Knox Monash Kids Summer 2021

knox monash

SUMMER 2021-22

today

The east’s

BEST SLIDES

Mum’s amazing gift to

SAVE SON’S LIFE

Great prizes in our

TOY GIVEAWAY

About Us

knox Monash

Summer time fun HELLO! Welcome to the summer edition of Knox Monash Kids Today.

The warmer months are here and it’s time to get outside and explore the world around us.

And how great will it be after being cooped up inside for months on end. It’s time to dust off the cobwebs and enjoy the local area.

If you’ve got young kids the playground is often a go-to - it is a free activity that tires the little ones out! This edition features a list of the best slides in Melbourne’s east and southeast, including Knox and Monash. So slide

into summer and work your way through the list (pages 6-8) over the holidays!

And now that we are free to roam, why not check in on your local playgroup – we spoke to Knox Playgroups Incorporated about the benefits of joining up and believe me, there are plenty.

We also spoke to a mum who got a police escort to hospital after what you could say was a ‘speedy’ labour - little Bonnie just couldn’t wait to make her entrance into the world! And we chatted to Erica Kramer who has been helping parents deal with their anxiety through lockdown.

You’ll also enjoy reading about Melbourne mum Claire DeStratis who did something truly incredible - she risked dying to save the life of her young son. Her six-year-old Jake was on life support with only days left to live when she gave him a life-saving partial liver transplant. It truly is an amazing, heart-warming story.

From all of us at Knox Monash Kids Today, have a merry Christmas and an awesome 2022.

Happy holidays!

TODAY Knox Monash Kids Today magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Knox Monash will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Knox Monash Kids 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, Vic 3777 Phone: 5957 3700 Fax: 5957 3777

Editorial Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan@starnewsgroup. com.au Phone: 5945 0666

CONTENTS IT’S YOUR LIFE

EDUCATION

REALITY BITES

Join your local playgroup

Changing the way we think about learning

Helping Little Women

PAGE 3 Mum helps parents lead kids through pandemic

PAGE 15 How to deal with school refusal PAGE 16

Group connects dads

Schools teaching quality online safety education

Fathers not using flexible work

Bonnie makes a speedy entrance

Slide into summer PAGES 6-8 Mum’s amazing act to save her son’s life

Steve Biddulph on the big change in our dads

PAGE 25

PAGE 25

SUMMER 2021-22

PAGE 18

PAGE 26

TODAY

Tutor program to continue

PARTY TIME

PAGE 18

Time to roll up to the party!

The east’s

BEST SLIDES

PAGE 27

PAGE 19

BOOKS

PAGE 10

PAGE 19

A ‘Wandi’ful book for kids

The top things stressing out Aussie teens

Preparing for prep

PAGE 29

PAGE 10

PAGE 20

Children’s books

Teens, tattoos and piercings

What to consider when selecting child care

PAGE 29

Kids in the Kitchen

knox Monash

PAGE 26

Loving the outdoors

PAGE 11

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.

Mum’s experience helps acne sufferers

PAGE 17

Child care relief comes early

PAGE 9

Phone: 5945 0643

PAGE 24

A tale of too many toys

PAGE 16

Unique offering for girls

PAGE 5

andy.jukes@starnewsgroup.com.au

An epic pregnancy journey

Mental health support

PAGE 4

Andy Jukes

The fun of birth in a pandemic

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

Advertising

Mum’s amazing gift to

SAVE SON’S LIFE

Great prizes in our

TOY GIVEAWAY

Cover

PAGE 20

PAGE 12

How to build your child’s learning confidence

Are you ready to get back on the hamster wheel

PAGE 22

KIDS CALENDAR

Harlow, aged 16 months, is excited for summer.

Picture: Rob Carew

What’s on this summer PAGE 30

Formative learning in the infant years

PAGE 12 Managing festive stress

PAGE 22

PAGE 13 Great summer toy giveaway PAGE 14

HEALTH Real insights into picky eating PAGE 23 Vigorous exercise during pregnancy tested PAGE 23

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“Children grew up, parents moved on, and Covid-19 hit us all hard as we were closed all year essentially.”

It’s Your Life

At the start of 2021 Upper Ferntree Gully Playgroup, Cooinda Playgroup and Rowville Playgroup were looking to close their doors.

There was no one to hand over the reins to.

They literally had no members and the current families were all moving on to school.

Wantirna Hub Playgroup and Bayswater Hub Playgroup were being looked after by council, but it wasn’t a long-term solution.

But Erin stepped up and is now volunteering her time to run them all.

She has spent countless hours relaunching these groups under an Auspice Model with a new incorporation called Knox Community Playgroups Inc.

Playgroups the key to a sense of normality

By Melissa Meehan AS Victoria slowly returns to some post-pandemic normality, a generation of new mums are looking to engage with others after months stuck at home.

That’s where Community Playgroups Knox come in. It’s run by the community, and provides a safe space for parents to meet with their children for socialisation and free play.

Groups like this are even more important to help socialise ‘Covid

babies’ who may not have had much contact with other kids for the majority of their lives.

Erin Paxinos runs Community Playgroups Knox Inc. “When my youngest was born in 2017 I took on running Alexander Magit Playgroup by myself,” she said.

“I actually did not want to, at all.

But we’ve found that parents don’t have the time or energy to get involved in committees, which is evident over the last 10 years that has

seen playgroups on decline. Many shut their doors.”

In 2019, Knox City council realised there was a serious problem.

Worried that Community Playgroups were on the verge of disappearing from Knox entirely, the council looked at a new model to run them.

“I have rearranged furniture, thrown out so much rubbish and gone from one family for these seven groups to nearly 300 families, and growing,” she said.

“I couldn’t do it without my husband.

He is the muscles, I don’t think these Playgroups had thrown anything out in 20 years.”

Erin is now working with families to get them more involved in a fun way, with less stress and administrative burden.

“I can’t run them on my own forever (with a little help from our Secretary, Andrea from Taylors Lane Playgroup), but I just cannot stand to see such a valuable thing go to waste because no one knew it was there,” she said.

It was a much simpler way, with much less red tape.

There are playgroups in Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully, Boronia, Knoxfield, Rowville, The Basin and Wantirna.

“And while this new model has been fantastic, it did come a little too late,” Erin said.

To find out more about Knox Community Playgroup Inc visit their Facebook page.

Mum helps parents dealing with anxiety and trauma

By Melissa Meehan MELBOURNE mum of two Erika Cramer knows a thing or two about trauma.

She grew up in the United States, her mum was bi-polar and spent time in and out of foster care.

But despite all of that she worked on herself and became the Queen of Confidence.

Now with more than 55,000 instagram followers – she provides life coaching for other mums dealing with anxiety and trauma.

Covid-19 has thrown a curve ball for many Australians – particularly Melburnians.

“It’s not healthy but that’s what we’ve had to deal with, stuck at home, real life shut down – and especially when the playgrounds closed… that was huge,’ she said.

“Before they were closed, we knew it was bad but we had the playground but when they were closed, it was just like a dagger through the heart.”

For many, the sense of normality was taken away and unfortunately adults weren’t mindful of speaking carefully around their kids.

They pick up so much of what we say, Erika says.

“There has been so much uncertainty – both in the home and outside world,” Erika told Kids Today.

“For many kids Coronavirus is a monster who ruined their lives, which is kind of true, but if we don’t do as much as we can to express how we are feeling and explain to them what is happening and how we are feeling… they make up the rest with fear and imagination,” she said.

“And how the parents are coping or have coped with it – our kids feed on our anxiety.”

She has some tips about how to be a better parent when you are already feeling anxious yourself:

And as adults we’ve all felt it but imagine being a kid during these times.

Erika says during the many lockdowns since the start of the pandemic, many would have their “trauma brain” on 24/7. www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

■ Be aware of yourself Think about how you are feeling right now, can you communicate freely? Are you overworked? Anxious? Stressed out?

Erika Cramer, The Queen of Confidence, is an international confidence coach and popular 5 star podcast host.

What do you need?

■ You need to fill your cup first We say it all the time. But if we are not feeling our best, we can’t be the best for the ones we love.

■ You need to say how you feel There is no point of having the “she’ll be right” attitude, it’s an unhealthy to deal with trauma. We need to express how we feel and that is OK and teach our children that its normal to have emotions ■ Set boundaries It’s hard when in lockdown to set your own boundaries but then you need to set

new ones. Whether it’s as simple as not having the news on 24/7. Kids aren’t programmed to have that screen time.

And when lockdown is finally over and we’ve reached 90 per cent, ease back into normal life.

Be mindful of how your child is feeling. If they are anxious around large crowds don’t take them to a busy shopping centre during the Christmas rush and don’t fill your house with visitors every day.

Sometimes slowly easing back into normal life is all we need. https://thequeenofconfidence.com SUMMER 2021 3

It’s Your Life

Fathers not using flexible work WORKPLACE culture and masculine norms are preventing dads from asking for flexible working hours including paid parental leave, new research suggests.

University of South Australia researcher Dr Ashlee Borgkvist has investigated barriers and facilitators for men to access and use flexible work arrangements.

She found that many fathers felt pressure from their organisations not to use flexibility for family reasons, with this sentiment also echoed across societal norms.

Australia has one of the lowest rates of fathers taking paid parental leave.

Dads Groups help dads feel connected.

Group connects dads

By Melissa Grant

they’ve been out alone with their child,” he said.

JOINING a mothers’ group is pretty much a given for new mums.

“Some mums don’t trust the dads. I’ve got group leaders who have told me their partners weren’t comfortable with them going out with the child without them.”

For years, mums have had the opportunity to connect with other new parents in their local area.

That hasn’t really been the case for dads.

However, that is finally changing.

Dads Groups are popping up all over the country, including the Knox Monash area.

An organisation called Dads Group is the driving force behind the groups and a number of other initiatives targeted towards fathers.

Their mission is to change the culture of fatherhood for the better, while reducing isolation for new and expectant fathers.

WHO CAN JOIN Victorian State Manager Adam Tardif says all fathers and father figures are welcome.

“Some people have the idea that it’s for dads that are struggling. It’s not. It’s a place for dads to form friendships with other dads in their local community,” he said.

Adam said Dads Groups help dads feel connected, while gaining confidence and enhancing competence in their parenting abilities.

“We allow mums to come by if need be,” he said.

“But they come back and see bub has all their limbs and that baby is okay - they can see that dad can do it.”

Adam says the impact of Dads Group is clear to see and in some cases has been quite profound.

“We have had dads tell us point blank that it has saved their life, saved their marriage, saved their relationship with their children,” he said.

THE STORY BEHIND DADS GROUP The first Dads Group dad is Tom Docking, who started the organisation with wife Kate in 2014 after realising how little support there was for fathers.

Kate fell pregnant a few weeks into the couple’s two-year around the world adventure, sending Tom into shock.

“You don’t have to be the paternal father - you can be a grandfather, uncle, stepfather - anyone who is a father figure.”

After bubs was born he went searching for support for new dads. He discovered there really wasn’t anything available.

However, the dad or father figure must bring their child along.

One day he spent time with a couple of other new dads and their babies. It was then he realised what was missing - a place for dads to feel connected in a way that wasn’t clinical and sterile.

The catch-ups are generally just a chat over a coffee at a cafe or a playground.

THE BENEFITS Adam says joining a Dads Group allows dad to bond with their child, gives their partner some alone time and makes them ‘learn on the fly’ when it comes to ‘managing situations’.

“It’s common that dads come along with a 3-month-old and it’s the first time 4 SUMMER 2021

DADS GROUP IS GROWING It’s likely you’ll start hearing more about Dads Group. Over the next three years, the organisation is aiming to support at least 10 per cent of new fathers in Dads Groups across Australia - that’s more than 30,000 new fathers!

The organisation has also started

rolling out programs in hospitals, where they are essentially working with midwives running classes for first-time parents.

Adam says this is all about creating change in the health system. He said many slides in parenting classes don’t even mention the word dad.

“Part of the project is we review the slides they are providing and ‘dadifying’ them,” he said.

MAN WITH A PRAM Man With A Pram are local events that bring fathers and families together on Father’s Day for a walk to combat isolation and bring the community together. Anyone can put their hand up to run one - and it doesn’t have to be on Father’s Day. So far, more than 25 of these events have been held across the country.

DIGITAL DADS GROUPS When Covid hit, Dads Group teamed up with their partner Movember to create Digital Dads Groups.

At 10am every day, dads can visit https://www.dadsgroup.org/, click on a Zoom link and connect with any dad across the country. The calls are hosted by an experienced dads group leader and there are usually between four and five dads on each call.

HOW TO FIND YOUR DADS GROUP Visit https://www.dadsgroup.org/ and click on Dads Groups. Scroll down and you’ll find a Google Map where you can search for your closest Dads Group. If there’s none in your local area, you can send a message to Dads Group and they will work with you to start one.

In Knox Monash, the following groups are listed: Dads of Bayswater, Dads of Boronia, City of Knox Dads Group, Dads of Monash, Dads of Clayton and Dads of Burwood.

You can also follow Dads Group on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/dadsgroupaus

Dr Borgkvist says the low uptake of formal flexible working arrangements by Australian fathers is primarily due to a perceived, and quite often objective, lack of support from workplace managers and colleagues.

“Workplace flexibility is typically accepted as an option for mothers, but when it comes to dads, flexibility is unlikely to be as readily accepted – and in some cases not even considered,” she said.

“Workplace and societal norms play a big role in the lack of flexibility for dads, with many men feeling pressure to conform to stereotypical concepts of the male ‘breadwinner’.”

