Sunshine Coast Kids Today Spring 2019

SPRING 2019

Our cookbook queen’s

road to fame Coming together to

beat bullies Steve Biddulph on

why dads MATTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY

A Star News Group Publication

Coast mum

soaks up success

About Us Spring into our new look magazine HELLO everyone!

Welcome to the spring edition of Sunshine Coast Kids Today.

Can you believe it's spring already? The weeks are certainly flying by - it's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner!

November marks two years since we brought you the first issue of this very special Star News Group publication.

We are so proud of this magazine and it's such a pleasure to be part of the team that puts it together.

You may notice this edition looks a bit different - and you're right! We've given the magazine a bit of a refresh. As always though, the magazine is jampacked full of great reads about local families and parenting issues.

This edition features some fabulous reading about Sunshine

Coast mums doing great things.

There's mother of three Kelly Lavery who has invented 'The Strucket' - the world's first strainer meets bucket. She created the game-changing soaking solution when she found herself back in the land of dirty nappies and newborn mess.

We also caught up with Kim McCosker, the Caloundra mum behind the highly successful 4 Ingredients cookbooks. Kim's story is one of determination.

Motivated to repay the money she had taken from the family mortgage to fund her business venture, she loaded up her pram with cookbooks and knocked on doors to get sales. Kim is now a global phenomenon with a string of sought-after cookbooks and her own TV shows.

Then there's Raeleen Kaeseahgen, a mum nominated for two coveted business awards after

founding online booking site mudputty, which had its software platform developed in-house on the Sunshine Coast.

We hope you enjoy this edition. If you know of a local parent or child doing great things, please get in touch.

On a personal note, this edition will be my last for the year.

My husband and I are due to welcome our second child in late September. I expect to be back early next year (although a little more bleary-eyed).

Don't forget to like Sunshine Coast Kids Today on Facebook and Instagram.

You can also check out our website at sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au for the latest parenting news and things to do for families on the Sunshine Coast.

IT’S YOUR LIFE

EDUCATION

KIDS CALENDAR

Coast cookbook queen’s road to fame PAGE 3

Readers notch up 100 million words PAGE 14

What’s on this spring PAGE 19

Local mum creates soaking solution PAGES 4-5

Smart school bags on the way PAGE 14

Becoming a mumpreneur PAGE 6

What will a Montessori high school offer?

PAGE 15

Sunshine Beach mum’s fight for life PAGE 8 Coming together to beat bullies PAGE 9 What dads do and why it matters PAGE 10

ACTIVE KIDS MyFirstGym school holiday camps return PAGE 11

HEALTH Life after breast cancer PAGE 12

Sunshine Coast Kids Today c/o Noosa Today 36 Mary Street, Noosaville, Qld, 4566 Online: sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Facebook.com/SunshineCostKids Today Editorial Abbey Cannan editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday. com.au Phone: 07 5455 6946 Advertising Phill Le Petit Advertising Sales Manager phill.lepetit@noosatoday.com.au Phone: 07 5455 6946 COVER: Strucket’ inventor Kelly ‘The Stru Lavery, Lav avery e , husband Alistair Lavery and th ttheir e children Jude, Marley Imogen. an Im and mo Picture: Picture Pi re Liza Gillatt Photography

CONTENTS

Paige punches her way to the top PAGE 8

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

Dietitican’s simple lunchbox advice PAGE 16 Noosa Early Learning’s holistic approach PAGE 16

SPRING 2019

Our cookbo cookbook queen's

road to fam fame Coming together to

beat bullies

A Star N News Group Publication

Coast mum Coa

soaks up success soa

ENTERTAINMENT A treasure trove of costumes on the Coast PAGE 17

BOOKS A horsey tale for kids PAGE 18 Children’s books PAGE 18

Song to make toothbrushing fun PAGE 12 How to handle a dental emergency PAGE 13

sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

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instagram.com/sunshinecoastkidstoday

It’s Your Life

Serving busy parents a key ingredient for success

By Melissa Grant KIM McCosker's recipe for success began over a decade ago while on maternity leave for her second child.

The busy mum wanted a cookbook to help her get a quick meal on the table at the end of the day, but couldn't find one.

Kim thought it was strange such a cookbook was difficult to find given how many parents had little time for meal preparation, so she decided to create her own collection of recipes using four ingredients.

Back then Kim, whose background was in finance, had no idea she would become a global phenomenon.

Never could she have dreamt that initial 4 Ingredients cookbook would become a bestseller, let alone lead to a career as a celebrity cook with titles published in 12 countries and sales topping 9 million.

In the beginning, Kim was simply thinking about how to repay the money she'd redrawn from the family mortgage to fund the first print run.

After spending more than a year collating recipes, Kim and her then business partner were rejected by potential publishers.

"We failed dismally - we couldn't even get past the gatekeeper, the receptionist," Kim recalled.

"The second option is to selfpublish and that's essentially what we did.

"I had to take $26,000 out of our family's mortgage to self-fund initially.

Motivated to repay the money she had taken from the

mortgage, Kim knocked on doors to get sales.

"I packed the pram with cookbooks and off we went!" Kim managed to sell around 500 of the 2000 cookbooks printed.

Realising that wheeling a cookbook loaded pram around local neighbourhoods was a time-poor way to distribute, she began focusing on marketing her product.

When a community newspaper in Brisbane's northern suburbs ran a story about the venture, bookshops called wanting to stock the title and sales began to take off.

Incredibly, the initial 4 Ingredients cookbook has now sold over 3 million copies.

Kim puts much of her success down to the fact that many people like herself don't have time to follow complex, gourmet meals.

"I love watching Masterchef, but the reality is I walk into my kitchen and go 'what can I make with puff pastry, egg, bacon and onion'," she said.

"I've got three beautiful boys (aged 11, 14 and 17) and god forbid they want to play the same sport.

"In most cases, I'm walking in the door at 10 to 6 ... everyone is starving and saying 'what's for dinner?' and I only have time for four ingredients.

"It doesn't matter if you are a stay-at-home mum or retiree, the world has never been busier."

Preparing tasty and inexpensive family meals is the focus throughout Kim's 34 published cookbooks, which include gluten-free, diabetic and allergy titles.

Kim McCosker and her family.

Sunshine Coast mum Kim McCosker, the woman behind 4 Ingredients.

The collection also features the children focused titles, Kids 4 Ingredients and Baby Bowl.

Currently, Kim's working on a vegetarian cookbook plus podcast and a pilot for free-to-air TV. Although she's flat out, Kim regularly finds time to cook with her sons in the kitchen of their family home at Caloundra.

She encourages parents to get their kids involved in the household meal preparation.

"We all know that cooking helps develop your child's fine motor skills and it's also an early basis for maths and science," she said.

"I love seeing kids in the kitchen."

COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY One lucky Sunshine Coast Kids Today reader will win one copy each of Baby Bowl AND 4 Ingredients Kids.

For your chance to win, visit www.sunshinecoastkidstoday. com.au and click on competitions.

