Geelong Coast Kids Autumn 2017

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

YOUNG AT

art birthday PARTY PLANNING

MOVES

angie's catch-up Uber-cool surfing mumma Sally-Ann

AUTUMN 2017

LIKE

jagger

A Star News Group Publication

Incorporating

contents

18

4

Grin and bear it

Playgroup gets to grips with nature

8-11

Angie’s catch-up

5 6

Young at art

A healthy way to keep the bugs at bay

7

Angie Hilton chats with uber-cool surfing mumma Sally-Ann Caligari

32

Kids around: Drivers watch out

33 34 Say What!

15 16

Moves like Jagger

Finger lickin’ great recipes

19 20-21 35 22 37 Kids to get crafty

Get ready to read Games give a mind work-out

Party time

Games to teach life’s lessons

Hot cars taboo for kids

Noah’s Ark offers therapy

17

Super cool and super cute Storyfest is the talk of the town

Adding colour to bubbles

23-31 38-39 Education Feature

Kids kalendar

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2 AUTUMN 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

about us . . .

golden moments

ahead WELL, 2017 is off to a good start. Kids are settling back into school nicely, I have my house back in order after the school holidays and the sun is still shining. Hallelujah!

On another note, my household is currently bursting with excitement and counting down the days. Did I tell you we’re expecting? Well, expecting the cute furry type – yes, we’re getting a puppy. Don’t ask what type of dog it is because it gets a little awkward…

Bet you didn’t know we had a couple of six-year-old gold medalists in our region? Luke Voogt catches up with six-year-old painting prodigies Keira Charleston and Thor Van Haelen to talk about their gold-medal winning art pieces for the Young Australian Art Awards.

Local mum Kristy Barrett helps our youngsters look like hipsters, with the latest trends from her kids’ fashion business, When Harlow Met Jagger.

OK, OK, you asked: it’s called a golden doodle – mum’s a labrador crossed with golden retriever, dad’s a standard poodle, so the name makes perfect sense, right?

Weighing up your options for primary or secondary schools? Check out our schools guide on pages 23-31. You might just find the info you need to help make your big decision.

Can’t wait to show you pics next issue.

Inverleigh mother of four Bec Wilson is passionate about the importance of nature-based play for a child’s development. Frustrated at the fact that she couldn’t find a nature-based playgroup for her children to join, Bec decided to create her own – it’s called Fox Guild.

But, boy, are we highlighting some inspiring locals in this edition.

I caught up with Sally-Ann Caligari from Ocean Grove for a D&M about her passion for being a stay-at-home mum and how three major life-changing experiences shaped her new outlook on life.

And we have plenty of great ideas for school holiday entertainment including GPAC shows, the wool museum, book and game reviews and much more.

Great to see you all back for another edition. Don’t forget to keep in touch with any parenting high or lows via Facebook.

Cheers!

Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Geelong Coast Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Geelong Coast Kids 1st Floor, 78 Moorabool St, Geelong, Vic 3220 Phone: 5249 6700 Fax: 5249 6799 Managing Editor Tony Galpin editorial@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 5249 6700 Advertising Rebecca Hanneysee advertising@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 5249 6708 / 0407 227 234 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.

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

YOUNG AT

art birthday PARTY PLANNING

MOVES

angie's catch-up Uber-cool surfing mumma Sally-Ann

AUTUMN 2017

LIKE

jagger

A Star News N Group G Publication P bl

Incorporating

Angie Hilton Contributing editor

COVER: Frankie, 3 and Jagger, 3 model some latest looks from local business When Harlow Met Jagger.

Picture: Louisa Jones

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AUTUMN 2017 3

It’s

your life Playgroup gets to grips with INVERLEIGH mother-of-four Bec Wilson wanted her children to grow up among nature so she took matters into her own hands.

“I really wanted someone to run a nature-based playgroup in Inverleigh that I could go to with my youngest,” the 37-year-old said.

“That didn’t happen so I thought I’d start one myself.”

Inspired by Geelong nature-based playgroups, Bec founded her “social enterprise” the Fox Guild to fill her hometown niche in early 2016.

With research linking tablets, television and smartphones to obesity and short sightedness, Bec is keen to get kids out in the mud and fresh air.

“The children grow a relationship with nature and want to be involved with it and protect it.”

During the playgroup the kids make “mud kitchens” and take barefoot walks, along with other activities, before finishing with a story.

nature

BACK TO NATURE: Fox Guild founder and Inverleigh mum Bec Wilson.

“I just enjoy the simplicity of it,” Bec said. “A lot of children don’t walk barefoot so they miss out on those sensory experiences.”

Recently the group added an extra Little Foxes playgroup in You Yangs.

“Our third one is today and we’ve got about 15 families involved,” Bec said.

“It’s such a beautiful local resource and there are lots of opportunities for children to play freely.”

I t ' s such a beautiful lo cal resource and there are lots of opportuni ti es for chi ldren to play freely. . .

“I find it really hard to see the street empty of children – it’s amazing that it’s happened in one or two generations.”

Bec, an avid gardener, said her love of the environment was another motivation for creating the group.

And, of course, she takes her own children along to many of her play groups.

“They love it,” she said.

“Sometimes they don’t want to go somewhere and they’re in a bad mood, but as soon as you get out there you see that wash away from them. Nature is such a mood changer.”

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“Having contact with microbes in the soil is great for children’s immune systems,” she said.

Help your Child Improve their Learning and Behaviour Claire Hocking Educational Kinesiologist and Brain Gym Consultant

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It’s

your life

Thor Van Haelen and Kiera Charleston exhibit their handiwork.

Picture: Louisa Jones

Young at

art

By Luke Voogt ARTISTIC genius has crossed a generation in the Geelong region’s two newest painting prodigies, Keira Charleston and Thor Van Haelen.

Keira and Thor, both six-years-old, made the finals for their age group in the Young Australian Art Awards late last year – scoring a gold medal each.

“I’ve grown up in art galleries but I’m not really that arty,” says Keira’s mum Trina.

“Mum’s an artist and my sister is as well.”

Thor’s grandparents are similarly talented, says mother and Belgian expat Griet Desomer.

“My husband’s father is really artistic and my father was really artistic as well,” she says.

“I enrolled my boys because they are always drawing and love art.”

Thor shares his gift with brother Lanse, 8, who won his age group last year with his piece Ted The Chicken Man.

He found out he had made the final cut just “five seconds” before receiving his gold medal at school assembly.

“I was nervous, but I am proud of myself,” he says. “My classmates are really impressed.”

The Torquay College Grade 2 student loves using his imagination.

“I like animals and stuff that aren’t real,” he says. “I like making stuff up and squirrels.”

His painting My Goblin in Belgium Village beat hundreds of entries Australia-wide.

“The houses that he put on there look like actual Belgian houses,” his proud mother says.

Keira missed out winning her entire age group by just a point with her piece Love Feast, according to her mother Trina.

“I felt really excited,” Keira says.

“I like the art that I do - I like painting, when you keep painting you don’t you want don’t stop.”

The Ocean Grove youngster says her latest work was avian-inspired.

“I like to paint birds because they are beautiful and they feed their babies.”

Both young painters are learning their craft with Ocean Grove art teacher Kaz McGlynn at her Art’s Kool.

“I’m very excited,” Kaz says. “They’re such cute little kids – they wore their gold medals at school.”

“These two kids were really quiet but since they’ve won these awards they’ve gained confidence. They’re only six and they’ve sold their work.”

Kaz teaches art basics to about 90 children from the Bellarine, Geelong and the Surf Coast.

The school has had finalists in the national art competition for the last four years, but Kaz maintains her job is more about developing children’s self-esteem.

“We’re more about building the confidence of young people not the next big artist.

“I encourage the children’s parents to put their work in to exhibitions. It gives kids who aren’t sporty the opportunity to achieve.”

A Natural Approach in a Caring Environment Rebecca Winkler is a highly qualified Naturopath and GAPS practitioner, specialising in gut health, women’s and children’s health, fertility and preconception care.

Bec practices from a lovely clinic in Jan Juc with a myriad of other health professionals.

Bec helps people, couples and families navigate their individual health hurdles and customise individualised plans to help manage these conditions. Using diet, nutrition and food as medicine as well as incorporating relevant supplements if need be, Bec will help you have a better understanding of WHY yours and your family’s health may

rebecca winkler naturopath (BHScND) (03) 5264 7477 1 stuart ave, jan juc, vic 3228 www.treeoflifenaturalhealthandfertility.com Providing specialised care for male and female fertility, IVF support, pregnancy, endocrine and hormonal conditions, babies, children and general health.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

not be optimal, educate you on HOW you can overcome these and help you feel more in control.

Bec manages many patients with a variety of digestive complaints, reproductive conditions, nutritional deficiencies or if you are just feeling lost, overwhelmed and not supported in your current health predicament.

Her door is open to any and all and has a very caring, approachable, realistic and compassionate approach to each and every one of her patients.

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AUTUMN 2017 5

It’s

your life

A healthy way to keep the

winter 'bugs' at bay

By Rebecca Winkler Naturopath from Jan Juc

make sure you have them properly assessed either by a great, thorough GP or your naturopath.

WE ARE coming to that time of year again ... sniffles, coughs and sore throats. Arm yourself with some great tools that might just get you and your family through winter relatively unscathed.

Of course, all of these vitamins come from a lovely balanced diet, as well as the sunshine. Kids need good, restorative sleep, so for children five and under, bed time should be 7pm-7.30pm at the latest to make sure they get enough rest to repair, restore and heal.

Some really important immune nutrients include zinc, iron, vitamin D, C and A as well as the spectrum of B vitamins. Have good, robust levels of these will put your immune system in good stead.

How do you know if you have good levels? Look out for these signs that your little ones may be low in some of these vitamins: Pale, lethargic, irritable, recurrent colds and infections, poor appetite, white spots on their fingernails, upset tummy, easy bruising and feeling short of breath to name a few.

If you suspect that your child may be low in some of these essential nutrients,

We also need to make sure our groms are getting a beautiful, whole-food diet full of fresh produce and good quality proteins and fats.