Dr Borgkvist said while Australia’s national Paid Parental Leave scheme is gender neutral, the stigma of asking for flexibility, along with the need for mothers to utilise the whole Paid Parental Leave period, is limiting its uptake by dads.

“One father I spoke to said he’d stepped back from visiting schools with his wife and child because he felt he’d taken too much time off; another father said he wouldn’t ask for flexibility because he didn’t ‘want to be seen as ‘someone who tries to get out of doing work’.

“So, while the desire and need for flexible work hours is there, it’s being squashed by restrictive workplace cultures. As you can imagine, these ideas around flexible work also have impacts for how women who use flexibility are perceived within workplaces.”

Dr Borgkvist said cultural change was vital.

“Evidence shows that when fathers are provided with wellcompensated, targeted and extended parental leave, they are very likely to take it.”

“Australia is very conservative when it comes to fathers and parental leave. Only when governments and businesses can commit to tangible and practical change will we see flexibility become a real option for Aussie dads.” www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

The relieved couple welcomed their first girl, Bonnie.

Bonnie makes a speedy entrance

By Taylah Eastwell

literally rolled on my side and she was head out. The nurses were saying ‘you can relax, you’re here, you made it to hospital, just relax’. Her head came out and with a little push during my next contraction she was here,” Jenae said.

MANY minds wonder what happens if you are pulled over while speeding to the hospital in labour, but for little Bonnie Petersen and her parents, that exact question will prompt one of the greatest 21st birthday stories imaginable.

After arriving at the hospital with the police escort, it only took Bonnie seven minutes to enter the world - with Jenae only in the birthing room for mere minutes.

When Jenae Petersen’s waters broke around 11.25pm on 14 August, her husband Paul knew he didn’t have time to waste. Jenae had a history of short labours with their two young sons, and Paul wasn’t taking any chances on a last minute roadside birth.

“We made the phone call to my second support person, who was my photographer, twelve minutes before her birth time when we were still on Burwood Highway. Her birth summary paperwork says I was in labour stages two and three for five minutes,” she said.

After the couple frantically called Jenae’s sister-in-law to come and watch their boys, they piled into the car and left their Mooroolbark home for the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.

Bonnie was born at 12.35am on 15 August.

“I always said to my husband my biggest fear was birthing on the side of the road or in the car, I didn’t want to and I was scared it would happen during the day and I’d be alone. I’m so glad it happened in the middle of the night and he was there.

“When my waters broke that was the first sign of labour and that was when the contractions started between four and five minutes apart,” Jenae said.

“I went into labour pretty much straight away. We got into the car and realised we needed petrol, so we chucked some petrol in but by the time we got from Manchester Road to just before the basketball stadiums on Liverpool Road, I had completely changed. I couldn’t talk, I was in full blown labour, so my husband started speeding,” she said.

The distressed couple were doing their best to make it to the hospital, with little Bonnie in a rush to enter the world, when they noticed the dreaded blue and red flashing lights in their rear-view mirror.

“We saw the coppers chuck a u-turn behind us. We kept going, not as fast, but they pulled us over and my husband jumped out and said ‘my wife is in labour I’ve got to get her to hospital’,” Jenae said.

“They shone their torch in and had one look at me and just said ‘Angliss?

Follow us’,” she said.

By this stage, Jenae’s mind was www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Jenae Petersen holds baby Bonnie for the first time and shares a laugh of relief with husband Paul after a speedy trip to the hospital.

Pictures: Eng Photography and Design

preoccupied, but being pulled over by police while in the pointy-end of labour during the Covid-19 pandemic when the pair were not meant to be outside of their 5km radius made an incredibly stressful situation all the more intense.

But the two Mooroolbark officers were quick to act, with Senior Constable David Grey and Constable Jason Lloyd-Sanderson jumping back in their police car and escorting the couple - at a slight speed - through Kilsyth, The Basin and Ferntree Gully until they reached the Angliss.

“There were no questions asked, they just took off and said follow us,” Jenae said.

“My husband is happy he got his Fast and Furious moment down Forest

Road,” she laughed.

Paul said he probably passed a total of five other cars the whole trip.

“We pulled up straight outside the door where my second support person was waiting and she grabbed the wheelchair after seeing how full on I was,” Jenae said.

While Paul moved the car from the ambulance park, the two police officers picked up Jenae’s bags and walked her in to the elevator before saying their goodbyes and good lucks.

Once up in the maternity ward, Jenae made it onto the bed before Paul caught up with her after parking the car.

“He helped me onto the bed and I

Jenae spoke to Senior Constable Grey the following day to say thank you and had her call returned by him shortly afterwards.

“He said he knew something was up as soon as Paul opened the door when they pulled us over because you don’t get out of the car when police pull you over,” she said.

“He has got kids himself and he knew sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.”

But the two officers were left shocked at just how quickly Bonnie entered the world, telling Ms Jenae they thought she was “easily an hour off”.

“I wouldn’t have made it to the hospital without them. We can’t praise them enough,” she said.

A spokesperson from Mooroolbark Police confirmed the officers escorted a driver after intercepting him for driving quickly as the wife had a history of short labours.

SUMMER 2021 5

It’s Your Life

The giant slide at Waverley Park Playground, Mulgrave.

The twirly whirly slide at Scoresby Village Playground.

Slide into summer Kids love to slide. They enjoy the thrill of climbing up to the top and sliding down.

Summer is a great time to slide - just make sure it isn’t hot beforehand! Here, the KIDS TODAY TEAM explore some of the best slides in Melbourne’s east and southeast.

KNOX AND MONASH Waverley Park Playground, Mulgrave THIS brand new playground has a giant slide.

Not only does it have the biggest slide in the area, but this playground is fully fenced and has two other slides for the little ones who might not be ready for maximum sliding. There is so much to offer at this playground, make sure you give the kids extra time to explore it all.

Location: Wellington Road, Mulgrave

placed awkwardly between two car parks. It’s not fenced, which is a bit disappointing, but it’s simplistic design makes it a fun space for the kids to play. That said, if you have more than one who tend to run in differen t directions – this park may not be for you.

Location: 752 Stud Rd, Scoresby Village Square Park, Wantirna South This could be the fastest slide in the east. Look at the slope, the length – the fear!

Scoresby Village Playground, Scoresby A whirly twirly tunnel slide is at the centre of this very new playground

Only the bravest kids will take on this bright green slide, which is seriously one of the fastest we’ve seen but there are

There is a slide for everyone at Caulfield Park, Caulfield North.

Harleston Park, Elsternwick boasts a gigantic slide.

BAYSIDE AND GLEN EIRA

exactly how big this super slide is.

Caulfield Park, Caulfield North WITH three different playgrounds there is a slide for everyone here. They may not be the biggest, but the sheer variety of slides make this park a place to visit.

The three playgrounds are aimed at different groups, the younger kids, older kids and sensory play all catered for.

Location: Corner of Hawthorn and Balaclava Roads, Caulfield North Booran Reservoir Playspace, Glen Huntly Let’s just take a moment to take in 6 SUMMER 2021

More of the slide action at Village Square Park, Wantirna South.

some more relaxed slides in this playground too. Don’t forget the spiders web and a sandpit too.

Location: Harcrest Blvd, Wantirna South Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully This slide is a must visit purely for its funky design – shaped like a Queensland bottle tree to match its forest floor theme it’s a beauty of a park to explore.

Don’t forget to bring the bikes or scooters too and take advantage of the bike track nearby and the library that’s only a stone’s throw away.

Location: Lyndale Ct, Ferntree Gully

The cool slide at Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully.

Not only do kids have to climb this mammoth super structure just to get to the top but it seems to have all the pieces of a super-fast slide and twirly whirly one – in one.

Only the bravest daredevils could be expected to take on such a challenge – and believe me there were many keen to take it on. This playground has been billed as the best playground in Melbourne and it’s not difficult to see why. It’s huge. It’s got a sandpit, swings and a water pad for the warmer months.

Location: 1051 Glen Huntly Rd, Glen Huntly

The spectacular slide at Booran Reservoir Playspace, Glen Huntly.

Harleston Park, Elsternwick A gigantic slide, with steps along the side is the perfect way to while away the spring days. And is sure to tire little legs out. There’s also an area in the sand for the smaller kids with a slide

that’s sure to give parents some relief.

It’s the perfect spot to find some shade under the tree and take a minute to rest.

Or even bring a picnic.

Location: 47 Allison Rd, Elsternwick www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

STONNINGTON AND BOROONDARA Grattan Gardens, Prahran This playground may not boast the biggest, scariest slides in town – but it deserves a mention because of its options for the younger kids.

There are three slides all of different heights and steepness which makes it fun for the little ones looking for some big adventure.

There are two separate areas of play and heaps of room for the kids to run around too. And we can’t forget all the wonderful cafes nearby.

Location: Grattan Street, Prahran Phoenix Park, Malvern The brightly coloured slides at this playground really stand out against its beautiful wooden structure. Who doesn’t love a slide that winds around from top to bottom? Throw in some swings, musical charms, open space and a cafe and it’s hard to go past.

And did we mention it’s fully fenced?

The Rocket Playground in Hawthorn.

Location: 22 Rob Roy Rd, Malvern East Central Gardens Playground, Hawthorn Name me a better rocket-themed slide in Victoria. The much-loved Rocket Playground has to be one of the best places to let the kids imaginations run wild. And while it’s due for a spruce up, the local council has promised to bring it back to its former glory during a revamp of the playground. And it’s not just the rocket ship that is old school, throw in the merry go round, swings and spinning seats and you’ve got the afternoon covered.

Location: 30 Henry St, Hawthorn

The Grattan Gardens in Prahan is a great option for younger kids.

The huge tube slide at Upwey Main Street Playground.

Queens Park, Healesville has some great slides for younger kids.

YARRA RANGES Lilydale Lake Playspace The bright green, twirly whirly slide is hard to miss when you visit this all abilities playground. The sheer space of the area surrounding the lake makes it a great space to take the kids, especially if they love slides, swings, climbing and all things adventure.

There’s also a huge sandpit and water pad (for the warmer months).

Location: Swansea Road, Lilydale

The twirly whirly slide at Lilydale Lake Playspace. www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

The windy slide at Phoenix Park in Malvern.

Upwey Main Street Playground, Upwey This playground isn’t huge – but its slide is. And the bravery of the kids wanting to get to the large tunnel slide will have to match its size as they wrangle the ropes course to get to the top. That

aside, it’s a great playground to take the kids to while you rest after a spot of shopping along the main strip.

Location: Main Street, Upwey Queens Park, Healesville Slides for little kids and some for the bigger ones. This newly refurbished playground just has a wonderful vibe to it. It has so many different zones perfect for all age groups and works in with the existing trees.

It is in one of the most beautiful spots with the mountains in the distance, so while the kids are playing it give parents the chance to take a breath and enjoy the views.

Location: Don Road, Healesville More slides on page 8

One of the great slides at Queens Park, Healesville.

SUMMER 2021 7

It’s Your Life

Annabel at Highgrove Outlook Park in Clyde North.

CASEY AND CARDINIA Oaks Park Playground, Clyde North This playground could very well be home to the longest tube slide in the City of Casey!

There are actually two huge tube slides that curl around a giant green and grey enclosed tower, which is the centrepiece of the park.

The popular playground also features a rock climbing wall, flying fox, climbing nets, tunnels, swings, slides, BMX and skate area, multipurpose court, a toddler area with a sandpit and shaded BBQ areas.

Location: Waterman Drive, Clyde North’s Eliston Estate Cardinia Community Adventure Playground, Pakenham A brightly-coloured enclosed sky tower with three tube slides is the main feature of this popular adventure playground.

Oaks Park Playground, Clyde North is home to possibly the biggest slide in the City of Casey.

Called ‘The Great Keep’, the tower is skinny and tall with the slides coming out at various height levels. The first slide is a pretty standard height, however the other two are pretty long!

The playground also features a big timber play area, scooter track and swings.

There’s also drinking fountains and barbecue facilities, while the toilets are a short stroll away.

Location: John Street, Pakenham Casey Fields Playground, Cranbourne East Weehee! A huge blue slide is the focal point of this adventure playground that has equipment for kids big and small.

The big curving slide is on ‘adventure hill’, which also features a bird nest swing and climbing areas.

The play space also has a pirate play structure and another playground that’s great for younger kids, climbing nets, net bridges, a liberty swing for kids who use wheelchairs, plus a village green community space.

There’s also barbecue and picnic facilities.

Sophie, Annabel and Paddy on the huge slide at Casey Fields Playground.

Pictures: Stewart Chambers 8 SUMMER 2021

Sally at the bottom of the huge slide at the Encore Boulevard Playground in Cranbourne South.

Location: 60 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East

Taylen loves the slides at the the Cardinia Community Adventure Playground in Pakenham.

Highgrove Outlook Park, Clyde North The massive tube slide at this awesome playground is sure to get your child’s adrenaline pumping. It’s one of two slides attached to a tall grey and red rocket ship tower overlooking the park.

The smaller, but decent sized, slide allows kids to work up their courage to tackle the gigantic tube.

The playground also features a full size multipurpose court, seesaw, net swing and flying fox. While there are picnic facilities there are no toilets.

Location: Fitzwilliam Circuit, Clyde North Encore Boulevard Playground, Cranbourne South There’s a large rocket play structure with a long tube slide at this relatively new playground.

After going down the twisted slide, kids can enjoy a range of equipment including swings, wooden obstacle course, large sandpit and waterplay area.

