Casey Cardinia Kids Summer 2020 - 2021

SUMMER 2020-21

Time to be a

SELFISH MUM Bumper 11-page

EDUCATION FEATURE

POPULAR TOYS www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2020 1

About Us

Warm wishes for summer HELLO everyone!

Welcome to the summer edition of Casey Cardinia Kids Today.

It’s that crazy time of year again! The kids are finishing school for the year and we are busy running around in preparation for Christmas Day and the holiday season.

For many, the summer holidays can’t come fast enough. It goes without saying that 2020 has been an unprecedented year. It’s a year that’s left many mums (myself included) feeling pretty exhausted!

If you are keen to take care of yourself a bit better in 2021 then our story on

page 3 is a must-read. There you will find a feature on Melissa D’Arcy, a Victorian mum who has set-up a Facebook group called The Selfish Mums. The name of the group is playful because selfish is the last thing that mums are. More often than not, she says, we put others’ needs above our own.

She’s got some great tips for mums to “be more selfish” to avoid exhaustion and burnout!

In this edition you’ll find a huge education feature that includes heaps of great information about local schools and early learning centres. Education expert Kathy Walker shares her wisdom about how to best prepare children for

their first day of primary school. There’s also interesting reads about the need for earlier career education and the push for free childcare.

Everyone loves a giveaway and there are some great prizes up for grabs in this issue. The prizes on offer include Spin Master toy packs, a Globber Explorer Trike 4in1 and a Barbie Dream House.

The team at Casey Cardinia Kids Today would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

Have fun!

Why it’s time to be a selfish mum PAGE 3 Foundation lights up Tegan’s life PAGE 4 Park makes fantasy a reality PAGE 5 Steve Biddulph on dadding around PAGE 6 The hottest toys for Christmas PAGE 8 Pakenham teen mom’s TV gig PAGE 9 A village that’s simply perfection PAGE 10 Obesity battle inspires kids book PAGE 11 Bold plan to end childhood asthma PAGE 11

Laying the foundations for school - and life PAGE 21

Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777

Comics Secret Headquarters PAGE 37

PAGE 22

BORN TO PERFORM

PAGE 22

Opening Night Supplies

The push for early career education

PAGE 37

PAGE 24 School bank ban

REALITY BITES

PAGE 25

Mums sharing budgeting tips

Family focus at Kool Kidz

PAGE 38

PAGE 26

Volunteering leads to dream job

A unique learning facility

PAGE 39

PAGE 26

Passion to help teen girls flourish

Staggering statistics on swim safety

PAGE 39

PAGE 27

Helping children understand mental illness

Teaching children crucial water skills The push for free childcare PAGE 28

PAGE 40

PAGE 29 A love of learning

PAGE 13

PAGE 29

FASHION

Summer fun at Gumbuya

Leading the way

Hot summer style at Billy Lidz

PAGE 13

PAGE 30

PAGES 42-44

DENTAL

Quality education that puts kids FiRST PAGE 30

BOOKS

A caring team PAGE 16

PHILLIP ISLAND

Inspiring the hero in all of us

The clear alternative to braces

Summer fun for the whole family

PAGE 45

PAGE 16

PAGE 32

Children’s books

Unlikely tooth decay culprits

New karts hit the Island’s Grand Prix Circuit

PAGE 45

PAGE 17

PARTY TIME

HEALTH

Finding ways to celebrate online

PAGE 18 The joy of private maternity care PAGE 18

Advertising Manager Mandy Clark 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.

Cover Levi at Lakeside Pakenham.

Picture: Stewart Chambers

PAGE 40

IKEA’s evolving design

PAGE 32

Advertising advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666

IVF, twins and a stroke

PAGE 12

Reasons to see a gynaecologist

Rob Carew Stewart Chambers

Crest Education welcomes new staff

A pathway for every child

Affordable dentistry

Photography

PAGE 37

Top tips for toilet training success

PAGE 17

Editorial Melissa Grant melissa.grant@starnewsgroup.com.au

New show on ABC Kids

Free kinder for Victorian kids

Casey Cardinia Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Casey Cardinia Kids

CONTENTS IT’S YOUR LIFE

Casey Cardinia Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

SUMMER 2020-21

The mum bringing cheer to all PAGE 41

KIDS CALENDAR

Time to be a

SELFISH MUM Bumper 11-page

EDUCATION FEATURE

POPULAR TOYS www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2020 1

What’s on this summer PAGE 47

PAGE 34

BORN TO PARTY Paint a Pot Art Studio PAGE 34

Dealing with hay fever PAGE 19

ENTERTAINMENT

A guide to thermometers

Our top parenting podcasts

PAGE 19

PAGE 36

EDUCATION

New kids channel shakes things up

Is your child school ready?

PAGE 36

PAGE 21

caseycardiniakids.com.au 2 SUMMER 2020/2021

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instagram.com/caseycardiniakids www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Why it’s time to be a selfish mum

By Melissa Meehan Melissa encourages other mums to build acts of self-care into their routines.

SOMETIMES mums need to be selfish.

They need to go to the toilet by themselves, drink a warm cup of coffee before it goes cold, watch anything other than Bluey or even spend a few minutes alone checking Instagram when they are supposed to be showering.

These things aren’t really selfish - but sometimes mum guilt gets in the way and caring about number one is often forgotten.

That’s why Melissa D’Arcy set up an online support group so that mums from around Victoria, Australia and the world can support each other.

The online group, found on Facebook and Instagram, allows its members to celebrate the wins and share tips and tricks to be #selfishmums.

It all started when Ms D’Arcy went to see the maternal child health nurse for her son’s one-year-old appointment.

“After only a few minutes of chatting, she said to me ‘you’re running on empty, aren’t you?’,” Ms D’Arcy said.

“She was right, I was exhausted and hadn’t been taking any time to look after myself. I thought there must be other mums who are feeling the same way and it would be great to connect.”

And that’s where The Selfish Mums all started.

“The name of the group is meant to be a bit playful because selfish is the last thing most mums are - I’d say most mothers are selfless,” she said.

“More often than not, we put others’ needs above our own and if we never make any time for ourselves that’s when exhaustion and burn out can become an issue.”

The group quickly gained momentum and now boasts more than 300 members.

Ms D’Arcy says it seems that despite the fact it is 2020, there is still a traditional view floating around that motherhood must equate to sacrificing your own identity.

She says it’s time for mums to be more selfish.

“I’d encourage mums to build in small acts of self-care into their daily and weekly routines,” she said.

“I’m not talking about grand activities once in a while but small things done consistently like reading, a hobby, walks or catching up with friends - things that will help you recharge your batteries.

“Self-care isn’t selfish - it’s an act of self-respect.”

Reading can help recharge your batteries.

“There isn’t as much pressure on men to ‘do it all’ as there is on women,” she said.

“This is evident if you look at the recent situation where we have all been spending most of our time at home due to COVID-19. Women, generally speaking, have picked up more housework and managed the bulk of their children’s home schooling compared with their male counterparts.”

She admits everyone’s situation is different, but for many traditional expectations have continued throughout generations.

And for some, society allows (or expects) men to be more “selfish” than their female partners.

“I’d imagine many dads would love to use parental leave and flexible working arrangements available to them but feel pressure they will be judged as not taking their jobs as seriously if they actually use these entitlements,” she said.

“Both mums and dads need time out for themselves and it’s important to communicate that within your family.

Spending time together as a couple is vital too, although that can be tricky if you have very young children.

“The key is to be flexible - you might not be able to go out for an entire day but even an hour together so you can talk in peace is helpful.”

Balance, she says, is the key.

As well as having confidence in knowing that being “selfish” is OK. And she must be onto something.

It’s also important for mums to have their own goals and dreams, according to Ms D’Arcy, not necessarily connected to their families - learning a language, running your own business, mastering a sport are just some examples.

What started as a group in Geelong, now has members spanning across the globe, with some members in the UK, New Zealand, Canada and the Philippines.

“Mums shouldn’t feel guilty for nurturing their identities outside of motherhood,” she said.

And there are big plans ahead for The Selfish Mums - Ms D’Arcy is already working on a refreshed content plan for the group.

Often when we talk about mums and parenting, dads say they get the raw end of the deal - that the so-called bad dads make the good ones look bad.

But The Selfish Mums isn’t about shaming dads - or telling them to be less selfish, Ms D’Arcy says, it’s allowing mums to step back and see that it is possible. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Self care isn’t selfish - it’s an act of self respect” - Melissa D’Arcy

And in the near future she’d like to explore supporting other mums on a one-to-one basis.

“I’ve created a free self care step-bystep guide for mums, which will be available on The Selfish Mum blog, launching in June (www. theselfishmum.com.au).”

Melissa D’Arcy says it’s time for mums to be selfish.

Pictures: Louisa Jones

SUMMER 2020/2021 3

It’s Your Life

Foundation lights up Tegan’s life

By Melissa Grant A Pakenham girl is determined to live life to the fullest as she battles a rare and debilitating autoimmune disease.

Many who are friends with 14-yearold Tegan have no idea she has been diagnosed with systemic scleroderma.

The condition causes hardening and tightening of the skin, joint inflammation, and can affect the heart, kidneys, lungs and oesophagus.

Mum Daniele says the diagnosis in August last year came as a shock following years of unexplained symptoms that were put down to ‘growing pains’.

“I was in disbelief, it really hurt that they were saying,” Daniele recalled.

“I’ve never heard of anything about it and then it was a learning curve, learning what it was about.

“It breaks my heart. It breaks Tegan’s heart.

“It attacks the circulatory system, the oesophagus, the kidneys, the lungs. It just debilitates her.”

There’s no known cure for systemic scleroderma and there are few cases Tegan can relate to.

The disease affects more women than men and usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50.

However, Tegan first experienced symptoms as a young girl.

“At five or six, she woke up one morning and she couldn’t use her hand.

It went on for two weeks. They said it was a virus and would go away,” Daniele recalled.

Tegan is determined to remain on the netball court.

Tegan is in year 8 at Pakenham Secondary College.

She’s a happy-go-lucky thing - she doesn’t let it get her down. A lot of people don’t know she has this”

“From there it just got worse with her hands - she couldn’t make a fist.”

Tegan’s symptoms worsened dramatically a couple of months after her diagnosis. At one point she was unable to walk and feed herself.

In recent months, intense physiotherapy has helped Tegan overcome shoulder and hip pain. The teen has encountered some major problems with her Achilles, which means she will have both legs going into casts at the same time.

She has also experienced a bit of tightening in her fingers, while her wrists are causing her a bit of pain.

“The physio and OT (occupational therapist) are working with her every week trying to help mobility with lots of stretches and exercises,” Daniele said.

Throughout this year, low dose chemotherapy injections and a drug therapy involving a painful injection to the stomach have helped alleviate Tegan’s symptoms.

“The injections have helped tremendously. But having said that we do have our good and bad days,” Daniele said.

“There are lots of ups and downs -

4 SUMMER 2020/2021

you just go with everything.

grant her a wish.

“Tegan knows what she can and can’t do.

She chose to go to Queensland where she went parasailing, jet boating and to Wet ‘n’ Wild.

“She’s a happy-go-lucky thing - she doesn’t let it get her down. A lot of people don’t know she has this.”

The Pakenham Secondary College student loves netball and throughout much of her health battle has managed to keep playing, although Covid-19 kept her off court for a while.

“In saying that we have had bad times when she comes off court. But she loves the game - she says she’s not going to let her disease stop her from doing what she loves,” Daniele said.

Big brother Kyle decided to stay at home so Tegan could take her best friend along for the experience.

The foundation organised everything - including the six-night stay at the hotel, flights and airport parking.

At one point, Tegan said: “Mum this is like royalty, I can’t believe this!”

Daniele said the experience made the entire family see things in a different light.

Tegan with mum Daniele and dad David.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation has also helped the Pye family, including Tegan, remain positive.

“That was fantastic - it took us a world away from what was going on,” she said.

“We couldn’t be any more thankful and grateful for the foundation,” Daniele said.

In the Monash Children’s Hospital, the Starlight Express Room has given Tegan a lot of joyful experiences.

“Having that experience with Starlight has made us think a little differently. You need to think positive, you need to think day by day.”

“It took us out of a dark place, it took us to a much lighter place. They brought the fun times back.”

She plays games, enjoys arts and crafts, socialises with other children and has loved getting onto Starlight TV. Before Covid-19 restrictions earlier this year, Tegan was also lucky enough to have the Starlight Children’s Foundation

The Pyes have made it their mission to raise funds and awareness for the foundation which has given them - and other families with sick children - so much.

Starlight needs to raise $1.3 million to bring happiness to more than 30,000 sick kids in hospital and in the community this Christmas. To donate, visit https://www.starlight.org.au/ christmas

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

It’s Your Life

An artist’s impression of the multipurpose space and playground at Minta Park.

Stockland’s Minta Park will bring many childhood fairytales to life.

Park makes fantasy a reality A CASTLE, forest with teepees and life-size climbing horse are among the features of a fantasy themed park coming to Berwick.

and a life-size steel ‘climbing’ horse.

knights, princesses and fairies,” she said.

The castle will include multiple slides, disabled access walkways, rockers and sand play.

Construction of the magical playspace at Stockland’s Minta Estate has started, with the official opening expected in late 2021.

The park’s design underwent extensive community consultation with existing and future residents, including a vote which revealed ‘fantasy’ as the most popular theme.

“At the centre, children will find a three-level timber castle where they can announce themselves as either king or queen.

The $3.5 million park is designed to bring many favourite childhood fairytales to life.

It will feature a three-level castle with an Excalibur sword set in stone, Sherwood Forest complete with teepees,

Stockland Minta Park Project Director Kerry Balci said the developer can’t wait to bring the vision to life.

“The new Minta park is set to be full of magic as it’s filled with castles,

Minta Park will be located at the highest point of the new 116 hectare community, which is being developed on the historic Minta farm site near Soldiers Road.

There are also plans for an open air amphitheatre to accompany the park.

The amphitheatre will cater for large events and community activities.

“The gathering space will be able to accommodate a range of day-time and evening community events including: movie nights, weekly group yoga sessions, farmers markets and food trucks - perfect for the whole family,” Ms Balci said.

A dedicated ‘community placemaker’ will be in charge of running an annual calendar of events for the space.

The first phase of construction is expected to be completed in 2021. The second phase is due to commence in late 2021.

12472271-SN51-20

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2020/2021 5

It’s Your Life

Dadding around

By Steve Biddulph ONE of the good things about being old is that I can figure out exactly what I should have done 40 years ago, after finally having time to think about it.

years - being always that bit too rushed, worried about being a provider, radiating a feeling of ‘person doing urgent and important things’. And kids pick up on that. If I had that time over again, I would dial it way down, trust that we’d get by, and just plain enjoy life more, and give them more of the feeling that life was fun, at least most of the time.

It’s definitely true for fathering - if I could have it over again, I would do it so differently. Although in parenthood this also applies to the last 24 hours too!

We did have lots of fun. My kids had me around a lot more than many dads, and I was affectionate and close to them, but I was still too wound up.

Being a man and a dad, there are some key things to remember (and hello to all dads reading this, much love to you).

So my take home message? You’ll have your own view, but my idea of a wonderful dad is someone who young kids think hasn’t a worry in the world.

He is amiable, slow, takes time with them, listens, and is good fun, while also being clear about boundaries. He is good mates with their mum. Only when they get older do they figure out you did all that other stuff like saving the world.

And be impressed that you never let on!

beside Niagara Falls!

I am not sure if you remember being a small boy and your dad kind of looming like a mountain wherever he went. So the ‘weather’ on that mountain had a big effect on you.

Sunny was wonderful, stormy was not good.

But mostly with dads it’s their voices that kids are aware of. When researching my book Raising Girls, I discovered that some girls have far more acute hearing and they hate it when dad is too loud, and love it when he speaks gently. Our idea of normal sounds like shouting to them, and that sets off their adrenaline.

Luckily my dad was gentle, because he was also huge. I remember being in the bath, and him coming into the bathroom for a pee - it was like being

Being very serious for a moment, somewhere deep down a small child knows that an adult that big could badly hurt them. This only comes into

awareness if they ever see us really out of control, but then that memory remains with them for life. A boy who is hit is three times more likely to hit his wife when he grows up. Luckily people who read magazines about parenthood are generally pretty gentle, but some of us remember being a child in a home like that.

Steve’s renowned talks on Raising Boys and Raising Girls are now being hosted online. Have a look at his website for more info. www.stevebiddulph.com Steve Biddulph AM,

For most of us, it’s just anxiety that we bring too much of into the family environment.

Author - 10 Things Girls Need Most, Raising Girls, Raising Boys.

I am pretty sure I spent the years between 28 and 48 - my parenting

Complete Secrets of Happy Children, and The New Manhood

FUN for the Kids at Clyde during January School Holidays ...

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Almost always, we men are the largest and loudest person in the family.

We don’t think of it that much but it’s a key feature for everyone else, especially the littlies. So a dad often sets the mood in the whole house when he is around.

For good, or for ill.

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Unlock your cool!

Unlock your loud! Unlock your wild!

Celebrate summer with your friends and family at Victoria’s home of cool action, loud laughs and wild adventure, Gumbuya World. Take the plunge on epic water slides, spin out on awesome rides and say hello to Pebbles, our newest baby koala!

Book online now at Gumbuya.com.au! Always #funsafe.

Check out our #funsafe Covid guidelines at gumbuya.com.au

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2020/2021 7

It’s Your Life

Hedbanz.

SmarTrike Trampoline.

Paw Patrol Dino Patroller.

Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage.

Cool Maker Hollywood Hair Studio.

Bosch Deluxe Workbench.

The Globber Explorer Trike 4in1.

UNO. Barbie Dream Camper.

Barbie Dream House.

The hottest toys for Christmas

By Melissa Grant

their perfect home with Barbie Dreamhouse.

COOL MAKER HOLLYWOOD HAIR STUDIO

WHAT are the must-have toys this Christmas?

It’s a question you are probably asking yourself as you scratch your head for gift ideas.

There are so many new toys and games that have been released in time for the festive season, not to mention all the old favourites sitting on retailers’ shelves.

While it’s impossible to feature them all, we’ve put together a list of hot gifts for kids this Christmas.

There are limitless ways to play and explore, from friend sleepovers to birthday parties and backyard BBQs.

This DIY hair studio lets children design, customise and create their own hair extensions. They will love decorating one of the coloured or pattern hair ribbons with marker pens then pressing a button to transform it into a super cute hair extension. The set includes a curling wand, hair rollers and clips, two markers and spray bottle.

HOT WHEELS ULTIMATE GARAGE The newly released Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage is designed to fuel kids’ imaginations.

Take vehicles all the way up in the kid-powered two-car elevator, then race down through the multi-level garage and experiment with dual-play mode for continuous thrills.

For kids aged 5+. RRP $129.99.

PAW PATROL DINO PATROLLER Save the day with Dino Patroller, the first motorised Paw Patrol team vehicle. It features room for all six pups, oversized wheels, a projectile launcher and an exclusive Chase and t-rex dinosaur action figure.

Perfect for kids aged 3+. RRP $249 BARBIE DREAM CAMPER Kids can hit the open road and go wherever their imaginations take them, with Barbie Dream Camper. There are multiple transformations and hidden surprises make playtime exciting.

For kids aged 3+. RRP $139 HEDBANZ By popular demand, Hedbanz, the classic picture guessing game of “What am I?” returns with all-new picture cards, six themed headbands, and art.

Pick a card, but don’t peek! It’s then a race against the clock to guess what’s on your card, by asking your opponents yes-or-no questions.

RRP $24.99 UNO

For ages 8+. RRP $39.99 GLOBBER EXPLORER TRIKE 4IN1 This 4in1 trike can be used from 10 months through to five years. At 10 months, your child can use it in trike mode, Then at 18 months they are ready for the guided trike. By the time they’re 2 it can be switched to training tike mode before being switched to a balance bike.

RRP $299 BOSCH DELUXE WORKBENCH A height-adjustable workbench with a drill press, vice, saw, pliers, hammer, wrench and more. With so many screws, saws, spanners and more to play with, this gift nails it.

For ages 3+. RRP $79

BARBIE DREAM HOUSE

You know this game needs no introduction! Players take turns matching a card in their hand to the card showing on top of the deck by colour or number. Skips, Reverse, Draw Two, Wild and Draw Four Wild cards can deliver opponent-beating moves.

There is also UNO Junior, a simplified version for younger players.

Kids can use their imaginations to set up

UNO RRP $10, UNO Junior RRP $6.99

RRP $169

For kids aged 3+. RRP $109.99

8 SUMMER 2020/2021

SMARTRIKE TRAMPOLINE A ball pit and trampoline that folds small enough to fit just about anywhere.

The SmarTrike Trampoline encourages development and growing with your child from 10 months to five years.

WIN! WIN! WIN! We’re giving away some awesome toys for Christmas.

MATTEL TOYS Up for grabs is one Barbie Dream house ($249), which offers so many options when it comes to imaginative play.

We’re also giving away one Barbie Dream Camper ($139), and the newly released Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage ($129.99)

SPIN MASTER TOYS We’ve got two toy prize packs to give away, each valued at more than $200. Each pack features: Paw Patrol themed vehicle, Bakugan Dragonoid Infinity, Monster Jam 1:64 Basic Playset Season 2, Twisty Petz Beauty, HedBanz and Hatchimals Crystal Flyers.

GLOBBER TRIKE Win a Globber Explorer Trike 4in1 in teal ($299). The all in one tricycle for toddlers aged 10+months and balance bike for kids aged 2-5 years adapts as your child grows.

To put yourself in the running to win one - or all - of these great toys, visit www.caseycardiniakids. com.au/competitions Hurry - entries close Thursday 17 December.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Pakenham teen mom’s TV gig

By Mitchell Clarke

Ammi wouldn’t change a thing.

“It’s exhausting, but so much fun,” she said, when asked about being a young mother.

AT just 17-years old, Ammersen, better known as ‘Ammi’, became a mother to her first son Jiyah.

Now, the 20-year-old is starring in the second series of Teen Mom Australia with not one - but two babies, after she welcomed her second son, Nakoah, into the world.

“The whole experience (of being a mum) is amazing. They are both walking and talking and have the best little personalities and it makes me so happy to know I raised them to be just that.

The young mum, who also featured in the first series of the hugely popular spin-off show which follows the lives of pregnant teens and teen mums, has been “put to the test” in season two.

“They are both absolute sweethearts.

I do not know where I’d be without my babies.”

The show documents four teen mothers - Ammi, Akosita, Georgina and newcomer Tanisha, as they try to find the right balance between childcare, relationships and teenage life.

“I never really made the decision to become a teen mum,” she said. “When I fell pregnant with Jiyah it was honestly unexpected.”

But the journey to becoming a young mother was anything but planned.

After growing up in the Mornington Peninsula, Ammi moved to Pakenham about two years ago, where she has been raising her two youngsters with her childhood sweetheart, Jordan, ever since.

Despite motherhood being one of the most challenging, exhausting and thankless moments of a woman’s life,

As for her decision to publicly share her entire life on a reality television program, Ammi said she stumbled across the opportunity while scrolling through social media.

“There was an open casting call getting shared around Facebook and my partner saw and said ‘don’t you dare’,” she recalled.

“So at first I honestly did it for a laugh,

Ammi and Jordan with their first born son Jiyah.

a bit of a joke really not thinking I’d get in, and one and a half years later here I am.

“The actual experience is one of a kind, and it’s honestly been an amazing experience to document our lives.”

And while the series might be some light-hearted entertainment for viewers, Ammi hopes being part of it will bring some awareness to teen pregnancy and provide positive representation for young parents.

“I think the biggest thing people often assume is that a young mum equals bad parenting and that’s just not the

Pictures: MTV

case,” Ammi said.

“People are far too quick to judge when it comes to other people’s parenting.

“The message I hope to spread is that you shouldn’t care about what anyone has to say about you. You can do anything you put your mind to.”

Since the launch of the Teen Mom franchise in 2010, more than 7.4 million Aussies have tuned in to watch the show.

The second season premiered on 27 October on MTV and 10 Shake.

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SUMMER 2020/2021 9

It’s Your Life

A village that’s simply perfection CASEY Grange Village, a fab community from RCA Villages for modern retirees, is right in the heart of Cranbourne, a wonderfully surprising base for a family break during the upcoming holiday season, writes Carole Levy.

If plans are afoot to visit grandma and grandpa at Casey Grange, families will be spoilt for choice of activities to join in with them: the luxe Clubhouse with pool/spa, library, and lounge/ dining areas; a cafe with coffee machine (residents receive barista training); a licensed bar for happy hour and dinner dances; a game of table tennis or lawn bowls; and a terrific communal vegie garden.

While kicking back for a while with grandparents in their beautiful villa and exploring Casey Grange is enticing in itself, there’s so much to see and do in and around the area.

Kids are spoilt for choice, with no less than six playgrounds (plus a skate park) all within 10 minutes’ drive or less, while a 15 minute trip will have them at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife where crocodiles and other critters roam. Or head down the coast for 40 minutes to Boneo Discovery Park’s maze and giant games garden, passing through gorgeous coastal towns and beaches on the way.

Visiting i i i ffamilies ili h have lots l to explore l at Casey Grange Village and in the local area.

The Casey Grange Village Clubhouse offers a range of activities.

Grown-ups have plenty to see and do as well. For a fine bite to eat, check out the Bear House, an Indian feast at Ajanta - either just five minutes away - or a fine family pizza at Zeppo a smidge farther in Clyde. And if a picnic or fish and chips is what you hanker for, head to the foreshore at Tooradin and watch the pelicans while you eat.

A plethora of famed Mornington Peninsula wineries are within 30 minutes or so, where food and great drops await to be enjoyed in the sunshine - Red Hill Estate and Polperro Vineyard are just two among many others. And find farm gate produce

along the way.

Cascades on Clyde Wetland, 14 minutes away, is a beautiful spot to explore, as are the Royal Botanic Gardens even closer. If a family picnic is on the agenda, head to Stringybark Picnic Area (10 minutes) where prolific birdlife makes its home among the leafy surrounds - then take a walk along the trails to wetlands. Or if a fix of local history is on the wish-list, check out the majestic Old Cheese Factory 20 minutes away.

Casey Grange Village’s lucky residents have these choices on their

doorstep year-round, but if they want to head overseas or travel around Australia, they get to return knowing everything is left secure and maintained.

And RCA Villages has produced a ‘faces from our places’ calendar featuring some beautiful, stereotypedefying images of residents from across their villages. There are 30 to give away in December - simply fill out the coupon on the back page to receive yours.

Casey Grange Village. 75 Evans Road, Cranbourne West. Inquiries: 1800 998 900 or www.caseygrange.com.au

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Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre 140 Windermere Boulevard Pakenham

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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Obesity battle inspires kids book

By Melissa Grant

character helps him along his journey.

“It’s an inspirational story.”

RAMSEY Damouni struggled with obesity as a child.

While the book isn’t directly based on Ramsey’s own weight loss struggle, it has many parallels with his own story and also incorporates his tips for weight loss success.

As a teen, he was bullied by his peers, mocked by teachers and at one point felt like he was having a heart attack while playing footy.

Like the lead character, Rasmey endured relentless bullying in school because of his weight.

By the time Ramsey was 17 his weight had ballooned to 140kg.

But after diligently researching nutrition and exercise, he formulated his own weight loss plan and managed to shed 45kg.

“It was traumatic. I was being bullied regularly and being mocked by teachers,” he said.

Now, the Endeavour Hills dad wants to inspire a generation of kids experiencing their own weight struggles.

Ramsey said his first couple of years at university were also traumatic as he had become shy and pretty insular.

Ramsey has written a children’s book titled Joshua Garland - The Legend of the Kids.

It was during university that he was invited to study overseas and his weightloss journey began.

It’s a fictional, fun schoolyard adventure aimed at kids aged 11-17.

He was moved to another seat on the plane due to his size. Once he arrived in the Middle East, he got a lot of strange looks as it wasn’t common to see someone of his size there.

“High school was the worst.”

“The story is about a young boy who is bullied in school,” Ramsey explains.

Ramsey Damouni holding Joshua Garland - The Legend of the Kids, a book inspired by his battle with childhood obesity.

Picture: Stewart Chambers

“The school he attends has a strong sporting profile they need to uphold and he’s constantly knocked about being obese.

physically out of shape and because he is pushed too far - the consequences of that is what the book focuses on.

Ramsey did a lot of walking while he was abroad and managed to lose some weight.

“They are preparing for a big marathon against another school and he’s constantly coming last. “He’s

“Something sparks within him and he decides to do something about his weight. A chance meeting with a

“I came back to Australia and I thought ‘I made some gains here, I’ll see what I can find out about it,” he

said.

“I read up about it - suddenly the weight started dropping through walking, watching my portions, and understanding metabolism.”

Ramsey, now father to a young boy, believes most children simply lack education when it comes to nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.

“I don’t think a lot of kids grasp the basics, and it’s not their focus,” he said.

Educating kids about these basics including portion control, metabolism and movement - are the aim of Joshua Garland - The Legend of the Kids.

It’s the book Ramsey wishes he had as a teen.

“I had no one to educate or guide me in understanding how to best overcome my weight problem, in a simplified manner for a child.”

Joshua Garland - The Legend of the Kids is being well received, with reviews describing it as a “thrilling read” and “educational but in a subtle way”.

Ramsey says he already has plans for a sequel.

Joshua Garland - The Legend of the Kids is available for download on Kindle and Apple Books. It’s also available in paperback on Amazon.

It’s hoped the team will be able to develop an asthma vaccine.

Bold plan to end childhood asthma AN ambitious venture out of Perth could see the end of childhood asthma.

A team of scientists at a new worldclass respiratory research centre, called The Wal-van Respiratory Research Centre, are working on therapies that would function like an asthma vaccine.

The therapies would train the immune system and protect the lining of the airways to prevent the development of childhood asthma.

Centre director Professor Stephen Stick said the development had the potential to save billions of dollars from the national healthcare budget as well as improve the lives of millions of children.

“Eliminating asthma - which affects around ten per cent of Australian children - will be a key priority for the www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, with our researchers pursuing a vaccine-like approach to solve this problem,” Professor Stick said.

“We are looking at training the immune system in young people who are identified as being predisposed to asthma, through genetic or environmental factors.

“You can look at it like a switch lever on a train track - if we can train the immune system during the first year of life, a vaccine-like therapy can act as a switch to change the track and instead of following the pathway to asthma, the immune system is re-directed to a healthier outcome.”

The centre is a partnership between the Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and Perth Children’s Hospital.

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SUMMER 2020/2021 11

It’s Your Life

Top tips for toilet training success

By Melissa Grant TOILET training is one of the hardest and messiest - tasks you will go through as a parent.

And many of us are leaving it too late, according to a toilet training expert.

Parents commonly wait until their child is well into their second year of life - or even their third - before they start the process.

However, Tracy Fulwood, the founder of PottyTraining. com.au, says it’s much easier to start toilet training your child before their second birthday..

“If you don’t wait until the terrible twos to start, when they are ready to assert their authority, then they are developing good habits before then,” she explained.

“Parents do need to choose when it’s right for them, but the earlier we can break the bad habit (of wearing nappies) the better.”

Tracy’s own toilet battles with her first child led her to developing her toilet training business.

Her two-and-a-half-year-old would scream that she didn’t want to go to the toilet.

Tracy concedes that initially she did “all the wrong things”.

Perfect Gift Ideas

KNOW YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALITY

She started the process with her third child at two months.

They both were using the toilet independently by 19 months of age.

As Tracy researched toilet training, a theme began to emerge - it’s easier to do it earlier.

“A research project actually showed there was a window of opportunity. It found parents who started at 18 months to 24 months had less problems,” she said.

So why are parents leaving it so long to start?

Tracy says parents are often told to wait for signs of “readiness”, which may never come.

She also says the multi-billion nappy industry has a lot to do with it.

“You speak to many grandparents and they don’t understand why we are having problems. But they started earlier because they didn’t have the convenience of disposable nappies.”

Tracy developed the Know Your Child system to help parents toilet train their children.

Her system has two components - a know your child training module and a toilet game, offering a tailored approach so you can best engage your child.

If you are reading this and think there’s no reason to delay toilet training any

Before starting it pays to understand your child’s personality.

The Know Your Child toilet training system identifies four different types of personality - courageous lion, lovable lamb, wise old owl and cheeky monkey.

The courageous lion is the hardest to train, they tend to hold on because they don’t like to feel like they aren’t in control. The lovable lamb is also hard to train as they simply don’t care and are very stubborn. Then there’s the Wise Old Owl who doesn’t like change and will stick to what they know which is the nappy. The cheeky monkey can be inconsistent and the challenge is typically keeping them on the toilet long enough for them to go. Knowing your child’s personality helps you tailor your approach. If you have a strongwilled child you need to give them the feeling of control and ownership.

SIGNS OF READINESS There are definite signs of readiness such as your child telling you about poos, removing or tugging at their nappy, and taking an interest in you going to the toilet. If your child shows these signs of readiness get going.

However, some types of personalities won’t show those signs.

LOSE THE NAPPY You cannot toilet train with a nappy.

We feel wet, cause and effect. While the nappy is there it takes the sensation

away - you are actually making it harder for them to win. If you say ‘do you need to go?’ they don’t know. It’s like saying ‘here is a bike, ride!’ Pull-ups are a marketing tool.

TOILET OR POTTY? The decision to use a toilet or potty is based on age and personality. If you start a bit younger and your child is more petite then a potty is great. The challenge with the potty is that childcare centres don’t accept potties and there is a clean-out process. If your child is nearing two years then going to the toilet makes it easier when you go out. Also, if you have a child who doesn’t like change then transitioning from potty to toilet will be another battle.

HOW LONG TO TRAIN Often parents quit toilet training a day too early. It takes two to five days of concentrated effort versus a very painful effort long-term. So stay home for two to five days to focus on and create this new habit. Exactly how long it takes will depend on your child’s age and their personality.

NIGHT TRAINING Wait until you finish day training before you start night training. Night training is something you can’t do for your child.

There are uncontrollable factors such as heavy wetting, deep sleep and hereditary factors. The key is the bladder brain connection. Parents can make the mistake of waking up their child during the night.

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But when she sat down and devised a toilet system training system, her daughter was toilet trained in three days.

longer, here are Tracy’s tips:

Tracy began toilet training her second child at four months of age, by putting him on the potty when it was obvious he needed to do number twos.

When you purchase a Q & A SmileSolar watch, a portion of the proceeds is dontated to TABLE FOR TWO to deliver school meals to children in Africa and Asia

DRYSDALES – the Jewellers Quality jewellery is forever 2 Blackburne Square, Berwick VIC 3806 Phone: (03) 9707 2647 12472990-HL51-20

12 SUMMER 2020/2021

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It’s Your Life

Gumbuya fun

IKEA’s evolving design

IKEA is committed to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

With an ambition that by 2030, all plastic used in products will be based on renewable or recycled material, the journey towards this goal has already begun with a plan to replace single-use plastic in the range and use different kinds of sustainable plastic in an increasing number of products.

