Geelong Coast Kids Summer 2019

SUMMER 2019/20

with a

brave mum who stared down death

A family pass to see

Play School live on stage Strawberry fields prove fruitful for A Star News Group Publication

the Curtis clan

SANTA att Waurn W Ponds Shopping Centre

HO HO HO!

PHOTO TIME

SANTA PHOTOS

DAILY SANTA HOURS

Meet Santa and receive a FREE Christmas activity book!

Santa Photos start at $20 (large print). $1 from ever photo purchased supports the Barwon Health Foundation and Kids Appeal Geelong.

aurnpo

ndssc.com

9am - 5pm

Sun 24 Nov to Fri 13 Dec

11am - 5pm

Sat 14 to Tue 24 Dec

10am - 5pm

Fri 20 Dec (late night photos) 10am - 8pm

.au www.w

aurnpo

ndssc.com

.au

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www.w

Sat 23 Nov (Santa arrives)

WaurnPondsSC

www.waurnpondssc.com.au

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

CHRISTMAS NITES Fri 22 Nov to Sun 8 Dec 2019 OPEN FRI 4PM - 10PM | SAT 12PM - 10PM | SUN 12PM - 8PM

3 WEEKENDS OF CHRISTMAS JOY! 'TIS THE SEASON TO CELEBRATE AND THERE IS NO CHEERIER PLACE TO DO IT THAN CHRISTMAS NITES! LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO WAURN PONDS SHOPPING CENTRE ON COLAC ROAD.

The little ones will enjoy Carnival rides, Elves Toy workshop, Interactive Kids Market and a Frozone. While adults celebrate with traditional Mulled Wine, Piano Bar, Christmas Markets & food truck delights!

Gold coin donation entry, supporting Barwon Health Foundation and Kids Appeal Geelong.

One-off ride tickets available at the event.

Unlimited ride wristbands only available online by pre-purchase (while stocks last).

www.christmasnites.com.au 12423558-FA48-19

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

GIFT WRAPPING Mon 16 to Tue 24 Dec 10am to 5pm daily outside Kmart

Gold Coin Donation Per Parcel. Your gold coin donation supports the Kids Appeal Geelong, raising funds for a new Kids Rehabilitation Centre.

SHOPPING HOURS Mon 16th Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Tue 17th Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Wed 18th Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Thu 19th Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Fri 20th Dec

9am to 9pm

Normal Trade Day

Sat 21st Dec

9am to 6pm

Extended Trade Day

Sun 22nd Dec

9am to 6pm

Extended Trade Day

Mon 23rd Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Tue 24th Dec

9am to 6pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

Wed 25th Dec

CENTRE CLOSED

Thu 26th Dec

9am to 6pm

BOXING DAY (PH)

Fri 27th Dec

9am to 9pm

Normal Trade Day

Sat 28th Dec

9am to 5pm

Normal Trade Day

Sun 29th Dec

10am to 5pm

Normal Trade Day

Mon 30th Dec

9am to 5:30pm

Normal Trade Day

Tue 31st Dec 2019

9am to 5:30pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Wed 1st Jan 2020

10am to 5pm

Thu 2nd Jan 2020

9am to 7pm

Normal Trade Day

Fri 3rd Jan 2020

9am to 9pm

Normal Trade Day

CHRISTMAS DAY (PH)

NEW YEARS DAY (PH)

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• Public Holidays • Extended Trade

WaurnPondsSC

www.waurnpondssc.com.au

SUMMER FAMILY FUN at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

CLIMB CLUB Mon 6 to Fri 17 Jan WEEKDAYS ONLY

11am to 2pm daily outside Target Let the kids climb the wall these school holidays at our interactive climbing experience. Climbing games on the holographic climbing wall are suited to kids aged 5 years and over.

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Learn the art of tying knots at the Craft Village and earn your Climb Club patch!

About Us

Get out and explore this summer WELL hello there!

Welcome to Geelong Coast Kids summer edition. I am sure I am not alone when I say there is much rejoicing in my household when summer arrives.

I love all the opportunities that this time of year brings to explore our beautiful peninsula.

Nothing says summer quite like the taste and smell of fresh, ripe strawberries. Surf Coast Strawberry Fields is a family run business on the Surf Coast Highway at Mount Duneed.

Brothers Aaron and Damien Curtis run the farm with the help of their wives and eight children. Visitors can pick strawberries from now right through to May. Our photographer Louisa Jones spent a delightful day with the Curtis clan capturing the children as they roamed through the strawberry fields, plucking the ripe red fruit and thoroughly enjoying themselves. I will definitely be putting a visit on my summer to do list.

It was a privilege to catch up with Geelong mum Melissa Lovell who survived an horrific car crash just on a year ago. Melissa's life was changed in an instant, as was that of her husband Gareth and young daughters Emme and Harriet, when she was hit head on by a speeding driver. Recovery has been a long and painful road for Melissa. y However,, she has overcome p physical

pain and long months of rehabilitation thanks to family, friends and her community. Melissa's story is a wonderful lesson in never taking things for granted, especially when it comes to telling those closest to you that you love and value them. Melissa is truly inspiring and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet her and tell her story.

Family therapist and world renowned author Steve Biddulph is back again in this edition. Steve has written a thought provoking column about providing our children with a safe and, importantly, slow childhood. We all know what it feels like to be crushed by the mental load of modern life. Add to this parents who both work, and a full schedule of after school and weekend activities and it is easy to see why families are time poor. Steve addresses this modern malaise and says governments and employers need to be on the side of parents in helping achieve that elusive work life balance.

There is so much happening in the Geelong Coast region over summer. I know my diary is already full of holiday activities I want to share with my family and friends. In this edition we have some great ideas for things to see and do over the summer months. Make sure you keep your magazine handy over the long weeks of the summer school holidays as you never know when you

Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

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

Geelong Coast Kids 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218 Phone: 5249 6700 Fax: 5249 6799 Managing Editor Melissa Dorries editorial@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 5249 6700

need some inspiration to get out and about and explore our fantastic region.

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Advertising advertising@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 5249 6700 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

SUMMER 2019/20

CONTENTS IT’S YOUR LIFE Geelong author and mum Nicki Edwards PAGE 7 Surf Coast Strawberry Fields PAGE 9 Angie’s catch-up with Melissa Lovell PAGE 10-12

PREGNANCY AND BIRTH Focus on self-care

with ith a

brave mum who stared down death

PAGE 18

ENTERTAINMENT

A family pass to see

Play School live on stage

Norlane Hotel PAGE 15

Strawberry fields prove fruitful for

Royal Geelong Yacht Club Life is a picnic for mumpreneur Kate Seiz PAGE 14

PAGE 19

A Star News Group Publication

Christmas carnival at Waurn Ponds

Steve Biddulph on slow childhoods

PAGE 25

PAGE 16

BOOKS

The ABC of surrogacy

Children’s book reviews

PAGE 20

PAGE 26

Holiday care tips for grandparents

KIDS CALENDAR

PAGE 21

the Curtis clan

COVER: Hannah and Joseph Curtis on their parents' strawberry farm.

Picture: Louisa Jones

What’s hot to do over summer A second chance at childhood

PAGE 27

PAGE 22

EDUCATION Sounds Right Phonics PAGE 13 Get arty in the school holidays PAGE 23 School reports explained PAGE 24

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It’s Your Life

Geelong author Nicki Edwards on writing, nursing and motherhood

By Eliza Henry-Jones

cooking dinner or something and there’ll be conversations between characters happening in my head.”

NICKI Edwards always wanted to write a book.

As much as she loves Canada and loves writing about small, faraway places, Geelong will always be home for Nicki.

It was not until the youngest of her four children had started at school and she’d spent eight years studying nursing that she finally sat down and started writing.

“I grew up in Geelong and like most young people in Geelong, you just can’t wait to leave. When you’re in your 20s Geelong is just Geelong. We went to Bathurst and we lived there for three years and I fell in love with it.”

“The idea of writing a book for me was a bucket list item,” Nicki explained. ]“After eight years of study, my husband said have a year off and just work. I woke up and said I want to write a book! My husband rolled his eyes.”

When Nicki and her husband were relocated back to Geelong for his work, Nicki recalls looking down and looking over the water and thinking what a well kept secret Geelong is. She knows Geelong will be her home forever.

Nicki, who lives in Geelong, has written seven full-length books, two Christmas novellas (much smaller than a standard novel at 25,000 words) and has another two in the pipeline. Her novels are sweet romances set in regional areas.

Nicki has very practical advice for other parents who also have a book on their bucket list.

“My first book was just words on the paper,” Nicki explained.

“My biggest advice is the only way to write is to start. The only thing that stops us from doing something is us. We have this sort of dream within them and it might be a little dream or a massive dream, but we prevent that dream because we don’t believe in ourselves.”

“It was quite dreadful!”

Nicki had enough courage to put herself out there and contacted Hayley Nash, who is now a renowned literary agent but was, at the time, a publisher at Pan MacMillan.

“She saw something in me,” Nicki said.

Nicki is also a big believer in looking at life as being made up of seasons.

“She sent me this long list of things and said 'If you change it, I’ll consider publishing it’. I learnt a lot.”

Coming up with ideas for so many stories is a huge undertaking and, like all authors, Nicki has her own unique creative process. Nicki’s ideas are very

much tied to place. Nicki spent a year in Canada when she was a high school student and is still drawn to writing about it.

“I go somewhere and think this is the setting for the next book. I could imagine these characters walking here.

