As we slide past the halfway mark of term, I continue to marvel at the resilience and enthusiasm of all of our CPS students, but especially those students with parents serving in the ADF. The rigors of a career in the ADF can mean that one or both parents are often away, work long hours, and family situations can change with little to no notice. World events like the Tongan volcano eruption and the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine along with local events like fire, flood and health emergencies can have a significant impact on ADF families. At this time we have CPS community members alongside their ADF colleagues supporting aged care, covid health interventions, flood relief and clean-up, as well as their usual operational and training commitments. It truly is an incredibly busy and challenging time for our serving members, and we thank them for their service while also acknowledging the resilience and sacrifice of the families that stand behind them. Please let me know if your child requires any additional support, particularly if you expect to be away for a protracted period.

A quick reminder about the availability of the education support program offered by Defence Member and Family Support’s (DMFS, formerly DCO) for those who have posted in recently. Information about the scheme is available via the link here. The application form AD301 is available via webforms for the serving member, or via the DCO helpline on 1800 624 608 at any time. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Defence Club will be recommencing during lunch times next week on a fortnightly rotating basis, to maintain our cohorting requirements. Details and reminders will be sent to students via their classroom teacher on the relevant days. Defence Club is a play space in the BER where students from ADF families can connect with the DSM and each other, share stories and widen their social networks. New 2022 students are welcome to bring a buddy from their class. Quiet play options are offered including craft, puzzles and board games.

One of the tips that I often give families struggling to make social connections in a new location is the value of volunteering. Volunteers at Campbell Primary are highly valued and appreciated. We’ve been heavily restricted from engaging our families with volunteering at school due to Covid-safe measures, and the connection has been much missed. Whether they be one off, for events like our cross country and athletics, or ongoing like our wonderful second-hand uniform volunteer or P&C committee members; and everything in between, like changing readers or helping in the canteen. We look forward to a time where we can welcome our volunteers back on site, but in the interim, Canberra has an enormous range of volunteering opportunities to suit almost any interest. I had the great privilege of volunteering on Saturday night with Soldier On during their 10-year anniversary gala ball. It was wonderful to see some of our school ADF community there as guests and members of the incredibly talented RMC band. It was a great opportunity to give back to an organisation that supports so many of our ADF families. If you have any questions about local volunteering opportunities or would like to be connected with Soldier On for future events, please reach out by email.

As always I am available to CPS families Monday to Friday 9:00am – 3:30pm.  Should you wish to make contact please call the front office or email me directly at Karyn.heitmann@ed.act.edu.au.

We look forward to a very successful second half of Term 1 and lots of exciting changes in Term 2.

DEFENCE CONTACTS and EVENTS

Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 or email.  Join the DMFS mailing list stay connected with what's on in your community. DMFS have a “Drive Thru” welcome event and spouse dinner coming up. Please scan the QR code to subscribe to the newsletter or click here for RSVP details.

Kookaburra Kids program is dedicated to supporting the unique needs of children from serving and ex-serving ADF families.

Open Arms are offering a range of face to face and online workshops during March call 1800 011 046 or you can register  online.

Soldier On's mission is to enable serving and ex-serving veterans and their families to thrive. They offer a range of activities for veterans and for families. See their website for a full list of upcoming activities (check out the kids’ session at the AIS in the holidays)