The Australian Defence Force funds a Defence School Transition Aide to help Palmerston's ADF families and students settle into their new surroundings.

The role involves:

·         organising activities to welcome and farewell ADF families

·         helping families settle into the new school community

·         helping the school to understand the special needs of ADF parents and their children

·         informing the school and support families if ADF members are deployed overseas

·         helping families with special needs

·         assisting families to collect work portfolios and academic records or reports for the new school

·         acting as a point of contact for ADF families in the school

·         assisting all children of ADF families as required, rather than just one student on a long-term basis.

This appointment is a critical step in acknowledging that children of ADF families sometimes have difficulties making new friends and understanding and adjusting to the different routines of a new school. The DSTA will assist in helping the children overcome these issues and settle in more quickly, as well as putting them in contact with other ADF families in the area.

You can contact the Palmerston DSTA through the school's front office or the Regional Education Liaison Officer (REDLO) on (02) 6265 8746.

There are only 68 DSTA positions throughout Australia, so the appointment of one to Palmerston District Primary School is significant.