Sunshine Coast Kids Today Spring 2018

Em

Rusciano and the motherload

The

gender reveal trend

Kat

Stewart's

magical role

HOT SPRING SPRING

2018 Brought to you by

about us . . .

WE’VE GOT

a spring IN OUR STEP HI everyone!

Welcome to the spring edition of Sunshine Coast Kids Today.

It's hard to believe it's actually spring.

I don't know about you, but this year seems to be flying by. The start of the school year doesn't seem that long ago and it's crazy to think that Christmas is only a few months away. It's probably time to start some Christmas shopping! If it's kids clothes you are after, then be sure to check out the Noosa Junior fashion spread on pages 6-7.

There is plenty of great reading in this issue.

Win

I caught up with Kat Stewart about her ambassador role with the Magical Getaway Foundation, a charity that provides holidays to vulnerable kids. Kat also spoke about her own holiday experiences as a child, how she made a career out of acting and Offspring. Check out the story on pages 4-5.

Sunshine Coast women doing some pretty great things. 'Mumpreneur' Lucy Good has been recognised for supporting single mums, and midwife Beth Newman is doing some great work educating girls about the transition to womanhood. You can check out their stories on page 15.

You'll also love our interview with singer, performer and radio host Em Rusciano. Em shares how she tackles being a parent with a full plate and a teenage daughter on page 3.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and be sure to visit our website at sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

WILDLIFE HQ is thrilled to have moved its ring tail lemurs onto Madagascar Island.

This is an exciting new island habitat the zoo has built in the kangaroo lake walk thru. They have also welcomed four black and white ruffed lemurs (mum Tave and her daughters Rihanna, Izzy and Sabina).

Wildlife HQ has also just opened a rescue koala precinct; home to three wild koalas who could not be returned back to their home after being deemed non-releasable.

The Big Pineapple complex is preparing for a huge tourism redevelopment in coming years, and

Sunshine Coast Kids Today c/o Noosa Today 36 Mary Street, Noosaville, Qld, 4566 Online: sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

This edition also features some

A FAMILY PASS TO

Published six times per year December, February, April, June, August, October

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Wildlife HQ Zoo!

Editorial Hollie Harris editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Phone: 07 5455 6946

Wildlife HQ Zoo is thrilled to be a part of this grand plan for the attraction. They have lots of escorting new species arriving soon, so stay tuned and watch their Facebook for updates.

Advertising Tracey Combes tracey.combes@ sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Located at the Iconic Big Pineapple, your whole family will love to get up and close to Wildlife HQ's native and exotic animals.

Phone: 07 5449 9837 COVER: Give your child's wardrobe a spring refresh at Noosa Juniors.

They are giving away two family passes for two adults and two children valued at $79. Simply enter online at http://noosatoday.com.au/ competitions/ before the end of September for your chance to win. Don't forget to include your name, email and phone number.

Em

Rusciano and the motherload

contents IT'S YOUR LIFE

HEALTH

REALITY BITES

Em Rusciano and the motherload PAGE 3

Birth teaching tool

Recognition for helping single mums

PAGE 10

PAGE 15

New meningococcal vaccine

Workshops to help emerging women

PAGE 10

PAGE 15

PAGE 8

EDUCATION

Helping couples become parents

A win for Noosa Mini Strings

St Andrew's revegetation project

PAGE 9

PAGE 11

Story seats on the Sunshine Coasts

Virgo's play had judges at hello

PAGE 9

PAGE 11

BOOKS

Flinders new outdoor classroom

A top guide on navigating adolescence

PAGE 12

PAGE 18

Quality early education at Rise & Shine

Kids book reviews

PAGE 13

PAGE 18

The coolest kids activities on the Coast

CALENDAR

Kat Stewart's magical role PAGES 4-5 Swim school caters for mums, bubs

FASHION Hot spring fashion at Noosa Juniors PAGES 6-7

gender reveal trend

Kat

Stewart's

magical role

HOT SPRING SPRING

2018 Brought to you by

PAGE 14

PAGE 16 Gender reveals a hot trend PAGE 17

What's on this spring PAGE 19

2 SPRING 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

your life It’s

Em Rusciano AND THE MOTHERLOAD

KNOWN best for her honest, warts and all outlook on life, Em Rusciano is a woman who wears many hats and being a mother is one of them. She's recently announced she's pregnant with her third child and spoke to Melissa Meehan about her daughter Marchella who is completing her final years of high school.

Em Rusciano, you have many feathers to your cap - mum, wife, interstate radio host, singer, entertainer, comedian, to name a few. How do you do it?

I don't! I'm sorry if I've ever given the impression to any human that I 'do it', that I balance my life; because let me tell you, I don't. As I speak to you right now, I'm wearing my pyjama pants even though it's only 1pm, and I'm banging a hook into a wall with a rolling pin because I couldn't locate the hammer. We've just moved house and instead of unpacking the food and utensils and boring useful things, I'm hanging pictures and arranging flowers.

I'm about. I feel like I didn't consciously choose to be the real, unedited, honest person online - I just am that person.

People will gravitate towards what speaks to them, and I guess my way speaks to some people.

You have two daughters. Can you tell us about them? Any tips on raising strong, fearless and independent women?

We have a 'no d***head' policy in our house! No selfish behaviour, no deliberately hurtful behaviour, and one in, all in. My girls also have a lot of privilege, which I make sure they aware of so they are conscious and kind towards those less privileged in our community. We have an open door policy that no one is judged - my girls would never look at anyone of a different race, religion, sexuality, and feel that they are any different. Most importantly, we teach our girls to trust their gut, their first voice, because that's the best thing for a strong woman.

Your daughter Marchella is currently doing her VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education). How is that going?

I think the way to feel less overwhelmed with 'life balance' is to focus on the task that you're doing, without feeling guilty about the things that you're not. So if you are with your kids, forget all the other crap you should be doing, and focus on that. There is no imaginary evil overlord judging you if the washing has to go through for a third time because it went mouldy. No one cares. Do you?

Marchella is a straight-A student. We are very lucky that she is extremely academically driven. It's a relief, because I stopped being able to help her with maths in year 8. She's very well organised (which she definitely didn't get from me). I think she's doing well also because as long as she loves learning and doesn't feel the pressure of an ATAR score, then she'll do her best, which so far is working.

You could be described as one of the original mummy bloggers. Your honest and open posts really seem to resonate with your fans then and now. With all the 'perfect' mums out there do you think people craved something real?

And why did you choose to be that person?

You've described her as having a brilliant mind, artistic flair and sporting prowess in the past. But is it still important not to put too much pressure on her and ensure that she also enjoys her final years as a high school student?

I never considered myself a mummy blogger - the fact that I'm a mother is the least interesting thing about myself.

I'm a writer who happens to have spawned. I feel like I'm selling myself short by saying 'mummy blogger' - not that there's anything wrong with that term, but it just doesn't cover everything

Exactly. She's also about to be the lead in her school musical, so you can imagine how beside myself I am. I've learned all her lines, just in case she should need an understudy on the night.

How do you find a balance between pushing them to be their best and not pushing too hard?

We encourage our girls to go after what

they love, and everything else takes care of itself. The traditional subjects are of less importance to us. I mean, I'm still yet to use Pythagoras's Theorem at all in life. So as long as they are happy with what they are studying, and they learning how to take charge of their own education, we are happy.

