From the DSM Desk
What a whirlwind few weeks it has been! We are all very excited to watch the landscaping start to take shape over the fence and the anticipation is building as we approach the construction finish line. I am always so proud of how resilient and adaptable our students and families are and that has never been more evident than this term – so much change! Defence families are pretty well versed in “rolling with the punches” and continue to demonstrate wonderful adaptability here at school.
We are all very excited to have seen Defence Club return over the last 2 weeks for Years 1-6. Defence Club is a lunch time group run by the DSM for students who have a parent or parents serving in the ADF. It is a quiet space for play with craft, puzzles, lego and games on offer. The purpose of the group is to promote the networking and collaboration of students and allow them to share their experiences in frequent relocation and parental absence. It’s also an opportunity for the DSM to check on the welfare of students in a fun and social way. New students are encouraged to bring a buddy to further develop friendship networks and supports for our fabulous new crew. For this term Defence Club is running on a senior/junior fortnightly rotating roster to comply with cohorting requirements. Reminders are included in the morning notices for each grade on their allocated day and attendance is strictly voluntary. There will likely be adjustments next term once we have settled into our new spaces.
There are a number of Defence specific and general community events coming up soon. Below are just a few that might be of interest (follow links to register):
INVICTUS Australia Come and Try table tennis – Sunday 3 April
Soldier On Sport Ex at the AIS
Defence Member Family Support various events
Community things in happening:
Shakespeare to Winehouse – National Portrait Gallery 12 March – 17 July
Auto Italia 2022 – Queanbeyan Park 3 April showcase of Italian automotive design, including cars, motorbikes and scooters
Old Bus Depot Markets – Sundays 9.30am – 2.30pm
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.
