DSM Programs and information
The Defence School Mentor (DSM) provides support to ADF Students and their families during their time at Kooringal Public School. Programs commence throughout the school year assisting students with school transition, leaving, wellbeing, deployment, new friendships, craft creations and recess activities.
The DSM hours are: -
Monday 9.00am- 12.00pm
Tuesday 1.00pm-3.00pm
Wednesday 1.15pm-3.15pm
Thursday 1.15pm-3.15pm
Friendship Groups
This Program will help teach how to make friendships, teach resilience and how to handle change and teach confidence. Speak about the positives and negatives of moving and how to turn a negative feeling into positive ones. Talk about feelings and emotions and to except that they are all feeling, and everyone has these feelings from time to time. The Friendship Group Programs are varied and run at different times during the year.
Pre-Removal Groups
The program will help teach resilience and controlling emotions when leaving one posting to go to another. The students go through the Pre-Removal Program in small groups, once a week for approximately four weeks. Having them prepared for the move and transition that lies ahead.
Deployment or Parental Absence
Supporting children on a weekly basis when a parent is away for a short or long period of time. Either in the classroom environment, individual or group work.
Ramble, Roam and Rove, the DSM Bears
Not a program as such however, a little bear and his rug in a basket goes home with K-2 children (older children when required) to give them a feeling of self-worth, friendship, love and responsibility. Children take one of the bears home on Monday and return on Friday and have adventures with the little bear and then write in his diary. Just an activity to cheer people up and maybe requested if needed from the DSM.
Friendship Worx!
Students from Kindergarten to year 6 will have the benefit of modified friendship values and fun activities each week. This will be tailored to their age and ability. If you would like clarification of the programs above, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone, email or make an appointment at the school.
Recess Activities
A range of activities held each recess in the DSM office. ADF students come along with a friend or buddy to join in different activities in a relaxed social environment. These are held Monday first half of lunch, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday recess. Some activities include: - Board Games, Chat and Chill, Fidget Toy Play, Colouring in and Drawing. Also included on certain days the I Pads are available for students to use in 10-minute timed slots.
Craft Projects
Available during each term with different projects to challenge and inspire student’s creativity. Past themes have included, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Rock painting, Jewellery making and Anzac Wreaths.
Anzac Day Ceremony
Assisting staff with the preparation of the school Anzac Day Ceremony and Morning tea. ADF Parents and students generally attend the morning tea after the service, along with the military service volunteers and school staff.
Please feel free to touch base with me at any time by emailing cherrie.godwin3@det.nsw.edu.au or calling the school (02) 6922 6443.
Cherrie Godwin
Defence School Mentor