Do you have any tips for helping students manage their time, energy and stress? What about tips for parents?

Chella has a schedule that helps her keep track of when things are due and where she needs to be - a whiteboard on the back of her door, showing progress and deadlines. She's so organised. We always try to encourage the girls to work steadily, but not beat themselves up with stress when things aren't going to plan. Occasionally we step in when Chella feels like she's taken on too much, and see if she might need to drop anything co-curricular, but we always just want to make her feel supported with her own decisions. She's got high expectations of herself, so that helps us. She wants herself to succeed as much as we want her to - so I guess that's half the job done for us!

think it was important to talk about it, given it's often something not spoken about publicly?

Of course. The women who have gone back several times are incredible, and they deserved to be told that. I felt really alone when I went through my miscarriage. I remember lying awake at 2am, feeling completely isolated, and stumbling across various online communities of women desperately searching for answers, so I wanted to talk openly about my experience so other women would feel less alone than I did. My Evil Queen show earlier this year was an incredible experience for me, feeling the support and energy of the women in the room who had been through the same thing. One in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, yet it's not talked about nearly enough.

It would be remiss of me not to mention your exciting news. You are pregnant, and will welcome a son to the world later this year.

Congratulations. Has the pregnancy been different this time around?

Thank you! Yes, it's been hell. My body is angry with me for impregnating it at such an old age.

I'm officially classified as a 'geriatric pregnancy'. I don't know if it's what has made the difference or not, but it's a boy and my morning sickness has been much worse!

On your radio show, you mentioned how in awe you are of women who have been through multiple miscarriages or failed IVF attempts and still continue to try for a baby. You have openly discussed your own miscarriage. Do you

Em Rusciano says she doesn't have it together, but she's okay with that.

Picture: Kristoffer Paulsen

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SPRING 2018 3

Kat Stewart's magical new role KAT Stewart has become an Australian household name for her acclaimed performances in Underbelly and Offspring.

However, few people know the Logie-winning actor and mother-of-two recently landed a leading role alongside a truly magical cast.

Kat is an ambassador for The Magical Getaway Foundation, a unique Australian charity that's bringing a lot of joy to vulnerable children and their families.

Melissa Grant speaks to Kat about that special role, motherhood, her own childhood and her career.

How are you enjoying your ambassador role with the magical getaway foundation, a charity which enables vulnerable and disadvantaged kids to go on their first holiday?

I'm so pleased to be involved and I love the people - every contact I've had with the team has just been so inspiring.

It's early days, but I'm really excited about it. The good work the Magical Getaway Foundation is doing and is capable of doing in the future - it's really exciting.

How did your involvement with the foundation come about?

Teague Rook is a board member and he's someone I've known for many

years. We've done theatre together and he is also a teacher. He just spoke to me about it and about five minutes in I heard his passion. He's someone with great integrity who I really respect and admire as an actor, as a person and as a teacher. I just thought the idea of getting families who are under extreme pressure and stress, who have never had the opportunity to just be a family and not be in hospital wards, or not be in a refuge and not deal with really tough things, to be given an opportunity to have all the practical stuff taken care of - the medical support, the groceries, whatever they need - and just be together somewhere else. The holiday memories I have as a kid are really formative and they just made a really big difference to me as a mum and as a person. I just think it's such a wonderful opportunity to give to little kids and parents under extreme stress.

When you were a child you regularly holidayed with your cousins at a house on Phillip Island. You must have some great memories.

I do. We had great times. I think it was a little fibro place and it was jam-packed with about 20 of us in three bedrooms. There were lots of bodies on the floor, lots of sunscreen, black and white TV, endless days at the beach. It

Kat Stewart recently became an ambassador for the Magical Getaway Foundation. probably wasn't quite like that, but that's my memories as a little kid. Great times.

You spent your early childhood in Bairnsdale, a small country town in East Gippsland. Your parents packed up the family and travelled around Europe for 12 months when you were eight. That must have been an amazing experience.

That was a game-changer for us as a family. I'm very close to my father, but growing up he was a workaholic. Mum was the stay-at-home parent who we spent lots of time with and my memories of dad only start that year.

That was because we were travelling together and we were doing correspondence - he taught me my

times tables, he taught me how to catch a netball, all that stuff. And that set us up for life - I've had an incredibly close relationship with him ever since.

During that trip you attended school in London and I understand you would come home and imitate your classmates' accents. Was this when your interest in acting began?

I did. I got lonely. I went to school for a few months in England - that might be where some of the early signs were. I was so fascinated because the area we were in had a real cross-section of accents from quite posh to quite knockabout, and I loved all that. I was fascinated by that, so I'd come home and try out all the different accents in front of my family.

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Your breakout role was in Underbelly, however most people would know you as Billie Proudman from Offspring. I understand it was actually one of Billie's storylines that got you really thinking about motherhood.

I just put it (motherhood) at the back of my mind really because I was so busy. I was enjoying being busy because my 20s were quite quiet in some ways career-wise, so things were just starting to get interesting in my 30s for work and I didn't really want to break the rhythm. It was one of those things - I was so busy that I was like 'we'll think about it next year, we'll think about it next year'. Then my character Billie was doing IVF in series two and as part of that storyline I was doing some research on IVF and statistics and I thought 'oh, hang on, oh hang on this includes me here - I'm in this age bracket. I better not take it for granted that we can do it whenever we want to'. So it forced us to think of it as something we should address and by the end of the series I was pregnant very happily with Archie.

Filming days can be quite long. How do you juggle the demands of being on set with motherhood?

I had a lot of help and a lot of support. I had Archie on set when he was five weeks and I had Gigi (Georgia) on set when she was three weeks. When I think about it now the mind boggles. But you just get up and have to do what you have to do with a kid, and with a little baby it's just one foot in front of the other and I was so supported. I worked until right to the end of the pregnancy with Archie and I knew I had the producers' support and the casting crew's support and they made it as achievable as possible to have the babies and work. I had (husband) David with me with Archie, and when I had Gigi I had a family friend to help when I was on set. I don't know - it's a bit of a blur to be honest. I was very lucky to do what I love and have my babies with me. Not many jobs afford you that.

Would you like to see Offspring return for another season?

I love doing it and I don't think realistically it's something I could ever say no to because I loved it so much and we are just a family because we spent so much time together. But who knows? Honestly, I think we had a really good run. I think seven seasons is very rare and we were very lucky. So whatever happens I think we have done very well.

You've just returned to Melbourne after a family holiday. How was that?

It was fantastic. We went to Japan which is pretty amazing. There were 14 of us. It was wild. It was my husband, two kids and my brother and his family - he's got four kids - and my dad and some family friends. It was the trip of a lifetime really, it was great. My dad had a huge health scare last year and I lost my mum two years ago. After that we all got together and said 'let's make something happen, let's do something really great'. You just don't know in life. Dad's actually fighting fit now, but it just gave us that push to make it happen and I'm so glad we did - it was just fantastic. We've made a lot of great memories.

Where are some of the other places you've been on holiday together?

