Hello Enoggera State School Community and Defence Families,

How are we already half way into Term 2?!

 DEFENCE UPDATE:

A crucial goal of the Defence Mentor program, is ensuring that we support the social-emotional wellbeing of our Defence students. Miss Laura is working hard to get around to as many students as she can, in order to support each Defence student in filling up their cups of self-worth and mindful affirmations, and focusing on having a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset.

This goes hand in hand with the students learning in class, as when one feels confident and believes in themselves, the possibilities in their learning is endless! With the younger students it’s about focusing on being able to recognise and name their emotions and then having a tool kit of strategies to help them being able to self-regulate when they are experiencing big emotions.

For our senior students, social-emotional regulation is still a crucial goal, however I am taking it a step further with them and ensuring that they have a wellbeing toolkit that they can use now and throughout their life, looking at all things growth mindset!

FORTNIGHTLY DEFENCE KIDS HQ UPDATE:

We had yet another very busy and exciting time at Defence Dragons Club the last fortnight. With Miss Laura’s background in Early Childhood Education, she loves being able to bring big ideas from the voices of our Defence students and co-support in creating real life hands - on experiences. Last Monday and Tuesday in Defence club, we were on a mission to find Dory and Nemo and so we took it upon ourselves to go “Under the Sea”, which was very much enjoyed by all. Using sensory based play, such as kinetic sand and ocean animal figurines, this allows to cater for our differentiated learners who may require more sensory input.

When setting up these experiences, I am very intentional about what I place out, so that it encourages students to be able to build certain skills such as, critical thinking skills, problem-solving, resilience, cooperation, creativity and team building, which are all critical 21^st century life skills.

This week in Defence club it was all about COLOUR!! Yesterday, our Defence students worked on seascape portraits using lots of different colours and textures, making homes of shelter for their animals they had used last week. Today (Tuesday) our Defence students worked together in pairs and individually, making coloured braids, learning to tie colourful reef knots, keyrings and lots more. The iron beads are a real hit at the moment with many students focused on creating their own chosen design.

PARENTAL ABSENCES:

A friendly reminder that as Absences begin to increase in the ADF, to please update myself on any upcoming Absences. You can also email myself, let admin or your child’s classroom teacher know. This information is really important so that I can ensure I am there pre, during and post preparation in supporting your child during their parent/s absence.

For those that attended the Enoggera Family Fun Day on Sunday, I hope you had a fantastic time!! So many Defence children commented how much fun they had!! These type of family events really are a wonderful way for your child and family to engage in family fun activities and a great opportunity for ADF families to come together for mutual support, education & connection within the community they live in and for their overall personal and social wellbeing.  

I had previously sent out to families the DMFS South Queensland eNews for May. I have gone through the eNews again and have highlighted below some upcoming events still left for May.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR MAY-JUNE:

Socially connect with Mates4Mates

Mates4Mates is one of Australia’s leading veteran charities actively changing the lives of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members, and their families, impacted by service.

Knowing the power of social connection and community, Mates4Mates create regular opportunities for mateship and peer-support through social, recreational, and family activities.

Coming up in May:

• Pancake Breakfast, Milton

           Every Friday morning

           8:00am – 8:30am

• Beach Fishing, Nudgee

          Tuesday, 23 May

          8:00am – 11:00am

• Shark & Ray Garden Experience, Loganholme

           Thursday, 25 May

           10:30am – 12:00pm

For more upcoming activities around South East Queensland, visit the Mates4Mates website. Can’t make it in-person? Mates4Mates also offer online social connection activities.

Please Save the Date for the upcoming events in June:

 June

• 13th Coffee Connections – Brisbane
• 16th Kokoda Barracks Open Day
• 22nd Coffee Connections – Amberley
• 28th Coffee Connections – Darling Downs
• 27th ADF Equip – Brisbane
• 28th ADF Equip – Amberley

 If you follow Eventbrite through this link, you will be notified immediately as new events are published.

Defence Member and Family Support - Brisbane Events | Eventbrite

Veteran Arms and Families Counselling Open Arms have upcoming workshops for May-June. Please scan the QR code below to register your interest and for the most up to date information around these programs.

As always if you have any concerns or need to reach in, I am on-site at Enoggera on Mondays and Tuesdays and can be contacted via email at lvint7@eq.edu.au and the school office line on (07) 3550 1333.

Have a lovely week everyone!! 

Warm Regards,

Laura Vinter

Defence School Mentor