Think the full rainbow of fruits, vegetables and salads, include good quality red meats, poultry and seafood, free-range eggs, nuts and seeds (not at school) and plenty of fresh drinking water.

Let the kids play outside, safely.

This will allow some sun on their skin for adequate vitamin D synthesis, (making sure you use an SPF 30-plus sunscreen, and limit exposure to 10-15 minutes unprotected).

Because our gut and digestion are such an important part of our immune system, feed your kids tummies with foods loaded up with good bacteria, or a supplemental probiotic. These include yummy sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha and plain, Greek yoghurt.

Limit processed, packaged food and highly refined carbohydrates like white breads, biscuits and instead opt for more fruit and vegetables and complex carbohydrates like brown rice and less refined grains in favour of steel cut oats, spelt and quinoa.

Nice warming winter soups and stews are wonderfully rich in good healing fats and proteins and are easy to digest.

Load them up with heaps of veg and make the base of your casseroles with nourishing bone broth and home made chicken stocks. Be sure to add in bug-fighting herbs like garlic, turmeric and ginger.

Make juices your kids will love using apple, lemon, ginger, carrot, beetroot and some greens, throw in an orange

for extra sweetness, this is a great, nutrient rich, easy to process fuel.

Manuka honey is also great in warm water or straight off the spoon for colds and sore throats.

Our other beautiful medicines beyond vitamins, minerals and food of course, are herbal medicines. Don’t underestimate the efficacy of simple herbs like echinacea, olive leaf, elderberry and ginger for fighting viruses as well as some beautiful lung and cough tonics such as licorice and marshmallow (in herbal form, not lolly form.)

These sorts of safe and effective medicines can be purchased through qualified herbalists and naturopaths and are often found in good health food shops.

Sure-fire winter defences include a regime of cod liver oil, probiotics or fermented foods, a lovely good quality wholefood diet and make sure there are no overt deficiencies in iron and vitamin D. Happy bug busting.

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s

your life

hot cars taboo for kids THOUGH summer has come to an end, Victorian weather is unpredictable and temperatures can still soar.

Ambulance Victoria is warning parents never to leave their kids in a car following new data released recently.

Paramedics were called to 1562 cases of kids left in cars in 2016, with close to 80 per cent involving a toddler. From these calls, 15 kids were treated and transported to hospital.

State Health Commander Paul Holman said that people still didn’t seem to understand the deadly risks involved in leaving a child in a hot car.

“It is never OK to leave a child in a car. Even if you’re just ducking into the shops – you might get distracted or bump into someone you know and time can tick away much quicker than

you realise,” Mr Holman said.

“Given how much education there is about the dangers of leaving children in cars, it is disappointing that some people still decide to take that risk.”

Mr Holman said that while some of the 1562 cases paramedics were called to was an accident, the danger to the child still remained.

“That’s 1562 too many,” Mr Holman said.

“Some of these cases were accidents, while others appear to be deliberate.

Regardless of whether it is an accident or a deliberate decision, the risks are the same.

“It doesn’t have to be a scorching hot day for the car to quickly heat up.

“Tests by Ambulance Victoria have found that even on a 29-degree day the inside of a car can reach 44 degrees within 10 minutes and hit 60 degrees within 20 minutes.

“You wouldn’t get out of the car after shopping and leave your ice cream in the back seat, so why would you leave your children there?”

Mr Holman urged parents to be mindful and keep their keys in their hand while they are getting children and shopping in and out of the car.

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AUTUMN 2017 7

It’s

your life

angie's catch-up

S n a ps h ot : Name: Sally-Ann Caligari (or Sal – but NEVER Sally!)

Resides: Moved to Ocean Grove in 2003.

Grew up in Ballarat.

Age: 40 Star sign: Cancerian Hubby: Anthony (TV producer for Tennis Australia): 42 – fun, loving, clever.

Daughter: Kalinda: 13 – beautiful, nurturing, connected.

Son: Kai: 11 – active, fun, caring.

Pets: Two chooks, two border collies and an 18-year-old cat.

Life motto: I have three, is that OK? ■ Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

■ Always act and speak from truth and kindness.

■ A family who plays together, stays together.

Sally-Ann Caligari in bloom.

8 AUTUMN 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

living the

life gether stays

lunteers to mily that vo

The fa

together.

Sally-Ann Caligari is one uber-cool mamma!

She surfs, skates, snow-skis down double black runs, dives with sharks ... and is basically full of life!

But on a deeper level, she glows with a knowing wisdom that only comes from riding life’s tsunamis. Just talking to her you instantly get the sense that she knows herself and what she stands for.

In 2014, nine months after her daughter fell off a height and was airlifted to the Royal Children’s and four months after losing her beloved mother to cancer, Sal had a life-threatening bike accident that really gave her a whole new perspective on life.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 9

It’s

your life

Sally-Ann and Kai cook up dinner together in the family kitchen.

OK, let’s start at the beginning ... how were your births?

Kalinda was scary, painful, crazy and arduous. Kai was just too quick! Both were beautifully natural.

You’re a passionate stay at home mum - what do you love about it the most?

This is THE ONLY time to do the most fulfilling and important job possible.

As a parent and citizen, I understand I can never get this time back to foster amazing human beings.

I make sure our foods are strai ght from mother earth, not from a factory floor . . .

Surely there’s a bit of schoolyard chatter when you walk (or skate) into school, “Here comes the coolest Mum”.

Did you always surf, skate and ski? (laughs) Before the kids were born I had this idea that I wanted them to be active and love the outdoors. I decided surfing, skating and skiing would be great ways to bond with them as a 10 AUTUMN 2017

family. So it wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I took them all up (glad there’s no video footage of when I started!). I’m a firm believer that families that play together stay together.

Now I know you’re passionate foodie - can you tell us about your healthy eating philosophy and what you feed the kids in a typical day?

What’s been your best parenting moment?

I make sure our foods are straight from mother earth, not from a factory floor.

Therefore we eat almost entirely whole foods, organic where possible

Gee, that’s hard to pinpoint. Its probably a culmination of all the times I was just there for my kids when they needed me – to hug, to listen, to pick them up when they fell and to push them to their limits to explore themselves and their surroundings.

What’s been your most challenging parenting moment?

Finding patience! Also to treat them as well as I would the neighbours kids.

How do you stay in control when they push you to the edge?

When they were little, I’d get out the iPhone to video record their tantrums worked a treat! As much as I don’t like to admit it, after I’ve tried to quietly reason several times, I can’t help but resort to yelling my point. Unfortunately it works and quickly restores order.

In my zen perfect parent moments I’ll find the grace to walk away (laughs).

Do you have a parenting philosophy?

Love, love and more love! Pretty easy, everything else comes secondary to that.

Fermented foods are AWESOME! We choose to limit wheat products where possible, not because we’re intolerant, but for many other reasons (a whole other article). That’s not to say I go without flours, I make choices other than wheat.

A typical day for the kids would be: breakfast – sourdough toast, chia pudding or green scrambled eggs; lunch – rice wraps with a protein source and salad; dinner – a protein source and at least three vegies in whatever fashion we choose; dessert – homemade ice-cream or quality chocolate.

Snacks – anything homemade sweet or savory, homemade fruit icy poles and occasional treats.

On to a more serious note, three years ago life dealt you a pretty horrendous deck.

Can you tell us about that?

Sure. Well, three major things happened all within the space of nine months.

My daughter Kalinda fell from a height off a climbing wall and was airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital (thankfully she was fine), five months later my beautiful Mum passed away from cancer at the age of 60 and then I had a life-threatening bike accident. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

My goodness, just one of those is hard enough to deal with on its own. What happened when you came off the bike?

It was a pure accident. I was riding home from school with Kai – I had to change direction quickly and brake at the same time. This sent me flying forwards and one of the handlebars went straight into my tummy. It crushed and ruptured my duodenum against my spine.

I was freakishly lucky that a particular surgeon (one of only a handful of surgeons in the world that had the experience to fix me) was on duty that day. Without him making quick decisions, I may not be here.

I can’t fathom how you would deal with all that at once.

Tell me about your healing process?

The healing process was profound.

I found a belief and a respect for myself I had never known before. I already thought I had a decent perspective on life, but it became so much clearer.

With the shock of Kalinda’s accident and mum having just passed away only four months earlier, I was still in the throws of grief and really questioning my faith in the universe.

But surprisingly, through this accident, I was able to find an undeniable faith in the universe and a knowing that there was a greater good I was yet to pursue.

I also had an unwavering feeling that my Mum was still looking after me, but this time from a higher power.

Parenti ng is not, never has been and never wi ll be easy. It ' s selfless and hard work . . .

How has your view of life changed since?

I know how to bravely tackle change.

I’ve got a stronger faith in the universe and that ‘what is meant to be will be’.

I know every adversity can be met with a greater opportunity if we’re open to it.

And I know life is there for the taking – so what are we waiting for?

So, what’s next for SallyAnne?

Well, I feel you’ve really caught me ata transitional time. My kids have now reached a certain level of independence and have found their own identities and individuality (to a point), which frees me up to do more of what fills my cup when they’re off filling their own.

-Ann

- Sally

Parenting is not, never has been and never will be easy. It’s selfless and hard work. Take responsibility for what you have created and give tirelessly of these two things with loving truth and kindness. What you then get back from your children will be the greatest reward imaginable. Oh, and trust your instincts.

The Caligar

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mark.

I’m ready to show the kids that I too can follow my dreams of what I’m good at and that change is great. Exciting times!

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If you could pass on one piece of advice to other parents what would it be?

Loo

Sally-Ann’s conquered the road to recovery more than once. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 11

Geelong mum Kristy Barrett presents the latest looks from her kids’ fashion business, When Harlow Met Jagger.

The company sources nationally and overseas, as Kristy explains, “find brands with the best quality, fun products”.

