The Defence School Mentor (DSM) Program provides support to students of Australian Defence (ADF) members and their families, particularly during their transition into and out of a school on posting or during parental absences due to deployment, exercises or courses.

The DSM can assist with educational, emotional or social concerns families may have about their child/children’s needs and liaises with the principal, parents, teachers and professional therapists. The DSM offers lunchtime activities and games in the friendship room, which creates an environment for students to participate in small groups which fosters friendships.

Trooper Theodore “Teddy” Bourne has been an important part of the DSM program since the project’s launch in 2008. Teddy Bourne is enrolled as a student at Swanbourne and is officially enlisted in the Australian Army. He has accompanied troops from nearby Campbell Barracks on several deployments. The Teddy Bourne project aims to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges that the Australian Defence Force families may experience during times of deployment and family separation.

Teddy Bourne has been welcomed home from deployment and was accompanied by some of his mates from Campbell Barracks who came to talk to students about life in the army. The soldiers were sent messages of support and encouragement from our students who had written to troops whilst on deployment and were received with gratitude.

Our DSM is available Monday - Friday 8.00am - 3:00pm Should you require information or assistance, please contact  the front office on (08) 9253 5300