Casey Cardinia Kids Summer 2015

Things to do & places to go for families

Littlies make good with Lego

Travelling with

toddlers 8

ideas

SUMMER 2015

galore 8

A Star News Group Publication

contents

4 -7

8-15

16-17

Interview with B1 and B2 | Page 4

Littlies make good with Lego Pages 8-9

Spook-tacular spirit of fun Pages 16-17

Entertainment Families are winners at trackside carnival | Page 5 Moonlit Sanctuary | Pages 6-7

Around Town

It’s Your Life

New hospital will be a God-send Page 10 Communication is the Key| Page 11 Theo’s focus and clarity of vision Page 12 Perinatal health well covered| Page 13 Travelling with toddlers| Page 14 Kids say the darndest things| Page 15

18-21 22-23 24-25 Education

Smiles all round for kids at heart Page 18

Party Time

Recipes

Bake to make the season great Pages 22-23

Stress less when it’s time to catch up Pages 24-25

Baby intact, VCE on track | Page 19 A healthy love for food | Pages 20-21

26-29 30-38 39 Reality Bites

Games and Gadgets

Calendar

Morning sickness lasted months – but the result was worth it | Page 26

Twin tots have so much to share Pages 30-31

What’s on in spring | Page 39

Minus the birth pangs | Page 27

Pantry fun | Page 32-33

Double the joy | Page 28

Gift ideas galore | Page 34

Beating depression| Page 29

Book reviews | Pages 36-37 Learning journey chartered | Page 38

Help your child to maximise their learning potential.

GymbaROO will show you how!

berwick

Skin cancer clinic

Dr Mike Inskip Dr Ankur Bansal Dr Nisha James

tel 9769 3358 early detection and treatment of skin cancer is the key prompt, thorough examination at reasonable cost www.sunpatrolscc.com.au

1195015-MB35-15

2 SUMMER 2015

1195020-PB37-15

48 Van der Haar Avenue, Berwick, Vic 3806

Classes are developmentally age appropriate and loads of fun! Bring your child along to crawl, creep, jump, hop, swing, roll, tumble, hang, climb, sing and dance their way to healthy physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.

• BabyROO™ classes from 6 weeks of age.

• Toddlers to 5 year olds.

• Research based programs.

• GymbaROO trained professionally qualified instructors.

• Weekly 45-minute sessions, parent handouts and home activities

0417 547 043 GymbaROO Classes in Berwick and Cranbourne Ph: 0417 547 043 Email: gymbarooberwick@gmail.com gymbaroocranbournelyndhurst@gmail.com www.gymbaroo.com.au www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

about us . . .

News, views and Casey Cardinia Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Casey Cardinia Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

cheer WELCOME to our second edition of Casey Cardinia Kids magazine!

It is jam-packed with entertainment news, professional advice, activities galore and, of course, Christmas cheer!

Turn to page 5 to see what Pakenham Racing Club has in store for local families. Turn to pages 8 and 9 to learn about the new local program for Lego-loving kids and if you are travelling with children these holidays, check out our tips for flying with a toddler on page 14.

We also want you to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle, so we consulted the experts about speech, vision and mental health on pages 11, 12 and 13. We checked out what some of the local schools were up to on pages 18 and 19 and have compiled a list of books for you and your children to read this summer on pages 36, 37 and 38.

With the festive season just around the corner, we have come up with a guide on pages 24 and 25 to help you plan your party. Pick the perfect present for someone special from our gift suggestions on page 34, or create something yummy with one of the recipes on pages 22 and 23.

And there is so much more! Make sure to check out our calendar on page 39 to see what events are happening in and around Casey and Cardinia over the next few months.

You can also keep up to date by visiting our website caseycardiniakids.com.au which features an abundance of entertainment and educational information, events in and around Casey and Cardinia and lists a whole heap of local services and things to do for families.

It’s the go-to-destination for activity in the South East. Also Like our Facebook page, facebook.com/CaseyCardiniaKids, which has over 8000 followers.

As always, we love hearing from you, the readers – so make sure to email lia@ caseycardiniakids.com.au with any feedback or suggestions!

Happy holidays and happy reading!

Casey Cardinia Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777 Editorial Lia Spencer lia@caseycardiniakids.com.au Phone: 5945 0666 Photography Stewart Chambers Rob Carew Gary Sissons Advertising Andy Jukes andy.jukes@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666 Creative Creative Services Manager: Chris Beale Design Mark Dinnie Virginia Hester Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

Cover Mairead and Stephen Cuckson.

Picture: GARY SISSONS

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

Littlies make good with Lego

Travelling with

toddlers 8

IDEAS

SUMMER 2015

galore 8

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

A Star News Group Publication

SUMMER 2015 3

Entertainment

Interview with B1 & B2 We called out to Casey Cardinia Kids followers via Facebook and our e-newsletter to find out what they wanted to know about the Bananas in Pyjamas and here’s what they came up with:

B1 & B2 do you eat bananas? Lucas. Age 5

B1 & B2 Do you always wear the same shoes?

Mietta age 4

Are you best friends like my twin brother & sister? Giann, aged 5

B2: That’s right B2, they help you grow up big and strong!

B1: We sure do!

B1: We ARE best friends!

What do you like to do for fun? Do you take swimming lessons? Kay, Aged 6

B2: They are soooooo comfy!

B1: I also love munchy honey cakes!

B1: They’re bananatastic!

B2: We are such good friends; we even finish each other’s sentences.

B1: Swimming lessons are very important, aren’t they B1?

B1: Are you thinking what I’m thinking B2?

B2: They sure are, B1! We also like to play hide and seek with the teddies for fun!

B1: Bananas are very good for you.

B2: And yellow jelly!

B1 & B2 are you 2 and a half like me? Analia, age 2.5 B1: Wow, 2 and a half! That’s very grown up, isn’t it be B2.

B1 & B2, why do you always wear pyjamas, even in the daytime?

Do you have any other clothes? Sophie, Age 5.

B1: We sure do!

B2: It sure is B1! Ahh, B1?

B2: They’re pyjama-riffic!

B1: Yes, B2?

B1: We also wear our beach hats on sunny days.

B2: Isn’t OUR birthday coming up soon?

B1: I think you’re right, B2!

We better get planning for our party!

B2: That’s right B1. It’s very important to wear your hat when playing outside.

B2: I think I am B1!

B2: And the Teddies are our best friends too!

B1: We love having fun with our friends, don’t we be B2?!

B2: We sure do – it’s Bananatastic!

What’s your favourite colour? Tyler, Aged 3 B1: Well, yellow is my favourite colour.

B2: Good Answer, B1. Yellow is the colour of my favourite treat: Yellow Jelly!

B1: It sure it B2!

“

Are your pyjamas nice and warm?

Zara, age 5 B1: They sure are!

B2: They are pyjama-rific!

4 SUMMER 2015

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

entertainment

Families are winners at trackside carnival

By LIA SPENCER YOU’RE sure to be a winner in the eyes of your children if you treat them to the Cardinia Shire Kids Night Out in January. There will be so much to do at the family event that everyone will have a blast – you can bet on it.

The Cardinia Shire Kids Night Out will be held on 21 January, with free entry as well as free rides, games and activities. This will be the first year for the evening event, replacing Pakenham Racing Club’s annual Cardinia Shire Kids Raceday.

“It’s a perfect way to enjoy the summer holidays and an evening with the family,” marketing manager Erin Polson said.

“Mum and dad can relax and enjoy an evening with friends and family knowing there is plenty on for the kids.

Our Kids Zone area is run by the great team at Kelly Sports, specialising in kids’ activities and fun games, all for free.

Jumping castles, petting zoos, face painting, relays and races and plenty more all for free on the evening.”

There will also be a number of competitions including the popular ‘Win A Bike’ where all kids get a chance to run the home straight and win a bike, and the new and sure to be hotly contested ‘Design your own silks’ competition.

Besides giving families something fun to do together during the holidays, the Kids Night Out is also a great opportunity to hold a children’s birthday party without the hassle of organising games and activities.

Ms Polson also said it was also a good chance for anyone who hadn’t seen the new Tynong racecourse to check out the impressive track and state-of-the-art facilities.

Pakenham Racing Club will also hold several other events next year, including the Bet 365 Summer Twilight Series which will feature international themed race days. The first of these events will be an Australia Day theme, held on Thursday 28 January. There will also be a St Patrick’s Day theme on 17 March.

Ms Polson said the club was also looking forward to launching Night Racing, which was certain to be a huge hit with punters across the region.

Gates for Cardinia Shire Kids Night Out will open at 3pm with free entry.

The club has free shuttle buses that depart from the Cardinia Club, Pakenham Train Station (Metro) and Tynong Train Station (V-line) which will meet at every train service.

For more information, visit www. pakenhamracing.com.au/racedays Families are sure to have a great time at the Cardinia Shire Kids Night Out in January.

Occasional Child Care and 3 year old Kinder Occasional Child Care is available to all members of the community and allows the opportunity to have your child cared for whilst you attend activities outside of the Casey ARC or Casey RACE facility.

Suitable for children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years old, bookings are essential and can be made up to 7 days in advance.

Bookings B ki Now N Available A il bl Occasional Child Care

Casey ARC Monday to Friday 9:00am to 2:00pm Casey RACE Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12.15pm Cost: $8.40 per hour (1 child) $15.40 per hour (2 children) $21.00 per hour (3 children)

O ki Our kinder d program at Casey C RACE aims i to provide high quality care for three year old children in a safe, educational and nurturing environment.

2XU TXDOLÛHG HGXFDWRUV ORRN IRUZDUG WR ZRUNLQJ with you and your child to ensure a smooth transition from home to kinder and a year full of rich learning opportunities.

3 year old Kinder

Casey RACE Monday and Wednesday 1:00pm to 3:00pm Cost: $15.50 per session* Deposit: $50.00 per child *Paid at the start of each term

Cnr Overland Drive & Princes Highway

65 Berwick Cranbourne Road

Narre Warren 3805

Cranbourne East 3977

(03) 9705 5000

(03) 5990 8600

www.caseyarc.ymca.org.au

www.caseyrace.ymca.org.au 1208540-KC50-15

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2015 5

Entertainment

Moonlit Sanctuary keeper Blaire Bunter with Quinnie the spot tail quoll.

Piicture: ROB CAREW

Moonlit Sanctuary Next time you are thinking of visiting one of the big zoos why not take a look at what is on offer locally at the 25 acre Moonlit Sanctuary conservation park in Pearcedale. Recently they were awarded the 2014 Victorian Tourism Award for Ecotourism along with a long list of other environmental and conservation awards over the years.

