DEFENCE FAMILY SUPPORT
“We are committed to helping children maintain a stable academic picture within the movement between schools, whilst also having student welfare as a high priority.”
Mrs Rachel McClure, Acting Principal
At the College we are aware of the unique challenges for Defence families moving to a new area and we are proud of our support and care for those in transition stages. The College Community seeks to be caring and embracing and has a reputation for being very welcoming to new families joining our community.
"We realise it can be challenging for children moving from school to school. We seek to provide a smooth transition to settle students into the new community as quickly as possible, so parents and students can enjoy the benefits of the caring Christian community that Wagga Wagga Christian College has to offer.
Mrs Rebekah Grant
For over 10 years the College staff has included a Defence School Mentor (DSM) who welcomes and supports Defence families, assists children and parents as they settle into the College. The DSM runs a regular lunchtime Defence Club for Defence children and their friends – which is a wonderful opportunity to discuss issues regarding friendships, belonging and support.
"We understand the unique challenge on the timeframes of integrating into a community that the Defence families can face. We believe our Defence families enrich our school by what they bring to us in community and what they encourage us to think about in the life of our country."
Ms Catherine Clarke
The whole College community is offered many opportunities during the year to participate in events which celebrate and support our Nation’s Defence forces, from our special ANZAC and Remembrance Day services to Defence Force Day, when students take part in a series of activities run by local military personnel. These days have special significance for students from Defence families and allow others to grow in their understanding of the important role these services play in the life of our country.
The close connection the College enjoys with both the RAAF Base Wagga and Kapooka Military Base is highly valued by our College community and our community has been privileged to enjoy regular visits, demonstrations and support at College events from the local Defence personnel.
"It’s such a unique community. We originally planned to look at a number of schools when we moved from Melbourne but after our first visit we didn’t look elsewhere. The care and attention we had from the College leading up to our enrolment hasn’t waned since we started. We’ve been so impressed by the passion and love the teachers show our kids. They genuinely care about every single child, not just their academic education."
Kate Gillard
Meet the Defence School Mentor
Connecting with and welcoming families into our College community is central to Rebekah’s role as Defence School Mentor. As part of the Defence community she understands the importance of connection to ease transition and provide a secure environment where each member of the family can thrive. The College community seeks to create spaces and opportunities where each person feels welcomed and supported.
“I love my role at the College as I am blessed with the opportunity to grow relationships and express my creativity, using gifts God has given me to encourage others.”
Mrs Rebekah Grant, Defence School Mentor and Events Planner