St Mary’s Primary School Ipswich has a strong connection with many Defence families (both as part of the parent community and the wider community). The school has a dedicated Defence School Mentor and a Defence Club where support is provided - from lunch time drop ins to check in on student wellbeing, to parent meet ups to network and connect.
In addition, we proudly hold our annual ANZAC Day Commemoration Service, and our students participate in the Woodend Memorial Service each year. We have built connections with Defence groups at St Edmund’s College, and St Mary’s College and together we Walk to Remember on Remembrance Day each year.
Our Defence Club is designed to support students who have parents serving in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Army, or Navy. These clubs provide a safe and inclusive space where students can connect with peers who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. Activities often include social gatherings, creative projects, and resilience-building exercises that help students navigate the unique challenges of military life.
One of the key roles of a Defence Club is to assist students during periods of parental deployment. Practical support includes:
Emotional Wellbeing: Offering check-ins, mentoring, and opportunities to express feelings through art or journaling.
Communication Tools: Helping students write letters, create care packages, or record video messages for deployed parents.
Peer Connection: Organising group activities and buddy systems to reduce feelings of isolation.
Information Sharing: Providing age-appropriate resources about deployment cycles and what to expect.
Celebrating Service: Hosting events to honour Defence families and acknowledge their contributions.
These programs aim to build resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of community, ensuring students feel supported academically and emotionally throughout the year