An ‘Excellent’ government rating.

Only for the nation’s best Early Years centres.

Call 1300 002 225 or visit www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au and join us on a tour 6 SUMMER 2015

715BHC-A

1207547-KC50-15

This isn’t something you see every day!

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Currently the sanctuary is home to over 60 Australian wildlife species that you can easily view and get up close to, especially so if you choose to participate in the animal encounters with dingoes, owls and pythons or choose to pet a koala.

As a local I am a little embarrassed to say that this was my first visit to Moonlit Sanctuary even though it had been on my list of things to do for years now. The first thing that madethe sanctuary stand out was the natural bushland setting and well maintained grounds and enclosures.

Keepers here were friendly and the children thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the property,especially when it came to hand feeding the kangaroos and wallabies. Food for the animals is available at the front counter for $2 a bag.

The wildlife includes Tassie Devils, Dingoes, Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Quolls, Owls, Lorikeets, Orange Bellied Parrots, Squirrel Gliders, Cockatoo’s, Galahs, Emu’s, Pythons, Goannas, Lizards and the list goes on.

With an extensive conservation breeding program that includes the Southern Bettong, Tasmanian Devil, Bush Stone Curlew, Spot-Tail Quoll, Orange-Bellied Parrot, Squirrel Glider, Yellow-Bellied Glider, Black-Winged Stilt, White Browed Wood Swallow and Sacred Kingfisher with all of these listed as locally extinct or endangered within Victoria. It’s special to be able to see all of these up close and thriving within the sanctuary.

The new wombat enclosure and walk in bush aviary are great additions to the Sanctuary giving children good viewing areas in keeping with the other enclosures. Plans have also been made to add a children’s playground along with a new educational centre and birthday party area.

Also on the property is a gift shop and kiosk with a view over the wetlands. Both the sanctuary and kiosk

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

were very popular despite it being a Monday.

For something special the sanctuary also run night tours, a junior ranger program during school holidays, keeper for the day, educational tours, birthday parties, animal sponsorship and they also offer good value annual membership passes.

The Moonlit Sanctuary is located at 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale and is open from 10am -5pm daily except Christmas Day. Entry cost $20 adults and $10 for children. Koala encounters are $15 .Ph: 597879358 or visit their website at www.moonlitsanctuary.com

SUMMER 2015 7

your life It’s

Littlies

make good with

Lego Affordable, flexible childcare For over 10 years we have been providing high quality family day care across Casey and Cardinia.

Flexible hours including after hours and weekends

Access to CCB/CCR

Personalised, flexible, quality care

Qualified, experienced educators

Play based learning in small groups

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Matched to the right educator

8 SUMMER 2015

Call 1300 946 337 today

www.windermere.org.au ECE0087

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

your life It’s

Chloe, Holly, Jess and Jessy.

By LIA SPENCER It was during Christmas last year when Berwick woman Bindy Cammell realised the power of Lego.

Her son Corey had enjoyed playing with it since he was four, but at aged nine, he gave his undivided attention to creating something amazing with his Christmas gift. He built with Lego sets for eight hours, focused only on the little pieces in front of him, his eyes wide with excitement.

Lego is timeless … It’s one of those things that will never go out of fashion…

“Corey is so passionate about it. His face lights up, he gets creative and focuses completely,” Bindy said.

So it was with her son’s interest in mind that she decided to investigate a franchise opportunity she had seen advertised on Seek.com in January.

At age 47, she threw caution to the wind and left her corporate background to begin a new career with Bricks 4 Kidz.

She had an exploratory meeting, a training course, and finally launched her own business in September – a move she said has changed her life for the better.

Reannon, Charlie, Mayson and Chelsea.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Bindy had thought previously about becoming a teacher, but was not sure if teaching 25 children in a structured classroom was for her. Now she gets to

teach smaller groups of kids, of all ages and abilities, about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) concepts. And it all takes place in a fun environment, where they want to learn and take pride in their work.

Bindy said the benefits of the program were enormous.

“It gives kids so much confidence.

Especially those who are not necessarily mainstream or don’t learn well in a large classroom atmosphere. They build trust, confidence, follow instructions, problem-solve, and build awesome creations. The joy they get out of creating something is amazing,” she said. “It gives them skills that are valuable throughout life.”

Bindy said the classes catered to the children’s interests and abilities, and were for both boys and girls.

“We can incorporate things they enjoy, with themes including Mining and Crafting, Freezing, Minions and Space Adventures. For some of the younger kids we talk about numbers, letters, colours, animals or items around the house. The possibilities are limitless.”

Bindy said that while the Casey based program was quite new, families had been quick to jump on board. She currently runs before and after school programs, but also runs school holiday programs, birthday parties and plans to extend the program into schools next year.

“Lego is timeless,” she said.

“It’s one of those things that will never go out of fashion.”

For more information call Bindy on 0400 125 714 or visit bricks4kidzaustralia.com.au

SUMMER 2015 9

your life It’s

Artist impressions of the new St John of God in Berwick.

New hospital will be a God-send A NEW hospital which will benefit growing families in Casey and Cardinia is well on its way to opening in July 2017.

St John of God Berwick Hospital and Generation Healthcare REIT are building a new $120 million hospital redevelopment on Kangan Drive, opposite Monash Health’s Casey Hospital in Berwick.

In addition to the $120 million hospital building itself, St John of God Health Care will be investing in new state of the art equipment, furnishings, commissioning the new facilities, plus undertaking a significant upgrade of the facilities in Gibb Street, bringing the total project forecast cost to $150 million.

All existing services provided by SJGBH at its historical Gibb Street site will be relocated to the new hospital and a significantly expanded number and range of services will be available, taking local health services in the area to a new level.

SJGBH CEO Lisa Norman said it was an important milestone for the communities of Casey and Cardinia which form one of the most rapidly growing regions in Australia.

“It will provide more than 190 new

10 SUMMER 2015

beds, six operating theatres, two endoscopy theatres, a cardiac/vascular catheter laboratory, six birthing suites and approximately 350 basement car parks. It will also provide the first Intensive Care Unit for the region and a comprehensive range of cardiac services, including a dedicated cardiac unit,” she said.

“We recently opened a new day oncology unit on the new Kangan Drive site and the new hospital will offer additional cancer services and complete our vision to provide a complete range of oncology care to improve cancer survival through imaroved diagnosis and treatment options to the people of this community.”

Other St John of God Health Care services such as St John of God Pathology and St John of God Health Choices, a home nursing service, will also be expanded.

The new hospital development forms part of a three stage project. Stage one was recently completed earlier this year with the opening of a $20.4 million

specialist centre at the site, including a day oncology clinic operated by SJGBH. Future plans have been developed for a third building that will take the site capacity to 316 beds and 12 operating theatres.

St John of God Berwick Hospital currently employs over 400 staff and a further 200 jobs are expected to be created. Currently, nearly 400 visiting doctors cover a wide range of medical and surgical disciplines, and an additional 100 are expected to be required to administer the new and expanded services.

Ms Norman said the additional jobs would be a positive opportunity for people living in Casey and Cardinia to work for a ‘values based’ organisation close to home.

The construction is still subject to a number of final approvals, including town planning plus successful completion of the building tender process, with construction expected to commence prior to the end this year.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

your life It’s

Communication is the key

By LIA SPENCER

my practise where we come to you,” she said.

would use standardised assessments to look at speech sounds and language.

A LOVE of children, mixed with the gift of the gab, led Janelle Curry to her dream job. The Mount Martha resident now spends her days fulfilling her passion by helping others to communicate. In doing so, she’s easing parent’s worries, increasing children’s confidence and building self-esteem.

“It’s easier for the parents and children are more relaxed. Plus we get to see exactly how they communicate in their own environment. Originally it was called Melbourne Speech Pathology, but recently changed to Melbourne and Peninsula Speech Pathology to reflect that we now service the Peninsula area as well. We are a totally mobile service.”

“We always make sure the children are feeling confident and happy and give them lots of feel-good praise,” she said.

Ms Curry knew she wanted to be a speech pathologist since Year 12 and worked at a private practice before starting her own mobile business, Melbourne and Peninsula Speech Pathology in 2007.

Speech pathologist Janelle Curry with Campbell during an appointment.

She travels to homes, day-cares and schools to work with children in all areas of communication including language, stuttering, literacy (reading/ writing) voice difficulties, swallowing/ eating difficulties, social skills, Autism Spectrum Disorders and much more.

She said being a mobile business helped to ease a lot of stress many parents faced when juggling appointments and children. “(When) I worked at another private practice I could see parents coming in stressed as they were stuck in traffic, had to unload all the kids from the car and the children were worried about coming into a strange room so I started

Ms Curry said many people wrongly assume children would grow out of their problems or that they were being lazy but that wasn’t the case. She said if parents or teachers were concerned about a child’s development or behaviour then it was best to see a speech pathologist as soon as possible.

The benefits are two-fold.

“We definitely see increased confidence and self-esteem with playing and chatting to other children as well as speaking to adults. Others can understand what the child is communicating - that’s what it is all about - for the child to be able to interact and have their opinions heard,” she said.

“Correcting speech sounds and language difficulties also greatly benefit literacy skills.”

“Early intervention is so important.

There are free public health speech pathologists so I suggest getting on their waiting list and in the meantime having an assessment with a private speech pathologist.”

Speech pathologists not only see children for communication issues, but they often see teachers regarding voice use and adults who have had a stroke or a brain injury regain communication skills or for accent modification.

At appointments, the speech pathologist will spend about an hour with the parent and child, take a detailed case history then conduct a play-based session for younger children.

Ms Curry said that depending on the age of the child, their personality, and the concern, the speech pathologist

To make an appointment call Janelle Curry on 5976 2570 or 0414 071 488.

Ms Curry encouraged anyone who thinks there child would benefit from seeing a speech pathologist to make an appointment. She said there was funding available to help with costs and Medicare may cover some of the costs.

1208552-49-15

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2015 11

your life It’s

Theo’s

n o i s i v f o y t i r a l c and

THEO Charalambous has a rewarding job helping people see the world clearer.

The passionate optometrist and OPSM franchise owner stressed the importance of having regular eye-checks from a young age.

“Eighty per cent of children’s learning is visual, however our research has shown that a large percentage of parents are unaware of the importance and frequency of eye testing for their children and are oblivious to the adverse effects that neglecting eye tests could have on their children,” Theo said.

