At Good Shepherd we recognise that children of Defence families face a unique series of challenges – they experience parental absence and MWD(u) postings, and face major changes in their lives with frequent re locations and starting at a new school . With the right support , children can grow in self reliance and confidence and will learn to develop strategies for coping with change and unfamiliar emotions.

Defence Support Mentor

A Defence Support Mentor (DSM) is employed at Good Shepherd four days a weeks and provides direct and flexible assistance to students, parents and teachers to help reduce the impact of mobility on a student’s education. The role of the DSM is not one of a teacher or counsellor, but as a conduit between these professional services to facilitate information sharing and appropriate referral to support services as required.

Our DSM coordinates appropriate Welcome & Farewell activities:

• ​Assists Defence parents and children to become familiar with the school and its facilities.
• Coordinates appropriate welcoming and farewell activities for Defence children and their family involving the school community.
• Is a contact for Defence children and their families when they join the school.
• Be a support for Defence children and their families as they leave the school.

Our DSM assists children to integrate into the school community:

• Monitors ADF children’s personal issues such as friendship, peer groups and classroom difficulties.
• Provides opportunities for Defence families to meet other Defence families within the school community.
• Maintains regular contact with Defence families who are enrolled in the school.
• Supports students with planning, balancing of academic requirements, and facilitating referrals for education support.

Links

• Defence Member Family Support
• ACT Community Directory
• Soldier On (Helping our Wounded Warriors)
• Duntroon Community Centre
• Gungahlin Defence Family Playgroup
• Defence Special Needs Support Group
• Open Arms-Veterans & Families Counselling
• Canberra Connect  
• Kookaburra Kids

Absence Support is also provided to children before and during times of parental absence from home for service requirements, with close attention paid to mental well-being.

Taryn Ahern
Defence Support Mentor
Good Shepherd Primary, Amaroo
Ph.02 6255 7888
(Mon, Tue, Wed and Thur 1pm - 4.20pm)