INTOUCH MAGAZINE| December / Jan 19' School Holiday Guide

School Holiday ! n u F

Super-fun activities for kids (big and small) to keep busy with this School Holidays!

SIZZLING SUMMER HOLIDAYS GUIDE WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN - Features Writer

Newcastle Museum A visit to Newcastle Museum is always a fascinating affair, with these holidays featuring fascinating facts all about the body in the interactive Gums to Bums Science Shows.

Follow your breakfast through your body, help make poo and cover your ears as presenters light up intestinal gas with a bang during the popular free science shows, which will run three times a day on January 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24.

The Museum will also offer the chance to learn more about Australian wildlife with an up-close and personal experience with reptiles, stick insects and bird-eating spiders during the free Crocodile Encounters Wildlife Show, while three Slippery Slime Making Workshop will be full of ooeygooey fun for just $10 per person. For more details and dates visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au

The countdown to Christmas and the New Year is a great way to keep the kids occupied in the first few weeks after school breaks up for the summer.

But once the festive season is over, and the gloss of using their new gifts has worn off, parents are often left overwhelmed by the thought of trying to keep them busy for the next four weeks.

Thankfully there is a way to survive the school holidays without digging too deep into the wallet, with a great line-up of activities organised by Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Councils.

Newcastle Art Gallery Be inspired by the latest exhibitions and have your own handson art experience with the range of summer school holidays workshops on offer at the gallery.

Create your own Art Apron inspired by The Erskine Pledge exhibition, or use the styles of artists Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy to design and make a Geometric Necklace using wooden beads, coloured yarns and strings.

The workshops are suitable for children aged 5-12, at a cost of $12 per person, with bookings essential. For more details visit www.nag.org.au

Newcastle Region Libraries There’s always something happening across the region’s network of libraries, with a host of free and low-cost workshops on offer for all ages these school holidays.

Dig for fossils and paint your own dinosaur craft to take home in the interactive My Pet Dinosaur activity ($8 per person, aged 4-12), while budding Jedis will be called on to put their knowledge of the force to the test with a fun, free Star Wars Challenge, full of games, trivia and craft challenges.

Creative types will be able to get experimental making their own Curious Clay Creatures while those with a thirst for adventure can help Percy Jackson locate Zeus’s lightning bolt in the library during the Percy Jackson Adventure Challenge.

Tweens and teens are also catered for with a range of hands-on workshops creating everything from Marvellous Monsters that light up, to funky up-cycled badges in the Badge Making activity, while budding writers can unleash their inner voice and pick up some tips at the Poetry Lab. Bookings for all activities are essential. To find out what’s on near you, check out www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/ whats-on

Lake Macquarie Libraries Snakes and sharks will help take a bite out of school holiday boredom with a range of awesome activities on offer across the various Lake Macquarie Council libraries.

Would you know what to do if you found a snake in your house? Reptile rescuer, Teresa Purnell, will answer that question and more during Insight into Snakes, while the Shark Facts session will see expert David Powter present up-to-date scientific information on sharks including the most common species in NSW, their behaviours, place in the marine ecosystem, and latest science on attack prevention measures.

There will be plenty more activities on offer during the summer break, with the final details still being organised, so log on to library.lakemac.com.au/kids/school-holiday-fun for more information, prices and to book your place.

Advertise Your School Holiday Activity Here!

Advertising opportunities for the April 2019 School Holidays are open now. Phone 4998 0888 or email advertise@intouchmagazine.com.au

Out and About There’s no better time to get out and about and enjoy the summer sunshine these holidays, with a host of activities planned at Lake Macquarie’s beaches, reserves, on the lake and at the Glenrock State Conservation Area.

Enjoy a paddle and see Lake Macquarie from a different perspective as you explore Dora Creek during a Kayak on the Lake for children aged 10+, while those aged five and over can find fabulous fossils of plants that grew here 250 million years ago. Learn how to identify them with a local Discovery Ranger from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service during the Fossil Forest Tour near Dudley Beach.

Join an exciting adventure exploring the rich and fascinating world of rockpools in the Rockpool Ramble at Swansea Heads, or take part in a Sea Cave Exploration at the renowned Caves Beach and learn how old the sea caves are and how they formed with expert geologists from Geological Survey of NSW. You can also join master sculptor Dennis Massoud for a Sand Sculpture Workshop and Competition at Blacksmiths Beach and make sure you have the best sandcastles on the beach this summer.