Australian parents of children aged three to 10 aren’t prioritising their child’s vision like other health matters, such as immunisation or dental care. More than a third (36 per cent) of Australian children haven’t had their eyes tested in the past two years, and even more alarmingly; more than one in five

(21 per cent) have never had their eyes tested.

“Children should be getting their eyes tested from at least three and a half years old, and yearly thereafter during school years. We can also examine children younger than three and a half if there are any concerns,” he said.

“We commonly have children who have focussing issues at near distances.

This often goes undiagnosed as their overall ability to see is fine, it is just a strain that affects reading and writing.

This will affect a child’s education and behaviours at school and can be easily avoided.”

Theo said early detection was key.

“With early detection at a young age, most vision problems can be corrected with simple treatments such as and including eye exercises or wearing low prescription glasses for a short period of time.”

AT PLAY

“At Play” is a coffee table/gift book based around children doing what they do best…play. This inclusive book is full of beautiful photos of children of many nationalities, abilities and ages, taken by Laura Dascoli of MooseStar photography.

To enter simply email win@ starnewsgroup.com.au put “At Play” in the subject field and send your name and suburb.

Accompanying the photos are anecdotal stories and original poems

by Julie Dascoli. The book “At Play” is a glossy hard cover, quality book that is perfect as a gift for Christmas.

www.juliedascoli.com

We have three to give away to our Casey Cardinia Kids audience.

Theo Charalabous and Andrea Christodoulou.

Winners will be emailed.

Drawn on January 11 2016

Andrea Christodoulou.

Picture: GARY SISSONS.

OPSM research shows ambivalence towards children’s eye health, revealing that: ■■ One in six (17 per cent) of Australian children (aged 3-10) have experienced eye problems.

■■ Just over one in 10 (14 per cent) actually know that an eye test is recommended at least every two years.

■■ Australian children are less likely to have had their eyes tested in the past two years (57 per cent) than to have been to a dental check-up (77 per cent) or had their feet sized for shoes (73 per cent).

■■ Half of parents (50 per cent) are unaware that disruptive behaviour may be a symptom of eye problems.

■■ A similar amount (49 per cent) are unaware that consistently underperforming at school may be a symptom of eye problems.

1206888-LB48-15

12 SUMMER 2015

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

your life It’s

Perinatal health well covered For years, many women often suffered in silence.

But thanks to increasing media exposure, public campaigns and word of mouth, more and more women suffering from perinatal health issues are getting the help they need and the respect they deserve.

By LIA SPENCER One of the places women are going to get such help is the St John of God Raphael Centre. Raphael services have been operating in Berwick since 2006, providing specialist perinatal and infant mental health services to families living in Casey and Cardinia. The highlytrained mental health staff offer a comprehensive assessment and treatment service for parents affected by anxiety, depression or related mental health disorders during pregnancy and throughout the two years following the birth of their baby.

Dr Lucinda Smith, a perinatal psychiatrist and clinical director with the Raphael Centre said early intervention was crucial.

“We know that the mum-to-be’s physical and mental well-being can influence the well-being of their baby, so it’s crucial that they get support at this time,” she said.

“We also see women who are already pregnant – they may have questions or need assessment. Then we would see some mothers and some fathers in the post-natal period.”

Dr Smith said that around 10 per cent of new dads were also affected by depression. If their wife had depression, then they were 50 per cent more likely to also get depression in the post-natal period.

“There are many factors that contribute to post natal depression and anxiety. Certainly there is hormonal changes that have an impact, but becoming a parent can be a big stress in a number of ways. It could be financial changes, adjusting to a new role, being out of the work-force – a number of factors.”

Dr Smith said it was important for anyone who was finding it difficult to adjust to their new role, weren’t enjoying time with their new child,

or felt something wasn’t right, to ask for help.

“It can be quite hard some for women to ask for help. For some first-time mums, it’s the first time they are experiencing such symptoms and they aren’t sure if they are normal or not. If they aren’t unsure, they should discuss their feelings with their general practitioner or maternal health nurse,” she said.

“The Raphael Centre is a specialised, secondary level perinatal mental health service, meaning they deal with the more moderate degrees of distress and illness and those situations requiring specialised perinatal expertise. Mild or less complex presentation of perinatal anxiety/depression or adjustment to parenting would be best dealt with by primary level services such as a GP, general community supports or psychologist.”

For more information, contact your doctor, or visit www.sjog.org.au, www.mchnv.com, or www.panda.org. au.

To read about how the Raphael Centre helped one local mother, turn to Page 29.

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“We see some women who have had a past history of depression or anxiety, or women who are currently being treated for those conditions and want advice before heading into their pregnancy.

“It is always best to act preventatively. If we get in early and have a plan, then we can increase their social support. We can help women realise the things they can do for themselves and have strategies put into place.”

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2015 13

your life It’s

Travelling with

toddlers

By LIA SPENCER IN September, I decided to do the unthinkable in an effort to surprise my younger sister who had just become a new mum. I packed my bags, clenched my teeth and braved a 24 hour trip to Canada with a very busy two year old – alone!

I couldn’t sleep for days leading up to the trip thinking about what a nightmare it would be if Isla ended up teething or sick while on the plane, or if she decided to throw a tantrum in customs or if she felt like bursting into her very loud rendition of ‘Let it Go’ while others slept (which is actually super cute when we are at home or amongst friends). But thankfully Isla is an experienced flyer and handled the trip like a pro!

The iPad was loaded with Dora and Peppa Pig episodes.

“

Be patient!

“

This one is easier said than done…

14 SUMMER 2015

After we waved her daddy goodbye at the airport, I held Isla tight as we went through customs. She was too busy checking out all the Dora and Elsa bags other kids had to worry about the long line ahead. Once through, we got sucked into one of many airport gift shops and bought a keychain stuffed monkey to play with until we got on the plane.

She slept for the first flight, which meant she had tons of energy when we got to New Zealand.

There, my fitbit got a huge workout as we travelled up and down the escalators about a billion times until we boarded our second flight – where our luck would have it we got upgraded to a skycouch – a row of three seats in economy which turn into a bed. Isla was then able to sleep for about nine hours out of the 13 hour flight, allowing me to get a little bit of shut eye as well.

My patience was put to the test in Vancouver, when customs and long lines seemed to take a toll on both of us, but the entire trip was worth it when we were reunited with my family in Calgary a short time later.

The two weeks we had in Canada were worth every penny and every second of airport mayhem. Isla had some great quality time with my parents, her aunts and her cousins and we were both pretty sad to leave. The trip back was bittersweet – having to leave one side of her family, but being able to return to the other.

I definitely have a new-found appreciation for parents who travel with more than one child, and though I don’t pretend in any capacity to be an expert in flying with a toddler – I do have a few tips I found helpful with my travels.

1. If possible, book an overnight flight so your child can get some rest. Change them into their pyjamas before the flight and put up the armrest so they can sleep on your lap. If you have a baby under aged two you may be able to book the bassinet seat, which gives them something to sleep in and gives you a lot more leg room.

2. Pack lightly! I packed one book bag with my id, credit cards, passports and medication in the front pockets and packed toys, snacks, nappies and a change of clothes in the main section. I packed my handbag and wallet and other bulky items in my suitcase.

3. Toys and snacks, toys and snacks, toys and snacks! I packed the iPad full of her favourite Peppa Pig and Dora episodes – though she liked watching the cartoons provided on the in-flight entertainment instead.

I also packed a few small toys which

would take up little space and a lot of time (stickers, colouring book, flash cards and a new Elsa doll). I also packed lollipops to help relieve the pressure on her ears on take-off and landing, teddy bear biscuit packs, fruit strings, sultanas and some of her other favourite snacks.

4. Make sure to book a children’s meal.

Most airlines will give you an adult’s meal unless you indicate otherwise.

The children’s meal also comes before yours, allowing you more time to help them eat, clean-up and get organised before it’s your time to eat.

5. Plan your toilet breaks! I didn’t want to ask the crew or the woman sitting next to us to watch Isla while I used the toilets – but I am sure they would have helped if I had asked. Instead if I knew Isla was getting sleepy, we would go to the toilet before her eyes closed, and once again when they re-opened. We also went before we got on the plane and after we landed.

6. Be patient! This one is easier said than done but the more I tried to relax, the more relaxed I found Isla was. We walked the length of the airports many times, did several flights of stairs and escalators, read books, sang songs, played games and made a few pit-stops for airport potty breaks and cafe treats.

7. Try to have fun! Every time the aeroplane took off, Isla and I would both say ‘3, 2,1 Blastoff!’ and watched the world below from her window.

Every time it landed, we would hold hands and laugh in anticipation. She would squeal with excitement when the tyres reached the runway and I would take a huge deep breath in relief that it was over! www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

your life It’s

Kids say the darndest things What was the most mortifying moment you have had as a parent?

Chloe: Walking past an overweight lady my then fouryear-old pipes up within earshot of said lady “mum, is she that big because she eats bad energies?”

Annette: I have always believed in teaching my children correct terminology for all body parts, which I later regretted. Being pregnant with my second child, and on bed rest due to severe prolapse, I was dropping my five-year-old at school and he was telling the teacher how happy he was that I was out of bed now. When the teacher said, “oh, has mummy being really sick” he replies “no, her uterus was falling out!”

Fiona: My youngest child – 4-years-old – had seen an app on the tablet (a goat simulator that changes the sound of your voice) followed me around the supermarket and, in a loud whining voice nagged me for a ’goat stimulator’. ’But I want to stimulate a goat....I could get it to do whatever I said.’ We had many strange looks from other shoppers.

Samantha: A child in my Prep class once told me that his parents always walk around the house naked!

The funniest bit was that his mum was also a teacher at the school!

Cat: Picking my three-year-old old up from day-care the other week a mum approach me and said “oh you must be C’s mum, my son talks about him all the time. My son says that whenever C isn’t happy with what someone else does he says to them ’my Mum will chop your head off!’ I was absolutely mortified! Especially as we are a very peaceful family, that doesn’t allow any violent TV, etc.

Annie: My husband took my three-yearold son to swimming and they were in the change room when my son said “I can see your doodle Daddy and it’s a super big awesome one!”

My hubby was a bit embarrassed when the woman next to him exited her cubicle at the same time.

Kate: My daughter’s prep teacher asked my daughter in her first week of Grade 1 what she liked best about being in Grade 1 and her reply was ’getting a new teacher’ (me, silent gasp, embarrassing giggle, err, um?)

Laura: Waiting for a lady to pick her tomatoes at the supermarket and my then three-year-old daughter said “Come on Knobhead!”