Little Horn Cats Empire dress $41.95 Gardner and the Gang Stars and Unicorn swimsuit $47

Gardner and the Gang Helmut Flamingo tracksuit jacket $84 Betty the Badger skirt $47 Stars and Unicorn swimsuit $47

Left: Gardner and the Gang Dorothy Golden Dino classic sweater $72, basketball skirt $47. Right: Gardner and the Gang Golden Dino classic sweater $72, Zuttion Lightning Bolt Happy Shorts $34.30 Pictures: Louisa Jones

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AUTUMN 2017 15

recipes

' Finger lickin RECIPES courtesy of Meg White, from Cooking 4 Kids. To learn more about Cooking 4 Kids phone 0455 552 000, email cooking4kids@outlook.com.au or visit www.cooking4kids.net.au, Facebook Cooking4KidsAu or Instagram cooking_4_kids_au.

Italian grape cake Ingredients: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

2 egg 2/3 cup caster sugar 60g butter 6 tbsp olive oil 8 tbsp milk Splash vanilla essence 200g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder Pinch of salt Pinch lemon zest Pinch orange zest 300g grapes, washed Icing sugar, to dust

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Grease a 23cm cake tin with canola spray and line with baking paper.

2. Measure butter into a heat proof bowl, place into the microwave and heat until melted.

3. Combine egg and caster sugar in a large bowl. Using electric beaters, beat until pale in colour.

4. Add the melted butter, olive oil, milk, vanilla, lemon zest and orange zest to the bowl. Beat briefly until ingredients are just combined.

5. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into the mixture. Use a wooden spoon and stir until just combined.

6. Add three quarters of the grapes and gently stir to combine.

7. Pour all of the mixture into the prepared cake tin.

8. Scatter over the remaining grapes.

9. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until firm to touch in the centre.

10. Allow to cool in the cake tin for five to 10 minutes.

11. Carefully remove from the cake tin and dust with icing sugar to serve.

great!

Chargrilled Japanese meatball skewers Ingredients: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

200g chicken mince 100g pork mince 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 shiitake mushroom 1 tsp grated ginger 1 tsp dark soy sauce 1 tsp cornflour 2 spring onions Vegetable oil Sesame seeds Wooden skewers

Sticky glaze sauce: ■ ■ ■ ■

30ml soy sauce 30ml mirin 1/2 tsp grated ginger Splash brown rice vinegar

Method: 1. Place a sheet of baking paper onto a baking tray. Combine chicken, pork and panko crumbs in a large bowl.

2. Chop mushroom into very small pieces, add to the meat bowl.

3. Add the ginger, soy sauce and cornflour. Remove the green section of the spring onions. Cut the green section into small pieces, add to the meat bowl.

4. Using hands, combine all of the ingredients well to combine. Roll into 3cm sized balls, place onto the prepared baking tray. Place the tray into the fridge to rest for 15 minutes.

5. Sticky glaze: Combine all of the ingredients, except the vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over a medium-heat, heat until a glaze forms in three to four minutes. Add the vinegar and stir well to combine.

6. Cut the white section of the spring onions into small batons, 1.5cm in length. Thread the meatballs onto skewers with a spring onion baton separating each meatball.

7. Heat a chargrill pan to a medium high heat. Brush meatballs lightly with oil, turning occasionally until cooked through. Brush with glaze and cook for 30 more seconds, being careful not to burn the glaze.

8. Transfer to plate, pour over extra glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

Leisurelink T: 5243 9595 Waterworld T: 5275 1909 Splashdown T: 5248 4555 Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre T: 5256 2111

Enrol today!

WWW.SSL.GEELONGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU 12341153-9-17

14 AUTUMN 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

SUPER

cool AND SUPER cute

LA la la-la la la, Sing a happy song.

La la la-la la la, Smurf it all day long!

Calling all children of the ’80s – remember those super adorable, super small, super blue little guys (and girl) wearing white hats? Yep – they’re The Smurfs and if you grew up in the ’80s then there’s a good chance you owned, listened to or watched these little guys get the better of Gargamel and Azrael every Saturday morning on cartoon TV. Created by Belgian comic artist, Pierre Culliford (better known as Peyo) in 1958, the Smurfs became a permanent part of ’80s pop culture when the Hanna-Barbera cartoon launched on Saturday morning cartoons in 1981.

Fast forward to today and the Smurfs continue to entertain millions of people around the world with merchandise

storyfest is the

talk of the town

and feature length animated movies – the third of which will launch in cinemas this March, called Smurfs: The Lost Village.

From Monday 3 to Monday 17 April, Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre will host the ‘We Are All Smurfs’ Exhibition – a spectacular, Smurfin’ cute village with over 30 well known Smurf characters on show throughout the centre.

An array of one-metre sized Smurfs will be dotted around Waurn Ponds in their own bubbly, bright Mushroom village.

And don’t forget your camera ... there are tons of photo opportunities including the supersized Smurf standing a gigantic four metres tall.

Each week, during the school holidays, the main exhibition display

STORYFEST is Central Geelong Marketing’s annual multi-arts storytelling festival for children based in Central Geelong from Saturday 1 to Thursday 13 April, 2017.

Children can participate in fun and educational events, activities, workshops and exhibitions hosted by Central Geelong businesses - led by artists, storytellers, educators and entertainers. Activities are held in a number of venues across Central Geelong.

Storyfest provides children with the opportunity to learn, connect through stories, have fun, escape, and have an experience to remember in Central Geelong.

Central Geelong Marketing is working with Central Geelong businesses to bring exciting activities to the 2017 Storyfest including author talks, storytelling, Minecraft and Mario gaming, music workshops, kids comedy, photography, exhibitions, book crafts, film making, coding, live performances, puppetry and more.

Highli ghts of Storyfest include: Storyfest presents The Big Bold Boat Adventure When: Tuesday 4 April, 10am, noon and 2pm

outside Target will feature Smurf-themed kids craft activity including Smurf Backpack and Drink Cup decorating.

During the first week of school holidays, local families can high five Papa Smurf and during Easter week, the Easter Bunny will hop into the centre for professional photos with special Smurf treats for every child that has a photo.* Easter Bunny photos start at $10 each with a variety of packages available.

What’s more, when you roam this free exhibition – be sure to snap a selfie with one of the Smurfs outside Kmart for your chance to enter an exclusive Smurf Merchandise pack prize draw. It’s easy to enter via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #wpscsmurfs. *Terms and conditions apply to Smurf giveaways - please see www. waurnpondssc.com.au for full details.

Where: Steampacket Gardens, Waterfront Geelong Cost: Gold coin donation with all proceeds going to a Geelong charity.

Bookings: Not required Jump aboard The Big Bold Boat Adventure! It’s a sunny day for our picnic but look out ahead! Raging rapids, monsters under the Barwon Bridge, pirates at Barwon Heads, a princess and cannon balls! Come along ready to have some fun on a very Geelong adventure like no other. The Big Bold Boat Adventure, a play written

by Geelong’s own Margaret Clark, is a highly interactive show for parents and children alike. Suitable for pre-schoolers to early primary and their adults.

Story Time with the cast of Joseph When: Monday 10 April, 10am Where: Alcoa Studio 1, 71 Ryrie Street, Geelong Cost: Gold coin donation with all proceeds going to a Geelong charity Bookings: Required via centralgeelong. com.au/events/5473 – adults need to book Who was Joseph? What did he dream about and what was so amazing about his technicolour dream coat anyway?

Cast from Geelong Lyric Theatre’s upcoming May production of ‘Joseph...’ will attempt to answer all these questions during a fun-packed, interactive, musical retelling of this ancient tale.

This session will include a special art/ craft activity suitable for all ages.

Children will design an amazing new coat for Joseph by creating and adding their own unique patch – for display in the GPAC foyer during the show.

Ideas and What To Do With Them When: Wednesday 5 April, 9.30am 10.30am Where: The Carousel, 1 Eastern Beach Road, Waterfront Geelong Cost: Free Bookings: Required via centralgeelong. com.au/events/5474 Bronte Steed author and illustrator of The Broken Horse talks about ideas and what to do with them. Bronte will demonstrate how a simple storyboard can bring ideas together. Children will then create a small storyboard project using their own ideas. This session will help kids develop their imagination.

For ages 6 to 10 years.

The Storyfest Program will be released in early March at centralgeelong.com.au/storyfest.

Activities that require bookings open on Wednesday 23 March, at noon. Bookings are limited to four per group.

Storyfest is presented by the Central Geelong Kids Fun program and is an initiative of Central Geelong Marketing.

12340169-PB09-17

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 17

Entertainment

Grin and it

WE’RE Going on a Bear Hunt comes to life on stage this June as part of GPAC’s 2017 Love Central Geelong Family Magic Program.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has been adapted for the stage from the modern classic children’s book written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

It’s is the wonderful story of a family out for walk and on the lookout for a growling bear – they have to march through long swishy grass, wade through thick gloopy mud and even battle a snow storm before entering a big dark cave where maybe they will finally spot the glinty wet eyes of a slobbering, gigantic bear winking at them through the blackness.

Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure – plus a few special surprises.

This 55-minute mini-musical captures the fun and frolics of a father who is clearly still a child at heart, his three children including a tiny intrepid bear hunter in the making – baby is strapped to dad’s back-pack – plus the family dog and of course … a very big brown cuddly bear.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is at GPAC for two performances only on Saturday 24 June. Tickets are $22 each or $20 each in groups of four or more.

Book at gpac.org.au or phone Box Office on 5225 1200.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt comes to GPAC in June.

MASSIVE

12340848-ACM09-17

bear

Children’s Playroom A L L DAY M E N U

Building better futures for children with disabilities

Do you want to talk to a professional about your child’s development or behaviour?

Special Kids Meals

Breakfast

Mon, Tues & Wed Dinner only

9am-11.30am Sat & Sun only

Noah’s Ark offers the following services for children with a disability or additional needs: Playing Together.

Getting ready for Child Care, Preschool Supporting Positive or School.

Behaviour.

Supporting Inclusion. Coordination of Parent Connection and Support.

Parent Education.

Speaking and Listening.

Supports.

Parent to Parent Gippsland.

We’re here to help Call 1800 819 140 www.noahsarkinc.org.au

1154 Pr inces Hwy Waur n Ponds Phone: 5243 1154

w w w. w a u r n p o n d s h o t e l . c o m . a u 12338576-6-17

18 AUTUMN 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

Kids to get

crafty

The NaTioNal Wool MuseuM has acTiviTies galore These school holidays. drop-iN crafT acTiviTies are free for childreN uNder 16 WheN accoMpaNied by a payiNg adulT. This is also The lasT chaNce To visiT The popular horrible hisTories - piraTes: The exhibiTioN, before iT closes oN 17 april.