The development of the HEROISK series contributes to one important goal for IKEA - that all plastic products in the future are based on renewable or recycled materials - or both.

“These products are small but important steps on our journey. They are made of corn today, but in the future it might be a different renewable source. The development of renewable

CELEBRATE summer with your friends and family at Victoria’s home of cool action, loud laughs and wild adventure, Gumbuya World.

Take the plunge on epic water slides, spin out on awesome rides and say hello to Pebble, the park’s newest baby koala!

Throughout the summer, patrons can make the most of Oasis Springs which underwent a $10 million expansion last year. New features include The Break - a massive family wave pool that includes a standalone kids area, and a number of new water slides including the Tiger Snake Tango and Red Belly Racer.

There’s also the 300-metre long Lazy River, and Surf’s Up - an epic wave machine.

plastic is fast, and other products based on more sustainable materials are on the way,” says Erik Ljungblad, who works at IKEA of Sweden and is an expert on plastic.

Thrillseekers can enjoy unlimited rides all day in Oz Adventure, with the mighty Rebel and the high speed, high altitude Tree Swing.

PLA plastic products are both durable and safe, just like all IKEA plastic products, but PLA leaves a smaller environmental footprint. PLA can be used for lots of different things, including products for children and food contact - product categories with tough safety demands.

For little adventurers there is Outback Explorers, with Dodgem Cars, the Outback Pirate Ship and the Berry Twirl.

Finally, with more than 50 species of animals - including koala joey Pebble - The Wildlife Trail is the perfect destination to spot something furry, featured or fanged. For an unforgettable experience, visitors can book an Animal Close Encounter.

HEROISK is the first product series made entirely from PLA plastic. It’s both microwave and dishwasher safe and can be recycled.

Tickets will be capped in line with government guidelines. All tickets must be purchased via the website beforehand, with no tickets available

“We want to make it simple and affordable for customers to live a more sustainable life at home,” Erik says

A positive impact for people and planet

T h Typhoon IIsland, l d one off th the many awesome water attractions at Gumbuya World. at the entrance.

From 11 December, the park is open daily right through to the end of January (excluding Christmas Day).

Gumbuya World is located at 2705 Princes Highway Tynong.

For tickets or more information, including the park’s Covid-safe guidelines, visit https://gumbuya.com. au/

In order to conserve our resources, we use as much of the tree as possible when we manufacture the LILLABO series. That’s why each item is unique with varying grain patterns and natural colour shifts.

HEROISK is a colourful tableware series made of renewable plastic. It’s made from corn in fact, a much more sustainable option than plastic from sources like fossil oil.

LILLABO 20-piece basic train set

10

$ HEROISK Plate with 3 compartments, light red, green 22 cm, 2 pack

10

$

MÅLA Felt tip pen, 12-pk

4

$

HEROISK Mug, 2-pk

9

$

Of course everything in the MÅLA series is non-toxic – we care just as much about the creative minds of the next generation as you do.

MÅLA Watercolour box

10

$

Shop these and more baby and children’s products instore or online at IKEA.com.au

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SUMMER 2020/2021 13

14 SUMMER 2020/2021

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

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SUMMER 2020/2021 15

DENTAL

The clear alternative to braces South East Orthodontics offers a wide range of treatments, including Invisalign.

The caring team at Beaconsfield Dental.

A caring team BEACONSFIELD Dental is open for all dental treatments.

Taking care of yourself by looking after your oral health is something you don’t want to neglect.

Beaconsfield Dental has added additional measures within its clinic to keep you safe during the pandemic.

These measures include social distancing in the large patient lounge (or waiting in your car if you prefer), hand sanitiser available on arrival and departure, Perspex screens and health screening prior to appointments.

The practice’s infection control has always been of the highest standard as they are an accredited dental clinic.

Additional cleaning processes have been

added before and after your treatment.

The Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides dental benefits of up to $1000 to eligible children every two years.

The reception team can assist you with this process. The government benefit assists children with the costs of preventive dental care and treatment.

If you would like to book or discuss any dental treatments please phone 9707 3508.

The team is ready to chat with you.

Alternatively you are welcome to book online at www.beaconsfielddental.com. au Beaconsfield Dental wishes you and your family the best of health and a happy, relaxing festive season.

Multiple Award Winning

Dental Clinic

SOUTH East Orthodontics is an ever growing, full-time practice in Berwick and has two orthodontists (Dr Kip Homewood and Dr Nishan Fernando) who have completed an extra three years of full time study in orthodontics to become Registered Specialist Orthodontists.

The orthodontists at the practice are all members of the Australian Society of Orthodontics and offer a wide range of treatment options with Invisalign being just one of those options.

Invisalign clear aligners can be a great option for improving the look of your smile. At South East Orthodontics, the staff have lots of experience using this technology to give patients the straight, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. Plus, because it’s so convenient, Invisalign won’t interfere with your daily life.

■ Invisalign aligners are clear, discrete and effective at moving your teeth into their ideal positions.

■ You don’t need to change all of your eating habits, because your aligners can be easily removed.

■ Invisalign aligners are made of comfortable, smooth plastic, so you don’t have to worry about taking care of metal brackets.

■ Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, reducing the risk of possible problems.

■ Invisalign treatment is covered by most insurance providers, just like traditional braces.

A straight smile makes you look great and improves your self confidence but it also can help you keep the rest of your mouth healthy.

Correctly aligned teeth can decrease health issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

South East Orthodontics offers interest-free flexible payment plans to make the process even easier.

Invisalign can be used by all age groups, so whether you want to improve your own smile or need more information about other orthodontic options, contact the practice on 03 9330 0702 or visit www.seortho.com.au for more information.

A great smile is a great investment Ask about Invisalign and lingual braces.

(Except for the Public Holidays)

Maintain your dental health in 2021

Beaconsfield Dental 1-3 Cardinia St Berwick 9707 3508 www.beaconsfielddental.com.au

Orthodontic Treatment for children through to adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile.

We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone.

12470511-SN51-20

Open during the holiday season

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm 2/ 31 Clyde Road Berwick 3806 9330 0702 | info@seortho.com.au | www.seortho.com.au

12466269-DL51-20

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DENTAL

Unlikely tooth decay culprits RESEARCH out of New Zealand has found white bread, certain breakfast cereals and noodles are surprisingly among the biggest culprits when it comes to tooth decay in young children.

Sugar sweetened soft drinks also made the list from the University of Auckland and Starship Children’s Hospital.

Lead author on the study and public health physician, Dr Simon Thornley, said they discovered a strong link between diet and the likelihood of cavities.

“The key culprits were foods that were high in sugar and high in refined starches. This information should inform our oral health promotion work in this country because many people would not be aware that frequently consuming foods such as white bread, rice and noodles could put children at greater risk of dental caries,” he said.

The research looked at the dental records from the first community dental appointment for more than 4000 children.

These records were then cross referenced with data collected when

Affordable dentistry

the children were two years old about dental hygiene and food consumption.

The study found children who consumed the following foods had a greater number of cavities:

Dr Thornley said on the other hand, some foods were associated with a lower number of dental cavities, such as broccoli, and wholemeal flour.

He said it was positive to learn that three-quarters of all the children studied had no cavities at their first community dental appointment.

■ White bread ■ Fruit juice

The study authors say their work adds further evidence for the need to reduce the availability of foods that are high in sugars and refined starches, while increasing the availability of nutritious foods to young children in New Zealand.

■ Refined breakfast cereals ■ Confectionary and cake ■ Sugar sweetened soft drinks ■ Ice cream ■ Noodles

Orthodontics and Invisalign from $59 per week.

Implants from $39 per week

The friendly team at Casey Dental Group.

• We BULK BILL for the $1000 Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme COST can be a major deterrent from visiting the dentist.

But at Casey Dental Group, orthodontic treatments have never been more affordable.

The friendly clinic offers bulk billing, weekly payment plans, family discounts and free check-ups for insurance patients.

“Being the largest and longest established practice in southeast Melbourne, we can pass our operating savings onto our patients, while maintaining the highest standard of dental care,” Dr Jayson McNaughton explains.

Casey Dental Group is the preferred provider for major health funds.

The friendly team aims to provide the best ongoing dental care with services including digital X-rays, laser whitening, implants, ceramic crowns/veneers and all other aspects of dentistry.

The practice has extended its opening hours to include evening sessions that run until 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

• 24 months interest free on all treatment services • NON INSURANCE PATIENTS: FREE Check Ups! • Government Emergency/General Dental Vouchers accepted • Whitening take home kit only $295 Participating Providers and Dr Jayson McNaughton

Dr Guy Turton

Dr Alina Bratu

Dr Shannon Gune

Dr Harjot Gill

Mr Joseph Hanna

Dr Robert Otken

Dr Deon Nguyen

Dr David Abdel-Malek Dr Melanie Cole Dr Rachel Fong Dr Quinn Tao Ms Chrysi Kroone Dr Ragy Labib Dr John Tia

236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South

Phone: 9705 1755

d

For bookings or more information, phone 9705 1755 or visit www. caseydentalgroup.com.au

• INSURANCE PATIENTS: We Do Not Charge the Gap on Your Health Insurance Claim for Check Ups, Cleans, X-Rays and Sealants*

dR

Casey Dental Group is located at 236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South.

*after first full priced crown.

un

For insurance patients, there is no out of pocket charge for a check-up, clean or x-rays. And if you don’t have insurance, check-ups and

The practice has a special focus on orthodontics for both children and adults, and Invisalign which is available for teens.

• HALF PRICE CROWNS*

Po

It also bulk bills for the Medicare $1000 Child Dental Benefits Scheme.

In addition, Casey Dental Group offers up to 24 months interest free payment plans on all services, including specialised treatments like implants, Invisalign and half price deals on crowns.

Narre W a Cranbo rren urne Rd

The clinic offers orthodontics for only $5900, with weekly plans for $59 and family discounts available.

consultations are free.

Mon and Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat 8am–1pm, Tues, Wed & Thurs 8am to 9pm Bookings can now be made online through our website: www.caseydentalgroup.com.au

Casey Dental Group is Here!

Greaves Rd 12472308-JW51-20

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SUMMER 2020/2021 17

Health

Reasons to see a gynaecologist IN Australia, a gynaecologist is a women’s health specialist doctor who has trained for up to six years at medical school, undertaking rotations in general medicine and surgery at hospitals as a junior doctor, and then a further six years in speciality training in obstetrics and gynaecology (managing pregnancies, delivering babies and learning now to manage women’s health conditions). We are well qualified to help out with any issues you have with your reproductive tract, whatever they may be.

Reasons you may need to see us can include: 1. Painful or overly heavy periods. If you are concerned that your periods are heavy, you have large clots or flooding during your period then it is time to seek help. If you are

BUMPS AND

BABIES WITH DR BRONWYN HAMILTON

experiencing pain for more than a day or two and not relieved by simple pain relief medications such as Nurofen and Panadol you should also seek medical review. You would usually see your local doctor (GP) first and they would arrange referral to a gynaecologist if needed.

2. Irregular periods. If you are having

large breaks between your periods (eg skipping a few months at a time), this can be a sign that something isn’t right with your cycles. It can be a sign of things like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease or other hormonal imbalance issues.

Similarly, bleeding more frequently than once a month is also not normal.

3. Painful intercourse. Pain with intercourse is not normal. Please seek help if you have new or longstanding pain with intercourse as there are many things we can do to help this.

4. Abnormal discharge. No one likes talking about vaginal discharge but it’s a part of everyday life for all women. You will find the days around ovulation (mid cycle) you will have some clear and watery discharge as your estrogen levels

increase. During the one to two weeks leading up to your period this will be thicker and a creamy/white colour. If there are any variations to this like increased odour, itchiness, increased volume or green/grey in colour this could be a sign of infection so go get this checked out!

5. Issues trying to conceive. If you have been trying for a baby for more than six months if over age 35, or 12 months if aged 35 or under then you should be seeing a gynaecologist or fertility specialist. This is particularly important if you are aged over 35 as time is of essence when trying for a baby.

For more information on women’s health visit: https://www.instagram. com/drbronwynhamilton/?hl=en or www.drbronwynhamilton.com.au

The joy of having private maternity care ST JOHN of God Berwick Hospital is proud to introduce their new bundle of Joy - a new lower cost private maternity model.

Joy offers privately insured patients a more affordable way to use their cover and access a high end private hospital experience by reducing out of pocket costs. In fact, patients will only be $990 out of pocket*! Joy, oh, joy!

Joy is a new option for maternity care at St John of God Berwick Hospital, a hospital which now has two maternity models for patients to choose from. In addition to the Joy package, patients can still choose their own obstetrician with the traditional maternity care package.

No matter which package patients choose, they will receive the same exceptional care once they are

admitted to hospital, including a single room with bedding for their partner.

Joy enables patients to save money by providing a collaborative model of care, where patients will be seen by a whole team of specialist obstetricians and midwives, rather than just one doctor. Joy patients will be cared for and monitored by the rostered obstetrician at each of their appointments and at the birth of their baby. Each of these obstetricians is a joy - compassionate, highly trained and experienced.

Delivering a baby at St John of God Berwick Hospital comes with all the education parents need as they embark on their new family life.

Paediatric first aid, sleep and settling workshops and one on one lactation advice are just some of the ways new

Pure joy ... St John of God Berwick Hospital has a a new lower cost private maternity model.

parents are supported.

To access Joy, patients should ask their GP for a referral to the clinic. To

learn more about Joy, including the *terms and conditions: www.sjog.org. au/berwickjoy or call 8784 5300

Jump for joy!

Private maternity care for only $990* www.sjog.org.au/berwickjoy or call 8784 5300

@stjohnofgodberwickhospital 18 SUMMER 2020/2021

*Visit sjog.org.au/berwickjoy for T&Cs

12473416-JW51-20

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The friendly and caring team at Blooms The Chemist Casey Central.

The ultimate guide to thermometers

By Eliza Henry-Jones CHOOSING the right thermometer can be confusing as there are so many on the market.

From glass and mercury through to smart thermometers with their very own apps, this article has you covered!

Dealing with hay fever

By Andrew Leslie, pharmacist Blooms The Chemist Casey Central IF longer days, flowering meadows, little ducklings and the sound of birdsong strikes fear into your heart, do not fear as you are not alone.

Like me and the 4.5 million other Australians, the end of winter means the start of another season - hay fever season.

With mild symptoms ranging from frustrating blurry vision and watery eyes to that embarrassing dribbling nose, the severe sufferers will detail sleepless nights, fatigue, asthma attacks and eczema flares.

With up to a 70 per cent correlation between those suffering from hay fever, eczema and asthma, and 100 different genetic factors at play, this pollen season can mean more than just the occasional antihistamines.

Our slice of paradise is not immune.

Due to our wide open spaces, temperate climate and healthy mix of forested and agricultural land, Melbourne is considered the allergy capital of the world. So how do we make the florist our friend and not foe? It’s all in the avoidance, prevention and then treatment and executing it in that order.

Avoidance Tree pollen has certainly exploded, and November saw the start of the dreaded grass pollen release (responsible for thunderstorm asthma). Combine this with the windiest time of year and it’s no wonder it sees us Victorians reaching for the Kleenex. So on those extreme windy

days, if you and the family can, avoid unnecessary outdoor adventures. But if the kids are dragging you outdoors, use a nasal douche and eye rinse as soon as you’re back indoors, change your clothes and jump in the shower. The pollen cannot harm you if it cannot reach you.

Prevention If you know this time of year spells disaster for you and the littlies, have your treatment plan and options ready to go and discuss with your Blooms The Chemist pharmacist whether it’s appropriate to start your medication before the symptoms hit. There have also been some groundbreaking developments in natural and probiotics products. One probiotic study has indicated a 70 per cent reduction in asthma symptoms in children. Again, talk to your Blooms The Chemist pharmacist if this may be appropriate for you and your family.

Treatment When those symptoms hit don’t delay - it’s much better to start your treatment as early as possible, not just for your relief but to also settle down that out of control immune system. Treatment in this category is varied, can often require multiple targeted products and are not suitable for everyone. There are certainly options available for children, though some more appropriate than others. So remember to always engage your pharmacist at Blooms The Chemist Casey Central, and then take yourself and the family down to your favourite florist to enjoy all that spring and summer has to offer.

Mercury Thermometers You’ve probably heard of (or seen) mercury thermometers, which were invented in the 1700s. These glass contraptions have a thin line of mercury, which expands when heated.

Given the toxicity of mercury and the fragility of glass, they’re no longer recommended for measuring body temperature.

Ear Thermometers Ear thermometers rest in the ear in order to measure body temperature. There’s a bit of controversy about whether they should be used in children under six months. When using an ear thermometer, watch out for a build up of ear wax (which can alter the reading) and be careful of how far you put the reader into the ear canal.

Although potentially not as accurate as a rectal measurement, they’re far less invasive.

While basic models will set you back about $49.95 (the Oricom IR Thermometer from BubMania), you can purchase smart forehead thermometers which link to your phone or computer, allowing data to be saved for the whole family. For instance, when using the Withings Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer, the measurements will sync automatically with your iPhone or iPad. Based on the age, fever history and symptoms of the person being measured, the Thermo app will even give you health advice. This thermometer is available from the Apple store for $179.99.

Digital Thermometers

The cost of ear thermometers varies.

