Defence School Mentor Program
Defence School Mentor
Forest Hill Public School is located adjacent to Wagga Wagga RAAF Base. We make a strong effort to support ADF students and families including providing a before and after-school care program to support those families with work commitments. ADF students and families who reside out of the Forest Hill Public School zoning area who would like to enrol their children here are strongly encouraged to contact the school to have a discussion about this or place an online out-of-zone enrolment application.
The school offers a Defence School Mentor (DSM) program which provides support to children of Australian Defence Force members and their families. The program is implemented to connect children with their school community and provide schools with the ability to address the impacts of a military lifestyle. Our current DSM is fully qualified and highly experienced with helping students transition between schools.
Some unique challenges that Defence families are likely to face that the DSM program helps cater for include:
- Frequent change of schools due to relocation
- Parental absence
- Social challenges
- Academic challenges
Some of the key priorities of the DSM are:
- Welcoming students and families to the school. Helping students to make friends and adjust to new routines
- Parental Absence Support
- Emotional and social wellbeing
- Farewelling
The DSM is also available to assist families in applying for the DMFS Education Assistance Scheme.
Throughout the year the DSM runs group activities that foster community and connection. Craft groups, friendship groups, pizza lunches, games, excursions and relocation programs are an integral and fun way for students to connect with the school community.
As we are situated across the road from the Royal Australia Air Force Base Wagga we are able to arrange excursions within the RAAF base to watch ceremonies.
How can I contact the DSM?
Defence families can get in touch with the school’s DSM via telephone (02) 69 22 72 51 or via the school’s email foresthill-p.schools.nsw.gov.au . We look forward to meeting you!