Education Fair 2023 Program

EDUCATION Fair

hoosing a school is one of the biggest decisions you may make as a parent. That choice can determine a child’s friendships (and yours!); their interests, achievements and, most importantly, happiness. It’s something that may even govern where you choose to live as a family.

So it’s kinda a big deal.

And it’s not an easy decision to make. There are hundreds of schools to choose from (that’s a LOT of prospectuses to read). You then need to do open days and tours of your favourites, as if parents with little ones haven’t got enough on their plate!

As a working parent, I felt this dilemma vividly. The start of my oldest starting Prep snuck up on me amidst a flurry of babies, nappies and sleepless nights. School, Whaaaat? we aren’t even sleeping through the night yet (ever)!

Therefore, we wanted to create an annual event that saves the sanity of busy parents— gathering the full range of education options under one roof in one fun-filled day. One

where kids can try out sports and workshops, and enjoy demonstrations and shows. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy free seminars with the region’s leading educators, talk to all the schools, and get a really good idea of what options are available—all in one place. Where face painting is free, toddler tantrums are expected, coffee is good, and the whole family is catered for.

Welcome to the Education Fair 2023! We hope this annual event helps families discover the perfect learning journey for every child, and it sparks an excitement for learning in all kids here today.

I’d also like to say thank you so so much for supporting our first event. We are a small Sunshine Coast business, so your visit means the world to us.

Tell your friends, and share your experience, and we’ll be back in 2024!

#EducationFair2023

GET EXCITED: EcoMarines is launching in the Sunshine Coast

Is your child passionate about the environment and wanting to make a difference? Now they can!

EcoMarines is a not-for-profit organisation, providing free environmental education programs to early learning centres, primary and secondary schools across Queensland.

Its vision is for healthy local marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems through education and collaborative community action.

EcoMarines provides support, ideas, events and resources to inspire the students, known as EcoMarines Ambassadors.

The students run engaging initiatives that overcome environmental challenges that they identify in their school and local area.

School Spotlight: BANKSIA BEACH STATE SCHOOL

Students at Banksia Beach State School have been in the EcoMarines program for several years, with ambassadors being a core element of the school’s leadership program.

The ambassadors, support crew students

and Tangalooma EcoMarines team create an action plan for the year to tackle environmental issues and educate their community.

Ambassadors meet their counterparts from other schools at hosted leadership and community events that provide opportunities for learning, sharing a passion for the environment and making new friends.

This year, the EcoMarines are creating a more sustainable school through:

• Continuing to recycle containers for change, saving 60,000+ containers from landfill.

• Spreading awareness through the creation of marine animal artwork from litter that are now displayed at their local shopping centre to educate the community on the effects of trash travelling.

• Connecting with local businesses and industry experts, including their local Butterfly House, and are now creating a habitat including plans for a greenhouse to grow butterfly friendly plants at their schools.

EcoMarines is proud to have such enthusiastic schools, students, and teachers

in its programs.

“Through being a part of the EcoMarines, I have learned so much and I am so grateful for the experience that I have had. I’m looking forward to passing on the knowledge that I have learnt to others so that together we can make the world a more environmentally sustainable place.” —Holly, Ambassador 2023

“It has been rewarding to watch students start in the younger years as a support crew member and then become an ambassador in grade six. These students have a passion for the environment and this program supports this while encouraging leadership, mentorship, and teamwork.  They love seeing the difference that they can make not only to their school but also their community. As an EcoMarines Teacher my role is to facilitate this and having the support of the Growth and Education Team at Tangalooma EcoMarines is fantastic.”—Lisa Ruberry, EcoMarines Teacher 2023

Find out more at ecomarines.org or scan the QR Code.

Broadening horizons at BOARDING SCHOOL

St Margaret’s Year 12 boarder and Sunshine Coast resident Annabelle Campbell chose to relocate to Brisbane to push herself out of her comfort zone.

Ireally wanted to challenge myself, meet new people, have new experiences and, in particular, experience boarding, like so many of my relatives have done,” Annabelle said.

