social concerns that families may have about their child/children’s needs and liaise with the principal, parents, teachers, professional therapists and local organisations to support every child and their family.
This support is offered on a one-to-one basis, as support to parents, as a referral service and as group support offering lunchtime activities, crafts and games which creates an environment for students to participate in small groups which fosters friendships, trust and resilience.
We would love to welcome new Defence families to Port Kennedy Primary School so if you are being posted to Western Australia, why not choose our school to support your children.