We've been to Phillip Island a lot, so that's still a big touchstone for us and the family and my brothers and their families. That's the main thing we do we go there for Easter and Christmas and if we can get long weekends that's where we go. My dad's got a place there. We went to Port Douglas when

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they (my children) were really little. But with little kids travelling is no small thing, so it's nice to have a place within a couple of hours of Melbourne that they know and that's familiar and that's fun, so that's where we go really.

Where's your next adventure?

We've had a pretty good run - I don't think we will be planning anything for a while now! But we will be getting away as often as we can to Phillip Island. We are lucky we can spend time with Dad there. And getting back to the Magical Getaway Foundation - that (holidays) is just not something a lot of people can do, but certainly people who are benefiting from the foundation can access (them).

It's really moving, the families that The Magical Getaway Foundation has been helping. And what really affected me about the families is they are so proactive, so productive and so honest and candid. The only condition of their involvement is that they tell their stories and I think it's so incredibly powerful and a great reminder that holidays are lovely, whatever form they take. But it's really about the memories that you make as a family unit that's the important thing. It's not where you go but it's that you get the time together. My holiday sounds fancy but that's not the point. The point is that it's time with the family and that's what got me really excited about this foundation.

What's the best way somebody can help the foundation?

Anyone with a connection to somebody or a business that could help with a holiday - that would be amazing.

If someone is from a place that runs apartments, a supermarket, or a business that could help or theme parks, whatever it is - we really rely on that sort of contribution and they're always acknowledged appropriately and gratefully. They don't have to be expensive holidays. It's an opportunity to get away and have some fun and have some experiences, so any kind of contribution could be more valuable than anyone realises. I also think just listening to the testimonials from the families - it can be just one decision from someone saying 'hey I think you need a hand, I'm going to do something for you' that can change the course of somebody's life. So it's no small thing.

Any kind of contribution makes a difference. The Magical Getaway Foundation is quite a new foundation, but it's the only foundation of its kind.

Social tourism is something that's been going on in Europe for decades. It's not really been done in Australia so it's a really great thing.

The Swinge family enjoy their holiday, made possible by the Magical Getaway Foundation.

Foundation is one of a kind THE Magical Getaway Foundation is the only Australian charity dedicated to social tourism, which means providing access to breaks away from home for people who would otherwise be excluded.

Kat Stewart and Steven Bradbury OAM are ambassadors of the foundation that aims to provide hope and lifetime changes for families through a first ever holiday.

Statistics show that one in three Australian children have never been on a holiday.

The Magical Getaway Foundation gifts fully-funded first ever holidays to eligible children and their families. In return, the recipients share their story with the foundation.

It's not about the holiday - it's what the holiday brings.

Research indicates that holidays benefit individuals and society because they improve well-being and reduce stress, increase self-esteem and confidence, strengthen family communication and bonding, provide new skills, widen perspectives and enhance employability. Going on holiday also gives long-lasting, treasured memories and results in happier, stronger families and decreases social isolation.

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You initially didn't consider acting a viable career and studied marketing at university before working in publicity. When did you realise you could make a career out of acting?

It just wasn't something that was really on my radar. It wasn't that I sort of dismissed it - it just wasn't what people did. I didn't know anyone who was in that world. I studied marketing and arts first and while I was there I got involved in the theatre society at Monash (University) and completely fell in love with it. I had done school plays here and there, and it was something that I loved but I never thought of it as a career. I knew enough to know it wasn't a very secure profession, so I did hope that it was a phase that I'd fall out of. But I thought I'd never know unless I actually take it through to the end, so I enrolled in a three-year night-time course hoping that I could hedge my bets and keep working during the day. But ultimately I had to make a choice. It was in the second year of my course that I was working in publishing as a publicist and I couldn't be in two places at once. I had to be at the Adelaide Writers' Festival or I had to be on stage doing an amazing play called Angels in America, which is still one of the greatest scripts I've ever worked on, and I had to decide. That was a real moment of reckoning and I have no regrets.

SPRING 2018 5

at Noosa Juniors NOOSA Juniors is a family-owned children's boutique situated on iconic Hastings Street in Noosa Heads, where you can find the best selection of kids swimwear and resort fashion clothing and footwear on the Sunshine Coast.

They've now expanded their baby section and size range, catering for ages from newborn to 16 years.

Seafolly Long Sleeve Surf Tank $69.95

For babies and younger kids, parents can choose from Marquise, Milky, and Munster, or toys and gifts like Sophie the Giraffe.

They stock plenty of footwear, sunglasses and jewellry to complete your look, and have just launched a fantastic loyalty program.

So, pop in for a chat with Ellen, Alice or Tiffany who will guarantee you a wonderful shopping experience at Shop 2, Seahaven Resort, 13 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads (in the Seahaven Resort opposite the Sofitel).

Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to be kept updated with specials and new product releases.

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Loopy’s Turkish Towel $44.95.

With swimwear and fashion brands like Seafolly, Camilla, Scotch & Soda, Rip Curl, Billabong, Eve's Sister, Funky Trunks, Funkita, and Speedo, as well as Maaji (a new Columbian but very 'Noosa' swimwear label), Noosa Juniors stocks the most unique and beautiful prints and designs. They even have their own in-house brand

Laguna Bay Original Clothing.

6 SPRING 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Seafolly Ocean Tapestry Stripe Tie Mini Tube Bikini $64.95.

Laguna Bay Original Button Up Shirt White Toucan $49.95.

Earth Jewel Creations, handmade in Noosa, Turquoise Gemstone and Silver Bracelet $54.95.

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Playsuit $49.95.

Bondi Bandits Wet/ Dry Bag, 100% recyclable $40.

Super Petit Reusable Colour-In Silicone Tablemat and Markers $29.90.

Eve Girl Gemini Playsuit $49.95 and Eve Girl Blossom Dress $59.95.

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SPRING 2018 7

your life It’s

Swim school caters for s b u b d n a s m mu SUMMER is fast approaching, and as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer we tend to spend more time outdoors at the beach, around the pool or at local creeks and waterways.

This change in seasons also draws our attention to the importance of water safety, particularly around our young children.

With this in mind, the Grammar Swim School is launching a free Baby Bubbles program offering children aged 3-6 months a gentle introduction to water experiences, combining fun with water play, safety tips and water education for parents.

Grammar Learn to Swim Coordinator Kellie Hutchings is responsible for the growth and development of the swim school and has more than 14 years' experience in the aquatics industry.

Kellie is a passionate advocate for water safety and believes that as a community we need to ensure as many children as possible are participating in Learn to Swim programs.

"Baby Bubbles will help introduce children to water experiences in a fun and safe environment with the aim to reinforce vigilance and safety around the pool, near water ways and across our beaches," Kellie said.

"A major focus of our Learn to Swim program centres on awareness to increase safety around water and help reduce the number of drowning incidents by alerting children to the risk associated with swimming.

"As summer approaches this message could not be more important - there is

plenty of evidence that shows consistent and regular aquatic activity helps improve water safety skills."

Now open to children aged from 3 months through to junior squad level with a strong focus on learning to swim safely, developing technique and skill sets, the Grammar Swim School provides the complete learn to swim experience.

"Here on the coast we are blessed to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers, and many of us have backyard pools that are a major part of our entertainment, making it essential for children to develop confidence and

water safety skills from as early as possible," Kellie said.

"I love being able to make a difference from teaching children about water safety to helping them develop an essential skill set for life."