With shaded picnic benches, BBQ facilities and toilets, kids can slide for hours!

Location: Encore Boulevard, Cranbourne South’s Brompton Estate www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Claire and Beau with their children Jake, Mia and Evie.

Mum’s amazing act to save her son’s life Matching scars... Claire and son Jake.

By Melissa Grant

At the RCH, Claire and her partner Beau met with transplant surgeons and Jake was put on transplant waiting lists in Australia and New Zealand.

SIX-YEAR-OLD Jake Shiels had only two days left on life support when his mum gave him an incredible life-saving gift.

Due to the urgency of the situation, both Claire and Beau underwent tests to see if it was possible one of them could donate part of their liver.

The Victorian boy was battling a mystery virus that had caused his liver to fail and he needed a transplant to have any chance of surviving.

Claire was watching her son on life support when a surgeon called to inform her she was a match.

Time was running out to find a donor when his mum, Claire DeStratis, discovered she was compatible but donating part of her liver meant risking her own life.

“The surgeons said ‘look, one in four you’re going to have a major complication and one in 200 don’t survive the surgery’,” the mum of three said.

“That was probably one of the things that scared me the most. But I knew that Jake was going to get what he needed regardless of anything that happened to me.

The following day she was admitted to the Austin Hospital for a six-hour surgery to retrieve 20 per cent of her liver. Under police escort, the partial liver was then rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital for Jake’s 12-hour transplant surgery.

Jake spent weeks in hospital.

Medical Centre in Clayton.

The youngster’s skin had also turned yellow and blood tests revealed he had a viral hepatitis.

“He wasn’t going to get it any other way because they couldn’t find a donor and they could only keep him on life support for a maximum of five days.”

Two weeks of tests failed to uncover what exactly the virus was, but it was clear that his immune system had begun attacking his liver.

The nightmare ordeal started in February this year, less than two weeks after Jake returned to school.

“They said ‘we are going to have to transport him to the RCH (Royal Children’s Hospital) because his liver is failing. He’s going to be going to the transplant ward and he’s going to need a liver transplant’,” Claire explained.

All of a sudden the usually healthy and happy boy felt extremely ill.

“We thought he had gastro but within 24 hours of him vomiting his eyes turned yellow and I knew that wasn’t normal so I rushed him to our local GP,” Claire recalled.

Claire ended up taking Jake to the emergency department at the Monash www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

“There was no stopping the onslaught of it. There was no minimising the symptoms or anything like that, his liver was failing.

“I watched him deteriorate over 11 days… my heart was just breaking.”

Fortunately Jake responded well to the transplant, with his skin returning to a healthier colour in less than 24 hours.

The entire time, Beau was with Jake while the couple’s daughters Mia and Evie were cared for by their aunt and grandmother. Claire’s workplace rallied to raise over $17,000 while a GoFundMe raised more than $10,000 for the couple.

“Our family and friends showed such great support financially,” Claire said.

“We were able to put all our energy into Jake’s recovery and my recovery without the financial worry.”

Claire spent an entire week laying in a hospital bed wondering how her little boy was faring.

When the pair finally reunited Jake’s face lit up and he proudly pointed to the scar on his stomach.

“I said to him, ‘mum has one too honey’,” Claire said.

Claire has recovered well and it is believed her liver has regrown and returned to its pre-surgery size.

Jake had some complications following his life-saving surgery - his lung collapsed and a blood clot that formed on his liver had to be removed.

After the transplant, it was discovered that Jake’s mystery illness was slapped cheek, a virus he previously caught and fought off but had caused an immune response so heightened it attacked the liver.

Jake will take immunosuppressive medication for the rest of his life and is on a low-fat diet to ensure his liver isn’t under undue pressure.

Apart from that it’s been pretty smooth sailing post-surgery for Jake, who celebrated his 7th birthday in October.

“You look at him today and you wouldn’t even think he has had an organ transplant,” Claire said.

“He is such a good kid and he is such a fighter. Even four of five days after the transplant he was trying to get up and walk… he just took it all in his stride.”

Claire is eternally grateful to the talented surgeons who performed the life saving transplant surgeries.

“Without them and the knowledge they have we wouldn’t be where we are today.

“Jake was operated on for 12 hours, I was operated on for six hours - that’s incredible.

“I can’t thank them enough.”

To register to become an organ and tissue donor, visit donatelife.gov.au SUMMER 2021 9

It’s Your Life

A big change in our dads Parenthood - especially for fathers used to be all about ‘control’.

But a new generation is learning it is really about connection, writes STEVE BIDDULPH SOCIAL media is a great gift, for someone like me who lives on an island and is also quite shy. And now I have stopped my life of touring and doing shows for parents around the world, it can be a warm-hearted connection to folks who read my books. These mums and dads are enthusiasts for parenthood and family who think love matters more than fashion, say, or material possessions or ‘success’.

I’ve avoided Instagram or Twitter, but manage two Facebook communities, one for parents of boys, and one for girls - and they are full of life and heart, they really keep me going. I dip into Facebook cautiously, aware it can be like a bush track which you can easily slip off and go careening down through prickly scrub to a rocky landing!

Often my Facebook feed sends me posts from a rather heart-rending page called Dadventure, where mostly American fathers seek help and emotional support from each other as they struggle with the many challenges of kids’ health, behaviour, as well as marriage strife, and making a living while still being a good dad.

It’s such a window into the world of dads, both heart rending and inspiring in about equal amounts. And there is something very striking that you can’t

miss, a kind of watershed moment happening in fatherhood. The old giving way to the new.

Whenever someone posts a question about kids’ misbehaviour, the old guard are there weighing in with things like ‘kids have to know who is the boss’ and ‘my old man taught us respect with his belt, and it worked for me’. I used to work with those dads when I was a family therapist, as they gradually admitted that, well, in fact they hated their dads for most of their childhoods and were noticing that their kids were starting to hate them too. There is a whole skip bin full of denial inside a great many men, and they are almost buried under it, but one day they do get out.

But most heartening is the number of commenters who have made a very big fundamental shift to realise that parenthood is not about control. It’s not about dominating kids into behaving well by yelling, threatening, hitting or contriving punishments - at least, not as the first line of defence. It’s been one of the greatest leaps forwards in parenthood that we have realised that children struggle with their ‘big feelings’ and our job is to help them find a way through the frustrations, negotiations, and griefs and fears which every childhood brings, so they can give space to their emotions but express them in words, and not in actions that might hurt those around them or themselves.

Plenty of adults in our generation knew no other way to express their grief or fear than to punch a hole in the gyprock, or walk out and get drunk, or be abusive or horrible to a partner just trying to help. Plenty of readers will have partners who still struggle to be vulnerable and communicate, instead of merely reacting. So we have to urgently help our kids learn these skills.

When our four-year-old or six-year-old goes into a meltdown or misbehaves

Parents have realised that children struggle with their ‘big feelings’.

terribly it takes incredible grace to not just lose it, or yell at them or go all cold and rejecting, but instead to calm ourselves, really connect with them and reassure them that we love them, and we want to help. But I see this all the time now in parks and shopping malls, and the homes of young friends and family. A child struggling - and a mum, or dad, crouching down, or sitting with them and talking it through. If they will allow it, holding them close. And seeing that child’s feelings subside, and happiness be restored.

It doesn’t mean mollycoddling kids or giving them everything they want, or letting them call the shots. It’s still okay

to say, “I am getting cold and bored now, and I want to go home” when they’ve been almost an hour at a freezing playground! Your feelings count too. But being a parent who is committed to teaching their kids - at the peak of their misbehaviour - that we can all find a way through our feelings, is worth more than gold. Who wouldn’t love to have a parent like that?

Visit Steve on Facebook at Steve Biddulph’s Raising Boys, and Steve Biddulph’s Raising Girls communities.

Steve’s books including Raising Boys, The New Manhood, and Fully Human - are in over a million Australian homes. www.stevebiddulph.com

The top things stressing out Aussie teens SCHOOLWORK is the number one cause of stress and worry among Aussie teens, according to a new report.

felt stressed about their schoolwork and 42 per cent cited it as their biggest worry.

cent), what people think or say about them (31 per cent) and missing out on their goals (24 per cent).

Alarmingly the report also reveals that many don’t talk to anyone when they are struggling.

Other causes of stress included: ■ Feeling anxious about what might happen (41 per cent)

The 2021 MyStrengths Youth Wellbeing Report surveyed nearly 10,000 high school students aged 11-18 years to understand how stress, sleep, social media, and relationships are impacting teen mental health.

■ Self-esteem/feeling low (35 per cent)

The report found that many teens weren’t seeking help - professional or otherwise. One in three students (32 per cent) don’t talk to anyone when they are struggling. Teens who do reach out are more likely to turn to a friend (45 per cent) than a parent.

However, 62 per cent said they feel understood by their parents.

The report found 66 per cent of teens 10 SUMMER 2021

■ Friend problems (27 per cent) ■ Family difficulties (27 per cent).

The biggest worries among teens included what they will do in the future (38 per cent), the way they look (34 per

Only per 3 cent of students surveyed

seek support from their teachers at school.

The report also found students who go to bed later are more likely to experience mental health challenges.

The release of the report coincided with the launch of MyStrengths’ Raising Resilience course, a 10-step course designed to turn the tide on teen mental health. The course includes videos and daily challenges for parents to watch with their teens. www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Teens, tattoos and piercings Teenagers may want a tattoo to make a fashion statement.

BEING a teenager is hard.

You’re not really a child, but you aren’t yet an adult.

But you are trying to find your place in the world. Set yourself apart from others and make your mark.

So what do you do when your teen wants piercings or a tattoo?

Raisingchildren.net.au suggests talking to your child first.

But it’s also important to share your thoughts too, in a calm matter.

The parenting website says, for example you could say, ‘I don’t like the idea of you getting a tattoo at 16 because you might decide you don’t like it in five years time. And then it’ll be difficult and cost you a lot of money to get rid of it’.

Youth Law Australia says you need to be 18 to get a tattoo or body mark in Victoria.

It’s against the law for someone to tattoo you or make a body mark on you even if you have your parent’s permission.

the tattoo or body-piercing until your child is older. For example, you might offer to pay for it for your child’s 18th birthday, if they still want one.

But you can get a piercing under the age of 16 if you have permission from a parent or guardian.

Government website Youth Central states when you do finally turn 18 and can be legally tattooed it’s important to do the following:

And if all else fails – look for a compromise.

If your child wants a very visible or very large tattoo or body-piercing that you don’t want them to get, you might compromise on its size or location.

Another option might be delaying

1. Do your research 2. Don’t follow the trends 3. Consider the long-term 4. Find a reputable tattoo shop 5. Respect your tattoo artist 6. Take care of your new tattoo

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Find out the reasons why they want the piercing or tattoo. Do they want to make a fashion statement? Are they copying their friends?

Listen to their point of view, ask them why it’s important to them and try to respect their opinion.

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 11

It’s Your Life

The finished product.

Herb and feta quinoa patties Makes: 20 Prep time: 10 mins + 1 hour Cook time: 20 mins Ingredients: ■ 2 ½ cups pre-cooked quinoa ■ ½ cup rolled oats ■ 4 free range eggs ■ 180g feta cheese Lucy Stewart in the kitchen with her son Otis.

Pictures: Studio 74 Photography

■ 4 shallots ■ 1 cup chopped fresh herbs – parsley, dill and mint work well

Kid-friendly patties DID you know herbs can pack in just as much nutrition as vegetables? Just like green leafy vegetables, fresh herbs are a good source of vitamins A, C and K and contain polyphenols – powerful plant compounds that have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs are also alkalising and help support the bodies natural detoxification processes.

Growing herbs is a great way to help kids understand where their food comes from and research shows that children who are involved in the preparation of their food – especially vegetables – develop a more positive attitude

i the in th kitchen with Lucy Stewart

towards, and preferences for, those foods. You don’t need a big garden to grow them in either, just a few pots on the window sill will do.

Some of my favourite herbs for kids to grow include: mint, basil, dill, chives and parsley. Their fragrance and mild versatile flavours mean kids can happily pick, smell and eat the leaves raw or sprinkle them over some of their favourite dishes - even just a small amount goes a long way to giving them a nutritional boost.

These little herb and feta quinoa patties are full of freshness and make a great lunchbox addition or vegetarian burger option. Quinoa is high in protein and fibre, two important nutrients that work to keep kids tummies feeling fuller for longer and their energy levels stable.

■ Zest of half a lemon ■ Olive oil for frying Instructions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, oats, eggs, feta cheese, chopped herbs, shallots and lemon zest and mix together until everything is well combined. Place in the fridge to set for one hour.

2. Using a tablespoon of mixture, form 20 small patties with your hands.

3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the patties and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

4. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days.

Lucy Stewart is a mum who is nutritionist specialising in babies and kids health, and a recipe developer.

You can find more of her recipes at https://lucystewartnutrition.com

Are you ready to get back on the hamster wheel?

By Julie Cliff - professional organiser

IF you’re a working mum in Melbourne there is no doubt you have been juggling a lot of things during the various lockdowns over the past 18 months: remote learning, your own paid work, keeping everyone fed, bathed and clothed. It’s a lot to do in the confines of your own home with very little outside help.

As we venture out again, I ask you to think about how you are spending your time now and take stock. By taking stock of where you are at and keeping one eye on the future (where you’d like to get to), you can start to put things in place to organise the life you want.

Take stock of the things you are juggling.

As you go through each day, take stock of all the things you’re juggling.

12 SUMMER 2021

■ How many hours are you working each week and how much ‘me time’ are you scheduling?

