Emu + Leonay Gazette February 2018

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FEBRUARY 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

LOOKING BACK pg.2

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PARENTS CORNER pg.8

Issue 129

BIZ MATTERS pg.13

Jaxson is Ready for School It’s that time of year when parents rush around in search of crisp new uniforms, sensible black shoes and a trolley load of school supplies that never seem to fit into those teeny little pencil cases.

So, who’s ready for school? Jaxson is!

This month, 5 1/2-year-old Jaxson Lloyd will be starting Kindergarten at Emu Heights Public School. His mum, Lauren Watson, says he can’t wait. “He’s so excited. At his orientations, he kept saying that he was going to learn so much at school” she said.

He’s been preparing for a while now and has picked out a lunch box in his favourite colour: green. He’s already instructed mum on the best way to pack it. “My berries in the top. My sandwich underneath” said Jaxson according to Lauren.

Jaxson has one 7 1/2-month-old baby sister, Audrey, so he will be the first to forge the way to school. The family only moved to the area about a year ago and his daycare has been in Kemps Creek, so he doesn’t really know anybody who is attending. This will be a whole new adventure in friendships.

Mum Lauren says the whole family is into superheroes, so it’s no surprise that he is as well, especially Green Lantern.

“He’s also a big fan of music, loves a bit of dancing and a bit of craft Jaxson in his school uniform | Image: Lauren Watson. Article: Lisa Finn-Powell

Cont. Pg 8

www.emuleonaygazette.com.au February 2018 1

kcaB gnikooL with Lisa Finn-Powell

Emu Plains Old Police Station

River Road is a busy place and quite popular with dog walkers, children on bikes, joggers, parents pushing prams and people out for a stroll and chat by the river. Tucked away at the corner of the Great Western Highway is an unassuming plaque acknowledging the site as the previous location of the first police station in Emu Plains.

There were two stations, with the first being built on Punt Road between 1867 and 1878. It was purchased by First Class Constable William Bressington in 1891 and converted to a police station and residence. In 1908, a new brick station was built next door operating until 1950.

The original building was a timber slab cottage clad with a wooden shingle roof, constructed of salvaged timber from bridges washed away in floods in the late 1850s. It was later clad with weatherboards and the roof replaced with corrugated galvanised iron. The rough-hewn slab walls were lath and plastered on the inside and the chimney was constructed of hand-made bricks.

In the 1980s, efforts were made by local historians and the Nepean District Historical Society to restore the original building which by then had fallen into disrepair due to lack of maintenance, water and insect damage, vandalism and subsidence. This never happened, and a 1994 government report suggested that restoration works in its dilapidated state would be ‘extremely costly and not economically viable’.

In August 1996, a fire ravaged both buildings, a result of arsonists, which destroyed the original and badly damaged the latter.

Upon demolition, archaeological and heritage consultants recommended that the floor joists remain, the brick walls and chimneys removed down to ground level with footings left intact.

The hand-made bricks and other material were sent to the Arms of Australia Museum.

The remnants of both buildings are still there nestled among the trees as if being protected by them. Looking around you can glimpse the brick path of a wall, stones that make right angled turns and others that are rounded with a mysterious but purposeful past.

 Emu Plains Old Police Station | Image: Courtesy of Penrith City Library Collection. Article: Lisa Finn-Powell

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Wednesday February 7, February 21 Emu Plains Lions Club Board Meetings (1st Wednesday of the month) Bistro Meetings; Meal + Informal Meeting/ Discussions (3rd Wednesday of the month) 7:00pm, Meet at Leonay Sports Club, Leonay Parade, Leonay.

Enquiries: 4735 5120

Meet at Springwood Sports, Macquarie Rd, Springwood at 10.30 am.

Emu Heights Community Centre Enquiries: Chantel 0414 805 736

Enquiries: Ruth 0247 394623 Every

Every Tuesday + Thursday 1st Emu Plains Scouts Cubs (ages 7.5 –10.5) Tuesday’s 7:00 to 8:30 Scouts (ages 10.5 – 15) Thursday’s 7:30 to 9:30. 175 Explorers Road, Lapstone Enquiries: Tony Henry (0488 669 1430)

Friday February 16 Leonay Probus Club (3rd Friday of the month) Fun, fellowship and friendship for retirees or semi-retirees. At every meeting we have a COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Saturday February 10 speaker, who delivers a topic of interest. We Emu Market have monthly outings to places of interest.

(2nd Saturday of the month) Enquiries: 4735 5157 9am to 2pm, inside the School Hall, at Nepean Saturday February 17 Creative & Performing Arts High School, 115 Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club Great Western Highway, Emu Plains. We are Monthly Markets predominantly an artisan market where every (3rd Saturday of the month) stallholder offers something different, and we Glenbrook Infants School, Ross Street, support Barnardo’s the Childrens’ Charity who Glenbrook. Rotarians helping their sell food there. Plenty of parking available in the communities. school grounds.

Sunday March 18 Stall enquiries: Dott 0414 395 614 or The Westies Markets emumarket@pnddistribution.com (3rd Sunday of the month) Saturday February 10 9–2pm at Nepean Creative and (2nd Saturday of the month) Performing Arts High School - 115 Stamping and Friends who meet at the Uniting Great Western Highway, Emu Plains.

Church Hall, Emerald Street, Emu Plains between Stall Enquiries:www.thewesties.com.au/ 1-4pm. We are a group of ladies who get together markets to exchange ideas on making greeting cards and Tuesday scrapbooking.

Cottage Playgroup 9.30 - 11.30am Enquiries: Cathy 4721 3226 Informal fun for parents/carers & children.

Thursday February 15 Our Lady of the Way School, Emu Plains (3rd Thursday of the month) Enquiries: Alison 0424 522 852 Lantern Club Blue Mountains Branch Raise much needed money for the Royal Ins. For Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC).

