lllaroo Road Public School is situated in North Nowra on Illaroo Road, which overlooks the beautiful Shoalhaven River. Illaroo Road Public School is about fifteen minutes from HMAS Albatross and therefore a number of defence force families attend the school. As a result, the school offers the Defence School Transition Aide (DSTA) program, funded by the Department of Defence, to the families of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
In July 2001, DCO created the Defence School Transition Aide program to help address and relieve the issues of mobility by providing assistance and support in schools to ADF families during times of transition. Mrs Jenny Binns is the DSTA at Illaroo Road Public School.
The purpose of DSTA's is to facilitate the best possible educational outcome for dependents of ADF members through on-site, direct and flexible assistance to children, parents, teachers and other support services.
DSTA's aim to adopt an inclusive approach that embraces the characteristics of the local school culture, thus creating a greater mutual understanding and appreciation between members of the wider school community and the mobile Defence family.
DSTA's are aware of the potential pressures on dependents of ADF personnel when parents are deployed. They observe children's behaviour, provide comfort and support and make appropriate referrals to their supervisors.
The DSTA conducts meet and greet tours, welcome and farewell activities, student monitoring, liaises with parents and school, provides emotional support to children and parents, assists with filling Key Learning Area gaps, organises morning teas, lunches for ADF children and parents and introduces the Educational Assistance Scheme to new families.
For any enquiries please don't hesitate to contact the school on (02) 4421 0422.
General Information
Tutoring: Educational Assistance Scheme (EAS) If your child experiences educational disruption as a result of a posting, reimbursement may be provided for tuition for primary and secondary children within the first 18 months of enrolment at the new school. See the school for further details.
Deployment and Exercises: It is helpful if defence families inform the DSTA and their child's class teacher if a parent is to be deployed, on exercises or other training. This enables the school to best support your child during a potentially stressful time. Thank you for your assistance.
REDLO CONTACTS:
NSW (02) 9393 3316
ACT (02) 6266 6350
VIC (03) 9282 3006
NT (08) 8935 7904
SA (08) 8305 6648
TAS (03) 6237 7191
STH QLD (07) 3354 0554
NTH QLD (07) 4753 6532
WA (08) 9591 9596
Helpful Links:
National Welfare Co-ordination Centre