Being challenged is the path to growth and something St Margaret’s actively encourages in all its students by providing a wide range of opportunities for them to explore, whether through the curriculum, clubs and activities, or its global exchange, sport or music programs.

Annabelle said she was also very proud to

carry on the tradition of her grandmother Anne Muggleton, who attended St Margaret’s in the fifties, and remains a highly active supporter of the school.

Annabelle is proudly leading Anne’s old house, Spenser, as joint captain.

“I am relishing energising house spirit, getting to know girls across all year levels, and honouring my grandmother,” she said.

Annabelle has thrown herself into many extracurricular opportunities since arriving in Year 10, participating in soccer, AFL, rowing and tennis, and was especially grateful to have

had the chance to attend Sony Camp in Year 11, helping children with disabilities.

To further broaden her horizons, Annabelle hopes to attend the University of Sydney, studying Science and Law, and says her teachers are helping her hit her academic goals.

“The teachers are all so supportive and really want to see you do well, so they offer as much assistance as possible to each student.

“This personalised support and the school’s academic expectations have helped me significantly lift my academic results,” Annabelle said.

Annabelle loves boarding, especially reconnecting with the strong rural traditions of her family’s heritage and developing a strong sense of independence that boarding life promotes.

She loves sharing life with one big extended family and the very tight-knit community that is St Margaret’s boarding, an experience she is sharing with her younger sister Juliet, who joined the boarding house in 2022.

Sophie Malowiecki (’14) Triathlete/Consultant

A brighter start for children with additional learning needs

Children’s brain development is most rapid in the first five years, mapping millions of connections that form the basis for lifelong learning, health, and behaviour. Thus, early intervention is crucial for children with additional learning needs.

Bright Start Specialised Early Learning Centre is the only dedicated centre on the Sunshine Coast that combines daycare with intensive one-to-one early intervention therapy. The centre provides a secure, nurturing, and educational environment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), global developmental delay (GDD), and other support needs. Its team comprises qualified Early Childhood Educators, experienced therapy assistants, a psychologist/board-certified behaviour analyst (BCBA), and a speech pathologist.

Bright Start embraces the individuality of

each child and adopts a strengths-based approach to therapy. By supporting active learning and encouraging hands-on exploration, the centre recognises that “play” is the primary avenue through which children learn and develop.

Founder Sarah Clark, a psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), highlights the importance of creating spaces that allow children to wander, wonder, be amazed, be themselves, and engage with others. These spaces, both indoors and outdoors, offer diverse learning opportunities and foster open-ended interactions, exploration, and a connection with nature.

“With the right early intervention and support, kids with disabilities can go on to live a fulfilling life. One where they contribute to society and can make a difference in the world. But it all starts in those first five years,” says Sarah.

See Bright Start Specialised Early Learning at Stand 31. Sarah Clark will be speaking about Applied Behaviour Analysis in Education Settings at 11.30 am in the Seminar Room.

Our highly qualified and experienced team of therapists and educators take a holistic approach using evidence based, research proven therapeutic practices.

and their families.

Embracing the uniqueness of every child using a strengths-based approach to therapy through play.

ARE WE SLEEPWALKING IN PARADISE?

By Mrs Anna Owen, Principal at

School

ChatGPT, the most renowned Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, has divided opinions in recent months.

This new technology is not inherently bad or good. It is, however, extremely powerful and is here to stay.

So, as educators, are we collaborators with robots or competitors with robots?

At the moment, I am slipping into the ‘proceed with absolute caution’ group. Human biology has evolved at a much slower pace than technological advancements. We are, of course, hardwired to seek improvement and solve problems, but humans are still humans. Has our technological power outpaced our moral, ethical, spiritual, and parenting power? We must ensure all new innovations are designed with the intention of benefitting all humankind.