Those looking for something a little more active can Come and Try Mountain Biking with members from the Hunter Mountain Bike Association, who will work with kids, beginners, riders with a disability and intermediate level riders to practice skills on some test features in and around the car park at the Awaba Mountain Bike Park. Ride the Development Trail or take the longer trail loop alongside an experienced mountain biker who can help you hone your skills.

There are plenty more activities to enjoy this summer across Lake Macquarie. For more information visit lakemac.com.au/recreation/whats-on/school-holidays

TMP Dance Studios ALL AGES TMP Dance Studios classes at Caves Beach and Swansea include classical ballet RAD, jazz/ funk, street hip-hop, breakdance, contemporary and acro.

The unique program created for ladies, Athena Dance, is available at Swansea and Charlestown. This program offers both morning and evening classes for pre-schoolers to adults. info@tmpdancestudios.com.au www.tmpdancestudios.com.au

LOCATED Swansea, Caves Beach and Charlestown

Reach New

Heights

This School Holidays!

BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED Pulse Climbing caters for all levels of climbing from beginners and kids just starting out, right up to elite climbers who are after a high class training facility. With top rope climbing and two bouldering areas, we have a mix of super-easy climbs and hard-core. Our atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and our highly experienced staff are always on hand for safety instruction and to help in any way they can.

AquaStars

Entry is membership based or casual, we can cater for groups (please book ahead), and also offer Learn to Climb Classes.

Pulse Climbing is also the perfect hasslefree all weather venue for your child’s next birthday party, just contact us for more details!

DETAILS Open from 10am every day in the school holidays (until 10pm Mon–Fri). Find us at 10/122 Garden Grove Parade, Adamstown. www.pulseclimbing.com.au

Swim School AGES 6 MONTHS – ADULT • All instructors are AustSwim/ Swim Australia accredited.

• Low student to instructor ratio so your child gets the attention they deserve.

• Learn to Swim and Private one on one classes for all ages (6 months to Adults) We don’t use flotation devices, so your child learns to swim to the best of their own ability.

• We are the only Swim Survival provider in the Newcastle/Hunter region, These lessons will have your child able to survive in the water in WEEKS, not years.

• Aqua Fitness & Acqua Pole classes for your low impact workout.

• Children’s birthday parties. Open for Public use and hire.

• Our purpose-built pool was designed for ease of access to all people. Heated to 30° in summer and 31° in winter, our pool is warm all year round.

• Swim Australia and Healthy Swim recognised Aquatic Centre.

We are open 7 days a week, including school holidays (except public holidays and certain times over Easter and Christmas periods).

First lesson free for new clients!

DETAILS Unit 7/311 Hillsborough Road Warners Bay. PH 4954 9900 www.aquastars.com.au /aquastarswarnersbay @infantaquaticswarnersbay

HOLEYMOLEY.COM.AU

STRIKEBOWLING.COM.AU

$20 FUNLIMITED PLAY UNLIMITED BOWLING, LASER TAG & MINI GOLF BEFORE 5PM DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS LOCATED AT CHARLESTOWN SQUARE, SOUTH PIAZZA

Hunter Ice Skating

January

Stadium

Art

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES Holiday Super Sessions are back! Skate as long as you like between 11am and 3.30pm on weekdays during the holidays.

There are party games like limbo and pass the puck and a sectioned off area for beginners with skating frames available.

Attack!

Non-skating spectators are admitted free – why not relax in the cafe while the kids skate!

A great option in wet weather and also a great place to be when it's really hot outside.

Rental Skate sizes range from a Kids 9 up to an Adults 14. Lockers are available for a small fee to secure your belongings whilst on the ice.

DETAILS 230 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay. Prices are $16 for 6yrs or under, $20 for 7yrs or over, $18 seniors and $65 for a family (1 adult + 3 kids OR 2 adults + 2 kids). These prices include skate hire – with your own skates you will save $4. For more details and other session times please visit the website.

Phone 4954 4499. www.hiss.com.au

at Art Mania Studio FOR KIDS + TEENS Ready for your school holiday creative crusade?

Art Mania Studio has an awesome range of new & exciting art offerings ready to engage your youngsters & make their holidays 'THE BEST EVA!'.

WOBBLE PAINT BOT PROGRAM Art Mania Studio are combining computer science, electronics & art in a 3 day program for kids 10yrs+ (younger ones interested just need to have an accompanying adult).

Get the intro basics on Makey Makey Coding & create a Wobble Paint Bot in this STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) based program.

KIDS YOGA & ART For the sprouting yogi's Art Mania Studio are combining yoga & craft in this explorative 2 hour workshop. Providing movement & a creative outlet, it's the perfect mix for your kids this school holidays!

