Defence School Mentor
The Defence School Mentor assists children of ADF families to make a smooth transition from one school to the next. The role is a school-based resource available to ADF children and their families. This position provides on the ground face-to-face support to dependants of ADF members transitioning into or out of a school. The aim of the role is to provide a link between the school and the family whilst recognising the unique difficulties faced by mobile Defence families.
The Defence School Mentor works with individuals and groups to:
- Support and assist young people of Defence Force families to integrate into the school community
- Raise on-going awareness of mobility issues facing students
- Assist students to build on their self-confidence and resilience
- Encourage young people to explore options and to make the most of opportunities available to them
Activities may include:
- Coordinating welcoming and farewelling strategies for young people of Australian Defence Force families
- Identifying the issues and needs of these students
- Developing and implementing programs and resources that address these issues and needs
- Monitoring students' day to day social and emotional wellbeing
- Facilitating student participation in cultural, sporting, academic and personal development programs
- Linking students to school and community programs
- Being a contact for parents of mobile Australian Defence Force students in the school
- Enhancing the relationship between the school and their Defence community.
Alison Sargeant is the Defence School Mentor for Tomaree High School.
Alison Sargeant can be contacted via telephone on:
02 4981 1444
Email: alison.sargeant@det.nsw.edu.au