For instance, the Omron TH839S Ear Thermometer retails for about $59.99, compared with the Safety 1st Easy Read Ear Thermometer, which will set you back around $24.99.

Digital thermometers are relatively cheap and can be used rectally, orally and under the arm. Obviously, if you’re planning to take both oral and rectal temperatures, make sure you purchase two thermometers and have them clearly labelled! Digital thermometers can be used under the arm from birth and - like temporal thermometers - are much less invasive than oral or rectal measurements. Digital thermometers are the cheapest option.

Forehead (Temporal) Thermometers These thermometers need to be moved across the forehead to get a reading and can be used on children from birth.

If you’re unsure about what thermometer might suit you or how to use them effectively, give your family doctor a call!

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Health

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SUMMER 2020/2021 19

Health

Children spent more time using screens during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Time to book an eye test DURING Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, more people were working from home and, of course, many kids were doing remote learning for school. This led to a sharp increase in screen time for many of us, kids included, which led to a myriad of eye problems including eye strain and dry eyes. Even when restrictions have eased, getting your children’s eyes tested should be on the to-do list before the next school year begins. Optometrist Gemma Cowan is here to tell us more.

What symptoms should parents be looking for?

Is it true that too much screen time is bad for children’s eyes?

Are there any tips or tricks that can reduce eye strain from too much screen time?

Absolutely! And not just kids, many adults could benefit from taking regular breaks from screen time also. But kids in particular have a very malleable focussing system for their eyes, and staring at a screen for long periods of time tends to get the focus stuck in the one place. This can lead to kids over focussing their eyes, which leads to eye strain and fatigue. If left unchecked, this may eventually lead to vision difficulties in the distance too.

Parents should be on the lookout for their kids rubbing their eyes, complaining of red, watery eyes, complaining of headaches or sore eyes, or possibly even closing one eye. If your child is experiencing eye strain they may be reluctant to do near tasks towards the end of the day, or have difficulty concentrating. Your child’s school teacher will sometimes point these symptoms out to parents as they are quite often noticeable in the classroom setting.

The good news is that there are absolutely things parents can do to help reduce eye strain. Firstly, parents can observe how far away their children hold their devices - many kids hold their technology very close to their faces.

And yes, kids have the ability to focus on screens much closer than adults, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should! The closer the screen, the more demand it places on the eyes focussing system. So

encourage your child to hold their devices further away from their eyes, about 40-50cm. And I also recommend regular breaks from screen time. Follow the rule of 20s: look away into the distance for about 20 seconds every 20 minutes, and take a good break for at least five minutes every hour.

which could then include an optical quality blue light filter if required.

When is the best time to get an eye test for kids?

What about blue light glasses?

Blue light glasses have been receiving a lot of press lately, but they don’t address the underlying focussing problems unless they include a prescription. I always recommend getting your children’s eyes tested first to have a thorough focussing and eye assessment.

Your child may require eye exercises, or prescription glasses to help their vision,

Any time! I can test kids’ eyes at any age, but I definitely recommend having a full eye test before starting primary school, about age 4-5 is ideal. All school aged children should have an eye test every couple of years as their vision may change quite rapidly but they don’t always tell their parents if they are having vision difficulties.

For more information visit Gemma at Beaconsfield Eyecare 45 Wallace Street Beaconsfield, phone 8726 9977 or visit www.beaconsfieldeyecare.com.au

2020 Good Vision for Life

Meet our team Gemma Cowan Huw Smallbone and Karen Moore

Address:45 Wallace St, Beaconsfield VIC 3807 Phone: (03) 8726 9977 www.https://www.beaconsfieldeyecare.com.au/ 20 SUMMER 2020/2021

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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

not be school ready, even if their age permits them start prep the following year.

Education

But it’s important for parents to know that while ‘holding them back’ or ‘repeating’ 4-year-old kinder has negative connotations, it shouldn’t.

Is your child school ready?

“I’ve always described it a bonus year,” Ms Walker said.

“I used to say to parents, think about the school yard.

“You’ve got to feel pretty confident they can fend for themselves there.”

Likewise, she uses the analogy that some babies walk at 10 months, others at 18 months.

“It means their own biological clock kicks in at different times, it’s the same with emotional and social maturity,” she said.

So what does an emotionally immature child look like in a classroom setting?

By Danielle Galvin AS the end of 2020 nears, many Victorian parents will be readying their child to begin their primary school journey next year.

Early education experts have long discussed a child’s ‘school readiness’ as their ability to transition into a more formal schooling environment.

It’s a change from the unstructured play and familiarity of kindergarten or childcare. But it’s not just about whether they can recite their ABCs, easily write their name or rattle off their numbers.

It’s so much more than just surviving in the classroom.

Your child could be ready academically, but are they ready emotionally?

Do they have the maturity to speak up in class - to ask their teacher a question if they’re lost?

a child is - you can pick those emotionally immature ones out immediately.

And when there’s limited adult supervision around, can they cope in the playground with new friends and an entirely new dynamic?

“It’s not that there’s anything wrong with them - they just need another year for their emotional maturity.”

Renowned education consultant and expert in the field, Kathy Walker OAM, has authored numerous books on the issue in her long career in early education.

There are a few things that are beneficial for your child to be able to do before they start school, Ms Walker explains.

“It’s not really about writing and the reading, they get that at school.

There should be minimal separation anxiety when you leave them at kinder, they should be able to choose their own activities without too much guidance from the teacher, they should be able to approach little groups and insert themselves into the play, and more practical things like remembering their kinder bag.

“Most principals and prep teachers will tell you - it doesn’t matter how smart

For some parents, it can be confronting when told your child may

“Essentially, it’s having that developmental maturity particularly in the area of social and emotional,” Ms Walker explained.

“A prep teacher would say they often look really young, they still have that baby face,” Ms Walker said.

“And they often appear vague, they can’t follow two or three directions at once, because they are so not coping they are not able to listen and relax.

“They are generally followers rather than leaders.

“You don’t want to send your child off for the next 13 years of schooling hoping that they will just cope.

“You want them to feel really confident and to have as much going for them as possible.”

Kathy Walker’s books include Ready Set Go - School Readiness and Preparation, Parenting, What’s the Hurry, Play Matters and Engagement Matters.

More info: https://www.penguin. com.au/authors/kathy-walker

Laying the foundations for school – and life PRE-SCHOOL is an important life milestone as young learners are introduced to an educational environment.

Practices book, which was distributed to the School’s Early Years community.

Making Inclusion and Diversity a Priority

At Haileybury, this is recognised from day one.

After investigating inclusion and diversity in early childhood education, Haileybury developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and a Diversity Guide.

The need to lay the foundations for a child’s education must be balanced with the importance of learning social skills and of course having fun.

Haileybury’s innovative Early Learning Centre (ELC) program combines learning, inclusion, and sustainability with fun in a nurturing environment as children start their education journey.

The Haileybury leadership team bases its approach on what children know now and are ready to learn next, using evidence-based practices to inform teaching and measure its impact.

The need to have fun is balanced with the importance of laying the foundations for a child’s education.

appropriate assessment tools to further children’s language and literacy skills, with initiatives trialled and reviewed to ensure continuous improvement.

As a result, the school’s educational and highly engaging ELC program was named as a finalist in the Victorian Department of Education and Training’s Emeritus Professor Collette Tayler Excellence in Educational Leadership Award.

A recent ELC philosophy review covered program planning, pedagogical strategies and our core values relating to the National Quality Standard, Code of Ethics and UN Rights of the Child.

Part of the 2020 Victorian Early Years Awards, it recognises a program that has led educators and teachers to significantly improve the quality of their learning and teaching practices.

Improving Sustainability Awareness

Evidence-based Improvement Haileybury’s ELC program features place-based education, kinship, culture and language, while embedding the values of sustainability and evidencebased inquiry.

Program leaders develop agewww.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Two key initiatives were identified for development: sustainability and inclusion and diversity.

Haileybury’s ELC team has worked hard to embed sustainability into the School’s ELC Program and led an inquiry into what sustainability means to ELC children and families.

Children raised questions about where water comes from and goes and why bushfires happen, leading to broader inquiries about climate and what we

can do each day to make a difference.

Parent discussions and surveys contributed to the development of an Early Years Sustainable Practices and Action Plan and the Haileybury Sustainability Strategy.

Supported by professional learning and sustainability research, this initiative led to significant shifts in teaching practices across curriculum areas.

For example, Haileybury’s ELCs teach children how to minimise daily waste, collect data to measure progress, and understand what can be repurposed or composted.

They also learn about the benefits of indigenous plants, how to support wildlife in local wetlands areas, garden to plate programs and renewable energy sources.

Based on these initiatives, the pre-schoolers created the Extended Learning Through our Sustainable

Both focus on access, engagement and belonging for all Victorian children and their families. The RAP is linked to daily practice and learning outcomes and drew from the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016 - 2026, child development theory and anti-bias research.

The ELC team embraced professional learning on embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the curriculum and attended Reconciliation Symposiums.

An RAP steering committee of educators and parents volunteered to meet regularly, review curriculum and pedagogy and share this with their educational teams and families.

Reciprocal relationships and partnerships between the ELC, Aboriginal Elders and the early learning community continue to evolve so that cultural safety is appropriately recognised.

These professional learning and mentorship programs have significantly improved teaching and learning outcomes for children.

Educators also work closely with ELC families and Junior School teachers to share the RAP initiatives and outcomes.

SUMMER 2020/2021 21

Education

Free kinder for Victorian kids KINDER will be free for Victorian children in 2021.

When making the announcement, Premier Daniel Andrews cited the difficulties felt by parents who had to juggle work, childcare and remote learning during 2020.

The Victorian Budget 2020/21 will deliver up to $169.6 million to make kinder free next year, saving families around $2000 for every child enrolled in a participating funded kinder program.

Mr Andrews said the investment would ensure more kids got a great early childcare education, and make it easier for parents - particularly women - to return to the workforce as Victoria recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the funding, subsidies will be offered to early childhood services providing funded kindergarten programs - meaning free kinder for four-year-olds and eligible three-yearolds attending a participating sessional kinder.

Families with children enrolled in kinder programs at a long day care centre will also benefit from a saving of around $2000 in fees.

And for those families that have kids attending unfunded three-year-old

programs in sessional kinder, there will also be reduced fees.

Mr Andrews also announced an investment of $81.6 million to increase the availability of before and after school care.

Grants of up to $ $75,000 will be made available to start new outside school hours care programs at up to 400 government schools - so that any school that currently doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a program can apply to receive a grant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women have been hardest hit by

this pandemic. Real recovery means making sure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supported back into work - and the security and stability that affords,â&#x20AC;? Mr Andrews said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This investment is dedicated to making the daily juggle of work, school and kinder just that little bit easier.â&#x20AC;?

Crest Education welcomes new staff members CREST Education, comprising Hillcrest Christian College and Rivercrest Christian College, has announced new staff appointments.

The appointments are set to bolster the Collegesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wellbeing support for students: â&#x2013; Hillcrest Christian College - Head of Secondary School, Simon Taylor â&#x2013; Rivercrest Christian College - Head of Secondary, Peter Bruce â&#x2013; Crest School Psychologist (provisional) - Nicola Farrell Mr Taylor has held a number of positions within Hillcrest since his commencement in 2007, including as leader of the science faculty and the secondary school learning coordinator for Hillcrest.

He has a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people.

Mr Bruce is experienced in teaching and leading across independent and government schools. A natural encourager and an entrepreneurial and creative thinker, Mr Bruce has had a highly successful career to date.

Ms Farrell is currently an AHPRA registered provisional psychologist and an experienced student wellbeing coordinator. She is also a registered teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

New Crest School Psychologist (provisional), Nicola Farrell.

New Hillcrest Christian College Head of Secondary School, Simon Taylor.

New Rivercrest Christian College Head of Secondary, Peter Bruce.

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Rivercrest Christian College

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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education

Activities such as sitting at the computer can drain time and impact a child’s academic outcomes, a study suggests.

Chores impact results A WORLD first study has shown some interesting results about balancing your child’s day for better academic outcomes.

Researchers from the University of South Australia found that lower light physical activity is related to better

numeracy and literacy, and that higher sedentary time is related to better literacy.

The university’s Dr Dot Dumuid said the findings show how light physical activity, such as doing chores, sitting at the computer, playing video games,

preparing or eating food and general pottering around, can drain time.

“When we talk about what makes up a child’s best day for academic achievement, we have to consider all the different elements of that day sleep, exercise, activity, rest and play - but of course, within the boundaries of

24 hours,” Dr Dumuid said.

“If a child is spending more time in light physical activity - doing chores, playing computer, or just pottering around - then they have less time for sleep, study and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, all of which are good for academic achievement.

“In some ways it’s like Newton’s law - for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction - yet in this instance, every increase in one behaviour has a corresponding and equal decrease in one or more of the remaining behaviours.

“So, you could say: it’s not only what you do, but what you don’t do that contributes to academic success.”

The study assessed 528 children aged 9-11 years, and 1874 children aged 11-12 years.

Co-researcher, Professor Tim Olds said that while poorer academic achievement is unlikely to be related to the amount of light physical activity, it could displace the remaining behaviours.

“Each day has a fixed budget of 24 hours, so it’s not so much about the fact that children engage in light physical activity, but by doing so, they reduce the amount of time they could be spending in other activities,” Prof Olds says.

“If parents can aim for their children getting enough sleep, enough exercise and sufficient study time, then their children might not even have enough time for light physical activity - problem solved!”

Early learning with a nurturing environment SELECTING an Early Learning Centre for your child is a choice often accompanied by other changes, for example, a return to work by the primary caregiver.

utilise the campus grounds and participate in shared sporting and other college events. Being part of a larger college community means your child will enjoy opportunities at a younger age, including music, science, art, sport and language.

Heritage College understands that moving into the early years of learning can be filled with lots of questions, so their caring, nurturing staff are on hand to provide support and assistance throughout the enrolment process and beyond.

The Early Learning Centres form part of a larger college community at Heritage College, a co-educational private Christian college, providing education from Early Years - Year 12.

delivers education from Early Learning - Year 6 and Officer campus delivers Early Learning - Year 12.

During school term, early learners

Heritage College students form friendships that continue from early learning through to primary years and beyond. Every child is paired with a

A pathway into Prep, delivered in partnership with the primary school, ensures a smooth handover into your child’s first year of Prep when ready.

Throughout the year, your child will develop school readiness skills through structured learning activities.

Help your child move into early learning with confidence. Contactless enrolments are available during the restriction period.

To find out more, visit heritagecollege.vic.edu.au/elc

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Located in two vibrant campus locations, Narre Warren South campus

Heritage College early learning students are part of a supportive larger community.

With the popular Bush Kinder program and a focus on play-based learning, educators encourage creativity, curiosity and exploration every day. By fostering a love of learning in a positive environment at an early age, your child will be inspired to continue their lifelong journey of learning.

buddy from Year 5 and takes part in a wide range of fun and inspiring primary school activities. It’s all about feeling supported, secure and confident as part of a bigger community.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2020/2021 23

Education

Getting kids thinking about a range of careers starts earlier than some parents realise.

The push for early career education

By Danielle Galvin A fascinating snapshot of young Australians and their career aspirations has raised the prospect of a formalised career education beginning as early as primary school.

South Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People Helen Connolly recently released the results of two surveys of young people and children.

In ‘The Job Aspirations of 8-12-yearolds’ thousands of postcards were sent out to school kids asking what they care about, their hopes for the future and early career aspirations.

Their responses are fascinating.

Being a professional athlete was the single most popular choice, although teaching and being a ‘YouTuber’ were also mentioned frequently.

For many children, jobs and careers are generally explored in the senior years of high school.

However children are naturally curious much earlier than that.

“Research has found that a majority of seven year olds can say what they would like to be when they grow up,” Commissioner Connolly said.

“Other research has said that the subjects you enjoy and have an interest in at primary school will probably stay with you and it is unlikely you get turned onto science, technology, engineering and maths out of the blue in high school.

“In primary school, the focus should be on creating more contact with jobs and careers to increase exposure to possibilities and interest in learning areas that relate to their interests and passions.

24 SUMMER 2020/2021

“This contact with the world of work can also help demystify and debunk commonly held misconceptions about the types of jobs available in particular industries, including gender stereotypes.

“While many kids hear that they can do anything they want, if they don’t know what they don’t know, they can limit their dreams from the beginning.”

By way of example, if a child is interested in dinosaurs, it makes sense to introduce them to palaeontology and what that profession entails.

“Or if a 10-year-old wants to be a dolphin trainer get Sea World to run a virtual class,” she said.

“We just need to get students excited about their future and dream big.

“We have often said you ‘can’t be what you can’t see’ but now after COVID-19 there is no excuse for not seeing everything, albeit online.”

Wanda Hayes, the CEO of the Career Development Association of Australia, said children from a very young age form ideas about work roles.

“They start to decide which roles have a connection to them, and which roles don’t,” she explained.

“By the time they have reached high school, most children have internalised some (mostly unconscious) perceptions that some roles are somehow ‘out of reach’ or not appropriate for them - and those jobs are automatically ‘ruled out’ when they are considering their future options.

“Then in upper secondary schooling, the focus of career education is often skewed to be about making decisions (about subjects; about university courses; about future jobs).

“But in fact, career education at school should be about opening young people up to possibilities, not narrowing down their options.

“And the earlier this process starts, the better: get them thinking broadly before they start developing fixed ideas about what is and isn’t possible for them!

“That’s how career education at primary school level can make a real and positive difference.”

There’s also a role for parents to play in all of this too.

