I have truly loved journeying with the children throughout this year.

Best wishes to 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.

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.

Name Change

Please be advised Defence Community Organisation have renamed the Defence School Transition Aide Program to Defence School Mentor (DSM) Program. As of 2019, the position title at St Thomas More’s Primary will be known as Defence School Mentor (DSM).

Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Canberra E-News December 2018/January 2019 Highlights

Assistance for Defence Families to find Childcare

An individual case management service for childcare placement is available to support ADF families when they move to a new area or change their work or care arrangements, such as when a serving member returns from maternity leave. Specialist early learning staff from Mission Australia negotiate with all local registered childcare providers, including family day care and before and after school care, to ensure childcare is tailored to individual family circumstances.

The service provides parents with options to allow them to decide which childcare service best suits their family. It is available to all Defence families across Australia. The placement assistance service is free. Normal childcare fees will apply for any options selected by families. Call the all‐hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or email defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au or contact Mission Australia on 1800 757 343 and press 1, then 2 following the auto prompts.

Duntroon Community Centre (DCC)

DCC Playschool is currently accepting enrolments for their 2019 Playschool program which runs 3 hours a day, Monday to Friday during the ACT school term. Visit https://www.duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au/playschool or call 6265 9411 for further information.

DCC will be holding an Open Day for families on Saturday 19 January 2019, 10am-2pm. You and your family are invited to explore the centre, meet new people and find out about services available.

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. Referrals can be made at https://kookaburrakids.org.au/how-you-can-help/refer-a-child/ . Once the child has been referred, they will start receiving invites to upcoming events. To find out more call 6109 0408 and ask to speak with Nick.

What  Christmas at the Carillion

When  Sunday 16 December 6-7.30pm (can arrive from 5pm)

Where:  Carillon at Aspen Island

Info  Pack your picnic and join in the free family-friendly Christmas Carillon concert. Amazing carillonists and the Canberra Harmony Chorus will be performing including sing-a-longs to Christmas favourites. Free face painting, balloon animals, fairy floss & popcorn. A sausage sizzle, ice cream truck and coffee will also be available to purchase on the day.

What 74th Annual Canberra Carols by Candlelight

When  Wednesday 19 December, 7-9.30pm

Where:  Stage 88, Commonwealth Park

Info  Woden Valley Youth Choir accompanied by Canberra City Band, with special guest artists. MC will be popular local identity, Ian McLean. Food and drink will be available at the event, or bring a picnic and enjoy it on the lawns.

Save the Date

What  Welcome to Canberra event

When  Saturday, 9 February 2019

DCO Canberra E-news is promulgated monthly via email. It includes handy information such as upcoming events, contact details for social groups and links to DCO resources. If you wish to be on the E-News mail out list, send a request to dco.canberra@defence.gov.au . Alternatively, ‘like’ the DCO Facebook Page to receive information and updates.

Feel welcome to visit or contact me on 6249 8869 or send an email to sonja.mingay@cg.catholic.edu.au .

Sonja Mingay DSTA
Work hours: Mon-Wed 9am-3pm, Thu 9-11am