What it’s really like for Defence families changing schools – and how one Canberra school is helping
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For the many defence families based in Canberra – one of the highest concentrations of ADF personnel anywhere in Australia – frequent relocation isn’t the exception. It’s just life. And life, when you’re a defence family, asks a lot of everyone.
For school-aged children, these moves can bring new opportunities, but also new challenges. Repeated transitions, disrupted friendships and coping with parental absence can take their toll. But that’s where Canberra Grammar School (CGS) comes in.
Through its participation in the Defence School Mentor Programme, CGS works to make sure that when a Defence family arrives in the capital, their kids don’t just survive the transition – they feel connected, supported and ready to thrive.
CGS is home to one of the largest defence student communities in the region, and it holds a distinction that matters enormously for families managing postings and deployments: it’s the only school in Australia’s capital to offer co-educational boarding.
That means siblings can stay together under one roof, even when a parent is overseas or a posting pulls the family in different directions – and for many families, that kind of continuity is everything.
At the heart of the programme is the Defence School Mentor (DSM) — a dedicated role focused on pastoral care, advocacy and practical guidance for defence students and their families.
At CGS, that role is filled by Annie Dickeson, who brings a rare combination of experience to the work, ranging from previous military service (including time as a unit welfare officer), to a master’s degree in teaching, and an active role in the school’s boarding community.
Annie’s philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “If you’re integrated, you’re winning.”
In practice, that means connecting students with the full network of support the school offers — academic assistance, school psychologists, boarding guidance and links to Defence and community associations — rather than treating defence kids as a separate cohort who need handling differently.
What makes the programme so unique – and effective – is that it doesn’t sit alongside school life; it’s woven into it.
Linking students with existing wellbeing and support systems, guiding them through transitions and strengthening the relationship between families and the wider school community, it not only supports students but helps staff to better understand the realities of defence life.
The result? The bonds between families and the wider CGS community are actively strengthened over time, creating a safe space for them and their children.
“As a Defence family that’s always on the move, you’re desperate for a soft place to land,” one parent shares.
“Knowing you’re not making that sacrifice alone matters more than I can say.”
Another family puts it simply.
“Having someone at school who understands our family’s situation and provides that extra level of care has been invaluable – it’s not just support for the children, but reassurance for us as parents, knowing they’re being looked out for during times that can feel unsettled and overwhelming.”
CGS also recognises the broader culture of service that shapes these families’ lives. The School’s annual ANZAC Day memorial is a community moment that reminds defence students their identity and their family’s contribution are seen, respected and celebrated.
Families interested in learning more are invited to attend one of CGS’s upcoming ELC – Year 2 Open Day on Thursday 14 May or Whole School Open Day on Thursday 28 May.
It will be a great chance to meet staff, explore the campus and ask all the questions that matter most. Find out more and plan your visit at cgs.act.edu.au/opendays
CGS also invites the community to attend its Anzac Day Dawn Service, to be held in the School’s Quad on Saturday 25 April. Attendees are welcome from 5.30 am, with the service commencing at 6 am. Light refreshments will follow the service.