Next, I just write - I don’t plot first. I’ll be

“I don’t want to live with regrets. Life is so short - we just never know when we’ll have our last breath. I just see people with sickness and things that hit them from nowhere and it’s a reality check.”

Letters filled with love

By Narelle Coulter EACH January I sit down and write a letter to my children.

My daughter is 11 and my son 7.

The letters are not for them now.

When I am finished writing, I seal the pages in an envelope, write the child’s name on the front, date it and then pop it in a special box kept on the top shelf of the wardrobe in my bedroom.

On their 21st birthdays I will open the box and give them 21 letters, one for each year of their life.

In this digital age, childhood is documented and recorded like never before.

Photographs, some of them taken professionally, start when baby is still in the womb.

When he or she emerges, cameras and smart phones are constantly at hand ready to record not only milestones like birthdays, christenings and first days at school, but also ordinary, every day moments.

Images of our children are not only filed away in albums the old-fashioned way, but posted on social media, mounted on canvas, printed onto www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

calendars and mugs and distributed by email and text to family and friends.

I do that with my children too.

But I didn’t want pictures and video to be the only record of their formative years.

The letters started from a deeper desire to capture not only what they look like, say and do, but who they are as individuals.

Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. Each year I try to capture what each child is like at a particular age.

I write to them about their likes and dislikes, new skills they mastered that year, funny things they said, discoveries they made about the world around them and tell stories that illustrate who they are.

I always write in pen on nice note paper. It’s much easier on a computer.

However, I want my handwriting to be a connection to me from the past.

In my son’s letter last year I wrote about his first year at school. How proud I was to see him eagerly hoist his enormous school bag on his back and eagerly follow his sister through the school gate as a proper school boy.

In my daughter’s letter I wrote about her maturing social relationships, her generosity and her role as a problem solver and healer among her friendship group.

I also wrote about how perplexed she was by the changing relationships between boys and girls as she approached those critical pubity years.

I write about the games they like to play, the television shows they watch, what they like to wear as those things change as surely as their bodies change and grow.

In one letter I remind my son about that how when watching Play School

he would call out to me to guess which window the presenters were going to look through that day.

Both my children are born in January so it is the perfect time to write about the year that has gone, who they are at the age they are about to leave behind.

Ultimately, I hope my gift will be one of the most special they ever receive.

A humble collection of love letters from the past.

SUMMER 2019/2020 7

Summer Fun for the whole family Pick your own strawberries on our working farm.

Escape the city and come and enjoy our happy place!

Only 10 mins from Geelong 7 mins from Torquay Adults $6 Children $3 Icecream Bar - Strawberry Preserves & Honey locally made

2 McCanns Rd Mt. Duneed. www.scstrawberryďŹ elds.com.au 8 SUMMER 2019/2020

12432870-NG48-19

OPEN 7 DAYS FKHFN XSGDWHV RQ IDFHERRN www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Strawberry fields forever

By Luke Voogt BROTHERS Aaron and Damien Curtis have some berry special helpers when they’re out tending almost 40 hectares of strawberries.

The eight Curtis kids – four to each dad – love tagging along and helping out, according to Aaron’s wife Rowena.

“I thought our kids might get sick of strawberries but they haven’t yet,” she said.

‘They’re always asking, ‘can we help you with that dad? Aw, can’t we pick strawberries today?’”

The brothers opened Surf Coast Strawberry Fields last October to teach children about growing things, Rowena explained.

Aria Curtis loves the sweet taste of fresh fresh, ripe strawberries.

“My husband is really passionate about kids knowing where their food comes from and seeing things grow,” she said.

“He enjoys doing that with the kids but also giving other parents that opportunity.

“He and Damien always wanted to have some sort of ‘pick your own’ farm where you could take your family and get your produce.”

Nestled on 36 hectares backing onto Thompson Creek, the farm is a “labour of love” for Aaron and Rowena, along with Damien and his wife Rhiannon.

“It’s the perfect location to stop by, on the doorstep of Geelong, Torquay and the Great Ocean Road,” Rowena says.

The farm has wide open spaces where kids can see tractors, discover farm life and understand where their food comes from.

“The farm’s got a rolling hill, so it’s quite picturesque,” Rowena said.

“Kids walk through the gate and get this sense of freedom – they can see strawberries as far as the eye can see.”

Many children who visit the farm have never seen strawberries or any fruit growing, Rowena said.

“When they see all the strawberries

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Cousins Xavier and Joseph Curtis enjoy some well-earned ice cream after a morning of picking strawberries.

Pictures: Louisa Jones

on the plant, you can see it blow their little minds. It’s quite cute.”

Many parents who visit are happy to get their kids outside and away from screens, she added.

“Escape the city and come enjoy our happy place!”

The farm has hives for honeyproducing bees that help pollenate the strawberries, while ladybirds keep pests away naturally.

The brothers’ love of farming grew from watching their dad work in his market garden, Rowena explained.

“My husband’s always had an interest in growing things and having a farm.

“He used to want to grow things and sell them as kid, his mum tells me.”

Now Aaron’s passing that passion onto Amelia, 11, Oliver, 9, Joseph, 5 and Hannah, 3, while Damien’s kids Abbie, 8, Sophie, 6, Xavier, 4 and Aria,

2 are also mini green thumbs.

After multiple requests from kindergartens and schools the family have also opened the farm to larger groups of youngsters to enjoy picking strawberries.

Strawberry season is well underway and the family aims to open the farm seven days a week, 9.30am to 5pm.

“We could close earlier than 5pm if we are picked out early for the day,” Rowena says.

But weather can affect the opening days, so it’s best to check on Surf Coast Strawberry Field’s website or Facebook page before visiting.

The farm, on Surf Coast Hwy at Mount Duneed, has ample parking, amenities onsite and an ice cream bar featuring, of course, locally-made strawberry flavour.

For prices and more details visit scstrawberryfields.com.au

SUMMER 2019/2020 9

It’s Your Life

Emme and Harriet Lovell are full of life despite their mum's accident.

The Lovell family, Gareth, Mel, Emme and Harriet.

Pictures: Louisa Jones.

An horrific accident changed

Melissa Lovell’s life in an instant.

By Angie Hilton IT’S a good thing we don’t have a crystal ball. Mother of 2 Melissa Lovell could have never predicted what would happen to her on December 4 2018.

In the prime of her life, with 2 masters degrees in education and criminology, 2 children and a loving husband, Melissa’s life changed forever when a

10 SUMMER 2019/2020

crazed driver hit her at high speed, just 500 metres from her home in Geelong West. I recently heard Melissa, 41, speak in front of 500 people at the Bloom Conference and I was blown away by her positive mindset whilst still being in the thick of recovery both physically and mentally. She had just progressed out of a wheelchair on to crutches after nearly a year of rehab.

Would I be right in saying it feels like your life has a ‘before’ and ‘after’. Can you paint a picture of what life was like before the accident?

Before the accident Gareth was working full time and studying part-time. I was working 3 days per week in demanding but fulfilling role that I loved. I was also volunteering on the board of a local drug and alcohol facility. We were

involved with a couple of other community organisations, including our daughter’s school and local church. We spent weekends off on adventures and/ or with family/friends. Our kids were 6 and 2 and a half. Life had reached a sweet spot where we had completed our family and were in the groove of living busy but wonderful lives. Things weren’t perfect but they were pretty great.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Mel and Gareth have been married for 18 years.

Mel and Harriet take time out for a cuddle.

Tell me about the day that changed your life?

On Tuesday 4 December 2018 the day started like many others. Gareth had just returned home from working a 12 hour night shift. I readied the girls and myself for a busy day ahead. Emme was off to school and Harriet was spending the day with her nan. I waved them goodbye and drove out my driveway to head to work. Within a short distance I had a flash in front of my windscreen - I saw a car on my side of the road and realised it was about to hit me head on. I could see it was coming incredibly fast. I later learned the driver was travelling at 130kms/hr in a 40km/hr zone - 90 kms/hr above the speed limit.

The impact pushed every ounce of air out of my lungs. As I tried to draw

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Mel draws strength from her two girls.

breath I could feel glass in my mouth and airbag dust on my tongue. I gasped. I tried to move but realised I wasn’t able to. I was trapped.

People came rushing over to me and telling me I was going to be ok. I could see them on their phones but couldn’t register their words. I assumed by their worried looks they were calling for help.

My husband arrived about 60 seconds after the impact. He imagined I’d be trying to help out at whatever scene had caused the loud bang he heard. He couldn’t believe the actual situation until he was along side me in the car.

I was very badly injured. In fact, my life was hanging in the balance. My pelvis was very badly crushed, my ankle suffered major fractures, my leg was broken, my spine was broken in 4 places, I had 4 broken ribs, my sacrum

was broken, my wrist was broken, I was bleeding internally in addition to many deep cuts and other abrasions. I was trapped in the car for almost an hour.

The jaws of life freed me up to be removed on a spinal board and rushed to hospital.

Though conscious most of the time, I struggle to remember exactly how the next few hours unfolded. I ended up in ICU at Royal Melbourne Hospital and then had 8 and a half hours of surgery the next day. I have metal rods holding my pelvis together and 4 more in my ankle. I spent a week in Melbourne and then was transferred to Epworth Geelong for my rehabilitation. I spent more than 4 months on the ward, including Christmas, New Years, my husband’s birthday along with other family celebrations.

That is all too much to comprehend.

What does recovery look like from such major injuries?

