Supporting Defence Students and Families

Here at St Clare of Assisi, our Defence School Mentor (DSM) Mrs Kate Blenkin, works closely with children whose parents are serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

Her role is to provide ongoing wellbeing support to Defence children by liaising with families, teaching staff and our student wellbeing team to recognise and assist with challenges commonly experienced by Defence families.

This may include:

• 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 to develop self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience,
• 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.

If you are a Defence family (either currently serving or transitioning) please contact our DSM so that your child can be added to our program.

Email: kate.blenkin@cg.catholic.edu.au

Phone: 6294 1860