Families Magazine Brisbane Apr/May 2016 Family Health & Easter

Issue 15: April/May 2016 www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

I’m

Brisbane - Northside

Ft REE ake me home!

Including the city and up through Redcliffe, North Lakes/ Kallangur, Samford and our through the Western suburbs

FAMILY HEALTH & EASTER HOLIDAY FUN

What’s On this Easter for families Why school camps rock!

Discount vouchers for Easter fun BEST climbing trees in Brisbane

The Clever Resource for Thinking Parents

April/May 2016

Contents 5 Welcome to our Easter Holidays & Family Health Issue First term of school is dusted! Or if your child is too small for school, welcome to the blur of days defined by sleep interruption and milky kisses which is your life now. Have you sold all your nice clothes on eBay yet? You should, you won’t need them for the next 10 years.

For me this should be the Family Health/ Dramatic Arts edition as most of our doctor visits are primarily to interrogate how ‘method’ my daughter’s campaign to get out of school is. If she had a slogan it would be ‘Medically there seems to be no issue…”.

My attitudes to health care are from my very alternative Steiner-wannabe mum who was raising two daughters solo at times and trying to maintain her facade as a focussed business person. This meant good intentions were often undone by slapdash implementation. I used to suffer from persistent earaches which she would solve ‘naturally’ by pouring lukewarm olive oil into the ear canal. Except the time she was distracted and overheated the oil. Would we say the pain of a seared ear drum distracted from the initial throbbing? Yes we would.

My attitude to family health is same same but different: if it can’t be solved with some tea tree oil and a needle held over a flame then it’s probably quite serious and we should consult a professional. How handy is the Home Doctor Service for helping you decide if it’s serious enough to warrant the wait time crossing into bedtime? Dilemmas!

Families News Find out what is happening in and around Brisbane

6-9

Parenting Raising girls to be includers instead of mean girls Tantrums vs Sensory Meltdowns

11-13

Education School Open Days for Apr/May Why school camps rock!

14-20

Families Health The BEST climbing trees in Brisbane How to handle kids who under eat Could it be Coeliac Disease?

The benefits of pets

22-25

Families Fun Circle the family events you plan to do over the Easter holidays and beyond

Wishing you health, happiness and a functional circadian rhythm.

Simone Éclair

Simone Éclair insists she is a Brisbane comedian (but you can decide for yourself ).

Follow her on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram (simone.eclair) if you are inclined or enjoy her blog and videos at simoneeclair.com.

Families Magazine, PO Box 1018, Brighton 4017

☎

Next issue June/July 2016 – Deadline Friday 29 April 2016 Focus on Winter Day Trips & Children’s Parties Readership over 100,00 every issue. Published 6 times a year.

For families in Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan and the Moreton Region. © Families Magazine 2016

CONTACT US: 07 3265 5738

Cover image courtesy of the Parry family.

Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

Families Magazine – Brisbane is audited by the Audited Media Association of Australia; CAB giving you assurance that our claims to distribution & readership are accurate.

www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Our Readers

FRONT COVER COMPETITION Our fabulous family finalists

Houlding Family - Griffin

Cooley Family - Tin

galpa

APRIL/ MAY 2016

Mathieson Family - Wakerley

WINNER!

Dingle Family - Fer

ny Grove

Frisch Family - Everton Hills

Savage Family - Nu ndah Credit Busy Bee Ph otography

Mathieson Family - Wakerley

Jorgensen Family

- Upper Mt Gravat t

Howard Family - Bald Hills

Durrant Family - Ha wthorn Credit: Seed photog raphy

Munenza Family - Regent’s

Park

Scott Family - Ke

nmore

Visit our website to enter our Front Cover Competition for 2017 www.familiesmagazine.com.au/competitions 4

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

Families News

LOCAL FAMILIES NEWS

Looking for the latest local news and views? We've got it covered!

ROBOTICS TEAM HEADS TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION The Sheldon College Tech Wizards competed in the First Lego league National Competition in Sydney last year against 45 other teams from around the country. They finished in 8th place resulting in an invitation to attend the International Competition to be held on 27-30 April 2016.

The, mostly Year 6 students, represented the College with complete professionalism and class.

On the day, they had to explain the programming of their solutions, detail the build of the robot they have created and present their solution on how to better deal with waste in the community.

The International Competition is held concurrently around the world in five countries, and as such Sheldon College will now attend the finals in the city of St Louis in the State of Missouri.

This is the biggest Lego League final in the world drawing a crowd of over 35,000 people.

Congratulations to the Sheldon College team and their teachers!

For further information about Sheldon College www.sheldoncollege.com

DREAMWORLD’S TIGER ISLAND’S MASSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS Dreamworld has recently started work on the privately funded, $7million dollar redevelopment of Dreamworld’s Tiger Island – including a massive new stadium and themed shopping and dining outlets at the one of the most popular family attractions in South East Queensland. Opened in 1995 and celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, Tiger Island is home to nine adult tigers and five cubs. Dreamworld opened in 1981 and will be celebrating 35 years of operations this December.

For more information: www.dreamworld.com.au

TADPOLES AT NARANGBA FAREWELL TWO LONG TERM STAFF MEMBERS On Friday 26 February, two long service staff were farewelled by their colleagues and the children and parents they worked with. Miss Glenda, who was the Tadpoles chain first ever employee in 2002 and Miss Tess, who was employed 12 months later, have said their goodbyes after almost 13 years. Miss Glenda and Miss Tess have cared for and taught hundreds of children during their years at Tadpoles and some of these past students now drive themselves in to say ‘hi' and have a catch up chat.

It is most unusual for a Childcare centre to retain staff for this length of time and the centre staff have acknowledged and celebrated their wonderful contributions to families, the local community, the childcare industry and to Tadpoles and its staff. Miss Glenda has been an active advocate for the industry being heavily involved with the Workforce Council as a member of the local Peer Support Network as well as building many strong partnerships with the local schools. For more information about Tadpoles: www.tadpoles.com.au

OOPS! WE MADE A MISTAKE! In our Feb/Mar 2016 issue we stated that Luisa was a mum. We wanted to correct that to say that Luisa is both local and a great chief, but not a mum. She does, however run awesome cooking classes for kids and you can find out more here: www.inmyownkitchen.com

QUEENSLAND STATE SCHOOLS USHER IN NEW ERA WITH DIGITAL CURRICULUM With projections suggesting that 50 per cent of future jobs will require a high level of digital skills, our school kids are being equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this age. The state government has launched the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies to empower students to become the digital creators and innovators of Queensland’s future. Education Minister Kate Jones said the Digital Technologies curriculum provided students with practical opportunities to use coding and robotics to create solutions to real world problems.

There are a range of resources available to support teachers implement the curriculum. The Coding Academy, which will operate alongside Curriculum into the Classroom, is an online hub for the teaching of computer coding and programming in Queensland state schools.

The teaching of digital technologies is part of a wider emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects outlined in the Advancing education action plan.

To find out how Digital Technologies are delivered right from Prep: www. familiesmagazine.com.au/education-schools/what-will-child-learn-prep

COMMONWEALTH GAMES GOLD COAST 2018

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know that they Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will require 15, 000 volunteers? Pre-registration is now underway for those wishing to volunteer their services both before and during the Games. Full training will be provided with TAFE who have partnered with GC2018.

For more information: www.gc2018.com/opportunities

EASTER HOLIDAY DISCOUNTS & FREEBIES Looking for some discounted or even FREE fun over the Easter holidays? Check out page 31 of this magazine. Movie tickets (for kids AND adults), Babysitting discounts, indoor play opportunities and more.

Or download online here:

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/vouchers Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Parenting

RAISING GIRLS TO BE INCLUDERS INSTEAD OF

mean girls

Raising girls can be a minefield of emotions and is challenging when navigating relationships.

Whether girls are kind and inclusive and how they deal with conflict and negativity is complicated. We investigate…

Female friendships – important and intense

Female friendship can feel as intense and passionate as the most tumultuous of romances.

Friendships, although valued by both genders, appear more intimate and significant for females.

Perhaps best described by Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables, as “bosom friends or kindred spirits”, girls seek intense and intimate friendships, as a safe place where their innermost secrets can be shared. Far from simply gossiping and hair braiding, friendships between girls serve an array of emotional and developmental needs.

During times of stress, females are more inclined to turn to each other and seek out social support.

While navigating their developing identity during adolescence, girls use their friendships to discover who they are, independent from their family. We all have a need to belong, yet girls in particular seem to crave being accepted and understood

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Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

by others. For it is often only following a friend’s understanding of her, that a girl can then begin to understand herself.

Despite the joy of female friendships, or perhaps because of it, girls are not always found to be made of ‘sugar and spice and all things nice’. Paradoxically, it is her superior skills in navigating social encounters and her drive for connection which enables her to hurt others in sophisticated and subtle ways, barely detectable to those observing from the outside. When at war in the social world, girls fight their battles in very different ways from boys. While boys typically use physical aggression, girls have been observed from as young as three years of age to engage in relational aggression.

Relational aggression involves exclusion, rumours, gossiping and turning others against the victim.

As relational aggression is subtle to outside observers, usually adults, it allows girls to maintain the impression of niceness and femininity. Girls are able to express their anger, which typically they

have been raised to suppress, while still appearing cooperative and nice to others.

Why some girls are ‘mean girls’ Girls can be just as competitive as boys and experience the same types of normal human emotions including anger, fear, frustration, envy and jealousy. However, as a society we do not seem to be comfortable with female anger or conflict.

When males disagree it can often be viewed as masculine, assertive, or powerful and packaged by the media as an intellectual debate. However, when the conflict is between females it is typically characterised in a less complimentary light and described as bitchy, cat fighting or butch. Parents too, can feel uncomfortable with their daughter’s anger and often discourage conflict among girls.

When parents tell their daughters to “play nice”, or “be nice” they can unintentionally send the message that it is wrong to disagree or argue. This

Parenting

can result in unwittingly inviting girls to suppress their anger, only for it to be expressed in secret or underhand ways. During adolescence, a time ripe for friendship challenges, girls can often lack the skills or confidence required to deal with conflict.

This can lead some girls to rely on relational aggression methods (to become ‘mean girls’) to respond to playground squabbles they are illequipped to deal with more maturely.

The very important role of parents

Parents can assist daughters to negotiate the intricacies involved in female friendship and support them to communicate feelings of anger or frustration constructively. Firstly, when a parent can accept and acknowledge their daughter’s anger, they teach her that it is a normal human emotion which she can learn to manage rather than avoid or suppress. Once a girl is able to recognise she is feeling angry she can then utilise the strategies modelled or taught to her. Strategies include using “I feel” statements (“I feel angry/upset/scared/ frustrated when you….”), listening and seeking to understand others, and being pleasant towards others even if they are not considered friends.

To develop compassion and kindness in our children and nurture them to be includers, parents firstly need to model this behaviour themselves. As mothers, how we treat other women and whether we engage in gossip, slander or backstabbing will have an impact on how our daughters manage their own conflict. Adults are not immune from experiencing fear, frustration or envy at times and these uncomfortable feelings can invite slanderous comments about others. Making a commitment to refrain from gossiping or making snide comments about other adults and striving to celebrate others’ achievements or success means our daughters will be more inclined to respond in similar ways than feel frustrated or envious of others.

Helping your daughter understand the ‘mean girls’

When your daughter is the one being excluded this can feel catastrophic, to both her and to you. However, it is important to stay calm and to manage the situation carefully. Help your daughter to look behind the unkind behaviour of another and see if she can understand what might be driving this. Usually excluders engage in this behaviour due to feeling insecure, scared, rejected or threatened. Sometimes it is enough for a girl to understand why someone may have chosen to be unkind to her. Other times girls need to be encouraged to respond assertively both, whether

they are the victim or the bystander, and let the excluder know that what she is doing is not ok.

Role playing with your daughter about what to say and thinking about how others may respond can help them to feel confident to communicate with their peers during friendship struggles.

I often use the ‘lava lamp’ as an analogy to educate girls about relationships. Relationships are not fixed entities, instead they remain in flow – very few people form a group on the first day of school and spend the next five years being best friends with that same group of girls. It is very natural and common for groups and relationships to change, just as our girls themselves grow and change. Opportunities to join and leave groups, and initiate or end relationships, continue to present themselves throughout primary and high school. Making friends requires patience, time, energy, circumstances and courage. This can be reinforced and modelled for girls by their parents, as throughout life we continue to be required to muster our courage and employ our best social skills to navigate new relationships.

Mrs Jody Forbes is the School Psychologist and Student Counselling Coordinator at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. www.bggs.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Parenting

TANTRUMS VS SENSORY MELTDOWNS

How they are different and what to do!

What is the difference between a tantrum and a sensory meltdown?

Do you know the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown? You might be thinking – Of course I do! Only kids with autism have meltdowns.

Every other child screaming in the shopping centre is just throwing a tantrum, right?

Wrong.

Children with autism are certainly more prone to meltdowns, however every child (and adult for that matter) can experience a meltdown if the conditions are right (or wrong!).

Whether your child has an autism diagnosis or not, it’s still important to know the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, so you know how to respond accordingly.

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A MELTDOWN is usually caused by a build up

of sensory stimulus that becomes so overwhelming, it is hard to stay calm and in control. Children with autism and sensory processing disorders often become overwhelmed by sensory input (e.g. bright lights, loud noises, crowds etc.) and will experience a meltdown when they are no longer able to tolerate the amount or type of input they are receiving. A meltdown can also occur when emotions and feelings become overwhelming.

This can happen to anyone, although it is more likely to occur if you have autism or other neurodevelopmental disorder. If your child experiences frequent meltdowns, without any apparent cause, it’s best to consult with your child’s general practitioner or paediatrician.

A TANTRUM is usually caused by a child

not getting what they want, being asked to do

something they don’t want to do, or having something done to them that they are not happy about. Younger kids that struggle to find the words to express how they feel are more likely to have a tantrum. It’s a very effective (although undesirable) way to let others know something is not right in your world!

An essential difference between a meltdown and a tantrum is that a meltdown is quite uncontrollable.

There is little a person can do when in full meltdown mode, so the strategies to be used are generally around preventing them where possible, and providing a safe place to desensitise when the need arises.