There are two components.

Drop in craft activities On from 11am to 1pm weekdays.

Bookings are not required for these activities and they are suitable for children from early years to primary school.

■ Monday 3 April – Storigami Animals.

■ Wednesday 5 April – Pirate pantomime workshop with Musicbox Theatre Company – 10.30am11.30am (6-8 year olds), 12.30pm1.30pm (8-10 year olds). Additional fees apply. Visit www.nwm.vic.gov. au for information and booking details.

■ Monday 10 April – Dinosaur Puppets.

■ Wednesday 12 April - Inspired by nature: creative writing workshop with Dr Gillian Turner – 10.30am11.30am, with registration at 10.15am, workshop starts promptly at 10.30am. Additional fees apply. Visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au for information and booking details.

■ Tuesday 11 April – Pirate Ship Design Challenge.

■ Sunday 16 April – Indoor pirate Easter egg hunt – 11am-noon.

■ Tuesday 4 April – Pirate Patch.

■ Wednesday 5 April – Pirate Rope Making.

■ Thursday 6 April – Pinhole Camera.

■ Friday 7 April – Journal Making.

■ Wednesday 12 April – Dinosaur Playtime.

■ Thursday 13 April – Animal Puppets.

Special workshops

The workshops have a program fee – $10 per child and require booking which will be handled by the booking team, call 5272 4701.

Geelong’s National Wool Museum alway has something to interest children.

12340901-HM09-17

■ Tuesday 4 and Thursday 6 AprilL – Pop-up Demonstration Market – a variety of local artisans demonstrating their techniques.

Handmade goods available for purchase – 9am-1pm

All children are free as long as they are accompanied by an adult (who will have to pay admission). This includes drop-in craft activities, access to the Pirates exhibition, the Easter egg hunt and demonstration market.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 19

party time

' Plan kid s

birthday party

By Lia Spencer

ENTERTAINMENT:

IT’S the modern day birthday party conundrum. Parents across the state are overwhelmed with decisions when it comes to planning their child’s birthday party.

If you have toys, arts and crafts or a few board games on hand, children can entertain themselves quite easily. But if you don’t have much stacked away in the cupboards, come up with a few games for the kids to play. Hide and Seek and Scavenger Hunts in the backyard are always a favourite – just make sure to keep tabs on where the kids venture to, so you don’t end up in a panic when one good hider refuses to come out from under the couch.

We have ideas to help!

VENUE: Staying at home will no doubt save the most money. But parks are also a great idea. Try to choose a park which has coverage in case it’s cold or it rains.

Some undercover park areas and the use of barbecues come with a fee, so make sure you check and book with your local council before sending out the invites. If you have money to burn there are several other options such as play centres, sporting venues, halls and other entertainment facilities. Many venues have party packages meaning they will take your cash, and then do all the work including invites, decorations, entertainment and food.

THEME:

FOOD AND DRINKS: For parties specifically for children, make a fun punch and add some fruit.

Give them some sparkling water jazzed up with lemon or lime and a colourful straw, or tantalise their taste buds with a healthy fruit smoothie or a naughty strawberry milkshake.

Who needs a theme, really? But when kids are young they let their imaginations run wild. Little boys dream of being pirates and little girls believe they are fairies. So why not run with it while you can? Take their interests and turn it into a bit of fun everyone can join in on. Here are a few themes you may want to entertain:

If you are throwing a party during breakfast, lunch or tea hours, cater appropriately. Make sure you have asked the children if any of them have any dietary requirements, as many have nut allergies or are glucose or lactose intolerant. Ignoring these conditions could come with severe or even fatal consequences.

■ Pirates

Some traditional party food ideas include fairy bread, fruit platters, popcorn and lollies.

■ Fairies ■ Favourite cartoon characters ■ Superheroes ■ Favourite colours

INVITATIONS: There are several printing and party companies who sell outstanding party invitations, and if you want to splurge, by all means do so. But homemade invitations also work a treat.

If your child is old enough, get them to grab paper, glue and scissors, pick out some stickers and personalise each invite with your own special touch. They don’t have to be fancy, as long as they get all the details across including where and when the party is, what they need to bring (warm clothes, running shoes, etc), and contact or RSVP details.

20 AUTUMN 2017

If you are happy to pay for someone else to entertain the kids for an hour or so, there are tons of options.

Facepainters, balloon artists, jumping castles, petting zoos, magicians. The possibilities are endless.

Cupcakes are also a favourite and can replace the need for a cake.

However, if you are a traditionalist and want a cake, you can choose to get a professional to make one for you or you can bake it yourself. Again, match your cake to the theme.

If you don’t have a theme, a simple chocolate or vanilla cake with sprinkles and candles will do the trick!

ATTITUDE: Having a positive attitude leading up and during the big day will make planning and executing the party a lot less stressful! If you are smiling, chances are all the guests will be too!

Have fun and happy planning!

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

parties

' ki d s Hassle free

indoor kids parties ALL4KIDS is the best place to hold your child’s party! Why? Because they do all the work so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your child’s party with friends and family.

All4Kids have five party options starting from $17 per child - Weekday, All4kids, Active, Glamour Disco and Bubble Soccer parties. All parties include food, drinks and entry.

Giant games Hire

From toddlers to teens, All4kids is the place to be seen. No mess. No fuss. Just fun, fun, fun.

All4Kids is at Level 1, 57 Church Street, Geelong West. Call on 578 8552 or visit online at www.all4kidsplaycentre.com.au

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238 Pakington St Geelong West 3218 5222 4484

BIRTHDAY CHILD PLAYS FREE MONDAY - THURSDAY*

Present Pre esentt this th ad for 15% off

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pirate PAAARTIES • Pirate themed activities • Museum host • Min. 10 children • Inc. museum admission

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*not including Public and School holidays, limited to 1 birthday child

•฀Exclusive฀party฀room •฀Guaranteed฀90฀minutes฀of฀ interactive฀play •฀10฀x฀Powerticket฀Games •฀1฀x฀Laserquest฀Game* •฀Unlimited฀Video฀Games •฀Gift฀for฀the฀birthday฀child •฀2฀Free฀Games฀for฀all฀guests฀ on฀return฀visit •฀Free฀Party฀Invites

&+2&2/$7( 3$57< 12320697-LB35-16

Jenga Mega 4 Snakes and Ladders Obstacle Putt Putt Caterpillar Climbing Frame Parachute and more.....

So to make your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next birthday hassle free, give All4Kids a call or jump onto their website where you can book and customise your party.

/RRNLQJ IRU D QHZ LGHD IRU \RXU FKLOGV QH[W ELUWKGD\" +RZ DERXW D 12320665-KC36-16

All parties run for 90 minutes, but the best part is you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to leave. Unlike other venues, once your party has finished you can stay as long as you like, letting the kids burn off some more energy.

WILDLY INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE PARTIES !

*T&Csà¸&#x20AC;apply

FOR BOOKINGS CALL

Open 10am til late everyday (except Christmas day) 89 MALOP ST GEELONG (CITY CENTRE) PH: 1300 TIMEZONE or 5222 6050 www.timezone.com.au

0419 822 399

National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool St Geelong P 5272 4701 nwm.vic.gov.au

INFO@WILDLIFEXPOSURE.COM.AU WWW.WILDLIFEXPOSURE.COM.AU

12320529-35-16

Have a SUP PA Birthday Party!

Party Packages starting from $17 per child (min 10 children) Includes party room & party food for 90mins Birthday card with a FREE entry voucher for 2 on next visit Continue to Enjoy Unlimited Play Time once your 90min party is over!!!

to your next party!

2 hour experience

Bring this ad to receive $25off any party booked for MARCH/APRIL 2017 *not to be used with any other offer. 1 voucher per party

45 minutes of entertainment l l l l

live singing and dancing props and instruments games and activities fun-filled themes to choose from Suitable for children up to 5 years of age

From .00 $199 0 for 2 n re d il h c

Phone 5278 8553

1300 139 631

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Lvl 1, 57 Church St, Geelong West Open 7 days from 9.30am

BOOK ONLINE

www.all4kidsplaycentre.com.au

90 mins jumping & climbing Private room 12339350-EPJ09-17

Jumping castle Climbing walls Super size sports pitch Toddler area Pre-walk area Giant slides Super air ball pit UNLIMITED PLAY TIME Modern cafe Party packages Free undercover parking Private venue hire Disco Parties Bubble Soccer Parties

including:

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invite

B es s T.B ir rth day. y.Ev eR.

(03) 5244 1089 www.supatramp.com.au AUTUMN 2017 21

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

LOW RESOLUTION ADVERTISEMENT PROOF & BOOKING SEPTEMBER 2014

Education

' noah s

ark offers

therapy

PROFESSIONAL, approachable and down-to-earth is how local mum, Tabitha Thompson describes the team at Noah’s Ark Geelong.

For more than 45 years, Noah’s Ark has provided therapy and education for children with a disability or additional needs. Their specialists have backgrounds in speech pathology, occupational therapy, education, physiotherapy, psychology and social work and are known as key workers.

By having their own key worker, families can build a strong, consistent and trusting relationship with one person, allowing the key worker to understand the family and how best to support them.

Tabitha and four-year-old daughter, Ruby, who has autism spectrum disorder and complex needs, have worked with their key worker Michelle Scott on a fortnightly basis since May 2015. The family’s greatest challenge has been trying to get Ruby to eat and sleep appropriately.

From her first meeting with Michelle and team leader Silvana Bongiovanni, Tabitha says she could see that they really cared about Ruby and their family.

“Through Noah’s Ark, we hoped to learn more about Ruby and how to best cater for her needs.

We wanted to work with an organisation who understood the value of early intervention and who could offer this support to Ruby,” she says.