Every Tuesday Mighty Mights Playgroup 10 - 12pm

Event dates may alter at short notice. Check with the event organiser for the most up to date details.

2 February 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Every Wednesday Nepean Giggles Playgroup 9.30 - 11:30am Meet other mums & preschoolers Emu Heights Community Centre Enquiries: Sandra Pitich 0403 326 017 Every Saturday Dragon Boat Paddling 8:45am Are you reasonably fit and have a spirit of adventure and fun! Come and Try Dragon Boat Paddling with Pendragons Dragon Boat Club. New paddlers welcome at either the Nepean Rowing Club or Sydney International Regatta Centre.

Enquiries – Jane Howard janehow2@hotmail. com

FORTNIGHTLY EVENTS Glenbrook Toastmasters Meet at the Blaxland Library, Short St, Blaxland.

7.30pm 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month.

Enquiries: Peter 0408 692 770

NOTICEBOARD SUBMISSIONS Email: info@districtgazette.com.au

Emu Plains Loses a Legend

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Real People Exceptional Service Achieving Results Local Area Experts Meet Fred & Mina Javid The Owners of Real Homes Realty.

Sales & Property Management You might be lucky enough in your lifetime, to meet someone who is amazing and inspiring, a one-of-a-kind, rare and selfless individual who makes everyone feel good. A man like Peter Howlett.

Peter, affectionately known as ‘Shrek’, was a longstanding, much loved member of the Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Club and President extraordinaire. Sadly, he passed away on the 12th January from an aggressive form of cancer.

The tributes are vast. A post on the club Facebook page was viewed by over 50,000 people with hundreds of shares and comments from friends, family, players and parents all praising Peter.

Lee Waterhouse remembered his positive attitude and willingness to do everything. ‘He got the players, he got the sponsors, he organised the events, he filled the water bottles up! He cooked the sausages, he mowed the grass, he done the lot! He’s what rugby league is all about, and we are all poorer for his passing!’

He worked tirelessly for the good of the club, even successfully applying for two financial grants to improve the facilities at Leonay Oval.

‘Pete, you were an absolute champion,’ wrote Phil Cummings, ‘you spoke from the heart with passion and pride in everything you did. You were a man of honour and dignity’.

He was also very humble and shied away from any recognition of his work. Nevertheless, he deserved it. In December of 2017 he received Life Membership with Penrith JRL for outstanding service to his club and the game.

‘I’ve never met a man like him,’ said Joanne Vella, ‘he had a heart of gold’.

Megan Townes said, ‘I've never seen someone think so much about the impact that he was having on the world’.

Peter Howlett left behind a legacy of leadership, friendship and community spirit. A great man with a big heart and even bigger shoes to fill.  The late, Peter Howlett | Image: Megan Townes. Article: Lisa FinnPowell

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www.emuleonaygazette.com.au February 2018 3

WATER SAFETY Article Written + Submitted by: Julie Fletcher Nepean Aquatic Centre + Eva Borys Swim School A: 16 – 19 Lambridge Place, Penrith P: 4730 8900 E: julie@nepeanswim.com.au W: nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au F: www.facebook.com/NepeanAquaticCentreandEvaBorys/

The Benefits Of Swimming and Dance For Children It’s the new year, so if you are like the majority of us, you are currently planning your families schedule and the children’s activities for 2018, ie how to positively channel their seemingly boundless energy! With so many activities and sports to choose from, and the costs and time commitment involved, how can we make the right decision?

To this end, 2 Emu Plains businesses with decades of experience between them - Eva Bory’s Swim School and You Can Dance - have joined forces to offer local residents the chance to experience the children’s services we offer, available right on your doorstep in Bromley Rd. Did you know that learning to swim and learning to dance are both complimentary to each other and hugely beneficial to a child’s development?

Let’s start with swimming. Research conducted by Griffith University over four years and 7000 children has concluded that children who swim demonstrate more advanced cognitive and physical abilities than other children. Lead researcher Professor Robyn Jorgensen said "While we expected the children to show better physical development and perhaps be more confident through swimming, the results in literacy and numeracy really shocked us. The children were anywhere from six to 20 months ahead of the normal population when it came to cognitive skills, problem solving, mathematics, reading, counting, story recall,

language and following instructions." Professor Jorgensen said that as well as achieving physical milestones faster, the swimming children scored significantly better in visual-motor skills such as cutting paper, colouring in and drawing lines and shapes. Not a bad extra from an activity that can also save your child’s life!

Similarly, just as crawling helps babies form connections between the two hemispheres of the brain, dancing helps with cognitive development in young children by laying down more neurological pathways to help them with both physical and mental tasks. Dance also teaches children about cooperation and teamwork, builds confidence, improves coordination, body control, balance and problem solving, develops your child’s spatial awareness, and provides an outlet for imagination and creativity.

You Can Dance offers a range of classes and programs for children aged 2.5 to adults in Dance, Tumbling, Cheerleading & more.

Both swimming and dance have the potential to increase your child's flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina.

The repetitive movements involved in both activities can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and improve overall cardiovascular health. Both are aerobic forms of exercise, and in an age where we have more overweight children than ever before, both dance and swimming can potentially help them to increase their fitness and improve their eating habits. Becoming a skilled swimmer or dancer requires practice, discipline and focus, skills that can be useful in other areas of your child's life, and often spills over into their academic pursuits. Additionally – both activities are great fun!

Pop into Eva Bory’s Swim School or You Can Dance, both in Bromley Road Emu Plains, this February - You Can Dance are offering a free 7 day pass to any children currently enrolled or who enrol at Eva Bory’s Swim School, and Eva Bory’s Swim School is offering a free lesson to any You Can Dance students who enrol in swimming lessons!

EVA BORY’S SWIM SCHOOL & YOU CAN DANCE PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL have a very special customer offer this February!