CHATGPT IN SCHOOLS

As a lifelong learner and passionate teacher, I have read deeply about the art and nature of teaching and learning. There is much to be gained from online learning and tools, such as ChatGPT, that sit in the realm of competency and automation in classrooms. In schools, in the wake of ‘technology-rich’ classrooms, there has been no measurable improvement or obvious increase in student achievement (Beveridge, S. 2018). True proficiency, expertise and mastery are seen in students that have been exposed to risk and failure and demonstrated evidence of engagement through deep debate and conversation in classrooms or real-world interactions augmented by prudent technological support. And finally, to move to the highest level of mastery, students require apprenticeship. Not only gathering skills and knowledge but experiencing encouragement, care, and role-modelling empathy in context. I never thought I would say this, but thank goodness the pandemic taught us that teachers still have a role to play in schools, society, education, humanity and civility. How we navigate and tolerate the integration of AI with humanity and

subsequent augmentation will be critical to our future. A balanced perspective is necessary. We are not there yet. Artificial intelligence is just beginning to have an impact. The challenge is to chart a path to a future where humans remain indispensable. That said, most progress over the past thousands of years has come from doing new things that we never did before—not simply automating the things we were already doing. As Oren Harari, a former business professor at the University of San Francisco, is quoted as saying, ‘The electric light bulb did not come from the continuous improvement of the candle’. There are great benefits. As journalist and writer Hope Reese reminds us: all members of society, schools included, will be required to tap the two superpowers that can’t be programmed into a robot—love and imagination.

“How we navigate and tolerate the integration of AI with humanity and subsequent augmentation will be critical to our future.”

Sunshine Coast Grammar

Don’t miss Mrs Owen’s seminar at 2.30 pm for more discussion on the topic of AI and ChatGPT. And see Sunshine Coast Grammar School at Stand 2.

SCGS.QLD.EDU.AU

THE POWER OF MARTIAL ARTS

We all know that education goes beyond the basics of reading and writing. A well-rounded education needs to impart life skills, physical health and wellbeing. Imagine an activity that teaches all of these things, in a year-round safe and inclusive environment. Welcome to the power of martial arts.

Martial arts offer more than just self-defence skills, physical fitness, endurance, and stamina. Engaging in martial arts training improves physical fitness, flexibility, and cardiovascular health and fosters confidence and self-esteem within a supportive community. With a structured curriculum emphasising respect, focus, and hard work, children develop discipline while imbibing traditional martial arts principles. This instils respect for oneself and others, and promotes personal growth. Additionally, practising karate programs can enhance focus, reduce stress levels, and improve mental well-being.

As one of the premier martial arts

academies on the Sunshine Coast, Karate Academy of Power in Alexandra Headland offers martial arts training that is tailored to suit Australian lifestyles.

Their expert instructors are dedicated to teaching children self-defence skills and promoting awareness of their surroundings, fostering confidence and empowerment. By instilling discipline and goal-setting skills, this academy enables children to develop a sense of purpose and achievement that extends beyond the training mat into all aspects of life.

Here, students can develop their acquire self-defence skills without fear of judgment or harm, equipping them with the confidence to handle any situation that may arise.

A family’s journey to find evidencebased early intervention for their son An empowering move:

There is nothing a caring parent wouldn’t do for their child – even if that means relocating your family. This is the choice Adam and Toni Empringham made for their son Caelen to ensure he was able to access life-changing autism early intervention.

With no available spots at their nearest Brisbane AEIOU Foundation centre in 2017,

the Empringham family moved to the Sunshine Coast. Caelan attended AEIOU Foundation’s Sippy Downs centre from age three and graduated with skills to navigate the next stage of his learning journey.

Looking back at the days when Caelen attended AEIOU, Toni Empringham reflected on the impact of AEIOU’s leading autismspecific support on her son.

A martial arts education offers children much more than just the basics. It provides a comprehensive approach to physical fitness, self-defence skills, and life skills development. With the Karate Academy of Power, children can find a community that supports their growth and empowers them for life.

Meet Sensei Luke at Stand 51 personally to discuss their programs. And don’t miss their ‘Come & Try’ session at 12.30 pm on the Demonstration Court!

“At first, we started noticing the little things that marked the early start of Caelan gaining his independence skills, which was thrilling for us,” Toni said.

