For the past three weeks, I have been getting to know our new Defence Students who join our Defence Community at Ripley Valley State Secondary College. We welcome 26 new ADF students this year. We have now more than doubled our numbers!

This Wednesday at first break, I will be holding the first official Defence Kids Club for 2021 in our original classroom F12. Defence students can come along to participate in fun activities as well as getting to know the other ADF students in the school. This is helpful, especially for our new students, in integrating into the school and offers them the opportunity to form new friendships and to visually see the support they have within the school.

Next Wednesday, the 24 February, I am holding our first Coffee and Chat, at 0900hrs at the Providence Splash and Play Park with a first free coffee on us! . This will be a great way for ADF parents to get to know other parents in the community. In times of need, a friendly face in the neighbourhood can be invaluable.

This will also provide you an opportunity to learn about the Defence School Mentor Program provided by the Defence Community Organisation, and the support it offers to both parents and students. Special mention is given to the Defence Community Website https://www.defence.gov.au/dco/ and Open Arms https://www.openarms.gov.au/

Parents do not forget to reach out if there is anything you need or if you have any feedback that you feel will help the Defence School Mentor Program serve you and our students better. Keep an eye out too for my weekly emails for upcoming Webinars, DCO support programs and Kids activities