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 peronal 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 pizza parties, board games, craft and activity sessions to help build networks between the ADF students and their friends
- Special projects from time to time
- Assistance with the DP Builder if required to provide a digital profile for the College at their next posting
- Developing programs in cooperation with other DSM's to provide opportunities for group learning. E.g. "On the Road Again...." (workshop for adolescents posting out); "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