“But without a doubt, the biggest achievement for us was hearing Caelan’s voice. It was so hard to think you may never hear the words ‘mummy’ or ‘daddy’, when all your friends hear them every day. Humorously, Caelan’s first word was ‘ice cream’, because of course, he had his priorities in order!

“Learning how to express himself has given Caelan such confidence. He is no longer scared of everyone he meets, not worried to play around other children, less frustrated and so eager to learn now that he has been shown how.”

AEIOU’s program integrates specialist therapy, education and care to help children like Caelan build confidence and independence to express their unique selves, connect with others, and prepare for the next step of the education ladder.

EDUCATION Fair

EVENT PARTNERS

All seminars are held in the Function Room on the First Floor. Access via the stand seating or the lift. Or follow the signs!

KIDS’ workshops

Enjoy a jam-packed day of FREE workshops and activities for kids, covering tutoring, STEM, environment, wellbeing and more. Let the learning adventure begin!

WORKSHOP SPACE 2

Trash Travels EcoMarines Workshops

Kids can join EcoMarines for a handson workshop and put their scientific discovery skills to the test. Best suited to children in Years 4-6, this workshop is hosted by Tangalooma EcoMarines –a non-profit organisation providing free environmental education programs to schools. Join them on their mission to create a community of environmental heroes!

Workshop 1. 10.30

Workshop 2. 11.30

Workshop 3: 12.30

Habitat Montessori Workshops

Don’t miss this enlightening opportunity to deepen your understanding of Montessori education. Discover the incredible journey of childhood development and unlock the potential of each child to thrive in their own unique way.

Drop in from 14.30 - 17.30

ALL DAY

WORKSHOP SPACE 3

Kip McGrath literacy and numeracy assessments

Tutoring experts Kip McGrath will be at the Education Fair, offering kids FREE literacy and numeracy assessments throughout the day.  Their proven methodology has helped millions of children worldwide catch up and keep up in the core areas of English and maths, helping them reach their full potential.

WORKSHOP SPACE 4

eMbrace Change Super Stars

Workshops

Fun, interactive, engaging and eMpowering workshops using practical strategies to identify and manage feelings and emotions.  This workshop is best suited for 9-12-year-old boys.  Super STARs aim to Support Transitions and Resiliency of specifically tween boys (9-12 years) and eMpower them as they navigate the uncertain seas of puberty and adolescence.

Workshop 1. 10.30

Workshop 2. 11.30

Workshop 3. 12.30

Free Children’s Yoga Workshop

Grow Early Education Maroochydore will be hosting three children’s yoga sessions at the Sunshine Coast Education Fair. Children’s yoga (aimed at ages 1-5) is a very popular extracurricular activity at Grow centres due to the many wellbeing benefits it brings.

Accredited kids yoga teachers provide a mix of song, dance, yoga postures, stories and games—designed to keep children engaged and aware.

Workshop 1: 14.30

Workshop 2: 15.30

Workshop 3: 16.30

WORKSHOP SPACE 5

Come & Try Chess and Rubik’s Cube Activities

Mountain Creek State School will be taking over Workshop Space 5 all morning with ‘come & try’ chess sessions, Rubik’s Cube challenges and plenty of problem-solving activities for kids.

This is a drop-in session, so come along and play!

Drop in from 10.00 - 13.00

Explore Nook STEM Learning Workshops

This STEM Workshop is aimed at 3-6-year-olds giving them the opportunity to engineer their own ball runs out of natural bamboo and timber.

The workshop is being run by Explore Nook, a family-owned business based on the Sunshine Coast that is passionate about designing natural toys that foster open-ended play opportunities for children.

Workshop 1: 14.30

Workshop 2: 15.30

Workshop 3: 16.30

Explore Nook STEM Learning Workshops

Free Children’s Yoga Workshop

Trash Travels EcoMarines Workshops

FLINDERS PRIMARY

nominated for SchoolPrimary of the Year

Leading Sunshine Coast independent school Matthew Flinders Anglican College has been shortlisted for ‘Primary School of the Year (Non-Government)’ in the Australian Education Awards (AEA).

