Defence

Defence recognises that some children may experience disruption to their education each time they move for a posting. We have a range of services and resources that can assist with the transition between schools and education systems, and to provide support for the unique needs of Defence students.

https://defence.gov.au/members-families/Family/kids/education.asp

Mentor

Fiona Morrison is the Defence School Mentor for Grahamstown Public School, Who is here to assist Defence students integrate into the school and provide them with support

A Letter from our Mentor

A warm hello to you all, I am Fiona Morrison, Grahamstown’s Defence School Mentor. I am very passionate about the welfare of families, and I love helping people.

I have served in the RAAF for almost 20 years, in a variety of roles and duties including Admin, Post, Ceremonial Guard, Defence Force Recruiting, and most recently as a Facilitator for Resilience and Wellbeing programs.

I have also been a Defence spouse for those 20 years, and Mum to two beautiful girls, Ivy & Lana, that attend GPS. I was recently a surrogate for my dear friends Josh & Jack, two Dads who live in Canberra.

The four strategies my role as DSM focuses on are:

· Welcoming new students and their families to the school,

· Integrating students and their families into the school and community,

· Absence Support for students and their families in times of parental absence, and

· Farewelling students and their families from our school community.

I meet with all the Defence students twice a week, for a check in on how they are doing. We have Milo Mondays and chat about many things, play games, and sometimes work on arts and crafts to give Mum or Dad upon their return home, who are away for work. For those students posting out of the area, I liaise with their new school to ensure a smooth transition.

If you would like to chat to me at any time, please give me a call on 0414 825 612 or email Fiona.Morrison18@det.nsw.edu.au

Warm regards,

Fee