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SPRING 2019 3

It’s Your Life

Local mum creates a soaking solution

Kelly Lavery with husband Alistair Lavery and their children Marley, Jude and Imogen.

By Abbey Cannan FROM a moment of desperation, Sunshine Coast mother of three Kelly Lavery turned an idea into an invention and the Strucket was born.

The Strucket is the world's first strainer meet bucket. The innovative system promises to modernise the way you soak and drain.

Kelly said the idea for the Strucket came to her after having her third baby, which was nine years after the last one.

"I found myself back in the land of dirty nappies and newborn mess again," Kelly said.

"Having two older kids, life was busy and dirty laundry would often sit in buckets for days, going yucky and smelly.

"I just thought there had to be a better way to make soaking bodily fluids more hygienic. I started researching for a better option and couldn't find one, so I invented my own."

Kelly moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2002 after spending five years travelling abroad.

"The community feel of the Sunshine Coast is my absolutely favourite thing, the rapport I

4 SPRING 2019

have established with all my favourite stores and shopping local is a favourite of mine," she said.

"I have a wonderful, fulfilling life here and it's truly my home."

It took Kelly just three years to take her idea and turn it into a product, launching in December 2018.

"Strucket is the culmination of three years of research, design, prototype, tooling, testing, grant applications, sourcing funding, and sleepless nights," she explained.

"I had to learn about patents, tooling, technical engineering and pitching, often the hard way, through trial and error.

"But each stumble led me to the next door that would open.

I got really good at asking for advice and assistance from those who knew more about the process than I did."

When Strucket initially launched it was targeted to the parenting retail market. But it turns out the appeal for the product was massive across industries including aged care, disability, incontinence and camping.

Kelly said the response from consumers had been amazing,

Picture: Liza Gillatt Photography

with the product beginning to turn a profit in March just four months after its launch.

"When we exhibit at trade shows, we sell out before the second day.

"People are loving the simplicity of Strucket and how it just makes laundry life so much easier and more hygienic. We are being approached by major retailers to stock Strucket and are blown away by the stockists who want our product."

A day in Kelly's life begins like most parents, with the rush of getting everyone off for the day.

"My husband heads of to his Chiropractic Clinic in Buderim, the two older girls go to school and the little man heads to kindy, so I'm whizzing around Buderim getting everyone where they need to go," Kelly said.

"I then head out to the warehouse in Coolum and my workday begins by 9.30am. It's generally full of meetings and computer work and all things Strucket, I just love it."

Kelly says being able to manage her own day allows her to collect the children in the afternoon and begin the homework

and dinner routine.

"My husband arrives home at 7.30pm and I'm able to continue Strucket computer work until about 9.30pm.

"As Strucket has expanded there is frequent travel interstate and overseas. Luckily, I have my beautiful mum, husband and girlfriends who help me with the children while I'm away. It really is a team effort to get Strucket where it needs to go. It's an exciting time."

For Kelly, it has been a gradual progression to balancing her work and life commitments.

"With some forward planning you can absolutely follow your business dreams and be a good mother," she said.

"Jude was only six months old when I had the idea. I started a time map with how I thought the next few years would look if I pursued it; I managed time and finances around it.

"I initially started with a nanny one day a week when Jude was one. The next year, I did two days with a nanny. When he was three, I started him in kindy and now he attends three days a week.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

The game-changing Strucket.

"We have had to sacrifice a few things along the way when finances have been limited because I've put it into Strucket but the family has thrived.

"The children are learning valuable lessons during this journey too. They are also seeing their mother shine with happiness because she is pursuing her dreams."

Kelly's favourite thing about

KELLY'S TOP 3 TIPS FOR BUSY MUMS: 1. Your happiness is most important - it allows you to be the best mother you can.

Make sure you allocate time to do the things you love. Even if it's just sitting out in the sun and having a coffee. Make it happen.

2. Don't sweat the small stuff.

If the house is a mess and it's all just too much, walk out the door and leave it all behind for an hour or

Picture: Krista Eppelstun

being a mum is the laughter that comes from the funny things her kids say.

"It's the moments where you look over at them and have an extreme sense of pride for how amazing they are and how fortunate I am to be their mother," she said.

"They fill my life with so much love, I'm excited for our future as a family."

two. When you return, you'll cope with it in a better frame of mind.

3. Get down to your children's level. They grow so fast.

Most of the time the one thing they want is your attention. By getting down to their level and speaking with them, reading a book or playing for just 20 minutes you will have filled their bubble and they will be happy for the rest of the day The Lavery family.

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Picture: Liza Gillatt Photography

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Discover more about Flinders’ vibrant and caring environment and how we educate for excellence in learning and life.

For more information and to book a personalised tour, visit www.mfac.edu.au

Stringybark Rd, Buderim | 07 5477 3260 | Find us on www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SPRING 2019 5

It’s Your Life

Becoming a ‘mumpreneur’ Noosa local and mother of two Raeleen Kaeseahgen.

By Abbey Cannan IF you use a mobile phone or surf online, chances are you are using a product or service such as a website, an app, a game or a social network created by a tech entrepreneur.

It takes a lot passion and perseverance to become a successful tech entrepreneur, and not everyone is going to be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates.

Many may think they have a billion-dollar tech idea that will change the industry, but there are a lot of necessary steps to actually get that idea off the ground.

Someone who knows exactly how to take an idea and bring it into existence is Noosa mother of two Raeleen Kaeseahgen.

Raeleen's tech business has been nominated in the 2019 AusMumpreneur Awards and 2019 Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

Raeleen founded an online booking site in February called mudputty.com and her team developed their software platform in-house on the Sunshine Coast, in under 12 months.

Mudputty is an online community of classes, workshops and activities for women, men and children of all ages and interests, including outdoor and adventure, technology, health and wellness, food and drink, language and culture, entertainment and business.

As a mum of two, Raeleen 6 SPRING 2019

understands the power of community. In a world so connected, yet disconnected, so many are lonely and seeking their 'village'.

When she became a mum, she found a support network was vital and started looking for classes to connect with other local mums and learn something new.

What she found was that many people were closing down their classes due to lack of attendance and the hassle of administering a business.

"The idea for mudputty came through my own frustrations of trying to find local classes," Raeleen said.

"As a mum I use classes for myself socially, for the kids as things to do and at a higher level I feel face-to-face classes and workshops provide a connection for community - taking us out of the online disconnected world and reconnecting us back with interests and things we love doing.

"Trying to find local classes was so time-consuming, having to look in so many places, only to come up empty-handed. I wanted to check if it was just me or if others were having the same problem.

"I surveyed people in mum's groups, at cafes, people out for a walk, people of all ages and interests. From the survey it was clear people were just as frustrat-

Picture: Dave Gleeson, Surfshots

ed as me in trying to find classes and wanted to be able to find classes by very filtered searches quickly and be able to instantly book.

"I then asked providers of classes about their biggest issues and problems. The biggest problem was lack of attendees. They would tell me how they'd spend hours handing out flyers, posting online, telling their friends to spread the word ... yet all they would get are a few attendees turn up."