■ Are you spending time on meal planning?

■ How much exercise are you squeezing in each day?

■ Who’s doing the home chores and when are they done?

Plan now for the future Are you ready to get back on the hamster wheel? Do you want things to go back to ‘normal’ and run around like a headless chook or do you want to make some changes?

Now is an amazing opportunity for you to organise the life you want. With a clear picture of how you want your future to look, you can make a plan with systems and processes to support your ‘new’ future.

■ Want to work shorter hours? Do you need to work smarter or be clearer on your tasks and priorities and leave the office on time? Or do you need to

get a new job?

■ Want to work more from home?

■ Want to eat healthier food by creating a set of four to six weekly meal plans?

■ Want to spend more time with specific people? Get it in the diary.

■ Want to get the family involved in running the household? Say no when someone tells you it’s your job.

Have a detailed discussion now about who does what.

Now is a great time to take stock of your life before getting back on the hamster wheel.

What next?

Among all your juggling now, have one eye on the future. Start to create the systems around you at home to support the life you want to live.

Space and Time which helps busy working mothers live easier, far less stressful lives through simple, easy to implement organising systems to clear the clutter - both mentally and physically. Sound familiar?

Need help?

Julie Cliff is a professional organiser at

Julie would love to hear from you via info@spaceandtime.com.au www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Managing festive stress

By Melissa Grant

different. It’s important to be aware of signs of stress.

CHRISTMAS can be stressful enough at the best of times.

This includes being irritable, shorttempered, experiencing headaches or an upset stomach, difficulties sleeping, tension in your jaw or shoulders, lack of concentration, and fatigue or extreme tiredness.

In the midst of a global pandemic, the festive season can feel pretty overwhelming for families.

Perhaps you are daunted about the prospect of catching up with family and friends after spending much of the year in isolation.

You may also be rushing around to find gifts as lockdown made it hard to start Christmas shopping early.

Finances could be tight, while travel difficulties may mean you are separated from family members.

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, then the festive season can amplify feelings of grief and loneliness.

If there are tensions within your family, the prospect of catching up for Christmas lunch can leave you feeling pretty anxious.

■ Organise yourself: Schedule time for exercise, relaxation, cooking and eating meals, and plan to complete certain tasks on certain days. These routines can be reassuring as they make life more predictable. Also plan time for the additional things you need to do, such as gift shopping and wrapping, and catch-ups.

■ Have reasonable expectations: Re-evaluate what you can reasonably get done before the holiday. This might mean deferring a catch-up, minimising the amount of cooking you might do, or asking family members for help.

■ Connect with people you care about: Spend time with friends and loved ones who will listen to and understand you. Share your thoughts and feelings with people who care about you and may be able to support you. If you’re physically distanced from loved ones, try reaching out over the phone or online, or joining a social group in your local area.

■ Take time out: Regularly do something that is just for you. This might involve going for a short walk, listening to music, having a coffee at a cafe or at home, watching TV, reading, napping, talking to a friend, having a special treat or gardening.

■ Practice relaxation: Try meditation, progressive muscle relaxation or yoga to take your mind off your stress.

■ Exercise: Exercise can have a positive effect on your emotional health and wellbeing. Try to exercise for at least 15 to 30 minutes, three days per week. If you’re finding this difficult, aim for a daily 10-minute walk.

■ Eat a balanced diet: It can be tempting to indulge during the holidays. Try to maintain a healthy diet by including lots of fruits and vegetables. Also try to minimise foods high in fat and sugar, and avoid depending on cigarettes, alcohol or drugs to cope with stress.

■ Rest: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Rest your eyes as well as your mind, particularly when spending time looking at computer screens or smart devices.

If you need support, talk to your GP or seek support from a counsellor. You can find a counsellor by visiting www.rav. org.au/counselling For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also find mental health support services open over the holiday period by visiting www.rav.org.au/ resources/mental-health-services

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So while the festive season comes with expectations of fun family gettogethers, the reality can be entirely

Here are some great tips from Relationships Australia Victoria to help manage stress through the holiday season:

■ Give yourself positive feedback: Tell yourself that you can cope, and that you will complete the things you need to do to the best of your ability.

Avoid negative self-talk, including statements such as ‘I can’t do this’, or ‘I can’t cope with this.’

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 13

It’s Your Life

Great summer toy giveaway KIDS Today magazines have teamed up with some great brands to give away a heap of cool toys this summer.

A Wahu pack valued at $139.92 which includes:

To put yourself in the running to win one - or all - of the prizes, visit knoxmonashkids.com.au/competitions

■ Wahu Mega Slide 7.5m, RRP $59.99: Kids will love racing down this massive 7.5m super slide. The continuous water spray means you’ll be zooming down the slide and into the plash bumper in no time! Ages 6+

Hurry! Entries close 2 February. Here’s what you can win...

VTech pack valued at $224.80 which includes: ■ Play & Chase Puppy, RRP $49.95: Get playtime on a roll with the interactive Play & Chase Puppy. More than 65 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases help children learn vocabulary words along with lively tunes. Ages 12 months - 3 years.

for an added challenge. Can also be filled with water in its’ base to play on land too! Ages 6+

■ Wahu Hole in Won, RRP $24.95: This inflatable game set includes 1 Hole in Won game board plus 4 sandbags. The waterproof PVC base floats and moves in the water

■ Surfer Dudes Classic, RRP $29.99: Surfer Dudes are the world’s first self-righting, self-surfing toy! Toss your dudes into the surf. They’ll catch and shred the waves, throwing down rippin’ tricks all the way back to you! Ages 6+

■ Blue’s Clues & You Mail Time with Mailbox, RRP $39: Drop the letters in Mailbox and raise his flag to hear phrases from the show. Listen as Mailbox delivers each letter featuring a special message.

Just Play Christmas Pack, valued at $183.99 which includes: ■ Barbie Fashionistas Styling Head, RRP $20: Barbie’s thick flowing hair is perfect for brushing, twisting, and pinning into chic styles! Use the barrettes and hair ties for a fancy up-do; use the brush and hair twists for a sleek top bun!

■ Toot-Toot Friends 2-in-1 Dinosaur Park, RRP $89.95: Get ready for a Dinosaur adventure in this truck which opens up into an amazing Dinosaur Park. Explore the park with the Park Ranger and interact with the dinosaurs.

Place characters onto the MagicPoint location to see them respond with fun phrases, sing-along songs, lively sounds and more. Ages 1-5 years.

■ Disney Doorables Puffables, RRP $20: Discover this fun unboxing experience which includes a 10-inch squishable plush Stitch, Frozen or Mickey Mouse plush hidden inside a tiny house with characters featuring signature Doorables stylised detailing and sparkly glitter eyes.

■ Disney Junior Minnie Mouse Ring Me Rotary Phone, RRP $24.99: This vibrant pink phone has a glitter bow and features adorable Minnie Mouse phrases, realistic telephone sounds and fun light up effects!

■ Disney Doorables Multi Peek Pack x2, RRP $15ea: Discover the Magic Key to reveal a secret image behind the door. Use the key to search and find how many Hidden Mickeys are in the image!

■ Play & Go Puppy Salon, RRP $49.95: Open the pet carrier to groom your pup. Lights and sound effects enrich playtime as you pretend to wash, comb, dry and clip this soft pup. Ages 2-5 years.

■ Switch & Go Dinos Smash & Crash Crew, RRP $34.95: Stomp into the cool, crazy world of prehistoric creatures that turn into vehicles with the Smash & Crash Crew! Crash the Switch & Go Dinos into another one to see them explode with smash-andcrash light effects. Ages 3-8 years.

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■ Wahu Pool Pets Croc, RRP $24.99: Kids will love these awesome new inflatable pool racers in bright funky Wahu colours. Perfect for racing up and down the pool or try and balance on them.

■ CoComelon Stacking Train, RRP $50: Children can get their numbers, shapes, and colours right on track with the CoComelon Stacking Train.

Each big, colourful block features numbers 0-9. Use the blocks to build a train with this 40-piece construction set.

Spark curiosity and get kids ‘zooming’ in on nature (think leaves, flowers, feathers and insects) with this super portable, hand-held microscope.

Osmo Math Wizard and the Fantastic Food Truck valued at $99.99 The newest release from STEAM toy experts Osmo, this is a geometry-focused game that introduces kids to core maths concepts like angles, area and volume. Combining digital gameplay with active, hands-on learning, Osmo’s Math Wizard helps children build confidence in their maths skills through imagination, reasoning and exploration. Players become chefs who use kitchen appliances and a dash of magic to customize dishes, from pizza to sushi, sandwiches, pastries and more!

■ Paper Binoculars - Bird Spotter, RRP $12: Make your own set of paper binoculars, then head outside for all manner of feathered discoveries in the backyard or local park.

Tiger Tribe Nature Explorer Activity Pack valued at $100 ■ Outdoor Activity Set - Back to Nature, RRP $25: Jam packed with engaging activities, hands-on projects, a handy magnifying glass, coloured chalk and notetaking pencil, this kit encourages observation and interaction with nature.

■ Explorer Microscope Set, RRP $35:

■ Bug Spotter Kit, RRP $13: Designed to safely catch and release garden creepy crawlies (and observe them up close with the magnifying lid), this kit comes with an illustrated activity book providing bug tips and best places to spot.

■ Magic Painting World - Aussie Animals, RRP $15: Use the magic paintbrush to discover a bunch of cute Aussie animals. Simply add water to bring them to life with every brush-stroke.

Products are part of Tiger Tribe’s charity partnership with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife (FNPW). www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Education

Changing the way we think about learning

By Melissa Meehan TEACHERS know that play is integral to a child’s learning.

But if they only free play, opportunities to support their conceptional understanding of the world around them may be missed.

Melbourne author Lili-Ann Kreigler has written a book that aims to change that.

Her book, Edu-Chameleon, draws upon decades of experience working across early education to provide a practical guide on how to engage young minds in the present, whilst paving the way for future learning.

Lili-Ann Kriegler says there are seven learning zones.

Her inspiration was setting frameworks for teachers confused about the right to learn.

From totally free play, along a continuum to direct teaching, different curriculum intentions and methodologies are outlined in the seven zones:

They are told that children have the right to learn through free play but then, on the other hand, that they should be teaching them.

“Instead of saying let them play or let them learn – my book explains seven zones to give them confidence that everything they are doing is right,” Ms Kriegler said.

“They can play and be creative, but at the same time learn what they need to.”

The aim is give educators a sense of clarifying what they already know and

Four experiments to turn your kitchen into a science lab SCIENCE is around us all the time.

Science is simply the study of what we observe around us every day. So why not engage in some fun and accessible science activities with your kids right in your kitchen! Let’s take a look at four easy experiments to do with kids: 1. Grow beans Start by soaking 5-6 dried white haricot beans overnight in a bowl of water. Next day, place two squares of folded, dampened paper towel into a large sandwich zip lock bag.

Put the haricot beans into the bag on one side of the towel. Zip the bag and tape it in a warm place against a window so that the children can see the beans. Within a few days the bean germinates and roots will start to appear. With more days’ patience the first leaves will be visible. When the beans reach this stage, they can be planted out in small pots of soil to become mature plants. The excitement of germination never ceases to amaze me. Growing anything can encourage the gardener in your child. www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

■ Free play Edu-Chameleon aims to change the way we look at learning.

giving them a framework.

Ms Kriegler shows how to refine professional knowledge about concept formation to augment the value, purpose and precision of everything you already plan, say and do each day.

2. Grow crystals Besides growing beans, why not grow crystals? Kids will need adult assistance, 3 cups of table salt, one litre of water, a pencil, a paperclip a strong plastic or Pyrex bowl and a piece of string. Boil the water with your child and fill the bowl. Add the salt a tablespoon at a time and stir until no more salt can dissolve. You will see a fine layer of salt collecting at the bottom of the jar when this supersaturation is reached. Tie one end of the string to the pencil and the other to the paper clip. Place the pencil across the jar so the string dangles down. The paperclip weighs the string down and shouldn’t touch the bottom or sides of the jar. Allow the jar to sit for a week in a sunny spot without disturbing it. You should see the salt crystals forming at the top of the string within a week. Children will love looking at the crystals through a magnifying glass. (They’ll want to examine everything else in reach including the cat’s whiskers if it sits still for long enough!) If your child wants to know why the crystals form it has to do with supersaturation. The boiling water encourages more salt to dissolve than would normally occur and the

■ Mediated play ■ Embedded concepts ■ Concept clarity ■ Closed-ended mobilsation ■ Open-ended mobilsation ■ Auto-generative creativity “It’s not all about reading and writing at an early age, it’s about what

salt it drawn up the string with the water. When the water evaporates, the salt crystals are left behind and accumulate in the characteristic tiny cube shapes. If your child falls in love with crystals, go online and investigate the huge variety they can grow. It can become an advanced hobby.

3. Explore sound For an investigation into sound, make a water xylophone. Arrange 5-6 glass jars of the same size and fill them with water to different levels.

For fun, add a little food colouring to each jar to create a rainbow effect.

When kids tap on the jars with a metal spoon they will hear the different pitch related to the proportion of air to water in the jar.

Ask them to explain what they think is happening.

4. Colour and walking water Staying with water, try the ‘walking water’ experiment. Arrange six small plastic containers filled with water in a circle. Add red food colouring to the first one. Skip a container and add blue food colouring to the third one and finally add yellow food colouring to the fifth one. Cut thick paper towel into strips, just long enough to dip

is up and down and side to side or even learning spatial distance,” she said.