“My experience with Noah’s Ark has been absolutely wonderful. Every single member of staff I have spoken to has met my expectations and beyond. There have been times when things have become incredibly difficult and I’ve just needed some advice. All I’ve had to do is pick up the phone. For less urgent issues, I know I can always email Michelle as well. The staff are completely flexible and fit well with our busy family, “What Noah’s Ark gets right is the fact they’re not only experts in their field, they also listen. They genuinely care and want to support us wholeheartedly and that makes all the difference.”

Noah’s Ark are here to help, Free Call 1800 819 140 or visit www.noahsarkinc.org.au/learning-and -therapy

Tabitha Thompson and daughter Ruby, 4.

Fun way to

learning HELLO everyone, hello everyone!

How are you today?

This song has been greeting babies, toddlers and big four to five-year-olds and their parents at every Gymbaroo class for over 35 years.

Babies as young as two begin, and a lot of them continue the Gymbaroo journey until they start school. Why? Because they love it and their parents understand the value of the program.

Some of the families have been with Gymbaroo for two generations!

Anything and everything from tummy time to counting finger games – Gymbaroo got it covered!

Music, dancing, rhyming, exercises, ball skills, balance, co-ordination – the team work on all of these and more.

A lot has been researched and said about the importance of the early years and especially the first two years of a child’s life. All the foundations for future skills are laid at that time. It is not how quickly your child starts walking and kicking a ball, but how well they master all the developmental milestones to lead to that skill and make use of it successfully.

Parents also get a lot of ideas about age appropriate activities for each level and the team make sure that the children get the best benefit out of the program.

The best thing about Gymbaroo is that its original idea has been to this day to prevent learning difficulties at school. It had been proven that with time it works.

So, look no further. Gymbaroo is an all-rounder program that both you and your child will greatly enjoy and appreciate for years to come!

Kids have a ball of time at Gymbaroo.

22 AUTUMN 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

EDUCATION FEATURE

Education

diligently to develop and deliver an inclusive curriculum that addresses learning which is meaningful, engaging and relevant.

The college strives to assist students to gain a balance of academic rigour and personal wellbeing as they seek to balance all that life throws at them in their journey to maturity.

“… the college strives to inspire high academic achievement, genuine ambition and foster each student’s individual potential, personally and academically …”

Balance on the journey to

maturity

GEELONG Baptist College provides positive and engaging learning experiences that have been developed within a Christian framework of values and beliefs.

Through the development of an inclusive, nurturing and challenging environment, the college strives to inspire high academic achievement, genuine ambition and foster each student’s individual potential, personally and academically.

The school values the teaching and training of students so that they will seek and live out the truth in their lives.

Dedicated members of staff work

Teachers encourage and challenge students to take responsibility for their own learning, develop independent and group learning skills, take risks without fear of failure, pursue excellence, put into practice those things that they have learned, engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate, and achieve their potential.

Geelong Baptist College is growing and provides a nurturing environment from dynamic, motivated staff members who pursue excellence with affordable, quality education.

It offers open enrolment from foundation to year 12 with low fees and sibling discounts only 10km from CBD, with an extensive bus service.

A tour can be arranged at any time.

THE PURSUIT OF

EXCELLENCE F – Year 12 Open Enrolment

G N I N E V E N OPE 0 pm , 4.00 – 6.3

March Friday 17th n 4.15 pm Info Sessio activities Tours and

• A growing school • A nurturing environment • Dynamic, motivated staff • Extensive bus service • Only 10km from Geelong CBD • Low fees with sibling discounts

CARE CHALLENGE ACHIEVEMENT

590 Anakie Road, Lovely Banks 3213 | Phone: 5276 1674 Email: enquiries@gbc.vic.edu.au | www.gbc.vic.edu.au

12336528-LN0-17

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 23

EDUCATION FEATURE

Education Students collecting eggs and looking after the chickens.

Growing minds can still

hit the books OBERON South Primary school’s strong academic program has a particular focus on reading at all grade levels.

“We’re really trying to engage the kids in their reading,” Principal Glen Lauder says.

“We’re choosing the right books for them to read, teaching them strategies they need to know and looking at what makes a good reader.”

Mr Laudern feels “lucky” that his school has lots of open spaces, courts, “really good” playgrounds and a “nice big oval”.

Oberon South also has its own kitchen-garden, allowing students to grow their own produce and participate in cooking programs.

ool students looking Oberon South Primary Sch e in their school after their growing produc garden.

“We also have chickens that students look after, mainly the senior students.

The kids collect the eggs and recycle the food scraps,” Mr Lauder says.

The school also has a buddy program run with grade six students. The

program pairs the grade sixers with new students to help them make friends.

The school has joined forces with The Salvation Army in another academic initiative.

“We’ve been running the Salvation Just Brass for a number of years but this is the first year we’ve expanded to include the kids in grades three to five,” Mr Lauder said.

Students involved in the program have a weekly music lesson, mostly on brass instruments.

The students can also attend a Salvos hall to play in a band with students from other schools “as an optional extra”.

“We hope to develop a school band of our own in the future,” Mr Lauder says.

Oberon South Primary School is at Tintinara Crescent, Belmont.

Phone 5243 2997 or email oberon. south.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au.

Lots to ‘like’ for local parents

OW FOaRt i2o018 N N n PE o r e I n f o r m ENROLMENTS O M for Please Call

“Growing Minds” Glen Lauder

12341612-CG09-17

Oberon South PS is a friendly, local community school. We are a caring and supportive team of educators, working together with the children, their families and the broader community to ensure that everyone achieves their best. We have a robust academic program and flexible learning spaces tailored to the developmental needs of each child. We’re recognised for our focus on individual student learning.

Our school offers an integrated social, emotional and academic experience for each child; building life skills, a sense of community, and optimising learning, to prepare children for secondary school.

Comestudents and meet us, take a tour of our school to discover whether Oberon South PS is looking right for your child. You’ll like what you find. after their growing produce Tintinara Cres, Belmont in their Ph. 5243 2997 www.oberonsouthps.vic.edu.au school garden.

Oberon-South-Primary-School

Oberon South Primary School

24 AUTUMN 2017

12341065-ACM09-17

Oberon

Our little school has recently undergone some big changes. Making sure every child South has the tools and support to reach their potential remains our focus. We now have a Primary new logo and uniform.

School

Find us at hundreds of local child/family venues.

Or read online geelongcoastkids.com.au

Share ideas with Editor Angie Hilton

Tips, Advice, Entertainment, Competitions www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

EDUCATION FEATURE

Education

Learning with a

team approach BELL Park North Primary School can assist students to become resilient and effective team members who are able to integrate and deal with all situations.

The well-established Foundation to Grade 6 school services the Geelong suburb of Bell Park.

With a teaching and learning philosophy aligned to the specific needs of each student, Bell Park North uses multi-disciplinary approaches and preferred learning styles.

All staff are committed to maintaining best practices for teaching and learning to ensure the best possible learning outcomes are achieved.

School principal Anthea Lagadinos says the team at Bell Park North “strongly believe effective teaching and learning is essential to the ongoing development of all children in preparing them for their future”.

“We demonstrate our academic rigour and excellence which we instil in students by setting high expectations and delivering all learning experiences at a high standard,” Ms Lagadinos says.

“This encourages students to develop into self-disciplined, self-regulated,

knowledgeable and independent learners.”

Bell Park North Primary School maintains a “whole school focus” on using digital technologies within the classroom to support children’s learning.

The school is particularly focused on continuing to improve in the areas of English and mathematics.

“In 2016 our NAPLAN results showed that the growth children had made between Grade 3 and Grade 5 in the areas of reading, writing and numeracy were above state means.”

Bell Park North is also proud to be a Kids Matter and Healthy Achievement School.

“We support the mental and physical health and wellbeing of every member of our school community.

“Our ongoing commitment to the Peer Support Program is a testament to this.

“We applaud the commitment and dedication of each and every member of our school community whose dedication, hard work and support make our school the successful learning environment it is today.”

Bell Park North Primary School encourages students to develop into independent learners.

BELL PARK NORTH School

Principal: Anthea Lagadinos Bell Park North Primary School 16 – 26 Barton Street Bell Park

ASHBY is one of Geelong’s oldest schools and is set in a beautiful historic building.

With an overall focus on sustainability, at Ashby we ‘strive to excel’ and we live by the behaviours of our school mascot ‘TERRI’ (Thinking, Enjoyment, Respect, Resilience and Including).

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• Open Day Wednesday 24th May; Tours 11.30am & 12.30pm • iPad program: Year 3 – 6 • Whole school Robotics program • Phys Ed/Fitness/Sport and Swimming programs • Kinder/Foundation (Prep) and Year 6/ Year 7 transition programs • ‘Just Brass’ band program

12339643-PB09-17

Primar y

At Ashby we have: • a safe, caring and inclusive environment where mutual respect and the pursuit of personal excellence form the basis of life-long learning • a strong commitment to continuous improvement in Literacy and Numeracy • quality learning programs in all curriculum areas designed to cater for the individual needs and a diverse range of students • individualised learning opportunities and focuses on individual growth and development • Visual Arts, Performing Arts, German and Physical Education programs • Commitment to the development and integration of Information and Communication Technologies across the curriculum further combine to provide exciting and lexible learning programs within our school • Two ovals, creative fantasy playgrounds and a community vegetable garden. (And we are undertaking some grounds redevelopment to provide even better outdoor learning and play spaces) • Creative environment for students, teachers, parents and the wider community, including the vibrant Pakington St. • students who are equipped with the social, emotional, and academic skills necessary to become successful and valued members of society.

And we are continually growing our connections and place with our local community.

If you would like to take a tour of our school to ind our more, please contact Kate or Jenny in the Ashby school ofice to make an appointment.

P 5278 3548 F 5278 4418

ASHBY PRIMARY SCHOOL

E bell.park.north.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au W www.bpnps.vic.edu.au

2 Lawton Avenue, Geelong West 3218 Principal : Meg Bone t: 5223 1291 • ashby.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au • www.ashbyps.vic.gov.au

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 25

EDUCATION FEATURE

Education

Vision becomes reality CHRISTIAN College Geelong is thrilled to open Butterfield House Kindergarten and Day Care.

Those who have been driving past the site on the Great Ocean Road for many months now will have noticed that work on the buildings is finished and that the kindergarten and care programs are in full swing.