“The role for parents is to expose children to opportunities through reading, talking and visiting online museums across the world,” Commissioner Connolly said.

“Whatever it takes to enthuse passion and not cut off possibilities with negative facts.

“If your child says they want to be an astronaut, or an astrologer, or an abalone diver, don’t put up all the reasons why not.”

But the simplest thing parents can do is to let their kids play.

“Play fires up the area of brain responsible for planning skills, organisation, critical thinking, reasoning and understanding,” Commissioner Connolly said.

“Play facilitates the development of confidence, self-identity and independence.

“If we want critical and creative adult thinkers, it is essential that playfulness be embedded in the lives of young people in childhood.

“Parents should support curiosity and fuel wonder in children as there are too many other systems waiting to drill it out of them.

“If you don’t have big dreams and feel invincible as a child, I’m not sure when you will.”

Some of the more noteworthy career aspirations from SA students: ■ Become a palaeontologist and farm succulents and sell stick insects when I grow up 11-year-old ■ Meet Jeffy on Youtube and Be a pet detective - 8-year-old ■ Be a bee keeper with my dad - 10-year-old ■ Be a dolphin trainer when I grow up - 10-year-old ■ Go to markets and sell my scrunchies from my business 12-year-old ■ Build a spider robot - 9-year-old ■ Create a company to help solve environmental issues - 9-yearold ■ Work on a Ferry - 12-year-old

Tips for parents to encourage your young child’s curiosity on future careers from the CDAA: ■ Encourage their natural curiosity and imagination.

■ Avoid the drive to make a decision: asking young children “what they want to be when they grow up” can create a level of anxiety about the need to decide. Instead, ask them about their interests. Notice and remark upon their talents.

Encourage them to explore and play with the idea of using those interests and talents in different kinds of ways and in different kinds of work roles.

■ Most importantly, treat every career idea as if it could be plausible. Our world of work is changing so rapidly there really is no such thing as a “silly idea” when it comes to career options.

Helping your children to explore and evaluate how their ideas might work will always be better than dismissing ideas on their behalf.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education

Bank ban in schools BANKS and financial institutions have been banned from delivering banking programs in Victorian schools.

Instead, there will be school-led programs to improve students’ financial skills.

The move comes amid concerns about the quality of school banking programs and tactics used by banks to develop loyalty at an inappropriate age.

There have also been reports about the inappropriate promotion of credit cards.

Education Minister James Merlino said there is very little evidence to suggest school banking programs teach students lasting habits to improve financial literacy.

“Victorian students deserve high quality financial literacy, free from commercial interests - that’s why we’re banning financial institutions from delivering school banking programs,” Mr Merlino said.

long-standing Commonwealth Bank Dollarmites program.

“The Victorian curriculum sets our expectations for financial literacy and that must be our focus. It is time to draw a line under this issue.”

Furthermore, interest rates offered through school banking programs are unfairly low, resulting in students missing out on compounding interest, a key benefit that comes with saving money and banking.

Consumer group CHOICE has been calling for the removal of banking programs in schools, such as the

“CHOICE has never been able to find any evidence that programs like the Dollarmites have any impact on long-term savings habits,” CHOICE CEO Alan Kirkland said.

“Marketing programs like this have no place in schools. If we want children to develop financial literacy, this should be through evidence-based education, free from advertising. We welcome the Victorian government’s commitment to genuine financial literacy programs.”

CHOICE is now calling on other state and territory governments to follow Victoria’s lead.

Victoria’s ban on banks and financial

institutions delivering school banking programs will be introduced from Term 1, 2021.

The state will introduce new teaching resources as well as practical information and tips for students on taxation and how to identify and avoid scams.

These resources will be developed in consultation with financial experts focused on what skills students need.

Financial literacy skills are taught through the Victorian curriculum from Foundation to Year 10 in subjects such as mathematics and economics and business. Students learn about financial decision making, as well as the rights and responsibilities of consumers.

Empowering curious young minds Igniting the mind & spirit...

We empower young learners to take action, by nurturing their curious young minds.

Preparing students for a bright future

Find out how our world class programs of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and expert staff in our Junior School and ELC can help your child flourish in our intimate learning spaces and classes.

Non-Selective Entry | Non-Denominational Small Classes | Co-Educational ELC and Junior School Dedicated Senior Girls and Boys Schools

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SUMMER 2020/2021 25

Education

A unique learning facility

Family focus at Kool Kidz FAMILY comes first at Kool Kidz Childcare.

The centre in Narre Warren is owned by mother and daughter, Janette Karavatis and Maria Dimoulas, who are passionate about looking after families.

TIMBARRA College is building a state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) Centre for students in Years 5-9.

Both women love children and realised a long held dream when the doors of Kool Kidz Narre Warren opened in February 2019.

This marks the final stage of the College’s building program.

Maria has a degree in early childhood education and a post graduate qualification in teaching children with special needs.

The STEAM Centre will be a unique facility that will advance the development of 21st century technology centred skills.

Janette, Taylor and Maria from Kool Kidz Narre Warren.

Janette has also worked in childcare for more than a decade.

Janette and Maria looked at various childcare models before settling on Kool Kidz.

“The standards are so high in terms of the curriculum and the support we receive,” Janette said.

Kool Kidz Narre Warren has capacity for 130 children.

“We are a family run business, looking after your family,” said Janette, who encourages parents to pop in for a tour of the centre.

While all students will have access to the centre, the school is also adding a STEAM Academy to its current Academy programs.

“Maria and I both love children and, as we have a passion for this area, we want to give our best to the community.”

In 2021, Year 7 students will be able to access the Academy and over time it will expand to include Years 8 and 9.

All rooms have access to spacious outdoor areas and there are dedicated sleep areas and a separate kitchen.

The centre caters for children from six weeks to six years.

Kool Kidz Narre Warren is open weekdays from 6.30am to 6.30pm at 17 Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren. Phone 9705 1532.

Timbarra College has a dedicated team of teachers, led by Michael Molinia.

The team is busy planning an integrated STEAM curriculum for all students in Years 5-9, alongside the more specialised Year 7 STEAM Academy program.

To ensure consistency with program development, the College has developed a shared vision and mission statement which will be used by all teachers to guide their planning and teaching.

The College’s vision is that STEAM education inspires students to become creative and innovative problem-solvers by integrating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to create solutions to real-world problems.

It’s the College’s mission that the STEAM program will: ■ Immerse students in project-based learning, develop design-thinking, critical and creative thinking skills, ■ Encourage students to work collaboratively to solve real-world problems ■ Integrate education in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics ■ Create opportunities for students to enhance learning through community partnerships

Taking Enrolments for 2021 and 2022

2021 ENROLMENTS TIMBARRA P-9 COLLEGE

CARING & FAMILY FRIENDLY

Phone 9705 1532 to speak with Janette or Maria to ENROL NOW 17 Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren www.koolkidznarrewarren.com.au 26 SUMMER 2020/2021

12472510-CG51-20

Kool Kidz Narre Warren is a purpose-built Early Learning, Childcare and Kindergarten facility that provides a safe, fun and exciting environment to explore, learn and grow in for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.

Please see our College website for our Virtual Tour or contact 9704 2744 for further information www.timbarrap9.vic.edu.au

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Timbarra P-9 College creates a sense of belonging, achievement and actively promotes optimism, creativity, curiosity and responsibility. Our College values the home/ school partnership as a means of promoting a culture of lifelong learning. The learning spaces at Timbarra are engaging and inspiring places that foster collaboration, creativity, independence, research and community.

We also offer sports and music academies.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education “It is vital for parents in Australia to ensure their children have the appropriate knowledge and confidence to be safe around water and be equipped with the skills to help them in an emergency,” he said.

“So much of our Australian culture involves the water, from the classic poolside BBQ, to a day at the beach with the family.

“Despite this, more than half of Aussie children do not attend swimming lessons because their parents don’t have time or cannot afford it.

“Yet one in two children (53 per cent) still attend another activity or sport like football or dancing.”

Staggering statistics on swim safety MORE than half of Australian kids do not attend swimming lessons and are missing out on a lifesaving skill, Swim Australia has warned.

The Swim Safer report showed 41 per cent of parents had no plans to sign up

their child ahead of this summer.

A third (30 per cent) of Australian families admitted to experiencing a water related emergency such as a near drowning experience, and one in three (34 per cent) parents were not confident

their child could get themselves out of trouble in an emergency.

The trend is concerning for Swim Australia CEO Brendon Ward who urged parents to prioritise swimming as a skill every child needs.

He said while any physical activity is important for health and wellbeing, swimming should be “non-negotiable”.

“No other activity has the same lifesaving lessons as learning to swim does. It’s a matter of safety.”

Swim Australia has launched the ‘Swim It Forward’ initiative which aims to reduce the barriers for parents by generating funds to assist more families to afford swimming lessons.

By donating the equivalent of one lesson (or just $20) Swim Australia will be able to help more families access lessons, while at the same time impacting the swimming industry, which took a big hit due to Covid.

Donations for ‘Swim It Forward’ initiative can be made at www. swimsafer.org.au

Teaching children crucial water skills With little or no swimming lessons available throughout the year, children haven’t had the opportunity to build life-saving water skills.

Studies show that formal swimming lessons are associated with an 88 per cent reduction in the risk of drowning.

Covid-19 restrictions have meant swim centres were unable to operate throughout much of the year.

Child drowning rates have increased worldwide in 2020, with kids unable to learn essential water safety skills.

The risk of drowning will increase even more during summer as families head to the pool or beach.

Parents and guardians may not watch as closely, expecting that their

children’s abilities are the same.

However, all Victorian kids will have regressed in their swimming ability to some degree.

Paul Sadler Swimland programs are based on teaching survival skills at every level and equipping swimmers with the skills they need to be safer in the water.

All of the levels within the entire program are designed to build safer swimmers both in swimming pools and the open water.

With centres in Narre Warren and Carrum Downs, as well as across Melbourne, now is the time to get your kids into swimming lessons and have a safer summer.

For bookings, call Narre Warren on 8790 5540 or Carrum Downs on 9782 9444.

Life saving ... formal swimming lessons are associated with an 88 per cent reduction in the risk of drowning.

ARE ARE YOU YOU READY READY K FOR FOR SUMMER? SUMMER? BOOW

NO

FORMAL SWIM LESSONS YEAR ROUND CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF DROWNING BY

88%

*

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THE risk of Victorian children drowning this summer has never been greater.

* STATISTICS SOURCE: the USA’s National Institute for Health – Ruth A. Brenner, et al., 2015

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2020/2021 27

Education

Free childcare?

By Danielle Galvin WHEN Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in April that his government would roll out a free childcare scheme to keep parents in work amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, families across the country breathed a collective sigh of relief.

For many it took the pressure off and eased some of the financial burden, with the government footing the bill and paying childcare operators directly.

It was also meant to be a lifeline for childcare services, although it was criticised by some.

In mid-July, the scheme was wound back.

Since then, policymakers have been unable to avoid what many have been lobbying for: major reform to Australia’s early education.

made the decision to make childcare free for a period of time, it really did just show overnight that it is possible to do things differently and make change.”

She has been critical of the government snapping back to the old system, and believes there is a case, now more than ever, for a major overhaul.

“Households are going to be squeezed in a way they haven’t been before, the cost of care become even more crippling,” she said.

“It wouldn’t be surprising if more families decide they just can’t afford it.

“That means children miss out on all of the proven benefits of attending high quality early learning.

“And it means if and when jobs become available, if a family doesn’t have care, it’s impossible to take up those opportunities.”

Georgie Dent is the executive director of The Parenthood, and a vocal advocate for reform.

In late July, the Australian Council of Trade Unions released a plan for national economic reconstruction after Covid-19.

“While the case for universal access to high quality early education and childcare has been made for a very long time, this is the first time in Australia’s history that it has really seriously been considered,” she said.

The report stated reconstructing the economy should include a “broader strategy to roll-out high-quality, publicly-funded not-for-profit childcare services”.

“Part of that is obviously because in April, when the federal government

Policy think-thank The Grattan Institute also put forward a case for reform in August. It made a number

There has been a renewed push for free childcare in Australia since the pandemic.

of significant recommendations.

“We recommend the government increase the existing subsidy from 85 per cent to 95 per cent, with a simpler, flatter taper as household incomes increase,” the report read.

Under the institute’s model, 60 per cent of families would pay less than $20 a day per child for childcare.

Ms Dent said women are overrepresented in casual jobs.

“That then makes the ability to take paid work more difficult.

“For families where there isn’t a certainty of shifts, the high out of pocket costs for care are a real barrier.”

But is a taxpayer funded childcare model popular policy?

“We have been tracking public sentiment, it’s roughly two thirds of people think that this is a good idea,” Ms Dent explained.

“There would be people who would say (if you have a child) you have to pay for their education and childcare, but the argument that needs to be made in response is that no one says that about primary school.

“If you’re a millionaire or if you’re unemployed, if you have a child who is 5 there will be a position at primary school, and that will be funded by taxpayers.

“And that is because we recognise as a nation, that investing in children’s education is critical.”

Enrol NOW for 2021

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28 SUMMER 2020/2021

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education

A love of learning

A pathway for every child AT St Francis Xavier College, students begin their journey at either the Berwick or Officer campuses where they complete Years 7 to 9.

During this time, students develop an understanding of themselves as learners, deepen their literacy and numeracy skills and experience a broad curriculum which exposes them to a wide range of knowledge and skills.

The College offers a highly differentiated learning program which strives to meet each student at where they are on their learning journey and suitably challenge and support them to progress.

There is a focus on student achievement for all in the broadest sense.

Students with particular learning needs have their learning program appropriately adjusted and the College provides pathways and programs to stretch students who require extension and enrichment.

The Year 7 Program provides a wide range of subjects through core curriculum. At Year 8, students are offered elective options which expand in Year 9.

The move to the Beaconsfield Campus to complete Years 10 to 12 presents both

St Francis Xavier College offers a wide range of subjects.

challenges and excitement as students make significant choices through electives in Year 10, that ultimately lead to them choosing their study pathways for Years 11 and 12 which include VCE or VCAL. The College offers a significant amount of choice for senior students, including the option of VET subjects.

During their time at the Beaconsfield Campus, students deepen their personal development through the Wellbeing program and have further significant opportunities for leadership positions within the College.

For further information or to book a personalised tour, contact St Francis Xavier College on 9707 3111 or enrol@ sfx.vic.edu

TEACHERS who wish to make a real difference need to captivate and maintain student interest in learning.

Berwick Lodge Primary School Principal Henry Grossek says this challenge was put to him and his colleagues as they trained to become teachers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was then, many years ago, and it remains so now,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technological advances have delivered wonderful opportunities to enhance student engagement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But, paradoxically, they have also brought frustrating distractions.â&#x20AC;?

Mobile phones are one such example. The Victorian Department of Education and Training has banned student use of phones during school hours with limited exceptions.

So how can schools capture the potential of digital technologies to best engage students in their learning? â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is certainly no shortage of software available that teachers can access with this intent,â&#x20AC;? Mr Grossek said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is only the beginning Immersive Experience STEM Education (IXSTEM) which was non-existent just a few years ago, offers new and exciting pathways to engagement.â&#x20AC;?

Several years ago, Berwick Lodge embarked on a journey focused on better engaging kindergarten children in their learning as they transitioned to primary school.This culminated in the publication of an Augmented Reality (AR) illustrated story book, titled, The Adventures of

Berwick B i k Lodge L d Primary P i S School h l students d love l to learn. l

Harry the Helmeted Honeyeater & Hettie the Forest Keeper late last year.

This year, Berwick Lodge Primary School has introduced learning units on creating AR characters for students.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also partnered with Deakin University in a research project on the potential of AR to enhance student engagement in their learning.â&#x20AC;?As educators we owe our children our best efforts to provide them with the richest of learning opportunities and having them loving to learn is the bedrock. Why not check us out?â&#x20AC;? Mr Grossek said.

Berwick Lodge Primary School is located at 145 Mansfield Street, Berwick.

Phone 97071766 or visit www. berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au

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St Francis Xavier College is a comprehensive, co-educational Catholic Secondary &ROOHJH WKDW Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HUV D EURDG UDQJH RI FXUULFXOXP IURP <HDUV WR

Now enrolling r students fo 2022

SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE â&#x20AC;˘ Australian FLL Robotics Champions 2013 and Victorian FLL Robotics Champions 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Radio program and ďŹ lm making â&#x20AC;˘ Beautiful Sensory & Community Gardens â&#x20AC;˘ Augmented Reality Extension Program â&#x20AC;˘ Whole school LOTE Mandarin program

Kevin Heinze Best School Garden Award 2018

2XU -XQLRU &DPSXVHV <HDU WR LQ %HUZLFN DQG 2á&#x201A;&#x2C6;FHU Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HU VWXGHQWV D ODUJH UDQJH RI HOHFWLYH VXEMHFWV IURP <HDU LQFOXGLQJ WDUJHWHG RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU WKRVH ZLWK VSHFLÂżF JLIWV DQG WDOHQWV

A pathway for every child www.sfx.vic.edu.au 12469952-DL51-20

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

03 9707 3111

P: 9707 1766 F: 9796 2198 E: berwick.lodge.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

info@sfx.vic.edu.au

Visit our website to check out the virtual tour www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au 12452149-JW51-20

SUMMER 2020/2021 29

Education

Leading the way MELBOURNE’S southeast is the new epicentre of world-class childcare thanks to forward-thinking ONE Early Education CEO Richard Rice.

Transforming traditional childcare models, ONE Early Education combines state-of-the-art facilities with play-based learning and an exclusive brain development program, specifically designed to provide the optimum environment for a child during their critical early years.

