Defence Mentor
Supporting Our Defence Community
Middleton Grange Public School is proud to support students and families connected to the Australian Defence Force. We recognise that Defence life can bring unique experiences for children, including postings, deployments, extended periods of separation and transitions between schools and communities.
Our Defence Mentor provides additional support and a familiar point of contact for Defence students and their families. Support is tailored to the needs of each student and may include individual check-ins, assistance during periods of parental absence or transition, and helping new Defence students settle into our school community.
Connecting Our Defence Students
Defence students have regular opportunities to connect through activities, excursions and special events. These provide a relaxed environment where students can build friendships with other children who share an understanding of Defence life.
We also work to strengthen connections between our Defence families, the school and the wider Defence community through community partnerships, commemorative activities and connections with local Defence organisations.
Supporting Families Through Change
We understand that postings and other changes associated with Defence life can affect the whole family. Families are encouraged to contact our Defence Mentor if they are preparing for a posting, welcoming a parent home, experiencing a period of parental absence or simply feel their child may benefit from some additional connection or support at school.
Where appropriate, we can also help families connect with relevant Defence and community support services and assist with transitions to or from Middleton Grange Public School.
Building Defence Awareness
Our school provides opportunities for all students to develop an understanding of Australian military service, remembrance and the Defence community around them.
Middleton Grange also has a significant connection to Australian military history. The suburb is named in honour of Flight Sergeant Rawdon Hume Middleton VC, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Second World War. This local connection provides an important opportunity for students to learn about the history behind the community in which they live and the stories of Australian service and sacrifice.
Through activities including ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations, Defence-related excursions, displays and community involvement, we aim to recognise both the history of Australian service and the Defence families who are part of our school community today.
Contact
Defence families, including families considering enrolment at Middleton Grange Public School, are welcome to contact our Defence Mentor with any questions about Defence student support or transitioning into our school community.
Defence Mentor - Courtney Salter
Available - Monday, Tuesday and Friday.