A tantrum however, is deliberate and somewhat controlled. A child will very rarely throw a tantrum if an audience is not present, whereas a meltdown will occur regardless of whether or not there are others around.

Parenting How can a tantrum be stopped?

How can I manage a meltdown?

A tantrum can be managed in a few different ways:

A child experiencing a meltdown will generally not benefit from the same behaviour management strategies that you use with tantrums. They instead need to be given time to recover from whatever sensory stimulus has affected them.

If you have a child that is prone to meltdowns, try and work out their triggers. Over time you may learn to anticipate a meltdown and avoid it before it happens. Here are some things that may help your child to avoid a meltdown:

CAUSE OF SENSORY OVERLOAD

STRATEGY

Bright lights and screen glare

• • • •

Sunglasses, Cap Screen filters Dim brightness on screens, monitors and devices Retreat to a darkened room

Too much noise

• • • • •

Listen to music through ear phones Ear plugs Pull down beanie over ears Wear a head band that covers the ears Retreat to a quiet place

Too many people and lack of personal space

• Tent or tepee retreat • Darkened room • Wear Emotichew to let people know you’re not ready to talk • Wear a hoodie to create a physical barrier

By ignoring your child until they realise a) that you are not giving in, Giving them what they want (although b) not recommended!), or c)

Redirecting/ distracting them.

a) and c) are the better choices. It’s always important to let a child know that you have heard and understood them, but that a tantrum is not the way to express their wants and needs. As children learn to find the words they need, and self-manage their anger, frustration, and other challenging emotions, they should tantrum less. Parenting young children requires lots of patience!

Detecting a meltdown It’s not always easy to anticipate a meltdown, but your child will have specific triggers and usually show signs when they are reaching their point of tolerance. Some children with autism will exhibit stimming (stimulatory) behaviours to try to override or screen out the offending stimulus. This may look like rocking, flapping hands, humming or singing, covering ears, pinching or other self-harm, and other repetitive behaviours. These are not usually signs of an impending tantrum. Stimming does not always mean a meltdown is looming, so you will need to learn to read your child.

Too much energy and excitement/ over stimulated

• Jump on a trampoline • Heavy work activities like hanging off monkey bars or wall push-ups.

• Chewy jewellery to chew on

If you have any concerns about your child’s behaviour, an Occupational Therapist can help.

Nicole Grant is a paediatric Occupational Therapist and Director of Gateway Therapies in Brisbane. (07) 3398 9367 www.gatewaytherapies.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Family Health

3 ways

to help someone you love when their heart is breaking

Falling in love is fun, exciting and romantic. Then there is falling out of love - it is, as we know, just the opposite. We talk to Clarissa Rayward from Brisbane Family Law Centre about supporting a friend through divorce.

One of the hardest things is watching your best friend, or loved one, deal with all that flows from the breakdown of their marriage. Sometimes there is the desire to celebrate - you might have been watching from the sidelines for years and have ‘known’ for a long time the break up was inevitable. More often though, the news will come completely out of the blue.

So what can we do to support those closest to us as they fall out of love? Perhaps the most important thing is to ask them just what they need from you right now. There is every chance they won’t be able to answer you and so, here are three things that you can do to help them through.

1.

Listen, listen again and then keep listening This will be hard and you might hear the same things over and over again, but just being there, listening is sometimes all they will need. They most important thing is to listen without judgment. This is not easy, as

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there is a good chance you will want to share your thoughts or that your loved one will ask for them.

But try and avoid judgment and instead focus on acknowledging the emotions they feel. This will help them to feel someone is ‘by their side’.

loved one we can help to create some positives for the future. Go for the simple things - a walk, a coffee, a dinner or night out - just something that your loved one can look forward to - a silver lining to help get them through the tough times.

Help them to find the ‘right’ information Almost every client I see during divorce says a similar thing - they describe feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn. Divorce is one of those times in life when everyone around you is suddenly an expert!

Sadly though, that expertise is usually as a result of their own direct experience of divorce and rarely because they are a professional working in the space. You can help your loved one by making sure that the information and advice they are receiving is from the best source for them.

Our great friendships can be a lot like a marriage they can be for life and come with ups and downs, good times and sad times. When a marriage comes to an end we all need our friends and those closest to us by our sides to help us as we take those first steps into a new future. A great friend will be there, through thick and thin with chocolate, wine or beer in hand with boxes of tissues and reassuring words. A great friend also knows when to save us from ourselves, when to quietly and calmly remind us that a decision we are about to make may not be the best!

2.

Professionals such as counsellors, lawyers and financial planners are all of use during divorce.

The key is to find the right advisor for the issue your loved one is dealing with at that time.

Ask them if they would like you to attend the appointments where you can use those listening skills again and take notes for them to use in the future.

3.

Help them to find the silver linings Being able to find the positives when it feels like everything in your life is upside down is a real challenge.

However, often there are few positives to be found at the end of a marriage and so, as a friend, or

And on that note, a final thought - if you find your loved one making their way to Facebook to share their thoughts on their former spouse this is the one time you are allowed to ignore all the above advice, charge across the room and throw them aside to disengage their electronic device - trust me, they will thank you later on!

Clarissa Rayward is a Collaborative Family Lawyer & Family Mediator at Brisbane Family Law Centre www.brisbanefamilylawcentre.com.au 07 3862 1955

Education

Brisbane and Ipswich’s

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS LIST To promote Your School Open Day in the next issue (June/July 2016) contact our Editor email: Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au tel: 3265 5738 All Hallows School (Fortitude Valley) Catholic Girl's School Yr 5 - Yr 12 Sunday 29 May 2016 www.ahs.qld.edu.au Anglican Church Grammar School (East Brisbane) Anglican Boys’ School Reception-Yr 12 Wednesday 20 April 2016. They also provide personalised tours at all times and an interactive tour on their website www.churchie.com.au

Moreton Bay Boys’ College (Manly West) Boys’ College Prep-Yr 12 Head of College Tours (9-10:30 am) Tuesday 19 April; Friday 27 May; Wednesday 20 July; Friday 26 August; Friday 14 October; Tuesday 1 November www.mbbc.qld.edu.au Mount Alvernia College (Kedron) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School Tuesday 17 May 10am-1pm www.mta.qld.edu.au

For prospective students & parents Please check the details of the events listed before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

Southern Cross Catholic College (Scarborough) Catholic Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Sunday May 22 10am-1pm www.sccc.qld.edu.au St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School (Corinda) Anglican Girls’ School Kindy-Yr 12 Open mornings: Thursday 19 May 9am, Tuesday 23 August 9am, Thursday 13 October 8:30-10:30 www.staidans.qld.edu.au

Bethania Lutheran School (Bethania) Co-ed Primary School Every day is Open Day. Contact school for a tour 3200 5363 www.bethania.qld.edu.au

Mount St Michael's College (Ashgrove) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School Sunday 15 May 10:30 am-1pm www.msm.qld.edu.au

Brigidine College Catholic (Indooropilly) Secondary Girls’ School Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 May; 8-9 August, 24-25 October 9:30-10:30am. To book please call: 3870 7225 www.brigidine.qld.edu.au

Music Industry College (Fortitude Valley) Indep Co-ed Music College Yr11-12 Saturday 14 May 10am - 12pm www.mic.org.au

St John Fisher College (Bracken Ridge) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School Thursday 19 May 3-6pm www.sjfc.qld.edu.au

Northpine Christian College (Dakabin) Indep Co-ed College Kindy – Yr 12 Wednesday 18 May www.northpine.qld.edu.au

St Joseph’s Nudgee College (Boondall) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12 Saturday 21 May 9am-2pm www.nudgee.com

Our Lady’s College Catholic (Annerley) Girls’ College Yr 7-Yr 12 Saturday 14 May 10am-1pm www.ourladyscollege.qld.edu.au

St Mary's College (Woodend) Catholic Girls' School Yr 7-Yr 12 Tuesday 17 May - Opening Evening www.stmarys.qld.edu.au

Brisbane Boys’ College (Toowong) Prep-Yr 12 Open Mornings - Friday 13 May, Friday 20 May; Open Evening: Friday 5 August.

The school can also organise personalised tours to suit your own time www.bbc.qld.edu.au Citipointe Christain College (Carindale) Independant Prep-Yr 12 Tuesday 3 May 9am; Tuesday 23 August 9am; Tuesday 11 October, 5pm www.brisbane.coc.edu.au Genesis Christian College (Bray Park) Indep Co-ed School Prep-Yr 12 Tuesday 17 May 9-11am; personalised tours can be made by appointment www.genesis.qld.edu.au Grace Lutheran College (Rothwell) Co-ed Secondary College Grace@Work AM Monday 9 May, Caboolture Open Day Friday 13 May, Grace@Work PM Wednesday 3 August, Rothwell Open Day Sunday 16 October www.gracecollege.qld.edu.au Iona College (Wynnum West) Catholic Boys’ College Monday 30 May www.iona.qld.edu.au Ipswich Grammar School (Ipswich) Indep Boys' School Prep Yr 12 Thursday 19 May www.ipswichgrammar.com Mary MacKillop College (Nundah) Girl's Secondary College yr 7 - 12 Sunday 22 May 2016 10am-1pm www.mmc.qld.edu.au

Padua College (Kedron) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12 Sunday 22 May; times to be finalised www.padua.qld.edu.au Prince of Peace Lutheran College (Everton Hills) Co-ed Kindy-Yr 12 Junior Campus Open Mornings: Thursday 5 May, Tuesday 6 September; Senior Campus Open Mornings: Tuesday 24 May, Thursday 15 September www.princeofpeace.qld.edu.au Redeemer Lutheran College (Rochedale) Co-ed College Prep-Yr 12 Wednesday 18 May 9-11am; Wednesday 3 August 9-11am; Wednesday 19 October 5:00-6:00pm; Personalised tours can also be arranged www.redeemer.com.au San Sisto College (Carina) Secondary Girls’ School Open Day: Sunday 15 May 1pm-4pm; College tours: Thursday 8 September 9am, Wednesday 12 October 9am www.sansisto.qld.edu.au Seton College (Mount Gravatt East) Co-ed Secondary, focusing on students with learning needs Tuesday 3 May; Tuesday 2 August - all run from 9 -10:30am www.seton.qld.edu.au

St Edmunds College Catholic Boys' School (Ipswich) Yr 7 - Yr 12 Saturday 21 May 10am - Noon www.secqld.edu.au

St Peter's Lutheran College (Indooropilly) Indep Co-ed Prep – Yr 12 Saturday 7 May, tours can also be made by appointment www.stpeters.qld.edu.au St Thomas More College (Sunnybank) Catholic Co-ed College Yr 7-Yr 12 Tuesday 17 May; Tuesday 16 August - each day has two sessions: 9:15am and 4.15pm www.stmc.qld.edu.au Stuartholme School (Toowong) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School Action Tours: Monday 18 April; Tuesday 21 June; Thursday 21 July; Monday 22 August; Tuesday 13 September; Thursday 20 October; Tuesday 15 November www.stuartholme.com Villanova College (Cooparoo) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12 Monday 18 April 9am www.vnc.qld.edu.au West Moreton Anglican College (Karabin) Anglican Co-ed Prep - Yr 12 Saturday 28 May 10.30am - 3pm www.wmac.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Education

Why School C Camps Rock!

hildren of all ages love the great outdoors, especially in this beautiful part of the world where we are blessed with fresh air, weather that our southern friends dream of, flora and fauna that feature on postcards and scenery that makes your heart sing.

One of the best ways for your child to experience the outdoors is at a school camp or outdoor education. These programmes provide facilities that are designed for children; a multitude of safe and supervised activities, and adventurous memories for your child.

Overall, my four weeks away has made me appreciate all the time and effort my parents put in. I have had so much fun, but I now know how hard it is to cook and clean daily. When I get home, I am going to help out more.

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Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

It has been recognised that children grow academically and emotionally when they play outdoors. They acquire an appreciation for the environment, participate in imaginative play, face challenges and learn how to overcome them together, and develop initiative.

School Camps are a valuable and effective way to assist with the overall development of each child. For primary school aged children camps play an important role in developing resilience and independence away from their families.

In essence, school camps aim to: strengthen relationship between teachers, students and their peers, instil and develop values cater to student needs provide opportunities for students to develop new skills and knowledge develop leadership skills; and provide unique opportunities for students to connect with God (in Christian based schools).

Principal of Grace Lutheran Primary School, Mr Stephen McGrath says “Our camps begin from as early as Year 1 continuing on each year through to Year 6, building on self-awareness and teamwork.�

Camps can range from rural farm stays and snow fields, to beach environments and big cities.

Students experience activities and challenges that are often unfamiliar to them, whether it is the unique outdoor education experiences such as low ropes courses, team challenges, surfing activities, water safety, orientation or team problem solving, or learning to share collaboratively to work as a small community, sleeping in cabins and bunk houses and eating together in dining halls.

Highlights for students can range from flying fox adventures and outdoor team challenges, to simply enjoying time together around the camp fire.

It is important the children experience life skills such as caring for themselves, packing (which including repacking their sleeping bags into tightfitting bag covers that we all struggle with!), to budgeting for the Year 6 students going on longer interstate trips.

For teenagers, about to embark on a journey into adulthood, time spent away from technology and distractions brings them back to the basics, preparing them for the fortitude, patience and organisation skills required for Year 11 and 12.

Education

The benefits of spending time in the outdoors and getting to know nature are immeasurable.

Schools that have an Outdoor Education programme are doing a great service to students.

In particular, an experience of three to four weeks based on high-trust adventure and environmental activities may be of long term benefit.

Writer, Scott Peck, says that for mental health people need to accept that life is difficult and face it with four disciplines, which can be developed in an excellent Outdoor Education Programme: the capacity to delay gratification (I will work now, play later); accept responsibility (this is my problem, not someone else’s, I will do what I can); be dedicated to truth (facing the truth about yourself and your situation); and be balanced (knowing your limits).

Mrs Ruth Butler, Principal of Grace Lutheran College says “The four endeavours that our Outdoor Education Programme, Googa, provides are to create a connection with yourself; with nature; with others; and your spirituality.

