I hope everyone had a restful holiday and spent quality time with family.

I spent two days training last week on Seasons for Growth. It was an extraordinary course that used the imagery of the seasons to illustrate to young people the experience of change, loss, and grief. I am looking forward to sharing what I have learnt with students.

In Term 3, I will be at the Cafe for the first half of lunch on Mondays every week. These meetings are an opportunity for students to discuss any school-related matters. I will put a notice on Compass to remind all students.  

Sussex Inlet RSL Sub-Branch has invited school representatives to attend their annual Combined Commemoration Service for Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day World War 2 (1945), Korean War Ceasefire (1953), Vietnam Veterans Day (1966), National Service Day (1973), and Middle East Area of Operations (2021). The service will be held on Sunday, August 18th 2024, at the Sussex Inlet RSL War Memorial at 10:30 am.  

We thank our year 12 students for attending the service and laying a wreath. Your participation is a testament to your respect and understanding of the significance of these events. We are deeply proud of your commitment and appreciate your invaluable contribution to our school community.

As we wish all year 12 students good luck with their exams, we eagerly anticipate a  Defence Student party at the Cafe when they are all over. It will be a celebration of your hard work and dedication.

KOOKABURRA KIDS OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP

Trained leaders deliver Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation’s clinically designed free programs to combine mental health education with fun!

Their approach breaks down barriers to deliver more effective programs that foster connections, build resilience, and teach positive help-seeking behaviours and stress-coping strategies. 

Through a partnership with the Australian Government Department of Veterans Affairs, the Defence Kids program is tailored to support the unique needs of young people from serving and ex-serving ADF Families. It offers camps, activity days, and online Connect sessions that bring peers together who are experiencing similar situations.  

Upcoming activity days for the Shoalhaven region include: 

∙ Funland - Saturday, 27 August 2024

What’s included:  

Arcade Games, Ticket Games and Rides, Sling n Win,  Mental Health Education, Lunch 

∙ Dolphin Cruise - Saturday, 21 September 2024

What’s included: 

Dolphin watching, mental health education, snacks

Defence School Mentor