The Australian Education Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the country’s topperforming schools, principals, department heads and teachers.

Principal Stuart Meade said the College was thrilled to be a part of the leading independent awards in the K-12 education sector across Australia.

“Matthew Flinders Anglican College Primary School is honoured to be recognised as one of the nation’s most rigorous and robust schools,” Stuart said.

Flinders’ Head of Primary, Mrs Trudi Edwards, said, “At Flinders Primary School, learning is at the heart of all we do.

“We are committed to educating our students so they are of good mind and a good heart and grow into capable, open-minded,

compassionate and adaptable young people,” Trudi said.

The College aims to provide students with a future-focused, relevant education so that they will have the confidence and capacity to thrive beyond the College gates, live a life underpinned by meaning and purpose, and positively impact the world around them.

The Primary School supports students from Prep to Year 6 across small classes with innovative bespoke programs delivered through authentic, real-world learning.

Achievements for the Flinders Primary School in 2022 include:

- being the top performing Primary School on the Sunshine Coast for combined Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN results;

- named one of The Educator’s 5-Star Innovative Schools for 2022;

- ranked as Best Primary School on the Sunshine Coast by independent ‘Better Education’ 2022; and

- named an Apple Distinguished School for its outstanding implementation of Apple technology.

MFAC.EDU.AU

Don’t miss the Flinders seminar on Prep Readiness at 3.30pm. And see them at Stand 4!

Discover Flinders

Our

Free Seminars WITH QUEENSLAND’S LEADING EDUCATORS

The Education Fair has a jam-packed schedule of informative and FREE seminars for parents, carers and educators. Delve into a world of knowledge as Queensland’s top educators and specialists take the stage to deliver interesting talks on a range of topics.

12:30 - 13:00

Dive into success: The importance of learn-to-swim lessons at every swim stage

Presented by Rackley Swimming

13:30 - 14:00

Understanding autism and managing behaviours of concern

Presented by AEIOU

10:30 - 11:00

How tutoring can support your child’s maths and English

Presented by NumberWorks'nWords, Sippy Downs

11:30 - 12:00

Applied behaviour analysis in education settings

Presented by Bright Start Specialised Early Learning

14:30 - 15:00

Meet the Principal, Anna Owen, as she discusses Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT

Presented by Sunshine Coast Grammar School

15:30 - 16:00

Prep school readiness

Presented by Matthew Flinders Anglican College

16:30 - 17:00

Taking the ‘distance’ out of Distance Education: Online schooling with wellbeing at the heart

Presented by Hillcrest Christian College

All seminars are held in the Function Room on the First Floor. Access via the stand seating or the lift. Or follow the signs!

Up to 90 per cent of a child’s brain development happens in the first 5 years. From birth, every time a child speaks, listens, reads or plays they grow and develop. You are the first and most important teacher your child will ever have.

First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.

ACTIVITIES & DEMONSTRATIONS

Catering for all ages, there’s storytime, sports, music, art, and more. All activities are free, and no bookings are required. See the full schedule below.

Rise and Shine Planetarium

Explore the stars in the Rise and Shine Planetarium. This amazing mobile planetarium is screening every 20 minutes all day for visitors to learn more about our universe and spark the curiosity of any little astronauts in your tribe.

Kids Activity Zone

Located in the heart of the exhibition arena, our Kids Activity Zone is a haven for little ones! Our carefully curated program is designed to ignite the spark of curiosity and foster a love for learning in young minds. All activities are drop-in, so come on by and get involved!

KIDS ACTIVITY ZONE PROGRAM

10:30 - 11:00

Storytime with Sunshine Coast Libraries

11:30 - 12:00

3D printing demo with Immanuel Lutheran College

12:30 - 13:00

Storytime with the Tooth Fairy

13:30 - 14:00

Reading activities with The Reading Village

14:30 - 15:00

Storytime and learning about pet ownership with Sammy & Sunshine Coast Council

15:30 - 16:00

Sensory tables and activities with Kath Dickson Family Centres

16:30 - 17:00

Art activities with Art Workshops Montville

Demonstration Space

Looking for action? Our Demonstration Space is where it’s at! With a full program of demonstrations and come & try sessions, it’s non-stop entertainment for the whole family. Being the size of a full basketball court, there is plenty of stadium seating for visitors to sit and watch the action.