ART ART ART Ready to try out Henna tattooing? How about some Marbling art? Perhaps an awesome Mixed Media Paint & Canvas workshop will satisfy the creative urge these school holidays?

Check out the website for all options, dates, details and to book!

DETAILS Art Mania Studio 12 Council Street Wallsend.

PH 4955 0509 E hello@artmaniastudio.com.au www.artmaniastudio.com.au Wheel chair friendly.

Bricks 4 Kidz!

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Beat the School Holiday Brain Drain and treat your kids to some Awesome Holiday FUN with Bricks 4 Kidz®. We have some great workshops launching this holidays in Newcastle and Charlestown. It’s so much fun they won’t know they are learning… @artmaniastudio

OR try our new FLIP AND BUILD. BRICKS 4 KIDZ® and Flip Out® have joined forces this holidays to bring you some insane holiday FUN! Get the kids to Flip Out® Thornton for 2 hours of excitement – 1 hour of bouncing and 1 hour of building.

DETAILS Book online or call today on 0499 066 056. www.bricks4kidz.com.au/ nsw-lakemacquarie

A & Q

BRETT MORGAN Artistic Director - National College of Dance

Can you train to become professional dancer and stay in Newcastle?

The answer is YES – but not all programs are the same!

Brett Morgan, Artistic Director and owner of National College of Dance, holds a rather impressive resume, with highlights that include performing more than 40 soloist roles for the iconic Australian Ballet Company and Acting Artistic Director with the prestigious Sydney Dance Company. So how did someone who danced for Her Majesty, The Queen, land in Newcastle, NSW? We caught up with him to find out.

Brett grew up in Lansvale, in the western suburbs of Sydney, and as a young student travelled two hours each way, every day, for good quality training, which is what he credits his amazing career to. He acknowledges the struggle for kids who come from regional areas, who dream of dancing on the world stage, and that is something he was determined to change.

The three-step process is a simple one that has been well received by parents of young dancers who may want to pursue a career while still attending school.

Students start by enrolling in a half-day class which then transitions into 1.5 days offering a Certificate III in Dance statement of attainment. This happens over Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. For Students who show a drive and passion for dance, “I promised myself that throughout my career I’d give back to students in regional areas and provide them with they then have an option to increase their training to three days per week while continuing their education via the the best training within Australia.” support of Distant Education and Student Tutor Network.

After taking over National College of Dance in Lambton in 2012, he soon realised there was a need to bridge the Brett’s passion and drive to make National College of Dance pathway between the junior dance classes and that of the a place where dancers can thrive is apparent as soon as you full-time dance training to become a professional. Going hear him talk, and with the school being recognised as one from dancing a few hours a week, to leaving school and of Australia’s leading training venues, he and his team of training every day is a huge burden for young dancers’ teachers work tirelessly to ensure students have the highest both physically and mentally. level of full- time pre-professional training in Australia.

“Making the choice to dance full time can be daunting for students and their parents” said Morgan.

With this in mind Brett and his talented staff set about creating a three-step training program to develop young dancers in Newcastle, offering an Intensive Training Program for dancers as young as 13, which allowed them to experience what full-time dance is like, without having to leave school.

“I’ve had an amazing career both classically and on a contemporary level, and had the honour of working with and being mentored by the best in the world. It’s now my turn to pass my knowledge on to the next generation.” said Morgan NATIONAL COLLEGE OF DANCE JUNIOR ACADEMY The National College of Dance also have a junior academy that commences students training at the tender age of 3 years old and works with students to create a fun, nurturing environment in which develops students love of the arts.

“Our Junior Academy is about providing a safe, nurturing, relaxed environment where students can receive world class training from the very beginning of their dance journey. Not all students will want to become professional dancers but when trained correctly, from the very beginning, will have the opportunity to if they wish to The creative team at the National College of Dance have pursue it. Dance has so many other benefits that will be been hand selected due to their incredible ability to pass on an asset to a child their whole lives, whatever they choose their knowledge from their own careers in Dance boasting to be when their older. Amazing dance training is evident some of the best teachers and choreographers within from day one.”

Australia. "Choreography is one of the schools strengths If you would like more information about classes offered at and certainly contributes to why this school is at the the National College of Dance you can contact them on forefront of Australian dance training" 02 49529294 or contact us via website www.nationalcollegeofdance.com or Facebook page

NEWCASTLE SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE BALLET

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ BROADWAY ESTEEMED GUEST & FACULTY TEACHERS

Vicki Attard

Adam Blanch

Sophie Holloway

Tim Farrah

Paulina Quinteros

Juliette Verne

MarkHodge

Jason Duff

Brett Morgan

Veronica Beattie George

VENUE National College of Dance 151 Young Rd, Lambton

21-25 Jan

BOOK NOW! www.trybooking.com/XWTN

HOLIDAY TIME IS HERE! IT'S FOR EVERY BODY

TRY

MENTION INTOUCH MAGAZIN FOR A 10 E DISCOUN % T!

