INTRODUCING MRS LAWRENCE - NEW DEFENCE SCHOOL MENTOR

Hi, my name is Mrs Lawrence. I am the new Defence School Mentor.

I started at St Johns the Evangelist High School in 2010 as a School Support Officer. In 2020, I transferred to St Michaels and enjoyed my time back in kindergarten. I am currently working between both schools. I have been a Defence spouse and travelled around Australia with my husband for thirty-three years. I have experienced the challenges that relocating interstate with a family can bring.

I aim to connect the Defence families to be more involved in the school community. I am busy organising year group Christmas parties for the end of the year and getting to know all the Defence students and their friendship groups. I am also currently liaising with Kookaburra Kids and Open Arms to see how we can connect into the services they provide to Defence families.

In 2005, our family moved back to Nowra after moving five times in five years to five different states. My children attended Cambewarra Public School and then completed high school at St John the Evangelist Catholic High School. My husband was a Rear Admiral in the Navy. He was based in Canberra and commuted for nine years while my two teenage boys and I lived at Culburra Beach. I know the impact mobility and service-related parental absence can have on a family. I am very well known in the Shoalhaven. Due to my experience in different schools in the Shoalhaven I have got to know many students but I have always gone out of my way to make Defence students feel welcome.

I am very passionate about all aspects of a Defence lifestyle. My oldest son has joined the Royal Australian Navy as a pilot and has finished a degree in the Australian Defence Force Academy. My youngest son is a helicopter technician with Sikorsky Australia working at HMAS Albatross. I am very happy to assist any students who might be looking for similar career opportunities.

I look for to meeting you all in 2024.Please feel free to contact me at any time.

CHRISTMAS PARTY INVITATION - DEFENCE STUDENTS

All of the Defence students have been invited to attend a Christmas party with fellow defence peers from their Year group next week. Year 10 has already had their party as they will be out next week on work placement.

Students are encouraged to attend these Christmas parties as Mrs Lawrence is going to a lot of trouble to organise them for the students. Here is a copy of the invitation Year 11 Defence students have received and all Defence students will receive their own invitation.

YEAR 10 DEFENCE CHRISTMAS PARTY

On Tuesday 28 November Year 10 Defence students were treated to a christmas party with some yummy goodies by their Defence Mentor Mrs Lawrence. 

YEAR 7 2024 DEFENCE STUDENTS

Mrs Lawrence, the Defence School Mentor, is currently occupied with preparing welcome packs and visiting Primary schools in the area to meet the incoming Year 7 Defence students for 2024.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

• 2 December - Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre Christmas Spectacular
• 8 December – Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre 1 Year Anniversary
• 9 December – Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation – Shoalhaven Activity Day in Huskisson
• 12 December - Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club sailing day
• 9 March 2024 – Welcome to Shoalhaven 

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR EVENT - NOWRA VETERAN WELLBEING CENTRE 

WHAT: Christmas Craft, BBQ lunch and more!