DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR SUPPORT

My name is Emily McFarland. I am the Defence School Mentor (DSM) at St Joseph’s Primary School. The following information is about how my role as DSM can support your family as well as some background about myself. DSMs are funded by the Department of Defence through the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) and employed as a member of the school staff by respective education systems within each State or Territory.

In my role as DSM I can assist with:

• Settling in: Transitioning into a new school can be stressful for some children. Understandably, the reasons are often not knowing anyone and having to make new friends or adjusting to a different educational system. I will work on helping your child feel that they are an important member of the school community and develop friendship and support networks as quickly as possible. I can provide information on educational allowances provided by Department of Defence, should your child require extra tuition.

• Deployed Parent: Family separation affects all members of the family and children’s behaviour can sometimes alter as they try to adapt to the changes in home. Often children enjoy and benefit from being in the ‘Defence Kids Club’. This is a support group held Tuesday at first break for all children who have a parent in the armed forces. We do activities such as journaling, playing board games and craft. This is a completely voluntary arrangement where the children can choose on the day whether they wish to come along. It is highly recommended for you to notify your child’s teacher when a parent is away so your child can be monitored.

• Posting out: Most children adapt well and see moving as an adventure. Other children need extra encouragement and positive thinking strategies. I work with children who are posting out of Canberra to farewell their current friends and talk through preparing for their new school. We can also gather a portfolio of their school work for their new school.

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I host Defence Kids Club twice a week, one for years F-2 and one for 3-6 where we do different activities each week. The children are welcome to bring a friend. The aim of Defence Kids Club is to provide an opportunity for students to relate to other students and to assist in building resilience and coping skills.

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With regards to my background, I grew up in an Army family. My Dad served for 26 years and he was often away for long periods, because of this I have a strong understanding of what being a Defence kid entails. I also have a strong connection to St Joseph’s school as I am a past student, and my mother was a teacher here for many years.

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If you require assistance or would like to chat, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can call me at the school on 6248 9818 or come and chat any time you see me around the school. My days at school are Thursdays and Fridays. My e-mail address is: emily.mcfarland@cg.catholic.edu.au

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I look forward to getting to know you and your family.

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Kind regards,

Emily

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