DSM - Defence School Mentor
Dear ADF Parents,
Welcome to our community. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Karen Wilkins and I am the Defence School Mentor (DSM) at Holsworthy Public School. I have been the DSM (formally DSTA) at this school since 2005. Holsworthy Public School was one of the initial schools chosen for this program. Over time more schools have been included and the program has expanded to include government and non-government Primary and High Schools with significant ADF student numbers.
The DSM is a member of the school staff, funded by Defence. The role is designed to support the children, families and members of the ADF as they transition in and out of the school community. Both the Department of Defence and the Department of Education recognise the impact that the mobile military lifestyle can have on the academic and social development of some children. This mobility can impact family life, and a range of programs have been developed to assist and support ADF families.
I am at school Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 – 3:30. I run an informal morning tea on both these days in my room from 9:00am. Please feel free to come in and meet other parents. If it is your first visit, please go to the administration office and ask them to contact me.
Some aspects of my role include:
- Welcoming our new families and helping them to settle in to our school and local community. Providing information and being a point of contact.
- Assisting new students in the playground and the classroom if they require help socially or academically.
- Supporting children and parents during deployment and service related absence.
- Linking families to support services and programs.
- Raising the profile of Defence in our school.
- Providing assistance in planning special activities to commemorate ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
- Preparing students to leave our school.
The Executive staff and classroom teachers at Holsworthy Public School are supportive of our ADF students and of the programs that are specifically designed around their needs. Through craft, stories, letter writing, charitable work, photo displays, art, journaling, games and peer support activities, the students build their resilience and stay connected to friends and family.
It is my privilege to support the families of those who sacrifice so much in the service of our country.
I look forward to working with you and your children.
Warm regards,
Karen Wilkins
