The Defence School Mentor (DSM) Program provides funding to schools to minimise the impact of the mobile lifestyle on Defence students' education. This funding provided by the Defence Forces allows for the employment of a DSM to work within the school to raise awareness of the Defence lifestyle and to support students of Defence families.
The program, administered by Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) (formerly known as Defence Community Organisation), reflects the commitment by Defence to support its members and their families and recognises the partnership between education authorities, Defence and schools.
All Saints is a proud participant of the Defence School Mentor Program and our DSM provides support in the following key areas:
- Welcoming
- Integrating
- Support during absence
- Farewelling
The Defence School Mentor may provide support in the following areas:
- Assisting new children and their families to integrate into the school and local community,
- Monitoring the social and emotional wellbeing of Defence students,
- Assisting students develop self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience,
- Supporting teachers to monitor Defence student's transition and any personal challenges they may face (such as friendship, peer group or classroom difficulties)
- Referring students to services, or school and community programs that meet their needs,
- Enhancing awareness and appreciation of the unique Defence lifestyle in schools and communities, and
- Providing support to children during times of parental absence.
