Children of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members face unique challenges as a result of their parents' work and keeping a positive mindset is important to help them maintain good mental health. That is why Catherine McAuley School, Playford Primary School, Australian Department of Defence and Port Adelaide Football Club joined forces recently as part of the Power to be Positive program.

Twenty-six students from Years 4 to 7 took part in the well being and resilience program. Facilitated by Playford McAuley Campus Defence Transition Mentor (DTM) Jacqui Langstreth, Power Community team members Will Northeast, Alipate Carlile and Port legend Russell Ebert, spent the morning helping students to build skills such as mindfulness, fixed vs growth mindsets, values and goal-settings. The group also got out on the oval to learn some great footy skills.

Usually, the program includes visits from current Port Power players but that was not possible in 2020 due to Covid-19. However, the players were still able to send important messages from their Gold Coast bubble to the students.

Catherine McAuley School Principal Belinda Bennett thanked Port Adelaide Football Club for their support of ADF students.

"Some Defence families are only with our school for a short time so we want to ensure we wrap them in a supportive bubble and see they are thriving not only during their time with us, but in the years ahead," Mrs Bennett said.

"The Power to be Positive program provides students with important skills that we hope will serve them for the rest of their lives. I would also like to thank our fantastic DTM Jacqui, who is well loved and well known in the Defence community for her care, concern and connection with children of ADF members.'' 

The Power to be Positive program is linked with the South Australian School Curriculum: Wellbeing for Learning and Life framework which focuses on supporting children and young people’s development.