Defence Community Organisation provides funding for Defence School Mentors in primary and secondary schools across Australia to support the children of mobile Australian Defence Force families. Defence School Mentors are funded by Defence, but are employed by the local state or territory department of education.

The Defence School Mentor activities include:

• Assisting children and families to integrate into the new school and local community
• Coordinating welcoming and farewelling 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
• Providing support to children during times of parental Absence

Mentors can provide extensive support to Defence children, but are not teachers and do not work with one child on a long-term basis.

A Defence School Mentor is employed at Safety Bay Primary School to support your family. To find out which schools have Mentors in place, visit the DCO website at https://www.defence.gove.au/DCO/Family/Kids/Education.asp or contact the all hours Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608

Education Assistance

Defence Community Organisation offers a wide range of other education support services, resources and information about different for Defence children. These include Education Liaison officers who can provide advice for families about different state and territory schooling systems and other education issues and financial assistance for some education costs incurred by relocation due to positing. For enquiries about education support for Defence Children email. Education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au

Further information can be obtained by contacting the school or DSM directly.

You can:

• Make an appointment to see me
• Drop by the school office        
• Contact me by phone    08 9528 3680
• Send an email   Debra.Batey@education.wa.edu.au