DEMONSTRATION SPACE PROGRAM

10:30 - 11:00

‘Come and Try’ preschool sports with Playball

11:30 - 12:00

Wheelchair basketball demonstration with Suncoast Spinners

12:30 - 13:00

‘Come and Try’ live Martial Arts class with Karate Academy

13:30 - 14:00

‘Come and Try’ sports activities with Juiced Up Groms

14:30 - 15:00

Water safety with Trevor the Turtle and Rackley Swimming

15:30 - 16:00

Learn to play guitar with Matrix Guitar School

16:30 - 17:00

Gymnastics demonstration and ‘Come and Try’ session with Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES - ALL DAY

AFL Queensland ‘Come & Try sessions

Sunshine Coast Lightning ‘Come & Try’ sessions

Facepainting

HOT 91

There is a whole day of FREE entertainment for families in store at the Education Fair.

With the Internet offering an overwhelming amount of information, it’s more important than ever for kids to how to differentiate between what’s trustworthy and what’s not. So, how do we can equip our little explorers with the know-how to navigate the vast online world and pick the genuine from the fake?

FAKE NEWS?

TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD RESEARCH AND FILTER INFORMATION

TEACH THEM HOW TO SKIM AND SCAN

There’s no time to be reading chapter after chapter in every journal online, so being able to skim and scan the page will help to determine if the information is a good fit.

Skim the page first and identify the title, caption, headings and subheadings. Read the first and the last sentences of each paragraph. Once you’ve done this and feel the article is suitable, scan it for the information you want. Scan the document for nouns and verbs related to the needed information. Keep an eye out for bolded words and lists.

Skimming and scanning is a skill that takes practice but can be very beneficial in high school and beyond.

TEACH THEM HOW TO ASSESS CONTENT

Millions of articles are published on the internet each day; many are based on fact, and many are well-referenced and written by reputable and expert professionals in their field. On the other hand, there are equally as many articles claiming facts with no reference. Fake news abounds, too.

So how on earth does a young student determine the difference?  Here are a few steps you can teach your child:

• Is it

a brand, education or government website

Before Googling information on any topic, your first visit should be to brand, education or government websites. Websites where you’re guaranteed reliable content like The State Library of Queensland, Australian Geographic, National Geographic, ABC or use Google Scholar.

• Who wrote the article

It’s crucial to check the expert status of the person who is writing the article. Authors should be experts on the topic, and their information should be validated on many websites.  Remember that everyone can share their opinion on a subject, so it’s essential to determine whether it is opinion or fact. Often facts will be backed up with research.

• Plagiarism

It’s so easy for information to be cut and pasted into an assignment these days; sadly, it’s pretty common. Communicating plagerism to our kids can be simple. If a couple of great sentences explain the point perfectly, all the student has to do is use the sentences in their assignment and include the name of the author and the website URL where the information came from.  It’s always a good idea to ask their teacher exactly how they’d like information referenced.

WHERE TO FIND RELIABLE INFORMATION OTHER THAN THE INTERNET

Of course, it’s easy to jump online and Google a search term, but don’t forget that there are plenty of high-quality information sources at your local library. Best of all, everything is free with a library card, and you can research in air-conditioned comfort.

Sunshine Coast Libraries have books for assignments and research and online access to encyclopaedias. In addition to reference material, Sunshine Coast Libraries has many magazines, books, music, films and audiobooks in their eLibrary. So if you’re looking for music scores or documentaries to complete an assignment, there’s loads of information here.

Research creates confident consumers of information and well-developed critical thinking skills, skills that will take your children beyond high school, TAFE or University right through to their lives as working adults.