“One of the main reasons families choose ONE is because of our uniquely awesome team of educators, dedicated to the children’s education and development,” said Richard Rice.

“ONE Early Education’s industryleading culture for holistic education allows us to cherry pick only the very best educators for our centres.”

The purpose-built, state-of-the art centres in Officer, Clyde North and Cranbourne East each have an abundance of natural light and wonderful play spaces which allow opportunities for both structured and unstructured play, critical to a child’s optimal development.

Outdoor spaces encourage gross motor development.

Quality education that puts kids FiRST FiRST early learning operates four centres across Melbourne and all services are carefully designed and created to provide high quality education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

An abundance of natural light fills the centres.

Innovative Covid-safe protocols ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children at every centre.

A nutritionist and on-site cook provide a seasonal menu for the children which is not only optimal for their bodies’ development, but also delicious, creating a positive association with healthy food from a young age.

The outdoor spaces with abundant veggie gardens, climbing forts and natural elements all encourage gross motor development, while enrichment programs, underpinned by their exclusive brain development program, allow children to grow holistically.

The ONE Early Education curriculum has been developed with the Australian child in mind and guided by the Australian Early Years Learning Framework.

“The childcare sector is changing,” added Mr Rice, “and parents are demanding great facilities, high quality staff and importantly, enriching programs that provide incredible learning experiences.”

FiRST understands that the first five years of every child’s development and learning is of the utmost importance.

They provide enthusiastic, qualified and experienced educators and Bachelor qualified kindergarten teachers who deliver the steps needed for quality educational curriculums to build and prepare your child for the next stages in their lives.

Children at FiRST early learning get into the Christmas spirit.

will feel welcome and happy in the home away from home environment.

FiRST lays the stepping stones to nurture, build and develop secure and trusting relationships with little learners and families.

Educators understand the child as an individual with a range of needs, wants, interests, abilities and languages.

Every change, growth and milestone is celebrated and encouraged.

FiRST will provide, encourage and further develop your child’s interests, ideas, theories, needs, sense of self and engage with your child in helping them to become the best they can be.

Learning environments are safe and stimulating, mixed with natural materials to offer the children exciting play spaces where they can build their creative thoughts and imaginations.

No matter what age and ability your child is when they take their first steps into the classroom, FiRST ensures that every child and family

FiRST is excited to introduce its newest centre in Pakenham and look forward to meeting you all.

Email: info@fel.vic.edu.au or call Pakenham on 5922 2040 Pakenham / Frankston Sth / Endeavour Hills/ Hastings

L O N G D AY C A R E & K I N D E R G A R T E N

Nurturing and learning through play • kƚų ±ĵ±DŽĜĹčØ ŧƚ±ĬĜĀåÚ åÚƚϱƋŅųŸ ±ųå Ş±ŸŸĜŅűƋå ±ĹÚ Ï±ųĜĹčţ • ųå±ƋĜĹč Ęå±ĬƋĘƼ å±ƋĜĹč ʱÆĜƋŸ ƋĘųŅƚčĘ Ņƚų ĹƚƋųĜƋĜŅƚŸ ĵåĹƚţ • FĹÚƚŸƋųƼ Ĭå±ÚĜĹč åÚƚϱƋĜŅűĬ ŞųŅčų±ĵŸ ±Ƌ ĹŅ åƻƋų± Ïʱųčå ĜĹÏĬƚÚĜĹč ĵĜĹÚüƚĬĹåŸŸØ ŸŞŅųƋŸØ ±ųƋŸØ ĵƚŸĜÏ ±ĹÚ Æų±ĜĹ ÚåƴåĬŅŞĵåĹƋ ŞųŅčų±ĵŸţ

Call us today to book a tour: ų±ĹÆŅƚųĹå )±ŸƋ× kþÏåų× ĬƼÚå cŅųƋĘ×

ŠljƑš ŀljîî ŏîîŀ ŠljƑš ŀljîî îîljlj ŠljƑš îƁăŏ îljƑĊ

C O M E A N D J O I N T H E O N E FA M I LY

30 SUMMER 2020/2021

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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

| CHILDCARE | KINDERGARTEN | EARLY EDUCATION | tĹ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161; ŽƾĆ&#x152; Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ÄŤ Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; ĹŻĹ?ĆŠĹŻÄ&#x17E; ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć? Ć?Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x2021; Ä&#x201A;Ä?ŽƾĆ&#x161; &Ĺ?Z^d CHARLIE (3yrs) build fences and also dinosaurs eat meatâ&#x20AC;?

BERNITA

AUDREY (3yrs)

(Kinder teacher/ ECT) â&#x20AC;&#x153;At FiRST, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all about creating a caring, child-centred, holistic environment where learning and growth is limitlessâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I learn to draw my name.

I do drawing and do my name and play in treesâ&#x20AC;?

HEATHER

ALESIA

(Co-educator) â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love teaching at First Early Learning.The children take pride in their own education, so they have positive experiences and feel confident to continue learningâ&#x20AC;?

JULES (Co-educator) â&#x20AC;&#x153;The centre, educators and management are warm, friendly and inspiring.

Observing childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of The Hundred Languages they possess is eye openingâ&#x20AC;?

WALKER (3yrs) â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can write â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Mummy and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Walker anddddddd â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Daddy.

I like to learn about digger and birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nests and we grow plantsâ&#x20AC;?

CHLOE (4yrs) listen. I like to learn about compost and doctors and monkeys on the bedâ&#x20AC;?

(Co-educator) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working at FiRST early learning has given me an opportunity to grow as an educator. It has also allowed me to find my future and forever careerâ&#x20AC;?

SIOBHAN (Co-educator) â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are always encouraging sustainability and engagement at FiRST. I am dedicated when creating inclusive environments for our children to grow, learn and discoverâ&#x20AC;?

Pakenham opening January, 2021 â&#x20AC;˘ ĎŻ Î&#x2DC; Ď° Ç&#x2021;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152; ŽůÄ&#x161; ĹŹĹ?ĹśÄ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;ĹľĆ?Í&#x2022; Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ä&#x161;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ä?ŽŜĎÄ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ?Ä&#x17E;Í&#x2022; Ć?Ä?Ĺ&#x161;ŽŽů Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x161;Ĺ?ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć?Ć? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ć?ĆľÄ?Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ć?Ć? â&#x20AC;˘ KĆ&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ĺś Ä&#x161;ŽŽĆ&#x152; Ć&#x2030;ŽůĹ?Ä?Ç&#x2021; Ç Ä&#x17E;ĹŻÄ?ŽžĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ?ŽƾĆ&#x152;Ä&#x201A;Ĺ?Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĨÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161;Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ä?ĹŹ ĨĆ&#x152;Žž Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĹŻ ĨÄ&#x201A;ĹľĹ?ĹŻĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ĺ?ĹśÇ&#x20AC;ŽůÇ&#x20AC;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĨÄ&#x201A;ĹľĹ?ĹŻĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ĺ?Ĺś Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ć&#x152; Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹŻÄ&#x161;Í&#x203A;Ć? Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹŻÇ&#x2021; Ç&#x2021;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć? Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x161;Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć? â&#x20AC;˘ Ä&#x161;ĆľÄ?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;ŽŜÄ&#x201A;ĹŻ Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x201A;ĹľĆ? ŽčÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ĺ?Ĺ?Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E; ŽƾĆ&#x152; ĹŻĹ?ĆŠĹŻÄ&#x17E; ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć? ƾŜĹ?ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x152;ĆľĆ&#x2030;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ&#x161;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ć?Ć? Ĺ˝Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2030;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ć&#x161;ƾŜĹ?Ć&#x;Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ç Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺś Ä&#x161;Ĺ?Ć?Ä?Ĺ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ć&#x152; ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä&#x17E;ĹśÇ&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ć&#x152;ŽŜžÄ&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161;Ć? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; &hE Ć&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x201A;Ç&#x2021; Ć?Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ć?

â&#x20AC;˘ Ć&#x2039;ĆľÄ&#x201A;ĹŻĹ?ÄŽÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä&#x17E;Ç&#x2020;Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;ĹśÄ?Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ĺľ Ç Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ˝ ĹŹĹśĹ˝Ç Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ˝Ç Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161;ĆľÄ?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ç Ä&#x17E;ĹŻÄ?ŽžÄ&#x17E; Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĹŻ Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹŻÄ&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ĺś Ĺ?ĹśĆ&#x161;Ĺ˝ ŽƾĆ&#x152; Ĺ&#x161;ŽžÄ&#x17E;ĹŻÇ&#x2021; Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹŻÇ&#x2021; ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ä?Ä&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E; Ç Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹŻĆ?Ć&#x161; Ĺ?Ĺ?Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ď­ĎŹĎŹĐš Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;ŜƾĹ?ĹśÄ&#x17E; Ä?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E; â&#x20AC;˘ ^Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021; Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹŹ Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161;ĆľÄ?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152;Í&#x203A;Ć? Ć&#x2030;Ć&#x2030; Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĹŻĹ˝Ç Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĨÄ&#x201A;ĹľĹ?ĹŻĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ä&#x17E;Ç Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä?ŽŜĆ&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ä?ĆľĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺ?Ć&#x152; Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹŻÄ&#x161;Í&#x203A;Ć? ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? ŊŽƾĆ&#x152;ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ç&#x2021; â&#x20AC;˘ &ƾůůÇ&#x2021; ĨƾŜÄ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; Ä&#x17E;Ç&#x2020;Ä?ĆľĆ&#x152;Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜĆ? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ĆľĆ&#x152;Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜĆ? ĨŽĆ&#x152; Ć&#x161;Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ä?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹŻÄ&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;ĹśÍ&#x2022; Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ĹŻĆľÄ&#x161;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? Ä?Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ä?Ĺ&#x161; Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä?ĆľĆ?Ĺ&#x161; ĹŹĹ?ĹśÄ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Í&#x2022; Ć?Ç Ĺ?žžĹ?ĹśĹ? ĹŻÄ&#x17E;Ć?Ć?ŽŜĆ?Í&#x2022; Ç&#x2021;Ĺ˝Ĺ?Ä&#x201A; Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ć&#x2030;ĹŻÄ&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161;Ç&#x2021; žŽĆ&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Í&#x160;

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;About children being childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; | HASTINGS | FRANKSTON SOUTH | ENDEAVOUR HILLS | W < E, D ÍŽ

% INFO FEL VIC EDU AU www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

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SUMMER 2020/2021 31

Phillip Island

Summer fun for the family IF you’re looking for some family fun this summer, Phillip Island Nature Parks has reopened its doors, and is welcoming visitors back to enjoy everything this amazing place has to offer.

The Island’s Little Penguins have been a worldwide hit on Live Penguin TV, and now you can come and see them in real life at the Penguin Parade as they waddle their way ashore at sunset, entertaining everyone with their slightly awkward but completely adorable antics.

The Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre has had a winter makeover, so there’s a whole new range of fun and educational interactive exhibits for the kids to try out in The Lab before checking out the cinematic screens and augmented reality experience in The Journey. Extra staff are on site to clean the exhibits throughout the day and keep everyone safe.

Who doesn’t love a koala? See them up close from the treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve. Join Ranger Jess on a digital quest around the reserve, following the QR code trail and looking for the next clue.

Churchill Island is a little hidden gem, with daily demonstrations of whip cracking and working dogs, plus ranger tours and talks on weekends, all set against the backdrop of beautiful Westernport Bay. There’s plenty of room for the kids to run around and burn off some of that energy. They can even

See a koala up close from the treetop boardwalks.

help Billy the Border Collie round up his sheep with another fun digital quest.

trails, incredible coastal scenery, and great fish and chips.

adults and 2 children (4-15) saves you even more.

So, what are you waiting for? Phillip Island Nature Parks is the place to be this summer with its huge array of fun family activities, not to mention the beautiful beaches, walking and cycling

Hot Tip: The 4 Parks Pass is the island’s best value ticket, and includes the Penguin Parade, Antarctic Journey, Koalas and Churchill Island at a discounted rate, and a Family Pass for 2

Check out www.penguins.org.au for details and to buy tickets. Remember that every visit supports conservation and vital research to keep the island’s wildlife and habitat safe

New karts hit the Island’s Grand Prix Circuit wheel-to-wheel contact.

The harness seatbelt and easy to use seat adjusters allow for greater comfort and custom fitting.

With the same safety and protection measures as the single karts, the 2Drive tandem karts allow the whole family to get involved.

Dual steering allows children to get behind the wheel while under the safety and supervision of an adult driver.

Phillip Island Go Karts is the ultimate karting destination - the smooth curves and super-fast straight of the unique track are along some of the most

breathtaking coastline on the Island.

Children from the age of 12 (and at least 140cm tall) can drive the single karts, while kids from the age of 5 (and at least 100cm tall) can be a passenger in the tandem karts with an adult driver over 18 years (and 140cm tall) .

Phillip Island Go Karts are open 7 days a week; Monday - Friday 12pm - 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm.

All visitors must pre-book their session by calling 03 5952 9400.

For further information visit phillipislandgokarts.com.au

The tandem karts offer a thrilling experience for families.

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A NEW fleet of single and tandem go karts have hit the track at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

The 27 new single karts replace the fleet introduced in 2017, and the 10 new tandem karts will take over from the existing karts launched in 2014.

With 9 horsepower Honda GX 270cc engines, the French-made karts provide the ultimate karting sensation and meet the stringent Australian standards.

The RT8 Evo2 single karts can reach up to 65kmh and feature a high front blade for greater safety and a roll bar with all-round protection to avoid

32 SUMMER 2020/2021

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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2020/2021 33

Party Time

Melburnians got creative in the face of the pandemic, organising online parties.

Finding ways to celebrate online

By Danielle Galvin

have come out of the woodwork and who can put together grazing boxes, beautiful sugar cookies and more for whoever you are celebrating.

AS party-loving Melburnians, we were forced to get creative when it came to get-togethers, birthday parties, baby showers and celebrations in 2020.

■ Make it a surprise (if it’s possible) Logistically this might be way too tricky - but it can work! We managed to do it for our friend’s baby shower and she had no idea, it was truly magical to watch her surprise as she saw 30 of her closest friends on a computer screen.

When we couldn’t meet up in person and we had to keep our distance, we found ways to be together virtually.

During the height of the second lockdown, I attended (is that the right word?!) a surprise virtual baby shower on Zoom for a dear friend. It was truly wonderful, and given the difficult year she’d had being pregnant in two restrictive lockdowns, it was lovely and memorable.

Many Melburnians found positive ways to celebrate milestone events - whether that was through virtual discos for kids birthdays, Zoom catch-

ups - there were ways to celebrate.

If you’re looking to host a virtual party again in the future (maybe with interstate or overseas family and friends) here’s some ways to make it easy and special!

■ Reach out and find local suppliers it’s amazing how many cookie makers, cake bakers, and people there are in every municipality who

■ If there’s a few of you and you can afford it - band together and get balloons and flowers delivered. Just makes it a nice touch. You can still play games and involve everyone attending. The group organising this baby shower had arranged for everyone to send their guesses for the baby’s weight, gender, name and had it printed off for the mum-to-be to

read on the day. Similarly, we played fun guessing games with photos of the expectant parents and it was a lovely way to break the ice and involve everyone.

■ Get different groups/family members involved - this is important. If you can, get multiple people on the party committee to help get in touch with as many people as possible.

■ If you’re hosting a virtual birthday party - there are some great local businesses who can run virtual trivia nights, virtual painting classes, and virtual discos. The cost is often pretty low and it is so much fun!

■ Keep it short - most people start to lose focus after an hour or so!

■ Lastly, it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg to be special, memorable and beautiful. Seriously.

BORN TO PARTY

Paint a Pot Art Studio PAINT a Pot Art Studio is a place bringing people together for the shared purpose of being creative.

- a large range of CERAMICS animals/characters to cater for all children to paint as they wish!

- a SOFT PLAY area for kids of all ages - a full CAFE with lots of variety for kids and adults to get through a busy art filled day!

- art classes for kids from ages 5-12.

- choose from one of our amazing PARTY PACKAGES and let us do all the work so you and your guests can enjoy yourselves!

4/1 Vesper Drive, Narre Warren Ph: 8794 9997 | www.paintapot.com.au Follow us on @paint.a.pot and Paint a Pot Narre Warren 34 SUMMER 2020/2021

12473030-LB51-20

Paint a Pot KIDS

With a great soft play area and hundreds of shapes to choose from, Paint a Pot has the piece of pottery to make your child’s next birthday a memorable one!

O child friendly venue offers Our a range of activities for kids:

Paint a Pot caters to kids of all ages - big and small, young and old - with a wide selection of pottery options.

The on-site cafe allows the grown-ups and spectators to relax, and enjoy a coffee while the kids are in their creative element!

And after they have explored their creativity, they can run off the last of

their energy in the soft play area.

At the end of the party, guests can choose to take their piece home straight away, or leave it overnight to be fired for collection the next day.

There are ready to paint ceramics for all ages from pots, plates, bowls and mugs to animal figurines.

The studio can be hired for adult art social events.

Teachers conduct a range of classes such as resin art, resin jewellery, acrylic pouring and chalk masterpieces.

Also on offer are kid’s art classes and the keepsake casting of hands, feet and even little paws!