Raeleen said the reaction has been tremendous to the site since launching Australia wide in February.

"With over 1000 hosts and helping thousands of people find classes in their own backyard they never knew existed - the feedback has been wonderful," she said.

Raeleen said it was wonderful to be recognised by people in the community after being nominated for a Sunshine Coast Business Award.

"Also being nominated in the People Choice AusMumpreneur Awards in the 'Business Making a Difference' category is an absolute highlight - as it means people are resonating with the purpose of mudputty and the difference we want to make," she said.

Noosa is a growing hub of entrepreneurs and Raeleen's

Raeleen Kaeseahgen is excited her tech business has been nominated in the 2019 AusMumpreneur Awards and 2019 Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

company recently moved into the Peregian Digital Hub to be colocated with other high-growth local startups.

"The digital talent in Noosa is far beyond what meets the eye," Raeleen said.

"As a tech entrepreneur who moved here 10 years ago, I didn't realise the talent on our own doorstep. There's an amazing buzz with great things happening and Noosa is definitely the place to watch as the place for great emerging businesses."

As a mum, Raeleen doesn't get much spare time these days as she spends her days juggling her business and family life.

"My theory is there's no wrong or right way to do it. Just go with what works for you. For me that means being different and being OK with having no time off.

"I like the saying you can have everything, just not all at once. I can climb Everest, I can have a baby, I can do nothing and have an amazing social life, just not all at the same time." www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Looking for an affordable family fun day out on the School Holidays? Visit Noosa Aquatic Centre for Inflatable Fun, shaded pools, café, BBQ entertainment areas - open daily!

Find out more at www.noosaaquaticcentre.com.au

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SPRING 2019 7

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It’s Your Life

Paige punches her way to the top

By Ron Lane DESPITE being only 14 years of age Paige Robinson, in her chosen sport of amateur boxing, is already starting to turn heads.

Standing 160cm and weighing in at 50kg, the teen has a record of 20 fights for 16 wins, three of which have been on the international stage at tournaments in New Zealand.

When asked why she chose boxing her reply was simple.

"My young brother Cohen was a member of the Impact Boxing Academy in Cooroy and one evening I just went to watch him train," Paige said.

"I saw what he was doing, just loved it and straight away decided to join. At that time I was playing touch football but decided to give it away and just do boxing. I am so glad I did because I think it is a great sport; keeps me fit and I make a lot of new friends.''

Training under the watchful eye of coach Mark Evans, Paige's success at international and local

level has been outstanding.

Paige, who boxes in the orthodox style, has two state and a national golden gloves title to her credit.

"When you watch her, her style and movements are well beyond the level of other fighters of her age," Evans said.

After four years of training, two of which has seen her in competition, Paige's progress has been such that she has now been invited to join the Queensland Future Boxing Program Team.

This is a program formulated to provide top coaching and social training for outstanding purples that will see them progress to elite level; with the ultimate goal being National and Olympic team selection.

Away from boxing Paige studies at Noosa District State High

Paige Robinson with her coach Mark Evans.

School. She's in Year 9 and admits to a love for the music of AC/DC. "It was because of (coach) Mark that I started to listen; whenever I was training it was in the background and I couldn't help but listen. After a while (she added with a laugh and a quick look to see if her coach was listening) I started to like his music."

For Paige, boxing is a family affair. Her young brother Cohen is boxing, her father Danny is working as assistant club coach,

and on the home front mum Meghan gives total support.

Her success is due to a "selfimposed" heavy training routine of two sessions a day; 5.30am then school and back to the gym at 6pm.

"Women's sport is changing," said her proud dad. "It's really taken off; they train just as hard as the men. Under the supervision of Mark, the wife and I, we are very careful, but encourage her to follow her dreams."

Sunshine Beach mum up for the fight of her life

By Abbey Cannan JUST six years after losing her mum to breast cancer, Sunshine Beach local Halie Adams became the youngest woman in Australia to be diagnosed with the disease.

After a gruelling two year fight, which included chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, the then 20-year-old miraculously beat the deadly disease and was given the all-clear.

At 40 years of age with two young boys, Halie was about to celebrate being in remission for two decades.

That was, until her world came crashing down on 23 May this year when she was diagnosed with Stage Four, primarily ovarian, chest, liver and heart cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer affecting women in Australia.

In 2015, 1365 new cases of ovarian cancer were diagnosed.

Halie said her diagnosis came as a massive shock after being in remission for 20 years.

"Basically, I'm up for the fight of my life," she said.

"I'm a very positive person and I believe I have the strength in me to do this again as I am a fighter.

8 SPRING 2019

Sunshine Beach local Halie Adams with her family Mark, Lachie and Cody.

Picture: Dave Gleeson, Surfshots

"I'm going to fight hard for my children and my partner."

Halie initially thought she might be pregnant again after feeling what she thought were symptoms, but once she had her period she decided to visit the doctor.

There is currently no screening for ovarian cancer available in Australia and the symptoms are quite broad.

"After having multiple scans, I got given the terrible news by my doctor," Halie said.

Halie has lived at Sunshine

Beach with her family for six years. She's always loved to keep active by spending her days playing tennis with friends and jogging 10kms while pushing a pram carrying her two boys.

She's incredibly grateful to be a mum. After undergoing chemotherapy at age 20, Halie was told by doctors it was unlikely she would be able to have children.

Halie always wanted to have her own kids and, during her chemotherapy, she had part of her ovary removed and frozen.

"It's a miracle that I had my two boys naturally and I feel blessed," she said.

"In a way, it really is a miracle that I had two boys as if I had a baby girl, she would have carried the same the BRACA 1 gene, which is the breast cancer gene and has come from my genetic make-up.

"Both my mother passed at 37, and my aunt at 35 years from the disease."

With Halie currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Kawana Hospital, she is unable to continue to work and financially her family (Mark, Lachie and Cody) need help.

Halie's friends have started a GoFundMe fundraiser for anyone who wishes to give the family a helping hand.

Halie said while she appreciates people are donating, she really just wants to spread awareness.

"I was about to do some work for breast cancer awareness as it was my 20 years of remission, but that has all changed now," Halie said.

"Your body is a temple, so look after it."

To donate, visit GoFundMe and search 'Help Halie Fight Cancer'. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s Your Life Coming together to

beat bullies THERE is a major problem throughout Australia that cannot be ignored, for it involves all parents who have children of school age.

The problem is the schoolyard bully.

So widespread that rarely a week goes by that it does not feature in our evening news; and in some cases it has resulted in mental breakdown and even suicide.

But now on the Sunshine Coast, a group of four boys have decided to tackle this problem head on.

Despite the fact they are only fourteen years of age, they have made remarkable advances - not only in their own school but also at a state, national and international level.

It was on 12 March last year that the boys decided to speak up.

"As a team we felt that the underlying problem was that children often feel embarrassed or intimated to talk to teachers parents or other adults.