Jessica: My five-year-old son asked me if my belly had a zipper? I said “no , why?” He replied “then how did the baby come out?” Quick thinking – I replied “mummies have a special hole“... Instant reply “Can I see it?”

Lyn: Son given a great present by an aunty, didn’t say thank you, just opened the card and said “there’s no money!”

Kelly: Waiting for the person in front of me to be served at the supermarket, my little three-yearold thought it would be a good idea to knock on the ladies fake leg (she was wearing shorts so could see it) and ask “what’s that?”

Ruth: Walking around Bunnings my daughter noticed a man with a rather pronounced abdomen, so she pointed at him as we walked past and announced “look mummy, that man has a baby in his tummy!”

“

I can see your doodle Daddy and it's a super big awesome one!

Justine: When sitting around watching the Biggest Loser one night, my daughter turned to her aunty and said “You should go on that show, I think you would win because you could lose so much.” We all just burst into laughter. It sounds cute coming from a six-year-old, not so much from a 46-year-old.

Jayne: Having my three or four year old in the public toilet with me and it was that time of the month and she announces in a loud voice that mummy wears a nappy just like she used to! I think too early for the talk, also too early to put her in her own cubicle.

If you could tell your ten-year-old self anything, what would it be and why?

Stacey: Don’t be in a rush to be a grown up. Enjoy every minute of being a kid! All adults see kids and wish they could be that carefree.

Emily: Enjoy being a child. Being an adult isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be!

Luke: Don’t worry about what the other kids at school say, just be yourself. Years from now those other kids will just be a memory.

Kristy: Stay a child as long as you can. Childhood is precious.

Ashlee: Sleep! Become best friends with it and learn all about sleeping in!

Kelly: Go easy on your mum, she really does know best and isn’t out to get you (perhaps I would more likely tell this to the 13-year-old me).

Stephanie: Save your money! Travel. Don’t stress on the little things.

Joanne: Have confidence in yourself – things will get better.

John: Definitely that childhood goes too quickly and that adulthood is not much fun so don’t rush to get there.

Lisa: It’s okay to put yourself first sometimes, your happiness matters as well. To a 10-year-old this wouldn’t make sense but to my adult self it sure does. I went through a lot of my adult life trying to keep others happy and letting my own happiness suffer.

Pop in before you pop out 1209184-KC50-15

Weekly maternity tours and monthly information sessions for pre-pregnancy and pregnant families. Pop by and check us out.

Monthly Pregnancy Sessions usually run on the first Sunday of each month from 2pm. Please check our website for dates.

Please call 9709 1400 to book. Tours: Tuesdays 8pm and Sundays 1.30pm. Bookings not required

Gibb St, Berwick 3806 www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

www.sjog.org.au/berwick

Ph: 9709 1400 SUMMER 2015 15

around town

Spook-tacular spirit of fun ...

There is so much to do in and around the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire! From parks to pools, from sporting events to festivals. There is certainly heaps to do every weekend to keep those young and old entertained!

This edition, we asked readers to send us their Halloween photos and we were over-the-moon with the response! Check out some of the photos we received of young locals getting into the Halloween spirit!

Seven-year-old Kade.

Charlotte, ag

ed 5.

.

Milla, Kane and Shae

adison.

Ethan and M

Takumi Jam es, 5 months.

16 SUMMER 2015

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Three-year-old Sienna.

ry. , Kai and Hen Back: Cohen . ie rl ha and C Front: Indie

Ellie, aged 8.

Call 1300 002 225 or visit www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au and join us on a tour Child & occasional care for children 0-3

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Early Learning for 4 & 5 year olds

Before & after school care

Vacation care

715BHC-B

A shining light in early education

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or lin trick ith Caed ster house w n ta s Tri on at the m treating am. h n in Pake

SUMMER 2015 17

Education

Smiles all round for kids

at heart

By GEORGIA WESTGARTH IT’S an inter-generational fortnightly excursion and it puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Casey Aged Care residents have the opportunity to read, play, talk and learn with the children at King Kids Childcare and Kindergarten every fortnight.

The bonding experience has been operating for nine months since the Medical and Aged Care Group (MACG) bought Casey Aged Care.

Manager at the care facility Kathleen Nicholls said her residents “absolutely love it”.

“ Left: Suba Jayawardena from King Kids with baby Tahlia and Noel Tyrrell from Casey Aged Care in the reading corner.

Pictures: GARY SISSONS

“It’s been beautiful for our residents, they come back beaming and the connection has been so beneficial for them and the children,” Ms Nicholls said.

“Our residents can reminisce the years they spent with their own young grandchildren and children and it’s so lovely for them to have a giggle, they have also become quite attached to the kids.”

But the attachment goes both ways, Ms Nicholls said the residents get a warm wave goodbye each visit.

“The children go running out to the fence line and wave goodbye as they yell out ‘bye nanny’,” she said.

Due to the strong friendship formed between the elderly residents and children Ms Nicholls said MACG is looking to start the program at other aged care facilities.

“The parents adore it and stay especially with their younger children to spend time with our residents,” she said.

Right: Meghan turning pages and getting a cuddle with Rose Wilson.

Top: Pat Stewart, Michael and Lacey enjoying themselves on the couch.

18 SUMMER 2015

About five elderly residents get to go around the corner to King Kids each fortnight but not to the dismay of all the others that put their hand up.

“They get to have morning tea with the children as well and when we ask who wants to go the hands go up straight away – we have to rotate it, we have a list because they all love it so much,” Ms Nicholls said. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education

Baby intact,

Left: Toni Kent, 18, with two- year-old bub Chevy on her last day of school.

VCE on track

By GEORGIA WESTGARTH

FOR many young mums, their baby comes before their own education and VCE dropout rates in Casey only confirm this.

But a Young Parents VCAL Program (YPVP) run out of a portable classroom at Cranbourne Secondary College is helping to change all that – putting parents aged 15 to 20 through their VCE. The two-year program and holistic approach to learning means parents can study with their babies in the same room and gain advice on parenting as well.

Hampton Park mum Brianna Young, 19, said the YPVP had set her on the right track after giving birth to baby Mia six months ago.

“Getting an education means I can help my family and Mia – I couldn’t have gone back to mainstream schooling,” Brianna said.

After dropping out of Alkira Secondary School aged 18, Brianna sat her Year 11 VCE exams while 13 weeks pregnant.

“Mainstream school would have been too hard being pregnant and having a baby with the judgements and negativity and this course is really flexible.”

Pictures: GEORGIA WESTGARTH

“I dropped out after my last exam, I didn’t really have any options I was just going to be a mum, but this program has really helped me to pursue a career in nursing,” she said.

The program is the only one of its kind in the south-east, and is much needed with the region’s high teenage pregnancy rate, which was greater than the rate for Victoria as whole from 2004 to 2008.

Statistics on the rate of young parents from the 2011 Census data reveal more than 700 people aged 15 to 21 years of age became parents in the south-east region.

Right: Kalina Vaiimene, 18, with her one-year-old, Zechariah, at the Cranbourne learning facility.

But Brianna said she didn’t regret a thing.

“I wouldn’t change it, I would go back and do it all over again, Mia is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” she said.

“Making friends who can relate to what you’re going through has also been great and you can look up to the older babies to see what you’re in for.”

Left: Hampton Park mum, Brianna Young, 19, with six-month-old, Mia, said the Young Parents VCAL Program has set her on the right track to become a nurse.

No homework gets given to the students and an early parent specialist teaches the class once a week.

To find out more about the YPVP at Cranbourne Secondary College, contact Kathie Jacobs on 0410 490 007.

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SUMMER 2015 19

Education

By LIA SPENCER It was Fiona Berkholz’ grandmothers who introduced her to wholesome, old-fashioned country cooking, spawning her own passion for creating healthy recipes.

Fiona now extends her love and knowledge to the minds and mouths of 159 students at Tooradin Primary School each week in her role with Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program as as Kitchen Specialist as well as Garden Specialist, which she shares with lead teacher Rachel Davis.

“I was brought up growing our own vegetables and fruits, and cooking and eating healthy foods in a time when convenience foods were becoming the norm in many households,” Fiona said.

“My parents always instilled the necessity of eating well, and valuing our environment.

“My grandmothers were both excellent cooks also. I spent a lot of time with them both as a child, and was always involved and excited by cooking with them.”

“My maternal grandmother was an excellent, old-fashioned country cook and taught many of the basics of creating a meal using whatever ingredients were available,” she said.

“She taught me about casseroles and soups and basic baking. My paternal grandmother was more European in her tastes and she introduced me to more exotic foodstuffs – cheeses and pates, fine dining and entertaining.

“Between the two of them, I developed a fascination with the creation and presentation of foods that were both healthy and inviting to the palate. I also love how making good food for people can create a feeling of contentment and accomplishment.”

Fiona takes pride in work, teaching students the importance of growing, harvesting, cooking and sharing a meal.

“The philosophy (of the SAKG program) is surrounding the unfortunate fact that many parents/guardians either do not have the time, or the knowledge to share these skills with their children. At Tooradin PS (as with all the schools in the program) we have an extensive vegetable garden that the students love to maintain, and they are always excited when we harvest a successful crop. Sometimes that means we have a huge crop of one particular vegetable, and they love to see how many different delicious ways we can utilise these ingredients,” Fiona said.

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20 SUMMER 2015

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Education

Fiona Berkholz shares her love of healthy cooking and eating in her role as Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program Kitchen Specialist and Garden Specialist at Tooradin Primary School.

Picture: Stewart Chambers

“Good table manners and appropriate conversation is encouraged, and it is great to hear the students talk about what they enjoy (and sometimes, what they don’t). They encourage each other to try different things and at the end of the meal, the students do all the cleaning up also – washing and drying dishes, wiping benches, tidying up their stations, sweeping floors, hanging up the washing. They are encouraged to feel a sense of ownership about their kitchen.”

Fiona said the community was excited to throw their support behind the program.

“When we cook, we create four different dishes, utilising homegrown produce and also donations from the school and local community. The support is growing rapidly as everyone who hears about it is excited and wants to help,” she said.

“We also could not manage without our parent volunteers.”

Anyone who has ever tried to teach a child to cook would be all too familiar www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

with having to lay down the laws about washing hands, sweeping up the spilled flour, washing those grease-stained pans and not eating the raw batter. So it’s not surprising that Fiona marks this job as the most exhausting thing she has ever done. But the rewards of her job keep her craving more.

