Hello Australian Defence Force families
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our school and local community. My name is Tracey Carr and I have worked at Holsworthy High School for over 12 years. The first 8 years I worked in the Learning Support area as a Teacher’s Aide and have been working full time as the schools Defence School Mentor since then.
I am a member of the school staff, funded by Defence. My 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 to families and students and 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.
As the DSM I will utilise my connections within the school and wider community to support your family and children during your stay at our school.
Some aspects of my role include;
· Welcoming our new families and helping them to settle into our school and local community.
· Providing information and being a point of contact.
· Assisting new students with subject selection, settling them into their year group and classroom monitoring. This will assist them both socially and/or academically.
· Run a recess and lunch group in the Reading Room above the Library for new students to make new friendships.
· Providing information to educate school staff on the unique needs of military families.
· Supporting children and parents during deployment and service related absence.
· 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 including volunteering excursions to the Kokoda Memorial Track at Concord.
· Planning special activities to commemorate ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. On these occasions our school cadets are included and our Year 11 & 12 hospitality students prepare a 3 course meal to serve to our invited veterans and guests.
· 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. They will also receive a keepsake from HHS.
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. This takes place once a term within the student’s year group.
It is an honour for me to support you as you support our country with your service and I look forward to working with you and your children.
Kind regards
Tracey Carr – Defence School Mentor
Ph: (02) 9825 2888
Tribute to our veterans for Anzac Day 2020 (Commemorating Anzac Day with Covid restrictions and lockdowns)