The Grammar Swim School welcomes families from around the Sunshine Coast. The Grammar Aquatic Centre now also offers a seamless pathway for children looking to develop their skills in squad training right through to state and national swimming pathways.

Enrolment enquires can be emailed to aquatics@scgs.qld.edu.au

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8 SPRING 2018

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Story seats help early literacy skills

your life It’s

NOOSA Mini Strings are not so mini!

By Hollie Harris

at Good Shepherd Lutheran College (GSLC) Noosa since 2005.

is only a yearly fee of $60 which covers insurance and use of the facility.

NOOSA Mini Strings have had an exciting win at the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod.

At that time there was only one Noosa String Ensemble, but in 2015 it split into two ensembles due to its rapid growth and popularity. So the Noosa Mini Strings and the Noosa Ensemble, for Grade 7 to 12 students, were formed and continue to grow.

Children can just turn up, or for more information you can contact Silvi on 0405509116 orl eckleys@gslc.qld.edu.au

After months of practice, Noosa Mini Strings took out first place in the Primary Aged String Ensemble and also came second in the Full String Orchestra Primary section.

With many other schools and orchestras competing, it was no easy feat and the mini string plays had spent months perfecting their sound to achieve their goal.

They said the Eisteddfod was a great experience that improved their playing and resulted in many new friendships.

The result was a testament to the expert teaching and conducting by Silvi Eckley, who formed the Noosa Orchestra in 2010 and has taught strings

Noosa Mini Strings is a community ensemble made up of students throughout Noosa and surrounding areas.

Any student in Grade 4 to 6 who can play a stringed instrument can join.

Practice is at 3.30pm-5pm on Tuesdays at the Good Shepherd Lutheran College Theatrette.

Silvi makes the practice sessions fun and interactive, and gives all children the opportunity to expand their ability.

Silvi gives her time for free and there

Students in Grade 7 to 12 are welcome to join the Noosa Ensemble, conducted by Chrissy Davis. The ensemble did well in placing third at the Eisteddfod against 19 other string ensembles. Rehearsals are at GSLC on Wednesdays from 3.30pm-5pm.

The Mini Strings and Noosa Ensemble perform three concerts per year. They play alongside the Noosa Orchestra, conducted by internationally acclaimed Antoni Bonetti of the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra.

TEN innovative 'story seats' have been installed across the Sunshine Coast to help develop children's early literacy skills.

The seats feature artwork from popular children's authors to encourage a love of reading among little ones.

Made possible by the state government's First 5 Forever funding, the story seats were planned and developed by council's libraries team who negotiated with the children's authors whose work is featured.

"They are a bright and engaging addition to our parks, and a positive way to encourage parents and caregivers to play a proactive role in the development of their child's early literacy skills," Sunshine Coast Mayor Jamieson said.

"We have an enviable outdoor lifestyle here on the Sunshine Coast and the story seats were created to embed literacy into the outdoor areas traditionally used for play."

Story seats can be found in the following parks: Pioneer Park, Landsborough; Nelson Park, Alexandra Headland; Power Memorial Park, Mudjimba; Muller Park, Bli Bli; Russell Family Park, Montville; Kenilworth town park; Kenilworth Maroochy Lions Park; Maroochydore Shelly Beach Park; Grahame Stewart Park, Currimundi; Brightwater Community Lake Park, Brightwater.

The Noosa Orchestra also welcomes players to join their rehearsals on Thursdays from 6pm-8pm at GSLC. You can find them on Facebook at Noosa Orchestra.

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SPRING 2018 9

Birth teaching tool a graphic lesson

New free vaccine

By Melissa Grant A new meningococcal vaccination which covers four strains of the deadly disease is now available on the National

The virtual birthing suite at University of the Sunshine Coast.

By Hollie Harris A virtual birthing suite is teaching midwifery students about what happens to the placenta after childbirth.

The 3D visual learning experience is a graphic representation of the phenomenon that happens after the birth of a baby.

"At a live birth, students cannot see inside the human body and so cannot appreciate the complex simultaneous events that occur at the time of the separation of the placenta and membranes from the mother," Bachelor of Midwifery Program Coordinator Dr Michelle Gray explained.

"With this visual immersion tool, students can see the separation of the placenta and membranes, the contractions of muscles and the blood capillaries to prevent haemorrhage, and see how the uterus contracts back into the pelvis."

Nursing and Midwifery program coordinator Terri Downer said student feedback had been positive.

"Students have reported that the 3D simulation enhances the lecture, clinical workshop and makes clear the readings from their textbooks, which often did not provide detailed illustrations," she said.

Student Sali Sheppard agreed.

"It was helpful to watch the physiology moving and happening in

front of me rather than reading about it and trying to imagine," Sali said.

The placenta delivery simulation was developed by USC's own creative developers - led by Simon Osborn working alongside academics for use in the CAVE2 resource, a 320-degree immersive stereo group virtual reality space at the main campus at Sippy Downs.

Immunisation Program.

The vaccination, Nimenrix, is free for children aged 12 months and covers the A, C, W and Y strains (MenACWY) of meningococcal. The vaccine became available on the NIP on July 1.

Previously the only free meningococcal vaccine had been for meningococcal C, which was recommended for all children at 12 months of age. Protection against strain B and combined vaccines against the ACWY strains have been available at a cost. The upgrade to the free new quad-strain vaccine comes following a spike of invasive meningococcal cases.

Last year there were 382 meningococcal cases in Australia, compared to 252 cases in 2016 and 182 cases in 2015.

Meningococcal-related deaths also increased to 28 last year. Those lucky enough to survive can suffer devastating long-term effects, including loss of arms and legs, deformed arms and legs, scars, deafness, blurred vision, learning difficulties and headaches.

Meningococcal Australia's Eliza AultConnell said it was fantastic the new quad-strain vaccine had been added to the immunisation program, although kids still wouldn't protected against strain B. Ms Ault-Connell said there would be a continued push to have strain B vaccines, currently between $120 and $155 per dose, made free.

The Nimenrix vaccine is now being given to all children due for their 12 month vaccinations. Kids who already had their meningococcal C vaccine at 12 months of age aren't eligible to receive the ACWY vaccine under the National Immunisation Program, but parents can still purchase it privately.

"Being able to manipulate, become immersed in, or visualise concepts or scenarios that would otherwise be impossible to experience is a powerful way to learn," USC Manager of Visualisation Facilities Mark Barry said.

Little Crocs kids program!

Run by our qualiďŹ ed oral health therapist, Bupa Dental Noosa’s Little Crocs sessions are a free and fun way to introduce your little ones to the dental practice.

For more details or to book a session, contact us on 5474 3855 Suite 2, 59 Mary Street Noosaville QLD 4566 bupadental.com.au/noosa 12382946-LN13-18

10 SPRING 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Education

St Andrew's students at Marcoola Beach where the trees were planted.

Revegetation project a boost for MARCOOLA Beach reaped the benefits of National Tree Day when 34 Geography students participated in a revegetation project that saw 400 native trees planted in the dunes.

St Andrew's Anglican College offered a hand to Sunshine Coast Council and the Coolum and North Shore Coast Care group at Beach Entry 106 as part of their geography course.

Teacher Peter Dick said this wasn't the first time St Andrew's had

beach and students alike

participated and that great connections had been forged over the years.

