Mt Maria College recognizes the unique educational requirements of students whose parents serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), understanding their mobile lifestyle and the extended absences resulting from deployments and training. As a result of this the college has secured funding through the Department of Defence for the implementation of the Defence School Mentor (DSM) Program.
The Defence School Mentor at the college plays a crucial role in providing support and assistance to students and families of ADF members. Their role is to ensure that students and their families receive the support they need to thrive socially and emotionally despite the challenges posed by the Defence lifestyle. Their responsibilities include:
Transition support: Helping students transition smoothly when relocating to a new school by providing information and support when integrating into and out of the Mt Maria community.
Student development: Supporting students in developing self-confidence, resilience, and coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges associated with the Defence family lifestyle, such as frequent relocations and parental deployments.
Liaison with schools: Acting as the liaison between ADF families and schools to ensure that students receive the necessary support and accommodations to succeed academically and socially.
Advocacy: Advocating for the needs of ADF students and families within the school community and working collaboratively with school staff to implement strategies for their support.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Malorie Eggins, our Defence School Mentor. Malorie is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
emaiil: malorie.eggins@bne.catholic.edu.au
Click here to start the enrolment process.
© Brisbane Catholic Education, Mt Maria College, Mitchelton (2024)