I continue to attend a range of rehab appointments most days of the week. I still have 3 large breaks in my pelvis and my ankle is still not too keen about being walked on. I was not permitted to walk on it properly for almost 6 months so it’s going to take time. I am still learning how to walk again. I am on forearm crutches most of the time but in a wheelchair for longer trips. I walk with quite a limp so I’m working hard on reducing that. I’ve also been hit with a dose of PTSD. For a while I was only sleeping 2 or 3 hours per night and the days were not easy. I was triggered by the sound of sirens, car tyres screeching, or passing the scene of the accident, which I have to do daily.

SUMMER 2019/2020 11

I imagine there’s a lot of surrendering to the situation and allowing yourself to be supported in every way. Did everyone around you come to your aid?

The support my family and I have received has been phenomenal and life changing. Our extended family was there helping almost every day I was in hospital and continue to be on call as needed. Our friends wrapped around us with love and meals and play dates and hospital visits. Both my employer and my husband’s have done all they can to ensure that we were focused on family and recovery, which helped immensely. Our school and church communities have also provided incredible support to us all. We’ve even had neighbours offer simple things like to walk our dog for us.

How do children so young deal with seeing their Mum like this?

Our kids have been incredibly resilient.

They visited me every second day in hospital and built up a relationship with the nurses on the ward. They quickly learnt where the icypoles were kept!

They help me out a lot around the house. Any time I drop a crutch I hear little feet come running to pick it up for me. They’ve shown tremendous strength and empathy.

Mel Lovell is lucky to be alive.

But, they’ve definitely felt the impact too. To have mum taken away for such a long time without any warning or preparation was hard on them to say the least. Having me away for such a long time also added strain. Since returning home it’s not unusual for me to end up with a little person snuggled up in bed with me. They happily slept in their own beds prior to the accident so this is new.

Gareth - Loyal, loving, rock-solid

Melissa Lovell Age: 41 Hubby: Gareth Lovell Children: Emme, 6 and Harriet 3.

Describe your hubby and children using three words for each ...

Emme - Energetic, entertaining, earnest Harriet - Energetic, squishy, stubborn Occupation?

I work in field of sexual assault and family violence.

Favourite quote?

There are many, but I’m loving this one over the past year, “Don’t think about what can happen in a month. Don’t think about what can happen in a year. Focus on the next 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be“ (source unknown).

I have to admit that I am comforted just as much as they are by the night time snuggles. They also like to know the exact details of when I’ll return from hospital visits in Melbourne. I’ve noticed their empathy really shines these days. If they see someone struggling they want to help, or they might ponder what life is like for people they see on the street with various disabilities. Overall they have done so very well and I am immensely proud of them.

You seem to have such a calm underlying strength. Was that what got you through?

First and foremost I would say that God got me through. My life was hanging in the balance and there was nothing I could do in my own strength at that time. Once I was in hospital and stabilised I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Initially I was simply grateful to be alive. I was then grateful that my injuries weren’t worse and more life altering. I was just so incredibly grateful that I was still here and mostly in one piece and able to eventually return to my life. I was going to get to watch my girls grow up. It struck me what a privilege that is and that it is one that many people haven’t enjoyed.

Obviously I was in a lot of pain and would have preferred that the accident never happened. But, it was gratitude that overrode all other emotions.

Favourite book?

Many. I only read non-fiction. Too much to learn without spending time on fiction. I’ve been reading Becoming by

Harriet and Emme have been great supports to their mum.

So it sounds like faith and mindset are key ingredients?

I feel like God gave me the strength to handle what was in front of me and continues to do so. However, I also make a very conscious decision to focus on the many wonderful and positive things in my life. I can choose to dwell on the struggle but I can’t see any advantage in doing so. When I am struggling I work hard to refocus on the good. As I mentioned before, I also focus on gratitude. There are many lives lost on our roads each year and many others with injuries worse than mine. In many ways I’m incredibly fortunate.

What happened to the man who did it?

He was also very badly injured and spent a number of months in hospital.

He is currently on bail and the criminal court process is underway.

What does the future look like for you and the family?

The future looks bright. I may need further surgery in the new year to graft bone in my pelvis. This will mean more time in inpatient rehab. I also need to continue with outpatient rehab so that I can get back as much function as possible. My recovery will still take quite a while yet. No matter how everything unfolds with it though, I get to spend each day with those I love and I can’t

12 SUMMER 2019/2020

think of anything better. We plan on taking camping trips, overseas adventures, gardening, playing at the park.....along with day to day living and learning and loving! Best of all we plan to be together. Soon we will celebrate 18 years of marriage and we look forward to many more to come. I look forward to returning to work at some point too. My employer has been incredible and my job is open and waiting for my return. I also look forward to fully engaging with friends and community life. I have to sit out a fair bit still but I can’t wait to be back in the thick of it.

What would you like to say to people who may be in the thick of a really dark of difficult time?

I really believe the key is where you place your focus. The struggle doesn’t disappear and you need to continue to do all you can to manage your circumstances. But, if you focus on the positives you will endure your circumstances more successfully. Also, seek out supports and engage with them as needed. I see a range of professionals to assist in my recovery.

Further, be honest with those close to you if you are struggling. There is power in honesty and transparency. Most of all though, focus on all that is good in your life.

Michelle Obama and The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape of late. My favourite author is Hugh Mackay.

He is an Australian social researcher who writes with such clarity and insight.

Quirky habit?

Calling my kids a hundred different nicknames. They even answer most of the time!

Guilty pleasure?

Reality TV. I love Survivor and The Amazing Race.

Describe life in the Lovell household.

There aren’t too many quiet moments. Our eldest is all singing, all dancing and her sister is well and truly on board in performing impromptu concerts or plays. They are lively and loving and bring immense joy. Gareth works 12 hour rotating shifts in addition to studying a degree part time so he tries to make the most of every minute he is home with us. Our home is filled with a lot of love, joy and noise!

What do you love to do as a family in Geelong?

We made a very conscious choice to raise our family in Geelong.

We’ve lived in Melbourne and Canada but the lifestyle and schooling options in Geelong are exceptional. We love the beaches, natural attractions, and we are also close to family now which we value. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

Sounds right for children SOUNDS Right Phonics Classes have commenced in venues around Geelong, Lara and the Bellarine peninsula.

The classes are guaranteed to provide fun, giggles and quality time for parents and children aged three months to five years.

All activities are planned to promote speech and language, physical development, social skills and introduce children to a world of literacy.

Kids will have so much fun, they won’t even know they are learning.

Sounds Right Phonics Classes for Kids is the brainchild of sisters Charlie Day and Alex Burnside. Both sisters are primary school teachers with extensive experience in early years education.

The classes were created to equip preschoolers with the phonics skills to open up a world of literacy, and to ensure that they are ready as they begin their reading and writing journey at school.

Says Alex: “As a reception (prep) teacher I sometimes felt that there was a slight gap in the children’s early phonics knowledge as they entered school, and that these needed to be taught prior to them learning reading.”

Over a wine or two one night the sisters came up with the idea of opening a class that taught these early phonics skills in a fun and high energy way. The aim was for preschoolers to learn new things without realizing that they were

attending an educational class. The sisters also wanted parents to gain knowledge about phonics from the classes where fun tips and activities are modeled and suggested to encourage the continued development of early literacy skills at home.

Children learn about the world around them through all their senses: seeing (visual), hearing (auditory) and movement (kinesthetic). All the classes are carefully planned by a qualified early years teacher. The different elements within the fast-paced sessions are designed to promote key areas of development, as well as providing ideas to continue learning at home.

Shae Callahan, a mother-of-four and former nurse, is delivering Sounds Right Phonics Classes to Geelong, Lara and the Bellarine Peninsula. Shae’s two older children have dyslexia, and through assisting them and learning with them Shae discovered the wonderful world of phonics, making her the perfect person to come on board.

To attend a free Sounds Right Phonics Class, go to www.bit.ly/free-classcoupon.

Kids will have so much fun they won't even know it's educational when they're participating in Sounds Right classes.

GIVE YOUR CHILD A HEAD START IN SCHOOL WITH PHONICS CLASSES

Classes in Geelong Lara and the Bellarine Peninsula

For 3 month - 5 year olds

Fun

h g i H y g r e En 'Opening children and their parents to a world of literacy’

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Educational

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It’s Your Life

Life's a picnic for this mumpreneur

By Eliza Henry-Jones LAZY afternoons in the sunshine with the family, kids squealing with laughter and loads of delicious food to share.

That’s what Geelong-based Picnic Season - who makes gorgeous, statement picnic rugs - is all about.

The woman behind Picnic Season, Kate Seiz, is also the mother of a fouryear-old, two-year-old and one-year-old and recognises how precious and vital family time is.

and it’s not what I expected, to be honest!”

Kate’s advice to other parents with young families looking to start their own businesses is to go for it.

Having previously juggled a demanding marketing role at various large businesses, she found that she was craving a better balance so she’d have more time with her family. The idea for Picnic Season came to Kate when she was on maternity leave with her now four-year-old and she found herself picnicking with local mother’s groups.

“There are so many people who have fabulous ideas that never see the light of day because they’re too scared to start it; to take a risk,” Kate explained.

“If you can manage it, a nest egg to give it a little kick at the start is great.”

Kate also advises people to think critically about their strengths and weaknesses.

It was when Kate was pregnant with her second child, now two-years-old, that she decided it was time to give Picnic Season a go. She took a voluntary redundancy from her marketing job and put the money into starting up the business.