"Students write a report for assessment that is based on the management of the local coastal areas, and Coolum Coast Care always assist us by providing data and informative talks," Mr Dick said.

"There are so many positives surrounding a project like this and it was an excellent morning."

Leigh Warneminde from Coolum and North Shore Coast Care said the many hands made light work.

"The contribution to the dune restoration project by St Andrew's was greatly appreciated by our volunteers; their enthusiasm, energy and respect was infectious," Ms Warneminde said.

"We hope they will come back to the area and see the fruits of their labour in the years to come."

St Andrew's geography students get to work planting.

Virgo’s play had judges at hello YEAR 10 St Andrew's Anglican College student Virgo is showing great potential in the world of writing for theatre after being announced as a runner-up in the Queensland Theatre's 2018 Young Playwrights' Award.

Her play, You Had Me At Hello, was chosen out of entries from all over Queensland and has been commended for its 'quirky, funny and endearing' characters.

"You Had Me At Hello is a one-act

play and follows the journey of three high school students struggling to deal with issues of neuro-diversity, bullying and teenage love," Virgo said.

"I wanted to address how neurodiverse kids and teenagers can sometimes be labelled, stereotyped or seen as different."I would love to see it performed on stage."

This year a shortlist of entries was presented to a panel of Queensland theatre staff and artists, from which two

finalists and one award recipient were selected.

Resident dramaturg Isaac Drandic and associate director Travis Dowling described the script as "confident in the messages it wanted to send to its audience about neuro-diverse people".

Virgo is heavily into acting and singing both at and outside of school, and would like to pursue screenwriting or film-making after graduating Year 12.

St Andrew's student Virgo would like to pursue screenwriting or film-making after graduating Year 12.

come and see our

Expe Walke rience r Lear n at St Andre ing w’s

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Limite d pla availa ces ble

everyday

Call (07) 5471 5555 or visit www.saac.qld.edu.au to arrange a personalised tour

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SPRING 2018 11

Education

Flinders students embrace new STUDENTS at Buderim's Matthew Flinders Anglican College are walking out of their classrooms, with their teachers' support, as they explore their school's new outdoor classroom.

The open-air classroom for the college's 550 Prep to Year 6 students is fringed by rainforest and features tree log seats, recycled palette tables and newly planted trees and shrubbery.

Principal Stuart Meade said the outdoor classroom was an important new learning hub that offered significant benefits for students' health and wellbeing.

"Our College campus is surrounded by rainforest, so our students and college community are fortunate to spend their days amidst nature," Mr Meade said.

"By establishing the new Flinders Primary Outdoor Classroom, we are inviting our students to connect with nature on a deeper level by engaging in learning that flows out of the classroom door.

"Recent studies in Australia have found that hands-on contact with nature in the primary school years can play a significant role in cultivating positive mental health and wellbeing.

"What's more, studies show that learning outside the classroom can contribute to increased creativity and to language development, as well as a sense of care of the natural environment.

"We are excited for our students to

Flinders

experience learning in a unique setting that supports their development."

Head of Learning and Teaching in the Primary School, Debbie Planck, said outdoor learning spaces offer learning opportunities driven by the curriculum that cannot presently be replicated in classrooms.

outdoor classroom

"We are keen to witness how learning in this unique place will unleash the power and potential of our students and transform their thinking," Mrs Planck said.

"Teachers and students will explore this space during class time, and undertake 'hands-on' extended learning and design thinking. Our outdoor classroom provides another learning space for students to develop our Flinders learner traits of communication, collaboration, creativity, character, citizenship and critical thinking.

Students are learning fringed by rainforest.

"Our outdoor classroom will also be used during lunchtimes as students tinker, imagine, create and share ideas through our long-running Maker Spaces program set amidst the natural environment.

Matthew Flinders is moving beyond the traditional classroom to tra inspire students with open air learning.

"The vision is for our students to 'own the learning' in this space and to feel a sense of pride and wonder in its potential."

Plans for future student-led programs in the outdoor space include an edible garden concept and an environment group that drives such projects as building bird boxes and native bee houses, conducting biodiversity studies

Explore, experience, excel

and nd managing seed germination programs.

Flinders' 22-hectare campus in Buderim is surrounded by rainforest and

is home to diverse native species d including coffee plants, eucalyptus trees, gum trees, vines and creepers, and has a small creek that runs through.

Flinders’ new Outdoor Classroom is another opportunity for our Primary students to collaborate, create, communicate and be critical thinkers.

To learn more about our Year 3 and Year 5 intake years and what makes a quality Flinders education, visit us at www.mfac.edu.au

12397889-HM38-18

12398623-DJ38-18

12 SPRING 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Education

Quality early education at Rise

& Shine

ARE you looking for a quality early education and care centre on the Sunshine Coast?

Do you want an outstanding kinder program run by university qualified early childhood teachers?

Visit Rise & Shine Kindergarten Maroochydore and see their amazing brand new centre.

Rise & Shine Kindergarten Maroochydore has 1500 square metres of beautifully landscaped natural outdoor play space for the children to enjoy. With water features, a timber cubby house and pirate ship, sensory paths, vegetable gardens, trees to climb b and a beautiful outdoor alfresco dining area - it really is a child's paradise.

Rise & Shine believes that the environment is the third teacher, so a great deal of thought has gone into the beautiful aesthetics at this centre. They have combined open spaces, natural timber furniture and resources, and soft rugs combined with lots of natural light to create a home away from home for the children.

They also have their own unique curriculum called the 'Shine Advantage Curriculum' which runs in conjunction with the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline to provide the best educational program for every child.

Rise & Shine has two full-time university qualified teachers along with an amazing team of passionate and experienced early childhood educators

Rise & Shine have truly special outdoor space for your children to play.

t teach, t h guide id and d nurture t th to the children.

i l h day d f families f ili to t curriculum each for share in.

Their Smart Start room is the perfect place to run the kinder program as it's filled with brand new educational resources and a promethean LED board for children to engage in online and interactive learning. You can track your child's learning journey via the story park app where they upload their

If you would like to see Rise & Shine's curriculum in action you can watch the videos on their website or, better yet, make a time for a tour with their director by calling 07 5430 7737.

Give them a call to find out more about fees, which include all nutritious meals freshly prepared on site daily by

Above: Modern and light-filled learning at Rise & Shine.

lifi d cook, k as well ll as weekly a qualified sports, dance and yoga classes for the kids, nappies, a hat and backpack.

The centre is open between 6.30am and 6.30pm. Public holidays are also free of charge in 2018.

Rise & Shine Kindergarten Maroochydore - 26 Wises Road Buderim. www.riseandshine.edu.au

FREE public holidays in 20 18!

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Meals prepared daily by onsite chef

phone: (07) 5430 7737 12397224-SN38-18

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SPRING 2018 13

Entertainment

The coolest kids activities on the Sunshine Coast WORD on the street is that SEA LIFE is the coolest place to be if you're looking for indoor kid fun on the Sunshine Coast.

There are so many fun kids activities within the aquarium. Whether it's the weekend or the school holidays, whether you're looking to escape the summer sun or the winter rain, this is the Sunshine Coast place to be.

Here's just a few reasons why ...

BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST FOR A DAY Drop the kids off at the aquarium for a full or half day and we'll inspire their inner scientist with the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Marine Biologist for a Day program. Not only will your kids get a full tour of the attraction, including VIP seating at the ever-popular seal presentation, they'll also get insight into the inner workings of the aquarium.

Marine experts will take them behind the scenes to staff-only areas - they'll even get to help out with some animal feeding demonstrations.

The Marine Biologist for a Day program is a Sunshine Coast school holiday activity program. Spots are limited, so be sure to book ahead!

hidden natural wonders.

The shipwreck-themed structure, which is included in the admission price, is guaranteed to use up that excess energy and keep the kids entertained for hours. It's also conveniently located next to the cafe where you can grab yourself a well-deserved treat.

SEAL ENCOUNTER Get your kids an up close and unforgettable experience with SEA LIFE's furry and friendly seals - it's the best kids activity on the Sunshine Coast and an absolutely magical encounter. They'll be able to touch the seals' gorgeous fur, shake hands (or is that fins?) to get acquainted, and revel in their cheeky yet undeniably social nature. Then, to cap everything off, your child can pose for a photo alongside their new aquatic friend to take home.

Want to spend even more time with the seals? You can jump into the water with them at Seal Island! It's the ultimate face-to-face experience with the lovable seals. Swim, splash and play while learning all about the seal's habits, diets, environment and more during your Seal Swim.

DORY SHIPWRECK SHORES FINDING Created in partnership with Disney Shipwreck Shores is a kid's paradise, with a three-level indoor play zone featuring a themed twisty slide, climbing frames and fun obstacles.

Real life shipwrecks provide rich new habitats for creatures to grow, and like them, the shipwreck themed playground is a place of fun and adventure. If you look hard enough you might even discover its own

Pixar, the experience features interactive magical moments from the box-office smash hit, Finding Dory.

Throughout the interactive journey you will be amazed with tales of spectacular underwater animals as you are led into Dory's reef. Don't forget to also take part in Nemo's Challenge using your own echo locator in Bailey's Maze.

Family Seal Encounter.

Fun for the whole family.

JELLYFISH KINGDOM

Did you know that jellyfish have lived in oceans for over 650 million years? That means they're older than dinosaurs and even sharks. Get closer than you've ever dared before and spot the Blue Blubber and Moon Jelly in SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium's Jellyfish Kingdom. Marvel at these majestic creatures infinite colours, graceful motion and ghost-like form.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

Book yourself and the kids in for one of the Sunshine Coast's most unique activities at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium. The tour takes you behind closed doors to see what happens in the aquarium, along with learning about how SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast helps sick and injured turtles in their unique turtle rehabilitation area. The Behind the Scenes Tour is available every day and is just $10 extra on top of a general admission ticket. What a bargain!

So, what are you waiting for? Book your family in for a fun-filled day of Sunshine Coast kids activities at the aquarium!

12394738-LB38-18

14 SPRING 2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

reality bites Lucy Good helps single mums through her business and popular Facebook group Single Mum Vine.

Lucy recognised for helping single mums

By Hollie Harris SUNSHINE Coast 'mumpreneur' Lucy Good has been recognised for empowering single mums.

Lucy works with hundreds of single mothers through her business and popular Facebook group, the Single Mum Vine.

She sits at the centre of the think-tank of modern-day single motherhood, and is a sought after social commentator on single parent issues.

Her good work has been formally

recognised, with Lucy being named as a finalist for the 2018 AusMumpreneur Awards in two categories: Making A Difference (business) and Women Changing The World.

The awards are designed to recognise the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.

With very few resources to inspire single mums while giving them the knowledge to navigate every stage of single motherhood, Lucy has created an incredible network of support for women.

As well as having her own blog and podcast series, she has appeared several times on national television, speaks regularly on national and local radio and writes articles for online and print in parenting, news, lifestyle and business communities.

Lucy's mission is to help single mums navigate the maze of separation and divorce, and to confidently rebuild and embrace their new path in life. She also intends to reinvent the status of single mum, taking it to a positive and empowering place.

The Single Mum Vine on Facebook is a

Important workshops for young

community of single mums aspiring and achieving and taking their kids along for the ride.

The popular Facebook group is the place for single mums to feel warmth and companionship amongst like-minded single mums, and to share worries and achievements that only a single mum can understand. It's also a place where you can find advice and support that only on a single mum can provide.The winners of the 2018 AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced at a glamorous awards dinner in Melbourne as this publication goes to print, so we will follow up with Lucy again very soon.

girls

By Hollie Harris BETH Newman knows women and is passionate about informing and empowering young girls as they make the transition to womanhood.

The Sunshine Coast midwife of 14 years has brought many babies into the world and is renowned for her extensive knowledge and caring support.

During her work with pregnant women over many years, Beth has noticed a lack of respectful teachings for women and a large gap when it comes to educating young women about their bodies.

The local mum, who is also a celebrant, now hosts engaging and highly important workshops to teach girls the most important aspects of being a young woman.

'Walking the Emerging Woman' is a three-hour workshop that brings girls aged 10-12 years in circle. This is nothing new it's an age-old tradition of holding space for young girls transiting into a new phase of their lives.

The workshop teaches girls about menstruation education (having a period).

It includes discussions about their

The ''Walking the Emerging Woman'' workshops educate girls about transitioning to womanhood.

Beth Newman is passionate about teaching young girls about their bodies.

changing bodies, the 28-day cycle, what it means to have a period, strategies to cope (including an explanation of sanitary products available) and commonly asked questions such as 'what if I'm in school?' 'How does it start?'. The workshops finish with a creative hour to transfer the information received into artwork.

sanitary products.

the body is always preparing for some part of this 28-day phenomenon.

"Everything is a choice. This workshop highlights respect, confidentiality and kindness when sitting vulnerably with each other.

She said the workshops weren't about sex education or a place where young girls to be critical about themselves or others. All participants leave with a booklet containing information shared during workshop, a 'discreet' small bag, and their artwork.

Visual aids are used to help the girls learn about becoming a young woman.

There is a handmade poster on the wall to used to explain the female reproductive system and a demonstration of using

"Discussion within the circle takes place as much or as little as they individually choose." Beth also explains the 28-day menstrual cycle (without going into the heavy chemistry or biology of it) and how

To find out more about Beth's workshops, phone 0412103743, email hatchnmatch@yahoo.com or contact her via Facebook at holdingtime@beth. celebrant.midwife.

"Visual learning demystifies all things about periods and assists the girls to make informed choices, something I highlight throughout workshop," Beth said.

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www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SPRING 2018 15

reality bites

Helping couples

become parents

By Melissa Meehan IT'S not every day you meet someone who has helped bring 15 babies into the world.

But that's exactly what Carla Pincombe has done.

With three kids of her own, she has helped create 11 other babies through egg donation and carried one as a surrogate.

And she's not done yet - Carla is about to start trying for a sibling for the baby she carried as a surrogate. And another family is pregnant with an egg she donated.

I donated eggs to one family, then another and another.

Carla always loved being pregnant and during her third pregnancy it was a conversation with her then husband that got the ball rolling.

"He mentioned it was sad you couldn't get paid to be a surrogate in Australia like you do in US," she said.

"At that stage I was pregnant and had a one-year-old and a three-yearold. It made me start thinking - I can't be a surrogate, but I could donate eggs because we're not going to use them."