"So we decided that a good idea would be to form a team of kids, that kids can talk to and we could help give advice. We came up with the name Bully Buddies; and that started our journey."

These young men, who clearly carry old heads on young shoulders, are Luca Dadzio, Charlie Fraser, Xavier Hargreaves and Lachy Sandford- Bell, students of St Andrews Anglican College at Peregian Springs.

"Before I became a Bully Buddy I was just a regular kid who liked playing AFL and cricket," Charlie said."It wasn't until my teacher, Mrs Green, asked myself, along with some other kids, if we wanted to participate in a competition about solving modern day problems that I began to have an interest in the Bully Buddies program. Bully Buddies has meant so much to me because you know you are helping kids who are being bullied."

The teens, all good mates, decided to participate in the 2019 Community Problem Solving Project and chose schoolyard bullying as their endeavour.

Having been victims of bullying and knowing the importance of self-belief, the boys wanted to help, educate and give their fellow students tools to rise above bullying.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

After many months of hard work the students submitted their project, winning first the Queensland Division, then on to Melbourne where they won the Future Problem Solving National Final.

As the winners of the Australian Championship, they were invited to represent their country at the Future Problem Solving International Final at the University of Massachusetts America.

"Being a part of this journey has changed me as a person," Lachy said.

"I have made more friends, became more confident in what I do, but importantly I have gotten the opportunity to change my school, my community and my country."

On 4 July, accompanied by school mentor Mrs Green and others, Bully Buddies were on their way to the University of Massachusetts. Two days later they were involved in the Future Problem Solving International Final Opening Ceremony.

Later that week during the awards ceremony, it was announced that the winners in the International Champions in Human Service Division of the Junior Community Problem Solving Competition, were the Bully Buddies of Australia.

To confront such a major problem is in itself worthy of praise, but to do so at such a young age and receive international recognition, speaks volumes for not only the boys but also their parents, and teachers.

"Bully Buddies has been one of the greatest experiences of my life; it has been awesome to work with my friends and coming up with ways to prevent bullying," Luca said.

"It is great knowing that we have spread our message across our school and community. Being able to go to America, to represent our country and present our ideas to the world, and of course winning, has been such a great honour."

Fellow Bully Buddies member, Xavier agreed: "It is wonderful to have recognition, all the way over the other side of the world.

I appreciate the hard work and commitment given by our coach Mrs Green and the assistance from St Andrews and the Sunshine Council in getting us there.

In years to come, I will always remember this experience."

The Bully Buddies.

Picture: Dave Gleeson, Surfshots

2019 STEINER CHILDREN S FESTIVAL

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By Ron Lane

Sunday September 15th 10am - 3pm Live Music Enjoy the soul infused music by our talented students, teachers and parents.

Plus an Open-Mic Mini Stage!

Live Bee Demos!

Special Guest ‘Native Bee Nick’.

Win a handmade Native Bee Hive!

Fun Activities Join the Gem Hunt Make your own Wooden Sword Enjoy a River Run Tie-dye your own Shirt Climb the Rock wall Crafts and more!

Delicious Food Curry House Sausage Sizzle Wood Fired Pizza Sushi Cake House Plus More!

Giant Raffle

Over $5000 in Prizes including Accommodation Packages plus much more!

PARKING: at The Pony Club on Fellowship Drive Doonan. A free shuttle bus will be available from the carpark to the school. Sorry NO DOGS allowed (except guide dogs). http://www.noosasteiner.qld.edu.au/

Wheelchair access is available at the school on Nyell Road.

Poster Art By: Sheila Caskey

Presented by the Parents and Friends of Noosa Pengari Steiner school

SPRING 2019 9

It’s Your Life

What dads do and why it matters so much

We know a lot now about how beneficial dads are for kids.

World renowned author Steve Biddulph.

IN the last few days of my father’s life, I stayed in the hospital to be near him and we had many great talks.

One day he told me something that happened when I was only a couple of days old.

He had put me in the pram, and with the aim of giving my mum some time for a nap, taken me down the high street of the small Yorkshire town where we lived.

As he got among the crowds, he noticed people looking at

IF THERE IS NO DAD Mothers raising sons alone need to know one thing - women can raise boys to be fine men, and have done so for thousands of years. When I talk to mums whose sons are grown and thriving, they often say they made sure he knew some good men, and that they encouraged granddads or uncles, or chose

10 SPRING 2019

him and frowning. Then some children ran behind him, jeering and calling out.

At this point in telling the story, dad faltered. He was on a lot of morphine, and I wondered if he was falling asleep. But then I realised he was starting to cry.

I said “what were they calling out?” And he said, “your dad’s your mum”. They were making fun of a man pushing a baby in a pram - in the 1950s that was unknown. He was a shy man, and abandoned his walk and went down a side road for home.

I think, looking back, that he was saying “I tried to be a hands-on dad”. He was proud of my work and books which had encouraged so many dads to play a more active part in their children’s lives. His story suddenly brought home to me that many men of earlier generations would have liked to be closer to their children, but it wasn’t really seen as a man’s role.

We know a lot now about how

activities where they would have safe, kind men helping them. That matters most in the mid-teen years when boys are deciding what kind of man they want to be.

In my talks, I always tell the guys that if they are planning a trip or experience with their son to invite along his friend who might not have a dad. We

beneficial dads are for kids. For sons, it seems to give them an idea of what being a good man looks like. Especially from ages 6-14, sons worship their dads and want to be like them, and follow them about, desperate for their approval. It helps if, from birth onward, dad has a caring role, equally able to cuddle, comfort, play and read to them. But it’s never too late to start.

Richard Fletcher at Newcastle University has researched rough and tumble play with dads and kids. He is convinced it’s part of the way kids learn to be safe and moderate their emotions, learning to be excited but safe at the same time.

Girls often love this kind of play too. My friend Professor Bruce Robinson, at UWA, believes girls derive a lot of their self esteem from dads, because he is their first opposite sex role model.

It’s so important that dad conveys she is special and important, interesting and worthwhile. It

guys have to fill the gaps in the fathering net so boys don’t fall through just because their father is not around. Parenthood is a community job, and if we realise boys and girls both need to know friendly, affirming and interested father figures, then we will have less problems when kids grow up. They will know what a good man looks like, either to be, or to

can be as simple as going to her sports (and being her biggest fan), walking the dog, or sitting with her every night to catch up on the best and worst things that happened in her day.

New studies have found when a new baby arrives, the father’s hormones change. They become more placid, less competitive and nicer people! They switch into caring mode, and feel happier being close to their children.

But it takes a bit of practice for mums to share the parenting and accept that dads might do it differently. Dads are likely to be more adventurous, physical and messy, but that’s good for kids and helps them be more confident.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a dad, or have one nearby. But every time I post an article about the good things dads do on my Facebook community pages, hundreds of mothers tag their husbands. I hope it’s to say “this is what you do!”

choose as a partner.

Steve Biddulph’s two books Raising Boys in the 21st Century and Raising Girls in the 21st Century are available in audiobooks for dads who don’t read a lot. His final round of talks will be in Melbourne and Sydney between August and October.

