Defence Family Support

The Defence School Mentor (DSM) program has been made possible through funding by the Defence Family and Member Support (DMFS) to provide ‘hands on’ support within the College for ADF members and their families. The purpose of this role is to support students during their transition into and out of the College or at times when a parent is absent from home due to deployment, training exercises or courses.  

At St Anthony’s Catholic College we strive to lessen the negative impact of these situations by carefully monitoring the students and by providing activities which will help them work through the many practical and emotional issues involved. Ms Kristin Holliday is the College DSM and works 5 days a week across both campuses.

The DSM at St Anthony’s Catholic College provides support for students and their families by:

• Being a primary point of contact for Defence families at the College
• Helping to welcome Defence families into the College Community
• Following up new students in through classroom visits and playground interactions
• Operating a “Kids Club” at the Padua Campus
• Spending time in the classrooms and taking an interest in the students and their progress
• Attending assemblies, class culminating activities, interschool sport, sporting carnivals
• Working closely with other staff, especially teachers, in monitoring Defence students during times of transition or family absences
• Being available to provide support to partners and other family members during absences due to deployment, training exercises and courses
• Providing pastoral care to students who are not coping with the effects of beginning a new school, news of a new posting, deployment or post-deployment issues
• With other staff, planning suitable farewell activities for students posting out
• Assisting with Applications for Educational Allowances which provide tutoring support for ADF students
• Linking students and their families with programs and services offered within the College, St Anthony’s Parish, DMFS, and the wider Townsville Community
• Keeping up to date with resources and events in the defence community by attending regular DSM Networking Meetings and professional development courses
• Providing regular updates of DCO activities through the College Newsletter

Please keep in touch with your College DSM, Kristin Holliday:

• Assisi (Secondary) Campus, T: 4751 7300 during term hours Monday/Tuesday
• Padua (Primary) Campus T: 4751 7200 during term hours Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 
• email: kholliday@sacc.catholic.edu.au

USEFUL LINKS

Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) is available to all defence members and their families.  Contact can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 624 608 or visit www.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families 

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling Service (formerly VVCS) – free and confidential counselling for Veterans, Families and eligible ADF members. Call 1800 011 046 or visit www.vvcs.gov.au

Defence Families of Australia (DFA) – A ministerially appointed advocacy group for Defence families. Call 1800 100 509 or visit www.dfa.org.au

Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) – A network of peer support for Defence families with special needs. Call 1800 037 674

Partners in Defence section of the DCO website.  It is good reference point for families and worth a read if you are requiring further information about Defence. www.defence.gov.au/dco/partners

Geckos Family Centre 07 4411 7031 or e-mail hq3bde.familiesnq@defence.gov.au

Townsville City Community Directory www.townsville.qld.gov.au/townsville/infocentre/Pages/communitydirectory.aspx