Mini Golf!

HOME OF MINI GOLF AND FOOTGOLF With a relaxing 11 hole golf course, the only FootGolf course in the Hunter and a brandnew 18-hole Mini Golf Course, Beresfield Golf Course provides a fabulously fun day out for family and friends with something for everyone!

Mini Golf and Footgolf are great fun activities for the holidays – they are active and suitable for the whole family. Take a date, or a mate for chill time, a fun time or 'get to know you' time.

At Beresfield Golf you can enjoy a great undercover outdoor areas and a BBQ* - making it the perfect and affordable destination for your next kids party, social group or work party. *Hire charges apply.

DETAILS Mini Golf – Open every day from 10am; FootGolf – Open every day from 10am (excepting Sat & Sun – after 12noon). Visit www.beresfieldgolf.com.au/mini-golf or call 4966 4665. 260 Anderson Dr, Beresfield.

Tantrum Youth Arts Drama and Performance Workshops in 2019 As unique and individual as your child, Tantrum Youth Arts offers drama and performance workshops that put young people first. Providing skills and structures that allow the exploration and expression of their own ideas, participants engage in a range of performance and theatre making activities. Afternoon workshops are available from Kindergarten to Yr 12 and provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where collaboration and communication skills are learnt, confidence and creativity are fostered, and individuality is celebrated.

PH 4929 7279 E info@tantrum.org.au MORE AT www.tantrum.org.au

Toboggan Hill Park ALL WEATHER FAMILY FUN! Toboggan Hill Park, located in Nelson Bay, has activities for the whole family with outdoor and indoor fun!

Outside, kids big and small can enjoy our giant maze, water balloon fights, toboggan rides and mini golf; inside there is hot ice skating, jumping castles, kiddy karz and rock climbing, plus more!

We also have a food kiosk and an outdoor picnic area, and we also cater for kids birthday parties - visit our website or contact us for more information.

www.tobogganhillpark.com 16 Aquatic Cl, Nelson Bay PH 4984 1022 E toboggan@tobogganhillpark.com

Hunter Valley

Horseriding & Adventures ALL AGES Get away from city living and go horseriding!

It’s the perfect day trip - just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway you’ll find a place where you can relax, get back to nature, treat the kids or just stop and smell the roses!

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders. Take in the scenery as you ride the unique and beautiful Molly Morgan Range, and experience the spectacular views of the Hunter Valley and as far north as Barrington Tops. Not to mention the amazing native wildlife that will be a memory not soon forgotten – you can even ride among kangaroos and wallabies. Why not take an ATV guided tour to the top of the range!

Even the tiny tots can jump on board, with beautiful ponies and qualified guides leading the way. We also offer full day horse riding camps for the teens (12-16 yrs old) where they will get to groom and feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride!

You could also enjoy a picnic (we have over 300 acres of great spots), utilise our BBQ facilities, enjoy a tractor hay ride to feed the animals, check out the kangaroos, hiking and mountain bike trails or sunset rides. Plus, don’t forget to visit our aviary to say hello to our birds, guinea pigs, goats and sheep.

We have also recently introduced the new pedal go karts! An activity that is sure to keep the kids busy, and ready to hit the hay later on.

If you feel like staying a little longer, we offer great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids

stay free during school holidays! (Villas only).

Be quick to book, as we have limited spots available.

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures is really your one stop shop for an awesome school holiday experience that we know the kids will love. So, get back to nature, breathe that fresh country air and enjoy a seamless experience like no other. Whether you are up for a day trip, or plan to stay a little longer, this is the perfect way to feel your school holiday stresses slip away! Book the kids in for some outdoor fun today.

DETAILS Open 7 days, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are recommended, phone Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008. www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

Messy Kids & Mayhem AGES 8 - 12 + 11 - 14 YEARS January School Holiday Workshops 16th - 25th January Masked characters for theatre, shadow puppets, colourful mandalas, and painting for fun. All taught by professional creatives.

Email us and we’ll send you full details: info@newcastleartspace.org.au www.newcastleartspace.org.au LOCATED 91 Chinchen Street, Tighes Hill PH 0490 801 630

Finite Gallery AGES 6 - 18 YEARS The kids are sure to be kept busy this school holidays with the fantastic range of 2-hour children's workshops at Finite Gallery.