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

HO HOT OT DOGS PRETZELS MILKSHAKES COFFEE

Extensive Lunch Menu All Day Breakfast Coffee, Cakes, Juices & Smoothies Christmas Gift vouchers available

30 ADAMS LANE, BERWICK ( INSIDE OF NEW YORK BARBERS )

OPEN EVERYDAY 7am to 5pm

M-F: 9AM-5PM SAT: 8AM-3PM 12471821-SG51-20

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DINING OUT DINE IN, DELIVERY AND TAKE AWAY AVAILABLE

DOWNLOAD FREE APP AND PLACE YOUR ORDER OR CALL 8764-5913

Christmas Bookings Christmas Catering

NEW OUT DOOR DINING

TRADING HOURS THURS - SUN | 4PM-8PM

Shop 19/215 - 225 Parkhill Dr, Berwick • Ph: 8764 5913

Ph: 8759 5568 6/55 Old Prices Hwy, Beaconsfield

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Cake delivery within 5-10 km, check our website for online ordering

LAVA CAFE RESTAURANT AND BAR

COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY

LUNCH: 11:45AM - 2PM DINNER: 5.30PM - 8PM

Open Mon-Sat. All cakes baked on premises.

Cardinia Park Hotel would like to thank all our customers for their continued support & invite any new customers to give us a try.

P: 9707 1188

(opposite Pakenham Marketplace) order online or phone to pre order and pick up

Cardinia Park Hotel

5940 9295

200 Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd, Beaconsfield

www.vanillebistro.com.au

12471841-CG51-20

FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE

15 Trelaor Lane Pakenham

For menu and specials go to www.cardiniaparkhotel.com.au or

BOOK NOW!!

• Breakfast • Lunch • Catering • Cakes

BOTTLE SHOP OPEN: 10AM - 8PM

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Come in and try our new menu options

25 - 27 High Street, Berwick Facebook.com/lavainberwick Contact us 03 9707 4446 www.lavainberwick.com.au 12471853-NG51-20

ALF RES CO O UT DO O R A R E A NO W O PEN

13/84 B EMERSYD E D R , BERWI C K PH : 9702 6009 R ES TA U R A NT A N D B AR www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

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F RESH F U NKY NEW C RA FT B A R A ND E ATE RY. A LL LO C A L PRO DU C E, PR ODU C TS A ND TA L E NT. C HEC K O U T O U R W EEKLY M E NU ON FA C E B OOK

{issue_no} 35

Entertainment

Our top parenting podcasts

By Danielle Galvin IF you’re into podcasts, we’ve put together a list for you to sink your teeth into.

Below are a few recommendations, for those times you’re feeling lost and in need of advice, or you’re in the mood for something funny or informative.

I found some of these useful, as an example, when I was struggling with my daughter’s tantrums around the age of 3.

learn, thrive and develop.

It was a difficult time in parenthood and I sought out advice from some podcasts.

There are so many good ones to choose from, but here are a few of our picks: ■ Parenting in the age of the coronavirus: A new podcast from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne. Child health experts discuss the challenges parents are facing, and explore how you can best support yourself and your children so they can continue to

■ Mamamia’s Me After You podcast is on my ‘to listen’ list. It poses the question - who am I, after having a baby?

■ Happy Mum Happy Baby - the podcast is from Giovanna Fletcher, UK mum of 3, author, blogger. I’ve been a fan a long time. She always has some great names and talent and some of the podcasts are absolute tearjerkers!

■ Maggie Dent on the ABC - Parental

As Anything - She covers off a lot of different topics. Always a great listen.

■ Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled. Another famed parenting expert. Plenty to sink your teeth into.

■ Kirsten Bell’s Momsplaining: OK, not a podcast but a light hearted little series nonetheless. Always good for a laugh!

■ The Modern Dads: This is a podcast about the dads doing it all ■ The Happy Families podcast with Dr Justin Coulson. Advice, easy to listen to, what’s not to love?

Fresh & Fruity Family

The Ready Set Dance crew.

Fun This Summer OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM - 4PM

We have U Pick Fruit ALL Year • FRUIT TASTING ADVENTURE TOURS

New kids channel shaking things up

Ride around the farm behind the tractor a covered trailer - discover a new fruit, sample tasty fruit in season, Pick your own fruit straight from the tree. Suitable for ALL ages, eat as much as you like taste at least 8 fruit varieties.

Tour duration - 1 hour.

No bookings required • JOIN US AT PEACH CAFE FOR LUNCH!

LOW IMPACT PAINTBALL SUITABLE FOR KIDS 8 YEARS AND OVER IS AVAILABLE STARTS AT $30 PER PERSON WITH 200 PAINTBALLS 2 HOUR SESSION OR $40free-to-air PER television PERSON A NEW with 12WITH 300 PAINTBALLS

• equipment hire included • 50cal low impact markers • BBQ area available

Visit our farm cafe and check out our latest range of Jams, chutneys, preserved fruit & fruit leathers.

Call Daniel 9777 0613 or book online at www.paintballgames.com.au

5964 7654 60 Schoolhouse Rd, Woori Yallock 3139

www.raynersorchard.com.au

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• FRUIT PLANT NURSERY

Visit our fruit plant nursery located on the farm stocking 100’s of fruiting plants, specialising in dwarf varieties.

hours of kids programming has arrived.

The channel, 10 Shake, is airing a stack of popular children’s shows, including PAW Patrol, Bubble Guppies, Top Wing, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Dora the Explorer and Butterbean’s Cafe.

The channel is also airing Australian-produced preschool dance series Ready Set Dance, Totally Wild and Scope.

The full 12 hours of kids programming runs from 6am-6pm, including weekends.

At 6pm, the channel switches to adult programming with shows such Teen Mom Australia, Ex on the Beach UK and Lip Sync Battle.

Paintball Games

3 Locations -Ballan, Cockatoo, Coldstream Totally Wild host Emily Dickson.

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36 SUMMER 2020/2021

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Entertainment

Comics Secret Headquarters

New series Kangaroo Beach is coming to ABC Kids this summer.

SECRET Headquarters is a family owned comic book and collectables shop located in Beaconsfield.

New ABC Kids show

Kirsty and her family started in 2012 by selling a collection of comics and collectables at Berwick’s Akoonah Park Market every Sunday. The demand for a wider selection grew and they soon opened up their own brick and mortar store in Beaconsfield, welcoming many new customers and building their comic book family.

Since then they have run many wonderful events to help support not only their community, but also embracing many local creators in the arts industry, with events including Free Comic Book Day, Halloween fest, movie premiere nights and lots more!

If you’ve ever wanted to start getting into comics or maybe know someone who does, Secret Headquarters can help guide you on your journey. Comics are great for all ages, from early readers to mature audiences. Comics can offer you a wide variety of stories. It’s not all superheroes anymore and there’s certainly something for everyone.

WATER safety is a key theme of a new animated series coming to ABC Kids this summer.

Kangaroo Beach follows the adventures of four young animal friends who share an action-packed summer of surf, sand and sun.

Secret Headquarters in Beaconsfield.

They have now entered the online world and cannot wait to offer you an amazing range of comic books, graphic novels, manga, early reader book, young adult books, pop culture products, comic supplies, statues, toys and even a touch of vintage goodness.

If cards are your thing, Secret Headquarters have Pokemon, Magic & Yu-Gi-Oh cards.

They enjoy sharing the love of comics and all things nerdy with their customers, and they hope to share that same love with you!

Joey Pounce, a wannabe-hero lifeguard; platypus Gemma, a mini-marine biologist; wombat Neville, an expert sandcastle digger; and koala Frizzy, an all-singing, all-dancing, all-fabulous triple threat, train as junior cadets with their lifeguard heroes and keep the water safe at Kangaroo Beach.

Under the guidance of grown-up lifeguards Bondi, Sandy (voiced by Kitty Flanagan) and Big Trev, the awesome foursome are gaining imperative water safety skills to help keep themselves and other beachgoers safe.

Essential water safety advice for the 26-part series was provided by Bondi Rescue’s chief lifeguard Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins and Ironman champion Craig ‘Riddo’ Riddington who runs SEA Australia, both representatives of the association of Surf Educators International Inc. ABC Head of Children’s Production Libbie Doherty said: “Kangaroo Beach celebrates everything Australians love about summer, the beach, friends, and making memories that last a lifetime. Kids will fall in love with Pounce, Neville, Gemma and Frizzy as they learn beach craft skills and most importantly how to be safe in and around water.”

Kangaroo Beach will air daily on ABC Kids from Monday 25 January.

If you want to check it out earlier, a special sneak peek will broadcast on Boxing Day and bonus episodes will be dropping in the ABC Kids app.

Opening Night Supplies THE team at Opening Night Supplies have enjoyed getting know the Performing Arts community over the past year, growing their product range to suit your costume and stage ready needs.

The year ahead is an exciting one for Opening Night Supplies with a new online store being launched and a shop extension in progress which will include a dedicated fabric and trims area. Ray Rose Ballroom shoes www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

will arrive in the coming weeks and many more fabulous dance and Calisthenics products are available.

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BORN TO perform

Opening Night Supplies services Calisthenics clubs, dancing schools, costume designers and other sporting enthusiasts Australia wide.

‘NOW OFFERING POINTE SHOES’ Bookings open for your personalised fitting service

Owners Melinda Moutsos and Carolyn Grant have been involved in Calisthenics for over 20 years and love helping performers reach their full potential and shine on stage.

Shop contact details: ph: 03 5941 5713 Shop 2, 32 Treloar Lane, Pakenham 3810 online: www.openingnightsupplies.com SUMMER 2020/2021 37

It’s Your Life

Mums sharing budgeting tips Grocery shopping is among the biggest expenses for a family, but there are ways you can save at the checkout.

By Melissa Grant FEEDING a family is an expensive exercise.

It doesn’t matter how many mouths you have to feed or the ages of your children - grocery shopping is one of the biggest expenses for a household.

It’s also an expense that constantly increases and one that seems to have gone up significantly for many families during the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you’re not careful it’s easy to spend way more than you want to at the supermarket checkout.So how do you keep your food bill under control?

It’s a topic many money savvy mums are tackling online.

There are a growing number of blogs and social media accounts dedicated to providing tips on how families can save money on food.

Among them is Budget Mum Blog, run by frugal mum of two Madonna Bechaz.

Madonna started her blog while on maternity leave with her first son. Her

BUDGET MUM BLOG’S CHILLI CON CARNE

Facebook page has more than 20,000 followers and her Instagram account isn’t far behind.

Madonna wanted to show that living on a budget can be fun and liberating, rather than restrictive.

She spends about $180 per week on groceries, which includes nappies for one child, dog food and clearing products.

She has a few simple tips for families wanting to reduce their shopping bill.

“The simplest way is to meal plan,” she said.

“I know everyone recommends it, but once you’re organised it saves a ton of money.

“Cook once, eat twice - if you’re busy this makes life and the budget run smoothly. Cooking extra and freezing it for a busy night, saves using take away as plan b.

“Also having vegetarian nights cut down on meat costs.”

Madonna’s go-to budget meals include spaghetti bolognese with extra

• METHOD 1. Place capsicum, mince and garlic into pan. Break up and fry until browned.

2. Add chilli powder and tomato and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Add drained kidney beans and allow to simmer for another 10 minutes.

• 800g tin tomatoes • 800g red kidney beans • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 1 teaspoon chilli powder (add more to taste) • Serve with steamed rice, avocado and sour cream (optional)

Her weekly grocery bill is around $220, up from about $200 before the pandemic.

She says it’s always a good idea to audit the cupboard or fridge before hitting the supermarket.

“Go through what you already have in the kitchen and make meals from there.”

Rebecca loves to cook and her favourite frugal feeds include fried rice, pasta dishes including spaghetti bolognese, and soups.

Rebecca says sticking to in season fruit and vegetables and buying in bulk saves money.

Avoiding the checkout can also help.

If you head to the shops, be sure you fill up before filling up the trolley.

“Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach!” Rebecca advises.

If you want to save money on groceries and need some inspiration, check out these Instagram accounts: ■ @budget_mum_blog ■ @frugal_family_of_6 ■ @growingfamily_on_a_budget ■ @money_meals_me ■ @mrs_thrifty_ ■ @perthbudgetmum ■ @that_aussie_budget_mum_to_ six ■ @justbudgetmums ■ @ourlittleozfamily

FRUGAL FAMILY OF 6 TUNA BAKE • 500g penne pasta

INGREDIENTS • 2 red capsicums (or green)

Another advocate for meal planning is mum of four Rebecca Sayers, the woman behind the frugal_family_of_6 accounts on Instagram and Facebook, which have a combined following of 20,000.

“Write a shopping list and stick to it.

Grocery shop online to avoid impulse buys,” she said.

INGREDIENTS

4. Serve.

• 500 grams mince

veggies and lentils, tuna mornay and chilli con carne.

Note: Don’t be tempted to add kidney beans early - they will break down and go mushy. If you need to bulk it out more (for extra guests) or if you’re out of kidney beans try a tin of corn. It’s delicious!

• 425g tin tuna drained and flaked • 1 brown onion diced • 1/4 cup plain flour • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley • 3 cups milk

TIP: Chilli is like lasagne and gets better on the second day. Leftovers can be served in wraps (like soft tacos) or made into nachos. It’s also delicious in baked potatoes.

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon chicken stock powder • 1 tin corn kernels drained (or 2 cups cooked veg of choice) • 2 cups tasty cheese grated

Recipe by Madonna, the woman behind the popular Budget Mum Blog Instagram account.

• 50g butter • 1 tablespoon olive oil • Salt and pepper for seasoning whisking frequently. Stir in half a cup of cheese. Take off of heat.

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200C (180C fan forced). Boil pasta and set aside.

2. In a pot over medium heat, melt butter and oil. Fry onion for 5 minutes. Add flour and fry for another 2 minutes. Add milk gradually, and whisk with each addition to get rid of lumps. Season with salt pepper. Stir in garlic powder and chicken stock powder.

Allow to simmer on low for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens,

38 SUMMER 2020/2021

3. In a large rectangular baking dish combine pasta, tuna, sauce, parsley and veg. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe by Rebecca Sayers. She offers food saving tips on her frugal_ family_of_6 Facebook and Instagram accounts. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Reality Bites

Suzie at the op-shop for Backpacks 4 Vic Kids.

Suzie and her six-year-old daughter Mikayla.

Pictures: Stewart Chambers

Volunteering leads to dream job

By Melissa Grant

“They said they had no-one,” she recalled.

SUZIE Brooking never imagined she would return to the workforce so soon after having her two children.

“It was a bit of an epiphany for me - I thought ‘what could I do?’”

The Cranbourne mum was fearful of getting a job. She was scared she might let her employer down. She was scared she might not be there for her girls, who have autism.

Despite these anxieties, Suzie has managed to land a dream role with an organisation she loves.

Perhaps you could call it fate, particularly considering she never applied for the job, which is in a field she has no experience in.

But volunteering, as Suzie discovered, can open many doors.

Suzie was shopping at a newly opened op-shop for Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, when a volunteer mentioned they needed someone to manage the shop.

Suzie was keen to help as Backpacks 4 Vic Kids had long been one of her favourite charities.

The Cranbourne-based organisation provides backpacks and nappy bags to Victorian children entering foster care and emergency accommodation.

With the op-shop being so close to her home, Suzie figured she could return quickly to her daughters Mikayla, 6, and Lilly, 4, if they needed her.

“I thought with volunteering I can learn stuff and if I need to go, I can go,” she explained.

“I could leave the girls for a few hours and as a volunteer I wasn’t committed to anything. I’m around the corner and I’m getting my mental break.”

Suzie began volunteering in

February, and not long after she was told the organisation was going to turn the role into a paid position.

However, she didn’t throw her hat in the ring.

“I didn’t apply for the job when they actually said the position was available,” she said.

“I was scared because ‘what if I can’t do the job? What if I let people down?’

These are all the fears you have.

“Also a lot of us parents (of children with special needs) have to fit in therapy.”

But Suzie’s hard work hadn’t gone unnoticed and Backpacks 4 Vic Kids founder, Sally Beard offered her the job.

“She said ‘would you like it?’ I had an interview and I had the job the next day,” Suzie recalled.

“I don’t have the experience on paper. I’m very independent - I learn myself and Sally guides me. I could

have never done a management position before.”

Suzie has been busy making the op shop bigger and better - and loves every minute of it.

She manages a website and Facebook page, has created signage and, with the help of daughter Mikayla, designed a mascot.

Volunteering has done more than land Suzie a dream role - it’s also improved her mental health by making her feel more connected with the outside world. She believes there are many parents who could greatly benefit from volunteering.

“With children with special needs it’s a bit scary, but you do have things for yourself,” she said.

“Also, it may be possible to volunteer somewhere you can bring a child.

“I just had to step out of my comfort zone and push away those fears.”

A passion to help teenage girls flourish

By Danielle Galvin

daughter programs to improve communication.

also common with fathers as well,” she said.

AS a former speech pathologist, TEDx speaker and model, Mandy Dante’s set of skills are particularly unique.

The school program aims to create safe spaces for teenage girls to engage in relatable conversations around comparison, social pressures, body image and perfectionism.

“They felt like there was a breakdown in communication and girls not feeling safe enough to share.

But arguably it’s her personal story, growing up in Sydney as a Sri Lankan Australian girl in a largely Caucasian school, coupled with the normal challenges of navigating teenage life, that sparked her passion to find a way to support young women.

She recalls the awkwardness of being a teenage girl in high school, wanting to fit in.

And while she survived those years, she says looking back, she can see she wasn’t necessarily thriving and bottled up a lot of what she was going through.

Reflecting on that time as an adult, she started Flourish Girl, a preventative mental health program aimed at teenage girls, which offers mother-

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

“The lens we come from - we are not the parenting experts but we are experts in knowing how to start those conversations.”