Kate’s initial focus was finding an artist to collaborate with for the picnic rug designs. Funnily enough, Kate was put in touch with artist and mother, Deb MacNaughton, through the same friend who - many years ago - had set Kate up with her husband.

“Deb had left her fulltime job and she was doing art job, so she was at a similar life stage with young kids and trying to navigate this new world of work with children. We hit it off. She did the four designs for me for the debut collection.”

14 SUMMER 2019/2020

“Figure out which professionals you need to engage to help you on your business journey.

Kate is passionate about encouraging families to make time to be together. In fact, she commissioned research last year into how much time families spend together and found that, out of the 450 respondents, most families spent only 30 minutes of quality time together each day.

“We sort of noticed that families are spending so much time inside, they’re finding that juggle really difficult,” Kate said.

“It’s a really important thing, it’s an

important issue for Aussie families. That balance is a really important thing to try to chase and try to achieve.”

Kate’s honesty is refreshing - she is very open about how she struggles with balancing Picnic Season with parenting her young family.

“I find it kind of interesting is that the reason I started Picnic Season was to spend more time with my family and create flexibility and that Picnic Season is now the thing that’s kind of at tension with that. The business needs attention

“I’ve always been in marketing roles in big business. You’re a cog in the wheel and everyone knows what their role is. It's really challenging being the only one doing all the stuff. If you can figure out where your strengths are and outsource what you’re not good at, that can help a lot.”

Kate has exciting plans for Picnic Season over the coming months and, while the balancing act may be challenging, she’s passionate about working with emerging artists and encouraging families to connect with each other and spend quality time outside.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

Value for money FAMILY-FRIENDLY and value for money is what Norlane Hotel is all about.

Kids will love the huge play area at Waurn Ponds Hotel.

Let the kids have fun in the play area while you sit back and relax with a pre-meal drink or two.

Family friendly dining

Oppy’s Bistro is named after Sir Hubert Opperman, one of Australia’s first sporting legends in the field of cycling.

‘Oppy’ was the minister for immigration holding the seat of Corio in Geelong.

He gifted his bicycle and a range of photographs to the Norlane Hotel and they are on display.

KIDS will love the revamped play area at Waurn Ponds Hotel.

9am to 11.30am on Saturday and Sunday.

Open for lunch and dinner, the bistro offers awesome-value seasonally inspired meals with a twist on local flavour.

In fact it might be a struggle for parents to pry the little ones away and get them back to the table for the scrumptious meals.

The hotel also has new conference and function facilities that is perfect for that next work conference or that special birthday party.

A selection of entrees and mains are simply prepared and presented.

It’s not just lunch and dinner at the ‘Ponds’ either.

With three different function areas available, Waurn Ponds Hotel boasts a large space capable of seating around 200 guests and two alfresco areas each seating 50 people.

There is a huge range of kids meals, and the recently revamped rumpus room will keep the little ones entertained.

The bistro is also available for small functions.

The bistro can be partitioned

Relax with a drink in Oppy's Bistro while the kids have fun in the play area.

The cafe is open from 8am to 3.30pm every day of the week.

allowing you and your guests privacy while enjoying all the comforts of the bistro’s facilities, including the bistro bar and kids play area.

The new bistro is the perfect place to wind down, relax and catch up with friends, family and colleagues while the children play.

The special meal deals will keep you coming back.

It’s truly a venue for everyone.

Mondays are pizza and pasta, Tuesdays are all about schnitzels and parmis, Wednesday is steak night and Thursdays are all about those burgers.

Check out norlanehotel.com.au or phone 5278 2423 for more or just pop in to the hotel at 2-8 Princes Highway, Norlane.

The bistro also serves breakfast from

So why not take the family to Waurn Ponds Hotel at 1154 Princes Highway, Waurn Ponds.

Check out waurnpondshotel.com.au or phone 5243 1154.

HOUSE OF FUN

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Just 10km from Geelong CBD, Waurn Ponds Hotel is a terrific place for locals and for visitors on their way to or from the Great Ocean Road, Surf Coast or the Otways.

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With a relaxed atmosphere, Oppy’s seats more than 150 people and is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal that will suit the entire family.

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

1154 Pr inces Hwy Wa u r n Po n d s Phone: 5243 1154

w w w. w a u r n p o n d s h o t e l . c o m . a u SUMMER 2019/2020 15

It’s Your Life

World renowned author Steve Biddulph

show affection and warmth, lots of cuddles and quiet chats, and we let our kids know we love them, and that they are great. When we set boundaries, we are more likely to keep calm.

It doesn’t mean we don’t have stressed out moments, but we understand that often kids are also stressed, or needing something from us that we haven’t taken into account.

We check in with them to help them stay on an even keel, and are open when we have to rush things, so they understand.

Pressure of time is still the thing that can undo us - it is probably behind 90% of all behaviour problems.

In my talks and books, I help parents to see that the problem of overbusyness isn’t in us, often, but in the crazy way that life expects us to be always on the go.

How parenting has changed

By Steve Biddulph I’M minding the house of some friends, near the beach in Hobart. It’s about 7.00 in the morning, and there is only the sound of the waves, and seabird’s cries.

Then suddenly, on the street outside, an angry male voice rings out. “Get in the car you little shit!”.

I go to the window and can see a dad, huge and red faced, standing beside his SUV, and a small boy five metres away, and backing away further still.

Another child watches on, and I can make out a toddler already strapped into their seat.

My heart is suddenly divided - I know what it feels like to wrangle small children, seatbelts, and cars, and be running late.

16 SUMMER 2019/2020

But I feel for that little child especially if this is a dad who regularly talks to his kids in this way.

I know from years of being a therapist that kids take a clear message from what parents say, especially if its accompanied by anger. There are few things more terrifying than an adult, ten times your size and weight, who has clearly lost control.

We’ve come a long way in parenting, in the last 50 years.

When I began working as a family therapist in the 1970’s, the aim was a very simple one.

The parents who came to our clinic often had kids with serious behaviour problems - at school, or when a bit older involving courts and the police.

Almost always, these families had developed a pattern of escalating negativity.

Hitting, hurting, shouting, calling kids

We live in a society that claims to be family friendly, but is actually the very opposite. It wants us earning and spending, with no time in between.

This month on my facebook community, I shared some news articles about the terrible effects that the government’s ParentsNext program was putting onto families who were in income stressed, especially single parents.

terrible names, might get them to comply out of fear, in the moment, but rarely worked for very long. The thing was, these were not bad people, but parents who loved their kids deeply, and wanted them to have happy lives.

But the only tools they knew were negative ones - the same that had been used on them.

We would talk about their own childhoods, as a way of creating empathy for the experience of their children. And begin to nudge into safer, more positive ways to get kids to behave, calm down, and be happy.

My first book The Secret of Happy Children came out of this learning.

Interestingly the country it sold most copies in was Germany where a generation of young parents absolutely rejected the childrearing methods of their past.

Today parents are very different. We

Some terrible stories were shared in the comments section, backing this up.

I believe we have a right to parent, to do it in our own timetable, and not be forced into working - or not working - by outside forces. Kids who are mentally healthy, don’t get into crime or drugs, and are good parents themselves, only happen when their childhoods are safe and slow.

Governments, and employers, really need to really be on the side of parents, which they are not at present. All the same, try not to call your children little shits.

They do take it deeply to heart.

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.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

KIDS Promotions in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is excited to announce everyone’s favourite children’s television program Play School is heading back on the road in 2020 with a brand new show “Let's Play Together”.

The tour will commence on Friday 6 March in Victoria.

The brand new concert is all about fun and games with friends.

Play School live in concert

Set in the Play School games room, the two presenters and helpful toys discover different coloured boxes are filled with surprises.

and over the moon.

With familiar toys Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty and introducing two new toys on their tour debut Joey and Kiya.

As with the television program, everything in the concerts is carefully paced especially for children. There are songs to move to, as well as quiet times to just watch and listen. The familiarity of the material and the presenters combined, totally engage the young

Filled with the adventures of imagination, the show will take children across the sea, up in the sky

Join the fun of new discoveries, delightful games to play, songs to sing and stories to enjoy.

audience and ensure lots of audience participation.

Join new and familiar Play School friends in Let’s Play Together, on sale now.

For ticketing information visit www. kidspromotions.com.au/playschoollive To win a family pass to Let's Play Together go to geelongcoastkids.com. au/competitions

Meet Orby!

A free self guided tour Children must be accompanied by an adult Suitable for ages 4 to 10 years 12422549-SN48-19

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Program partners

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Go on a free augmented reality journey with Orby and learn more about Geelong Gallery artworks these school holidays.

SUMMER 2019/2020 17

Pregnancy + Baby

Self-care for new parents

By Eliza Henry-Jones THE term self-care has tripped into being a buzzword - associated, too often, with things like steamy baths, chocolate and zoning out in front of Netflix. The conversation needs to become more complex, particularly when we’re talking about the self-care needs of new parents.

Dr Louise Du Chesne is a Melbourne based clinical psychologist with a wealth of experience working with new parents.

“Self-care is so important because being a new parent is such a vulnerable time - being a new parent means we haven’t done it before or we haven’t done it with this little being before," Dr Du Chesne said.

Mothers, in particular, are under enormous pressure and are often vulnerable to feelings of being overwhelmed as well as anxiety and depression. The pressure facing new parents can also exacerbate complex issues such as Post-Natal Depression and Post-Natal Anxiety.

