Defence School Mentor Program
What is the DSM Program?
This government funded program aims to assist Defence students and their families in four key areas throughout the student's education and as they move from one school to another.
Welcoming: Working with students and their families as they transition into our school.
Integration: Assisting students in building positive relationships with their peers and feeling comfortable in their new environment.
Absence: Supporting students during periods of parental absence due to the operational needs of the Australian Defence Force – promotional courses, field exercises, deployments.
Farewelling: Preparing students to transition from our school due to posting.
What this might look like:
- Helping to familiarise students and their families with the school and its facilities
- Coordinating welcome, farewelling and end of year events for students
- Monitoring social and emotional wellbeing of students and referring where necessary
- Supporting students to develop self-confidence and resilience
- Providing a space for students to build friendships with peers and interact with other Defence students
- Assisting with information surrounding additional services available to Defence personnel, their families, and veterans.
- Raising awareness of Defence related issues facing students within our school
Who is the DSM?
My name is Erin Joffe or Miss Erin as the students know me.
I work Mondays and Thursdays as the DSM (Defence School Mentor) at Strathpine West State School.
I also run the Monday morning Twinkle Stars Playgroup and am the early years support coordinator for KindyLinQ with Miss Elyse.
I have family members who are current serving and ex serving ADF members in my family.
I grew up in the Pine Rivers area and lived next door to defence housing. During these childhood years I made many friends who were a part of the ADF community. I got to experience through these friends the joys and difficulties of what the defence lifestyle can look and feel like as a child.
I came back to the Pine Rivers area 15 years ago with my own family and we have lived locally ever since. My children started their educational journey right here at Strathpine West State School and it is such a pleasure to be back here and a part of the SWSS family.
I am also currently studying my Certificate three in Education Support
Contacting the DSM:
You can get in contact with our DSM by calling administration on 3480 6111.
The DSM is on site from 9:00am to 2:30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.