It is one thing to have a team of designers and tradesmen and women come together to physically create what has been, for many people, a long-held vision and dream for this site.

However, it is quite another to begin transforming bricks and mortar into a living and breathing service which emphasises the importance of all aspects of the early years of a child’s life.

This is the equation for Butterfield House: an atmosphere of well-being and opportunity, a sense of space, a genuine physical connection with nature and beautiful horizons from every view point.

What does all that equal? A unique model of early learning and care for three to five-year olds on the Surf Coast that parents can trust and have faith in.

As the college contemplated the possibilities of what the service might offer small children, they considered everything that would bring a sense of connection, calm, purpose and creativity.

They imagined slowing down the frenetic pace of family life. They wondered how they could positively impact children, as they transition between locations that provide long day care and other educational programs.

They asked themselves this question: Is it possible to create a model that respects the philosophy that children thrive when they identify strongly with community and are provided with a continuity of care?

They decided that such model was possible, and this is how it will look at Butterfield House: * Having educators who are attentive to creating beautiful learning environments; environments that encourage imagination, thinking, collaboration and problem solving through play.

■ Finding ways for children to connect with nature through the incredible outdoor learning environments, developing gardens and playgrounds, a ‘beyond’ space and, of course, a commitment to the concept of ‘Bush Kinder’ for all groups (each child has an impressive 35 square metres in space at full capacity, compared to the minimum government requirements of seven square metres). Put simply, time in nature gifts us with so much; including a sense of wellbeing, improved executive function, it’s a proven contributor to fine and large motor development and so much more; and, importantly it enables us to really get to know planet earth, to love it and to care for it.

■ All pre-schoolers will be catered for through a range of sessional kindergarten programs.

It is a delight to finally have families enrolled.

To hear comments such as: “we knew it was going to be great, but this has far exceeded our expectations” only affirms the decisions made around the design of the program, the environment and the staff.

The college invites parents to make a time to come and see what is offered.

And they are confident that Butterfield House will speak for itself, once given the opportunity.

At the time of writing, there were limited spaces available in both kindergarten and care programs for 2017, but expressions of interest and applications for 2018 and beyond can be taken.

Butterfield House is holding a family fun open day on Saturday 25 March, from 10am to noon - come and experience Butterfield House for yourself.

■ Having a day care program that is totally committed to gently transitioning children between the services they access at Butterfield, while also having its own important identity of quality care and nurture.

■ Permanent rosters will provide staffing consistency, and give the children the chance to build important connections with their educators.

Kindergarten + Care - Torquay FAMILY FUN

OPEN DAY Saturday March 25 Th 10am - 12pm Tours, Music Entertainment, BBQ, Magician + Showbags

SURF COAST

www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au

t: (03) 5264 6803 240 Great Ocean Road TORQUAY 12338790-PB09-17

26 AUTUMN 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

EDUCATION FEATURE

Education

A

special tim e

THERE is something special about Christian College Geelong.

The college knows this because their students tell them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and so do the families.

But what makes this so?

The collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundamental aim is to encourage students to develop their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;totalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; character - spiritually, intellectually, physically and emotionally.

Simply put, they want to help families raise exceptional people, not just exceptional students.

The college is very proud of the educational program it provides, from day care and kindergarten all the way through to a balanced range of opportunities at senior school including VCE, VCE VET and VCAL. The specifically-designed kindergarten, junior school (pre-kinder to Year 4), middle school (Years 5 to 9), senior school (Years 10 to 12) and Bellarine Campus (Prep to Year 9) structure - provides a developmental progression that allows the college to meet each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs at every level.

Parents can bring child to the college as a three-year-old, and by the time they have grown into a young adult, they can be sure they have been given every opportunity to reach their full potential.

The results students achieve upon graduation continue to raise the bar every year.

The college strives to create an environment of excellence, but also one that allows all students to find their individual gifts and strengths.

Through new programs and facilities, students are exposed to the latest 21st century learning teaching methods delivered by dedicated, specialist and caring staff who will become reliable, up-lifting figures in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

A renowned, state-of-the art music program is one example of this, giving students of all ages a wide range of opportunities, including overseas and interstate tours, as well as 50 specialist instrumental staff on hand to provide personal tuition.

The sports programs have some of the best teachers and coaches in the region, while the prominent art technology and design program is committed to fostering each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;visual literacyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as they grow up in an increasingly complex, visual and creative world.

The Christian College â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goes well beyond education.

The collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core values of Faith, Grace, Hope, Love and Truth underpin everything they do. And as such, each child will be called to consider the role

they play as a global citizen both in the community and broader world around them. This is exemplified in the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life-changing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Back Creekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rural Studies experience. The invaluable life skills that Year 9 students acquire from this unique five-week experience is continually voted on reflection by graduates as the most important and highly valued step of their school journey.

All of the educational programs and activities are completed through the lens of a Christian faith, with the college motto: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Seek ye first the Kingdom of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; acting as a permanent guide.

Each child will be encouraged to adopt for themselves a personal faith in Jesus Christ, and to apply his

teaching of love, justice and compassion in their relations with others.

What makes Christian College Geelong so special?

The truth is, it is difficult to truly encapsulate in words.

It is something that has to be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;feltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and the college encourages parents to find out what it is for themselves.

Christian College Geelong

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SCHOLARSHIPS Year 5, Year 7 and Year 10 DSSOLFDWLRQV FORVH

Academic Excellence & General Excellence Middle School, Highton (Years 5 and 7)

t a h t n o i t a c u d An e s cultivates mat te r

Middle School, Bellarine (Years 5 and 7)

Senior School, Waurn Ponds (Year 10)

Love 12338789-CB9-17

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 27

EDUCATION FEATURE

Education

i n n o vat i v e and

caring THE Geelong College is a Uniting Church co-educational school, with 1325 students from early learning to Year 12, and boarders from Year 7. The college is an innovative and caring community of learners committed to making a positive difference to an ever-changing world.

The college is well known as a leading Victorian school, and is highly respected interstate and overseas for its student academic achievements, and its broad and innovative learning opportunities.

This open and inclusive learning community serves the needs of young people and their families through a diverse range of pathways and experiences. Each student is encouraged and helped to achieve their best, and to explore their passions which helps them to prepare for a changing future. The college is passionately co-educational, and believes that girls and boys learn and lead best together.

With significant and rapid changes in industry, leadership and community and social structures, the college focuses on relevant learning for a future that will be very different to life as we know it. Research suggests that most students at school now will work in jobs that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t currently exist, will live and work in three different countries and have six career changes. To thrive, they will need to be good decision-makers, strong communicators, be able to think through major issues, to inquire and solve problems, and be ready to show the world what they have to offer.

The new college vision for learning identifies and integrates a series of capabilities into all learning experiences, projects and co-curricular opportunities. Identity, creating, communicating, enterprise, creativity, thinking and contributing are the capabilities young people need to develop to become independent and informed global citizens, and to learn how to learn.

Diverse, challenging and nurturing programs at all levels of the school encourage and inspire the whole community to be positive contributors to the world. From the Reggio Emilia inspired junior school; the middle school, which includes the Enviro Garden immersion in Year 4, the Year 5 Designing the Future program and the Year 6 Media program; and at the Senior School, with about 40 VCE subjects available and a rich cocurricular program including APS sport, drama, music, expeditions, debating and public speaking opportunities, there is something to inspire everyone.

Geelong College students are well cared for at every stage of their development by experienced, committed and dynamic teachers. The TripleR wellbeing program works hand in hand with other learning programs to create a nurturing environment through which young people develop resilience, confidence, personal responsibility and the desire to make a difference.

Because people learn at different paces and in different ways, individual needs are identified and an engaging

and supportive environment is created through a variety of approaches to learning. Students receive the help they need to accomplish set tasks and are given opportunities to extend and challenge themselves, in and out of class, and through a range of interest groups and learning programs.

Independent project works further extends, challenges and supports students to explore and develop passions, to collaborate with group members or mentors, and to be responsible and resilient throughout the process.

a positive contribution to our learning community are welcome. Academic, music and boarding scholarships are offered from Year 7 to Year 11.

Scholarship applications for entry into 2019 open in November 2017, and exams and auditions are conducted in February 2018.

Scholarship applications from students who believe they can make

Visit www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or phone 5226 3156.

Find out more at an open day: Wednesday 8 March, 3 May, 16 August and 25 October. Meet the principal and teaching staff, and experience the school environment, classes and activities guided by students.

Education

home

Home School educators Shona Archer and Shona Armstrong with their students Heath, Jonathan, Drew, Esther and Martyn.

Picture: Jodie Symonds

school changes a worry

By Kath Gannaway HOME-SCHOOLING parents have railed against proposed changes to regulations they say will result in less time teaching their children and may require children to stay in unsafe environments in mainstream schooling.

The Victorian Government released Draft Education Regulations just days before Christmas which include changes that the Home Education network says have the potential to affect parents and their children and has accused the government of legislation by stealth.

A spokesman for the Education Department has dismissed the claims saying the changes were being made

as part of the Education and Training Reform Regulations, which were made in 2007 and which need to be reviewed after 10 years.

Home educator Shona Archer said the timeframe allowed little time for concerned parents to contact their local members of parliament, or for media discussion over summer holidays.

She said the draft was due to be ratified when parliament returned on 7 February.

Some of the proposed changes include all new home educators to submit a plan for approval, children to remain in school until approval has been given to home school and all home educators to be reviewed on a random basis.

Ms Archer voiced concern that the

assessments would be done by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority staff, who she claims are inexperienced and not supportive of home education.

Susan Wight, co-ordinator of the Home Education Network (HEN) which represents many home educators said there were a number of problems with the proposed regulations but said the timing of releasing the 66-page document was a gross injustice to all Victorian parents.

Ms Wight said in relation to the requirement for approval before a child could be removed from school, the ability to withdraw a child from a negative situation as a matter of urgency was every parent’s right.

“Requiring prior approval from

bureaucrats with a vested interest in keeping children in school would allow the Education Department to quietly limit home education unless it replicated its own model, which is just not plausible,” she said.

The department spokesman said while most home school families did a good job, and the regulations had been working well, the aim should always be for improvement.

