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Defence Mentors
At Ryan Catholic College students have access to two Defence School Mentors to meet the needs of students from Prep to Year 12.
It is well recognized that the mobile lifestyle associated with employment in the Australian Defence Force can present changes and challenges for the serving members' families. This is particularly so for students who move schools - often interstate. This does not have to be a negative experience and with the assistance of a Defence School Mentor these changes can be a lot smoother.
How do defence school mentors help?
Defence School Mentors work together with other College staff including Administration Staff, Teachers, Teacher Aides and the Guidance Counsellors. They respond to student concerns on an individual basis and find solutions for each student as required, being mindful of their age and situation.
This might include:
- Being a supportive point of contact for the Parents/Carers of the student
- Writing letters, emails and creating craft items for the absent Parent/Carer
- Working with a student on a personal basis to provide fun activities as a form of diversion from their concerns
- Assisting with applications for Educational Allowances to provide academic support to ADF students
- Planning farewell events for students posting out
- Linking students to activities and programs offered both within the College and the wider community
- Referral to other services where appropriate
- Regular activities like board games, craft and activity sessions to help build networks between the ADF students and their friends
- Special projects from time to time
- Developing programs in cooperation with other DSM's to provide opportunities for group learning. E.g. "The Rollercoaster of Deployment" (workshop for adolescents facing deployment of serving Parent/Carer)
- Anything else that might meet the needs of the student and/or their family
Please feel free to contact the Defence School Mentors if you require further information:
Nikki Blackwell
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Jacklin Weston
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We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Wulgurukaba people. We also acknowledge their neighbouring brothers and sisters on the land, the Bindal people. We pay our respects to elders past present and emerging. May we walk gently and peacefully on this land together.
Junior Campus (Prep - Year 4)
44 Golf Links Drive
Kirwan. QLD. 4817
Senior Campus (Years 5 - 12)
59 Canterbury Road,
Kirwan. QLD. 4817