“There’s the fantasy of the precious bubble of time after birth,” Dr. Du Chesne said.

“Falling in love, or not falling in love the way that you thought you would.

Maybe feeling anxious and terrified of the responsibility.”

So how can new parents begin to take better care of themselves when they’re often overwhelmed, time poor and exhausted?\

at ourselves, yes to hanging out with other parents, yes to being in the baby zone and having pyjama days.”

Dr Du Chesne also highlights the importance of letting go of perfectionism, of letting ourselves sit with small things like washing left unfolded and dishes stacked up on the sink.

“It’s a new relationship with a new baby. We need to give ourselves time to learn the skills. Emotionally, physically and psychologically the parents and baby have been through enormous transition. Even if you haven’t given birth.”

In the age of social media, perfectionism has become hard to escape. As a parent, it’s too easy to stumble onto Facebook or Instagram and encounter beautiful, curated images of other parents who seem to be doing it so much better than we are. It’s important for new parents to adopt the idea of the “good enough parent“ and how that perfect parent - the imagined parent whose standards we feel like we’re constantly falling short of - does not actually exist.

Dr Du Chesne talks about the need for young parents - particularly mothers - to adopt a fiery sort of self-compassion.

“Compassion needs to be fierce and we needs to be our own best ally and supporter,” she said.

“The compassion of being like a warrior where we’re prepared to fight for ourselves and our babies.”

“Self kindness,” advises Dr Du Chesne.

"Self kindness can mean different things. It means asking for help, it means speaking kindly to ourselves, it also means learning how to say no. No to advice, no to suggestions. It also means learning to say yes to laughing

Baby bundles for new parents FIRST-TIME parents can expect to receive a special package when their little bundle of joy arrives.

The State Government has begun distributing free ’baby bundles’ that include essentials to help guide mums and dads through the first few months and years of their firstborn’s life.

Valued at $150, the bundle comes with a teething ring, nappy bag, safe sleeping bag, a cotton wrap, first aid kit, baby sunhat, toothbrush and a grow suit.

18 SUMMER 2019/2020

They also include four picture books

by Victorian authors: Baby Days by Nicola Philp, Ten Little Owls by Renee Treml, Puddle Hunters by Kirsty Murray and Karen Blair, and Gumtree Buddies, a soft pram book produced

by Tiger Tribe.

A booklet developed in collaboration with Raising Children Network provides vital information on child health, safety and learning and emergency contacts.

The State Government funded

bundles are designed to assist first-time parents build safe sleeping practices and support their child’s learning and development through regular reading and playtime.

Around 35,000 new parents will receive the bundles each year at all Victorian maternity hospitals.

“Bringing your bundle of joy home for the first time is life changing but we also know it can be challenging. We are making this precious moment that little bit easier and ensuring our

youngest Victorians have everything they need to thrive,” Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said.

“Not only are we giving parents the help they need, we’re also giving some of Victoria’s emerging authors their big break.

“Reading with children is one of the most powerful things families can do to help their kids get the best start in life.”

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

Sail into some family fun FROM learn to sail experiences and an interactive dinosaur show, to a performance from The Mik Maks, Geelong’s Festival of Sails is a familyfriendly event with plenty of action on and off the water.

As many as 3000 competitors on 300 boats are expected to flock to Geelong’s Corio Bay to compete in the iconic event that is set for its 177th year, while visitors soak up the atmosphere along the waterfront.

Held across the Australia Day long weekend from 25 to 27 January, the countdown to the nation’s biggest celebration of sailing has begun.

In 2020, the Festival of Sails Waterfront Festival, presented by Geelong Connected Communities, returns to Steampacket Gardens and will feature a range of exciting activations and experiences.

Hosted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, the annual three-day festival pairs world-class sailing action with exciting free entertainment, attracting more than 100,000 people to the Geelong waterfront.

Highlights of the family-friendly festival will include live entertainment from the Regatta Village at Royal Geelong Yacht Club, as well as Steampacket Gardens and Fairnie Park.

Steampacket Gardens will host the much-loved children’s entertainment group, The Mik Maks on Saturday 25 January.

Australia Day performances will include the all-female soul band, Sweethearts and the Royal Australian Navy Band, with the interactive Real Dinosaurs show also expected to be a highlight.

For a unique experience, come and try sailing at RGYC with the Discover Sailing program at Eastern Beach or get a feel for sailing through the virtual reality experience, located in Fairnie Park.

Monday 27 January is the Festival of Sails’ community day with entertainment including the Congolese Community Youth Choir and The Parallax Dancing Showcase.

Other waterfront entertainment will include face-painting in Fairnie Park, roving performers and a multitude of stallholders providing fine food and wine as well as arts and crafts.

The popular Australia Day fireworks display will light up the Geelong waterfront from 9.10pm.

More information about live entertainment is available from https:// festivalofsails.com.au

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SUMMER 2019/2020 19

It’s Your Life

David, left and wife Lauryn, right, with Jane Caro.

‘Our normal’: surrogacy success

By Danielle Kutchel WHEN David and Lauryn Jordan decided they were ready to have baby, they knew it wouldn’t be an easy journey.

Lauryn was born with MayerRokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome, a condition that meant she was born without a uterus.

Undaunted, the couple went through two rounds of IVF that resulted in three viable embryos.

The next step was to find a surrogate, so they joined the Australian Surrogacy Community Facebook group to explore their options.

Surrogate Sarah got in touch with them and the trio gradually got to know each other through online messages before finally meeting face to face at the Australian Surrogacy Conference.

“The easiest way to describe it is that it’s like dating, getting to know her, her husband and her kids,” Mr Jordan said.

“We would go to each other’s houses and chat and get to know each other, which was a really valuable and important part of the process.

“You need to lay the foundations and work out each other’s values to see if it’s going to work.”

Legally, the Jordans were unable to openly ask Sarah to be their surrogate; they were therefore overjoyed when she made the offer to them one night in Canberra, where she and her family live.

There were yet more hurdles though, including individual and group counselling sessions, psychological tests, legal advice and finally a submission to the Patient Review Panel - all part of the

20 SUMMER 2019/2020

surrogacy process.

Once they were given the all-clear, the Jordans transferred an embryo to Sarah.

Unfortunately, it miscarried at 10 weeks; but the next embryo was more successful.

The pregnancy was “uneventful”, Mr Jordan said, with everything happening as it should, and the couple made every effort to get to Sarah’s appointments interstate.

“She was so respectful of us too and included us in the milestones like the first kick and how she was feeling,” Mr Jordan added.

The birth earlier this year was “one of the best experiences of my life”, he said.

He and Lauryn were allowed in the room with Sarah and her husband in an experience that he will never forget.

Their daughter was born healthy and well and given the name Everlie.

Mr Jordan said Sarah, her husband and her children are considered “part of the family”, and they plan to tell Everlie the “absolute truth” about her birth.

“We described it to Sarah’s kids as ‘Lauryn doesn’t have a house in her tummy’, so we’ll probably go with that,” he said.

The Jordans are one of the families featured on the ABC TV show ‘New Dads’, which is currently available on iView.

Hosted by Jane Caro, the show explores the lives of five Australian men navigating their first year as new dads.

Mr Jordan hopes his segment will challenge the misconceptions and taboo around surrogacy.

“It’s just our normal; it’s how we had to have a baby,” he said.

David Jordan with new daughter, Everlie, who was born via a surrogate.

Since the show first aired on ABC, he has been recognised by people who have told him how much they appreciated the show.

conversation about surrogacy.

“I went through the drive-through for coffee and a guy recognised me from TV. He said he really enjoyed the program and found it informative,“ Mr Jordan said.

“She has started to giggle and laugh, and she’s started to growl at us too. She’s much more aware of her surroundings and if we go out of the room she follows us. When we walk into the room there’s a big smile for us.

He and his family have also been featured on the Raise the Bar Radio podcast, which is available on SoundCloud, to continue to open the

Little Everlie is now seven months old, and Mr Jordan said fatherhood had been “eye opening“.

“It’s special. She’s growing as she should be.

“It’s awesome being a dad.“

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

It's important everyone is on the same page.

School holiday tips for grandparents

By Danielle Galvin FOR many Australian kids, spending time with their grandparents over the summer school holidays is a rite of passage.

With nearly six weeks off over Christmas and into January, many parents call on their own parents to watch the kids during the week.

It's a chance to spend some quality time together, at the beach, heading to the park for a picnic, or a trip to the movies.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, a government funded website and resource has some tips to make sure families stay harmonious.

One tip includes being upfront about how many hours you can babysit so that everyone is clear on the expectations.

Grandparents Victoria director Anne McLeish agrees and advises grandparents to sit down and have a chat with parents beforehand, to make sure everyone is on the same page.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

She said a common problem that comes up is who pays for the day's activities, especially when kids have an expectation to be kept busy.

"I'd tell (people) to have a face to face meeting, and sit around a table and even write down what the agreement is," she said.

"So often we find people have different understanding about what the grandparents or parents agreed to do.

"It sounds very formal, but having those points can make things clear to people.

"The thing that needs to be addressed is who pays for what.

She said another issue that comes up is parents failing to pick up their kids on time.

"Grandparents need to know when they knock off for the night, so to speak," she said.

Ms McLeish also suggested sending lunch boxes for kids lunches and snacks, particularly if your child is a fussy eater.

Another suggestion is being clear about rules, boundaries and how to handle tantrums.

She said in her view the mantra "my house my rules" is a reasonable approach.

