It has been a real joy to get to know the children this year.

Farewell to the families who are relocating. Moving can be a time of mixed emotions for everyone in the family: sadness for leaving good friends, apprehension about what lies ahead but also excitement for the new opportunities coming up. It is good for children to understand it is natural to have a range of feelings. Communication is so important: talking through the process and encouraging questions and expressions of feelings can help mental preparation of what is to come and reduce anxiety. Thank you for your participation and contribution to the St Thomas More’s community. All the best for a safe and happy trip and settling into your new homes, schools and workplaces.

The Defence Community Hub is a useful resource which provides information for families on their posting location Click on the link) Defence Community Hub | GovCMS

To one and all, wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year and safe and happy holidays. Extra special wishes to the families who have a deployed parent.

Defence Member and Families Support (DMFS)

Stay up to date with community information and stay connected with what's on in your community. By joining the DMFS mailing list you will receive a monthly update straight to your inbox. It's as easy as scanning the QR Code

The Australian Defence Force offers tutoring assistance to Defence Families whose child/ren's education has been disrupted due to relocation. The child is eligible for EAS to be completed within 18 months of starting at the new school having moved from interstate and experiencing learning difficulties as a result of moving schools.

Join DMFS at Weston Park on Saturday 12 February 2022 for a family picnic with displays from local community organisations. Register for one of three timed sessions at Yarralumla Play Station (adjacent to the park). Entry is free and includes train rides, petting zoo, mini golf, inflatable soccer, and a jumping castle. Before and after your Play Station session catch up with friends, find out about services available to Defence families from the community organisations present, or just relax.Register here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-adf-families-event-welcome-to-canberra-tickets-210876747027?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Soldier On

Soldier on are running the Residential Lifestyle Management Program for March 2022 (see link below). This program is only for couples and is aimed at current or previously serving veterans and their partners. The program is designed for people wanting to enhance their relationships. The program will be run over two weekends: Part A: 4^th-6^th March, Part B: 11^th-13^th March.

If you are interested or require further information on these workshops please call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or you can register online -

Lifestyle Poster - March 2022.pdf

Kookaburra Kids

Kookaburra Kids is for Defence kids, aged 8-18years, of serving and ex-serving ADF members. The program targets children who have a parent with a mental illness as a result of military service and offers support to them through the provision of camps and activity days. To find out more, follow: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/event/act-defence-program-camp-primary/ or call 6109 0408

Feel welcome to contact me on 6249 8869 or send an email to lisa.holl@cg.catholic.edu.au

Lisa Holl
DSM

Mondays 0915 to 1415hrs
Tuesdays 0915 to 1345hrs
Thursdays 0915 to 1415hrs