“Requiring a learning plan from home schooling families and giving the VRQA powers to review a family’s arrangements for home schooling are sensible steps forward,” he said.

“It ensures young people get the education they deserve while still leaving home schooling families with considerable freedom.

“There will be no requirement to provide home schooling in accordance with a specified curriculum, no mandatory home visits and registration will be ongoing rather than having to be renewed regularly as in some other states. Assessment will be done by education experts who have experience in different learning styles, including home schooling.”

“In terms of timing – a detailed consultation paper was launched in December last year to allow enough time for an extended consultation period of 60 days – compared to the required 28.

“This will enable the development of the final policy in time for the sunset date of June 2017,” he said.

Ms Wight urged home school parents and parents of children in mainstream schooling to contact their local member of parliament to push for an extension of time.

Register your child for three or four year old kindergarten.

Visit www.bcyf.org.au, www.gka.org.au or www.geelongaustralia.com.au for more information.

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 31

reality bites

SCHOOL is back in session, and drivers are being urged to be vigilant at crossings, drop-off zones and even near their own homes.

family friend. In the majority of cases, the driver doesn’t know that the child is close to the vehicle, they believe that they are being looked after elsewhere.

Kidsafe Victoria has released a warning on the dangers of low speed run overs, particularly around driveways.

Mr Chambers said it was important to remember that children were unpredictable and surprisingly quick, which placed them at high risk around moving vehicles.

Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers said child pedestrians were at increased risk of injury because unlike adults, they can’t see over parked cars, they can’t tell where sounds are coming from and they think that if they can see you, you can see them.

“All cars have large blind spots, some more than 15 metres. Children’s small size, together with these large blind spots, means that children standing or stepping behind the vehicle often cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.”

“A large number of driveway run over incidents occur in the morning and late afternoon, both of which are busy times for families coming to and from school, kindergarten and work,” Mr Chambers said.

While reversing sensors and cameras can help to reduce the risk of driveway run over incidents, Kidsafe Victoria warns that technology should never be relied upon on its own to keep children safe.

Most driveway run overs occur in the driveway of the child’s own home, or in a friend’s or relative’s driveway. The driver is usually a parent, relative or

“Even if the vehicle is fitted with parking sensors or a reversing camera, children may not be noticed until it is too late to stop,“ Mr Chambers said.

Tips to keep driveways kidsafe …

Supervise: Never leave young children alone to play, especially near parked or moving vehicles.

When waving goodbye, make sure children are kept well away from the car and are actively supervised by an adult who is holding their hand.

If there is only one adult at home and there is a need to move the vehicle, even for a small distance, ensure young children are placed securely in the vehicle while the vehicle is being moved.

Separate: Treat the driveway like a road. Separate children’s playspaces from garages and

driveways. Some design features that can prevent children accessing the driveway include fitting high handles to garage doors, fences separating the house and garden from the driveway and self-closing doors and gates.

See: Reversing sensors and cameras can assist with reducing blind spots, however they should never be relied upon to keep children safe. Nothing can replace active adult supervision of children around driveways.

Drivers should get into the habit of walking around their vehicle before getting into it when leaving an area where a young child is present.

Kidsafe Victoria has released a free driveway safety fact sheet on its website www.kidsafevic.com. au/road-safety/driveway-safety, providing tips for parents and carers on how to make their driveways Kidsafe.

Check out our great Play Area!

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Special Kids Meals All Day Menu Excellent Value Meals Spacious Dining Plenty of Parking

NORLANE HOTEL 2-8 Princes Hwy, Norlane Ph 5278 2423 WWW.NORLANEHOTEL.COM.AU

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32 AUTUMN 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

reality bites

SAY WHAT! We asked ...

you answered!

GCK: We were shocked to hear that a Queensland dad was publicly shamed for taking his baby into a shopping centre’s parents room. We want to know: Has your partner or have you (if you are a male) ever been shamed or humiliated in a similar situation?

GCK: We want to know: When do you allow your children to ride or walk to school on their own? live too Dionne: Never. To start with, we er, clos e wer we if n eve But y. far awa ’t don I that not It’s I would not let them. ut. abo ry wor I rs othe it’s , trust them e are just Being both sad and scary, ther e who ther out bles esira und y too man prey on innocent kids.

problem Amitola: I have absolutely no taking with parents, male or female, – their children to the parents room What that’s exactly what it’s there for! single I do have a problem with is a e a poo, male using the facilities to hav the for t wai I and kids while my toddler bathroom with adult size and bit unsafe a feel I did only Not t. size toile e out cam man a when all of a sudden he that d uste disg was I but r, of the doo his do to ts didn’t use the male toile business. Pathetic.

e to walk Lauren: It’s a bit too far for min mature my ng letti t but I’ll probably star etimes som ride r ghte dau old ear10-y ected now. I feel like they’re more prot s road n mai two are re The . bike on a We s. sing cros ol scho to cross, both with wing follo me with r, yea last d tice prac follows her in the car. She listens and fully. care ons ucti instr ific spec very my arn-ye seve e atur imm I wouldn’t let my next be may yet, her with go son old year.

s who are Emma Marie: These poor dad ing look love and on ds han actually if they after their kids. They’re damned ’t. don they if ned dam do and “ dad and Thankfully my hubby is a “DO shaming ng telli lem prob no e hav would ents’ par the uses He mums where to go! he and to t righ ry eve has he as s facilitie in s goe he n whe d loves it! He’s so prou p up the and does what he has to. Kee great work, dads! ome David: I’m a part time stay-at-h say one any had er dad and I’ve nev taken our e hav I n whe me to g thin any s, but I’ve daughter to the parents room in me on n dow look hers mot had The . bum a I’m certain places like ds can! looks hurt more than any wor

y in Kylie: My son started occasionall only He 10. d age ut Grade 4, so at abo down go , sing cros the at s cros to had another three houses, turn a corner then would mum my or elf Mys so. or m 500 s our then meet him to help him cros school the all and es bus re whe , road traf fic goes down. old and Annalise: Last year my 11-yearther. toge king wal ted star ld eight-year-o only ’main It’s a 10-minute walk and the ervisors. road’ is manned by crossing sup year this ol The older one is in high scho and stop bus the to king so will be wal walking catching the bus. I will then be ol. scho from and to one r the younge Cathi: Mine do and they are in

Grade 5.

7.

Tash: Hey ladies welcome to 201 -at-home It’s not all women that are stay mums.

12341069-LN09-17

and took Sarah: My hubby had an RDO island the at n dow out day a our son for nd grou play r and ended up cutting thei s mum r hea ld cou he e aus time short bec him ut abo looking at him and talking e him as if it was custody visit and mad feel uneasy. Pretty sad, really.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 33

Games and gadgets

Get ready to

Guinness World Records 2017 Block Busters (MacMillan)

Our Dog Benji – Pete Carter (Exisle Publishing)

The things that rock people’s worlds – whether it’s the Avengers, “unboxing“, Minecraft or coding – it can be found right here.

Everyone knows that dogs will eat anything and that kids’ tastes generally aren’t so wideranging.

Discover which apps pressed all the right buttons, learn how much favourite YouTubers earned, find out which sci-fi movie has rewritten box-office history, plus much, much more.

There are also the super-fans who have been inspired to set records of their own and check out the special “challenges” for anyone who wants to set their very own Blockbuster record!

Are the Minion costumes ready?

Contents include movies, apps and online, TV, comics and books, toys, tech and music.

While ice cream and pizza might be devoured in the blink of an eye, the dreaded ‘green stuff’ is often pushed to one side of the plate.

In delightful duotone illustrations and engaging text, Benji’s willingness to eat anything – from daffodils to brussels sprouts, ice cream to avocados, sandwiches to bones - gradually inspires his child owner to be a little more adventurous at mealtimes.

Although dogs and kids do have standards, it seems there’s one thing neither of them will touch!

A Shadow’s Breath – Nicole Hayes (Penguin Random House) A compelling story of heartbreak, courage and forgiveness from the award-winning author of The Whole of My World and One True Thing.

Then, things were looking up for Tessa.

Her mum was finally getting back on track. Tessa had started seeing Nick.

She was making new friends. She’d even begun to paint again.

Now, Tessa and Nick are trapped in the car after a corner taken too fast.

Injured, stranded in the wilderness, at the mercy of the elements, the question becomes one of survival. But Tessa isn’t sure if she wants to be found.

Not after what she saw. Not after what she remembered.

read..

Mr Romanov’s Garden in the Sky – Robert Newton (Penguin Random House) Living in the commission, Lexie is left to fend for herself.

Her mother is mostly absent, out searching for something to help her forget the tragic death of Lexie’s dad.

But then, after witnessing the aftermath of a shocking incident, Lexie finds solace in the most unlikely of places – in a troubled old man called the Creeper.

A chance, life-saving encounter on the commission’s roof seeds a friendship between the two and when they enlist the help of Lexie’s friend Davey, the three set off on an epic journey, one that will change their lives and the lives of those around them.

Before You Forget – Julia Lawrinson (Penguin Random House)

Valentine – Jodi McAlister (Penguin Random House)

The Shifting Light – Alice Campion (Penguin Random House)

At times funny, at times heartbreaking, this is an ultimately uplifting story about the delicate fabric of family and friendship and the painful realisation that not everything can remain the same forever.

Strange and terrible things begin to happen to four teenagers – all born on the same Valentine’s Day.

Nina Larkin should be happy. She’s transformed her rundown outback property, The Springs, into a successful artists’ retreat, she’s won a distinguished art prize, and she’s living with her soulmate, trailblazing grazier Heath Blackett.

Year 12 is not off to a good start for Amelia.

Art is her world but her art teacher hates everything she does, her best friend has stopped talking to her, her mother and father may as well be living in separate houses and her father is slowly forgetting everything. Even Amelia.

One of these teenagers is the Valentine: a Seelie fairy changeling swapped for a human child at its birth. The Unseelie have come to kill the Valentine – except they don’t know who it is.

Pearl shares a birthday with Finn Blacklin. She’s known him all her life and disliked every second of it.

Now Pearl and Finn must work together to protect themselves from the sinister forces that are seeking them out. But there’s one more problem – the explosive chemistry between them.