"The single most common complaint we have from grandparents is that they pay for far more than what they can actually afford to pay for, particularly over the school holidays when kids want to go to the movies, go out for a picnic or go to McDonald's.

But it's also a lovely chance to build a special bond.

"I'm not accusing parents of deliberately taking advantage, it's another case of it getting lost."

"Child centred play brings grandparents and grandchildren together."

Both children and their grandparents relish in that time together, with a chance to make memories together.

"Grandchildren often stimulate the inner child in the grandparents, and it's play that does it," Ms McLeish said.

Top tips from Pregnancy, Birth and Baby ■ Be upfront about your needs and understand those of the parents so there are no unwelcome surprises or unmet expectations. Setting boundaries around things like the number of hours and days of the week you are available, and the meals you provide can help things run smoothly.

■ All parents will have their own views on things like how much TV time or outside play is best for their child. Finding out what these are and respecting those views from the outset will give your grandchildren a consistent message and avoid potential conflict.

■ If you feel your grandchildren need discipline while in your care, check with their parents first about what they would do.

■ Think about whether you might need to make some changes to your home before children arrive so it's safe for young exploring children. Make sure things such as dangerous chemicals and sharp or breakable objects are well out of reach.

For more information about how to access support, setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy life balance visit www. pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/ grandparents.

SUMMER 2019/2020 21

It’s Your Life

A second chance at childhood

By Dr Maxine Therese MANY new parents have the best intentions of improving the job their parents did, seeking a second chance of sorts. Our early life remains alive in what is often called our ’inner child’ which means we view and respond to experiences from the lens of our childhood, even as adults. Any unresolved needs from early life continue to seek acknowledgment until the needs are met. The biggest obstacle to better parenting then, is not about trying to surpass our parents - but rather consciously returning to our childhood to gain a deeper awareness of our unmet needs from this period that still lay unresolved as adults.

Because our parents did not have access to knowledge like we do about

the importance of children’s needs, nor the patterns of unhealthy behaviour that can run in families, many adults have had childhoods that have been emotionally hard to navigate.

Childhood memories lay unresolved or hidden until we assume a caring role for children or become parents ourselves.

As our children grow, they not only have their own needs, but they also become recipients of our unmet needs as well.

Parenting offers an opportunity to reclaim unexpressed potentials from your childhood, as you simultaneously parent your child. Of course, this might not always feel like an opportunity because when your child is challenged by something or is experiencing a difficult situation – you will unconsciously react based upon your

Join Geelong's own Children's Wellbeing Expert, Dr Maxine Thérèse, exploring her philosophy of children's needs - Childosophy.

DATE: 19th February 2020 TIME: 7 pm WHERE: Geelong Library 51 Lt Malop St, Geelong This is a free event but you must register to secure your place via: geelongcoastkids.com.au/competitions

AN EVENING WITH DR MAXINE THÉRÈSE

own history. This makes it more difficult to respond to what is happening for the child directly. The good news is, by establishing ways of relating with your children that break the loop of unconscious patterning — the projecting, blaming, expecting and deflecting – you are resolving your own unmet needs as well as those of your child. My research has been pivotal in identifying how the seven foundational needs - unmet, unidentified or unexpressed, will lead to a variety of common issues in childhood and later adulthood.

When parents witness their children struggle, they feel compelled to fix things for them, however if there is something you wish to change for your child – look first to yourself. Learn to pay attention to your body responses. Sense what is going on in your body when you feel into, think about, or are responding to your children.

■ If your child experiences anxiety, let yourself feel into your own uncertainty regarding change or feeling safe and secure.

■ If your child has difficulty with emotional control, feel into your own emotional range - do you prohibit feelings or avoid things that make you feel uncomfortable?

■ If your child is defiant – does life seem like a battle of wills? If so, can you consider ways to use power differently to the previous generation?

■ If your child is angry, feel into your heart do you hold anger or feel wounded or can you see beyond the child’s behaviour and offer a loving response?

■ If your child is not communicative, can you listen more intently to those

things that are unsaid. Do you allow space to express when they are ready?

■ If your child feels lost and confused can you allow them to imagine in their own way and in their own time?

Or do you need to find a solution?

■ If your child is lonely can you let this experience to be a touchstone that opens the child’s self-knowledge or are you quick to try and fill the void for them?

Your willingness to explore with the child, any of your own needs around uncertainty uncomfortable emotions, defiance, anger, confusion and aloneness means that you must hold space and wonder about such feelings for yourself as well. Be curious and explore the wonder of the your child in a way that is different to the way you may have been responded to as a child and perhaps you will come to see that - even with pain of the present and the traumas of the past - your child is helping you to have a second chance at your childhood while you support them to have a childhood that they don’t need to recover from. ………………..

The prompting questions are framed from the Foundational Needs Model of Dr. Maxine Therese and outlined in her book --The Push for a Child Philosophy; What Children Really Need you to Know.

Dr Therese is hosting a free, public event at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre on Wednesday 19 February 2020 at 7pm. Secure your seat by registering at geelongcoastkids.com. au/competitions

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22 SUMMER 2019/2020

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

Art is cool at art’sKool THERE’S a growing body of evidence that creating art isn’t just fun and enjoyable, but incredibly physically, emotionally and psychologically beneficial.

Artist and CEO of the Studio Gallery Arts Hub art’sKool, Kaz McGlynn, sees the incredible therapeutic power of art every day. “Art is fun and it is used to improve cognitive and sensory, motor function, and to foster self-esteem and awareness. It also cultivates emotional resilience, reduces distress, and enhances social skills. When people take the risk of creating art and pottery

with others in a fun and supportive environment it builds a strong community," she said.

The Ocean Grove based Studio Gallery Arts Hub runs regular sessions for children, teenagers as well as adults and those with diverse needs. “There’s really something for everyone,� Kaz explained.

She is passionate about making her classes as inclusive and accessible as possible so that everyone is able to enjoy the benefits of creating art and pottery in safe, nurturing and profoundly inspiring environment.

Ride to school

Disability funding is available for many sessions.

Kaz’s art classes and pottery classes are diverse, with students given the opportunity to experience various mediums including acrylic painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media and drawing.

There is also pottery sculpture, clay mould making and lots more. This gives students the chance to develop a wide range of skills and find out what mediums they most connect with.

The community-focused award winning art’sKool will soon be expanding, bringing classes to

Torquay. The first Torquay art’sKool Holiday Club program will be running from the 14 – 16 of January and is open to children 5 – 14 years.

There’ll also be a Holiday Club program running at the existing location 1/20 Everist Roard, Ocean Grove from the 21 – 23 January.

Bookings for all art’sKool classes are now also open for Term 1, which commences on the 3 February 2020.

Book early to avoid disappointment, as these classes fill up fast.

For bookings or more information visit www.artskool.com.au or ring Kaz 0437582772

KIDS ART CLASSES

funding boost THE State Government is hoping to inspire the next generation of young Victorians to get on their bikes, skateboards and scooters by extending the popular Ride2School program for the next two years.

Hundreds of schools around the state will benefit from the $1.4 million boost announced in September Schools participating in the program have more than double the national average of students walking and riding to school – 40 per cent versus 20 per cent.

Since 2006, Ride2School has encouraged hundreds of thousands of students to ride and walk to school regularly.

Last year alone more than 900 schools across Victoria took part in Ride2School Day – almost 370,000 students getting on their bike to boost their physical activity levels on the day.

This new $1.4 million injection will open the program to more than 200 additional Victorian schools, allowing them to make submissions for funding to support inspirational ideas that encourage regular active participation by students.

The boost will support a range of initiatives from building bike-parking www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

facilities including bike sheds to identifying safe routes to and from school.

The Ride2School program also promotes the importance of bicycle safety – wearing helmets and being aware of other users of roads and footpaths.

Bicycle Network manages the Ride2School program, including the National Ride2School Day.

Art Classes: Kids 6 - 12yrs Teenagers Year 7 - VCE, Adults s 3CHOOL (OLIDAY 7ORKSHOPS s $ISABILITY 7ELCOME &OR FURTHER INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW ARTSKOOL COM AU %VERIST 2OAD /CEAN 'ROVE

Ph: 0437 582 772

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Studies show that one in four children are not getting enough exercise – an early ride or walk to school is a great way to ensure students are energised and ready to start learning from the first bell.

SUMMER 2019/2020 23

Education What your

child’s report card really means

Report card expert ... Dr Selina Samuels, chief learning officer of Cluey Learning.

HAVE you just got your child’s end-ofyear school report?

Are you wondering what it actually says about your child’s progress?

Chances are you aren’t alone.

Teachers typically use a range of descriptors to describe how your child is tracking academically - and some need deciphering.

School report expert Dr Selina Samuels says some terms clearly indicate your child is doing well, while others indicate there are issues that need addressing.

She should know - she proofread end-of-year school reports for several years.

“It was immediately obvious that each teacher had their pet words, phrases or grammatical constructions,” the chief learning officer of Cluey Learning says.

“Even taking into account individual idiosyncrasies, some terms emerge the winners.”

Here, she explains the phrases teachers use in report cards and what they really mean.

Decoding common phrases in school reports ■ Erratic or inconsistent: These words tell parents that little Susan is probably playing to her strengths and ignoring anything not already easy and familiar. It’s also a veiled request to the parents to have a look at the family infrastructure around homework and for more consistency at home.