“Whether it is watching students learn new skills and demonstrate their ability to cook a recipe with minimal assistance (the Grade 5 and 6 students can now cook independently for the most part), or hearing the Grade 2 students say that the thing they are looking forward to the most in Grade 3 is cooking, I love their enthusiasm, interest and input. For the most part, the students show great interest and are adventurous in trying new and unusual dishes and ingredients,” she said.

“I also get a lot of hugs, and the sight of a conga line of students with watering cans is delicious. My son recently asked ’how does it feel to be popular?’ and it’s not that at all. I love the feeling that I am helping bring a community together in a healthy, sustainable and highly enjoyable fashion, and in a world that is becoming increasingly artificial, I am teaching my students to love the feeling of digging in the garden, and giving them important life skills they can take with them wherever they go. Who knows? Some of my students may become chefs, or simply good cooks who know how to put together a range of ingredients to make a good meal.”

Fiona said students were also learning to be creative, work as a team, and are even swapping canteen meals for healthier options.

“When I first started with the program mid-2013, if I had suggested to students that I would be offering homemade vegetable soups once a week, I would have had very few orders. This year I have instituted a soup day, which will continue in the cold months. To date, I receive over 100 orders each week,” she said.

“Parents are often stunned that their children will eat healthy, homemade soup instead of visiting the canteen.

There is also a learning component in regards to literacy and numeracy – learning to measure ingredients and also cooking terms. I also have parents telling me that their previously disinterested child is now offering to help prepare the evening meal, and sometimes even cleaning up afterwards, and sometimes, showing them new skills!”

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“The aim of the program is to promote delicious over healthy in a way that everyone can see that cooking is a joyful activity and a great way to spend time together as a family. Once we have cooked, we sit down together as a class in our ’restaurant’ and share the food. There is also an emphasis on a shared meal, as many students don’t sit down at the table with their parents as we did when I was a child.

SUMMER 2015 21

recipes

Fiona Berkholz, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program Kitchen Specialist and Garden Specialist at Tooradin Primary School, shares three delicious recipes for the festive season.

Summer Punch Ingredients: 1 bottle lemon lime mineral water.

250ml pineapple juice.

2 tablespoons ginger cordial.

125ml natural mineral water.

Large handful of ice cubes.

Optional additions: Gently crushed mint leaves.

Gently crushed lemon verbena leaves.

Slices of citrus (lemon, orange, lime).

Combine mineral waters, juice and cordial together and pour into a large jug. Stir well. If using additional ingredients, it is best to use a jug with a lid with a filter to prevent a mouthful of mint leaves!

Summer Punch.

Fruit Fiesta Pizza Ingredients: One seedless watermelon, cut into 1.5cm slices Topping: 1/2 cup natural yoghurt to each slice of watermelon.

1 tablespoon honey.

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

2 cups of seasonal fruits (grapes, kiwifruit, mixed berries, banana, mango) diced.

1/2 cup shredded coconut.

Method: Combine yoghurt, honey and cinnamon in a small bowl. If the honey is particularly thick, or crystalised, stand the jar in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes and then add to the yoghurt. Whisk well.

Spread yoghurt mixture evenly over the watermelon slices and top with fruit. You can make a pretty arrangement or simply layer them on top. Sprinkle with shredded coconut, cut into wedges and enjoy!

Tip: Children love to create patterns, so let them cut up the fruit to their own design and arrange artistically.

Fruity Fiesta Pizza.

22 SUMMER 2015

Left: Fruity Fiesta Pizza. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

recipes Healthy Gingerbread Cookies (Makes about 20) Preheat oven to 180 degrees Ingredients: 1 large egg.

60 grams butter.

1/3 cup maple syrup or good quality honey.

1/4 cup molasses or treacle.

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

1 teaspoon ground dried ginger.

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda.

2 1/4 cups wholemeal flour.

1 tablespoon honey for brushing the cookies.

Suggested toppings: (We don’t use nuts in our school kitchen, but it is up to each individual) Finely chopped pecans.

Desiccated coconut.

Finely chopped pistachios.

Finely chopped cranberries.

Currants.

Method: Melt butter in a small saucepan and set aside to cool slightly.

sticky, add a little more flour until you can roll it out.

In a large mixing bowl, combine egg, butter, maple syrup or honey, molasses, vanilla, dried ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and bicarbonate of soda. Mix well with a wooden spoon until well combined.

Coat a rolling pin in flour and roll out to 5mm thick. Cut out with cookie cutters, combining the leftover dough together and re-rolling until all the mixture is used.

Add flour and combine well, using a spatula (or bread and butter knife) first, then clean hands to form a firm dough.

Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently. If the mixture is still

Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before removing from the tray.

Brush each cookie with honey and sprinkle with chosen toppings. Lay flat to allow them to dry completely.

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SUMMER 23 9/11/15 2015 2:39 PM

party time

By LIA SPENCER

It’s that time of year again – when the wallet gets thinner and the waistline gets bigger. When every weekend of the calendar is booked with either family gathering, end-of-work parties, catch-ups with friends and loads of other Christmas or New Year’s events.

Being a guest is pretty easy – show up on time, dress appropriately (don’t bring out the short Mrs Clause dress at a work break-up!) and bring a small token of your appreciation to the host (think chocolates, wine, flowers, or homemade sweets ... read our gift guide on page 34).

But being a host can be overwhelming.

Have no fear! We have you covered!

Check out our no-fail party list to get you through your event with no drama.

Invitations Unless you are cashed up, don’t feel that you have to spend a fortune to invite people to your party. Make a Facebook event and invite your family and friends with a click of the button.

Make sure to call those who do not have Facebook, or who may not check their Facebook regularly, and specify in the details whether partners and children are invited. Also make sure your date and time is correct and that you privacy details are on invite only – unless you want everyone in the neighbourhood and their dog showing up.

24 SUMMER 2015

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

party time If Facebook is too informal, get crafty!

Make invitations in the shape of a gift, candy cane or something festive, or decorate it in Christmas colours – red, green or gold. Give your guests plenty of notice, because the calendar gets quite full for a lot of people during the silly season.

Entertainment You don’t have to stress about entertainment – mingling with guests and laughing at your drunk uncle dancing could be entertainment enough. But for those who want to add a bit of sophistication to your party, compile a list of classic Christmas tunes and load up your iPhone for some background music.

If you are stuck for ideas – pick up the ever-so-popular Mariah Carey or Michael Buble CDs, which can be found at almost anywhere that sells CDs in December.

If your event is a small gathering among girlfriends, perhaps pick a couple of favourite Christmas movies which you can sit and watch with a glass of wine, or have in the background while you visit. Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or Miracle on 34th Street are just some of our picks.

If there will be plenty of children at your event, get out the sporting equipment, water games or splurge on a jumping castle to keep them busy and outdoors.

the presents. You may want to speak to your local CFA, as some know Santa personally and will organise him to visit your home in exchange for a donation.

Food and Drinks From tapas to barbecues to sit-down meals. From wine to cocktails to your signature punch. There are so many options to feed your guests. And you can do it on a budget. Check out great ideas on our recipe pages (pages 22-23) or make your own favourite cookies, slices and desserts.

Another great option is to ask everyone to bring a plate to save you from slaving in the kitchen for hours and hours and stressing at a time which is supposed to be fun. If you decide to do this option, ask everyone to indicate what they will bring, so you don’t have a sea of salads and no meat or desserts.

Decorations Fairy lights, tinsel, a Christmas tree and, if you are keen, fake snow ... the possibilities are endless. Drape your windows with fake snowflakes or pull out your ornaments and adorn your shelves with the Christmas cheer.

If you have children and they have made some beautiful Christmas crafts and art at school, now’s the time to display them on your fridge or use them as centrepieces on your table.

Christmas bon bons can be a great addition – as they also double as a conversation starter and also party favour. Have fun turning your home or venue into a Christmas wonderland.

Don’t forget the mistletoe!

If everyone is exchanging gifts, organise a Santa to arrive to hand out

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SUMMER 2015 25

reality bites

Morning sickness lasted months

. .. t i h t r o w s a w t l - but the resu JAYNEE Owen was ecstatic when she and her partner Blair found out they were pregnant, but nothing could have prepared her for the relentless morning sickness she would have to endure.

“I was a bit tired at first, but at about seven weeks, I started feeling nauseous all the time and started throwing up,” she said.

“I would have to run to the toilet at work – so it was a little hard to hide the pregnancy at the early stages. At one point I had to take three weeks off of work because I was so sick. People started asking questions and getting suspicious.”

Jaynee with her daughter Lola.

Jaynee said that she would vomit up to nine times a day. She had to sleep with a bucket beside the bed and drive with a bucket in the boot, in case she had to pull over to the side of the road.

She had a few good days in between, which consisted of just being nauseated.

“The doctor tried me on all different kinds of medication – but nothing worked. One of the pills actually made it worse,” she said.

“I tried everything – peppermint tea, ginger and lemon tea, all the old wives tales. I carried dried biscuits with me all the time and those seemed to help a bit.”

“

“

By LIA SPENCER

I tried everything ... peppermint tea, ginger and lemon tea, all the old wives tales. I carried dried biscuits with me all the time and those seemed to help a bit...

The constant sickness made her unable to work full-time – having to show up late or leave early, or take a day or more off a week to rest. She missed out on numerous social occasions and had to miss Blair’s great-grandfather’s funeral in Echuca, because she couldn’t travel three hours.

Luckily, the vomiting decreased and by the third trimester she felt much better.

“I was finally able to get the nursery in order and I was much more motivated,” she said.

After a three-and-a-half-hour labour, with Blair by her side, Jaynee gave birth to a beautiful little girl Lola, weighing 6 pounds 3 ounces.

“She is such a cute, happy little baby, with a temper, but she’s normally really smiley,” Jaynee said.

“She has changed my life for the better. It’s hard work, but every day gets better and better and she makes me laugh. I am a little scared to have another baby after being so sick with Lola, but all the sickness has definitely been worth it.”

By the time Jaynee was nine months pregnant, she was actually 10 kilograms lighter than she was before she got pregnant due to the constant sickness. But the doctors weren’t concerned. They actually thought the baby was going to be big, so they induced Jaynee two weeks early.

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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

reality bites

r h b iangts Minus the

nd Darren and their Michelle, her husba Riley. th son Jack wi baby

p

By LIA SPENCER

wanted to make it more relevant to Australian families.

MICHELLE Newton had a relatively pain-free labour with her first son Jack, thanks to hypnobirthing techniques.

So when she found out a similar course was being offered in Sydney, the Narre Warren mother jumped on a plane to take part.

“I did a home study and became a doula, then flew to Sydney and studied under Peter for a week and became a Calmbirth practitioner.