To get started, challenge your kids to the ABC’s Real, LOLZ, oops or fake quiz! It’s not only lots fun but a great way to start the conversation of the importance of being able to spot fake or real news in your family. Visit: games.abc.net.au/res/media-literacy/ fake-news/index.html

Snopes (snopes.com) is another useful resource to check social media content.

By Karen Gawen, Young People’s Services Supervisor from Sunshine Coast Council. Visit

Sunshine Coast Libraries at Stand 24, and don’t miss their Storytime session at 10.30am in the Central Activity Space.

7 reasons to JOIN THE RACKLEY SWIMMING FAMILY

Looking for an exceptional learn-to-swim program?

ALL ABOUT FAMILIES

As a proudly family-owned and operated business, we take immense pride in our 29 venues located across SEQ (South East Queensland). We recognise that convenience, affordability, and care are paramount for every family. That’s why our program is designed to not only meet these needs but also make learning fun. In our swimming family, there’s room for everyone. Sibling Savings are also available, starting from the 2nd child, and yes, even the 3rd, 4th, and beyond…

THERE IS A FREE ‘COME AND TRY’ SESSION

Rackley Swimming offers everyone a free Come And Try session. This allows us to determine their entry level into the program and allows the families time to experience a class, meet team members, check out the facilities and ask any questions they may have whilst in the environment.

THE TEACHERS AND STAFF ARE AMAZING!

We pride ourselves on hiring passionate, qualified, and experienced individuals who are dedicated to providing the highest level of

service. Our goal is to ensure that every family feels supported and valued throughout their entire journey with us.

EASY ONLINE ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

We try to make your life easier. No, we can’t babysit. But we do offer online account management!

With the online Parent Portal, you have the flexibility to update your payment details, contact information and make payments at any time. If your child is unable to attend a lesson, you can mark them as absent through the Parent Portal. You can even book makeup lessons online!

MISSED A CLASS? MAKE IT UP!

Life happens, and sometimes it interferes with your swim lessons. If you can’t easily make it to your scheduled class, we’ve got you covered with our make-up classes. And there is no limit to how many make-up classes you can use.

Time in the water with our talented teachers is essential for progress, so if something comes up, you can book a replacement class for free to keep the momentum going.

THE FREE BABY SPLASH PROGRAM

There’s nothing quite like bonding with your newborn through warm and calming swims together each week. It’s not just adorable; it’s also an essential part of your child’s early development. With the completely free 8-week SPLASH program, you can safely practice proven early-learning techniques that stimulate your child’s senses through touch, colour, play, song and repetition.

HOLIDAY SWIM PROGRAMS

Whether you’re looking for that extra boost to your child’s progress, for a way to keep them mentally and physically fit over the holidays, or you’re not taking part in regular lessons and want to immerse your child into a week of swimming, the Rackley Swimming Holiday Swim program is the perfect option.

Rackley Swimming shares its secrets on why it is a favourite swim school for Southeast Queensland families.

THE LUNCHBOX LOWDOWN

Are you struggling with the daily lunchbox grind? Lunchbox aficionado Jodie Topsfield shares her expert tips on packing the perfect box every time.

As the owner of one of southeast Queensland’s most trusted online kids’ stores, Jodie Topsfield from Coastal Kidswear has tried and tested more lunchboxes than we’ve had hot dinners and therefore has all the insider knowledge you need to pack your tribe the perfect lunchbox each day.

So we asked her, ‘What lunchbox would YOU use to pack a kids’ lunch?’

“Due to its flexibility, my first choice for a perfectly packed lunch every time is the b.box whole food lunchbox,” says Jodie. “Made from PP and silicone, the range is durable, flexible and reliable—you know the

lunch will arrive safely, no matter how much the schoolbag is tossed around!”

The b.box whole food lunchbox features a large compartment that fits a whole sandwich. Plus, sitting underneath the tray is an included gel cooler pack to keep food fresher for longer. Remove the sandwich tray; the compartment now easily fits pasta and salads.

“The unique flexi whole fruit holder lets you store a whole apple—no need to cut fruit into smaller sizes! Leak-proof silicone seals let you store wet foods like watermelon and yoghurts, no liquids though,” Jodie says.