For older students, attending longer Outdoor Education programmes may help them gain a plethora of skills and life experiences including adventure activities, hiking, camping, daily cooking, high ropes, washing and cleaning, responsibility for feeding livestock, preparing devotions, as well as journal and letter writing.

It can provide an exciting adventure that will stay with the students for the rest of their lives.

Camps that emphasise a simple outdoor involvement with life’s modern facilities and technology left behind, old fashioned lifestyle sampling bush life, a sense of remote living and making your own entertainment are the ones that leave children and teenagers with skills and experiences that influence a life-long change in self-efficacy.

A student at one of 2015’s Year 10 groups from Grace Lutheran College said “Overall, my four weeks away has made me appreciate all the time and effort my parents put in. I have had so much fun, but I now know how hard it is to cook and

clean daily. When I get home, I am going to help out more.” Most parents would be happy with that outcome alone!

Whatever their talents or interests, camps and Outdoor Education programmes are an essential part of a child’s learning journey.

If you are interested in an education with camps for your child or an Outdoor Education experience contact GRACE PRIMARY on 07 3283 0011 graceprimary.qld.edu.au GRACE COLLEGE (Rothwell and Caboolture Campuses) contact 07 3203 0066 gracecollege.com.au Both of these schools are joint founders/owners of their own Outdoor Education Centre, Googa which has been operating successfully for 27 years.

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Family Health

The Best Climbing Trees in Brisbane

Everyone can agree that one of the best things to do as a child is climb trees. From scaling massive tree trunks and swinging on its branches to looking down at the park below, it’s easy to understand why it is such a popular hobby among children of all ages. Want to give your kids a chance to scale some of the best climbing trees in Brisbane? Keep reading to discover the top seven places in Brisbane to climb trees.

Arthur Davis Park, Sandgate COTTON TREE FOREST

Another park which can be found on the Northside, Arthur Davis Park not only has a great shady playground and close access to the nearby beach, it also has fantastic climbing trees. Featuring thick, sturdy branches that criss-cross in all directions, you won’t be able to keep the kids off the trees at this park. The trees and the park are surrounded by fencing and covered in soft dirt, ensuring a safe environment for hours of tree climbing fun. With plenty of parking spaces and a great location, it’s one of the easiest parks to get to and the kids will love it.

NEAL MACROSSAN PARK

Cotton Tree Forest in Scarborough Beach Park, Scarborough Ah, Scarborough Beach Park. Nestled beside Scarborough’s beautifully calm beachside, Scarborough Beach Park is a wonderful playground that kids of all ages can enjoy. On one end of the park sits Cotton Tree Forest, one of the best tree climbing play areas in Brisbane. Cotton Tree Forest is home to several huge twisted cotton trees. The branches of these trees intertwine with each other, resulting in an awesome natural climbing frame that is perfect for kids to climb up and swing on. The branch size and levels vary greatly, ensuring all children from toddlers to teens can enjoy this tree climbing park. Fences surround the park, protecting any climbers from the road nearby. As well as this, the ground below the interweaving branches is made up of soft dirt and leaves, so any little jumping daredevils can be sure to have a soft landing. With everything it as to offer, Cotton Tree Forest is one of the best places to take the kids for a good tree climb.

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Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

Neal Macrossan Park Neal Macrossan Park is on Moreton St, Paddington, in Brisbane, right near the Suncorp Stadium. It has a great park with a fence around it with a few entry gates for different parking spots and it can get a bit busy. The trees in the park

Family Health New Farm Park, New Farm Surrounding and entwining with the quaint wooden playground of New Farm Park is a magical forest. The climbing trees of this forest are certainly unique and are sure to delight everyone who sees them. Better known as Moreton Bay Fig Trees, these beautiful trees feature long bows and roots which flow down the trunks of the trees like waterfalls. This results in not just any ordinary tree climbing park, but an alien-like adventure playground which kids will spend hours climbing on and playing make believe. The large gaps between the roots and the trunks of the fig trees also make them the perfect place to play hide and seek for big groups of energetic kids. If you want to take the kids to a place they’ve only ever dreamt of, take them to New Farm Park.

are absolutely amazing to climb! Their huge expansive branches and easy to navigate trunks make this park and its trees a crowd pleaser for most ages. Your kids can literally play ‘hide and seek’ in the branches as the trees are so huge!

If they get bored of climbing the trees, the playground is also a winner with all ages. Definitely add this park to your ‘must do’ list.

Dorrington Park, Ashgrove Also known as the Enchanted Forest, Dorrington Park is a wonderfully imaginative playground in of itself. However, it is also home to several huge shady trees. Most of these trees are surrounded by little wooden benches, providing the perfect boost up into the trees. With much higher branches and smoother trunks, these trees are best suited for older or more experienced climbers. Younger ones who wish to climb at Dorrington Park have another alternative which can be found on the playground. The House of Hex provides younger children with a fun, easy to grip spider’s web which is closer to the bark covered ground. For a fun tree climbing challenge, check out the trees at Dorrington Park.

Sherwood Arboretum, Sherwood Sherwood Arboretum certainly lives up to its name when it comes to having the perfect climbing trees. The Arboretum features a vast array of trees, including over 300 native species. Kids will have a field day climbing all the different types of trees, including native fig and plum trees. Some of the best climbing trees in the Arboretum feature thick, sprawling limbs that kids will be eager to clamber onto and play on. Once you manage to convince the kids to climb down, the fun doesn’t end there. Just in front of these trees is the main playground and many other features of this great park, including a BBQ and toilet facilities. For a great variety of climbing trees the kids will spend all day playing on, check out Sherwood Arboretum.

Wellington Point Reserve, Wellington Point A beautiful beachside treasure south of Brisbane, Wellington Point Reserve offers up some great fun for avid tree climbers. Surrounding the Wellington Point playground are huge Moreton Bay Figs. With wide spanning limbs that shoot out in all directions, even the littlest of climbers will enjoy playing on the low hanging boughs of the tree. Soft dirt and sand surround each of the trees, ensuring there are plenty of soft landing spots for jumping kids. Along with the awesome trees, Wellington Point Reserve has fun play equipment and a fantastic beach for kids to enjoy.

Brisbane has some of the best climbing trees around. With awesome parks in North, South and Central Brisbane, you and the kids will never tire of visiting them. We will be constantly adding to this list – so check out the best climbing trees list on our website www.familiesmagazine.com.au/family-health/best-climbing-trees-brisbane

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Family Health

Ho My ‘dream mealtime’ with my child, I can see it clearly: my little angel sitting patiently at the table, eagerly anticipating the delicious healthy family meal, then squealing with delight as it is served to her. She enthusiastically munches on her broccoli and enjoys the array of rainbow coloured vegetables and succulent chicken.

As a family, we chat about our day and she thanks me for my skilled efforts in the kitchen then clears the table and of course helps wash the dishes too!

My reality however isn’t anything close to this. She will sit for 2 seconds then want to hop up. She will pick through what’s on her plate, have a few bites of some familiar favourites (which changes more frequently than her nappy) then won’t even touch the rest, and that’s on a good night, sometimes the whole meal just ends up on the floor!

I know I’m not alone and all the questions and doubt can make one slightly crazy – Why is she so picky? Is this normal? How is she getting all the nutrients she needs? Should I be making her a special meal that I know she will eat or will I be creating bad habits? Will she be picky forever? I know a lady who makes 4 different meals each night – one for each of her three children and one for her husband and herself – will this be me?

The good news is that it’s usually just a stage, a difficult stage, but one that will pass in time. Toddlers between 1 and 3 are usually picky eaters, they are at the age of asserting their independence and testing their boundaries. Older children are also happy to test the mealtime boundaries. The less we cater to their food demands the sooner the stage will be over and the sooner your family will be enjoying a positive, relaxed and social mealtime.

So to get through this challenging stage, here are some tips to help you along your way:

UNDER EAT

Keep something familiar on the plate Toddlers like familiarity. Whenever offering a new food always pair it with at least one thing you know they like.

This can help them with the fear of the unknown and hopefully get them to try something new. The ever favourite cheese helped my little one put that piece of cauliflower in her mouth!

Serve small portions Large meals can be overwhelming to young children. Keep the servings small and varied to encourage them to give it a go (and it’s less to throw away if they refuse it too!)

You provide, let them decide As a parent, one of your many jobs is to provide nutritious meals for your child.

Now meals don’t have to be gourmet masterpieces made up of expensive “superfoods”- a nutritionally balanced meal based on the 5 food groups (grains, vegetables, fruit, dairy and lean meat/ alternatives) will provide all the nutrients a child needs. Serve it up and let them decide if they eat it or not. A lot of the times they won’t but if you keep offering it, one day they just might!

Be a good role model Let your child see you and other family members enjoying healthy foods every day. Comment on how delicious your fish is and how it will make you big and strong. Talk about the colour, texture and taste of the tomato you’re eating and even try getting your toddler involved in growing some vegetables.

Ensure your child feels comfortable and secure I definitely don’t enjoy a mealtime if I’m not comfortable; this is the same for

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Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

ho

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l d e n Kids a H o t W

children. Whether in a highchair, booster seat at the main table or at a small child’s table and chair, make sure they are comfortable and feel secure. A foot rest is important for them to easily rest their feet if they can’t yet reach the ground.

A pillow behind their back will help if they are not sitting straight up in the chair. Providing side support including arm rests will also help to create a secure environment for your child to feed. It is surprising how eating patterns can change when the seating arrangement is correct.

Stay calm When a child refuses to eat, allow enough time for them to try their meal, then acknowledge their wish to not eat and let them know that it will be available for them later if they would like it. Most problems only become big issues when an adult reacts and a power struggle begins. We’ve all been there!

More information The Australian Government website - Eat For Health www.eatforhealth.gov.au has information on serve sizes and number of serves to aim for. Don’t worry though if your child is not quite there, they are good at regulating their food intake.

Some days they might eat a lot but other days not so much – they’re kids that’s just what they do!

So for now, know that the effort you are putting in isn’t being wasted. Your child is being given healthy meals that they choose to eat… or not. Take a deep breath and count to 10 when it isn’t even touched or ends up on the floor and smile to yourself because it’s just a stage and it will only get better.

Abbey Warren Nutritionist/Health Promotion Officer NAQ NUTRITION

Family Health

Could it be Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease (pronounced seel-ee-ak) is an immune disease caused by gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, barley and oats. When people with coeliac disease eat gluten, an inappropriate immune reaction causes inflammation and damage to the small bowel (intestine). Untreated, coeliac disease can cause a range of symptoms and health problems. Treatment involves lifelong and strict avoidance of gluten in the diet and leads to healing of the bowel and better health.

Who gets coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease affects people of all ages, both male and female. You must be born with the genetic predisposition to develop coeliac disease.

If someone in your immediate family (parent, sibling, child) has coeliac disease, you have about a 10% chance of also having the disease. Other factors such as environment can trigger coeliac disease in infancy, childhood or later in life.

How common is the condition?

Coeliac disease affects approximately 1 in 70 Australians. However, around 80% of remain undiagnosed, meaning you may have coeliac disease and don’t yet know it.

Can coeliac disease be cured?

People with coeliac disease remain sensitive to gluten throughout their life, so in this sense they are never cured. However, a strict gluten free diet does allow the condition to be managed effectively. A strict, lifelong gluten free diet is currently the only recognised medical treatment for coeliac disease.

Symptoms of coeliac disease The symptoms of coeliac disease vary considerably and can include one or more of the following: > gastrointestinal symptoms e.g. diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, steatorrhea > fatigue, weakness and lethargy > iron deficiency anaemia and/or other vitamin and mineral deficiencies > failure to thrive or delayed puberty in children > weight loss (although some people may gain weight)

> bone and joint pains > recurrent mouth ulcers and/or swelling of mouth or tongue > altered mental alertness and irritability > skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis > easy bruising of the skin > unexplained infertility

How do I get diagnosed?

1. Keep eating gluten Do not commence a gluten free diet prior to being tested for coeliac disease. If a gluten free diet has already been adopted, the tests used to diagnose coeliac disease are unreliable, and can be falsely negative.

2. Blood tests are used for screening Blood tests (coeliac serology) are used to screen for coeliac disease. Coeliac serology measures antibody levels in the blood which are typically elevated in people with untreated coeliac disease, due to the body’s reaction to gluten.

Importantly, a diagnosis of coeliac disease SHOULD NOT be made on the basis of a blood test alone. A positive blood test always needs to be followed by a small bowel biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

3. A small bowel biopsy is essential to confirm diagnosis A diagnosis of coeliac disease can only be made by demonstrating the typical small bowel changes of coeliac disease (villous atrophy). This involves a gastroscopy procedure in which several tiny samples (biopsies) of the small bowel are taken, which are then examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of villous atrophy

Why a medical diagnosis is important?

As coeliac disease is a serious medical condition with lifelong implications, a definitive diagnosis is essential. The gluten free diet is not a trivial undertaking and involves lifestyle changes and learning new skills such as reading and interpreting food labels. It should only be undertaken after the diagnosis of coeliac disease has been properly medically established.

If a gluten free diet has already been adopted prior to diagnosis, the tests used to diagnose coeliac disease are unreliable, and can be falsely negative.

By obtaining a proper diagnosis, you can be assured that your symptoms are caused by coeliac disease (and should therefore improve once the gluten free diet is established) and not by another more sinister condition.

Coeliac Queensland is a not-for-profit membership organisation committed to providing support, information and understanding to people diagnosed with coeliac disease or medically requiring a gluten free diet. For further information

www.qld.coeliac.org.au Coeliac Queensland’s annual Gluten Free Food Expo is coming to Brisbane again on 14-15 May at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The two-day event is an annual celebration of 60 of Australia’s best gluten-free food producers, MasterChef cooking demonstrations, and keynote presentations from medical professionals who specialize in the management of coeliac disease.

Tickets and further information available at www.glutenfreefoodexpo.org.au

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Family Health

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We know that growing bodies need the right type and amount of food to ensure they grow well but what about children’s minds?

How does what we put into those growing bodies affect their growing minds and what about our brightest kids? How do we keep their highly active minds nourished? Our Gifted and Talented writer explains….

Children who are growing rapidly and developing brain function need regular nutritious meals to provide high levels of energy for optimal growth.