Visit www.stevebiddulph. com for details.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Active Kids

MyFirstGym holiday camps return MYFIRSTGYM Maroochydore has got the school holidays sorted.

We know it can be hard to think of new activities or fun ways to keep the kids entertained over school holidays - so we're making it easy!

These holidays we'll be running six specialty MyFirstGym Camps, based around the children's favourite activities with our fantastic coaches, Matt, Kelsey, and Tom. Water and fruit will be provided but you can bring snacks for the kiddies.

The MFG Holiday Camp dates are as follows: • 24 September: Ninja Warrior • 25 September: Parkour • 26 September: Gymnastics • 1 October: Parkour • 3 October: Ninja Warrior • 5 October: Omaha Kids Nutrition Workshop

Spaces are strictly limited to ensure that all athletes get the close attention and coaching they need to develop their skills and technical understanding of each discipline.

Places will fill up quickly don't miss your chance to secure your child's spot!

Members Price: $30 per camp and $15 for Foodie workshop Guest Price: $35 per camp and $20 for Foodie workshop MyFirstGym Maroochydore's normal timetable will also be running for members, so if you haven't joined already get in touch.

The MyFirstGym Maroochydore team looks forward to seeing you!

To secure a place, please call 0498 036 608 or email maroochydore@myfirstgym.com. au Get the kids active at MyFirstGym Maroochydore.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER Tuesday 24th September

Ninja Warrior

Wednesday 25th September

Parkour

Thursday 26th September

Gymnastics

Tuesday 1st October

Parkour

Thursday 3rd October

Ninja Warriors

Saturday 5th October

Ohama Kids Nutrition Workshop

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Health

Life after breast cancer BREAST Cancer!

The words that no woman ever wants to hear but unfortunately so many do.

The good news is, survival rates are improving due to many factors.

Gone are the days where a mastectomy patient has to settle for being uncomfortable in a poorly fitted bra. No more 'frumpy' lingerie ... ever!

The other good news is that the federal government will cover the cost of your breast prosthesis up to $400, per breast every two years for the rest of your life.

Many private health funds also cover the cost of post mastectomy bras, so it's definitely worth giving them a call.

The key to success, and looking beautiful in your own

clothes again, is to have a professional fitting by a trained lingerie and prosthesis fitter.

At Tracey G Prosthetics and Lingerie Maroochydore and now East Brisbane, the team are Amoena trained and certified fitters, and won't be satisfied with your new look, unless you are.

The whole store is for you so there is so much to choose from!

Tracey G Prosthetics and Lingerie are located directly across from the Maroochy RSL on First Ave. Call 0466 828144 or go to traceyg.com

Brush Song to make toothbrushing fun KIDS often resist toothbrushing.

However, they may now find the daily task more fun thanks to a new song launched by Queensland Health.

Chief Dental Officer Mark Brown said parents could use the easy-to-remember song as a tool to make night-time and morning brushing routines a whole lot easier.

"Our dental animation is a new, educational tool for parents

to play while they help their kids brush their teeth," he said.

"The song goes for two minutes, which is the recommended brushing time.

"The lyrics are also a fun take on our dental health messages - use a soft

toothbrush with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, and brush for two minutes, twice a day, every day."

Dr Brown said data showed too many Queensland kids had poor oral health."The latest data shows more than half of kids aged 5 to 14 attending Queensland Health oral health services have a history

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY BREAST CANCER?

of tooth decay. Around 24 per cent experience decay in four or more teeth," he said.

"We want to turn these stats around and promote good oral health right from the getgo - and to do that, we need to make toothbrushing fun and our messages easily understandable."

The Brush Song can be accessed on Queensland Health's Facebook page or by visiting https://youtu.be/O4wDITXrvrc

Let us HELP YOU

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Health

How to handle a

dental emergency

YOU only need to be around kids for a second to realise that bumps, knocks and spills are a part of growing up.

Step 2: Find the tooth as quickly as possible and pick it up by the crown - avoid touching the 'root' of the tooth.

If your child has an accident involving their teeth follow the steps below.

Step 3: Forget everything you've read about storing the tooth in milk or glad wrap. Just put it straight back in the socket, no matter how gruesome that seems!

If it is dirty give it a rinse for a second or two first with milk or water. Do not scrub or soak the tooth. Make sure the tooth is facing the right way. Compare it to the surrounding teeth to make sure you've got it right. Once it's in, gently bite down on a piece of cloth or tissue to help keep the tooth in place.

Baby tooth knocked out Step 1: Remain calm.

Step 2: If it is a baby tooth do not attempt to put it back in.

Step 3: Call for an immediate dental examination, because dentists are best qualified to assess the damage and recommend what needs to be done.

Bring the tooth with you.

Step 4: Attend regular dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor how the adult teeth are developing.

Adult tooth knocked out Children will usually have their adult front teeth from around 7 years of age. If an adult tooth is knocked out it's important to act quickly.

Step 1: Remain calm

Anything longer than about seven minutes out of the mouth means the tooth has little chance of surviving long-term, so getting the tooth back in should be your top priority.

Step 4: See a dentist immediately.

Use the emergency number of your dentist or Facebook Messenger if after hours.

Adult front tooth pushed back but not knocked out Step 1: Slowly but firmly push the tooth/teeth back (or more usually forward) into position. It is important that the front teeth are repositioned so the back teeth can touch ASAP. If you're too squeamish, let us do it. Never push a baby tooth back without seeing a dentist as you could accidentally damage the developing adult tooth underneath.

Step 2: Come in to get things assessed.

Cracked, chipped or broken tooth If you or your child chips their tooth always book an appointment to see your dentist. If it is only a small piece, it is not an emergency, but you still need to have it examined. Try to collect any tooth fragments and bring them with you as it may be possible to reattach them to the tooth.

Just because you can't see any damage doesn't mean it's not there. A knock to the tooth or

mouth can cause cracks in the teeth or their roots that will may not be visible and will require an assessment by your dentist.

Don't leave things without getting them fixed - if left unchecked, the damage caused by an injury can lead to infection and decay requiring more complex treatment or even loss of the tooth.

Dental emergencies can be stressful for everyone involved.

Try to remain calm and get the right treatment from your dentist as soon as possible.

At Kawana Dental, the entire team is totally dedicated to improving your dental health; and they would consider it a great privilege to look after you and your family.

For more information about our Kawana Dental family and lots of useful resources for dental health, head to kawanadental. com; or call 07 5444 7111.

Article source: ada.org.au.

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SPRING 2019 13

Education Accelerated readers at Flinders

notch up 100 million words STUDENTS from Years 3 - 6 at Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Buderim have proudly reached their collective goal to read 100 million words this year as part of Flinders' Accelerated Reader Program.

Head of Primary School Trudi Edwards said the students had surpassed their goal at 106,772,106 words read ... and counting!

That adds up to 3290 books read and recorded since February across the three year levels.