“But their oral language is a huge part of that too, which a lot of parents don’t necessarily understand.

“So while my book is for teachers and educators, it might help parents understand that there are a number of ways a child learns through play.”

She has drawn on her own experience of teaching a wide range of students from toddlers to adults and specialises in early childhood education for children aged three to nine years old.

from the middle of one container to the next. Lay six strips across the jars so that the clear water is linked to a coloured water container on either side. Then see what happens!

The cellulose in the paper acts like tiny tubules starting off a capillary effect. Primary colours from the jars will ‘walk’ through the strips to the clear water and create the secondary colours! It’s like magic!

What you want to do through these and many other experiments is to get your child thinking using the scientific method. Scientists ask good questions. They experiment with a variety of materials and substances; they hypothesise about what might happen and they are keen observers. Besides this, they use specific vocabulary, measure precisely to recreate their outcomes and they record what they see with drawings, graphs and photography.

Children learn about more than what happens in a one-off experiment - they learn how to think. Good luck to you and your young scientists as you explore the world in your kitchen!

Find out more at www.kriegler-education.com SUMMER 2021 15

Education

Young people experiencing school refusal can struggle to get out of bed.

How to deal with school refusal

By Melissa Grant

She says there are usually warning signs for parents.

FOR most kids, getting to school each day is pretty uncomplicated. They have breakfast, brush their teeth, put on their uniform and go.

“Often you’ll hear things like ‘I don’t feel well today’, ‘I have a headache or a stomach ache, I don’t think I can face it’.

Generally the symptoms subside if they don’t have to go to school,” she said.

However some students find attending school difficult and struggle with what’s called ‘school refusal’.

In its simplest form, school refusal is when a student can’t go to school. They don’t want to be there and will show features of emotional distress such as headaches or stomach aches.

Prolonged lockdowns in Victoria have led to more families experiencing school refusal.

Before the pandemic, an estimated 2-5 per cent of students were school refusing. It’s estimated those rates tripled when school returned between lockdowns.

Education expert Dr Lisa McKayBrown says school refusal can happen at any point, but can be linked to periods of transition. It also seems to be more prevalent between Years 5 and 9.

This is because of shifts in friendship groups and increased challenges of schooling at this time, according to Dr McKay-Brown who is part of the learning intervention team at Melbourne University.

experience that the feelings of anxiety and worry when they had to go to school lessened.”

She said parents and schools had to be careful when considering remote learning or home schooling as a solution to school refusal.

She said children may also negotiate about going to school by asking to be picked up early, or struggle to get out of bed, the house or the car.

“Anecdotally we find that young people who are school refusing are less likely to engage in those types of learning situations,” she said.

The return of school after the weekend or holidays can also be particularly challenging, with children becoming clingy or tearful.

It’s important to address school refusal. In the short-term, school refusal can impact on a young person’s education, learning and peer relationships. Leaving school altogether can have long-term impacts as the young person won’t achieve their educational potential. Any mental health issues that aren’t address can have impacts into adulthood.”

In these situations, Dr McKay-Brown said it was important to note that school refusal might just be one of the things going on.

“Research shows around 50 per cent of children presenting with school refusal have a mental health disorder,” she said.

Dr McKay-Brown said while there is anecdotal evidence that school refusal rates had tripled since the pandemic, more research is taking place.

“It’s been a time of high stress,” she explained.

“I think some people who may have been at risk of school refusal before the remote learning experience, for them it (remote learning) became an

So what can you do if your child is school refusing?

Dr McKay-Brown suggests the following: ■ Have conversations with your child to get a better sense of what is happening. Ask questions like ‘how are you feeling about school?’ and ‘are there some things that are difficult for you at school?’

■ Communicate with your child’s school. You don’t want absences to continue so let the school know what’s happening and ask them if

they have any support or advice ■ School relationships. Relationships are important when returning to school.

What check-ins can be organised? Is there a way of having peer connections maintained?

■ Seek professional support. A GP is your first point of call. They will determine if there needs to be some kind of mental health referral.

Starting this process is important given the long wait times to see mental health professionals.

■ Maintain school routines. If you are at home it’s important to maintain the routine of a school day. Get your child out of bed, get them sitting at the table when it’s class time and keep them from more pleasurable activities such as gaming. If you are going to go for a walk do it in recess time.

■ Self-care. Parents need to think about their own self-care. They may need to seek support and family counselling can be helpful as school refusal is something that can impact the family unit.

The good news is that with the right support, young people who are school refusing can return to the classroom.

“It’s not forever - we know we can get young people back to school, it just takes time and it takes working on it,” Dr McKay-Brown said.

Quality online safety education in schools ALMOST a third of all Australian schools are using quality online safety education providers endorsed by the federal online safety regulator.

It’s an encouraging statistic given reports of cyberbullying continue to surge during the pandemic.

The Trusted eSafety Provider program, which is run by the eSafety Commissioner, helps schools find providers of evidence-based and curriculum-aligned online safety education programs. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said lockdowns and the pandemic have led Australian children to spend more time online than ever before.

16 SUMMER 2021

“As many Australians are forced online for their work and education during the pandemic, eSafety has seen a rise in reports about cyberbullying and other online harms,” Ms Inman Grant said.

“Research released earlier this year found that 44 per cent of teens had a negative online experience in the six months to September 2020.

Additionally, 3 in 10 children had been contacted by a stranger online.”

Ms Inman Grant said it is vital that schools teach their students how to stay safe with online strategies. These strategies include being an ‘upstander’ when they see bullying online and knowing how to seek help when

something doesn’t feel right.

“Providers endorsed by the Trusted eSafety Provider program can work with schools to educate students about these topics,” she said.

Ms Inman Grant said it was pleasing to see Australian schools take a huge interest in the educational programs, which have the the eSafety tick of approval.

“In the last financial year, 2772 schools - or about 29 per cent of all Australian schools - had at least one session from a Trusted eSafety Provider,” she said.

“The majority of the participants in the programs have been students but

parents and teachers have also taken part in the programs to learn about such topics as cyberbullying, imagebased abuse, and respectful online relationships.”

The eSafety Commissioner works with the providers to ensure they are up-todate with the latest online safety research, trends and practices.

There are currently 37 Trusted eSafety Providers offering a diverse range of services across each state and territory with at least 30 delivering programs online.

More details about the eSafety’s Trusted eSafety Provider program, including a list of providers, is available on the eSafety website. www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Education

The benefits of learning outside

Support for mental health

By Melissa Meehan WE all remember heading outside for story time in a blistering hot summer in the halcyon days of yesteryear.

SECONDARY students in government schools now have access to mental health support.

But did the teachers back then know taking the classroom outdoors could improve learning, engagement in class and social skills?

There are mental health practitioners employed in every Victorian state secondary and specialist school.

The mental health practitioners include psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and mental health nurses delivering the unique needs of each student cohort.

Supporting around 188,000 students, these practitioners offer counselling and early intervention services, support students with complex needs, connect students to broader allied and community health services and deliver whole-school mental health promotion and prevention activities – including during periods of remote learning.

It’s all part of the Mental Health Practitioners initiative, which was finalised before the start of Term Four in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The $51.2 million initiative enables schools to employ a practitioner for up to five days a week.

A study by the University of South Australia found growing evidence that nature based learning may just do that.

There are now mental health practitioners employed in every Victorian state secondary and specialist school.

The Mental Health Practitioners initiative is in addition to the state government’s $28.5 million package to ensure that all Victorian government school students have continued access to professional mental health and wellbeing support during the pandemic.

The last state budget also included $200 million for a new School Mental Health Fund. This fund allows schools to select and implement mental health and wellbeing programs that best meet the needs of their students, while also connecting with specialist services.

In a paper published in Environmental Education Research, UniSA PhD candidate Nicole Miller and her colleagues found that taking the classroom outdoors may improve physical activity, learning, mental health and wellbeing, engagement in class and social skills.

They looked at 20 studies of nature across the globe over the past 18 years.

“The evidence suggests that taking the classroom outdoors could be a great way to include more incidental physical activities into a child’s day,” Ms Miller says.

The link between learning in nature

and lower obesity rates is not new, but more significant than ever, given that only 19 per cent of Australian children are meeting the World Health Organization’s recommended levels of 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day.

Nature-based learning can range from holding normal classes outdoors, to more strenuous activities such as constructing shelters, and group games.

Apart from the physical benefits, the evidence suggests that nature-based learning is more enjoyable and hands-on than in a traditional classroom, so children may be more likely to retain more knowledge and stay focused throughout the lesson.

Learning about the environment while in nature is an obvious benefit, but the researchers also referenced studies showing the mental health benefits in adults who had spent significant time in nature in their childhood.

“Previous research has found links that suggest adults with a low exposure to nature in childhood had significantly poorer mental health and a greater risk of psychiatric disorders,” Ms Miller said.

WHEELERS HILL SECONDARY COLLEGE

OPEN NIGHT Thursday, 7th April 2022 @ 6pm 2-28 Raphael Drive, Wheelers Hill 3150 Preparing our Students for the Future At Wheelers Hill Secondary College, we value respect, excellence and creativity and we pride ourselves on providing our students with the skills to embrace the future as well-rounded global citizens.

Wheelers Hill Secondary College promotes positive relationships and opportunities for all our students to be the best that they can be.

We offer educational programs and extra-curricular activities that focus on the whole child: • Academic Excellence • Sport • Performing Arts • Leadership In addition, programs such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the ACE (Aspire, Challenge and Enrich) Program, VCE/VCAL, the International Student Program and Instrumental Music Program give students agency in developing their own pathways. **School Tours are always welcome. Book online or contact our general office to book a tour.

Wheelers Hill Secondary College 2-28 Raphael Drive Wheelers Hill Victoria 3150 CRICOS NO 00861K E | heelers.hill.sc@education.vic.gov.au W | www.whsc.vic.edu.au P | (03) 9561 5811 Find us on 12510622-NG51-21

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

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Education

Unique offering for girls SET in the hills of beautiful Belgrave, the heart of Wurundjeri Country, Mater Christi offers something quite unique to girls in the outer east of Melbourne.

Tutor program to continue

The College was established by the Good Samaritan Sisters in 1963, which makes it quite young as far as girls’ schools go.

Mater Christi celebrates what it means to be a girl in a changing world.

The College aspires to educate girls who can take their place in the affairs of society, are not limited by stereotypes and can be true to who they are.

Mater Christi’s motto consists of three words – Informed… Compassionate…

Creative… These words capture the dreams for each and every young person who walks through the school’s doors.

Whatever her pathway, each student will have opportunities to explore her interests and talents, to learn about herself and the world, and to find a place to belong.

Mater Christi has a proactive approach to wellbeing by including social-emotional learning as part of the learning program. Their curriculum is based on the Middle Years Program of

Mater Christi offers something quite unique to girls in Melbourne’s outer east.

the International Baccalaureate, an internationally recognised framework which caters for a range of learning needs, offering support and challenge where required. The VCE program is rich and students’ results are a testament to the professionalism and expertise of their teachers.

A girls’ school provides a safe environment to explore identity in the midst of a caring, forward thinking, service-oriented community. Meaningmaking, Learning, Wellbeing and Enrichment are the pillars on which Mater Christi builds this educational community, and they invite you to join them.

IN an attempt to ensure no student is left behind in the wake of the pandemic, the state government tutoring program will continue into 2022.

Minister for Education James Merlino announced $230.4 million in funding to allow Victorian schools to retain the tutors that have supported students throughout 2021.

The tutor program has called on teachers on leave, retired teachers and casual relief teachers to sign up and get back in the classroom – with at least one tutor in all government schools to ensure every Victorian child comes out of the pandemic with the confidence that their learning is on track.

While the past two years have seen some students thrive with the flexibility and self-direction remote learning gave them, for others this period has

been profoundly difficult – and the tutors have worked both in the classroom and through remote learning to identify and support the students who needed extra help with their learning.

Students who struggled most during the pandemic included those with low levels of English, those already at risk of disengaging from school, or those with home environments not conducive to online learning.

Tutors work in small groups to provide tailored support for identified students who need assistance to catch up, regardless of their circumstances or background.

The extra support for onsite tutors in 2022 will also ensure teaching teams can continue to provide dedicated and individualised support for students who need help.

Informed Compassionate Creative

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28 Bayview Road, Belgrave • 9754 6611 • materchristi.edu.au 18 SUMMER 2021

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Education

Child care fee relief comes early FAMILIES with two or more kids in child care will get fee relief earlier than expected.

Child care subsidies for second and subsequent children will be increased to as high as 95 per cent from 7 March, four months before what was promised.

A family earning $110,000 a year with two kids in care, four days a week, for example, will be better off by around $100 each week.

The annual $10,655 Child Care Subsidy (CCS) cap will also be scrapped on 10 December and applied retrospectively for the current financial year.

This means families earning more than $190,015 a year will no longer have to worry about paying full fees when their cap for each child runs out.

Education Minister Alan Tudge said the changes would ease pressure on working families and encourage more parents into work.

The changes were due to start on 11 July 2022, but the federal government says the necessary technical changes will be completed sooner.

“Removing the cap and increasing subsidies means more parents, particularly mothers, can return to work or take on more hours if they choose to,” he said.

Families with two or more children aged five years and under in care will have their CCS rate increased by 30 per cent for their second child and any younger children, up to a maximum rate of 95 per cent.

It’s estimated the overhaul will benefit 250,000 families, with the average saving $2200 a year on child care fees.