Energy for the brain comes from digested food that releases sugars into the blood stream. High ability children think efficiently; however their busy brains use up greater amounts of glucose energy in the process, according to neuroscientist, John Geake. Developmentally advanced children need regular supplies of glucose energy to provide sufficient energy for the brain to fuel heightened cognitive performance.

High performance racing cars need high octane fuel; likewise, high ability children need high energy stores to power their rapid and complex thinking. The brain has developed ways of checking and adjusting its own energy needs but requires access to greater amounts of glucose energy to keep the brain supplied. Cognitive energy levels are best maintained when nutritious foods are slowly digested to allow a gradual release of glucose into the blood, which is transported to the brain over time.

BREAKFAST – TO BREAK THE FAST Breakfast is a critical meal for all children. Their bodies have been deprived of food for hours during sleep and they need energy from a nutritious breakfast to provide the energy required to get them through the day. Students who rush out of the house without breakfast often suffer from headaches, dizziness, irritability, declines in concentration and reduced memory function around mid-morning. This is not conducive to optimal, sustained focus, memory function and academic performance. A breakfast which includes lean protein as well as complex carbohydrates allows the body to slowly release energy, enabling the brain to function at peak efficiency for an extended period.

STABLE BLOOD SUGAR IS KEY When gifted children experience depleted levels of blood sugar, they experience cravings for sugar and may develop borderline hypoglycaemia.

There is a tendency for them to crave sweet, sugary food to provide a quick increase in blood sugar levels. Sugary foods and simple carbohydrates provide a surge in blood sugar levels but these levels crash again as the glucose stores are used quickly, setting up a pattern of fluctuating blood sugar levels with associated emotional ‘meltdowns’ and cravings for another quick sugar ‘fix’, whereas low-glycaemic foods decrease cravings and increase attentional focus.

LITTLE AND OFTEN AND HEALTHY High-ability children who arrive home tired and irritable at the end of the school day may be suffering from depleted blood sugar levels following their concentrated efforts at school.

Another nutritious snack is needed before sitting down to complete homework. Healthy snacks throughout the day provide a steady release of energy. To ensure sufficient energy for thinking, these snacks should include fruit, vegetables, wholegrain and protein foods rather than sweets, cakes, biscuits and sugary drinks.

WATER, WATER, WATER Fluid – preferably plain water, not high sugar or caffeinated drinks – throughout the day is critical to hydrate the body and provide the biochemical environment in which neurons synapse. A study at Yale University provided children with sugar, equivalent to the amount found in a soft drink, and found that adrenaline levels were increased more than five times their normal levels and this continued up to five hours after consuming the sugar. Water is essential as a lack of fluid will quickly lead to reduced brain function, irritability and headaches as well as placing stress upon kidneys, especially in hot weather.

Psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, and author of “Making a Good Brain Great”, Dr Daniel Amen, describes good nutrition as “brain medicine”, highlighting the improvement in cognition, focus, memory, mood stability, behaviour and stamina achieved by eating well. He maintains that consuming the wrong foods leads to distractibility,

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Family Health F R O M O U R E A R LY E D U C AT I O N E X P E R T A N D C O LU M N I S T

LOUISE CARLILE

Easter Break Reflection High performance racing cars need high octane fuel; likewise, high ability children need high energy stores to power their rapid and complex thinking. tiredness, irritability, sugar cravings and results in shrinkage of the decision-making parts of the brain.

AN EVERYDAY HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET A gifted child’s day should begin with breakfast, including lean protein, fruit and whole grains to prepare for the intense focus required at school. Protein helps to balance blood sugar levels, improves focus and concentration.

Eating breakfast is correlated with better school attendance rates, improved attention spans, fewer behavioural difficulties, increased academic scores and fewer mental health problems. A nutritious lunch, with snacks at morning and afternoon breaks will equip a child to concentrate well in class, think clearly and maintain sufficient energy for the brain to function well throughout the day and into the evening. Active brains don’t function efficiently without nutritious food to generate sustained cognitive energy.

Elaine Aron, author of “The Highly Sensitive Child”, refers to the heightened sensitivity of “children born with a nervous system that is highly aware and quick to react to everything.”

She mentions that these children are often intellectually, creatively and emotionally gifted.

Dr Linda Silverman (Gifted Development Centre, Colorado), describes many of the gifted children in her studies who exhibited early behavioural difficulties, as having a history of allergies, especially food allergies related to milk, wheat, sugar, corn and glutens.

The vagus nerve relays information between the gut and the brain, including information from and to other organs, along the way. When the gut is out of balance or irritated by certain foods, this has an impact upon cognition, mood and behaviour.

Identifying and eliminating any food intolerances or allergies can have a significant and beneficial impact upon a child’s cognitive functioning, behavioural issues and emotional stability.

Small adjustments to diet can provide enormous benefits for children. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, nuts and seeds, are useful in strengthening the central nervous system, for cell membranes and myelination in the brain. Fruit and vegetables are described as ‘superfoods’ as they strengthen memory function. Likewise, foods rich in antioxidants enhance learning capabilities. Spinach, blueberries and walnuts (they even look like mini-brains) are regarded as some of the best foods for supporting brain function.

Michele Juratowitch is Director of Clearing Skies, providing counselling, study skills seminars for gifted students; advocacy and parenting seminars; professional development and consultancy in schools.

Michele was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, conducts STEAM Residentials for gifted girls and is co-author of Make a Twist: Curriculum differentiation for gifted students.

E: michele@clearingskies.com.au W: www.clearingskies.com.au P: 07 3378 0888

In the context of early education, the Easter school break is a great time to reflect on how a child has adjusted/settled into their relevant institutions and programs and to consider what areas you wish to see develop as the year continues. Naturally, this evaluation process is an ongoing part of parenting, but especially timely for parents of children in pre-prep and prep years who have just experienced their first term of structured school life.

It is human nature to measure a child’s progress by comparing them to peers in their immediate circle but try and resist and reflect upon your child’s first term relative to his/her own personal strengths and weaknesses. Use the Easter break to celebrate the triumphs no matter how small or large and speak confidently to your child about the next quarter year.

Through constructive discussion, the negative bits can become underwhelming in the context of growth and learning. This can normalize fears and hesitation and help your small person to build resiliency and optimism. Keep your child’s experiences real and in perspective, it is not productive in the long term to overplay regularly expected behaviours. For example, whilst you can praise your child for remembering to bring their hat home, going overboard with this kind of praise may not be helpful, long term! This is expected of a prep age child – to be responsible for their possessions and behaviour. However, participating bravely in ‘show and tell’ or showing initiative in the playground to include a new friend are examples of where your child could have extended him/herself and these are the things to acknowledge and praise.

Above all make time on holiday breaks to reconnect with your children. They grow so fast that every opportunity is a precious one. Read together, sing together and engage in one on one time.

Happy Easter.

ABOUT THE WRITER: Louise Carlile is the founder and director of Wee Make Music, Early Childhood Music Program in Brisbane. She is a passionate ambassador for the extensive benefits of music education in early childhood development.

Wee Make Music offer reputable programs for babies through to pre-prep children in Wilstonm New Farm and Bulimba. www.weemakemusic.com.au info@weemakemusic.com.au Wait lists may apply

e Make M We u si c Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Family Health

The Health Benefits of Pets Did you know that there are more pets living in Australia than people and that two thirds of households have at least one pet? There is nothing better than coming home and receiving an enthusiastic welcome from your four legged friend. Research has shown that owning a pet has benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing.

People with pets have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and pet owners report less depression and cope better with stress than non-pet owners.

Great for kids

Unconditional love

Pets can be important in children lives as they provide companionship and help them to develop a sense of responsibility they carry through to adulthood. A study of children found those that grew up with pets were more empathetic and had higher self-esteem. Being around dogs during infancy has been shown to strengthen the immune system and may reduce the risk of allergies.

No one will love you more unconditionally than your pet. They never disagree with you and always accept you for exactly who you are. No matter what you’ve done or what has happened that day – a stressful day with the kids, a fight with your partner – they are there to give us attention and affection. Spending quality time even just snuggling up with a pet in front of the TV can make you feel wanted and needed.

Great socialisers

Life long family friends

Pets are also great conversation starters! Taking your dog for a walk almost always leads to a conversation or a hello from someone new. They can enhance our social connectedness and build friendships.

Finally, pets can bring us closer together. Families can spend quality time together caring for and playing with a pet as well as including them in social activities. Life in the modern family world is often hectic with work, school, and extracurricular activities. A well cared for and loved family pet can provide much needed stress relief, physical benefits, and family bonding time.

Great to keep family members active Dogs in particular are great motivators to get moving and enjoying the outdoors. Keeping us moving and active can help us avoid many major health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. There may not be time to go for a long walk with but even a game of ball in the backyard with a dog is guaranteed to leave you both with a smile on your face.

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Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

Dr Alex Hynes from Animal Emergency Service Brisbane is passionate about animals, their care and their treatment when sick or injured.

Read more about her services here: www.dralexhynes.com.au

#FamiliesMagFun

FAMILIES FUN

Listings for everyone in every family!

To promote your local family friendly event including school fetes and fairs, community groups, get-togethers and local festivals in the next ‘Families Fun’ listings (June/July 2016) send your entry by 5pm on Friday 29 April 2016. Email Regina – Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures.

Please check the details of the events listed before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

EASTER 2016 FAMILY FUN Throughout Easter Holidays Family Films @ Portside Dendy Head to Dendy during the holidays to see two family friendly movies - Kung Fu Panda (releasing March 24) and The Jungle Book (releasing March 7) - $8 tickets for kids and accompanying adults with a free large popcorn. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/ family-films-portside-dendy Sat 19 – Thu 24 Mar Easter Family Fun, Wooloongabba In the week leading up to Easter there will be fun and games at Reverse Garbage Queensland. Go along to join in the Easter hunt around the shop and then get crafty at the free making table.

10:00am - 4:30pm (except Sunday 20th). www.familiesmagazine. com.au/events/easter-family-fun-wooloongabba Sat 19 Mar – Fri 8 April What’s On at Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane Easter Craft Workshop - 19 Mar 10am - 12pm, The Amphitheatre $2 per child

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29 & 30 Mar, 5 & 6 Apr Ginger Sport soccer clinics - 1.30 3.30pm, suitable for 2 – 10 year olds, Lake Precinct $2 per child 30 Mar, 1, 6, 8, 13 & 15 Apr Boppin’ Babies music workshops - 3 sessions at 9.30am, 10.15am & 11am, suitable for 0 – 4 year olds, The Amphitheatre $2 per child 30 Mar, 1, 6 & 8 Apr Yogababy - 2 sessions at 9.30am & 10.30am.

Suitable for 3 – 12 year olds, Celebration Stage $2 per child 2 Apr 12 - 4pm Catch and Release Fishing Day for Children with a Disability - Presented by Pine Rivers Fish Management Association - suitable for 7 – 16 year olds. Booking required (from 21 March) Lake Precinct, FREE 28 & 29 Mar Drama Workshops & Showcase hosted by Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble - 9.30am – 12.30pm, 31 Mar 9.30am-2pm. Suitable for 9-13 year olds. It is recommended that participants attend all three workshops. Bookings required. The Amphitheatre FREE

19 Mar Park the Truck & Movie in the Park - food from 5pm, movie at 6pm, Celebration Lawn Free

30 Mar, 1, 6 and 8 Apr Drama Fun workshops 1.30 – 3.30pm, suitable for 5-8 year olds, The Amphitheatre, FREE www. familiesmagazine.com.au/events/easter-craft-workshop-brisbane

29 & 31 Mar, 5 & 7 Apr 9.30 -11.30am - Art, craft and gardening activities suitable for 3 – 12 year olds, Celebration Precinct $2 per child

Sat 19 Mar Easter Craft and Games, Coorparoo Easter is a time for celebration and Bazil Grumble would like to celebrate with you in an active and healthy way. Songs, craft and storytelling all

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

based on festive themes that come together to make this a fun and interactive workshop that will get everyone into the spirit!

Bookings required. Majestic Park 2 – 4pm. www.familiesmagazine. com.au/events/easter-craft-and-games-coorparoo Sat 19 Mar Easter Magic Show, Carindale Have a truly egg-cellent Easter! Make chocolate Easter eggs by magic with SuperSteph and her naughty giant Easter bunny Rfur. Ideal for children aged 2-5 years. 10 – 10.45am. Carindale Library. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/events/easter-magic-show-carindale Sun 20 Mar RSPCA Easter Markets, Wacol Join the RSPCA for the first ever RSPCA QLD Easter Markets! Held at their Wacol Animal Care Campus on Sunday 20th March, there will be food, drinks, market stalls, entertainment and much more to keep the whole family entertained! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/rspcaeaster-markets-wacol Thu 24 Mar Easter Extravaganza at Little Days Out, South Bank Bounce into South Bank as Bazil Grumble brings an Easter Extravaganza to Little Days Out with Easter games, storytelling and craft! Enjoy the great outdoors and increase balance and coordination by participating in a range of fun Easter-inspired games. Relax under the beautiful umbrellas and enjoy some exciting Easter stories then create a beautiful paper play collage Easter Egg card to take home with you as a memento of your

#FamiliesMagFun Sat 26 Mar – Sun 10 Apr Loco-MOTION, Ipswich Get out and get active with games, sports and races in the expansive Museum grounds, plus a special area for under 3s. Get the mind buzzing with plenty of classic family games. Show your creative side at Creation Station, discover the Museum’s hands-on exhibitions and let off some steam in the indoor playground Nippers Railway.