Then I did three weeks of practice.”

Through her hypnobirthing studies, Michelle learned a lot about breathing techniques and visualisation. During her labour with her son Jack, she envisioned breathing into a red balloon and releasing it in one of her favourite locations, the Murray River.

“After having Jack, I started looking into hypnobirthing a little more and found out a man named Peter Jackson was developing a Calmbirth course.

He had studied hypnobirthing but

Michelle had a calm

“By the time my due date rolled around, I was pretty relaxed and very ready to give birth,” she said. “After my waters broke I called my husband who was at work, then called my sister-inlaw who was going to look after Jack.

She still talks about how relaxed I was.

I was making peanut butter sandwiches for Jack between contractions, and I would stop mid-sentence, close my eyes and breathe, then open my eyes and continue my sentence.”

Michelle gave her husband strict instructions on what he was supposed to do during the labour to help with her pain-free calmbirth.

“He didn’t say a word and just lightly stroked my arm up and down to keep me grounded in the physical sense while my mind could go somewhere else. I envisioned myself floating on a cloud and listened to my body, allowing it to do what it needed to do.

Michelle suffered a devastating miscarriage after she gave birth to Jack, so when she found out she was pregnant a third time, she was thrilled but nervous.

“I think having a miscarriage made me even more determined to do things naturally. I was really nervous, and I think all the stress made me feel constant nausea. But after the 12-week scan, I finally relaxed and enjoyed the rest of my pregnancy.”

Michelle was due on 9 April, but her waters broke one day early.

birth with Riley.

I also listened to relaxing music, which is part of the Calmbirth program.

There is no singing, no beats or anything like that. It helps take your mind to a different place.”

Michelle said she felt all the sensations of labour such as tightening in the stomach, but never felt pain. The labour lasted a total of four hours. After only 12 minutes of pushing, a healthy 9 pound 10 boy was born. Michelle and Darren named him Riley Kenneth, with his middle name a tribute to Michelle’s father who passed away when she was 16.

Due to time constraints, Michelle is no longer a Calmbirth practitioner, but said the course was well worth it.

“Pain relief never even crossed my mind during the labour,” she said.

“Everything went very smoothly. It was amazing.”

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Contact Belinda Cammell on 0400 125 714 or bcammell@bricks4kidz.com SUMMER 2015 27

reality bites

Double dose

joy of

By LIA SPENCER FOR Emma Jones, motherhood is twice as sweet.

The Pakenham woman had a bumpy ride before falling pregnant with twins. But with a positive attitude and a lot of perseverance, her dreams of becoming a mother finally became a reality.

..........................

They would be the first boys on my side of the family ... we have about 13 or 14 nieces!

............

Emma suffered from endometriosis before she and her husband Tim decided to start trying for a baby.

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that is normally present in the lining of the uterus occurs outside this layer and causes pain or infertility.

She originally thought the endometriosis was minor, but further testing revealed the condition was severe- attaching to other organs in her body-and she had to have a lot of it burnt off.

Emma Jones with her twin boys when they were only a few months old.

............

28 SUMMER 2015

After a heartbreaking year of unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant, Emma made a visit to her obstetrician, who advised her to keep trying for another 12 months. After the long wait, it was discovered that she was not ovulating. Her obstetrician gave her Clomid- which is used to help cause ovulation in women. If that didn’t work, Emma would have had to endure another laparoscopy – a surgical

procedure for her endomestrious. If that failed, she would have to undergo In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

Luckily, after one course of Clomid, Emma discovered she was pregnant.

“I was ecstatic,” she said. “I got a bit teary!”

Six weeks into the pregnancy, Emma suffered stomach pain and underwent an ultrasound as a precautionary measure- that’s when she learned she was having twins. Later, she would learn that both babies were boys.

“They would be the first boys on my side of the family – we have about 13 or 14 nieces!”

After a smooth pregnancy, albeit a little nausea, Emma was scheduled to have her baby on 2 July – three weeks before her due date.

“I made it to 37 weeks which is quite rare for twins,” she said.

“I arrived at St John of God at 6am and was prepped for an 8am deliver.

I felt pretty emotional and nauseated in the morning, but the theatre technician made me laugh and feel a lot more at ease.”

Tim stood by Emma’s side as she delivered their beautiful babies – Elias Glyn and Jesse Richard.

Tim had the honour of choosing the babies names – with Glyn being his middle name and Richard being the middle name of Emma’s father, who has passed away.

While the journey was a long one, the day seemed to sneak up on her in a hurry.

“When I saw them for the first time, I was ecstatic, but it felt weird,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe they were here already.” www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

reality bites

By LIA SPENCER MOTHER of four Katie Lithgow gets a lot of love from her young brood, but for several years the Pakenham woman felt sad and alone.

The 33-year-old credits St John of God’s Raphael Centre for helping her get through postnatal depression and to find happiness in life again.

“I was 28 when I found out I was pregnant with my second and I was really happy,” she said.

“I had my first son Jack when I was 19, and was ready for another one.”

The pregnancy went well but after giving birth to Lucy, Katie was overwhelmed with exhaustion and sadness.

Twelve weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant with her third child and the depression deepened.

“I was worried the whole time. I had to have a Caesarean with Lucy so I knew I would have to have another one and I was worried about recovering while dealing with two small babies,” she said.

“I had kept this secret for so long, and I didn’t need to,” she said.

“The doctor explained to me that the postnatal depression (PND) has to do with my hormones and my body.

“I could have everything in the world and still suffer.

“Until then, I didn’t really know what depression was, but now I have a better understanding of it.”

Katie was referred to the Raphael Centre, through St John of God in Berwick, which helped her deal with her PND. She said life had improved since, and she hoped that other people who felt the same way would seek help.

“They were amazing, and I am a lot happier now,” she said.

“I wish I would have done it sooner.

I just hope more people will come forward and say how they are feeling and seek help.”

Below: Katie with her children, Jack, Hayley, Lucy and Emily.

“I wasn’t positive about anything.

Everything was stressful.

“I wondered why I felt so sad since I had so many great things. I felt like I was in a dark hole and couldn’t get out.

“It was just awful.”

Katie was consumed with guilt, so she didn’t tell anyone how she felt.

She was also worried that if she did expose her feelings, her children would be taken off her.

For years, Katie pushed her feelings aside, but after having her fourth child Emily in July last year, the sadness resurfaced.

“I decided to go to my GP and tell him how I was feeling. It was such a big step for me and it was such a relief.

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SUMMER 2015 29

Games and gadgets

These

are a few of our

favourite things

share...

Twin tots have so much to

By LIA SPENCER

Our cover kids, two-year-old twins Mairead and Stephen Cuckson, are both very social toddlers, with huge hearts and endearing personalities. Mairead loves a chat and Stephen loves to explore.

Their parents, Kelly and Simon, share some of their favourite things.

Watermelon and fruit in general is very popular at our house. In fact we have to cut Stephen off like some parents would have to do with lollies. They will also do all most anything for a chippy or a bickie!

�

�

�

Gran gave the kids Mickey and Minnie the night they were born and they’ve slept with them every night since. We would be in trouble if we ever lost them.

30 SUMMER 2015

Our baby monitor has been one of our best purchases and even comes on holidays with us. We have the ‘Oricom Video Monitor’ with two cameras. The parent console swings between both cameras so we can always see and hear what’s happening. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

� The kids love their big sister Emily and her visits each fortnight are a really exciting time in our house. We are lucky to have a very close, extended family who also spoil Mairead and Stephen with love and attention.

�

�

Mairead and Stephen love the water. They are both confident and are looking forward to this summer in Gran and Papa’s pool.

Our double pram is something we could not have been without. As you can imagine getting two babies and now two toddlers anywhere is a challenge. From quick trips into the supermarket to day long trips, the pram is anyways with us.

� Mairead and Stephen love to dance! They recently started classes at Granda Dance Centre Hallam on a Saturday morning.

They also love dancing with the students at Columba Catholic Primary School. It helps that Mum is the dance teacher. www. grandadancecentre.com.au

A playground, indoors or out is a real favourite of Mairead and Stephen. They love Monkey G’s with our Mothers group friends, the Arena playground and anywhere at the Fountain Gate shops as long as their friends are there too.

�

� Tutus… Mairead loves nothing more and before she is even out of her cot she is asking ‘I wear Tutu today?’ Her favourite toy is a Cinderella Doll, who is also wearing a tutu!

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

�

Stephen loves to make music and sound. For his birthday we got a guitar (really a ukulele) from Uncle Roy and Auntie Donna. He loves his guitar and often walks around the house playing. He gets very upset when its nap time and he isn’t allowed to take his guitar with him.

SUMMER 2015 31

Games and gadgets

y r t n a p n u f

t ntils, spli e used le d any (w s m e it d could a d pantry ty of drie e but you • A varie ee beans and ric peas, coff sta pa beans or ed onto e aper glu p f • PVC glu o e c pie aper of a

• Thick p f cardboard picture … o a piece e of your in tl u o e to draw th uring in page) • Pencil out a colo n ri (or p t

e. your pag ture onto ic p fill in a f n o time a d n outline tion at a c se • Draw a ll a a sm lue onto • Paint g iece at a ems. it y tr n e dried p a n o rge g in with p c ed pla op on a la . as requir ble to sco ss re a e a c re x e e e m e w o e th • S shake off e others w time whil read around and sp t, amoun

t n e t

Let’s go

circus to the

• Piece of paper • 19 strips of different coloured paper – 135mm long (a few of these will be cut shorter for tent peak) • 1 black triangle for entranc e • 1 black strip cut in zig-zag • 1 purple triangle for flag on top plus 8 small purple triangles for flag s from string • 2 pieces of string – 130mm • 1 strip of blue paper for sky • 1 strip of green paper for glas s • Gluestick

• Start by laying your strip of sky down at the top of the paper.

• Now arrange the vertical strip s for the tent from the middle of the pag e working outward. (11 strips wide.)

• Glue triangle tent opening onto middle of vertical strips.

• Lay strip of ‘grass’ over the bott om of the strips aligned with bottom of pap er.

• Construct the roof of the tens working from outside in. The strips of pap er will need to be smaller as you go. (4 on eac h side.)

• Add the zig-zag black paper across tent to cover up the tops of the vert ical strips.

• Top tent with purple flag.

• Glue strings down from edg es of roof onto the grass. Add small purple flag s to the string.