Discovery Childcare and Education is all about embracing the outdoors, and even has a giant dinosaur.

Loving the outdoors DISCOVERY Childcare and Education embraces the Danish Forest School practice of friluftsliv which means ‘outdoor life’.

No matter the season, with appropriate clothing, children of every age enjoy regular outdoor recreation. By encouraging children to experience fresh air and sunshine, they are more relaxed, can focus better and are happier and healthier both physically and mentally. Nature provides a learning environment that can’t be replicated on an iPad screen and Discovery Childcare and Education takes a hands-on approach!

The centre has been built to embrace friluftsliv with features including: ■ Water play tables, dancing water jets and an outdoor bicycle riding track complete with rainbow hoops that spray a fine water mist on warmer days ■ A rocky mountain to challenge children and educate them about www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

“Importantly, our support is targeted to those who need it most. We are reducing the out-of-pocket child care costs which really add up when you have two, three or more children in care.”

The child care fee relief will be delivered in time for the federal

election, which must be held by 21 May next year.

While Mr Tudge has insisted the government would bring forward the changes if possible, Labor claims the move is political.

Labor’s early childhood education spokesperson Amanda Rishworth said the policy was a “dud” and that Labor had a better plan for child care that would benefit 750,000 families.

“Labor’s plan that really is a wholesale reform, helping 97 per cent of families, and the Liberal Party’s plan that really only helps a minority for that short time when families have two or three children in care,” she said.

State of the art facilities, experienced Educators, two-year Kindergarten program and free ongoing Hey Dee Ho and Soccerjoeys classes.

risk in an appropriate setting.

When they climb to the top, they can say hello to giant dinosaur, Fletcher!

■ A quiet Aboriginal cultural area where students engage in outdoor cooking over an open fire.

Naturally, Discovery Childcare and Education offers free Hey Dee Ho and Soccerjoeys incursions and also provides older children with excursions to the local park to have picnics and explore. The youngest children are frequently taken on community outings in the centre’s 8-seater pram. No one misses out on the fun and benefits of experiencing the outdoors!

If you’d like more information or a relaxed, obligation-free tour at our Croydon or Boronia services, please contact Malini or Jamie today on: 9722 8933 croydon@discoverychildcare.com.au www.discoverychildcare.com.au

8, 10 and 12 hour days available to ensure you obtain the maximum benefit from your Childcare Subsidy.

Enquire today for an obligation free tour:

12511981-BL51-21

By Melissa Grant

Email: boronia@discoverychildcare.com.au Email: croydon@discoverychildcare.com.au Phone: 9762 4888 Phone: 9722 8933 172 Boronia Road, Boronia - 6:30am to 6:30pm 50 Maroondah Hwy, Croydon - 6:30am to 6:30pm www.discoverychildcare.com.au SUMMER 2021 19

Education

Preparing for prep There are steps you can take at home to prepare your child for Prep.

By Melissa Grant

exact,” she said.

STARTING school is a major milestone in a child’s life and a major transition.

“Walk them through the routine - the night time routine including getting ready their school uniform, lunch box, drink bottle.

So how do you best prepare your child for Prep?

Deakin University parenting expert Dr Elizabeth Westrupp says there are steps parents can take now to help with the transition.

Dr Westrupp, a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer in Deakin’s Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development (SEED), says that while most kids are very adaptable, it’s important parents exude a “calm confidence” and happily answer any question their child may have about school.

Here, Dr Westrupp shares her top tips for helping the transition go more smoothly: ■ Talk about school: Kids are usually pretty excited about going to school, but it is helpful for parents to talk about what happens at school. Dr Westrupp says parents should explain what going to school is all about.

“Talk about a typical day in school, it doesn’t have to be perfect or

“As a parent you want to set your child’s expectations so there aren’t many surprises on the day.”

She says it’s also important to talk, in an age-appropriate way, about any questions or worries your child may have about starting school.

“Some children tend to worry about things. Give your child a base to chat about anything that’s on their mind.

“The way parents respond is how it shapes the child. If they are calm and confident that will reassure children. It’s really important that kids start with some enthusiasm so making it sound exciting, a positive, exciting thing.”

Mark the milestone with a celebration and/or take some photos of your child in their uniform before you take them to school for the first time.

■ Get your child involved: As your child’s first day of school approaches, get your child involved and make it

fun. Dr Westrupp says it’s a good idea to get your child involved in preparing everything for their first day. This includes their school uniform/outfit, deciding what will be in their first lunchbox and what is going in their school bag.

“When kids are involved in planning it makes it more fun and makes them more confident,” she said.

■ Make adjustments to sleep: Over the summer holidays, many families relax bedtimes and routines. Dr Westrupp says it’s helpful if you give your child a week or two to adapt to the school routine before they actually start. This means getting up early or setting a time to wake up.

“I suggest families set an alarm clock at the time their kids need to wake at school time, at least a week beforehand,” she said.

Although kids may be grumpy to start with, it should only last a few days.

■ Practice concentration: Learning in a classroom requires long periods of concentration.

“It might be good in those couple

of weeks before school getting them to do some reading, sitting down and doing shared book reading, puzzles, artworks and writing letters, ” Dr Westrupp said.

You should also explain to your child that in school they will have to listen to what their teacher wants them to do and sit for periods of time.

■ Nutrition: You need to make sure you are providing your child with the right fuel as nutrition is important for brain development. Dr Westrupp says to keep nutrition simple with healthy foods like sandwiches and fruits.

■ Prepare for a tired child: When a child starts school, their little brains do so much as it’s a big transition.

“The new rules, the way classrooms work is quite a jump from kindergarten which is play-based,” Dr Westrupp said.

“Most kids will be a bit more grumpy at home because home is the safe space, so they can let their feelings out at home.”

This means you will have to be a little more patient and gentle with your child, and make sure they go to bed on time.

What to consider when selecting child care ■ Do your preferred options have waitlists? Are there spots on the days you require care for? How early can you drop your child off and how late can you pick them up?

By Melissa Grant THE new year is a popular time for parents to enrol their children in child care.

■ How much will it cost? Are you eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?

Providers will be able to advise you of their fees and you’ll need to check how much child care subsidy you are eligible for.

Mums and dads may be going back to work or study, need occasional care or want their child to start spending time in an educational setting.

Whatever the reason, there is a lot to consider when you have decided to put your little one in child care.

■ Is your child up to date with their immunisations? To get the child care subsidy, your child must meet immunisation requirements.

Firstly, you need to determine what kind of care is appropriate for your circumstances.

■ Have you submitted your child care subsidy claim with Centrelink? Be sure to do this early as it can take time to process. The government pays the subsidy directly to your child care provider to reduce the fees you pay.

Should you enrol your child in a long day care centre, find a family day care service or consider hiring a nanny?

The answer will depend on how many hours of care you require, your child’s needs and, perhaps, your financial situation.

Then there’s the process of finding a suitable child care option and applying for the child care subsidy.

When arranging care for your child, here’s what you should consider: ■ How many hours of care do you need?

20 SUMMER 2021

Child care... there are a lot of things to consider and arrange before enrolling your child in a child care service.

■ Do you want your child cared for at a centre or in a home environment?

■ Do you need care that’s close to home or work? What options are there in the area?

■ What are the quality ratings of the child care services you are considering? You can check the quality ratings at the Starting Blocks website https://www.startingblocks. gov.au/find-child-care

■ What will you have to pack when you send your child to child care?

Does the service provide nappies and food? How many changes of clothes do they recommend?

For more information about the child care subsidy, visit https://www. servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/ services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Enrolments available for 2022 - 2023 Visit our website for a digital tour: www.sjscoresby.catholic.edu.au

EXCELLENT ACADEMIC OUTCOMES! OUTSTANDING WELLBEING PROGRAMS! “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light“ Luke 11:33 St. Jude’s School is a welcoming community built on the foundations of a strong Catholic Parish. We welcome all families, Catholic and non-catholic. We celebrate diversity and offer outstanding educational programs and extracurricular opportunities. Our students enjoy a large school site, with generous playgrounds and facilities.

At St. Jude’s we believe in developing children with a strong sense of self-worth. We know that small positive actions matter every day - a welcoming smile, an understanding nod, a listening ear, a word of encouragement. Our students know we care and in turn care about themselves, each other and their learning.

We help every child shine brightly!

Our quality teachers, terrific academic results, enthusiastic student and parent engagement, all reflect a vibrant learning community.

School tours available - enquire now

Tim McMullen - Principal 53 George St, Scoresby VIC 3179 E: office@sjscoresby.catholic.edu.au www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 21

12510109-AV38-21

P: 8761 9600

Education

How to build your child’s learning confidence Children gain learning confidence when they master new skills.

YOUR children gain learning confidence when they master new skills and achieve goals.

challenges not just in mathematics but in many other areas of life when things get tough.

This encourages them to believe that if they learn new skills, gain knowledge and work hard they can succeed. It is this confidence that helps children to accept challenges and keep going despite set-backs.

As parents you may not like to see your child struggle and even have a tendency to jump in to rescue them.

Whilst your intent to protect your child is valid, unfortunately if this occurs all of the time, the child will not develop their own strategies to overcome the problems they are facing.

Many children appear to lose their learning confidence when it comes to mathematics. How often have you heard your child say, “this sum is too hard” or “I can’t do it?”

Self-confidence is vital in almost every aspect of our lives and for children it can lead to set backs if they do not build the capacity to face

For children to build their confidence, they need to develop a belief in their ability to do their best. For this to occur, they need to believe that they don’t have to be the best in the class or the brightest to gain approval or recognition.

Here are six initial tips to support your child: ■ Listen and acknowledge your child’s concerns, “I can see this is difficult for you at the moment” ■ Let them see the relevance of mathematics in everyday life.

Engage them in shopping or using mathematics in cooking to build their confidence.

■ Praise your child’s effort.

Acknowledge the effort they make in attempting a task, not only getting a right answer.

■ Let your child know it is OK to make mistakes. Remember when they were learning to walk and kept falling down, they kept trying. I am sure

you are still not carrying them.

■ “I couldn’t do mathematics when I was at school, so I can’t help you”.

Instead guide your child to find ways to resolve the problem they face themselves. Have they been provided resources they can refer to or encourage them to ask the teacher themselves for help?

■ Set goals for learning starting with “I can statements” such as “I can attempt every question”.

Gail Major is Executive Principal at Scoresby Secondary College. Scoresby Secondary College is recognised for continued student high learning growth in NAPLAN numeracy.

Formative learning in the infant years BABIES interact with the people and world around them through touch, sight, sound, smell and feel. Through these interactions and investigations, babies develop concepts of their world, which helps them reach pivotal developmental milestones.

Neural pathways are created in a baby’s brain through repetitive actions and stimulating their senses, shaping the way a child thinks, feels, behaves, and learns - now, and into the future.

Meaningful and connecting relationships between caregivers and babies also nourish a child’s growing brain. With more brain activity from birth to three years of age than any other time in a person’s life, these formative years are critical in influencing learning outcomes and lifelong skills.

At Green Leaves Early Learning, a child’s learning journey begins at Nursery level. This stage of their learning journey provides opportunities for babies to explore and strengthen their sensory systems through a variety of motion and movement activities.

Ultimately this gives them the confidence to undertake everyday tasks such as walking, running, jumping, and as they grow, doing things like cutting with scissors, or riding a bike. This development of the sensory system from birth, supports the physical and mental success of babies into their futures.

Located in Knox, Waverley Gardens and Forest Hill, Green Leaves Early Learning provides early education and care in the fundamental stages of child development, from Nursery level 22 SUMMER 2021

The formative years are critical in influencing learning outcomes and lifelong skills.

through to our accredited 3- and 4-year-old Kindergarten programs (6 weeks – 6 years).

Daily activities at Green Leaves Early Learning are designed to encourage intentional teaching and to optimise learning and development. Some of the experiences that take place in daily routines include culinary exploration with their inhouse chef, music and

movement, sensory play, and tummy time.

Throughout the day babies are given the opportunity to exercise their social awareness during creative free play. To support rest in the routine, tranquil music and beautiful twinkling night sky in the cot rooms create the perfect ambience for quality rest between these periods of activity.

If you would like to find out more about unique and age-appropriate learning journeys for your child, visit www. greenleaveselc.com.au or pop in for a coffee and tour to get to know your local Green Leaves Early Learning Centre.

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Health

USC PhD student Laine Chilman sharing a meal with her children.

Real insights into picky eating

By Melissa Grant

a picky eater.

PICKY eating is something many parents deal with.

Furthermore, firstborns seemed to have a higher likelihood of being a picky eater. This is something that rings true for Ms Chilman - her eldest son is picky when it comes to food.

When your child rejects a substantial amount of food it can be frustrating and cause you to worry about their nutritional intake.

“I think it’s different when it’s the first (born) because you have more time to make alternate meals and I wonder if I did a few things that weren’t perfect,” the mother of three said.

So, why does a child become a picky eater and is there anything you can do to get them to eat a greater variety of food?

“With the other two it was more like this is what we are having.”

New research from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) has identified the most common external factors that increase and decrease the likelihood of picky eating in children under the age of 10.

likelihood of picky eating.

USC student and academic Laine Chilman reviewed 80 health industry studies, largely based on parents’ reporting of their children’s picky eating, for her PhD paper ‘Picky Eating in Children’.

On the flip side, the most commonly reported external factors that decrease the likelihood of picky eaters are family meals, responsive parents, and involving the child in the preparation of food.