Both new and existing Eva Bory’s Swim School clients are entitled to a 7 day trial pass at You Can Dance try out as many classes as you wish!

Plus, both new and existing You Can Dance clients are entitled to a Free lesson at Eva Bory’s Swim School upon enrolment in their Learn To Swim program!

Enquire at reception at either Eva Bory’s Swim School or You Can Dance!

4 February 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

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With the Australian Summer of tennis well underway, the excitement of watching players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal go head to head can be poetry in motion. What you may not know is that we also have a local Emu Heights resident who quietly plays a part in their victories, thanks to the hard work of professional racquet stringer, Steve Harris.

This year, Steve was a part of the Yonex Stringing Service at the 2018 Australian Open in Melbourne. The prestigious tournament marked his 11th stringing at the event, on the back of his 10th straight year at the Brisbane International. “At the Brisbane International, we strung a total of 1017 between 4 Stringers, my personal tally was 290. At the Australian Open, I’m expecting we will pass 5000, of which, I should do about 350” explained a busy Steve.

Steve started stringing his own racquets in 1979, as a promising young player himself who needed to get regular restrings but had great difficulty finding anyone capable. He purchased a portable machine from the US and before too long progressed from a home business, to mobile service to tennis retail. He has spent 15 years in retail and is regarded as a ‘guru’ in the industry.

“This ‘thing’ that started as a hobby for myself has taken me to Wimbledon, the French Open, many Grand Slams, ATP/WTA tour events and the Davis Cup” he said.

Steve's talents also continue with playing tennis. He still competes on the Australian Seniors tennis circuit and has been ranked as high as number 6 nationally and number 33 in the world for his age group.

He lists his favourite tennis players as Federer and Nadal, and has strung racquets for both. This included Nadal as a client at last year’s Australian Open. “I enjoy the chance to meet and speak with some of the best athletes of my sport. I have many player friends who ask for me to do their stringing because they trust the quality of my work. It’s nice when a multi-millionaire tennis player wants to come over and shake your hand and work together” Steve lamented.

Steve said that the future of Australian tennis is looking better than it has in recent times, with players such as Nick Kyrgios, Alex De Minaur and Ash Barty the standouts. Steve stringing a racquet | Image: Steve Harris

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Lions ‘SightFirst’ Initiative

WHAT’S COOKING

Hearty Lamingtons ingredients 3/4 cup (115g) self-raising flour 1/3 cup (50g) cornflour 4 eggs 3/4 cup (155g) caster sugar 1/3 cup (80ml) boiling water 10g butter, melted 1 1/2 cups (325ml) strawberry topping 2 cups (170g) desiccated coconut preparation 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a square 23cm cake pan. Sift the flour and cornflour together 2-3 times.

2. Use an electric mixer to whisk eggs in a bowl until pale and fluffy. While whisking, gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoonful at a time, until well combined. Continue whisking until thick and pale and a ribbon trails when the beaters are lifted.

3. Sift combined flours over egg mixture and use a whisk to gently fold until just combined. Combine the boiling water and butter in a jug and pour down the side of the bowl.

Gently fold until just combined. Pour into prepared pan and gently smooth the surface. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly pressed in the centre. Remove from oven and immediately turn out onto a wire rack. Set aside to cool completely.

4. Use a 6cm-diameter heart-shaped pastry cutter and a small, serrated knife to cut heart shapes from the sponge cake.

5. Pour the topping into a shallow bowl and place the coconut on a plate. Dip a sponge heart into the topping and carefully roll to lightly coat. Allow excess to drip off. Place on the coconut and gently roll to evenly coat, lightly pressing to secure. Place on a plate. Continue with remaining sponge hearts. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Source: http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/hearty-lamingtons/c071c55c5ece-4cc1-aff3-e758e05afba3

Peach And Nectarine Frosé Iceblocks ingredients 2 tablespoons caster sugar 1 cup (250ml) sparkling rosé or fruit juice 1/2 yellow peach, stoned, thinly sliced 1/2 white nectarine, stoned, thinly sliced 50g cherries, halved, pitted 1/2 cup mint leaves preparation 1. Combine the sugar and 1/3 cup (80ml) water in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 mins or until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Stir in the wine or fruit juice.

2. Divide the peach, nectarine, cherry and mint among ten 1/3-cup (80ml) iceblock moulds. Pour over the sugar mixture. Insert iceblock sticks. Freeze for 4 hours or until set.

Source:http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/peach-nectarine-froseiceblocks/XVWPtI4X?r=recipes/summerrecipes&c=1f0714cf-8f05-4b409b56-552b6e0e810b/Summer%20recipes

6 February 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

The Lions organisation was 100 years old last year and since as early as 1925, has allocated part of its’ service activities towards sight; be it blindness prevention, sight restoration or other related matters, through an initiative called SightFirst.

On a local level, the Emu Plains Lions Club follows this initiative by collecting old prescription glasses to ‘recycle’ them to those people in developing countries. Those who do not have access to prescription eyeglasses and for whom reading is a task they cannot perform, but for whom Lions provide a wonderful gift.

You can assist by looking around the house and locate any old glasses and donate them by dropping them in to the Lions collection boxes located at the following collection points; • Emu Plains Optical, Emerald St, Emu Plains, • Specsavers in Westfield Plaza, Penrith, • Penrith RSL Club, • Edinglassie Retirement Village, Emu Plains, • OPSM, Penrith, • Precision Specs, 54 Queen Street, St Marys, • Helloworld, Lennox Shopping Village, Emu Plains, • Specsavers, Centro Nepean • The Gaels Club, Kingswood and • Helloworld, 413-427 High Street, Penrith Although this is largely a Club and community activity, the driving force behind the initiative are Sue Hunt, Club Secretary, along with her husband, Jack, a Friend of Lions. Sue and Jack carefully pack the glasses and then forwarded them to the Lions sorting house in Clontarf, Queensland. Once they arrive at the sorting house, they are then graded by trained opticians, and are then packed for distribution overseas to Third World countries.