She looked into it further, but read that you needed to stop breastfeeding to donate so put it on the backburner.

When she stopped breastfeeding she joined an egg donor online forum and made a donation within three months.

"I donated eggs to one family, then another and another," she said.

She then met a gay couple through the forum.

"One of the boy's sister in laws had offered to be the surrogate and I had offered to be egg donor," she said.

"She had a couple of transfers but didn't fall pregnant so she pulled out.

And that's when I offered to be their surrogate as well, using my eggs."

Carla was pregnant in the middle of 2016 and have birth to a bouncing baby girl in March last year.

She understands that the idea of surrogacy for people who don't mix in those circles is something tough to get their head around.

She also agrees that it is not for everyone.

"Often people compare it to when you are pregnant for yourself and bond with the baby," she said.

"But for me it's wanting to do something for the parents - they want to have a child and I want to make them happy.

"My bonding is with the parents, not 16 SPRING 2018

You don't have any say over the babies that are born, the parents can't ask for child support, and the children can't ask for anything from the will when you die. the baby. It's quite a different experience."

It's something different for her kids too, who are now aged six, eight and 10, having to explain to their friends that while their mum was pregnant at school pickup - the baby wasn't going to be their brother or sister.

"I've been very open with them from the start - egg donation has always been a part of their lives they were 1, 3, 5 from the start," she said.

"So they've always known these people are related to us but are not brothers or sisters."

when you die," she said.

The process of egg donation is similar to IVF, according to Carla - but the embryo gets implanted into someone else.

That said, Carla stays in touch with all families she has donated to.

"You don't have any say over the babies that are born, the parents can't ask for child support, and the children can't ask for anything from the Will

"While biologically related to you, they are in no way part of your family."

"It's been very different, I have very different relationships with all eight recipients - I see a couple every now and then, have dinner with others and a few who have become great friends that I chat to every day." www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

reality bites

Gender reveals A HOT TREND

By Melissa Grant DISCOVERING whether your baby is a boy or girl is a momentous occasion.

Some parents-to-be find out during a scan or through a blood test, while others leave it a surprise until the birth.

However, an increasing number of couples are finding out their child's sex by holding a gender reveal announcement or celebration with family and friends.

Gender reveal events often involve the expectant parents popping balloons filled with pink or blue confetti, opening a box to release blue or pink balloons or cutting into a cake to reveal pink or blue sponge.

Some couples use smoke bombs or hand out scratch and see cards to share bub's gender.

Others go to extreme lengths to reveal whether they're having a boy or a girl. Some put on a fireworks display, hire fancy cars to do coloured smoke burnouts or jump out of planes with coloured parachutes.

Some gender reveal parties are a bit bizarre. An American dad, for instance, used a live alligator to bite into a melon that was blue on the inside.

Regardless of the method of celebration, it's clear gender reveals have become popular in the last decade.

Their increase in popularity has been linked to the rise of social media and data from Google Trends show the events weren't really searched online until around 2010.

Today, typing 'gender reveal' into YouTube yields more than 800,000 results.

Carnie Considine believes her son Beau, 8, decided he wanted the family to hold a gender reveal after watching one on YouTube. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Carnie's fourth child is due on September 18 and Beau, who already has two younger sisters, didn't want to wait until dad Glenn returned from the birth to discover his sibling's gender.

"I think he saw it on YouTube. He must have come across one of the videos," she said.

"He said 'oh mum can we do one of those balloons and find out what we are having?' I never felt it was my thing."

Carnie did the gender reveal while the family was holidaying in Byron with five other families.

She phoned a local company to pre-pay for a gender reveal balloon.

Her mum then phoned the obstetrician to find out bub's gender before calling the company to advise whether the confetti should be pink or blue.

Carnie said Beau and her daughters, Summer, 5, and Poppy 3, were hoping for blue confetti when the black balloon was popped.

"We had streamers, we did the countdown. I popped it and a big gust of wind came and blew the confetti everywhere."

The confetti was blue!

for the kids to bond with the baby."

However, the McKellars only n decided to do a gender reveal when they were about to get the results from blood tests taken at 10 weeks into the pregnancy.

Sam didn't want Jade to find out the gender before him, so they n organised to have the sex written on an envelope.

They thought it would be nice to open the envelope in front of their families, but Sam's parents were holidaying and wouldn't be back for 10 days.

"Those 10 days the envelope was sitting on my car seat next to me and I was like 'don't open it, don't open it,'" Jade said.

When the 10 days were up, the letter was taken to Lombards which sells gender reveal balloons. The McKellars got a big black balloon covered with question marks and filled with coloured foil confetti.

The couple bought some champagne and invited the whole family around for the big reveal.

"It was amazing. It was so emotional," Carnie said.

When they popped the balloon, confetti went high into the air and revealed they're expecting a girl.

"It was seriously the best thing we've ever done. People are still talking about it."

"It was really for the kids, but once we did it that was really fun," Jade said.

Mother-of-two Jade McKellar said she Googled 'gender reveals gone wrong' before she and husband Sam held their own celebration.

The Warrandyte couple were always going to find out the sex of their third child, due in November, instead of waiting until the birth like they did with their daughter Eliza, 4, and son Archie, 2.

"Getting rid of my pile of pink or pile of blue clothes that was the main reason," Jade said.

"And we also thought it was important

The Considine family discover their ne west member will be a boy.

"The balloon was definitely spectacular compared to the cake cuttings I've seen - it was a really big pop and you realise it's all over you and you have to look down (to discover the gender)."

Jade highly recommends a gender reveal announcement for anyone who wants to discover their baby's sex before the birth.

"If someone is dead set on finding out - it is a really fun way to do it.

"It was a really great surprise to have at the same time as all your family."

Eliza McKellar discovers the gender of her unborn sibling with coloured confetti.

SPRING 2018 17

books

A TOP GUIDE ON

navigating adolescence

By Melissa Grant

people are living at home longer."

YOU would be hard-pressed to find a parent who is looking forward to their child's teenage years.

Ms Robinson said it was important for parents to set boundaries and not give their children too much freedom too soon.

Adolescence is a risky and vulnerable time that can prove stressful and challenging for mums and dads.

"You're trying to find that middle ground between not treating them as a child, but they are not yet adults," she said.

There's bound to be conflict around technology and social media use, study (or lack of it) and risky behaviours such as binge drinking. Bullying and mental health issues may also arise.

"You hear a lot of parents letting go a bit too soon - not setting boundaries when they get to 15 or 16 and just giving them free rein and there are consequences for that."

These thorny topics are among those covered in Surviving Adolescents 2.0 by bestselling authors Michael Carr-Gregg and Elly Robinson.

Surviving Adolescents 2.0 covers how to navigate a teenager's use of tablets and phones, including social media.

The pair has fully revised and updated their original guide to learning how to survive - and thrive - with adolescents.

Much has changed since the leading child and adolescent specialists first wrote the guide just over a decade ago.

Apart from the obvious rise of technology and social media, the period of adolescence has become longer.

Ms Robinson said many children were now beginning puberty much earlier than a few decades ago.

"Often kids start puberty when they are still in primary school," she said.

"Menarche for girls used to be 16.

Now it's 13.

"And top end of adolescence, young

Dr D Michael Carr-Gregg.