Along the way, the Flinders Primary School celebrates each student's personal achievement as they read 1 million words by hosting a Millionaire's Morning Tea. "Daily reading is essential in order to develop fluency, comprehension and what we refer to as reading endurance,

which is the ability to maintain comprehension over increasingly longer texts," Trudi said.

"As a school strongly committed to evidence-informed instruction, we have embraced the Accelerated Reader Program after our review of research indicates that it can improve student reading achievement significantly," she said.

"The aim is to make personalised learning for each student engaging, enriching and accessible."

The AR Program forms part of Flinders' wider commitment to strong literacy development in the primary school years with many activities and programs to support reading and boost learning.

"A wonderful example of our commitment to promoting

Ciara Timperley, Debbie Planck, Matilda Dawson and Gina McPherson at Flinders’ Millionaires Morning Tea.

and celebrating reading is our College's recent 'Read for Change' charity fundraiser," Trudi said.

"In just seven days, 250 of our Primary School students read hundreds of books and raised over $14,000 in donations," she said.

"These funds will help support two children that Flinders' Primary School sponsors through World Vision as well as our local SunnyKids charity, and also fund student art initiatives within our College.

"Challenges such as this further promote reading and assist students in reaching their AR goals."

The AR Program enables students to choose from a vast number of books in the library which are suited to their current level of reading development.

The books vary in length, difficulty and text type and, upon completing a book, students complete quizzes which monitor their comprehension.

"The aim is to challenge students to set reading goals, work hard towards attaining them, and to read outside of their comfort levels and beyond their favoured genres or authors," Trudi said.

"Our students see the AR Program as a positive, goalbased activity to challenge and motivate them to devour books consistently and to regard themselves as confident readers with a thirst for knowledge."

For more information about Matthew Flinders Anglican College, please visit www.mfac. edu.au.

Smart school bags revolutionise packing STUDENTS may soon have absolutely no excuses for forgetting their homework or lunch.

Australian researchers have developed a 'smart schoolbag' capable of alerting students and parents to items that haven't been packed.

The school bag features builtin hardware and software to ensure it's been packed correctly with what a student requires for the day.

The Deakin Smart School Bag app.

The bag can even tell if an item isn't needed and should be left at home, ensuring

schoolchildren aren't lugging around unnecessary weight.

The smart school bag uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to detect items in the bag and Internet of Things (IOT) technology to check its contents against the daily school plan.

It has the capability to send content alerts by smartphone to students, parents and teachers.

Although the smart school bag sounds incredibly futuristic, it may soon become an item commonly

used by Australian students.

The Deakin University engineering team responsible have designed a prototype smart schoolbag that includes the smartphone application which could retail for between $125 and $150, making it an affordable option for many families.

The engineering team is now at the demonstration stage and looking for commercial partners to take their smart school bag project to the next level.

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Education What will a Montessori high school offer?

By Hollie Noonan FOR most Noosa families of school age children, news of a Montessori school in Noosa still comes as a surprise.

In fact, Montessori Noosa has now been operating as an accredited independent school since 2016.

Families of the school say it could be Noosa's best kept secret - and that's the way Principal Richard Wallace actually intended it for the past few years.

Recently, the approval to expand the small primary aged school into a secondary school has increased the ripple of word on the street about Montessori Noosa.

So what is going to be on offer for our Noosa teens in a Montessori high school?

Secondary schooling, referred to as The Adolescent Program in a Montessori school, is designed to facilitate the child's transition from childhood into their adult roles.

The inner evolution of the individual is the central focus throughout these age years of 12-18. How does this translate as a comparison from other high schools though?

Dr Maria Montessori determined that an adolescent requires the opportunity for

lf h f l work k with ith self-chosen, purposeful both social significance and an economic meaning.

This means that students attending Montessori Noosa's adolescent program will be largely exposed to entrepreneurial opportunities of their own design, not as an extra curricular opportunity but as a crucial pillar of their adolescent development.

With the Sunshine Coast rapidly growing in entrepreneurial and innovation status, this makes good sense for our young adults.

The learning environment is deemed critical to a Montessori school and Montessori Noosa seems to be positioned in quite an ideal location to nourish the balance

between community and nature.

With easy access to sporting fields, gymnasium, Noosa Aquatic Centre, tennis courts, not to mention the Noosa National park and beaches, the school is well positioned to support a healthy indulgence of physical activity and immersion in nature.

Combined with the bonus of a local theatre company operating weekly within the school, the students are also exposed to a vibrant creative arts curriculum.

Perhaps one of the greatest opportunities to an adolescent in Montessori is to genuinely form a supportive connection with their teachers.

It has been described that

Montessori teachers are more concerned with a students' social development and happiness than the schools position on a ranking board. To some this may sound like a recipe for underachievement - however generally Montessori students develop a deep motivation for unlimited success, allowing even the most academically skilled students to thrive.

The freedom that comes with facilitating an individualised learning program, is that there really is no ceiling to cap their progress to a level mutual of peers, as is experienced in other school models.

Rather than undergoing regular standardised testing, Montessori students mostly conduct self-assessments, determining their own goals for improvement and frequently discussing their challenges and triumphs with their peers for support.

With Australian youth unemployment at a concerning high and high school drop out rates recorded at 1 in 4 in 2015, it is inspiring to know our Noosa teens have a new schooling opportunity.

Principal Richard Wallace says with the addition of grade 7 launching the adolescent program in 2020, some limited spaces are available for new students.

2020 GRADE 7 ENROLMENTS WELCOME NOW

Were you a self-motivated learner with an enquiring mind but bored at school?

Did your school value you as an individual and champion your potential contribution to the world?

Did your school prepare you for adulthood in a meaningful way?

Would you like your child to have a different experence?

If you are seeking a more individualised and self directed approach to education for your children, Montessori Noosa might be the right choice for you.

The school is now welcoming enquiries into the 2020 grade 7 program, with very limited spaces available. Arrange a tour of Montessori Noosa and discover what sets Montessori education apart.

E: principal@montessorinoosa.qld.edu.au

www.montessorinoosa.qld.edu.au 12426583-FA38-19

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SPRING 2019 15

Education Dietitian s simple

lunch box advice

Here, she gives simple advice on what food items should be included in school lunch boxes.

THE MAIN ITEM: The 'hero feature' of the lunch box. It can be last night's leftovers, a wrap, salad, sandwiches, sushi, soup or pasta.

Dietitians Association of Australia spokesperson Kate DiPrima.

MAKING school lunchboxes is a task loathed by many parents.

Deciding what food to send a child to school with can also be confusing. There's so much conflicting advice about nutrition, not to mention school bans on certain foods due to allergies.

But packing a school lunchbox doesn't have to be laborious.

Kate Di Prima is an accredited practising dietitian and spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia.

This item should contain the iron-rich protein whether it's meat, legumes or tofu. Examples included tinned tuna, baked beans and chicken. This item sustains the child throughout the day and should be eaten first.

If you are packing a sandwich think about the fillings. Often a sandwich with tomato or tabbouleh comes back uneaten because it's gone soggy.