The Queensland facility received their first lensometer machine in 2000 and today they have 24 current CL300 machines, 12 CL200’s 6 upgraded industrial cleaners, grading machines, lens-cutting machines and related equipment. The workforce includes 30 persons on the Commonwealth Work for the Dole programme, 4-10 persons on community correction orders and many volunteers.

Last year, Emu Plains Lions forwarded 2,985 pairs of glasses and a staggering 23,956 pairs since 2007.

For any enquiries concerning the program, please contact Emu Plains Lions’ Secretary, Sue Hunt on 0409 393 711 or Jack Hunt on 0408 208 747. Emu Plains Optical with Sue and Jack Hunt | Image Supplied

The History and the Mystery of Valentine’s Day

Chocolates, greeting cards, red roses, champagne, jewellery, teddy bears holding love hearts that read ‘I Love You’, date nights, marriage proposals, even weddings…it’s Valentine’s Day! The 14th of February is big business for restaurants, florists, jewellers, greeting card companies and of course the beautiful chocolate makers of the world - where would we be without them?

While it’s true that there is a very commercial aspect to this holiday in its modern form, the history behind Valentine’s Day is rather mysterious.

The legend of St. Valentine as a patron saint is complex because the Catholic Church recognises more than one with the name of Valentine or Valentinus. One story speaks of a priest in 3rd century Rome who performed secret weddings during a time when it had been outlawed by Emperor Claudius II, who thought that single men made better soldiers. When this was discovered, it didn’t end well for the priest. Let’s just say, the Emperor did not reward him with a box of chocolates in the

shape of a heart.

Another tale suggests that ‘Valentine’ was put to death for helping Christians to escape from Roman prisons and yet another claim that he was a prisoner himself who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. He allegedly signed a letter to her ‘From your Valentine’.

By the middle ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France and a pagan festival, Lupercalia, developed relating to fertility. It was replaced at the end of the 5th century by Pope Gelasius as a feast day for the Christian church.

The first written Valentines associated with love started appearing after 1400. Exchanging cards and gifts became popular in the 18th century spreading to other countries and eventually developing in to what it is today.

Roses are red, violets are blue, what does Valentine’s Day mean to you?  Love.Love.Love | Image: www.pexels.com. Article: Lisa Finn-Powell

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www.emuleonaygazette.com.au February 2018 7

St Paul’s Student

PARENTS CORNER

Article Written + Submitted by: Narelle Smith (Family Worker) Nepean Community + Neighbourhood Services P: 47218520 E: narelle@nepeancommunity.org.au FaceBook: Parenting in Penrith Blog: handsheartsminds.wordpress.com How are you going after the long Summer break? If you are feeling relaxed, you are probably wondering how to maintain that feeling as the kids get back into school, and you get back into work/ ac tivities/appointments.

If you are already feeling frazzled, there is hope.

One of the five key aspects of Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is Looking After Yourself. If you are an empty cup, how can you fill your children’s cups? If you are overwhelmed, stressed, cranky, tired, it is so much harder to meet all of the demands placed on you. Your relationships suffer.

When I mention this, parents usually say they don’t have time to look after themselves. They say they don’t have time to spend hours at their favourite activity.

I agree.

You have to find small moments every day, to do something that fills your cup. Take 5 minutes regularly throughout the day to decompress. Take time to stretch, draw, colour, sip your tea or coffee, sit in the sun, watch the trees sway in the breeze, breathe.. Anything that gives you a moment of calm.

It’s all about not doing very much and paying attention to the present moment. Drop your thoughts about the past or the future, and focus on what is happening in the ‘here and now’. This is called ‘mindfulness’, and it is being used to treat many mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

But it can be used by anyone, and should probably be used by everyone. This is not hippy-la-la stuff, it’s science! Humans are not machines, they need rest, delight, joy, connection, and meaning to keep them going.

It’s hard to do at first, but practice makes perfect. When you become accustomed to taking these moments for yourself, you may start to include your children in some of these moments.

You might start taking time to connect with your kids over something simple You might decompress together, and in that moment, you are deepening your relationship and teaching them a handy tool for life.

I have started gathering some resources over on my Hands, Hearts and Minds blog. Go to https://handsheartsminds. wordpress.com/looking-after-yourself-mindfulness/ for some ideas to get you started. Enjoy ! Image: www.pexels.com

Jaxson is Ready for School

From. Pg 1

too” said Lauren, who is a dancer herself, “and he loves being outside riding his bike”.

Their house backs on to the school, so he often rides his bike around the basketball court of “my school”.

No doubt Audrey and their new puppy Penny are going to miss him while he’s at school, and of course mum as well.

“I’m a little bit nervous” she commented, “I think I’m okay and I haven’t cried yet”.

Good luck to Jaxson and all the little school starters this year (and their parents and younger siblings too).

8 February 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Tops the World!

St Paul’s Grammar School, Penrith, Class of 2017 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students received their results, including an equal world best result, highlighting the long history of outstanding academic achievement at the School.

St Paul’s Grammar School, Penrith, is celebrating the achievement of the Class of 2017 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students. Sarah Bakker is the Dux of the Class of 2017, achieving a perfect IB score of 45 out of a maximum possible 45. This equates to the top possible Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) equivalent of 99.95. This also means that Sarah is the equal top graduating Year 12 student in the world. Amongst other results, Yutong Chen and Susan Graham also received outstanding results of IB 44 (ATAR 99.85).