The Workshops Rail Museum. Daily 9.30am – 4pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/loco-motion-ipswich Sun 27 Mar Easter Family Fun with Kung Fu Panda 3! Portside Dendy This Easter Sunday, go down to Dendy for an Easter egg hunt, family-friendly activities and a screening of the totally awesome new movie Kung Fu Panda 3! 10.30am movie screening followed by activities. Tickets are $9.00. www.familiesmagazine. com.au/events/easter-family-fun-with-kung-fu-panda-3-portsidedendy

fantastic day! No bookings needed. www.familiesmagazine.com. au/events/easter-extravaganza-at-little-days-out-south-bank Thu 24 Mar In my Easter Bonnet, Stones Corner Join the Stones Corner Library for a special Easter storytelling and craft. Ideal for children aged 4-8 years. Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/in-my-easter-bonnetstones-corner Thu 24 & Fri 25 Mar Bluewater Festival, Shorncliffe Set on the waterfront at beautiful Moora Park, the Bluewater Festival not only offers uninterrupted views to the start of the QantasLink Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, it also has colourful market stalls, carnival rides, gourmet food vendors and a great line-up of free entertainment. One of the most popular events of the festival is the Bluewater ‘Bayfire’ Night (Thursday) where the skies over Bramble Bay, Shorncliffe, and Sandgate explode with colourful fireworks, and friends and family flock to the foreshore to enjoy the market stalls and free entertainment by moonlight. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/bluewater-festivalfireworks-night-celebrating-the-start-of-the-brisbane-togladstone-yacht-race Fri 25 Mar Redcliffe Sails Festival, Redcliffe The Redcliffe Sails Festival is a colourful seaside celebration of all things Easter and nautical. Head down to Suttons Beach on Good Friday to catch a special visit from the Easter Bunny and get the best view of the yachts from the 68th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Winding along the foreshore of Suttons Beach, the festival boasts something for everyone on a minimal budget. Along with plenty of entertainment, activities and workshops for the young (and the young at heart), there is the main attraction of more than 150 quality art, craft, handmade and unique market stalls as well as delicious treats to satisfy every hungry stomach. There's even an Easter surprise with a visit from the Easter Bunny, an Easter Egg hunt on the beach and plenty of rides and activities for kids including a giant sand sculpture on the beach. 9am – 4pm. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/events/redcliffe-sails-festival-redcliffe Fri 25 Mar – Sun 10 Apr Hop Into Easter in the City, Brisbane City There’s no need to go hunting for family entertainment these school holidays, with plenty to do in the Museum of Brisbane; Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower; City Botanic Gardens; and Roma Street Parkland. Other holiday boredom busters include Strike Bowling or catch a new-release movie: Kung Fu Panda 3, Batman V Superman or My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 at Event Cinemas, The Myer Centre. For all your Easter shopping, The City can provide you with egg-sactly what you need. www.familiesmagazine.com. au/events/hop-into-easter-in-the-city-brisbane-city Sat 26 Mar – Sun 10 Apr Build your city LEGO™ Workshop, Brisbane Be inspired by the new and upcoming architectural models in Brisbane and our nine Sister Cities and get a hands-on, minds-on creative experience as you construct your very own architectural masterpiece in this ‘Build your city LEGO™’ workshop.

Enter your construction in the competition to have the chance to win a special LEGO™ prize pack valued over $270! Suitable for children 4 years plus. Museum of Brisbane 10am – 4pm. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/events/build-your-city-lego-workshop

Tue 29 Mar School holiday activity - Bugs in the gardens, Mt Coot-tha We're going on a bug hunt. What will we find? Wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Location: Meet at the Kitchen in the Gardens. Bookings are not required. 10am – 2pm. Brisbane Botanic Gardens. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/school-holiday-activitybugs-in-the-gardens-mt-coot-tha Tue 5 – Sat 9 Apr School Holiday Workshops@Flying Fox Studios, Everton Park Since 2006, Flying Fox Studios has been offering one of Brisbane's most popular range of creative, handson workshops for children from 4 to 15 years. These 1.5 hour workshops are uniquely designed by Flying Fox Studios, with the program covering a wide range of fun creative experiences such as visual arts, engineering, craft, science, music, drama, textiles, and construction. Always in an imaginative, and inspiring way.

Booking Essential, they fill very fast! www.familiesmagazine. com.au/events/school-holiday-workshops-flying-fox-studioseverton-park Wed 6 – Sun 10 Apr The Octonauts, Brisbane Join The Octonauts’ Captain Barnacles in his very own undersea adventure.

Help him Explore! Rescue! and Protect! Become an Octo-cadet and help The Captain solve the mystery of the Great Octopod Rescue. Family fun will continue after Easter and into the school holidays with The Octonauts live stage show running three times daily at the Queen Street Mall Stage from Wednesday 6 April to Sunday 10 April. (11am, midday and 1pm). www. familiesmagazine.com.au/events/the-octonauts-brisbane

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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#FamiliesMagFun APRIL 2016 FAMILY FUN Throughout Apr/May Dino Zoo, Brisbane Ever wanted to meet a dinosaur? Dino Zoo at The Cube, QUT is the closest you can get to the real thing – minus the danger of being eaten! Their life-sized dinosaurs are the most scientifically accurate portrayals of these creatures in the world. And, thanks to artificial intelligence, their dinosaurs will even behave like the real thing, based on a set of behavioural parameters for each species. Daily 8am – 4pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/dino-zoo-QUT Throughout Apr/May Measure Island, South Brisbane This is not your usual island: on Measure Island every step takes you to a new puzzle or exhibit waiting to be explored. Test the speed and accuracy of your throw, get your heart racing and measure your heart beat while viewing something scary, and watch a ‘diamond’ disappear before your eyes. This exhibition celebrates the often hidden world of measurement and will make you think about measurement in a new and fun way. What makes a good measurement, why do our measurement systems exist and what are some of the usual and unusual measurement techniques in our world? With exciting hands-on exhibits, this is one island you won’t want to miss visiting. Sciencentre 9.30am – 5pm daily. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/measure-island-southbrisbane Until Sun 10 Apr APTKids, South Brisbane APT8 Kids features 12 interactive artworks, hands-on and multimedia activities created by exhibiting artists, especially for children and families. Offering a rich participatory experience and curated to reflect key themes of the exhibition, APT8 Kids provides meaningful insights into the contemporary art of Australia, Asia and the Pacific. GOMA. 10am – 5pm. www.qagoma.qld.gov.au Fri 11 Mar – Sun 24 Apr The Sound Of Music, South Brisbane The world’s favourite musical, The Sound of Music, is returning to Australia. This critically acclaimed London Palladium production tells the uplifting true story of the von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains and works its magic once again, for young and old alike. Bookings Essential. QPAC. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ events/sound-music-south-brisbane Sat 19 Mar Jungle Book – The Musical, Petrie Terrace This rock, pop and funky adaption of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale is a wonderful fun-filled production for the whole family. Brisbane Arts Theatre. Bookings Essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ events/jungle-book-the-musical-petrie-terrace Tue 29 Mar Holding the Fort, Lytton The General is coming to inspect the Fort! Sergeant Wilson and Corporal Jones urgently need help to pass this final inspection. Set in and around a real historic fort, this activity-based program is run by professional actors, using drama to engage children in real learning and great fun. Are you up for this hands-on activity based challenge? $8.50 per child. 10am – 12.30pm. Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/holding-the-fort-lytton Tue 29 Mar The Wiggles: Wiggle Town, Redcliffe The Wiggle Town tour will feature songs from Wiggle Town. You’ll sing and dance along with the latest Wiggles hits such as "Do the Propeller", “Emma’s Yellow Bow” and "Simon Says" as well as Wiggle classics “Hot Potato”, “Rock a Bye Your Bear” and “Fruit Salad”. The Fab Four of fun will of course be joined by Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus! Bookings Essential. Redcliffe Cultural Centre www.familiesmagazine.com. au/events/the-wiggles-wiggle-town-redcliffe Tue 29 Mar – Sat 2 Apr Concerto for Harmony and Presto, South Brisbane An original show that mixes theatre, physical comedy, clowning, puppetry and music to create a quirky and fun experience for children aged 3+ and their families. This is a story of two unlikely friends. One day Presto arrives, bringing with him an astonishing array of bits and bobs that threaten Harmony’s neat and ordered existence. Harmony sees a cart full of junk.

Presto sees infinite possibilities – precious things that when put together just the right way can create extraordinary music!

Bookings Essential. QPAC. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/ concerto-for-harmony-and-presto-south-brisbane

Fri 1 Apr Who Swallowed a Fly, Ashgrove Make your own exploding box to illustrate your version of the traditional rhyme There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. Ideal for children aged 8-12 years. Bookings required. Ashgrove Library. 2 – 3pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/who-swallowed-a-flyashgrove Fri 1 & Sat 2 Apr Storytime Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty, New Farm Everyone’s favourite fairytale ballet comes to life on stage in a brand-new production of The Sleeping Beauty for children aged 3 and up. Join the wedding party with Aurora, follow her Prince through the woods and meet their friends Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, Puss in Boots and Bluebird.

Packed with dazzling dancing, sparkling tutus and enchanting Tchaikovsky music, this is the perfect first ballet experience for boys and girls. Be a part of the magic at this live, interactive and narrated ballet that will cast its spell in under an hour – and have your little ones dancing down the hallway when they get home!

Don’t forget to dress up in your favourite ballet-inspired outfit.

Brisbane Powerhouse. Bookings Essential. www.familiesmagazine. com.au/events/storytime-ballet-the-sleeping-beauty-new-farm Fri 1 – Sun 3 Apr Ice Age: A Mammoth Adventure, Boondall The first show of its kind to combine exceptional ice skating, aerial arts, puppetry and film, Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure will be the coolest event since the mammoths came back. Sid, Manni, Diego and of course Scrat will be appearing as life-sized 3.6-metre-tall figures in an awe-inspiring journey with a new story based on the first three films from one of the top-grossing international animated film franchises of all time.

Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Bookings Essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/ice-age-live-a-mammothadventure-boondall Fri 1 Apr – Sat 16 Apr Queensland Ballet's A Midsummer Night's Dream, South Bank "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

Shakespeare’s whimsical masterpiece has been given new life thanks to acclaimed choreographer Liam Scarlett. Take your Brisbane Family along for a ballet that will stay with them. QPAC. Bookings Essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/ queensland-ballets-midsummer-nights-dream-south-bank Sat 2 Apr The Hills Annual Rodeo, Eaton Hills Hold onto your hats, The Hills 5th Annual Rodeo is coming to town for one massive afternoon and evening of live rides, music and fun for the whole family. Step right up and experience the best the country has to offer with Bull rides, Saddle Rides, Bareback Rides, Junior Bull Rides, Junior Bull (U16) Rides and Poddy Rides kick off the long line of entertainment. Eatons Hill Hotel. www. eatonshillhotel.com.au/event/the-hills-annual-rodeo Mon 4 – Fri 8 Apr Kids Dig It! Egyptian Family Fun Week, Caboolture Know someone you want to Mummify? Join the Abbey Museum for the April School Holiday program as they focus on Egypt and the lifestyle of the Egyptians. There will be lots of fun activities planned in and around the Museum. Hands on participation in a Mummification will have you wrapped up and ready for the afterlife! Book your tickets online to receive 10% discount. The Abbey Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ events/kids-dig-it-egyptian-family-fun-week Mon 4 – Sun 10 Apr Waterworld Central, Sandstone Point Come see what all the splash is about when WATERWORLD CENTRAL, Australia’s first portable water theme park debuts at the Sandstone Point Hotel, daily from the 4th -10th April 2016!

Join all the fun at Waterworld Central with giant inflatable pools and slides to splash and play around in. Try fun activities like the giant twin slides of the Dragon Pool or bouncing around under the palm trees of our new Shark World, but beware of sharks!

If you’re looking to relax, just splash and have a good time in the Mushroom Pool. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/ waterworld-central-sandstone-point Fri 8 – Sun 10 Apr Hairspray, The Big Fat Arena Spectacular, South Brisbane In 2016, Harvest Rain is set to break yet another world record when they stage a major arena production of the musical HAIRSPRAY at the Brisbane Convention Centre. It's 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire - to be on television dancing on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound

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power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a television network - all without denting her 'do! Bookings Essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/hairspray-south-brisbane Mon 11 Apr Connect to your Creek Week: Burpengary Creek Walk, Burpengary Burpengary Creek is a fantastic place to explore!

Join a local expert as you discover the fauna and flora species which abound and enjoy a bushtucker morning tea. Bookings Required. 9.30am – 12pm. FREE! www.familiesmagazine.com. au/events/connect-to-your-creek-week-burpengary-creek-walkburpengary Sun 17 Apr Ipswich Open Day, Ipswich Soak up the festive atmosphere with a variety of music and special entertainment.

Explore an Ipswich icon that’s been going since 1865 with parts of the site usually not accessible to the public opened up for selfguided walking tours. You can browse the Discover Ipswich stand and see what’s happening in your own backyard and get up close to genuine locos and vintage carriages. You can also dry driving a train on a simulator. Entry is free for past and present Queensland Rail employees and Ipswich residents. The Workshops Rail Museum. 9.30am – 4pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/ ipswich-open-day-ipswich Mon 18 Apr Rainbow Adventures, New Farm Red and yellow and pink and green, orange and purple and blue. Colours everywhere! On the earth and in the air! Storytelling and games come together to create a workshop bursting with colour that will develop an appreciation of the wonderful colours found when exploring the great outdoors! Bookings Required. New Farm Park 10am – 12pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/rainbowadventures-new-farm Mon 18 – Sun 24 Apr Festival of Tibet 2016, New Farm Brisbane’s eighth annual Festival of Tibet is a celebration of the resilience and optimism of a people and culture under threat.