“The easy-to-open latch and handle encourage independence. It is freezer safe, but is hand-wash only—don’t put it in the dishwasher!”

Lunchboxes purchased at Coastal Kidswear can be personalised with a child’s first name too.

Coastal Kidswear is an Australian-owned online children’s boutique on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Visit

QUALITY PRODUCTS HANDPICKED WITH CARE

coastalkidswear.com.au

Sunshine Coast’s leading online children’s boutique

INTRODUCING

AUSTRALIAN EARLY LEARNING COLLEGES

Combining an exceptional curriculum with the nurturing environment of childcare, Australian Early Learning Colleges is an exciting new concept in the early learning space.

When Georgiana Karam was looking for a long daycare and early learning centre for her children, she wanted more options that provided the love, care and educational needs she wanted. With no facility meeting her high expectations, she created her own.

“I wanted an early learning service that cared for the children within but also focused on developing an exceeding educational program,” Georgiana says.

Georgiana built a state-of-the-art building and outdoor adventure area to complete her vision. Named after her two sons, Adam and Noah Early Learning College opened nine years ago with a mission to provide a strong academic foundation for every student.

“We wanted to go above and beyond, delivering unlimited early years learning

opportunities with a focus on learning through play,” Karam says.

Over the years, Adam & Noah proved to be so popular that it came time to expand.

Rebranding as Australian Early Learning Colleges in 2023, this state-of-the-art service is opening a new centre in Marsden this winter, bringing its unique combination of outstanding academic curriculum and nurturing environment to more families in southeast Queensland.

LOOKING FOR THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER?

In the lead-up to opening its brand new centres, Australian Early Learning Colleges has several career opportunities available.

“We pride ourselves in providing top education and care for our families. To do this, we are currently seeking several people

What is available at Australia Early Learning Colleges

• Long daycare

• Kindergarten program

• A play space for each age group

• Fresh meals prepared daily by professional chefs

• Family takeaway dinners

• Vacation care

• Music tuition

• Soccer club

• Dance club

• Nappies provided

• Formula provided

to join our team,” says Georgiana. “If you would like to be a part of a great team in the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector, we would love to hear from you!”

- Self contained 2 and 3 bedroom Villas, Cabins, Terraces or Bungalows

- A range of caravan and camping sites

- Plenty of indoors and outdoors activities to keep the kids entertained.

- Monster Waterpark—now heated

- Monster Waterpark now heated

- Self contained 2 and 3 bedroom Villas, Cabins, Terraces or Bungalows

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-

Heated Pool with wading pool, and Spa

Heated Pool with wading pool, and Spa

- A range of caravan and camping sites

- NEW - Sustainable Playground

- NEW - Sustainable Playground

- Plenty of indoors and outdoors activities to keep the kids entertained.

- Nibbles Café and Nibbles Terrace (Dog friendly)

- Nibbles Café and Nibbles Terrace (Dog friendly)

- Monster Waterpark now heated

- Full size basketball court

- Full size basketball court

- Heated Pool with wading pool, and Spa

- NEW - Sustainable Playground

- Saltwater creek for fishing

- Saltwater creek for fishing

- Nibbles Café and Nibbles Terrace (Dog friendly)

- Full size basketball court

- Saltwater creek for fishing

MAGIC IN EVERY

MAGIC IN EVERY STAY

MAGIC IN EVERY STAY

Set on 32 acres, with a range of accommodation options, outdoor activities, camp kitchens and licensed cafe, separate small and large dog parks. We are also located next door to all major theme parks.

Set on 32 acres, with a range of accommodation options, outdoor activities, camp kitchens and licensed cafe, separate small and large dog parks. We are also located next door to all major theme parks.

Set on 32 acres, with a range of accommodation options, outdoor activities, camp kitchens and licensed cafe, separate small and large dog parks We are also located next door to all major theme parks.

FAMILY FUN ALL YEAR ROUND AT KAWANA SHOPPINGWORLD!

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