A total of 21 students achieved IB scores of 33 or above, equating to ATARs above 90. The number of students attempting the IB this year was 55, or 70% of the Year 12, 2017 class. IB Diploma results are not included in School Rankings based on HSC scores, and as such do not reflect St Paul’s Grammar School as one of the best non-selective schools in NSW for academic results. Combining HSC and IB scores, 22 students achieved ATARs above 90 (28%) and 38 students achieved ATARs above 80 (47%), affirming St Paul’s standing as a leading non-selective co-educational school.

Principal, Ian Wake, congratulated students, families and the staff of St Paul’s, noting that “these outstanding results reinforce St Paul's strong academic reputation, and demonstrate the incredible value of a holistic education. We are very proud of each and every one of our students, and acknowledge their significant efforts over the course of their studies. They remain in our prayers as they commence a new and exciting stage of life.”

Director of Learning Services and IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Mr. Antony Mayrhofer also praised the students.

“The outstanding academic results of our IB Diploma Graduates reflect their commitment to their studies over the past two years. The dedication of their teachers, whose vast IB experience in the classroom, as IB examiners and in IB curriculum development is un-equalled in Australia, must also be appreciated as contributing significantly to these excellent results. When considered together with this cohort’s HSC results, the academic achievement of our Year 12 Class of 2017 is one that reflects a deep culture of excellence in teaching and learning at the school.”

The IB Diploma is a highly regarded International Senior Secondary Programme of study that over 170,000 students world-wide sit for each year in more than 140 countries. The IB is studied in more than 5,000 schools throughout the world. It is an increasingly popular alternative to the HSC, with a dozen Sydney Schools now offering the Diploma Programme. The IB offers a continuum of high-quality education that encourages international-mindedness, critical thinking, community service and a positive approach to learning.

St Paul’s offers a continuum of IB education from PreKindergarten to Year 12. It has offered the Diploma Programme since 1990, and was the first NSW School to offer the IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes in 2003. Since 2006, approximately half of the St Paul’s senior school students have studied the IB Diploma and half have studied the HSC. It should also be noted that some of these students have only ever known an IB education.

Mandarin Stars Classes a Hit Would you like your child to speak Mandarin?

If your child is 1 to 12 years of age, give them the advantage of speaking Mandarin.

Consider giving your child an invaluable life gift and take advantage of a FREE Mandarin language lesson with Mandarin Stars at Penrith and Lower Blue Mountains.

Their fun, immersion based Mandarin Stars Playgroups and SuperSTARS classes for children are brought to you by their local Mandarin Stars Penrith business owner and teacher, Michelle Wang, and her experienced and passionate team of Mandarin teachers. The Mandarin Stars program is specifically designed for children and is suitable for both beginners of Mandarin and also native learners as well.

The program offers: • An engaging program that will inspire a love for learning Chinese.

• An immersion based program that teaches strong listening and speaking skills in Mandarin.

• Language building activities such as role play, Chinese songs, rhymes and games!

• The teaching of Chinese characters, reading, writing and Pin Yin. • The discovery of Chinese history, culture, festivals, Calligraphy, Tai Chi and even Kung Fu! Imagine the life advantages your child will enjoy when they can speak Mandarin fluently. Join the thousands of Australian parents who are giving their children this invaluable life gift.

Term 1 classes are held at Penrith Baptist Church and Blaxland Community Centre during school terms on Saturdays. A free trial lesson is on Saturday, 3rd of February 2018. Book your child in today. The first day of week 1 class starts on Saturday, 10th of February 2018.

Call Michelle at Mandarin Stars today on 0405 081992 or 1800 181118, or visit their website at www.mandarinstars.com. au. You can also visit their Facebook Mandarin Stars – Penrith & Blue Mountains.

Language Role Play & Games Singing Dancing Drama ^ƚŽƌLJƟŵĞ School Holiday Programs

Emu Plains Auto Electrical A small group enjoying an engaging program | Image Supplied

THE WESTIES MARKETS EMU PLAINS 2018 DATES

Automotive Air Conditioning Reversing Cameras & (ARC#: AU13315) Sensors Century / Super Start Batteries

Exchange Starter Motors & Alternators

GME UHF & CB Radios

Carman Scan Tool Diagnosis

Vehicle Entertainment

General Auto Electrical Work

Vehicle Security

11 Railway Street, Emu Plains NEPEAN CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS HIGH SCHOOL

4735 2438

Only 100m From Emu Plains Station

www.emuleonaygazette.com.au February 2018 9

St Paul’s 2017 Dux & High Achievers

Our Crest

Design & Colour

est

The St Paul’s crest represents the centrality of the cross to the Christian faith and thus mission of our school; profiled by the rising sun symbolising our hope and future in Christ. The crest is made up of the central logo with the name and motto of the school around the diameter.

Colour

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2019 Scholarships at St Paul’s

ot be manipulated aling of rtical occur.

Colours: Pantone, CMYK and RGB versions of the St Paul’s School crest have been created. The colour values are:

DUX

2017

PMS 294 C

PMS 362 C

PMS 3935 C

C100 M69 Y7 K30

C78 M0 Y100 K2

C2 M0 Y60 K0

R0 G47 B108

R80 G158 B47

R243 G234 B93

Sarah Bakker

Yutong Chen

Susan Graham

ATAR: 99.95

ATAR: 99.85

ATAR: 99.85

IB SCORE: 45

IB SCORE: 44

IB SCORE: 44

Residence • Mountain Lagoon

Residence • Shantou, China

Residence • Glenbrook

Achievements at School • Dux of Year 10, topping MYP and then BOSTES (now NESA) programmes

Achievements at School • Victor Chang Award

Achievements at School • Captain of Sport • CIS Cross Country

• Meritorious Award

• High Distinction in Biology, Chemistry and Physics • Science Olympiad

Colour Reverse White reverse / CMYK crest should be reversed out of St Paul’s Blue - PMS541

and RGB chool crest have values are:

PMS 294 C

PMS 362 C

PMS 3935 C

C100 M69 Y7 K30

C78 M0 Y100 K2

C2 M0 Y60 K0

R0 G47 B108

R80 G158 B47

R243 G234 B93

Apply for a scholarship for your child.

everse / CMYK out of St Paul’s

Each year, St Paul’s Grammar School offers a limited number of scholarships to students entering Years 5, 7, 9 and 11 levels, encouraging excellence and nurturing potential across the curriculum.

o be used when r reproduction otographic our isn’t

Y 2016

The logo should not be redrawn, digitally manipulated or altered. No rescaling of the horizontal or vertical proportions should occur.

APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS 2019 CLOSING ON FEBRUARY 28, 2018

ST PAUL’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Academic Scholarships

All-Rounder Scholarships

Performing Arts Scholarships

Are awarded to students on the basis of their ACER exam results and at the Principal’s discretion. All applicants must sit for the scholarship test in February.

Are available to students with significant ability in areas such as Academic, Performing Arts, Debating and/or public speaking, Sport, and Leadership.

Are available to students of exceptional achievement in music, dance or drama as well as excellence in academic studies.

Christian Congregational Scholarships Are offered to students with a developing understanding of the Christian faith and actively involved in a Christian Church.

The Don Harwin Scholarships Are offered to new students who are able to demonstrate outstanding service and citizenship in their current school, church and community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS & APPLICATION FORMS 10 February 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

Mono / Mono Reverse To be used when appropriate for non colour reproduction (forms, reversed out of photographic background) or when colour isn’t available.

PAGE 4

Highest possible ATAR

ST PAUL’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL Maximum International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) score is 45

BRAND IDENTITY 2016

Our Logotype Configuration

University Offer Accepted • Pembroke College to study Law. (Pembroke College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, England)

The St Paul’s logotype consists of two elements: the logo and the St Paul’s Grammar School wordmark.

Maximum International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) score is 45

University Offer Accepted • Cambridge University to study Medicine

Maximum International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) score is 45

University Offer Accepted • University of Sydney to study a dual law degree, and take part in the Dalyell Scholars Program

Primary Logotype Horizontal

Both elements been p. 02have 4777 4888 e. enrol@stpauls.nsw.edu.au visually combined to create a w. stpauls.nsw.edu.au modern identity for St Paul’s that profiles the name of the www.emuleonaygazette.com.au February 2018 11 school in brand opportunities.

CALL US 4733 0792

MARKETING THAT MAKES CENTS

PACKAGES FROM $299 12 February 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

BIZ MATTERS

Article Written + Submitted by: Sharon Ruddleston | CPM | MBA | AFIML | Business Growth Expert and Game Changer | Speaker | Author | Mentor | Adviser 0418-861-562

Tips For Goal Setting in 2018 We’re already a month into the new year and for many that carries a mixed bag of emotion about the year ahead. So, I’m going to share some tips on goal setting.

Tip #1: Review What Was Take a moment to review 2017. What worked? What didn’t work? What needs to change?

Tip #2: Less Is More I find when working with business owners that three top-level goals is optimal and avoids overwhelm.

Tip #3: Have Purpose Make your goals specific. I like to use the equation: X to Y by date. (I will increase revenue from $500K in February 2018 to $750K by December 2018).

Once you’ve set your goals for the year, work backwards to break these down into smaller specific goals that each have a direct impact on achieving your top-level goals.

I like to stick with a ‘process of three’. Eg. To achieve your toplevel goals, what three specific goals do you need to achieve each quarter? To achieve your quarterly goals, what three goals do you need to achieve each month? To achieve those, what three goals do you need to achieve weekly? And finally, what three goals do you need to achieve daily? You begin to see how acting on purpose with purpose every day stacks up to achieving your goals for the year.

Tip #4: Write It Down

When you’ve worked through the process, write it down and make it visible. This is key to execution and this is where most people fail. Map it in a calendar and you have your high-level action plan.

Tip#5: Stay Agile We’re living in dynamic times. Your goals are about propelling your business forward, not holding it back. Don’t let them paralyse you. Stay agile, adaptable and flex with flux.

Image: www.pexels.com

Shop 23, 510-534 High St Penrith 2750 P: 4722 8660 E: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Meet The Dynamic Duo of Real Homes Realty!

Since teaming up last year Mina Khanchedar and Jocelyn Marrian have been working non-stop to represent their clients and the results have been spectacular!

With over 20yrs combined experience in Real Estate and Customer Oriented Service they are not only passionate about property but committed to building relationships with their clients.

Mina and Jocelyn are both long-time residents of the Penrith area, establishing a well known reputation for their community and charitable work. Their wealth of local knowledge regarding the Penrith and surrounding areas and the people who live, work and play is very extensive.

This team offers a point of difference when it comes to Real Estate Sales.

If you would like to know more about them and what they can offer. Please call anytime.

Mina on: 0431516489 or Jocelyn on: 0452213770 E. info@realhomesrealty.com.au www.realhomesrealty.com.au Real Homes Realty @RealHomesRealty www.emuleonaygazette.com.au February 2018 13

Wrapped Up with Kindness The 14 dedicated ladies that make up the Caring Hearts Community Quilters have been stitching for countless hours making quilts all year for those less fortunate in the area. They have in the past month delivered over 70 quilts to Edinglassie Nursing Home and Edinglassie Lodge.

A lovely morning was had with the ladies walking around the wards with the Activities Officer of the Nursing Home giving out the quilts, bringing huge smiles to the patients. They loved the designs and the colourful fabrics and knowing that they were just for them, made the morning very special.

The Caring Hearts Quilters have been stitching quilts for 15 years for local hospital palliative care wards, neo-natal wards, and Cancer patients in the Penrith, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains. They are self-funded senior ladies with huge hearts. Each year, they have a Quilt Show, showing the quilts before they are given to the many different facilities. This is a lovely day and brings the local community together to support their work and to raise funds for the much-needed fabric and wadding needed to continue. They are always open to donations of quilts, quilt tops, UFO’s and fabric. If you can help, please contact Margaret Collier 0438 670012.

