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Defence Family Matters : September 2016
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DFMSeptember2016 13 12 project to create Anzac displays in the front foyer, together with borrowed military items, uniforms and memorabilia. A lot of effort went into creating the displays, only to have them taken down after a few weeks and then remain in storage for most of the year. “The students really connected with the displays and we wished to continue that positive learning opportunity,” said Claire. “I approached the principal to ask if we could have a permanent location for our replica trench, diorama and other display items with the aim to incorporate these resources with the school curriculum.” The principal supported the idea, and the museum came into being. At the same time, the connecting hallway was set aside for a permanent Hall of Honour. It currently displays about 100 framed photographs, with the numbers growing each year. GROWING UP A POSTER CHILD FOR DEFENCE TAMARA ROBINSON To be included on the Honour hall those photographed need to be affiliated with the school in some way, perhaps as ex-students, parents and family members, or local veterans. Underneath each image a plaque states which student the Military member is connected to. This fosters a sense of community and a real connection to military history. Maddy’s father Glenn was added to the Honour wall when Maddy discovered a photo of him in Navy uniform. “I wanted to have my family included in the museum because I feel proud to be a Defence kid,” said Maddy. “Most of the 1800 students at the school have visited the museum and as the program continues to develop it will be used as part of the curriculum. Defence and non-defence students have helped me create the displays, and we’ve had valuable support from community volunteers,” Claire said. “We want to make the museum as interactive as possible, as this really engages the students more. We are hoping to apply for some grants to support our plans for this development.” Future displays will offer a ‘then and now’ perspective on issues like equipment, uniform, medical supplies and health to give students an understanding of how conditions have changed. Along with her involvement with the museum and honour hall, Maddy speaks at the school's Anzac assembly each year. “Mrs Hunt asks me to speak at the Anzac assembly and I have a new topic to talk about each year. I work on my speech with Dad and ask him different questions about his job and where he has been in the world,” said Maddy. n “I WANTED TO HAVE MY FAMILY INCLUDED IN THE MUSEUM BECAUSE I FEEL PROUD TOBEA DEFENCE KID.” Defence Community Organisation PROVIDES FUNDING for embedded support staff in schools that wish to build capability TO SUPPORT CHILDREN FROM MILITARY FAMILIES to minimise the impact of the mobile lifestyle on children’s education. Under the Defence School Transition Aide program in-school mentors support high school students from ADF families when they move from school to school and during times of parental absence. THEY HELP SCHOOLS and TEENS to DEVELOP STRATEGIES to help families successfully integrate into the school community. Maddy with Claire Hunt, Comet Bay College’s Defence Transition Mentor, look at a WWI trench exhibit in the school’s Military History Museum. Photo by Leading Seaman Bradley Darvill. It’s a scenario most DEFENCE FAMILIES CAN RELATE to—a CHILD SAYING GOOD-BYE to a parent who is heading off on deployment. But this farewell was CAUGHT ON CAMERA and a poignant moment between a little boy and his dad BECAME AN ICONIC IMAGE for Defence. JackDenniswasjustfouryearsold when the image was snapped, farewelling his submariner father Petty Officer Jamie Dennis on HMAS Stirling at Fleet Base West. “All I remember is that I felt sad because I knew I wouldn’t see dad for a while,” said Jack. But his mother, Chief Petty Officer Karen Dennis, has clear memories of the occasion. “We were on the wharf farewelling Jamie, when he squatted down to put his forehead on Jack’s and said ‘Cookie, you are going to be the man of the house while I am away, so I need you to look after your mum and your sisters. Can you do that for me?’” It was a very special moment and one she has never forgotten. “I love that photo because I know what his father said, and that it gave Jack strength after his dad went away for months,” said Karen. With two parents as serving members in the Navy, Jack and sisters Jaide, Demi and Jessi have had many opportunities to say goodbye. “I really miss mum and dad when they have to go away for a long time, especially when I was younger,” said Jack. “But, as I have grown up, I am able to cope better with the separation.” And those separations may well have influenced Jack’s future career path. “Hearing mum and dad talk about places they go to while away makes me envious. I want to join the Navy so I can travel around the world too.” Eleven years after the photo that made him a poster child on Defence publications, Jack is now 15. He plans to finish year 12 and apply to join the Navy as a helicopter pilot. Karen said, “I am very proud of Jack in his aspiration to become a pilot and I’ll support him in whatever way I can to help make his dream come true.” n (Top) Jack and his parents, Jamie and Karen, at Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Damian Pawlenko. (Top right) The image of four-year-old Jack has been in use on Defence publications for the past 11 years. Photo used with permission. YOURSTORIES
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