Summary
Posting to a new location can present many challenges, including school enrolment. In South Australia, public schools generally require families to provide documents, to the sum of 100 points, that satisfy proof of residency requirements before a student can be enrolled. For military families, posting orders are often issued several months before relocation, but confirmation of housing arrangements may not occur until much closer to the move date.
As a result, families may be unable to complete enrolment processes in their new location before arriving, often just prior to the start of the school year. This can create additional stress for families and students during an already challenging transition period, including reduced access to preferred subject selections and school planning opportunities. It can also make it more difficult for schools to accurately forecast enrolment numbers and resource requirements for the following year.
Defence Kidz were instrumental with their advocacy for children of Defence families to be recognised at the time of each school enrolment. DFA and Defence Kidz continue the advocacy to encourage other states to adopt the same enrolment requirements for national consistency, and the support and acknowledgement that our families deserve.
Outcome
Amendments to recognition of school enrolment requirements in South Australia was advocated for by Defence Kidz.
This change now sees that children of ADF members posting to South Australia are identified on the school enrolment form.