HEALTH MATTERS

Article Written + Submitted by: Andreas Klein Nutritionist + Remedial Therapist from Beautiful Health + Wellness P: 0418 166 269

Structural Scoliosis – You Can Get Some Pain Relief Unlike functional scoliosis, structural scoliosis is not a simple lateral curve of the spine. It involves a more complex threedimensional deformity of vertebrae. Thus, the side to side curvature we see is normally a product of two abnormalities 1. Increased lordosis (like the bend in your lower back) 2. Abnormal rotation of individual vertebrae with respect to one another Structural scoliosis is actually very common. "Normal� children have neither straight nor symmetrical spines. Fifteen per cent of children show evidence of a lateral curvature on a visual examination and as many as 30 per cent with a more accurate measurement. Anatomists two centuries ago clearly demonstrated that everyone had a scoliosis, albeit of small magnitude (Dickson 1984). Structural scoliosis is also 7 times more common in women.

It can be classified by the type of curve that is seen (see picture) or by the age it develops i.e. • infantile • juvenile • adolescent By far the majority of cases are adolescent onset and screening of children allows early intervention to minimise progression.

Doctors measure the size of the curve from X-rays using the Cobb technique (see below). A curvature of 20 degrees or more is considered significant, but this is rare. For example, only 2-5 people per 1000 with structural scoliosis of thoracic spine have a curve of 20 degrees or more.

Most cases of structural scoliosis (80%) are of a type called ‘idiopathic scoliosis’. Idiopathic just means that no one knows

why it occurred. For the rest there is a laundry list of conditions that lead to scoliosis, but some include: • Congenital (bone abnormalities present at birth) • Neuromuscular conditions such as • Cerebral Palsy • Muscular Dystrophy • Connective Tissue Disorders • Marfan’s Syndrome • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Certain Dwarves • Trauma • Fractures • Irradiation • Surgery You may need to consult an orthopaedic or neurosurgeon, and treatments in severe cases may include a ‘Harrington’ metal rod, and / or bone grafts to stabilize the spine.

People with structural scoliosis are often afflicted with great back pain. They have tremendous muscle fatigue, because day-in & day-out for years, the muscles around the spine have to stabilise the body around a bent spine. This is very hard work indeed.

Fatigued muscles cells sustain damage & release chemicals of inflammation. These cause fluid accumulation & muscle swelling, and pain.

Physical therapy can help relieve pain for people with structural scoliosis, however the treatment needs to be regular and ongoing to be beneficial because the back muscles are continually over worked. If you have structural scoliosis and would like some advice, please come see us at the clinic.

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14 February 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

PAWS A WHILE

Article Written + Submitted by: Camille Brandt from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital A: 377 Wentworth Rd, Orchard Hills P: 4736 2027 $1720 Guide Dog Donation from the Santa Photos with Pets Santa Claus visited Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital during December 2017 and photos were taken with your pets. We all enjoyed watching your pets get dressed up with Santa hats and scarves and sitting on Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knee for a photo. With a lot of laughs and giggles, we took many cute Santa photos.

Thank you for all of the donations for the photos. With your great support, we raised $1720 for The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT!!

Wow!! We all had lots of fun and The Guide Dogs get a great donation.

Thanks again for participating. Too much fun!!

Keeping your Pets Safe in the Heat Wave With the unrelenting hot weather, it is important to look after your pets: â&#x20AC;˘ Provide shelter for your pets, so they get away from direct sunlight. â&#x20AC;˘ Provide plenty of water. Animals do not sweat like humans and they rely on the evaporation of the water in their mouths to cool themselves down. So they need extra water so they do not overheat. â&#x20AC;˘ Provide extra water sources in case they are spilled. â&#x20AC;˘ Provide kiddy pools so your pet can lay in the water. â&#x20AC;˘ Bring your pets indoors with air conditioning, if possible. â&#x20AC;˘ Consider day boarding in air conditioning.

â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid exercising your pets during the heat of the day. Walk them in the early morning, or later at night when it is cooler. â&#x20AC;˘ Do not leave pets in a car or vehicle.

If your pet has a medical condition, they may be more prone to heat stroke: e.g. obesity; Brachycephalic breeds (shortnosed/flat-faced) e.g. Pugs, English bull dogs, French bulldogs, Pekingese and Persian and Himalayan cats; Respiratory disease/ breathing problems - laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea; Thick/long hair coat; Heart problems/Cardiovascular disease; Extremes in age (young/old); Neurological disease.

Signs of Heat Stroke Common signs include: â&#x20AC;˘ Incessant panting; Drooling, salivating; Agitation, restlessness; Very red or pale gums; Bright red tongue; Increased heart rate; Breathing distress; Vomiting, Diarrhoea (possibly with blood); Signs of mental confusion; Delirium; Dizziness; Staggering; Lethargy; Weakness; Muscle tremors; Seizures; Collapsing and lying down; Little to no urine production; Coma or Death.

How do you Treat a Pet with Heatstroke?

First step is to instigate Emergency First Aid by bathing your pet in cool water.

Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency - always see a vet.

We look forward to meeting you and your pets at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, and please feel free to pop in anytime and meet the team.

For more information check out our Facebook, website www. orchardhillsvet.com.au or call 02 4736 2027.

Orchard Hills

Veterinary Hospital

For Appointments call

4736 2027

Camille Brandt BVSc(Hons 1), MVS(SAP) Erin Short BVSc(Hons 1)

Consulting Hours

Services provided include:

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377 Wentworth Road,Road, Orchard Hills â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hills 4736â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2027 377 Wentworth Orchard 4736 2027 7 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au February 2018 15

Grant a Big Winner at Leonay GC Presentation Night Leonay Golf Club veteran Bruce Grant was the man of the moment at the Club's recent presentation night, taking home a healthy swag of 6 awards for an outstanding 2017.

