Defence School Mentor

We warmly welcome Defence Families to our school and strive to work together with them to make their relocation and posting to East Sale a successful and enjoyable one.

Guthridge Primary School is in close proximity to RAAF Base East Sale and as such has a number of students from Defence Force families enrolled at our school. A Defence School Mentor is available for Defence Force Families to access in times of need. especially during transition into and out of a school on posting or during parental absences due to deployment, exercises or courses.
The Defence School Mentor (DSM) is funded by the Department of Defence through DCO (Defence Community Organisation). They are employed as a member of the school staff and provide a valuable resource to our students, families and community.

Defence Kids Club

The Defence Kids Club is held at recess and lunch times and provides students from Defence Families an opportunity to meet and enjoy fun activities together along with the DSM. Children enjoy a variety of different activities, including ball games, chess, Lego and blocks construction, craft and LOTS OF FUN! If you feel your child could benefit from attending the Defence Kids Club please encourage them to come along!

Parental absence from home support

The DSM works closely with students who are experiencing parental absence from home due to service requirements. The DSM can support students and families to monitor personal issues such as friendship, peer groups and classroom difficulties. The DSM assists families with the countdown to them being reunited and also helps children during the exciting time of welcoming their serving parent home. It is recommended that parents advise the school of member absences from home due to deployment, exercises or extended courses.

Keeping up with what’s on

Our school Newsletter includes all the latest school news and activities. Our DSM regularly contributes items of interest to our Newsletter. This informs our Defence Families of Defence Kids Club activities, whilst also raising awareness within the school community, of the challenges our Defence families can face.
Our school hosts a parent information evenings at the beginning of each school year. The DSM is available to meet with parents/caregivers to discuss the DSM role and how it can be used to best support your Defence family.

Commemorative Assemblies

Our school is passionate about educating its students on the importance of commemorative occasions. Our DSM works together, primarily with students from Defence Families to plan, organise and present our Anzac Day and Remembrance Day Assemblies.

Welcome and Farewell

Our DSM works closely with newly enrolled Defence students, encouraging them in their day to day friendships and schooling activities. New students are introduced to the DSM within the first week of enrolment at our school. Students are also paired up with a ‘buddy’, who will assist them to quickly develop a sense of belonging in our school community. Families who are enrolling their children from interstate are welcome to contact the DSM through front office on 03 51443633 or email at guthridge.ps@education.vic.gov.au