Tomaree Public School

Forward Together

Telephone02 4981 1444

Emailtomaree.ps@det.nsw.edu.au

DSM

Tomaree Public School is situated in Port Stephens, 28 km from the Williamtown Airforce Base. There are a number of students at Tomaree whose parents are employed in the Australian Defence Force. The school has a Defence School Mentor (DSM) to provide support to the Defence students.

My name is Deborah O'Donoghue and I am the DSM. I am at school 12 hours a week, usually over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can contact me via the School office on 4981 1444 or email deborah.odonoghue1@det.nsw.edu.au with any enquiries.

My role as DSM includes:

  • Act as a point of contact for ADF parents and children new to the school and its community

  • Assist with the new families with enrolment, even prior to arriving in the area

  • Provide a link between the families, school and the Defence services

  • Assist, where possible, with families posted away from our school

  • Provide individual support for children whose parent is deployed and/or absent on long term courses

  • Host a Morning Tea  for all new Kindergarten parents at the beginning of the school year

  • Host a Coffee Afternoon each term to maintain contact with spouses and to encourage friendships

  • Promotes the social group Buddies in the Bay – for new spouses in our area it provides the opportunity to meet other spouses on a regular basis

  • Inform families of the education assistance scheme.