We have a Defence School Mentor!
A Defence School Mentor (DSM) is a school employee dedicated to supporting Defence students, funded by Defence Member and Family Support, who can:
- Provide families with information about the school environment and the support available to assist with your child's schooling needs.
- Support students to access school based social and emotional support.
- Offer opportunities for students to build replationships and connections through events and other initiatives.
- Raise awareness in the school community about the impacts of the Defence lifestyle on students and families.
Who is our Amberley District State School DSM?
Here at Amberley District State School, our DSM is Mrs Kristina Rawlinson. Mrs Rawlinson's family posted to Amberley in 2023 and she has been a part of the ADSS community since she began as Defence School Mentor in January 2024. Her husband is a current serving RAAF member, she has 3 children, 2 at the local high school and one still in primary school. Mrs Rawlinson loves greeting our new families and students and helping them become a valued part of ADSS Defence community and enjoys the many activities she gets to share with our ADSS Defence students. Outside of school, Mrs Rawlinson can usually be found cheering on her children at their baseball games, or curled up at home reading a good book. Mrs Rawlinson can be found in the Collaboration Room at the end of D block and works Monday to Friday.
What does the DSM do at ADSS?
- Assists Defence students and their families with changing schools, integrating into the school community and providing support during parental absences.
- Assist you and your children become familiar with the school and its facilities, co-ordinate welcome and farewell activities for Defence children and monitor and report on children's personal issues such as peer groups and friendships.
- Coordinate targeted small group activities to regularly catch up with all our Defence students, especially those who have a parent away due to military service. E.g. Activities like craft sessions, Milo or Zooper Dooper morning teas, games club, special lunches, stories and activities and making gifts or cards/letters for parents.
- Organise special services and activities to commemorate and educate about ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
- Provide information about supports available to families through ADSS, DMFS and the local community.
- Share books from the small DSM parent library to read at home with children.
- Organise coffee catch ups at the start of the year for parents to meet other Defence parents.
How can I contact the DSM?
Defence families can access the DSM by phoning the school (07) 3280 3111 or emailing dsm@amberleydistrictss.eq.edu.au. The DSM is located in the Collaboration Room at the end of the prep block.
Mrs Rawlinson is looking forward to getting to know you and your family during your time at Amberley!