Townsville is a large garrison city and is home to over 14,000 Defence personnel and their families.
Our Defence School Mentor program at Thuringowa State High School strives to cater for the unique needs of Defence students and their families.
The Defence School Mentor’s role is varied and tailored to suit the needs of Defence students at different phases of their school career.
Defence School Mentors’ activities include:
- assisting children and families to integrate into the new school and local community,
- coordinating welcome and farewell community activities for relocating families,
- smoothing the transition between schools and different education systems (including minimising the impact of relocation on children’s learning outcomes),
- monitoring the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of Defence students,
- helping students develop self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience,
- directing students to programs, services or opportunities that suit 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.
The Defence School Mentor Program also assists families to create links within their community, refer contact to support services and raise awareness of Defence allocated incentives such as:
Tutoring for Defence students
Reimbursement for tutoring may be available to secondary students within the first 18 months of enrolment at a new school if the student is experiencing educational difficulties or disruption as a result of a Defence posting. If you require further information please contact our Defence Transition Mentor or download the details at: www.defence.gov.au/DPE/Pac/
Defence Family Helpline
The Defence Family Helpline operates 24/7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists. The Helpline is the first point of contact for ADF members, their partners, children and relatives who require assistance or information. Call 1800 624 608 for assistance.
Our Defence School Mentor, Nicole May is available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and is located in the Library.
Feel free to stop in and say hello or alternatively contact can be made via email
nmay8@eq.edu.au.