Introducing Jarrod, our Defence School Mentor

I’d like to introduce myself as the College Defence School Mentor (DSM) at Prince of Peace. My name is Jarrod Murfett, I to work across the Junior Campus each Thursday, and the Middle & Senior Campus each Tuesday.

Until recently I worked as a Naval Marine Technician, and have spent 28 years as part of the Defence Force. In this time I have been posted to six different ships and other onshore establishments throughout Australia, ranging from engineering workshops to training establishments. My roles included instructing leadership and management, initial employment training and firefighting at sea.

I recently enjoyed some work with ADF Recruiting, traveling to schools throughout QLD, NT and Northern WA teaching students how to code robots with the aim of encouraging them to consider a career path in STEM.

I understand the environment and pressure that is placed on children from defence families, and the impacts it can have on their educational journey. Many of my personal deployments have been lengthy, requiring significant periods away from my family. I am here to mentor and assist these families within our school community, and encourage defence families to formally register their details with the College by contacting Donna Cook, Enrolments Manager on (07) 3872 5710 or dcook@princeofpeace.qld.edu.au.

The Defence School Mentor Program

The Defence School Mentor (DSM) Program provides funding to schools to minimise the impact of the mobile lifestyle on Defence students’ education. The DSM Program assists Defence students and their families with changing schools, integrating into the school community and providing support during parental absences. This funding provided by the Defence Forces allows for the employment of a DSM to work within the school to raise awareness of the Defence lifestyle and to support students of Defence families.

The program, administered by Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) (formerly known as Defence Community Organisation), reflects the commitment by Defence to support its members and their families and recognises the partnership between education authorities, Defence and schools.

Aim

The program aims to assist students in Defence families in four key areas throughout their education and as they move from one school to another. The key areas are:

  • welcoming
  • integrating
  • support during deployment and absence; and
  • farewelling

Through the program it is hoped that schools are assisted in achieving the following outcomes:

  • Facilitation of a supportive educational environment for Defence families during times of change
  • Establishment of ongoing programs and resources for use during and beyond the life of the program
  • Linkage of Defence families into their local school community; and
  • Provision of education resources to support the Defence student’s wellbeing.