Why Defence School Mentor (DSM) program important?
Casuarina Senior College understands that high school education is critically important for students, as it shapes their future opportunities. That’s why we offer the Defence School Mentor program, which supports and connects students to their school community while minimising the impact of the military lifestyle. Our focus is on facilitating a smooth transition into and out of the CSC community, with the goal of lessening the effect of parental absence, frequent relocations, changes in learning environment, and friendships on students by promoting confidence, resilience, and building strong friendships.
Our DSM can help with:
• Provide a positive role model for students and families.
• Provide families with information about the school environment and the support available relevant to their child’s development needs.
• Support children to access school based social and emotional support, aligned to school policies.
• Facilitate opportunities for children to build relationships and connections through events and other initiatives.
• Raise awareness amongst the school community about the impacts of the Defence lifestyle on children and families.
• Support Defence students and families by actively assisting with welcoming, integrating and farewelling of them during their relocation.
Meet our DSM
“Dear ADF Families,
My name is Jennifer Gladman, and I am the Defence School Mentor (DSM) at Casuarina Senior College. I have lived in Darwin my entire life, my Husband is an Army Veteran who served 8 years in the Australian Regular Army and I too attended Casuarina Senior College during my senior years of schooling.
Many schools have adopted the DSM program that includes 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 Member and Family Support (DMFS). Within the school community the DSM assists Defence students and their families and raises awareness of unique needs of the families due to the military lifestyle. The role of the DSM is not one of a teacher or counsellor, but as a conduit between these professional services to facilitate information sharing and appropriate referral to support services as required.”
Jennifer (Jenni) Gladman
Defence School Mentor
Contact
Please feel free to email our DSM to discuss any concern at:
jennifer.gladman@education.nt.gov.au
Some of the events we are participating in are:
• Defence Students monthly Meet Up
• Bombing of Darwin
• Anzac Day
• Remembrance Day