Make r e t t bu

■■ Fill your jar half wa y with cream ■■ Tighten the lid we ll

@ ome

Shake

■■ Stage 1 - The cream

will start to thicken up

Keep shaking

■■ Stage 2 – About fiv e minutes in we have whipped cream

h

Shake more

■■ Stage 3 - After ab out two more minutes the buttermilk starts to sep arate from the butte r

Shake more

■■ Stage 4 – In anoth er one or two minutes or so, the butter becomes a solid mass.

■■ Pour off the butte rmilk and reserve ■■ Get the butter ou t of the jar and give it a good rinse under cold wa ter while mushing it around to expel the last of the buttermilk ■■ Now make batch of pancakes using the buttermilk you saved .

■■ Slather those panc akes with your home made butter and maple syr up.

•glass jar with lid •thickened cream

YUM!

■■ Add a dash of sal t to butter if desired ■■ Store in an airtight container in fridge for up to three days

Australia’s Favourite Steam Train DAY OUT WITH

THOMAS

FAMILY

FUN

Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends visit Puffing Billy’s Emerald Town Station in Autumn and Spring.

Tickets are now on sale for the Spring season!

Book online now!

Puffing Billy travels through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave every day except Christmas Day. Step back in time with family and friends and have a great day out! Dangle your legs over the side of the open-sided carriages and take that magical photo as the train crosses the historic Trestle Bridge.

Discounted family fares are available from $104 (valid for up to two adults and up to four children).

SANTA CLAUS is coming to…

PUFFING BILLY! Santa returns in November and December for the popular Santa Specials. Every child receives a gift from Santa!

Seats are selling fast so book now.

Telephone 9757 0700 www.puffingbilly.com.au/cckids 1195774-LB35-15

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2015 33

8

Games and gadgets

ideas

galore 8

By LIA SPENCER

Need some help deciding what to get your child, your child’s teacher, your mother, your father, your partner? We have come up with a few ideas to help ease the pain!

Massage or manicure vouchers Candles Chocolates or wine Bubble bath and scented soaps Books (check out some suggestions on pages 36-38) Clothes, shoes, accessories Outdoor play equipment (bikes, scooters, roller blades, skateboards) Teething toys Clothes and shoes,

Show tickets (check out what’s on at the Cardinia Cultural Centre)

Stuffed animals

Tickets to one of the many child friendly places in and around Casey and Cardinia (Puffing Billy, Moonlit Sanctuary, Swimming Pools)

Old Fashioned Favourites: Touch and feel books

Old Fashioned Favourites: Playdough or Lego (check out the Brickz 4 Kids story on pages 8-9)

Musical toys

34 SUMMER 2015

Books (check out recommendations on page 36-38) Show tickets A day off (offer a sleep-in, breakfast in bed or babysitting services) A donation to a good cause in their name Tea or coffee hampers Slippers and pyjamas Old Fashioned Favourites: Home-made sweets (check out recipes on pages 22 and 23) Ties, cufflinks, scarves or jewellery www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Capture the memory Casey Cardinia Kids and Portraits R Us Berwick have joined forces to offer you a chance to win a family portrait photography session and 20 (11 x 14) photographs of your selection printed and mounted on card all in a beautiful leather and velvet presentation box.

This fantastic prize is valued at $2400.00.

Kids grow so quickly so this competition offers you a chance to capture the memory now.

To enter: Write your name address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send to: Portraits R Us Competition C/o Casey Cardinia Kids Star News Group PO Box 9 Pakenham Victoria 3810 Or email to win@starnewsgroup.com.au Putting Portraits R Us in the subject field We will draw the competition Wednesday 27 January 2016.

Winner announced 12 noon that day

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www.portraitsrus.com.au

All entries will receive a complementary photo shoot and 1 x 8 x 10 print.

Not reedemable for cash. One prize per household. Must be redeemed by 30 June 2016. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2015 35

Games and gadgets

reviews My Dad is a Giraffe

Underneath a Cow

Bring a Duck

by Ed Allen, 3+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $16.99 Dear Dad, When I grow up, I want to be just like you! Open the letters and lift the flaps to read all the funny letters to these fantastic fathers. Join in the fun and write a letter to your amazing dad on the pull-out note paper included!

by Carol Ann Martin, 4+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $24.99 We’re under a cow.

We’re under a cow.

We’re under her here We’re under her now!

And for all the animals sheltering underneath Madge the cow, there’s no better place to be when you are caught in a Great Big, Terrible, Awful Storm!

by Lesley Gibbes, 4+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $24.99 Birthday party at my place. Bring your own duck. Bear has never been to a duck party before! What does Pig have planned? Whatever happens, it’s sure to be fantastic, fabulous, feather-tickling fun!

Pup Patrol: Outback Rescue

Daddies Are Great!

Sian: A New Australian

by Darrel & Sally Odgers, 6+yrs, Scholastic, p/b $9.99 Stamp, Ace and James are on the road again and headed up to Normanton in the Gulf of Carpentaria! But after all that rain from Cyclone Julia, some of the roads have flooded. When James takes a detour, there’s plenty of time to make some new friends at Camp Billabong along the way.

The outback is a strange and lonely place and the Fourby pack are travelling carefully through the dusty desert. But who does that abandoned car belong to?

And can Stamp and Ace find them in time to help?

by Meredith Costain, 3-7yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $14.99 Daddies are lovely, they’re warm and delicious, they tickle and hug you and shower you with kisses. A book about the special relationship between fathers and their children. The warm and lively rhyming text touches on the everyday events of family life – bedtime stories, cuddles and shoulder rides – while the gently humorous illustrations show different breeds of dog, adult and puppies, in adorable poses.

by D. Luckett, 8+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $15.99 Picked on, beaten and scorned as the unlucky thirteenth child in the family, Sian’s life is miserable and her father isn’t ever going to make things easier for her.

In her Welsh coal-mining town the sky is grey and there is little hope of sunnier times. Then her eldest sister hatches a secret plan to travel to the other side of the world – and Sian’s life seems to be about to change, permanently.

The White Mouse: The Story of Nancy Wake

Star of Deltora Book 1 Shadows of the Master

SCREAM: The Squid Slayer

Ella Diaries: Dreams Come True

SCREAM: The Haunted Book

by Jack Heath, 9+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $12.99 1 supernatural shipwreck will dominate a small town. 4 school-kids will encounter TERRIFYING events. Will ANYONE survive?

Sarah lives in Axe Falls—a town of mysterious disappearances, terrifying visions and unusual events. Sarah is used to being the odd one out. She lives on a boat, makes up tall tales, love ghosts and will do almost anything to prove they exist. But when her search leads to the dilapidated hulk of a sunken ship, a terrifying monster lies in wait and Sarah begins to wonder. . . What’s really skulking in the deep, dark water? And will anyone survive long enough to find out?

by Meredith Costain, 7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $12.99 WARNING: You are about to read my UTTERLY BIGGEST SECRETS. Can I trust you? OK then. I’m Ella, and this is my diary. Ella dreams of meeting pop star Cassi Valentine. She has all the songs and merchandise – even Bob has a Cassi Valentine bandana! But when the school enters a competition to win a visit from the star, Ella and her worst enemy ever, Peach Parker, have to work together. Can they put aside their differences? The whole school is counting on them! Could winning a visit from mega pop star Cassi Valentine make Ella and Peach work together?

Or will they let the whole school down?

by Jack Heath, 9+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $12.99 Dale lives in Axe Falls—a town of mysterious disappearances, terrifying visions and unusual events. A family trip turns spooky when Dale finds an old handwritten book, starting with the words: DO NOT STOP READING; MY LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. Soon, strange things begin to happen. When a ghost appears in the lake and a cursed giant stalks him through the woods, Dale starts to wonder …

What is really hiding in the dusty pages?

And will anyone survive long enough to find out?

by Stephen Michael King, 4+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $16.99 Is your dad big and tall, gentle and fun?

Can you climb up his legs, over his head, slide down his neck and ride on his back?

Maybe your dad is a giraffe!

by Emily Rodda, 8+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $16.99 Britta has always wanted to be a trader like her father, sailing the nine seas and bringing precious cargo home to Del harbour. Her dreams seemed safe until her father’s quest to find the fabled Staff of Tier ended in blood and horror. Now his shamed family is in hiding, and his ship, the Star of Deltora, belongs to the powerful Rosalyn fleet. But Britta’s ambition burns as fiercely as ever. When she suddenly gets the chance to win back her future she knows she has to take it—whatever the cost. She has no idea that shadows from a distant, haunted isle are watching her every move.

36 SUMMER 2015

Dear Dad, I Want To Be Just Like You

by Peter Gouldthorpe, 10+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $26.99 The Gestapo called her The White Mouse – and they wanted her, dead or alive.

Nancy Wake was an Australian who joined the French Resistance during World War II and became the most wanted woman in France. Parachuting behind enemy lines, blowing up bridges and smuggling refugees across borders, Nancy fought fiercely against the enemy and became the most decorated Australian woman in any war.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

I ’t ll n a ? ca ad ay d y e Wh t r ery s v ju y e da

Daddy, You’re Awesome

River Riddle

Ava and Angus: Showtime

by Laine Mitchell, 3+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $16.99 My daddy makes a tent, A camp fire for tea, We look at the stars and Count how many we see.

Daddy, you’re awesome to me.

Join in the baby animals’ fun and games as they share what makes their own daddy so awesome.

by Jim Dewar, 3+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $14.99

by Wendy Harmer, 7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b $9.99 Ava and Angus are off to the Doolimba show, with its fun rides and lots of cute animals! But when daring twins Donna and Danny Donnelly tempt Ava to sneak into the animal’s shed at night time, dozens of prize animals escape their pens!

Ava and Angus’s delightful trip has turned into a disaster! Will the Donnelly twins own up? Or will Ava and Angus take all the blame?

Jack’s off to market, with a bag of hay, a sheep called Dolly and a fox called Frank. How will they all cross the river in the tiny boat? Jack will have to solve the RIVER RIDDLE to get to the other side!

As Dolly thinks: ‘That hay’s for me!’

And Frank thinks: ‘Dolly’s mine for tea!’

Young Jack does lots of thinking too And comes up with a plan . . . CAN YOU? Will Jack’s plan work? Follow him and see!

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The BEST GIFT you can give your child is a FREE Library Card!

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SUMMER 2015 37

Games and gadgets

Learning journey chartered Ready, Set Learn! Get on track for the school year with your local library!

Welcome to the learning journey.

Children are naturally curious and excited to learn- they are enthusiastic to acquire knowledge and develop an understanding of the world around them. The library offers an extensive range of books and online resources to start your child on the road to lifelong learning. The best gift you can give your child is a free library card for Casey-Cardinia libraries.

