Defence School Mentor Program
The DSM program provides support for children of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families, particularly during their transition into and out of a school on a posting or during parental absences (deployment, exercises or courses).
What does a DSM do?
A DSM provides assistance to ADF children and their families. This may include:
- Assisting ADF parents and children to become familiar with the school and its facilities
- Coordinating appropriate welcoming and farewelling activities for ADF children involving the school community
- Supporting children at school during times of parent absence from home for service requirements
- Supporting students to navigate personal issues such as friendship, peer groups and classroom difficulties
- Contributing items of interest to the school newsletter
- Providing opportunities for ADF families within the school community
- Maintaining contact with ADF families who are enrolled in the school
- Providing extra activities for student engagement, such as lunch time social clubs, incursion opportunities and ensuring resources from the War Memorial are readily available
- Coordinates, organises and facilitates whole school events to commemorate important days in the calendar e.g. ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day
- Provides resources for staff to ensure all students have access to quality lessons about all aspects of Australian history.
Please note that the DSM is not a teacher.