Put the spread (avocado or butter) on the bread then keep the filling separate so the child can put the sandwich together.

For little ones, try drying off the salad ingredients and put the ham on the bread with the salad

in the middle to prevent the bread from going soggy.

berry muffin, cereal slice, muesli slice or fruit balls.

ITEM 2: A piece of fresh fruit with edible skin to provide the child with fibre and important vitamins and minerals. It can be chopped up and put back together as a whole piece, or it can be chopped up into bite-sized pieces.

DRINKS: It's important to send your child to school with water.

ITEM 3: This item should be a calcium rich dairy food or equivalent such as milk, biscuits and cheese, yoghurt, custard or a smoothie.

ITEM 4: A vegetable. The last nutrition survey showed an astronomical number of adults who aren't eating vegetables.

Ones that go well in a lunch box include carrots with hummus, green beans or cherry tomatoes.

ITEM 5: Parents should include a fifth lunch box item if their child is doing an after-school activity. It can be something fun and sweet that doesn't include a heap of sugar such as a homemade blue-

EXTRA TIPS STICKER SYSTEM: For younger children use stickers to indicate which lunch box items should be eaten first. Quite often a parent puts a blueberry muffin in and the child will eat that first and it won't sustain them. Put a gold sticker on what should be eaten first, put a red sticker on what should be eaten second, etc.

STORAGE: We've taking ham and chicken sandwiches to school for decades and there have been no major breakouts of gastro. The bacteria build-up isn't much in the first few hours. If you put the lunch box down the back of the fridge and in the morning put ice in the thermos, the food stays nice and cool until at least the first break.

Noosa Early Learning offers a holistic approach NOOSAVILLE Child Care Centre have recently announced an exciting change to their services name, and will be now known as Noosa Early Learning.

This name change is a reflection of their education values of life-long learning and recognising that children are learners from birth.

"We hold an importance of reciprocal relationships and partnerships for learning with our families, children and the broader community."

Since the Centre opened its doors in 2005, they have been providing quality education and care for children where they 16 SPRING 2019

learn and grow in an environment that is created by their passionate and dedicated educators.

Noosa Early Learning offers a holistic approach to children's learning supporting physical, social and mental wellbeing.

The centre provides a spacious and contemporary learning environment for children, allowing endless opportunities for them to learn as they discover, create, explore and imagine through play.

Vacancies are available.

Contact Noosa Early Learning Centre today on 5455 6033 or visit www.noosavillechildcare. com.au. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Entertainment

A treasure trove of costumes on the Coast ONE of the largest collections of costumes on the Sunshine Coast opens its doors in Noosa these September school holidays.

Little Seed Theatre Company's new costume hire service offers a treasure trove of outfits, from gangsters to gladiators, pharaohs to princesses.

Little Seed Costume Hire is overseen by talented designer Leona Seib. The parent of an award-winning Little Seed alumni, Leona has spent more than a decade crafting theatre and dance costumes and says bringing together the collection has been a "labour of love".

"We have high-quality and bespoke theatre costumes from a variety of sources, including previous Little Seed productions and the bulk of Not Just Dancewear's inventory, which we acquired in

2017 after it closed," Leona says.

"We have expanded and modified many of our costumes to suit the theatre environment, and continue to refashion, recycle and reuse our incredible collection of wearable art," Leona explains.

Many of Leona's meticulously hand-crafted costumes - Shakespearean Tunics from The Tempest, outlandish Ozian garb from Wicked and furry fashions from The Fantastic Mr Fox - are available for hire.

An eye-watering array of accessories are also on hand to enhance any costume - from racks of petticoats and crates of shoes, to wigs, hats, ears and tails.

"We can also modify costumes to suit different eras," Leona adds.

A customised service is also available to help people on the

Galinda and Elphaba actors Jacqueline Elley and Abigail Waugh.

Picture: Richard Wallace

hunt for that hard-to-find costume.

Little Seed Costume Hire also has an endless array of options for both adults and children looking for the perfect fancy dress party, Halloween or Book Week attire.

"We hope Little Seed Costume Hire not only offers a great service for people on the Sunshine Coast, but also expands local costume-making knowledge and

skill," Leona says.

"We have a series of workshops and working bees on the horizon and encourage people with a passion for costumes to come in and say hello."

Visit Little Seed Costume Hire at 37 Gateway Drive in Noosaville from September or check out the Little Seed website: http://little-seed.com.au/ costume-hire/

12426041-DJ36-19

After 10 years of performances and the purchase of ‘Not Just Dance Wear & Fancy Dress’ Little Seed has thousands of costumes and accessories available for you to hire!

Located at 37 Gateway Drive (just past Bunnings) Little Seed Costume will have you covered for all occasions. For par ties, school pe performances, eisteddfods and larger sscale performances ances these quality ccostumes will set you apar t o on the stage orr par ty.

VIEW OUR AMAZING COLLECTION TODAY A: 4/37 Gateway Drive Noosaville W: www.little-seed.com.au P: 0438 208 888 www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SPRING 2019 17

Books

A horsey tale for kids

By Romy Stephens AN idea for a great story is often drawn from personal experience.

That's exactly the case for Kaylee Ison, whose children's novel, Ashley's Sparrow, stems from her memories growing up as a horse rider.

As a child, Kaylee was a shy girl who often struggled to find confidence in herself. But the one place she felt on top of the world was on the back of her horse.

"I was pretty shy growing up and I had this one pony, he gave me a lot of confidence," she said.

"He taught me to ride when I was little."

Kaylee always knew her story resembled that of many children who struggle to find self-belief, so she decided to write a story

about it.

Ashley's Sparrow is about a young girl and a horse that both had tragic pasts so they come together to find healing.

The main character, Bridie, is a fearless cross-country rider before she suffers a tragic accident and refuses to ride again. It's not until she meets a horse called Sparrow - whose trust has been abused by his past rider - that she faces the decision to get back in the saddle and help Sparrow learn to trust again.

Kaylee said her experience growing up with horses in Victoria's Yarra Valley and learning so much from them helped inspire the narrative.

"Horses taught me a lot growing up and gave me a lot of confidence," she said.

Kaylee Ison with her book, Ashley's Sparrow, which stems from her memories growing up as a horse rider.

Picture: Rob Carew

"They are an amazing creature, they can teach us a lot about ourselves."

The book took two years to write and another three to finalise and have published.

After initially struggling to go down the typical route of finding a publisher, Kaylee decided to self-publish. She found an artist to create the front cover and had former university classmates, family and friends do the proofreading.

She's now writing a second book as part of what she anticipates to be an entire series.

Kaylee hopes Ashley's Sparrow can help young children going through tough times.

"The book itself is about finding healing and finding faith in yourself again after a tragic accident.

"I hope it helps readers find hope again and keep going."

Ashley's Sparrow is available at lulu.com

Children’s books...