■ So much potential: If your child’s teacher uses this phrase, then they’re saying your child is bright enough but lazy. If they ‘lack focus’ they

24 SUMMER 2019/2020

aren’t applying themselves.

‘Emerging skills’ tells you there is a glimmer of hope and they haven’t given up on them just yet.

worried about. If skills are ‘secure’ and there is talk of ‘improvement’, everything is going in the right direction.

■ Very social, bubbly, or engages enthusiastically in discussion: These terms mean your child is likeable but chatty, and probably distracts the children around them.

Comments about your child’s ambition or hunger for learning may also indicate he/she is not being fully extended in class and the teacher wants you to explore opportunities for additional extension.

■ Independent: Students who are ‘independent’ are probably not good sharers.

Phrases that indicate your child may be having difficulties

■ Good listener: This means your child never asks questions or contributes in class.

■ Knows his/her own mind: Your child may be stubborn and uncooperative.

■ But: If your child’s report card is peppered with positive statements followed by ‘buts’ - such as ‘Samson is a keen student but his efforts are not always rewarded’, chances are his teachers are fond of him but a bit exasperated at the same time (you probably are too).

■ Pleasing: If your child’s work is ‘pleasing’, that probably indicates the teacher is writing report comment number 58 and has run out of new adjectives.

■ She/he is a pleasure to teach: If your child’s teacher says this, chances are it’s true. Teachers do not use that phrase gratuitously.

Phrases that indicate your child is doing well Phrases like ‘sophisticated understanding’ and ‘confident application’ are strong indicators that your child is working at an impressive level. If he or she has a ‘clear understanding’ and their work is ‘effective’, they are noticeably making progress and you have little to be

If your child is only able to demonstrate certain skills ‘at times’ or has ‘some or little understanding’, it is likely he/she needs a fair amount of academic support. If they are passive or quiet, it may be that the teacher is finding it difficult to diagnose levels of knowledge and ability.If your child’s report cards talk a lot about ‘inconsistencies’, particularly between different modes of expression, it’s worth getting more information.

If your child is described as having ‘difficulties adjusting to rules and routines’, this might be the teacher telling you he/she is naughty, or it may suggest that there is something else going on. Equally, pay attention if the teacher mentions that your child finds it difficult to adjust to changes in routine.

If a teacher describes your child as a ‘perfectionist’, this is not necessarily a good thing. It could be that he/she is so particular about presentation or so frightened of getting something wrong that he/she resists submitting anything for feedback.

you can work with the school to provide necessary support.

The worst report comments are jargonistic and procedural - telling you what the class has covered but giving very little information about how your child is progressing. It’s also important to note that report cards are not merely retrospective, but also provide genuine advice about where your child’s focus should lie for the next term or year.

Deciphering letter grade systems While some schools don’t incorporate grades into their formal reports, a five-point letter grade system (A-E) is included in the achievement standards of the Australian National Curriculum.

■ A: Awarded for extremely high achievement and is described using words such as ‘sophisticated’ and ‘confident’.

■ B: For work that is ‘effective’ and demonstrates ‘clear understanding’.

Students are awarded B grades for work that is capable and secure.

■ C: Awarded where the student ‘is able to’ demonstrate particular skills or where understanding is ‘developing’. Skills may be inconsistent.

The best and worst comments

■ D: Awarded where the output of the student shows ‘some understanding’ or where the student is only able to demonstrate skills ‘at times’. D grades may indicate that the student has not done much or what they have submitted is incomplete.

The best comments are ones specific to your child and show you that the teacher really knows them. The worst are merely generic. Even if you are being told something negative about your child’s academic abilities or behaviour, it is better to hear it so that

■ E: Show the student may have ‘little’ or only ‘rudimentary’ understanding of the concepts covered in the subject. The student may require considerable teacher support to demonstrate any understanding or skills.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

‘Tis the season to be jolly

A SPECTACULAR Christmas Nites carnival is coming to Waurn Ponds.

The Events Company is bringing the best of the big shows to Waurn Ponds for this event.

Operating some of the largest portable amusement equipment in the Southern Hemisphere, the Woodall family is delighted to bring their exciting attractions to Geelong for the first time.

Alongside amusement rides, they create unique, interactive experiences for children, such as the Reindeer Training Academy, Unicorn Festival, The Big Build and The Enchanted Forest "We look forward to bringing some

very merry magic to Christmas Nites for engaging family fun this November”, said Emma Thorndyke The Events Company Creative Director.

“I grew up in the UK and we loved having a central hub for Christmas festivities with Christmas Grottos, markets and carnivals in our local towns. We wanted to bring some of that traditional European Christmas charm to the place we live, right here in Geelong.

"We don’t have the dark nights and cold weather (normally!) in Australia, but we do have the most amazing local suppliers who know how to put on fun festivals the Aussie way. We love our town and are lucky enough to work

with some of the best in our region for this event including entertainment by the talented folk at Piano Bar, the Mik Maks and a bar by Barwon Heads favourite ‘ginger and blondie’."

Join The Events Company, for three weekends of Christmas cheer with sleigh-fulls of fun for everyone!

The inaugural Christmas Nites carnival kicks off on Friday 22 November at 4pm and runs each weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) for three weeks over 9 nights until Sunday 8 December.

Access the event off Colac Road, on the land adjacent to Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.

The little ones will have you on their

nice list for bringing them to Christmas Nites with spectacular rides, an Elves Toy Workshop interactive kids' market, a Frozone & Reindeer Training Academy will keep them busy for hours. The young at heart will find the most wonderful place in Geelong to spend the most wonderful time of the year with mulled wine, Piano Bar, Christmas Markets, SticksandBonesBBQ and Boss Burger food truck.

Unlimited Ride Wristbands are $27 pre – sale online ($35 on the day).

Tickets for individual rides can be purchased at the event.

Visit www.christmasnites.com.au for full details.

Become a Cat at Christmas Celebrate Christmas with a Geelong Cats Membership IT will be an exciting time to be a member of the Geelong Cats in 2020 and the club has got a membership package to suit every fan!

Geelong’s Junior Membership packages are the perfect Christmas gift.

■ Junior - Hawkins Heroes Membership Join Tom in the forward line! Get an exclusive merchandise pack, plus home and away access in Victoria! For Members aged six to fourteen.

■ Junior - Kinder Cats Membership For the young members of our Cats family. Get home and away access in Victoria and exclusive merchandise! For Members aged three to five.

■ Junior - Kitten Krew Membership Geelong’s Kitten Krew membership is the perfect Christmas gift for any newborn baby. Let the newest member of your family STAND PROUD with the Cats family in 2020 with this two-year Membership.

Plus, for only an additional $35, all Junior Members aged between six and fourteen can sign up and meet their favourite players at the 2020 Junior www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Member Clinic which will be held at GMHBA Stadium in the April School Holidays*.

geelongcats.com.au/packages or call 1300 462 287.

Geelong’s Three Game Family Membership is another popular choice for young families. Starting from $18 per month for two adults and up to four kids!

You can also come along and purchase your 2020 membership while celebrating Christmas with the Cats on Saturday 14 December at GMHBA Stadium.

To purchase a 2020 membership or find out more about Geelong’s other packages visit membership.

From 11am until 2pm there will be fun for the entire family, including player signings and selfies, photos with

Santa, face painting and more.

Half Cat & Clawdia will be around, so keep your eyes peeled for him as well as specials at the Charles and Co Café and the Cats Shop.

T&C’s *The Junior Member Clinic time and date may change at the discretion of the Geelong Cats. The date will be locked in, in 2020.

SUMMER 2019/2020 25

Books The book to get you

back into play

By Danielle Galvin

and my 2-year-old boy was just not interested in doing craft."

LIKE many great ideas, Alice Zsembery's book 'Real Kids, Real Play' was born from a gap in the market.

In her own words, Alice, a maritime engineer and port planner, is not all that creative.

When the Stonnington mum welcomed her second child, she quickly discovered she needed to entertain her 2-year-old son who was climbing the walls as the newborn slept.

That's why she needed a resource she could quickly turn to.

And she wanted a way to keep him engaged that didn't involve a screen.

Real Kids, Real Play has more than 150 quick, easy and "old-school" activities to keep 0-5-year-olds busy and stimulate their creativity.

"I had a 2-year-old boy literally pulling the house apart and I was stuck with what to do with him," she explained.

"Like many parents these days, I bought him everything he could ever want or dream of, under the misconception that would keep him occupied but he wasn't actually engaged or doing any activity.

"It was kind of then that I was looking desperately to find something to keep him entertained.

"All I could find was books on crafts,

What she wanted was a book that had it all - activities using basic household items that could be quickly and easily set up.

"I was looking for a book that had activities I could do at home with him, it was really simple. I was surprised I couldn't find it anywhere," she said.

"That was when I really saw a gap for a coffee table book or reference book, where you could be guaranteed you can do the activity and set it up in a few minutes and that it would be engaging.

"It was one of those cases of, it doesn't exist and I believe in it strongly so I thought I'll do it myself."

Alice says it has been a labour of love creating the book. She tried and tested 200 or more activities with her own kids, determined to ensure that the activities met all of her criteria.

"There's so many misconceptions and

Alice with her children Emily and Tom.

pressures on modern day parents," she said.

"There's this myth that the more your child has, the better set up they are or that kids need to entertained constantly or that the best toys are the most fancy.

"Kids need to exercise their own imagination."

The beauty is in the fact that the book is a simple concept - Alice wanted to see a return to the way many of us used to engage in creative, unbridled play.