Grant came from the clouds in the B Grade Club Championships, overcoming a nine-shot deficit at the end of the third round to overwhelm the field for a two-shot victory.

Rounds of 77, 84, 81 and 72 (par 67) gave Grant a scratch score of 314 and he rubbed salt into the wound of his opponents, also taking out the Nett with a score of 254.

Grant would also take out the 'Joe Harsham Trophy' for the 'Best Nett Score Over All Grades', along with the Veterans Nett title.

Not satisfied with his haul to date, Grant subsequently partnered with Leonay GC Ladies Champion Judith Knox to win the Mixed Foursomes Nett Score, finishing runners-up to powerhouse couple Laurie and Lynn Cupples in the Scratch event.

Other major winners were: â&#x20AC;˘ A Grade Scratch - Andrew Moon, Runner-Up - Adrian Kuipers. A Grade Nett - Adrian Kuipers

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B Grade Scratch - Brian Grant, Runner-Up Peter McFarlane. B Grade Nett - Bruce Grant C Grade Scratch - Ross Woodley, Runner-Up Brian Metcalfe.

C Grade Nett - Scott White Veterans Scratch - Laurie Cupples. Veterans Nett - Bruce Grant Juniors Scratch - Eric Summers, Runner-Up Kyle Homan.

Juniors Nett - Eric Summers Foursomes A Grade Scratch - Adrian Kuipers, Ben McArdle, Runners-Up - Ian Barnes, Chris Blakeley. Nett - Mark Pennefather, Gavin Bennett Foursomes B Grade Scratch - Mick McCormick, Ian Hogg.

Runners-Up Trevor Day, Warrick Chin-Nam. Nett - Les Royle, George Thompson Don Watson Trophy - Winner Peter Fowler, Runner-Up Coby Carruthers Ray Dukes Cup - Winner Tony Wright, Runner-up Andrew Moon Last Man Standing - Peter McFarlane

FAITH - EMU PLAINS ANGLICAN

Article Written + Submitted by: Roger Cunningham | Senior Minister P: 4735 1001 E: roger@epac.org.au W: www.epac.org.au Service Times: Sundays @ 8:00am, 9:30am and 6:30pm Plus activities for adults and young people throughout the week

Do Christians Still Believe That? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kangaroo seen on Sydney Harbour Bridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the headlines read in January. What are we going to do now? After years of telling Americans kangaroos donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t actually roam the streets in Australia, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got one on the Harbour Bridge! It would have confirmed everything they ever thought they knew - and it was true. It was a wallaby of course, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not as gripping a headline.

An event that people see can challenge expectations. It may not have been seen by us but someone else who passed on the report. It can even have happened years ago. But even if it never happened before, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve still got to take notice of the time that it did. Have you ever seen a kangaroo on the Harbour Bridge before?

Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; life and words certainly challenged peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations. Many explanations have been given and opinions formed. But youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be forgiven for thinking from many of them that he is the creation of a lively imagination, or an ancient

figure whose lost his relevance.

But when you read the Bible, and hear the reports of those who met Jesus - you may just remember the story of the kangaroo on the harbour bridge. You thought it was impossible, or a figment of imagination, but then discover Jesus was not only real but has a crucial place in your life.

Christians who trust the Bible still believe that. They believe other extraordinary things too, like Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; death was a victory, and He rose again from the dead, and God loves us even though we experience suffering in this life.

So we thought from Sunday 25th February until after Easter weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be exploring those very things and others like them at Church. In a time when you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect a kangaroo to cross the harbour bridge, you might just find Jesus challenges everything you expected about him as well.

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16 February 2018 www.emuleonaygazette.com.au

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www.emuleonaygazette.com.au February 2018 17

KITCHENS

MUSIC TUITION

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NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE

15th February 2018 MEET OUR TEAM

Managing Editor Belinda Sanders

Writer / Sales Cim Sanders

Writer / Distribution Lisa Finn-Powell

Writer / Educational Consultant Sara Drebber

(Police, Ambulance, Fire) Penrith Police Station Police Assistance Line Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling WIRES (Wildlife Rescue) NSW Rural Fire Service State Emergency Service

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THE LAST WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to our first edition for 2018! I know the Christmas and New Year period raced by in a blur for many, and here we are, already facing what February has in store.

The New Year period is always my favourite. A great time to refocus and set goals. The perfect opportunity to take onboard any challenges from years gone by, learn and grow from them. It's these challenges that have made us stronger and more determined to reach our newest goals.

It's back to school for many students across our community, and who can forget that very first introduction to BIG school? Starting school is an important step in a child's life, a time where they form many friendships, learn many lessons and face various kinds of successes and challenges. All of which, are (and will be) important lessons on this journey we call life!

Many of our readers are small business owners, or know someone that is. For those in business, the start of a New Year is the ideal time to take it to the next level or review the challenges of years gone by and turn a new leaf. Upscale, downsize, branch out, out-source, gain exposure, increase sales. Sharon delves into this further on page 13. Whatever your plans or focus, we wish you every success in 2018.

As always, we have plenty of local stories and events this month, so bask in the sun and catch up on all the latest happenings.

Enjoy your Community News, and remember, "If you change nothing, nothing changes".

Belinda

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Writer Renee Garcia

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Community News... The Jordan Springs Gazette welcomes community news and events, local achievements, births, deaths, obituaries, weddings, engagements and anniversaries (published free of charge) Articles of interest will be accepted at the Editor’s discretion. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor.

Letters to the Editor...may be printed and edited as necessary. Names must be submitted but can be withheld from publication at the writer’s request.

Every effort is made to print correct information but no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.

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