But the chance discovery of a portrait of her father, renowned artist Jim Larkin, makes her question everything.

How could it have been drawn just weeks ago when Jim has been dead for years - or so she thought.

Her search for answers will draw Nina into a maze of family secrets - just as the man who stepped out of a portrait arrives at her door…

games give a mind work-out Rat- a-Tat- Cat Get rid of the rats and go for the cats!

In Rat-a-Tat Cat, less is always better and players want to go out with the lowest score.

Who can remember the numbers on the other players’ cards and can they keep a poker face but notice when another player looks pleased?

Players can sharpen their memories and their timing and have fun with the cool cats and bad rats of Rat-a-Tat Cat.

34 AUTUMN 2017

Spot I t

( also

known as Dobble )

A simple pattern recognition game in which players try to find an image shown on two cards.

Each card in Spot it! features eight different symbols, with the symbols varying in size from one card to the next. Any two cards have exactly one symbol in common.

For the basic Spot it! game, reveal one card, then another.

Whoever spots the symbol in common on both cards claims the first card, then another card is revealed for players to search, and so on.

Whoever has collected the most cards when the 55-card deck runs out wins!

Rules for different games – each an observation game with a speed element – are included with Spot it, Available now at Mind Games, Geelong.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Games and gadgets

games life’s to teach

BRAIN TEASER: Mind Games owner Michele Bent.

lessons

GAMES are more than a welcome diversion for parents searching for some much-needed peace and quiet, according to Michele Bent.

“They’re really great socialising tools for children,” the owner of Mind Games Geelong said.

Each time children play they learn important life lessons like losing graciously and taking their turn.

“Not everything in life goes how you want it to,” Michele says.

While the store stocks games for people “aged one to 99”, Michelle has some special titles to expand little minds.

“We’re very conscious of ageappropriate puzzles,” she says.

Among her bestselling titles is the award-winning Rat-a-Tat Cat, a memory-based card game which can introduce children aged six and older to strategy.

“We sell a lot of it,” she says.

Special

12329894-CG45-16

Michele knows games can provide a much-needed distraction for children, having brought up four of own.

“New mothers who are nursing but have another little one bring out these games,” she says.

She and husband Kevin, an avid chess player, got into the business 16 years ago.

They’ve driven to the city from Anglesea for work nearly every morning since.

“People come in looking for certain games and it opens their eyes to everything else we have.”

Table Games

NANOBLOCK FOR ALL AGES Shop 55 Level 1, Market Square Cnr Moorabool & Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220 www.mindgames.net.au | 03 52 226 100 So Much to choose! GRAB A GIFT VOUCHER

POKER

MODELS

KIDS GAMES

?

Requests

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

JIGSAWS

Postal Orders

“And it comes in a tin which is great for storage.”

International IQ society Mensa has recommended the game for its educational value.

Geelong’s Largest Specialty Games Shop Huge Range

Five-in-one game Spot It or Dobble is another favourite with children, Michele says.

“There’s just about something for everyone in this shop,” Michele says.

HUGE RANGE

GROUP FUN

“I would happily sit down and play it with my granddaughter – when she’s a couple of years older.”

“Mostly parents recommend it to each other.”

BOARD GAMES

NEW GAME RELEASE

“Most importantly, it’s fun,” she adds.

PUZZLES

Expert Advice

Ed Sp uc G ec atio am ia n es lity al

CHESS

2016’s HOTTEST

“And they don’t just give out awards to anyone,” Michelle says.

AUTUMN 2017 35

Adding

colour to

bubbles

By Jade Glen EVERYONE loves bubbles, and introducing food dye is a cheap and easy way to breathe new life in to an old favourite.

The bubbles landing on the paper make some beautiful patterns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; trim your favourite section and pop it on the fridge to admire or save the finished product to use as wrapping paper.

Mess factor: 5/5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Definitely an outside job. Food dye may stain hands and clothes so grab a smock for this one.

Supplies: Bubble mixture, small containers, food dye, paper, smock.

Method: Step 1: Pour bubble mixture in to small containers.

1

Step 2: Add food dye to your bubble mixture. We used red, yellow, green and blue.

4

Step 3: Start blowing! Blow bubbles on to the paper.

Experiment with blowing close to the paper and further away to get different sized bubbles. We also flicked some mixture on to the paper to create some different patterns.

Step 4: Voila! Allow to dry and admire your finished artwork.

3 2

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2017 37

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r a d n e l a k 19 MARCH

Kids can join the fun and educational events, activities, workshops and exhibitions led by artists, storytellers, educators and entertainers. Activities are held in a number of venues across Central Geelong.

St Pat ' s I rish Folk Festival 10am-4pm

Fun, free family event.

St Patrick’s Primary School, Geelong West www.facebook.com/stpatsiff

Some events require bookings so check out the program to find out more at centralgeelong.com.au/storyfest

25 MARCH

3 rd Annual Pumpkin Fair, presented by Encompass Community Services

3-13 APRIL

10am-2pm

Narana ' s Easter School Holiday Program

The Paddock, Leopold Arts & crafts, local produce, face painting, live entertainment, market stalls, jumping castle, petting zoo www.encompass-cs.org.au or call 5222 3377

29 MARCH 22 MARCH

Geelong ' s Big Play Day

Play School Concert ' Prince of Bears '

10am-1pm

Sing along with all your favourites including Big Ted, Humpty, Jemima and two popular TV presenters.

South Barwon Civic Centre, Geelong www.kidspromotions.com.au or call 1300 788 028

25 MARCH

The City of Greater Geelong is proud to deliver Geelong’s Big Play Day during National Playgroup Week 2017. This free family event offers a range of interactive activities and entertainment which includes the Mik Maks, face painting, drumming, cardboard cubbyland recycled play, music, storytelling and so much more.

Geelong Botanic Gardens

www.gpac.org.au or call 5225 1200

Storyfest Central Geelong Marketing’s annual multi-arts storytelling festival for children.

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© 2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited © 2017 HIT Entertainment Limited

Day Out With Thomas: April & October Steam Train Rides Easter Bunny Specials

www.bellarinerailway.com.au 38 AUTUMN 2017

School Holiday Fun at One World One World for Children’s Vacation Care program is jam packed with lots of fun and entertaining activities for school children. Their stimulating, unique and fun program keeps children entertained by providing creative, challenging and interesting activities with a focus on leisure and recreation. Hurry, places are limited and always fill fast.

$15 – bookings essential, pre-register by phone 5241 5700 www.narana.com.au

ON NOW UNTIL 17 APRIL

One World for Children, North Geelong www.owfc.com.au or call 5272 3009

Horrible Histories Pirates: The Exhibition An interactive and hands-on exhibition, full of lively illustrations, foul facts and gruesome games, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

1-13 APRIL GPAC kicks off its 2017 Love Central Geelong Family Magic Program bringing to life David Walliams’ awardwinning book ‘Mr Stink’. For children 6-12 and their adults.

1-13 APRIL

“Experience Narana” 90-minute guided cultural tours. Twice daily at 10am and 2pm. Listen and learn about the world’s oldest living culture from Narana’s expert cultural interpreters. Program includes Indigenous Artefacts Talk, Learn about Bush Tucker and Medicine Plants, meet the local wildlife, learn how to throw a boomerang, and paint your own boomerang.

Also over the school holidays children under 16 can participate in free craft activities when accompanied by a paying adult.

Arty Parties & Art Classes Check us out on facebook facebook.com/ g eelong coastkids 12331973-CB47-16

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With a true Irish flavour, visitors to this annual festival can enjoy Irish-themed entertainment all day, fun rides, delicious food, visit the market stalls and join in loads of activities.

54 Grubb Road OCEAN GROVE Ph 0437 582 772 www.artskool.com.au www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

' kids

r a d n e l a k To find out more and for further information about other kids workshops on offer visit the museum’s website.

National Wool Museum, Geelong www.nwm.vic.gov.au or call 5272 4701

8 AND 9 APRIL Bellarine Railway ' s Day Out With Thomas 10am-4pm Bookings and inquiries, call 5258 2069 or email via bellarinerailway.com.au

10-15 APRIL Easter Bunny Have your family’s professional photo taken with the Easter Bunny.

11am to 2pm daily. Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre - outside Target

3-17 APRIL Smurfs Exhibition

24 JUNE We ' re Going on a Bear Hunt Live on Stage This classic story comes to life on stage for two performances only, as part of GPAC’s 2017 Love Central Geelong Family Magic Program. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has been adapted for the stage from the modern classic children’s book written by Michael Rosen.

Tickets are $22 each or $20 each in groups of four or more.

Week 1: Decorate your very own Smurfs backpack at the Smurfs activity centre.

You may even meet Papa Smurf.

www.gpac.org.au or call 5225 1200.

Week 2: Decorate your very own Smurfs drink cup at the Smurfs activity centre outside Target.

11am to 2pm daily. Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre - outside Target

6 JULY Lah-Lah Having Fun Tour 20 MAY Geelong Baby and Children ' s Market 9am-1pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights. facebook.com/ geelongbabyandchildrensmarket

Get ready to pull on your best red, white and black stripes because everyone will be Having Fun with the stars of ABC KIDS – Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band performing live in Geelong.

Geelong West Town Hall Adults and children $25.50.

Children 12 months and under free. www.kidspromotions.com.au

ISSUE 19

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

azine.com.a u

www.gcmag

OUT NOW AT ALL GOOD LOCAL NEWSAGENTS

THREE WOMEN. THREE VERY DIFF ERENT BUSINESSES

MONGO CONQUELST

YOUNG TRIO CONQUERS EUROPE IN A BEAT-UP CITROEN

LOCAL LOVE

LIAM AND CAIT GET HITCHED LIN

BOOKING ENQUIRIES: Marianne ValituttI 5249 6707 marianne.valitutti@geelongindependent.com.au www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

HOME BODIES

SAGE ADVICE SUSTAINABLE ON LIVIN

G

INSPIRED DESIGNS

MEET GEELO NG’S AUSTR ALIAN DESIGN ER

SUMMER 2016 AUS $5.50 (inc GST)

OF THE YEAR

AUTUMN 2017 39