The Festival of Tibet offers you the chance to experience the traditions and contemporary expressions of a culture determined to thrive despite the odds. Witness the creation of a superb sand mandala, learn to cook Tibetan dumplings, paint, meditate, contemplate and be swept up in beautiful music; the Festival of Tibet offers something for everyone. Brisbane Powerhouse. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/events/festival-of-tibet-2016-new-farm Fri 22 Apr – Sun 1 May Prima’s The Little Mermaid, Redcliffe Based on one of Hans Christian Anderson's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World." This show will be one for the whole family and not to be missed! Redcliffe Cultural Centre. Bookings Essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ events/primas-the-little-mermaid-redcliffe Sun 24 Apr Macrame Wall Hanging with Leonie Simpson, Brisbane Participants will learn how to cut their cord to the correct length, how to secure the cord to their dowel and the easiest macramé techniques including the hitch knot, the half hitch knot and sailor's knot. Using these techniques participants will create a beautiful wall hanging for their home. Hands on Brisbane. 10.30am – 12.30pm. Bookings Essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/macrame-wall-hangingwith-leonie-simpson-brisbane

#FamiliesMagFun Sat 21 May – Sat 9 Jul Cinderella, Petrie Terrace A hilarious pantomime featuring the traditional fairytale of Cinderella, complete with handsome prince and ugly step sisters! Brisbane Arts Theatre. Bookings essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ events/cinderella-petrie-terrace

Mon 25 Apr ANZAC Day Service, Ipswich Go to the War Memorial at The Workshops Rail Museum and join hundreds of locals to pay respect to all the Australians who made the supreme sacrifice. Lest we forget. Please note: all exhibits at The Workshops Rail Museum are closed on ANZAC Day. 7.15am. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/anzac-day-service-ipswich Mon 25 Apr ANZAC Square Dawn Service & Brisbane ANZAC Day Parade, Brisbane The city's major commemoration of Anzac Day will take place at Anzac Square, Adelaide Street in the Brisbane CBD and will begin at 4:28am. The Anzac Day march will follow at 9.30am through the city. www.familiesmagazine.com. au/events/anzac-day-dawn-service-brisbane Fri 29 Apr – Sun 1 May Buddha’s Birth Day Festival, South Bank Celebrating 20 years in 2016, the Buddha Birth Day Festival has grown into one of Queensland’s most prestigious cultural events attracting in excess of 200,000 visitors. Continuing to showcase the diversity of Australia’s multicultural society, visitors can now enjoy a relaxed environment surrounded by a range of displays, entertained by a variety of performances and experience many cultural customs, activities and vegetarian food. It is a festival for everyone, regardless of age, religious beliefs or cultural background. 9am – 9pm each day. www.familiesmagazine.com. au/events/buddhas-birth-day-festival-south-bank Sat 30 Apr Lily Can’t Sleep, Cleveland Mixing mega fun word play with fantastic physical comedy, this sweet and imaginative piece of theatre will take you on an adventure to a land where anything is possible. Playing with the ritual of ‘going to sleep’, Lily explores themes that both children and mums and dads will relate to, creating laugh-out-loud fun for the whole family! Don’t miss this delightful production for children aged 3-8 years, from debase - the same cracker team that brought you Hurry Up and Wait last year. Bookings Essential. Redlands Performing Arts Centre www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/lily-cant-sleep-cleveland

MAY 2016 FAMILIES FUN Sat 7 & Sun 8 May The Brisbane Model Train Show 2016, Bowen Hills Model Trains of all types & sizes! It will be a great day out for the whole family at one of the largest model train shows ever run in south east Queensland. There will be over 45 Layouts in a Large Variety of Scales, ride on trains and Heritage Railway Groups, over 30 Traders of Railway Modelling Products and demonstrations of Wagon & Building Assembly. Celebrate 150 Years of Railways in Queensland. You can also ride a Steam Train from the Exhibition

Station! Brisbane Showgrounds. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ events/the-brisbane-model-train-show-bowen-hills Fri 13 – Sun 15 May Nitro Circus Live, Boondall Travis Pastrana leads an all star cast of 40 of the biggest action sports stars on the planet. You can expect to see brand new tricks and stunts never before performed, anywhere in the world. New riders, new ramps, new contraptions with and without motors, a fully loaded bar on set, full of celebrity guests, full audience interactive moments and incredible giveaways. You do not want to miss the Nitro party of the decade! Entertainment Centre. Bookings Essential. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/events/nitro-circus-live-boondall Sat 14 May Bounty Family Fun Fair, North Lakes There will be international food vendors, family and thrill rides, complete sideshow alley, showbags stand and a fireworks finale. Bounty Boulevard State School. 2 – 7pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ events/bounty-family-fun-fair-north-lakes Sat 14 May Country Fair, Bethania Bethania Lutheran School will host a great fun filled afternoon with rides, market stalls, entertainment and food. The fair will conclude at 6:30pm with a fireworks display. 1 – 6.30pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ events/country-fair-bethania Sat 21 May Paniyiri Greek Festival, South Brisbane Be taken on a journey of discovery, a celebration of dance and music, a gastronomical tour through recipe books and a voyage through history rich in colour and passion. More than 30 stalls will showcase the tastes, recipes and secrets of food from all corners of Greece and music and dancing are a major drawcard along with a strong focus on Greek culture, art and history. Musgrave Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/paniyiri-greekfestival-south-brisbane

Sun 22 May Backyard Bonanza, Bracken Ridge Backyard Bonanza will be bustling with three stages of programmed entertainment, including a professional band, community and school-based choirs, dance groups and instrumental ensembles.

The park will also come alive with the Bracken Ridge Lions’ miniature steam train rides, amusement rides, kids cooking, gardening and DIY workshops, tempting food stalls, giveaways and community groups’ stalls and displays. 9.30am – 2pm.

McPherson Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/ backyardbonanza Fri 27 May – Sat 4 Jun Oliver, Redcliffe Bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel to life, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! takes audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England. Join young, orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates the London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and - most importantly - for love. When Oliver is picked up on the street by a boy named the Artful Dodger, he is welcomed into a gang of child pickpockets led by the conniving, but charismatic, Fagin. When Oliver is falsely accused of a theft he didn’t commit, he is rescued by a kind and wealthy gentleman, to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sykes. Redcliffe Cultural Centre. Bookings Essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/oliver-redcliffe Fri 27 & Sat 28 May The 52 Storey Treehouse, Logan Central They're back! Andy and Terry's Tree house is now 52 storeys tall, with yet more fantastic inventions: a watermelon smashing room, a chainsaw-juggling level, a rocket powered carrot launcher, and even a Ninja Snail Training Academy. Logan Entertainment Centre. Bookings Essential. 11.30am. www.familiesmagazine.com. au/events/the-52-storey-treehouse-logan-central Sun 29 May Italian Week, New Farm The Italian Week Italian Festival in New Farm Park hopes to welcome more than 50,000 people to get a taste of authentic Italian food, entertainment and history. Vendors will line the street selling food and the celebration of Italian food and culture is accompanied by live music filling the air. 2016 Celebrates the 10th anniversary of Italian Week in Australia! 11am – 7.30pm. New Farm Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/events/italian-week-new-farm

Your Local Families Magazine April/May 2016

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Local Clubs & Classes Directory

Clubs, Classes & Activities

around Greater Brisbane for adults and children aged 0 - 17.

If you would like a listing for your club, class or activity in our next issue’s inclusive directory, contact us now!

Email: Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Compiled by Regina Gleeson NS = Northside SS = Southside

CLASSES FOR ADULTS Arts Tree (SS) Arts Tree offers 2 hour art classes and two day art workshops that are exciting, fun, and jam-packed with tips and techniques used by professional practicing artists. Their tutors give you the knowledge you need to keep making masterpieces at home. 0437 146 359  www.artstree.com.au Hands On Brisbane (NS) Their arts and crafts workshops are conducted by some of Brisbane’s finest artisans to give you a hands on approach to learning your new skill. With many classes also providing the materials you need to start straight away, all you need to do is turn up and start creating! Workshops are held in Brisbane City at The Gardens Club, in the heart of the Brisbane City Botanic Garden. 07 3012 9606  www.handsonbrisbane.com Brisbane Sings (NS & SS) This site is a free community service which is building to be a comprehensive list of all singing groups in Brisbane and surrounding areas. It lists all types of singing groups including choirs, toning groups, barbershop, a cappella, sacred music, musical society, singing workshops and other singing groups - basically anywhere in this region where you can go to have a sing!  www.spectrumfireworks.com.au/brissings Flipside Circus (NS) Leave your dramas, inhibitions and spandex at the door and avoid crowded gym rooms and repetitive workouts. Achieve fitness goals in a supportive and encouraging environment. Learn circus tricks that will amaze your friends (and yourself!) All circus activities are scalable to suit your individual goals. (07) 3352 7233  www.flipsidecircus.org.au Forum Communicators (NS & SS) Be a better speaker. Toss your speaking fears out the window and come along to Forum. You will improve your public speaking skills in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, and even enjoy yourself.

The WILL to become a confident speaker is all you need, the time to join is now. (07)3266 3521  www.forumcommunicators.asn.au Mad Dance House (NS & SS) Offering over 120 classes a week in a stack of different styles: Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Popping, Locking, Tap, Hip Hop in Heels, Lyrical Hip Hop, Girly Style Street Jazz, Urban Contemporary, Commercial Jazz and fitness classes. No need to book- just rock up 10-15 mins before the start of your chosen class. 07 3210 6724  www.maddance.com.au Men’s Shed (NS & SS) An organization that is accessible to all men and whose primary activity is the provision of a safe and friendly environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace in their own time in the company of other men. A major objective is to advance the well-being and health of their male members. 1300 550 009 www.mensshed.org Ministry of Handmade (NS) They are passionate about handmade and teach traditional made-byhand skills with a modern twist!In a busy world, slow the pace with us for a bit… learn some new skills (or revisit an old one), refresh your spirit, make some new friends. 0414 467 405  www.ministryofhandmade.com.au Paleo To You (NS & SS) Love To Bake Paleo But Don’t Know Where To Start! Demonstrations NOW Available! Learn how to bake PALEO goodies at home that your KIDS will LOVE! In Home Single Demonstrations & 6 Week Courses Available! For information or to make a booking 0404046264 or  nurturepp@gmail.com

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Your Local Families Magazine - April/May 2016

Stork, Baby and You (SS) Experienced midwife of 34 years offers private, personalised education sessions on birth & parenting in the convenience of your home. Sue will travel from Byron Bay to Redcliffe. For 3+ hours she is able to discuss topics relating to your needs & wishes. She will also lend you a couple of dvd's to look at after she leaves.

Contact Sue Butler. 0411 854 443 www. antenatalclasses.com.au The Actors Workshop (SS) Supplying nationally recognised training pathways to school leavers and mature age students seeking dedicated vocational training as a Film, Television and Theatre Actor. 07 3891 1411 www.theactorsworkshop.com.au

Paediatric First Aid Courses Injury prevention and first aid instruction (NS & SS) Recommended for pregnant couples, parents, grandparents, babysitters and other carers of children, this 4.5hr programme includes an in depth injury prevention talk followed by practical paediatric first aid including CPR for babies and toddlers. Kidsafe QLD 3854 1829  www.kidsafeqld.com.au Kids First Aid (NS & SS) The only first aid courses delivered exclusively by experienced paramedics, designed to teach parents and caregivers how to respond calmly and confidently to 10 of the most common first aid emergencies situations. 1300 138 133 www.kidsfirstaid.com.au St John Ambulance Queensland (NS) This course is designed to meet the first aid needs of parents, guardians and members of the public who may be entrusted with the care of babies and children up to 12 years of age. This course provides the knowledge and skills to manage everyday emergency situations. 1300 360 455 www. stjohn.org.au

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN ARTS & CRAFT & COOKING Fox Blocks (NS) Fox Blocks is an innovative creative construction programme that uses a variety of materials such as Lego, Duplo, K’nex, and Fischertechnik, as well as everyday objects. There are 4 different age levels for children from 3.5 years to Grade 7. Each term has a different theme, and each class builds new proficiencies. 07 3855 1528 www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au

Mum & Me (NS) Art classes for Mother and Child (suitable ages 5 to 8 years) held at Subject Art Studio, Pullenvale.

Materials supplied.

Next class is Collage & Drawing on Saturday, 9th April $30 per couple from 9.30 to 11am.

Mum & Me Easter holiday classes, on Wednesday 30th March & Wednesday 6th April.

Drawing & Collage, 9am -11 am cost $30, Box Sculpture, 11.30 pm -1.30pm cost $25 and Madalas Table Tops, one table per couple at 2pm -4pm cost $50. Evening adult classes and Bubble & Paint for special events baby showers. www.artsubject.biz or call Teresa 0410652450

Renaissance Kids (NS & SS) Art lessons for children aged 5 years to 12 years. For students serious about improving their skills or just wanting to get a fun introduction to their creative side. 0404 847 684 www.renaissancekids.com.au Tania’s Arthouse (SS) Professional studio on the bayside that provides weekly art classes for all ages, from Prep up to yr 12. Fun & creative activities in a purpose built environment. 0422 497 627 www.taniasarthouse.com ZoomArt for Kids (NS) Art classes for children in a fun and friendly environment. 6 different age levels from 2 yrs to Grade 12. Designed for the intentional development of the child’s skills, observations, thinking, and experiences in the visual arts. 07 3855 1528 www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au

Cooking Classes Cutie Pies Baking School (SS) Does your little one love to be creative in the kitchen? Cutie Pies Baking School is where your child can mix, knead, roll, ice and decorate his or her own yummy creations! Have all the fun and leave the mess! 0426967055www.cutiepiesbakingschool.com Yummilicious Cookery (SS) love food, cooking and the social interaction that comes with it. Their mission is to bring children together in a safe, nurtured, fun and happy environment where they can learn about real food and cultivate the joy of cooking and mindful eating. 0421 327 187 www.yummilicious.com.au

LANGUAGE & BABY DEVELOPMENT AlphaTykes (NS & SS) They teach French, Spanish or Italian to children between 18 months and 12 years. Lessons run from 30 minutes (under 3 yrs) to 45 minutes (over 3 yrs). 1300 61 22 88 www.alphatykes.com.au Flipside Circus (NS) Flipside circus offers classes for people aged 1 and up! Their Wriggles and Giggles classes introduce toddlers and parents to the world of circus through fun, interactive workshops designed to improve gross and fine motor skills, social development and physical abilities. (07) 3352 7233 www.flipsidecircus.org.au LCF Fun Languages (SS) Designed over 25 years, their methodology teaches French, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, English and German with a fun and active approach that will get your child using the language quickly and naturally. 1300 707 288 www.lcfclubs.com.au TumbleTastics (NS & SS) offers fun, educational fitness and development classes for babies from birth to children aged 7 years. Running for 50 minutes, TumbleTastics include age appropriate activities to assist all aspects of a child’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development, in preparation for school readiness.

Now open at Hawthorne and Everton Hills. www.tumbletastics.com.au Mention Families Magazine for your FREE Trial Class by calling Hawthorne 3399 2004 & Everton Hills 3355 1550.