Her research found that authoritarian parenting, rewards for eating and pressuring a child to eat were external factors that appear to increase the

The study also found that a child’s personality and increased sensitivity, particularly to taste and smell, were the most common internal features of

USC PhD student Laine Chilman.

Ms Chilman said picky eating was an umbrella term for consistent behaviours such as rejecting substantial amounts of food based on texture, novelty or appearance, with associated practical or psychological impacts for parents/caregivers.

She said the papers she researched noted that picky eating tended to be a toddler-appropriate behaviour.

“Developmentally, they are learning different rules of the world but they are also quite protective - they don’t like change,” she said.

“It’s quite developmentally

appropriate. The concern is if it keeps going.”

So what are the things you can do to help address the issue?

Ms Chilman suggests finding a time for the family to have dinner together and getting picky eaters involved in food preparation.

Although she added that this was easier said than done as these things take time, which many families don’t have a lot of.

The aim of her study is to help families with mealtimes.

“I hope my research provides insights that help support – not blame – parents, caregivers and health professionals,” she said.

Ms Chilman, who has worked as a nurse and occupational therapist, is continuing her PhD on picky eating.

The findings of Ms Chilman’s PhD paper, with co-authors from USC, the University of South Australia and The University of Queensland, have been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Vigorous exercise during pregnancy tested COULD Pilates and weightlifting prevent pre-eclampsia?

The Australian Catholic University is launching a study looking into vigorous exercise in pregnancy.

The study is investigating how resistance training and other activities impact vascular function during each trimester.

Its findings could expose as a myth the notion that breaking into a sweat poses a risk to expectant mums and babies in the later stages of pregnancy.

“Fitspo mums pushing their bodies right up to delivery can create quite a stir but our own published research has shown appropriate vigorous physical activity is perfectly safe for mum and bub,” PhD candidate Courtney Giles said. www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

“We aim to take that a step further to look at the effects of exercise on both healthy and clinical populations.

Women experience massive physical changes during pregnancy and we’re looking to see if a workout may be beneficial in preventing the onset of pre-eclampsia.”

In the study, participants will have their blood pressure, arterial stiffness and foetal heartrate recorded to test the hypothesis that high intensity exercise could be as beneficial in pregnancy as it is in other populations.

“There are numerous benefits to continuing exercise in pregnancy but we’d like to know more about how much and how intense so we can give the right advice,” Ms Giles said.

A study is investigating whether weightlifting and Pilates could prevent pre-eclampsia.

SUMMER 2021 23

Reality Bites

Helping little women

A Little Miss Period box.

Rebecca does a lot of posts about matching fashion. Picture: Jackie Thomas

By Melissa Grant VICTORIAN mum Rebecca Little is big on making a difference.

Whether it’s empowering young females through her new project Little Miss Period or using her profile to help charities, Bec is a busy mum who is making her mark.

And with three young girls, including twins, a business and managing an Instagram account with more than 48,000 followers, Bec admits that life can be pretty hectic.

“I think for the everyday person that being a mum is a full-time job obviously now I’m juggling that and the Instagram, Little Miss Period and my husband (Dion) works really long hours.

I would consider it a full-time job times three!” the 33-year-old said, with a laugh.

During lockdown in July Bec launched Little Miss Period, although the idea had been brewing for a while.

The business, which started off as selling ‘period boxes’, stemmed from her own transition into womanhood.

Rebecca Little (right) with Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay.

“When I was young and going through those stages that my mum pretty much put a box of tampons at the end of my bed,” she explained.

“It was my 12th birthday party where I got my period and I ended up sitting out of my own birthday party. I had no idea what to do with a tampon.”

It’s a situation she doesn’t want her own girls - and other young females - to experience.

“I just want that openness with my girls. I want them to feel supported and empowered in every decision that takes place around their body and know that they’re in charge,” she said.

“I guess I wanted to make it (getting periods) fun and exciting and not such a scary thing.”

The period boxes are intended to be a celebratory gift for a girl when she starts menstruation. The boxes are fun but informative with a ‘Welcome to Your Period’ book, tampons, pads, period briefs, a wheat bag and more.

“It’s about choice. I’ve found that on the market they’ve only got options where you can buy period underwear or you can go the other route of going pads and tampons,” Bec explained.

“So I just wanted to make it a bit about everything so they can go into 24 SUMMER 2021

means losing her authenticity and is careful not to take on too much.

Rebecca Little, with husband Dion and their girls Charlotte, Penelope and Florence.

their period with choice.”

The concept has taken off with Bec receiving orders every day. It has also evolved into a site that sells period underwear, menstrual cups and self-care resources.

Picture: Caitlyn Frecklington

announced that she and Dion were having twins.

“I think it’s very intriguing for people to see how you manage life with two newborns. I think people found a lot of interest in following our lives,” she said.

Bec is also busy managing her Instagram page, where she posts about women’s fashion, children’s fashion and beauty.

The Little family hasn’t travelled much since the arrival of the twins, Florence and Penelope, now aged 3, due to Covid.

However her early posts were all about travelling with children.

Having such a strong following on Instagram has led Bec to some great opportunities and collaborations, but she’s careful about what she posts particularly when it involves the kids.

Bec and husband Dion took their young daughter Charlotte, who was nearly 2 at the time, around America for two months. They hired an RV and travelled the east coast.

“It was just a really spectacular holiday. I guess people loved seeing us travelling to all these incredible landmarks,” Bec said.

“I feel like it definitely took off there.”

More followers came when Bec

She asks Charlotte, who turns 7 in January, for her consent before posting.

“I make sure she approves what I’m posting. I ask her if she wants to do the particular jobs we get asked to do because at the end of the day I’m not going to force her to do things she doesn’t enjoy any more.”

She also won’t take on a job if it

“I have been quite open about my mental health. I was diagnosed last year with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). I say yes to a lot of people and I’ve learned over the last 18 months to start saying no just to put myself first.”

Bec likes to put her profile to good use. She became an ambassador for Share the Dignity after the charity put out a call to influencers via social media.

“OCD me took it on and within a week we were able to raise $40,000 in cash and product. I used my network of brands I’d worked with before and so many came to the party.

“We put together 350 bags of essential items you would need in a month shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, just the essentials we all take for granted.

“We were able to do that all in a week. It was a very proud moment and something I hope that I can continue to do.”

Bec donates $2 from each Little Miss Period sale to Share the Dignity.

You can follow Bec on Instagram at rebeccalittle_ or check out Little Miss Period at https://littlemissperiod.com/ www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Reality Bites

The fun of birth in a pandemic

By Melissa Meehan

the chance to sit down in front of the computer to socialise.

ANGELINE Chandler was four months pregnant with her first child when Covid-19 hit.

She was also cut-off from family members who lived outside of the Yarra Valley, with the government pandemic laws blocking any travel further than five kilometres.

For her, it meant her partner Allan couldn’t be there for all the major pregnancy milestones.

The Woori Yallock resident went to appointments and scans alone.

“I think he pictured himself coming to all these appointments as well,” Angeline told Kids Today.

“Because she was our first baby and we had tried for a few years and even through IVF. “I think it was a bit hard for him.”

Luckily Allan was allowed to attend the birth – and stayed by Angeline’s side for the 16-hour labour until Talia was born.

Council organised mums groups are often a lifeline to the outside for new mums stuck in the newborn haze.

“That was really tough, it would have been really nice to have been able to get some help – just a couple of hours here and there from family members or friends,” she said.

But even when lockdown was over, Talia didn’t enjoy a car ride – meaning adventures far from home were not an easy feat.

And like many babies born in the middle of a pandemic – she was wary of new faces because she had hardly seen anyone but mum and dad for so long.

Talia is now 18 months old and taking the world by storm.

However, because of the pandemic, Angeline felt as though she couldn’t really connect with other mums.

Like many other ‘Covid babies’ she started reaching milestones quicker than normal. She crawled and talked a lot earlier than expected, her first word coming at four months.

The council reached out and organised an online group – but with a colicky baby, Angeline never really got

But there is no one else Angeline would rather have spent lockdown with.

Angeline, Allan and Talia Chandler.

An epic pregnancy journey

By Melissa Meehan BEING pregnant during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns is tough.

But imagine being stranded on the other side of the world, numerous flights cancelled and having only two weeks left until you are no longer legally allowed to fly.

This was a reality for Melbourne mum Radhika Sahu and her husband Utkarsh.

The pair were living in London when Radhika was first pregnant and lived there for seven-and-a-half months of her pregnancy.

Mum Radhika and her daughter Aneeka.

Picture: Rob Carew www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It seemed unlikely they would be able to travel home with the new baby or have family come visit.

“Thankfully we had flights booked through my husband’s work, but despite that we had five cancellations before we were able to board a fl ight home,” she said.

“If we were cancelled once more, I doubt we would have been able to come home. I was two weeks away from not being able to fly while pregnant.”

So the couple flew to Brisbane where they completed their two week quarantine and then to Melbourne.

It was during the height of the pandemic in the UK – all retail and services were closed.

“There was definitely tears when we landed, we thought thank God we made it,” she said.

“It’s safe to say we did a lot of walking, discovering London on foot,” Radhika said.

From there they had seven weeks to find somewhere to live and buy all of the baby necessities.

But while seeing London from a different view was exciting, the reality of the pandemic coming to an end sooner than later seemed like an impossible dream.

Luckily for them, the shops were open during that time.

Baby Aneeka was born on 8 February 2021. Melbourne went into a snap lockdown just one day later.

Thankfully the lockdown only lasted five days, and Radhika and Aneeka were able to connect with other mums and bubs through their local mothers group a few times before the longer lockdown of 2021.

“I have the most amazing mum’s group, I am so thankful for them,” she said.

She said being able to meet face-toface allowed them to bond before they were forced to connect virtually.

And while her pregnancy wasn’t exactly what was expected, being able to live in the same city as her family (pandemic or not) gave Radhika some perspective on the issue.

“We are just so thankful to be back in Melbourne. That was our priority and looking at the bigger picture, I’m just so happy to be in the same city as my family,” she said.

“Sure there are things we would have loved to do, including getting some more travel in or being a little bit more prepared in terms of shopping – but we are just so glad that we got back home.”

SUMMER 2021 25

Reality Bites

Sharing a tale of too many toys Victorian mum and author Stef Gemmill.

By Melissa Grant LIKE many parents, Victorian author Stef Gemmill knows that far too many plastic toys can end up in the bin.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Stef has fond memories of being a young girl constantly playing with a hand-me-down doll that was well-loved and well-worn.

The doll had one eye, so Stef took her to the local toy hospital to be repaired.

She loved the doll so much that it never crossed her mind to replace it.

opt for toys that last by following the story of a boy named Sam who becomes a toy tester for a toy factory.

into the hands of children and getting them to consider the impact of consumer choices,” Stef said.

Sam, who was growing tired of his toys, ends up with a heap of plastic toys in all shapes and colours.

“It’s by self discovery that he (Sam) ends up with this huge pile of plastic junk... his treasured toys are at the bottom and he has a change of heart.”

However, he soon finds himself at the bottom of a mountain of broken plastic toys and needs his family’s help to save the day.

The book, beautifully illustrated by Katharine Hall, highlights the huge amounts of plastic waste generated by consumer culture.

The doll is the inspiration behind Stef’s latest children’s book, Toy Mountain.

It aims to empower children to take sustainability into their own hands by reminding them that their choices count.

The book highlights why we should

“This book is about putting change

Stef, a mum of a 13-year-old boy, said it was crazy to think about how much plastic toys there were on the market and how that contributes to the amount of waste we produce.

Toy Mountain is Stef’s third published book. The former music journalist has also written A Home For Luna, a story about a cat on a castaway island who makes unexpected friends with a colony of penguins. The story has an

underlying message about homelessness and refugees.

Her other children’s book is called In My Dreams, an illustrated story that empowers the reader to embrace their imagination and chase pirates and ride wild winds on the back of a dragon.

“Generally I write stories that usually have an element of peril but they are stories of hope and heart and all have a social message,” Stef said.

Stef has already started her next project, a novel aimed at children aged 8-12 years.

Toy Mountain, EK Books RRP $24.99, is available at bookstores and online.

For more information about Stef, visit https://www.stefgemmill.com

Mum’s experience helps acne sufferers

By Melissa Meehan

“In healing my own skin, I’m deeply driven to help others confidently present their full face and vision to the world,” Judy said.

WHEN Judy Cheung-Wood was a teenager, she suffered terrible acne.

It is no surprise she went down that path either, her grandfather was a chemist and manufacturer of natural skin products too.

And it followed her into adulthood.

“I started all of the brands at the supermarket but I found they ended up irritating my skin, so by the time I was in uni I was using very expensive products – I didn’t care if the bottle was $50 and when it didn’t work I just kept trying he next product,” Judy told Kids Today.

She believes she has inherited his expertise and passion for traditional, nutritional medicine and creation of natural skincare products.

It is no mean feat creating a skincare empire with a young daughter in tow, she’s now seven, but Judy says it’s really important to set aside some me time.

“So it got to the point that I had exhausted the market and I was reading some research about the benefits of vitamin B5 and I was absolutely fascinated.”

Judy built the business from a ground up, launching online with no advertising.

From there, this busy Melbourne mum of one started her holistic business, called SkinB5 that saw her win the gold in the 2021 AusMumpreneur Global Brand Award as well as a silver for product innovation and multicultural business excellence.

However, with a little help from her friends at AusTrade – who invited her on an international trip to sell her wares before she even had a product.

“We had an idea, but no product – so we had to get that sorted before we went on that trip,” she said.

