Our Defence School Mentor
Ms Tracey Carr is our Defence School Mentor and is a member of the school staff, funded by Defence. Her role is to support the students and family members of the ADF as they transition in and out of the school community and connect them with the information they need.
The mobile military lifestyle has an impact on families and students and this is recognised by both the Department of Defence and the Department of Education. They understand the effect this type of lifestyle can have, both academically and socially to the development of some children.
Some aspects of her role include;
- Welcoming new ADF families and helping them to settle into our school and local community.
- Being a point of contact for both students and their families.
- Assisting new students with subject selection before they arrive at our school, settling them into their year group and monitoring them within the classroom. This will assist them both socially and/or academically.
- Provide an open area for students at recess and lunch (a safe place) whilst they navigate new friendships.
- Providing information to educate school staff on the unique needs of military families.
- Supporting children and parents during deployment and service related absences.
- Linking families to support services and programs.
- Raising the profile of Defence in our school through a range of activities and events throughout the year.
- Planning special activities to commemorate ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
- Preparing students to leave our school and move. This can include a zoom meeting with the prospective new schools DSM if agreed to by parent/carer and student.
The executive, teachers and all staff at Holsworthy High School are supportive of our ADF students and of the programs that are specifically designed around their needs. One of the programs I run is SEEDs, Supporting, Educating and Empowering Defence students in the hope of building self- confidence and resilience.
Ms Carr can be contacted via email at Tracey.carr5@det.nsw.edu.au
Defence Member and Family Helpline - 1800 624 608
Have a question for our Defence School Mentor?
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