Sign Language Baby Sensory Hawthorne (SS) They use a combination of original and traditional songs and rhymes to develop early communication skills and you will always remember the moment your baby first uses the signs of their Say Hello song which is played at the beginning of each Baby Sensory class. 07 3399 2004 www.babysensory.com/au

Local Clubs & Classes Directory Deaf Services Queensland (SS) Baby Sign is designed for parents to learn basic Auslan key word signs for babies and children who are hearing or deaf, between 2 mths and 5 yrs. Infants naturally use smiling, cooing, crying and movement to communicate their needs/feelings so it is common for babies to use their hands to communicate long before they can speak. 07 3892 8500 www.deafservicesqld.org.au

ACTIVITY CENTRES Bounce Inc (SS) They believe everyone wants to fly though the air and bounce off the walls. So they have created Bounce Inc – a massive indoor trampoline universe packed with lots of high octane, extreme, fun things to do. 1300 000 540  www.bounceinc.com.au Bay Play (SS) Bay Play Cleveland is an Australiana themed, indoor play centre, with a difference. No other play centre will offer you the opportunity to interact and play with your children the way Bay Play Cleveland does. Catering for ages 6 months 16 yrs (and beyond!) their array of activities, events and attractions is fun for the whole family. (07) 3821 7772  www.bayplaycleveland.com.au Chipmunks Playland & Café (NS & SS) Visit Chipmunks for unlimited play for kids aged 0 – 11 years old and relax over a coffee or lunch with friends and family at their café in one of their 3 Brisbane locations. They feature state of the art equipment and are fully air-conditioned, clean and comfortable. They also have party facilities. www.chipmunks.com.au Crank Indoor Climbing - Macgregor (SS) The largest indoor kids climbing area in Brisbane.

Great for your next kid’s party (5yrs+). Filled with colourful creative fun climbs, a cargo net, a slackline and a mini caving tunnel. At $20 for 2 hours (min.10 kids) it is great value (no climbing experience is necessary as one of their friendly staff will show you the ropes). For the older kids they also have after school classes in both rock climbing and Parkour. With the best instructors in Brisbane they will be trained safely to overcome any obstacle.  brisbaneclimbing@gmail.com Flipside Circus (NS) Go to Flipside Circus on Sundays to play, train and amaze! Sunday Circus is Flipside’s open space to explore the different circus apparatus they have, play with your friends, learn new tricks and amaze yourself and others with the fabulous things you can do. 9am to 12pm for Beginners and those very new to circus. (07) 3352 7233  www.flipsidecircus.org.au Inflatable World (NS) It's all about having fun, so bring the whole family and bounce on in to Inflatable World. It's not just for the kids. (07) 3266 5699  www.inflatableworldoz.com/qld Lollipop’s Playland & Café (NS &SS) Are great kids party venues or giving kids a treat while parents relax over a cup of coffee and a treat from their quality cafe. Their indoor play centres are safe and secure where kids can have hours of fun climbing, sliding, jumping and spinning. 4 Brisbane locations. www.lollipopsplayland.com.au Rainbow City Children's Playcentre & Cafe (SS) Rainbow City offers unique services especially for children under 8 years old. Not only do they offer soft play and big play structures, but they also offer young children a place to have fun – they have their imaginative and innovative play in mind.

Air conditioned and free Wi-Fi. 07 3290 0434 www.rainbowcplaycentre.com.au Regal Palace Parties (NS) A great little venue offering various themed birthday party packages to delight children aged 5-13years. During the week they also offer ‘Mummy and Me’ parties for pre-schoolers, weekday activities for 3-4 year olds and free storytelling on selected weekdays. After school they offer activities including BFF Makeover Packages and exclusive special events. During the school holidays they run great workshops, exclusive events, classes and dance parties. The shop also has a selection of retail items and does helium balloon bouquets. 31724556  www.regalpalaceparties.com.au Skyzone Indoor Trampoline Park (SS) Sky Zone Macgregor isn't just any indoor trampoline park. It is hundreds of trampolines, connected

to form a single massive trampoline that literally allows you to jump off the walls. And if that's not enough excitement for you Sky Zone Macgregor has Skyland - a 3 storey laser tag arena that holds up to 40 players battling it out in a cloud-filled wonderland. That's right, you read correctly. A trampoline park with laser tag! So what are you waiting for? 13 7599 www.skyzone.com.au Tiddlywinks Dance & Play Café (NS) Tiddlywinks Dance and Play Cafe is a family owned and operated entertainment venue, providing a unique dance and play experience for children up to 11 years old. They also have dance programmes and party facilities. 07 3266 8484 www. tiddlywinks.com.au Velocity Park (NS) Challenge gravity, challenge your mates and challenge yourself to reach higher.

Planning a party? Corporate Event? School Group activity? Or are your kids bouncing off the walls??

Dodgeball, Slamball, Free Bounce, Wall Climbing, Trick Foam Pit and more...There's something for everyone at Velocity Park! 07 3482 4344 www.velocitypark.com.au We Play (SS) are the best family fun centres in Australia, offering entertainment, games and activities for children of all ages, facilities for corporate events and parties for children and adults alike. Our locations offer a huge soft play structure, exciting ball and laser games, mini-golf, ride-on cars and a gourmet cafe, all in a fully airconditioned, clean and safe environment. www.weplay4fun.com.au Xtreme Indoor Trampoline Centre (SS) The ceiling really is the limit at Xtreme and with dedicated adventure zones throughout the trampoline arena.

Practice your flips and tricks on their longest tramp and land in a cushion of air. Shoot to new heights on three massive Olympic trampolines. Try out their newest radical sport called ‘Jump and Bump’; use your bubble suit to bump your opponents out of the way and make it to the other side. Be quick on your feet and jump into a Dodge Ball game. Even though their trampoline arena is seriously Xtreme they also cater for Mini Jumpers who are aged 3-5. 1300 586 787 www.xtremetrampoline.com.au

MUSIC Boppin’ Babies (NS &SS) Boppin’ Babies is a music therapy program for newborn babies up to 5 years.

Sessions run for 30 minutes. 0430 591 532  www.boppinbabies.com.au Gymboree (NS & SS) Award winning children’s Play & Learn Gym, Music & Art classes for 0-5yrs.

Designed by experts, the age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical & social skills of children as they play. Programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development. Free trial available. 07 3878 2468 www.gymboree. com.au Kindermusik at Flying Fox Studios (NS) Music and movement classes from newborn to 7 yrs.

Kindermusik classes encourage babies & children to develop language, social, emotional, & physical skills as well—all in the context of joyful, musically rich play! 07 3855 1528 www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au Music Masters (NS) This a sequential music program developed by Christine Masters. The classes are designed, not only to foster a child’s natural musical ability, but to extend them so that their musical education is fully developed. 07 3357 9646 www.musicmasters.com.au Neighbourhood Crèche (NS) A creative community business offering affordable early childhood classes and care for children aged 0-6.

YMM: Yoga, Massage and Music - A lovely bonding 45 minute sensory class for mums with newborns to 8 month old babies. (currently a National award nominee) Bubs music and movement classes for toddlers under 2: Dance, parachutes, bubbles puppets & fun.

Tots Music: - Fun and educational music classes for 2-4 year old children.

Keyboard Kids/Recorder Rock Stars: Small group classes of either Keyboard or Recorders for children aged 4-6 years. A fun after school activity.

Crèche Casual Child Care: Need a break or have

things to do? drop your child off to the super fun and educational Crèche on Tuesday's and Thursday's for occasional care when you need it.

CCB approved. 0423032591  www.neighbourhoodcreche.com.au Info@neighbourhoodcreche.com.au Queensland Show Choir (NS & SS) With programs for babies up to adults, QSC provides quality music education and choral experiences for the whole family. The benefits of early childhood music can be seen in many areas from language development to social skills, not to mention it’s great fun!  3257 4905  www.queenslandshowchoir.com.au Wee Make Music (NS & SS) Classes are essential early development sessions where age appropriate activities using beat, rhythm, language and movement empower a love of music and learning in babies through pre-prep age children. So much fun and so beneficial for general cognitive, musical and social development. Free visit class for all. Bulimba, New Farm, Wilston.  www. weemakemusic.com.au 0434357764 Young Conservatorium (NS & SS) Operating under Open Conservatorium Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, this is the program of choice for families seeking a pedagogically sound music education. Positions are available in Early Childhood Music, Young Beginner, Developing Musician and Senior Tuition in classical /contemporary; Wind, String, Chamber, Vocal, Jazz and Symphonic Ensembles; and composition. www.griffith.edu.au/music/youngconservatorium

SPORTS & EXERCISE Australian Parkour Association (NS & SS) A philosophy and method of movement through any environment with speed and efficiency. The concept is to overcome all physical and mental obstacles in your path by using your body and mind to run, climb, jump and vault. 1800 759 015 www.brisbaneparkour.com.au Baseball Queensland (NS & SS) For boys and girls of all ages. Club competitions fall into the following age groups: Under 8 MighTee ball, U10 Rookie Ball, Little League (U12), Baseball - U14, U16 and U18. 07 3876 2222 www.qld.baseball.com.au Brisbane Basketball (NS & SS) Basketball is a noncontact sport and provides a safe and enjoyable opportunity for players of all age groups. 07 3371 0200 www.brisbane.basketball.net.au Brisbane Martial Arts (NS & SS) Whether Taekwondo, or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is your preferred martial art, if you’re looking to start martial arts training, or take your training to the next level, there’s only one place to go, the home of martial arts in Brisbane. 1300 303 583 www.brisbanemartialarts.com.au

Dipadees (NS) From their beautiful Baby Bubble Classes through to squads their professional teachers make learning fun while developing correct stroke technique and developing a lifelong love of water. Concentrating is easier in the comfort of their heated, indoor pool and 25 meter lanes develop skills over distance as children progress. What better way to help fitness and coordination needed for swimming than by joining their other fitness activities. Kids LOVE their TumbleTastics Kind Gym program, embracing all aspects of development and with new and exciting themes kids are always engaged while they learn. Dipadees Dance learn to dance without the fuss of rehearsals and concerts. Just plain and simple learn to dance well. 07 3355 1550 www.dipadees.com continued on page 28

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Local Clubs & Classes Directory continued from page 27 Dynamight Kids (NS & SS) Teaches safety, selfdefence and life skills to children aged between 3-12 years. Lessons run for 30 minutes. 1300 61 22 88  www.dynamightkids.com.au Flipside Circus (NS) offer a wide range of classes from beginners to experienced from ages 0 - 100.

There is something fun and suitable for every age and every ability. The classes are fast moving and full of action – never a moment to spare. Go and learn all the skills of the circus including tissu, static trapeze, lyra, juggling, hoops, acro balance and tumbling. (07) 3352 7233  www.flipsidecircus.org.au Gymnastics Queensland (NS & SS) Gymnastics is one of the most fundamental and exciting of all physical activities. Basic gymnastic skills develop attributes that are perfect stepping stones for other sports, activities and life in general. 07 3036 5600  www.gymqld.org.au Gymboree (NS & SS) Award winning children’s Play & Learn Gym, Music & Art classes for 0-5yrs.

Designed by experts, the age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. The programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development.

Free trial available. 07 3878 2468  www.gymboree.com.au Hockey Queensland (NS & SS) Hockey is a team sport, children learn the value of working with others. They figure out how to rely on teammates and understand that cooperation is key to success. 07 3399 6577  www.hockeyqld.com.au Junior Golf Queensland (NS & SS) Golf is a great game for juniors/students/children as it is a healthy game that one can play for their whole life. Golf has special qualities that can have powerful and lasting impacts on young people’s self-image, personal development and confidence. 07 3252 8155  www.juniorgolfqueensland.org.au

SPORTS & EXERCISE Life Stream (NS & SS) Facilitates a wide range of opportunities specifically in South East Queensland for people with an intellectual disability to participate, develop skills and be active members of their communities. Life Stream believes that through participation in community activities, recreation, leisure & sport and having friendships and responsibilities, people develop skills and lead healthy, active and meaningful lives. 07 3394 4399  www.lifestream.org.au Little Athletics Queensland (NS & SS) A uniquely Australian sport for children 5-16 years. Based upon the sport of athletics (track & field) the events are specially modified to suit the ages and abilities of children. A wide range of running, jumping, throwing and walking events is conducted. 07 3255 9436  www.qlaa.asn.au Netball Queensland (NS & SS) For young children interested in playing netball for the first time, there is NetSetGo! This program is for children (girls and boys) aged 5-10 and is designed for teaching the basics of netball while fostering fun and friendship in a team environment. 07 3848 6330  www.netballq.org.au PCYC (NS & SS) Gym fun, kids dance, tiny tots, cheerleading, boxercise, teen yoga karate, tumble and stunt, glee club, circuit and gymnastics is just some of the activities at PCYCs. Please contact your local club to see what is on offer for you and your children. 07 3909 9555 www.pcyc.org.au Queensland Cricket (NS & SS) These days, cricket offers some new and exciting formats for kids that won’t take up your whole weekend. Kids can take part in the Milo in2Cricket program, a fun way to get a taste of the sport. As their skills develop, they

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can transition into Milo T20 Blast and on to club cricket to continue a lifelong connection with the game. 07 3292 3100 www.qldcricket.com.au

Ready Steady Go Kids

is Australia's most reputable multi-sport and exercise program for pre-schoolers (aged 2.5-6 years). They have been operating since 2004 and currently run classes at Oxley, Tennyson, Bray Park and North Lakes with new classes added regularly. It is a physiodesigned program teaching children the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a fun, non-competitive, team-based environment.

Classes are 45 minutes covering 5 sports per term. The program has a structure that is repeated each week so children become familiar with the routine. Ready Steady Go Kids seeks to develop lifelong passion for physical activity and sport. www.readysteadygokids.com.au 1300 766 892

Skipping Queensland (SS) A very dynamic, exciting and exhilarating sport. It helps in the development of an individual’s fitness and co-ordination, and is used by a number of other sporting codes and athletes for aerobic fitness.

Competitive skipping takes the activity to the next level. www.skippingqueensland.com.au Tennis Queensland (NS & SS) Tennis Queensland Registration is automatically included when you join your local affiliated club as a member. This will also give you access to all the exclusive benefits that the club chooses to offer. Find a club near you. 07 3120 7900 www.tennis.com.au YMCA Bowen Hills caters for all ages and abilities.