“For decades, no one challenged the conventional approach to treating acne – using harsh chemicals to kill bacteria associated with acne breakouts, merely managing the symptoms,” Judy said.

“These wins showcase the traction that we have made and help refuel our passion to help acne sufferers with our nutraceutical Australian made products.”

SkinB5 is an Australian made skincare product composed of dermanutraceuticals, which treat acne holistically without side effects.

And it now has health professionals 26 SUMMER 2021

Now, she sells her product worldwide, includes Singapore, Philippines.

Melbourne mum Judy Cheung-Wood started her own business based on her experience with teenage acne.

are recommending SkinB5 as an alternative to prescription acne medication.

The patented vitamin formula found in SkinB5 addresses the underlying

causes of acne rather than just the symptoms.

Thousands of acne sufferers have left 5 star reviews and they call SkinB5 a ‘game changer’.

“I always use the philosophy of putting on an oxygen mask on yourself when in a plane before you out it on your child, and in life I think we have to do that,” she said.

“I actually schedule a walk every day in my calendar because it doesn’t happen otherwise.”

To read more about Judy’s product go to www.skinb5.com www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Party Time

Time to roll up to the party!

Lamb souvlaki sausage rolls SAUSAGE rolls are an absolute necessity at our house. They’re super easy to make, incredibly wholesome and nutritious, loaded with hidden vegetables and they taste delicious.

These beauties are made from scratch, avoiding all the preservatives found in commercially bought sausage roll meat.

I make a variety of different flavour combinations for my little treasures but this Souvlaki variation is my fun take on the traditional sausage roll and such a family favourite, especially when paired with this creamy Tzatziki style dip.

Perfect for little hands but also loved by grown ups!

Makes 40 pieces Ingredients: ■ 4 sheets Pampas puff pastry, thawed

WITH OLIVIA C ENEA-BRAIN

■ 2 teaspoons of sea salt ■ 2 teaspoons dried oregano ■ ½ teaspoon smoked Paprika

Lamb souvlaki sausage rolls.

■ ½ cup of breadcrumbs

■ Line two biscuit trays with baking paper.

■ Place the minced lamb in a large bowl. Using a fine grater, grate the zucchini, carrot, potato, garlic cloves, celery and purple onion over the lamb. Next, add the salt, oregano, paprika, breadcrumbs and 2 eggs.

■ Using a fork, break down the minced meat and gently bring the mixture together, into a paste-like consistency.

■ Place a sheet of puff pastry down on a clean bench or a chopping board and scoop a large heaped tablespoon of the sausage roll mixture onto the bottom of the sheet, making an even line of the mixture

Egg wash: ■ 1 whole egg ■ 1 teaspoon water

■ 500g lamb mince

Tzatziki Dip: ■ 2 cups Jalna Pot Set Greek Natural Yogurt

■ 1 small purple onion

■ 1 medium garlic clove

■ 2 medium cloves of garlic ■ 1 small potato, peeled

■ 1 levelled teaspoon sea salt (more if desired)

■ 1 small zucchini (unpeeled)

■ 3 mini cucumbers, grated finely

■ 1 piece of celery

■ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

■ 1 small carrot, peeled

Method: ■ Set oven to 180C, fan forced.

■ 2 whole eggs

horizontally across the bottom of the sheet. Fold the line of mixture over to overlap the pastry to create a long role. Trim the long role away from the sheet with a knife and slice the role into 5 pieces. Place the pieces on the lined trays about 2-3cm apart.

Continue with the other half of the pasty sheet, then repeat the process with remaining sheets.

■ In a small bowl, place the remaining egg and teaspoon of water and using a fork; gently whisk, to make the egg wash.

■ Before placing the trays into the oven, using the sharp point of the knife, make 2 x 1cm long incisions on each sausage roll. This will allow for even baking then brush each piece with egg wash.

■ Bake in the oven for approximately 35 minutes; longer if they need more browning.

■ To make the Tzatziki style dip; in a medium bowl, place the Greek yogurt. Finely grate the mini cucumbers and garlic. Add the salt and olive. Stir well.

Serve warm. Enjoy.

Olivia C Enea-Brain is a Melbourne mum of two with a passion for making cooking fun

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Books

A ‘Wandi’ful book for kids

By Melissa Grant THERE’S a true story about a dingo pup that fell out of the sky and into the backyard of a Victorian home.

Now that story is being shared in the form of a children’s book to raise awareness about purebred alpine dingoes, a species in need of protection.

Critically acclaimed author Favel Parrett wrote the book Wandi, named after the dingo that she’s come to know incredibly well.

Favel volunteers at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, where Wandi has lived since falling from the sky in August 2019.

Marks on Wandi’s back suggested he was picked up by a wedge-tail eagle or an owl and taken from his home in the mountains and dropped into a suburban backyard in Wandiligong, near Bright.

A woman found Wandi, who was just five weeks old at the time, crying in a garden and initially thought he was a dog or fox. However, DNA testing revealed he was in fact a purebred alpine dingo.

Wandi was taken to Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, where he was nursed back to health and paired with a female cub.

Wandi became an overnight sensation, with his incredible survival story making headlines around the world.

It’s a story Parrett wanted to tell in a children’s book. She longs for young readers to fall in love with alpine dingoes like she has.

Parrett met her first dingo a few years ago while visiting the sanctuary for a ‘cuddle a cub’ tour.

She thought she would be cuddling some cute cubs, but was instead blown away by what she discovered about the species.

She knew she was in the “presence of greatness” when she learned that they could hear human heartbeats from 25 metres away.

“They are hyper intelligent, their intelligence is beyond,” she said.

“Also, wherever their head can fit, they can fit. They can dislocate both of their shoulders and their hips.”

Parrett is at the sanctuary twice a

Wandi the dingo dingo.

week and has seen Wandi come leaps and bounds since meeting him as a four-month-old pup.

The wonder dingo recently became a dad to six cubs and has amassed more than 56,000 followers on Instagram.

Wandi’s journey to fatherhood is central to the book. According to Parrett, it’s a story of hope as it ends with the famous dingo having his own family. However he is missing his own parents and siblings and wishing they could all be free in the wild.

Author Favel Parrett is passionate about dingoes.

Unfortunately, Parrett says it’s impossible to “rewild” the sanctuary’s dingoes due to the threats they face. including being shot by hunters.

of great need,” she said.

Parrett hopes her story can rewrite the role of alpine dingoes and teach children to be proud of the apex predator.

She believes Wandi’s fall from the sky has a purpose.

Wandi is available at local bookstores.

The book is also available at wandithedingo.com.au, with all proceeds from the book and merchandise going to the sanctuary.

“Wandi has come here for a reason, we believe Wandi came to us at a time

You can also follow Wandi on Instagram at wandi_dingo

“He’s our ambassador to show, let’s give dingoes a chance… and say, hey let’s be proud.”

Children’s books...

Cookie

Little Big Bully

Isabelle Duff, illustrated by Susannah Crispe

Trace Moroney

A heartwarming book about the beautiful bond between Girl and her Border Collie Cookie that is a sensitive exploration of childhood depression. The inseparable pair play together and learn how to make each other happy, even on the days when Cookie is the only one who can make Girl smile. The book is inspired by the author’s personal experiences with acute depressive disorder and anxiety, and by her wonderful dog, Saffy, who has been an invaluable support to her. A valuable resource for reducing stigmatism around mental illness, and a tribute to the loved ones who are able to get you out of bed when nothing else can.

A thoughtful book that sensitively describes how and why bullying happens. It explores a range of wellresearched techniques to develop coping skills and proactive strategies that describe what to do when bullying occurs.

Little Big Bully is part of Trace Moroney’s new My Emotions Series about big feelings for little people. The first of two titles in the series (the other is The Grief Wave) which equips kids with valuable skills to navigate their way through life’s ups and downs.

A must read for kids aged 4+ eQ Publications, RRP $20.99

Kid President Totally Rules!

Who’s a Goose?

Deltora Quest

Scott Stuart

Emily Rodda

Jack Health, illustrated by Max Rambaldi

A hilarious book about two gaggling geese that will make kids giggle. The geese are grappling with how collective nouns apply to a variety of animals, from a barrel of monkeys to a cool waddle of penguins. One goose is goose, and two goose is geese… you get the idea! Serious Bruce is trying to teach silly-billy Bill but it’s not going that well. And when some foxes arrive, the lesson is pretty much over! With animated illustrations and rhyming text, this is a fun read for kids aged 3+

A special 21st anniversary edition of Deltora Quest from award-winning author Emily Rodda that features the much-loved series of eight books.

What would your child do if they were president? In this comedy from award-winning Aussie author Jack Heath, Jaxxon has accidentally been elected as the first Kid President. He wants free ice-cream in schools, homework to be made illegal and national parks to become skate parks. Sounds awesome, right? Well not everyone is happy and they want Jaxxon kicked out of the presidential office. Can Jaxxon remain president and show everyone that he totally rules? For readers aged 9+ Scholastic Australia, RRP $17.99

Scholastic Australia, RRP $17.99

Three companions - Leif, Barda and Jasmine - are on a quest to find the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Once the belt is complete the evil rule of Shadow Lord will be overcome.

This gripping novel is set in the fantasy world of Deltora, a kingdom of magic and monsters, bordered by the sea and a vast, curving mountain range, beyond which is an unknown territory called the Shadowlands.

For readers aged 8+ Scholastic Australia, RRP $39.99

EK Books, RRP $24.99 www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 29

Kids Calendar

What's on

this summer

UNTIL 20 DECEMBER

UNTIL 25 DECEMBER

10 & 23 JANUARY

HOCUS POCUS: MAGIC WITH ELIO SIMONETTI

CHRISTMAS SQUARE

RIDING AS A FAMILY

See Christmas come to life at Melbourne’s Federation Square. There will be plenty of festive decorations and the city’s iconic 16-metre light-up tree.

A bike riding course for families with young children. Learn basic bike handling skills as well specific skills in riding together in environments such as a shared path.

Free event held at Marie Wallace Reserve, 799 Mountain Hwy, Bayswater.

Monday 10 January: 10am-12pm Sunday 23 January: 10am-1pm

An online video series starring master magician Elio Simonetti who explains how to perform some astonishing tricks you can do to amaze your family and friends.

11 DECEMBER

A free event for kids aged 5-12 years.

No bookings required.

VIRTUAL CAROLS

BY CANDLELIGHT

More information: https://www. melbourne.vic.gov.au/

Knox City Council’s Carols by Candlelight will be a fun and festive virtual event this year.

The evening of festive entertainment includes outstanding local and nationally acclaimed performers, sing-a-long carols, family entertainment, the announcement of the Knox Factor winners and a visit from Santa himself!

Watch the show at home with friends, family or neighbours.

You can watch the event from 7.15pm10pm on https://www.facebook.com/ knoxartsandevents/

UNTIL 24 DECEMBER

18 DECEMBER

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

CHRISTMAS QUEST

Check out Santa’s Workshop at Federation Square.

Enjoy a fun and unique Melbourne Christmas adventure with Marvel

Say hello and pose for a free photo (from a Covid-safe distance of course).

Studios’ Hawkeye.

Santa will be in his workshop daily from 10am-2pm, then 1pm to 3pm right up until Christmas Eve. You can also catch him on Thursdays and Fridays between 4pm and 7pm.

Get your Quest Card from the Melbourne Visitor Hub. Then follow the clues to navigate through laneways and arcades to find the answers, with some help from your favourite Avenger.

Decipher all the clues and complete the Quest for the chance to win prizes.

Free event. No bookings required.

30 SUMMER 2021

Check-in, proof of vaccination required and capacity limited. Expect small waiting times during busy periods.

Free event. No bookings required.

New additions include sparkling neon trees, giant bell swings, beautiful baubles and other glittering new decorations.

Free event. No bookings required.

CHRISTMAS PROJECTIONS

12 FEBRUARY

The much-loved Christmas projections are back at Melbourne Town Hall. See five gorgeous adornments, complete with a countdown to Christmas clock.

While visiting, go and see the projections at Chapter House Lane and Hamer Hall too.

SUMMER SUNSET

Nightly 9pm-11pm. Bookings not required.

Get your family and friends together for a fun night out in Knox. As the sun goes down enjoy live music, a twilight movie and get some tucker from the food trucks.

6pm-10pm. Knox Skate Park, 1600 Ferntree Gully Road & Gilbert Park Drive, Knoxfield.

UNTIL 31 DECEMBER

ALL SUMMER

SHRINE KIDS

THE STORY OF THE MOVING IMAGE

The Shrine of Remembrance is offering a free self-guided program for families with primary school-aged children.

There are four different activity cards that provide a starting point for fresh perspectives of the Shrine. Kids are asked to consider and conjure their creative responses to a range of questions related to different aspects of the Shrine.

Bookings not required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne

An exhibition that traverses time, countries and cultures in a mesmerising exploration of an art form that changed the world and illuminated our collective humanity. The free vent features ancient shadow puppets, Victorian-era magic lanterns, original cameras, iconic costumes, movie sets, sketches and more.

ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), Federation Square More information: https://www.acmi. net.au/whats-on/story-of-the-movingimage-exhibition/ www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

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ENROL NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE FOR 2022 Register online at greenleaveselc.com.au FO REST HILL

WAV ER L EY GA R D EN S

KNOX

Level 2, Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre - 270 Canterbury Road, Forest Hill

Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre Rooftop Via Hansworth Street, Mulgrave

Knox Ozone Precinct 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South

9878 8951

9574 6715

9887 2193

12524461-SG51-21

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 31

12524690-BL51-21

32 SUMMER 2021

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au