The book has become a resource for early childhood professionals and has been endorsed by Maggie Dent.

"There's quite a big market for people like my mum who have to think about entertaining grandkids," she said.

Picture: Rob Carew

"I get a lot of feedback from people that it's how they used to play when they were little - which is really lovely."

The other benefit to the book is the fact it finds ways to reuse and recycle basic items.

Alice is passionate about the fact that parents sometimes put too much pressure on themselves to get their child every toy - and so often young children end up with a room full of toys they never play with.

She believes there's a lot to be said about less is more.

Real Kids, Real Play is available in all good bookstores and online at www. realkidsrealplay.com.au

Children’s books...

Disgusting McGrossface

Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas

Pearl The Brave Unicorn

Rove McManus

Lucinda Gifford

TV personality Rove McManus has ventured into the world of children’s books and the result is a bit, well, disgusting. Rove’s story centres around a creature called Disgusting McGrossface, who reeks because he hasn’t bathed for weeks and has a collection of snot-filled tissues.

Kids will love the rhyming text in this tale that spells out all kinds of terrible hygiene habits (some of which your child may have). They will also enjoy Rove’s colourful and animated illustrations. Who knew the TV host was such a talented illustrator?

OOPS they did it again - chicks Whitney and Britney have spent another day dozing! The two glamorous chooks snooze from morning until night as they lead a fun, but tiring, secret double life. Every night they head to Club Sparkles where they perform as Whitney and Britney the Chicken Divas.

The clucky pair live with the elegant Dora von Dooze, who is totally clueless to why the two chicks spend their days dozing.

But will the chicks’ secret unravel when Dora spots some glitter on Whitney’s wing? A fun read for kids aged 3+.

Sally Odgers & Adele K Thomas

Scholastic, RRP $16.99

Scholastic, RRP $17.99

A CUTE tale about a smart unicorn discovering her magical abilities. Pearl the Unicorn and her Ogre friend, Olive, are throwing a surprise birthday party for their friend Tweet the bird. However, not all goes to plan. First Pearl’s magic delivers a wet birthday cake and froggy balloons. And then Olive is a no-show! The search for Olive takes Pearl and Tweet to places they have never been. A peanut trail leads the pair to their dear friend, who has unfortunately been abducted by gobble-uns.

Will Olive make it to the party?

Scholastic, RRP $12.99

The Odd 1s Out: How to be cool and other things I definitely learned from growing up James Rallison EVER feel like the odd one out?

Many kids do at some stage - even the ones who become famous! In this hilarious book, YouTube star James Rallison shares his stories of growing up as the ‘odd one out’. During high school, Rallison wasn’t in the cool crowd. He wasn’t partying or playing footy like his older brother. Instead, he posted comics on the web. Now Rallison is an internet sensation, with his YouTube channel ‘The Odd 1s Out’ amassing over 11 million subscribers. A funny read for tweens and teens about the trials and tribulations of growing up.

A Flair for Hair

By Bilyana & Mauro Di Costanzo A FUN book about expressing yourself through hair styles.

Each page features an amusing caricature-style illustration of an animal with it’s chosen hairdo, including a camel with buzz cut and a lion with a curling iron. This lovely children’s book is an excellent early reader for both girls and boys due to the high frequency of easy words and rhymes. A Flair for Hair is both an enjoyable and educational book for ages 3+.

New Holland Publishers support the Starlight Children’s Foundation New Holland, RRP $19.99

Scholastic, RRP $19.99 26 SUMMER 2019/2020

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on

this summer

DEC - MAY

4 – 5 DECEMBER

14 - 16 JANUARY

7 FEBRUARY – 9 FEBRUARY

SURFCOAST STRAWBERRY FIELDS

IT’S A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AT GEELONG ARTS CENTRE

AWARD-WINNING ART’SKOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN 5 - 14 YEARS.

GEELONG RAINBOW FESTIVAL

Pick your own strawberries from now until May weather permitting - check Facebook for updates.

During January participate in the farm's kids colouring competition for the chance to win a family entry pass for 2 adults and 2 children.

Winner will be drawn on 27 January, 2020.

Surfcoast Strawberry Fields is at 2 Mc Canns Rd, Mt Duneed. www.scstrawberryfields.com.au

Come and ring in the Christmas season at Geelong Arts Centre with ‘It’s a very merry Christmas’.

Bookings essential.

Torquay. Bookings essential. www.artskool.com.au

20 – 22 JANUARY

www.geelongartscentre.org.au.

6 DECEMBER

GEELONG GALLERY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

GROVEDALE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

Meet Orby—go on a free augmented reality journey to learn more about the works of art on display at Geelong Gallery (available throughout the school holidays).

Geelong Gallery Eye Spy tours and activities run on 20 and 21 January and an expanded drawing workshop runs on 22 January. Visit geelonggallery.org.au

Come on down to the Grovedale Primary School Christmas Carnival!

There’ll be games and rides, market stalls, crafts, silent auctions and a raffle.

You’ll also be able to enjoy delicious food and local entertainment. This event is free with all funds raised at the stalls going towards supporting the school.

Come and celebrate the inclusive, diverse community of Geelong with plenty of kid friendly events including a rainbow brunch, the PRIDE march and a fair day which will include a dedicate children’s area with sports clinic, children’s entertainment, family support services, games and so much more! http://www.geelongrainbow.org.au/ geelong-rainbow-festival/

4pm – 8pm

22 NOVEMBER - 8 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS NITE CARNIVAL The inaugural Christmas Nites carnival kicks off on Friday 22 November at 4pm and runs each weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) for three weeks over 9 nights until Sunday 8 December adjacent to Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.

Kids can enjoy spectacular rides, an Elves Toy Workshop, interactive kids’ market, a Frozone & Reindeer Training Academy. The young at heart will find the most wonderful place in Geelong to spend the most wonderful time of the year with mulled wine, Piano Bar, Christmas Markets, SticksandBonesBBQ & Boss Burger food truck.

Unlimited ride wristbands are $27 pre – sale online ($35 on the day). Tickets for individual rides can be purchased at the event. Visit www.christmasnites. com.au for full details.

2 – 6 DECEMBER POP-UP CHRISTMAS TREE FOREST Get your cameras ready for the jaw dropping pop-up tree forest!

MON to SAT 10am–2pm FRI 4pm–9pm https://www.centralgeelong.com.au/ school-holiday www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Grovedale Primary School, 143 Bailey Street Grovedale 13 DECEMBER

29 FEBRUARY

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS SCREENING

PAKO FESTO

The Nightmare Before Christmas will be screened for free at Steampacket Gardens. The event kicks off with some pre-movie fun at 5:30pm, including face painting and crafts and a performance from the Mik Maks.

6pm – 12am Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach Road Geelong 28 DECEMBER

THE RIP TO RIVER RUN The Rip to River beach run is on again!

Going from “The Rip” at Point Lonsdale to Ocean Grove by the Barwon River.

There are events for kids and teens include the Classic 5km and 10km for runners under 18 years, the 10km walk for young people under 18 years and the ‘Ripper Nipper’ for those aged 7 – 13 years!

It’s also the biggest annual fundraiser for the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club and welcomes approximately 1500 runners each year.

Ocean Grove Beach http://oceangroveslsc.asn.au/

21 - 23 JANUARY

One street. 43 Cultures. Bring the whole family for a street parade, delicious food, performances, workshops and exhibitions.

Saturday 29 February 9am – 5pm https://www.pakofesta.com.au/

AWARD-WINNING ART’SKOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AGED 5 - 14 YEARS. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

MARCH 16 - 17

1/20 Everist Road, Ocean Grove. www.artskool.com.au

Come and hear Steve’s world famous talk, covering boys of all ages. How to raise sons who are kind, confident, and safe. Boys and school, housework, so much more.

On Monday 16 March 2020 at 7pm, Manningham Function Centre, Doncaster.

The following night, hear Steve’s powerful, funny and moving talk to help you raise your daughter to be wise, warm, and strong. The five stages of girlhood. The importance of dads. The special role of aunties.

On Tuesday 17 March 2020 at 7pm at the same location.

Visit https://www.stevebiddulph.com/ Site_1/2020_Program!.html for more

25 - 27 JANUARY FESTIVAL OF SAILS Held across the Australia Day long weekend, the Festival of Sails is hosted . by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

The annual three-day festival pairs world-class sailing action with exciting free entertainment, attracting more than 100,000 people to the Geelong waterfront.

More information about live entertainment is available from https:// festivalofsails.com.au

RAISING BOYS/RAISING GIRLS WITH STEVE BIDDULPH

SUMMER 2019/2020 27

STAND PROUD

S P I H S R E B M 2020 ME

!

W O N E L ON SA ts.com.au m e m b e rs h ip .g e e lo n g ca

Family Memberships from $18/month

Junior Memberships from $3/month MEET OUR MASCOT

S

Half Cat & Clawdia ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! Fill in your details & either post your colouring creation to PO Box 461 or hand it into the Geelong Cats Membership Counter for your chance to win a Junior Mascot Experience in 2020!* *Make sure you get your parent or guardian’s permission*

Name Phone Email DOB By completing and submitting this form you agree all personal information you provide will be used by the Geelong Cats, in accordance with the AFL and AFL Club’s privacy polocies. To view the Geelong Cats Privacy Policy, please visit geelongcats.com.au/privacy.

By providing your personal information, you agree to such use by the Geelong Cats and the AFL.

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28 SUMMER 2019/2020

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au