Ms Robinson said technology, while not all bad, was a very powerful tool.

She said young people often turned to platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to try and research whether they were "normal".

As these platforms didn't relay reality, it was important to hold off on giving teens the green light to use them until they had the skills to do so in a positive way.

"If you think they are not socially mature enough, or don't have the skills to navigate online, hold off for a little while," Ms Robinson advised.

"For the first few months monitor what they are doing, have their passwords.

It's about being safe."

Ms Robinson said a lot had changed in relation to knowledge about mental

Adolescent expert Elly Robinson.

A health h lth iin the past decade and the updated book provided parents with some clear and concise information in this area.

There's also a chapter about risky behaviours and what to do if your child comes home drunk. There's another chapter about how to deal with a family breakdown while raising teenagers.

Effectively communicating with your teen - which Ms Robinson describes as "absolutely crucial" - is another key topic covered in the book.

"The best place to get a teenager talking is in the car because they can't escape and you don't have to make eye contact," she said.

"Some tips we give parents are be clear about what you want to say, make it short, and fundamentally the best advice is choose your battles.

"Nobody has died from a messy bedroom."

Penguin Life, RRP $22.99

Kids books..

How I (Didn't) Straighten My Hair (and other life lessons) Angela May George Dora has frizzy hair and spends a lot of time worrying about it.

She also spends a lot of time worrying about her friends and the school bully. That's until her dad loses his job and she ends up in hospital with a broken hand. As Dora tries to find her thing, she develops a thing for the boy who lives next door to her grandparents! A quirky tale about fitting in, friendship and growing up.

Scholastic, RRP $16.99

My Old Man He Played Rugby - Peter Millett, Illustrated by Jenny Cooper, Sung by Jay Laga'aia Little Rugby fans will love this book, which tells a fun sporting story to a very familiar tune.

"My old man, he played one, he played front row in the scrum, with a heave ho, here we go, playing in the zone, my old man came charging home.

My old man, he played two.. (you get the idea)." The book comes with a CD so you can play the book, sung by Jay Laga'aia, in the car.

Billie's Book - Ranjeeta Mayanglambam

How did I get here? - Philip Bunting

Pearl, The Magical Unicorn - Sally Odgers, Adele K Thomas

Creative and colourful, Billie's Book is a lovely story about the right way to treat others. The book is a simple and sweet reminder for your child to be kind, compassionate and considerate as they grow up in an ever-changing, dynamic and beautiful world.

Does your child ask how they got here? This picture book answers that, but may also raise a few questions. The book is an entertaining explanation about life on earth, from the big bang to birth. Cleverly illustrated, this book is fabulous for inquisitive kids who want to know where they came from.

Magical Unicorn Pearl doesn't quite know how to use her magic. However, Pearl is determined and, with the help of her friends, discovers her magical abilities which are put to the test when the trio run into some naughty, stinky creatures called gobble-uns. A fun and cleverly illustrated story that's sure to delight unicorn-obsessed kids.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $16.99

Scholastic, RRP $24.99

Scholastic, RRP $9.99

Scholastic, RRP $17.99 18 SPRING 2018

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Caloundra Music Festival brings music to the whole family.

What's on this spring 5- 26 SEPTEMBER Play Days Noosa Civic offers free Play Days every Wednesday between 10 am and 11am at the food court. To keep the kids entertained, the mornings have varying themes such as magic, babies and nursery rhymes. Further information can be found on the Noosa Civic website.

22 SEPTEMBER Open Air Movie Night Pack some rugs and pillows and bring the kids along for a movie night with a difference. Open Air Movie Nights will be featuring the blockbuster Avatar with market stalls, street food, and live entertainment at the Sunshine Coast Stadium. Live entertainment begins from 5.30pm, with the movie starting at 7pm. To find out more, contact hello@ openairmovienights.com.au

range of Australian and international artists to Kings Beach and surrounds.

Visitors can experience several days of music, food, arts, and culture. For ticket prices and more information visit the website at www. caloundramusicfestival.com

2 OCTOBER Nickleby the Magician presents presen t s 'It's ' It' s a Magical Life' Lif e ' This magical event features a 50-minute show combining comedy, magic, and audience participation. After the show, there is also an opportunity to attend Nickleby's Magic School where kids can master several magic tricks and take home their very own magic kit. The event is suitable for kids aged 5 to 12. A show and workshop bundle can be purchased for $49. For more information, visit www.thej.com.au/ nickleby-the-magician-presents-its-amagical-life

3 - 4 OCTOBER

12 - 14 OCTOBER

AOCRA Junior Titles

Noosa International s Rugby

Lake Kawana hosts the national outrigger championships for juniors.

From the youngest paddlers to up and coming champions in the older divisions, this is sure to be exciting viewing. To learn more about the event head to AOCRA website www.aocra. com.au.

6 OCTOBER

2018 G i n g e r Rally

Story Seat

Annie The J are bringing the lovable orphan Annie to the stage with a fresh twist on this timeless classic. The musical will feature a cast of over 20 performers and a live band. The show runs for 1 hour and 50 minutes and ticket prices start at $39. For more information head to www.thej.com.au/annie

28 SEPTEMBER - 1 OCTOBER C a l o un Ca u n d r a M u s i c Festival Fest i va l This family-friendly festival showcases a

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Rugby mad families will enjoy a weekend of sevens tournaments held at the Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club.

As one of Australia's premier rugby sevens events, tournaments include men's, women's, open schoolboy's, and open school girl's teams. Head to the website www.noosainternationalsevens. com.au for information about tickets.

The Ginger Factory will be celebrating Ginger Pride to encourage uniqueness in the community and to support anti-bullying. The family-friendly event begins at 10.30am with a short march followed by plenty of activities including music, tournaments, photo booths and more. Best of all, admission is free. Head to the website to find out more details, www.gingerfactory.com. au/the-ginger-rally

11 OCTOBER

26 - 29 SEPTEMBER

7

The Sunshine Coast Council Libraries present Story Seat at Maroochy Lions Park from 9.30am to 11am. The event will feature the uplifting Bob Graham story Home in the Rain and will be followed by games. Bring along a blanket and snacks and make a morning of it.

13 OCTOBER Nambour Gemfest

2018

For an educational day out with the kids, visit the annual Nambour Gemfest held at the Nambour Showgrounds. The Nambour Lapidary Club presents fossickers, jewellers, traders and more displaying and selling their wares. Entry is $5 with children under 12 free.

21 NOVEMBER Radical Reels Tour

2018

Older kids will enjoy this action-packed evening of short films presented by The J focusing on adventurers, explorers, climbers, skiers, and more. The films were chosen from the more than 300 entries in the Banff Mountain Film Festival. This evening event begins at 7pm and tickets start from $26. Further information can be found on the j website.

SPRING 2018 19

We’re All Smurfs Village.

Visit the Smurf Village then get creative in the Craft Village these school holidays. Plus, meet Papa Smurf himself!

Dates: Times:

Monday 24th September to Friday 5th October 11am to 2pm daily Gold coin donation, proudly supporting the Beyond Blue Foundation.

Visit noosacivic.com.au for full details. *Craft village closed Queen's Birthday.

- 2017 - Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels) - www.smurfs.com

12398012-DJ38-18

20 SPRING 2018

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