At Gungahlin College, supporting Defence students isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a whole-school commitment backed by creativity, care and community.
Meet Zoe: Gungahlin College’s Defence dynamo
As the Defence School Mentor (DSM) at Gungahlin College, Zoe Rossiter plays a central role in supporting the wellbeing and successful integration of students from Defence families. At Gungahlin, the DSM is part of a comprehensive student wellbeing model, working closely with House Coordinators, wellbeing staff and specialist teachers to deliver both universal and targeted support tailored to each student’s academic, social and emotional needs.
This integrated approach ensures Defence students are not only welcomed and supported through transitions, but also have ongoing access to resources and advocacy that empower them to succeed academically and personally.
‘I have been working in this role for several years and have experience in both primary and high school settings. I am deeply passionate about the Defence Mentor Program and the invaluable support it provides to Defence students,’ Zoe says.
Having grown up in a Defence and now married to a serving member, Zoe brings lived experience to her role (including attending six schools in three countries and moving ten times in her married life). She understands firsthand the unique challenges Defence students face, from frequent school transitions and the emotional strain of deployments to the complexities of navigating different education systems. All of these factors can make it harder for Defence students to thrive.
‘By the time they reach college, most if not all Defence students have several schools and location changes, both in Australia
and overseas, under their belts. Having a safe place to hang out, talk to like-minded peers and also having a support person (DSM) in their corner hopefully makes the last stage of schooling a little bit easier,’ she says.
Zoe’s work has received widespread recognition. She was named a finalist in the ACT Youth Coalition Awards 2024 and has
been nominated multiple times for prestigious honours, including the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards (2023, 2024) and the Education Support Staff Award (2024, 2025).
Defence support beyond the classroom
The Defence School Mentor (DSM) Program, funded by the Department of Defence, plays a vital role in supporting Defence families within schools. Its key aims include providing families with clear information about the school environment and available support, helping Defence students access school-based social and emotional assistance, facilitating opportunities for Defence students to build relationships and connections within the school community, and raising awareness among staff and students about the unique challenges Defence families face, such as frequent relocations and parental deployments.
Through these objectives, Zoe works closely with students and their families to ensure smooth transitions, offer pastoral care and create a supportive environment tailored to Defence students’ specific needs. Gungahlin College complements the DSM program with a wide range of initiatives designed to help Defence students thrive and plan their futures.
The House System divides students into eight Houses, each supported by a dedicated House Coordinator and Assistant who advocate for students, monitor their progress and help develop Individual Pathways Plans for post-school transitions. The Student Wellbeing Team, which includes a school psychologist, youth worker, careers and transition officers, and the Defence Mentor, collaborates to address the academic, social and emotional needs of all students. Additionally, Inclusion Support provides Individual Learning Plans and targeted assistance for students with additional needs, including Defence students.
A powerful symbol of the value placed on Defence at Gungahlin College is the Defence Poppy mural, commissioned by Zoe in collaboration with a local Canberra artist. The mural is displayed prominently in the main quad and serves as a meaningful point of reflection that sparks many conversations.
Many students gather around it to share stories of their family’s military history or express their own aspirations to join Defence. It stands as a lasting tribute that connects past, present and future generations within the school community.
‘Our school ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day are wonderful events. Many of our students are in Cadets and are able to wear their uniforms and participate not only as children of Defence but in their own capacity as Cadets,’ she says. ‘Gungahlin College also hosted the inaugural Monash Spirit of Australia Event (celebrating leadership, service, and community impact, inspired by the values of General Sir John Monash), an ACT first. Many of our Defence students spoke, and our Cadets joined the Federation Guard in hosting.’
Key to the support the school offers its students is the partnership with Soldier On. Their Education and Employment Program, delivered in collaboration with schools, offers transition support and career readiness workshops that give Defence students vital opportunities to explore pathways and build confidence in their futures.
‘Programs like Soldier On transition support and career workshops have helped me explore options and build confidence in my next steps.’ one student shared.
Partnering with Soldier On: Supporting Defence students across schools
Through collaborations like the one with Gungahlin College, Soldier On helps bridge the gap between school life and the broader Defence community, ensuring students receive the resources and guidance they need to thrive. By partnering with Soldier On, schools can offer Defence students access to a wide range of additional supports, including career readiness workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities that are designed to build confidence and equip students for life after school.
Beyond workshops, programs like our Education Partner IBM’s Work Experience (WEX) initiative offer Defence students practical, hands‑on industry experience. By integrating these initiatives with existing school wellbeing and career planning programs, Soldier On ensures Defence students are supported holistically. This partnership model strengthens schools’ ability to prepare Defence students for further education, training and employment, building resilience, ambition and connection every step of the way.