Tumblebooks is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in a format they’ll love.

Busy Things offers a wide range of award-winning educational games, filled with fun, humorous characters and lively colourful settings, for ages three to seven. Story Box Library features engaging online Australian stories read by some of Australia’s finest storytellers. The stories are a little bit cheeky, a little bit charming and a whole lot of fun!

Homework help ( free with your library card). Your Tutor provides students in Years 3 -12, with one-on-one chat help with an online tutor, from 3pm to 10pm Sunday to Friday during school terms. It covers English, writing, maths, science, economics, business studies, legal studies, geography, research, study and searching skills.

Do you need something to read? The Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation compiled a list of popular books to get your head stuck into this summer!

Top Christmas Reads For Preschoolers

Top Christmas Reads For Kids

Top Christmas Reads for Teens

What Pet Should I Get? Dr Seuss

These include the latest read in a series and other great gift ideas

These include the latest read in a series and other great gift ideas

My Dog Bigsy Alison Lester

Old School: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 10 Jeff Kinney

Carry On Rainbow Rowell

How the Sun Got to Coco’s House Bob Graham The Naughtiest Reindeer at the Zoo Nicki Greenberg What Do You Wish for?

Jane Godwin, Anna Walker This and That Mem Fox How to Hug with Hugless Douglas David Melling Christmas at Grandma’s Beach House Claire Saxby Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise Ursula Dubosarsky, Sue DeGennaro Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas Aaron Blabey

Puppy Love - Dork Diaries 10 Rachel Renee Russell The Bad Guys Episode 2: Mission Unpluckable Aaron Blabey Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Illustrated Edition J.K. Rowling Super Weird!

Anh Do Grandpa’s Great Escape David Walliams

Girl Online: On Tour Zoe Sugg Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer: The Gods of Asgard Book 1 Rick Riordan Cloudwish Fiona Wood The Mortal Instruments 6: City of Heavenly Fire Cassandra Clare Illuminae: The Illuminae Files 1 Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

Top of the Class (Nearly) - Tom Gates Liz Pichon

The Singing Bones: Inspired by Grimms’ Fairy Tales Shaun Tan, Philip Pullman

Big Nate: Welcome to My World Lincoln Peirce

The Tattoed Heart - Messenger of Fear 2 Michael Grant

Laugh Your Head Off: Funny Stories for All Kinds of Kids Various Authors - including Andy Griffiths, Andrew Daddo, and Randa Abdel-Fattah

Let it Snow John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

Kizmet and the Case of the Smashed Violin Frank Woodley

Zeroes Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti

Kids have a LOT to love at the Library!

From Songs, Rhymes and Storytimes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, to Explorers’ and Adventurers’ Book Clubs, Lego Club, Playstation and X-box games and holiday activities for school kids ...

To ... Books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, WiFi, Touch Screen games and puzzles, homework help, study resources, online resources to read, stream or download 24/7... and a whole lot more!

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Psst ... Mums and Dads love it too because it’s all FREE with a library card. Join NOW!

38 SUMMER 2015

Casey-Cardinia Libraries:

Cranbourne - 5990 0100 Doveton - 9792 9497 Emerald 5949 4600 Endeavour Hills - 8782 3400 Hampton Park - 8788 8500 Narre Warren - 8782 3300 Pakenham and Cardinia Mobile - 5940 6200 www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

December National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) information session, Wednesday 2 December, 9.30am-2.30pm, Narre Warren Learning Centre, 1 Malcolm Court, Narre Warren.

The Spirit of Christmas, Wednesday 2 December, 10am-noon, Cardinia Cultural Centre. Tickets $15. www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au.

Celebrate People with a Disability Market stall at Westfield Shopping Centre, Thursday 3 December, 10.30am-2.30pm, Princes Highway, Narre Warren.

Emerald Community Playgroup, every Thursday 9.30am-11.30am, Child Care Centre, Emerald Community House, 356-58 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald.

Storytime, 3 and 10 December, 11am-noon, Emerald Library.

Storytime, 3 and 10 December, 2pm-3pm, Pakenham Library.

All Together Choir, Thursday 3 and 10 December, 11am-12.30pm, Outlook Community Centre, Pakenham, $5.

Playgroup end of year celebration, Thursday 3 December, 4pm-7pm, Myuna Farm, Doveton.

Akoonah Park Men’s Shed Summer Classic Car and Bike Show, Saturday 5 December, 8.30am-1.30pm, Akoonah Park Reserve, Cardinia Street, Berwick.

Pakenham Carols by Candlelight, Saturday 12 December, 6.30pm-10.30pm, Toomuc Reserve.

Green Events: Monthly Produce Swap, Saturday 12 December, 9am-10am, Myuna Farm, Doveton.

Gardening Workshops - Companion Planting and Herbs, Saturday 12 December, 10am-noon, the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick.

Endeavour Hills Community Carols, Saturday 12 December, 5pm-9pm, 2-8 Gleneagles Drive, Endeavour Hills.

Doveton Community Carols, Saturday 12 December, 6.30pm-9.30pm, 2 Frawley Road, Eumemmerring.

Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, 11am-1pm, Cardinia Cultural Centre.

Melbourne Stars Casey Family Fun Day, Sunday 13 December, 11am-3pm, Casey Fields, 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East.

Casey Tennis Week, Sunday 31 January, 10am-5pm.

Come along and enjoy a range of free events hosted at local tennis clubs throughout Casey.

Christmas on the Foreshore, Friday 18 December, 6pm-10pm, Foreshore Road, Tooradin.

February

Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight, Friday 18 December, 7.30pm-9.30pm, corner Cairns Road and Campbell Drive, Hampton Park.

Cranbourne Christmas Carols, Saturday 19 December, 4pm-9.45pm, 101 Lesdon Avenue, Cranbourne.

Carols by Twilight, Thursday 24 December, 6pm-9.30pm, 340-350 Princes Highway, Narre Warren.

Lang Lang Christmas Carols, Wednesday 9 December, 7pm-9pm, Lang Lang Community Hall.

January

Civic Centre Art Space: Arabic Abstractions II by Sohail Yamin, Wednesday 9 December, 8am-6pm, 20 Magid Drive, Narre Warren.

Emerald Community Playgroup, every Thursday 9.30am-11.30am, Child Care Centre, Emerald Community House, 356-58 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald.

Green Events: Introduction to Fruit Trees – Selection and Basic Care Workshop, Thursday 10 December, 9.30am-11.30am, Myuna Farm, Doveton.

Pakenham Blue Light Disco, Friday 11 December, 6.30pm-9pm, Pakenham Hall. Cost $5.

Hour of Code, Friday 11 December, 4pm-5pm.

Suits ages eight and up. Introduction to computer science, Emerald Library. Phone 5949 4600.

Emerald Twilight Market, Friday 11 December, 4pm-8pm, Puffing Billy Park, Emerald.

Tinies Time, Friday 11 December, 11am-noon, Emerald Library.

Storytime, Friday 11 December, 11am-noon, Pakenham Library.

Garfield Christmas Festival, Saturday 12 December, 10am-1pm, Main Street, Garfield.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Go Local on Australia Day: Sunset Cinema Tooradin, Tuesday 26 January, 5pm-11pm, South Gippsland Highway, Tooradin.

Kooweerup Australia Day Celebration, Tuesday 26 January, 8.30pm-10am, Koo Wee Rup Community Centre.

Upper Beaconsfield Carols by Candlelight, 24 December, 6.30pm-9.30pm, Keith Ewenson Park.

Green Events: Keeping Sheep and Goats as Pets, Wednesday 9 December, 11am-1pm, Myuna Farm, Doveton.

Go Local on Australia Day: Passport to Casey’s Cultural Heritage Showcase, Tuesday 26 January, 11am-4pm, Balla Balla Community Centre, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East.

Narre Warren North Community Carols, Saturday 12 December, 6.30pm-10pm, corner Tom Jones Road and A’Beckett Road, Narre Warren North.

Tinies Time, 7 December, 2pm-3pm, Pakenham Library.

Civic Centre Art Space: Dancers by Cally Van Der Schyff, Wednesday 9 December, 8am-6pm, 20 Magid Drive, Narre Warren.

Go Local on Australia Day: Berwick, Tuesday 26 January, 10am-3pm, Pioneers Park, corner Peel Street and Lyall Road, Berwick.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne: Wonderful Waterbugs and Plants, Friday 1 January, 11am12.30pm, corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne: Twilight Highlights, Tuesday 12 January 7pm-9pm, corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne: Desert fairies and elves, Wednesday 13 and Friday 15 January, 10am-11am, corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne: Summer Succulents, Wednesday 13 January, 11.30am12.30pm, corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne: Summer Succulents, Friday 15 January, 11.30am-12.30pm, corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne.

Go Local on Australia Day: Day of Nations Hampton Park, Tuesday 26 January, 9am-noon, Arthur Wren Hall, 16-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park.

Emerald Community Playgroup, every Thursday 9.30am-11.30am, Child Care Centre, Community House, 356-58 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne: World Wetlands Day, Tuesday 2 February, 9am-5pm, corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne.

Upper Beaconsfield Village Festival, Sunday 21 February, 9am-3pm, 10-12 Salisbury Road.

Cardinia Relay for Life, Friday and Saturday, 26 and 27 February, 6pm-noon, Toomuc Reserve.

Markets Akoonah Park Market, every Sunday, 8am-1.30pm, Akoonah Park, Berwick.

Bunyip Community Market and Car Boot Sale on last Sunday of every month. Bunyip Recreation Reserve, corner Nar Nar Goon Road, Bunyip.

Casey-Berwick Farmers Market, fourth Saturday of every month. 8am-12.30pm. The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick 3806 Cockatoo Country Market, first Saturday of every month, 9am-2pm, Alma Treloar Reserve, Pakenham Road, Cockatoo.

Emerald Market, third Sunday of every month, 9am-3pm, Kilvington Drive, Emerald.

Farmers Market at the Old Cheese Factory, second Saturday of every month, 8am-12.30pm, the Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick.

Gembrook Market, fourth Sunday of every month, Gembrook Station, 60 Main Street, Gembrook.

Kooweerup Market, first Sunday of every month, 8am-1.30pm, Koo Wee Rup Community Centre, Cochrane Park, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup. Pakenham Community Market, third Sunday of every month, 9am-3pm, Pakenham Football Club, Toomuc Reserve, Princes Highway, Pakenham.

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40 SUMMER 2015

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au