At Palmerston we have a Defence School Mentor Program. Kristle Cross is our Defence School Mentor (DSM). Kristle provides support for children of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) currently enrolled at Palmerston.
What is the 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.