North Shore State School (NSSS) is fortunate to be part of the Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP). Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) works with schools to support Defence students and their families to minimise impacts on education and build resilience to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Defence students.
Melody Bottcher is the Defence School Mentor (DSM) who supports the Defence children and families within our school. Being a Defence spouse and mother, Melody understands the unique challenges that Defence families face. Melody aims to assist students in Defence families in four key areas whilst at NSSS and as they move from one posting to another. The key areas are:
· Welcoming
· Integrating
· Deployment and Absence Support
· Farewelling
The Defence School Mentor:
· assists children and families to become familiar with the school and its facilities
· coordinates welcoming and farewelling activities for relocating families
· provides a safe welcoming environment via Defence club for Defence students to integrate
· monitors the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of Defence students
· supports teachers to monitor Defence student's transition and any personal challenges they may face (such as separation issues, friendship, peer group or classroom difficulties)
· directs and links students to programs, services or opportunities that suit their needs within school and the community
· refers Defence students and families where necessary to appropriate student support and external services
· enhances awareness and appreciation of the unique Defence lifestyle in schools and communities
· supports Defence students in small groups or individually to develop their self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience
· provides opportunities for Defence parents to meet other Defence parents within the school community
· provides information about DMFS Education Assistance Scheme for tutoring support to help overcome immediate educational difficulties experienced due to posting
· is a contact for new parents and maintains contact with families enrolled within the school
· provides support to children during times of parental absence from home due to deployment, course, exercise or MWDU.
Melody works Monday-Friday and is contactable via email at mbott26@eq.edu.au or phone on (07)4412 8555.