How (not) to Annoy Dad Dave Hughes & Holly Ife, illustrated by Heath McKenzie AN entertaining children's book from comedian and TV/Radio personality Dave Hughes and wife Holly Ife. The pair have written a funny book about the things that go wrong when dad spends the day with the kids. Cue a very messy breakfast, playground toilet dramas, embarrassing moments at the library and a lot of questions. And dad don't even think about looking at your phone while you're on the throne!

We wonder if this book is based on real life...

A fun book to read with kids aged 3+ Scholastic, RRP $17.99 18 SPRING 2019

Pig the Tourist Aaron Blabey OUR favourite pug, Pig is back! This time, the naughty but lovable pup is off on holidays. Pig, as you could probably guess, is a horrid traveller who you can count on to ruin a vacation - regardless of where it is. Even in places of wild celebration, he somehow creates absolute devastation! But Pig's horrid holiday behaviour may come back to bite him - hard. A funny rhyming story perfect for reading with kids aged 3+ from the wildly popular Pig series, which has sold more than four million print copies.

Scholastic, RRP $17.99

Puppy Diary: The Great Toy Rescue Yvette Poshogilan, illustrated by Phil Judd AN adorable book, written from the perspective of a Schnoodle puppy called Archie. The pooch shares the essentials, including how he got his name, before embarking on his biggest ever adventure - doggy daycare!

It gets off to a good start with the premises smelling like the sweet combination of liver treats and the inside of him mum's slippers. However, the tale takes a terrible turn when Archie realises his favourite toy, Foxy, is gone. With other pups also missing their toys, it's operation toy rescue!

A 'pawsome' read for kids aged 6+ Scholastic, RRP $9.99

Aliens & U.F.O.S

Promise

Jonathan J Moore DO aliens actually exist?

It's a question many kids ask themselves - and this book will certainly satisfy their curiosity and, perhaps, add to their belief that they do! Years of research into aliens and UFOs are presented in this paperback including sightings, abductions and evidence of alien visits. If the stories really are true, we can only hope those extraterrestrials come in peace!

A great read for teens (particularly the alien obsessed).

New Holland Publishers, RRP $19.99

Alexandra Alt SET in Nazi Germany, Promise is a harrowing first love story that chronicles World War II. Teenage lovers Lene and Ludwig both despise the compulsory Hitler Youth, and their anti-war attitude gets them noticed by squad leaders. When 17-year-old Ludwig is called to the Eastern Front in 1943, the lovers can only promise each other to believe they'll one day be reunited. However, Ludwig goes missing within weeks and three years pass before Lene returns to Berlin to find out what happened to her first love.

Captivating historical fiction for readers aged 12+ Scholastic, RRP $16.99

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on this spring

UNTIL 31 OCTOBER

SELECTED SUNDAYS

Caloundra Street Fair

Sunshine Coast Collective Markets

A hidden treasure on the Sunshine Coast with unique stalls, the Caloundra Street Fair has something for the whole family.

The fair runs every Sunday from 8am - 1pm www.caloundrastreetfair.com.au

Sunshine Coast Collective Markets isn't just your average market - it is a collective of local Sunshine Coast designers, musicians, artists, foodies, creators, vintage wares and lifestyle lovers.

Held the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at Coolum State Primary School from 8.30am - 12.30pm.

More info at www.sunshinecoastcollectivemarkets.com.au/

A show for children aged 18 months+ The Event Centre, Caloundra.

Tickets $15-$20 at www.theeventscentre.com.au

21, 28 SEPTEMBER & 5 OCTOBER Mooloolaba Street Fest A fun night of entertainment and activities, where you can feast on some great street food and shop for fantastic locally made products.

5.30pm-9pm. Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba.

21 SEPTEMBER Festuri Multicultural Festival

UNTIL 24 NOVEMBER Babes In Arms Sessions involve 30 minutes of songs, rhymes and finger plays to encourage literacy and language development for infants.

Held each Tuesday 10am10.30am at Noosaville Library.

Free. Bookings preferred. www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au/ storytime

UNTIL 27 NOVEMBER Toddler Wednesdays Take some time out with your little ones and enjoy a fun and creative program at Caloundra Regional Gallery - Toddler Wednesdays.

Held from 10.30am - 11.30am, the sessions can get a little messy so please wear suitable 'art clothes'.

Cost is $10 and all materials are included, with complimentary tea and coffee available.

Sessions are limited to 10 kids, so make sure you book via the gallery's website. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

8 SEPTEMBER Dusk Dusk is a popular free outdoor music event on the foreshore of Lake Kawana. Artists Isabel Wood, Dave Orr Band and The Dreggs will entertain the crowd against a backdrop of the sun setting over the lake. Families and guests are encouraged to bring picnic rugs and be prepared for an entertaining afternoon.

Venue 114, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina. Runs from 2pm - 6pm

16 SEPTEMBER Spot One of the world's most loved dogs is coming to the Sunshine Coast. Eric Hill's beloved puppy comes to life on stage with puppetry, songs, and puzzles.

A free multicultural celebration where you can immerse yourself in a dynamic variety of international styles, colours and flavours.

Explore various art forms, workshops, music, dance and street theatre.

From 10am-6pm at Cotton Tree Park, The Esplanade, Maroochydore

22 SEPTEMBER 27 OCTOBER 24 NOVEMBER Miniature Train Rides Fun model railway in Nambour.

Open the 4th Sunday of every month, from 10am - 3pm. $3 donation per ticket or $10 donation for four tickets - Children under three are FREE with a fare paying adult.

Located at Model Railway Park, 1 Florence St, Nambour

27-30 SEPTEMBER Lifeline Bookfest Lose yourself among the thousands of books, CDs, DVDs and board games. Prices start at $1.

Entry is free.

9am-4pm daily. Venue 114, 114 Sportsman's Parade, Bokarina

6 OCTOBER Noosa Beach Classic Car Show Noosa Beach Classic Car Club presents an all makes car show not to be missed, with in excess of $10m worth of vehicles on display. Entry to spectators opens 8.30am at The Woods Park (Hastings St end). Food, ice-cream and coffee available on site. More information at www.noosacarclub.com.au

20 OCTOBER Currimundi Lake clean-up A child-friendly event where local volunteers remove debris from the beautiful lake. Bring your kayak, canoe, SUP, inflatable boat, and come and help with the clean-up.

9am-12pm. Frank Mcivor Park.

38 Westaway Parade, Currimundi

27 OCTOBER & 24 NOVEMBER Sunny Coast Baby And Kids Market The Sunny Coast Baby & Kids Market aims to give families an affordable shopping destination. $2 entry and kids free. Runs 9am - 12pm 27 October: Burnside State School, Nambour 24 November: Talara Primary College, Currimundi SPRING 2019 19

You're invited to a Christmas Party with the Grinch!

Join the Grinch and his festive friends for a party on Saturday 16th November as we welcome Santa to the Centre!

Bookings essential via our website.

Cost: $10 donation to the Katie Rose Cottage Hospice.

12425993-SN36-19

Visit noosacivic.com.au for full details.

™ & Š 2019 Dr Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.

Big W Woolworths 100 speciality stores 28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Ph 5440 7900 20 SPRING 2019

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au