There are a wide range of workshops on offer - everything from creating in Clay to Tie Dyeing, Painting and Beading. All materials are included!

Parents and Carers are also welcome to participate, so why not make it a fun family day?

There are also classes and workshops for children and adults during the term, so take a look at the website to see what is coming up.

Jet Flight Simulator AGES 6 AND UP - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED Have you ever wanted to feel what it is like to captain a 737? Here is your chance to virtually experience the thrill of being in control of the most popular plane in the world, and no experience is needed.

Choose your favorite airport or city to take off from. Just before take-off you will be briefed on the primary controls, instruments and procedures necessary to be ready for take-off. After permission from Air Traffic Control you will accelerate the plane down the runway and take-off.

During your flight you will be fully immersed in your experience. You will be managing your airspeed, altitude and watching your heading whilst monitoring any other air traffic. The wide array of screens and indicators will also need to be monitored.

www.finitegallery.com/learn LOCATED 60 Caves Beach Rd, Caves Beach E info@finitegallery.com PH 0419 471 660

HOT SALE! Enter this link to receive 50% off discount! www.jetflightsimulatornewcastle.com.au/intouch

or call 1300-SIM-FLIGHT (1300-746-354)

Prices:

• 737 simulator experience 30min Session = $69 (was $199) • Gift vouchers available 60min Session = $109 (was $339) 90min Session = $159 (was $439) • No experience needed (kids 6+) 120min Session = $189 (was $499) • Payment over the phone

• Bring up to 4 passengers for FREE • 22,000 destinations DETAILS By appointment only. 1 Tudor St, • Fly alongside an experienced Newcastle. PH 1300-746-354. instructor /JetFlightSimulatorNewcastle • By appointment only • Buy now, book later

Art House

Studios

Does your child love art?

Art House Studios offers an engaging after school visual arts program that children and teens across the Hunter have been enjoying for the last 5 years. We help build your child’s drawing and painting skills so they can reach their artistic potential.

Our After School Art Program is the BEST in Newcastle!

– We offer a supportive and encouraging

learning environment.

– Every class is delivered by a qualified teacher/experienced artist.

– We offer a wide range of creative exploration of exciting techniques using watercolour, acrylic, ink, charcoal, pastel, graphite and more (all materials included in term fee!).

Class sizes are limited, enrol now for 2019. Gift Vouchers available – a perfect Christmas gift idea!

DETAILS Level 1, 268 Turton Road, New Lambton. PH 0478 116313. Visit www.arthousestudios.com.au or email priyajoy@arthousestudios.com.au

Families That Train Together, Grow Together...

AGES 2+ Join up your child by 31st December 2018 and the rest of the family trains free in January!

Are you looking for an activity for the Kids or would you like something that you can share together?

Memberships start at $19.95 with no term lengths and no cancellation fees. We offer amazing value family memberships which only charge for the first two family members and the rest of your FAMILY can train absolutely FREE! Pollet’s Newcastle offers a wider range of Martial Arts discipline’s than any other Martial Arts school in the Newcastle and Hunter Region. Individuals and families can benefit from training in up to 6 disciplines at no extra cost.

KARATE • MUAY THAI KICKBOXING TRADITIONAL WEAPONS • KEMPO JIU JITSU BOXING • MMA

Sand Dune

DETAILS 1/44 Park Ave, Adamstown.

PH 4952 2444 E newcastle@pollets.com.au www.pollets.com.au /polletsnewcastle @pollets_newcastle

Safaris

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES Come on the ultimate adventure! Join Sand Dune Safaris in one of our purpose built off road vehicles and experience the magnificent Stockton Sand Dunes - the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in beautiful Port Stephens.

Discover the remote outpost of Tin City and learn about the history of the ecosystem and inhabitants. You also can’t miss Sand Boarding, fun for all the family. Don’t forget your camera, the scenery is spectacular!

School holiday activities: We will be open every day for our Sand Boarding Adventure,

between 10am and 4pm. Price includes a 10 minute 4WD trip over the dunes, board hire, instructor and unlimited Sand Boarding. Also fantastic for kids birthday parties! Bring along your esky with food and drinks and relax in our shaded picnic area on the dunes whilst the kids have a ball! DETAILS Open every weekend, 10am - 4pm, weekdays by appointment. Open every day during Winter school holidays from 9.30am until 4.30pm and later. Please call to confirm last shuttle times as they may vary according to weather conditions. Departure location Lower car park, end of James Paterson St, Anna Bay. Look for the big army bus!

PH 0425 213 096. www.sanddunesafaris.com.au

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