From walking to adults they deliver classes designed to maximise fitness, fun and gymnastics skills. They offer competitive MAG and WAG up to Level 8. Their passionate and experienced coaches ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 3851 8800! www.ymcabrisbane. org YMCA Acacia Ridge is a specialist gymnastic centre focussed on giving your child the best possible gymnastic experience. From 10 months to teens we cater for beginners and up to Level 7. Our friendly and experienced coaches ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 3276 7793 www.ymcabrisbane.org YMCA Enoggera is a specialist gymnastic centre focussed on giving your child the best possible gymnastic experience. From 3 years to teens their friendly and experienced coaches ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 3355 7176 www.ymcabrisbane.org YMCA Jamboree Heights caters for all ages and abilities. From walking to adults they deliver classes designed to maximise fitness, fun and gymnastics skills. They offer competitive MAG and WAG up to Level 8. Their passionate and experienced coaches ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 3376 4266 www.ymcabrisbane.org YMCA Victoria Point caters for all ages and abilities. From walking to adults they deliver classes designed to maximise fitness, fun and gymnastics skills. They offer competitive MAG and WAG up to Level 8. Their passionate and experienced coaches ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 3820 5300  www.ymcabrisbane.org

Horseriding Cherbon Waters (SS) Cherbon Waters’ facilities include a new fully lit 60m x 20 indoor arena (with an undercover viewing area), riding trails, round

yards, stabling area, wash bays, safe fully-electrified paddocks. 0417 704 671 www.cherbonwaters.com.au Dalson Park Indoor Equestrian Centre (SS) Horse riding lessons are well priced and cover the use of Dalson Park ponies, tacked up by capable stable hands; the use of arenas, tack, saddles, helmet and boots and expert and encouraging instruction. 0448 034 514 www.dalsonpark.com.au Gumnuts (SS) Gumnuts is a 140 acre horse farm located in the Biddaddaba Valley. They offer a farm stay experience as well as horseriding, which is their primary focus. They have expanded to include day & ½ day riding tours operating from both the Gold Coast and Brisbane. (07) 5543 0191 www.gumnutsfarm.com.au Heritage Riding (SS) It does not matter if you are a “first timer” or you are a current Junior Rider wanting to gain more competitive skills in Dressage or Jumping. They have a Horse/Pony and Qualified Instructor that will suit your needs, and give you a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience. 07 3206 3951  www.heritageriding.com.au Indarra Equestrian Centre (SS) provides a safe riding environment with qualified, professional staff so you can enjoy your love of horses. You can choose either group (max 4 riders) or private lessons. Indarra also hold fun filled day and overnight camps during each school holidays 0409 475 040 www.indarraequestrian.com.au Kiah Park (SS) Offers 7 day horse riding farm stays for children ages 6yrs - teens every school holidays.

Includes full accommodation and each child is given their own pony/horse to love, care for and ride twice a day. Includes full accommodation, arena lessons, horse care – grooming & tacking up, trail rides and gymkhana. Fun night activities include night walk, talent show, camp fire with stories and marshmallow roasting, bingo and movie night. (07) 5486 6166 www.kiahpark.com.au Nag Nanny (SS) Nag Nanny & Equine Resolutions is passionate about teaching all aspects of looking after horses. Children will not turn up to a horse that is saddled and ready to go, do their lesson and leave. They will teach them all about getting to know a horse.  www.nagnanny.vpweb.com.au Riverside Equestrian Centre (SS) Riverside Equestrian Centre is located at Moggill in a parklike setting on the banks of the Brisbane River.

It is a short drive from Brisbane City. They offer lessons for groups and single riders from junior to senior riders. Each lesson runs for 2 hours instead of the normal 45mins. (07) 3202 6526 www. riversideequestriancentre.com.au Slickers Horse Riding (NS) Their lessons are conducted in either an enclosed yard or out on one of their trails depending on which the rider requires. 07 3285 1444  www. slickershorseriding.com Tamborine Mountain Trail Rides (SS) A 300 acre farm, Tamborine Mountain Trail Rides has ponies available for parties, as well as trail rides from a half hour through to whole day trips, and they offer lessons, too. 0434 011 826 www.horseridingqld.com Trevena Glen Farm (SS)Trevena Glen Farm is only a 45 minute drive from Brisbane. They provide a variety of farm experiences for your Brisbane Family.They also provide riding lessons that cover everything from learning to ride to all aspects of looking after a horse. So you can book in to have a very real horse experience, before you commit to buying a horse! (07) 32894257 www.grookea.odoo.com Wattle Creek Riding School (NS) At Wattle Creek, they specialise in one on one lessons. This gives 100% of the Coach’s attention to the rider. This allows the experienced and inexperienced to work at their optimum pace. No riding experience is needed to start as they teach from the first riding lesson to the highly experienced rider. 07 3300 6422 www.wattlecreekridingschool.com.au

Local Clubs & Classes Directory Windsong Equestrian Park (SS) Their coaches conduct private lessons by appointment, in an all-weather surface ProRide arena. Their coaches are qualified level one instructors and are happy to cater for beginners or higher skill levels of all ages. www.windsongpark.com

Swimming Aquatic Achievers Swim Schools (NS & SS) specialize in teaching babies through to stroke correction and squads. Their innovative Solo1 teaching program advances skills in easy, achievable progressions. The pinnacle of their SOLO-1 program is for children to swim One Kilometre unassisted. www.aquaticachievers.com.au Dipadees (NS) The have four programs for babies from 4 months to children aged 18 years. 07 3355 1550  www.dipadees.com Grace Swimming (NS) a swimming environment that is friendly and family-oriented. Situated at Grace Lutheran College, this state-of-theart swimming facility boasts experienced and renowned swimming instructors that cater for all swimming levels. 07 3204 2725 www.graceswim.org.au Nudgee College Swimming (NS) The organisation aims for its swimmers to reach their potential by providing a coaching program that produces excellent results at state, national and international level. They have a range of programs for different swimming groups, from beginners to advanced, from infants to older swimmers. Their program operates all year round. 07 3865 0516 sryan@nudgee.qld.edu.au North Lakes Aquatic Centre (NS) Concentrates in infant water familiarization, safety and personal development. Their swim program in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society caters for children from 6 mths through to Junior Squads.

Their instructors pride themselves on their wealth of experience, understanding and enthusiasm. (07) 3886 2022  www.northlakesac.com.au northlakes@belgravialeisure.com.au Sam Riley Swim Schools (NS & SS) Dedicated, qualified and experienced instructors know the importance of balancing the professionalism required to teach your child to swim, whilst maintaining an element of enjoyment, so your child has fun while learning. 07 3050 7341 www.samrileyswimschools.com Shapland Swim Schools (NS & SS) Learn to swim in small classes of three that give children more one-on-one attention. With free make-up lessons and easy online bookings, Shapland Swim Schools makes learning to swim easy and fun! Baby classes available from 3 months of age. www.shapland.com.au The Clem Jones Centre (SS) The Learn to Swim program focuses on water safety, water confidence and the development of all strokes while also emphasising on fun and excitement for both the child and parent. They cater from 6 months to adult classes’. 07 3398 2107 www.clemjonescentre.com.au

Yoga Angel Yoga 4 Kids (NS) AYK Yoga classes teach children through asanas, yoga stories, yoga songs, yoga game’s, yoga art, yoga dance, visualisation, pranayama, relaxation & meditation techniques. 0412 564 757  www.angelyoga4kids.com.au Brisbane Yoga Space (NS & SS) An invaluable tool of fun, learning, health and growth for kids and teens. Through yoga, young people can have fun while developing health, fitness and selfconfidence. 0430 158 826 www.brisbaneyogaspace.com.au Calm For Kids Relaxation Classes (NS & SS) Calm for Kids hold yoga based relaxation classes for children throughout Australia. The Calm for Kids classes consist of balance, concentration and co-ordination exercises, breathing exercises and

games, peer massage, children’s relaxation and visualisations and positive affirmations. 07 3343 3285 www.calmforkids.com.au

and fitness. We have classes for ages 3 and above on a registered or casual basis. 0427 999 909 www.elitedancers.com.au

Inna Bliss Yoga Studios (SS) Bliss kids yoga classes are a fantastic way for your child to enjoy the many benefits of yoga in fun and friendly environment.

The instructor guides the children through an interactive & themed practice of song, movement, yoga poses, creativity, story-telling and relaxation. 07 3162 2188 www.innablissyoga.com.au

Kick Dance (SS) Structured programs in dance run by professional teachers with excellent qualifications and extensive industry experience. Classes which facilitate enjoyment, confidence, develop students at a very high technical level and allow a ‘kick’ start into the performing arts. Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Irish Dancing, Creative Movement for tiny tots. 0414 308 248 www.kickdance.com.au Kinderballet (NS & SS) An Imaginative and creative introduction to Classical Ballet for toddler and pre-schoolers. They offer 'Mummy & Me' classes for 2 - 3 1/2 year old, 'Tots' classes for 3 1/2 - 5 year olds and 'Kiddies' classes for 4 - 5 year olds. 1300 6060949 www.kinderballet.com.au Movements Academy of Dance (NS) A well-established, friendly, family based studio that believes in teaching students to be all that they can be. They handpick their teachers who are qualified, encouraging & inspiring so that every student can have the very best dance education possible. 07 3886 4098 www.movementsdance.com.au Seriously Dance (SS) They truly believe their philosophy of respecting each student for their individuality & challenging each student to obtain personal excellence. 0416 477 703 www.seriouslydance.com

Ten Toes Yoga & Natural Health (NS) Children respond well to Kids Yoga Classes because Yoga gives them a chance to explore aspects of their bodies, minds and emotions in a fun and creative way. www.tentoes.com.au

FILM, THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS Activate Entertainment (NS) Offers a variety of educational and fun programs in filmmaking and media arts. Learn how to produce, direct and edit ‘out of this world’ projects using iPads, GoPro’s, Green Screen and Drones. Activate Entertainment gets young people being both active and creative with new technologies. Encourages social engagement and creative problem solving whilst developing essential skills for tomorrow’s world. Programs designed for 8 - 17yrs (Primary & Secondary). 0423 762 096 Brisbane Arts Theatre (NS) Their training enhances children’s performance skills and stagecraft knowledge with acting techniques, improvisation, voice (including singing – solo, chorus and harmonies) and movement training (theatre, dance and mime). 07 3369 2344  www.collegetheatrepractice.com.au Flipside Circus (NS) Performance Program Flipside Circus Trainers support students in every step of the way ensuring each student is ready as they take the steps from performing in small in-house shows to roaming performances at fetes and festivals to touring large scale performing works in major festivals! (07) 3352 7233  www.flipsidecircus.org.au Helen O'Grady Drama Academy (NS & SS) They help children develop essential life skills and explore their creative side through developmental drama programs while providing them with the necessary life skills to prepare them for life after school. Helen O’Grady is the world’s foremost provider of developmental drama programs for children aged between 3 and 17 years of age in over 25 countries worldwide. 1300 647 239  www.helenogrady.com.au Shake and Stir Theatre Co (NS) Improve your child’s performance and communication skills, raise their self-confidence and increase their level of physical activity. 07 3358 6025  www.shakeandstir.com.au Stagecraft Acting School (NS & SS) Focus is on helping kids become happy, confident and successful people not just successful actors. They pride themselves in teaching kids the skills they need to become professional actors in the real world by making learning fun. 0417 118 006  www.actingacademy.com.au

Dance Attitude Dance Academy (NS) Attitude Dance Academy offers a safe, fun, learning environment where your child can study a variety of dance styles from highly experienced, professionally trained instructor 07 3349 0391  www.attitudedanceacademy.com.au Brisbane Academy of Dance (NS) A wide range of qualified teachers in all areas of dance. An energetic approach to teaching encourages students to achieve their personal best.(07)3356 588  www.brisbaneacademyofdance.com.au Elite Dancers (NS) Their many different classes are structured to suit the needs of every dancer, whether you want to dance for a career or for fun

Stuartholme - Let her shine - Saturday Drama and Choir classes (NS) As part of the Creative Arts Program (CAPS), Stuartholme School runs Saturday choir classes and drama classes for girls aged 8 to 11 during the school term. Stuartholme’s CAPS Program offers young performing artists the opportunity to explore their love of music and drama, whilst giving girls the advantage of a strong educational foundation in the creative arts. The best part is that each and every class is fun!

CAPS Choir The CAPS Choir classes are for 1 hour on Saturday mornings from 9am to 10am. Choir classes are ideally suited to girls aged 8 to 11.

CAPS Drama The CAPS Drama classes are for 1 hour on Saturday mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Drama classes are ideally suited to girls aged 10 to 11.

Girls aged 10 to 11 are encouraged to participate in both Choir classes and Drama classes as each class has been designed to work in conjunction with the other. To enrol and learn more, register www.stuartholme.com/community-andalumnae/saturday-drama-and-choir-classes

TUTORS & SCHOOL SUPPORT Kip McGrath Education Centre (NS & SS) See your child really improve in maths and English. Qualified teachers create individual tutoring programs for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods of tuition. Maths, English, Reading, Spelling & Comprehension.  www.kipmcgrath.com.au Kumon (NS & SS) The Kumon Method is an individualised learning method. The starting point for each Kumon student is determined individually. Students start with the level where they can attain a perfect score by studying on their own. 1800 458 666 www.au.kumonglobal.com ABC Reading Eggs (For ages 3-13) Join over 3.4 million users worldwide to teach your child to read with ABC Reading Eggs, the multi-award winning online reading program that makes learning to read fun.www.readingeggs.com.au/fam

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WIN One of Four ‘Mother’s Day’ 4 prize packs valued at $127.80 each Mother’s Day intertwines poignant tales of parenthood which include a mother’s attempts to share parenting roles with her ex-husband (and his much younger partner), a daughter who is desperate to find and build a relationship with her absentee birth mum, a father struggling to fill the hole in his children’s lives after the tragic loss of his wife and an adult daughter with children of her own struggling to reconnect with her parents. Filled with touching moments and big laughs, Mother’s Day is guaranteed to melt the hearts of audiences the world over. Releasing in cinemas from April 28.

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