“We start to really ignite those conversations that aren’t being said and give girls an opportunity to feel safe enough to share some of the things they may be dealing with,” she said.

She believes there’s a chance for mums to better support their teenage girls, by showing them they don’t have all of the answers.

Through the schools’ program, Mandy has gained invaluable insight into teenage girls through countless conversations with them.

Mandy Dante uses her platform as a model and her program, Flourish Girl, to try to get teenage girls better support.

“We have a section in our programs where we ask girls what they really need from their mums - and this is where I get my tips for mums,” she said.

open up with your daughter and be empathetic to the huge transition happening in their lives.

Her tips include spending personal time with your daughter, creating a safe space with no judgement or opinions,

“We have this common thread around girls feeling like they are not being heard a lot from mothers but it’s

“Mums want to rescue them and solve their problems for them,” she said.

“The thing is there is no right way to have a conversation with your daughter. It’s OK not to have the answers all the time.”

She said showing your vulnerability as a parent is a powerful tool.

To find out more, visit https://www. flourishgirl.org/

SUMMER 2020/2021 39

Reality Bites

Helping children understand mental illness

By Melissa Grant

help parents who may be experiencing depression for the first time in their lives.

BOOKS can help parents explain difficult topics to their children.

“When I wrote it, it was before all the coronavirus pandemic business,” she said.

Among them is mental illness, however it can be hard to find quality, age-appropriate books on the subject.

It’s somewhat surprising given an estimated one in five adults - many of them parents - will experience depression during their lifetime.

That’s why author and Berwick mum Michelle Vasiliu has started writing books to help children understand mental illness, including depression.

Michelle, who has experienced mental illness herself, recently released Together Things, a book about the changing relationship between a young girl and her depressed father.

Together Things explores the need for children to do different “together things” with a parent experiencing mental illness. Things such as drawing pictures or reading a story together.

Michelle says Together Things can

“Now with so many people being impacted by the pandemic, we are seeing more and more adults experiencing depression and/or anxiety than ever before.”

Together Things is the second children’s book Michelle has written about mental illness.

Her first, My Happy Sad Mummy, explains the impact a major mental illness such as bipolar disorder has on a parent.

Michelle drew on her own experience with bipolar to write the book, which cleverly portrays the emotional rollercoaster of the illness as a child may perceive it.

The inspiration for the book came after a hospital stay in 2007, when her children were aged three and six.

“I dabbled in adult writing for a long

Some of Michelle Vasiliu’s books.

time. But after being in hospital back in 2007 I was searching the world literally, for some kind of children’s books (on mental illness) ... and I couldn’t find anything,” she explained.

“And what I could find, it just wasn’t right - it was outdated, or it was from overseas, so I wrote my own.”

My Happy Sad Mummy, aimed at preschool and early primary school aged children, won a Australian Association of Family Therapy book award.

Michelle is passionate about reducing the stigma around mental illness and promoting children’s books as a means to open up the conversation with young kids.

She works with families who have parents experiencing mental illness.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, she was giving presentations to trainee social workers about the importance of talking to children about mental illness.

Michelle hopes to publish more children’s books to keep the

Michelle Vasiliu with her award winning book, Together Things.

Picture: Stewart Chambers

conversation going.

“My focus long-term is to get a whole library of books focusing on mental illness and to get children talking about mental illness, anything that’s difficult,” she said.

To discover more about Michelle’s books, visit http://www.michellevasiliu. com/

IVF, twins and a stroke - what a journey

By Melissa Meehan IT had been six years of trying.

Six emotionally draining, financially taxing and physically demanding years.

So when Bree Schranz and her husband Dale Gaylard found out they were pregnant they were over the moon.

“We’d been trying for a baby with IVF for six years, so when it happened we just thought yes, our dream of becoming parents is finally happening,” Bree said.

Almost as soon as her pregnancy was confirmed, Bree spent most of her days with her head in the bucket.

And if she didn’t have her head stuck in a bucket, she was up at the local hospital on a drip.

“Hyperemesis struck - but I didn’t look like Kate Middleton at all,” she said.

“Hospital stays would be two to three weeks at a time and then I’d be discharged and the cycle would start again.”

When the vomiting finally started to ease, her blood pressure started to rise.

At 34 weeks, the decision was made to deliver them early.

Milla and Samuel were born with no complications and super cute.

They spent some time in the special care nursery.

40 SUMMER 2020/2021

“This happy, caring room, became my ultimate nightmare,” Bree said.

“Expressing one day, I knew that things weren’t right. I started to feel giddy and it escalated. I collapsed, and could not remember anything.

“My family later found out, I had a stroke after having twins.”

Bree was taken to another hospital where Dale would visit and help her express milk and then return to be with the twins.

Milla and Samuel.

“I knew at this moment I had to put my feelings aside and be there for my wife and my new twins,” Dale said.

Bree says she’s amazingly grateful to have Milla and Samuel.

“I would travel from hospital to hospital, expressing, feeding, sleeping then repeating. It took an emotional toll on me, but I knew it was what I had to do for my family.”

Finally they were moved to the same hospital, which made it so much easier for Dale.

The twins were fortunate to leave the special care nursery, however, Bree still had to stay in hospital.

“I experienced many firsts, which normal husbands would share with their wives,” Dale said.

“It was up to me to set them up in their routines at home. A few weeks later, Bree joined us at home. I was pretty much caring for three children.

She had a lot of work to do, a lot of rehab, it was very taxing on me.”

Bree says while she missed a lot of

Bree Schranz and her husband Dale Gaylard with Milla and Samuel.

firsts, she is forever grateful for the time she has with them now.

“I have gone from not walking and talking and now I am the full-time worker, my husband is the stay home parent,” she said.

“Although I have been told I am no longer allowed to have children, I am amazingly grateful for what I have today.”

Twins Milla and Samuel. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Reality Bites

Maddie Francis collects donations throughout the year to help families with children in NICU.

The mum bringing cheer to all

By Melissa Meehan

for families spending time in NICU over Christmas.

UNLESS you’ve had a child spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit, you’ll never know the loneliness and worry that comes with it.

“So the idea to start up NICU Cheer started in 2016, and we did our first delivery in 2017,” she said.

Maddie Francis knows that loneliness all too well.

Her son Ashton was born 10 weeks early in 2016.

And while she and husband Aaron were relieved their baby boy was being cared for, they felt very alone.

“It was really scary and we just didn’t get much support while we were in there,” Maddie said.

“We felt very alone, and I sort of wasn’t even made aware that there were Facebook groups and all sorts of things out there until long after we left the hospital.”

She said although family and friends were amazing - preparing meals, doing everything they could - it was so hard to describe the feeling of how traumatic it was to have a baby so early, so little and so sick.

“The first time I saw him was hours after he was born, and he had eight wires coming out of him, it’s a little like a NASA space mission,” she said.

“It was very overwhelming, and it’s so hard to understand unless you’ve had a similar experience.”

“I just thought I would put together a nice little hamper for the parent’s room or one for the staff room - but when I put the call out on Facebook, I got inundated with donations.

“I just really love humanity, sometimes.”

She started with hampers at Mercy Hospital for Women and then it just snowballed.

She now delivers numerous hampers to the NICU wards at the Mercy, Royal Women’s Hospital, Monash Children’s Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital and Joan Kirner Women’s & Children’s Hospital at Christmas time, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. And while she’s yet to get official charity status, the long-term plan is to get deductible gift recipient status which would help more businesses get on board.

“I’m not stopping any time soon, I just love it and we get such beautiful feedback from families and I’ve actually become friends with some of the mothers who received our bags,” she said,

And it didn’t stop when they went home.

Ashton still has some health battles ahead of him and spends a lot of time in hospital.

“When the baby comes home, and you’re waiting for them to roll over or sit up or meet anything - the milestones are very different,” she said.

But Maddie says that’s what keeps the idea of how horrible spending time in hospital with a bay really is fresh in her mind.

So, in what can only be described as inspiring, faced with her son’s own ongoing health battles, Maddie started thinking about how horrible it would be

Ashton, who is now 4, was 10 weeks early, but was allowed to go home after six and a half weeks in NICU.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Maddie Francis and her son Ashton.

Pictures: Gary Sissons

Within three days, she was used to all

Maddie Francis and her son Ashton.

I just really love humanity, sometimes.” the terminology and acronyms that comes with NICU babies.

“The staff are just amazing, I think nurses are wonderful, but NICU nurses are next level,” she said.

“We love them all.”

departments across two hospitals as we strive to get a diagnosis for his extreme fatigue, and check-ups on his laryngomalacia, subglottic stenosis, brain bleeds, innocent heart murmur and more.

Ashton is attending a specialist daycare where he’s thriving.

But he’s the happiest little boy and enjoys making his mum, dad and sister Lily laugh.

He still has ongoing hospital and specialist visits with multiple

For more about NICU Cheer or how to help go to www.nicucheer.com.au

SUMMER 2020/2021 41

Fashion

Hot summer style FOR the hottest summer children’s fashion and accessories, you can’t go past Billy Lidz.

The trendy boutique stocks leading Australian designer children’s clothing brands and overseas favourites for kids aged 0 to 14.

Their brands include Munster, Missie Munster, Quincy Mae, Two

42 SUMMER 2020/2021

Darlings,Wilson and Frenchy, the quirky By Billie, as well as the Gorgeous Byron Bay Brand of Olli Ella which is sold internationally, plus some New Zealand brands like Nature Baby and Liebeleo.

Billy Lidz has its summer range in stock, with gorgeous threads that are perfect to update your child’s wardrobe

in time for Christmas photos and gatherings.

The boutique’s gorgeous clothing, toys and accessories make fantastic Christmas gifts.

Lay-bys are available. Visit the boutique in Blackburne Square, Berwick or check out the range in their online store at www.lovemybillylidz.com.au

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER SEASON IN STORE NOW PLUS GREAT GIFT IDEAS OPEN Mon - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm Shop 6, Blackburne Square, Berwick Phone: 9707 5593 12470289-SN51-20

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2020/2021 43

44 SUMMER 2020/2021

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Books

Inspiring the hero in all of us

By Danielle Galvin

message, anyone can save the day.

REUBEN Cullen certainly goes against the grain when it comes to children’s authors.

It also talks about the values Reuben was seeking in his own life: to be ambitious, healthy, reliable, selfless, caring, honest, confident, determined and happy.

He’s probably an unlikely character to write for young children, being a tradie and openly talking about his former battles with addiction, but that’s part of the magic of his story, and his new book, A Hero Born.

It’s a self-published book he wrote to help him believe in himself again.

“One day I just had an idea of writing a story, and being your own hero.

“And I thought it was best targeted to kids given that they are really into superheroes.

“Being your own hero is probably pretty important and it was what I was struggling with at the time, a bit of self-belief.”

The book follows the story of a caped hero and an everyday hero, with the

His book is a message of self-love and awareness, simply, he wants children to be their own heroes.

“I have had some people say to me (after writing A Hero Born) you have always had a way with words.

“I didn’t really use poetry as a way to express myself until my early 20s and probably my mid-teens, more so when I had my battles with drug addiction I used it as a way to express myself.”

Coming up with the story came naturally to him, once he’d established the message and the characters.

The book is also dedicated to Kasey, the daughter of a woman he was in a long-term relationship with.

It’s a deeply personal book, in that sense.

Street artist Michael Glenda, a father of three, illustrated the book.

“The message is that definitely no one is too old to know they can be their own hero.

“I wrote it with the intentions of wanting to believe in myself and like myself again.

“Kasey was a big reason I wanted to write the book.

“I wanted to one day have something to show her and hopefully read to her. I just hope kids can learn to be the best person for themselves from reading the book - if I can just help one child not go through what I did then I’ll be happy.”

And while the book is suited for children of any age, he said the message starts to ring true between that 4-9 age bracket.

“When I’m writing, I’m not afraid to express myself and say how I am feeling.

“Giving people the power to be self-aware is good, to learn to know yourself is really important I believe.”

A Hero Born is Reuben’s first children’s book.

There’s a mirror in the book at the end, with a powerful thought to end on.

“I remember (Kasey) used to love looking at herself in the mirror.

“It’s got a mirror on the last page, so the last page reads ‘when I look in the mirror what I want to see the best version of myself, so my hero is really me’.”

To find out more and order the book, visit https://reubencullenkids.com/

Children’s books...

My Dad’s A Tradie Missy and Beefy Illustrated by Ogilvie The perfect book for a child with a father who is a tradie!

It follows the adventures of Australian bull terrier Missy and her little brother Beefy, an Australian bulldog. Their dad is a tradie. It’s also Beefy’s dream to be a tradie.

The pair visit worksites with their dad. Beefy is constantly asking ‘Are you a tradie like my dad?’

They meet all sorts of tradies including a tiler, electrician, foreman, plumber and painter.

While Missy is pretty well behaved on worksites, Beefy tends to find himself in trouble!

The characters are based on two real life dogs who live north of Sydney. A fun read for young kids.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $19.99

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Have You Seen A Tree for Me?

Powman: Find The Courage Within

Sarah Eccleston,

Dave Pow Tabain and Nadia Worland, illustrated by Shane Ogilvie

Illustrated by Jenni Goodman A beautiful children’s book that highlights the modern dangers koalas are facing in the wild.

It’s a timely title given Australia’s koala population has drastically declined following the devastating 2019/20 bushfire season.

Author Sarah Eccleston has been a koala specialist at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast for nearly 22 years.

The book is inspired by her special bond with a three-yearold koala named Enzo, who resides at the sanctuary.

A great way for kids to learn about the dangers koalas face in the wild, from loss of habitat to domestic animals.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $19.99

Motivational speaker Dave Pow Tabain has teamed up with special needs consultant Nadia Worland for this empowering children’s book.

The book helps equip young children to cope with their anxiety. It also encourages them not to be fearful of seeing a school counsellor.

A young boy suffering anxiety around an upcoming maths test in the central character in this inspiring read.

With the counsellor’s help, the boy comes up with the perfect POW plan to control his anxiety and ace his maths test.

The book also features a helpful list of tips for kids to deal with anxiety.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $14.99

We Are All Kind P Crumble and Jonathon Bentley A follow up to the bestselling children’s book We Are All Equal, this cute title explores the many simple ways we can show kindness.

The text is beautiful. One passage reads: “We are all kind. You walk lonely miles.

Life is much better when somebody smiles.”

The text is accompanied by illustrations by award-winning illustrator Jonathan Bentley.

This beautiful book teaches children the importance of being kind to others. It shows how they can offer a hand, make amends, solve a problem, heal hurt, love and share a laugh.

A lovely read for children aged 4+.

Scholastic Australia, RRP $19.99

The Bad Guys Episode 12: The One?!

Aaron Blabey The Bad Guys are back for another enthralling instalment.

For those unfamiliar, The Bad Guys are a crew of animals who sound, look and smell like bad guys but are on a mission to do good.

The book is in a format similar to a comic book, with black and white illustrations and fun text.

In Episode 12, something is up with Snake. He has terrifying powers and evil allies.

Meanwhile, Agent Fox has suddenly become very mysterious.

A great read for children aged 7+ transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

A movie-adaption of the series is due for release in 2021.

Scholastic Australia, RRP $15.99

SUMMER 2020/2021 45

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Kids Calendar

What's on

this summer

7-18 DECEMBER 12 DAYS OF ONLINE CHRISTMAS Cardinia Shire Council is hosting a 12 days of online Christmas featuring free events for the whole family to enjoy.

The traditional community carols will not proceed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, a festive online event will take place each day between 7-18 December. The program includes a gingerbread workshop, Christmas sing-along workshop, Christmas community carols and an evening with young musos.

Each event will be posted as a video on the Cardinia Shire Council’s Facebook page where it can be re-watched at any time.

18-20 DECEMBER

artscentremelbourne.com.au/ community/content-hub/together-withyou/videos/a-simple-space

UNTIL 25 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS PROJECTIONS

Casey’s Fired Up Hip Hop competition is back for its eighth year. However, this event will be held virtually. and you will experience this incredible world of dance from the comfort of your own home!

Projections run every night 9pm to 11pm.

Watch it here https://www. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

There are more than $5000 worth of prizes to be won.For more information, contact Veronica from Youth Services on 9705 5200 or vstanley@casey.vic.gov.au

DAILY GO KARTING Try out the new fleet of single and tandem go karts at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Open 7 days a week; Monday - Friday 12pm- 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9am- 5pm.

All visitors must pre-book their session by calling 03 5952 9400.

DAILY LITTLE WONDERS PENGUIN PARADE UNTIL 25 DECEMBER

The hub of the Christmas Festival, Christmas Square is a lush wonderland of festive cheer. See the 16m giant Christmas tree, Santa’s Workshop and enough sparkling lights to compete with the stars themselves.

A Simple Space delights audiences with non-stop feats of exhilarating acrobatic ability. Feel the heat, hear every breath, and be immersed in every moment.

Urban choreography soloists and crews (2-10/20 people) are sought in the following age groups: Junior (12 years and under, minimum 6 years), Varsity (18 years and under), and Open (all ages).

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A SIMPLE SPACE (ONLINE VIDEO)

Stunning and joyous for kids and adults alike, A Simple Space is stripped back circus at its very best.

29 JANUARY FIRED UP! 2021

CHRISTMAS SQUARE, FED SQUARE

Recommended for all ages, presented

by Arts Centre Melbourne and Gravity & Other Myths.

Shopping on Clyde, 280 BerwickCranbourne Road, Clyde

Melbourne’s famous Christmas projections return. Stroll Swanston Street to see animations at State Library Victoria and gorgeous static displays light up Melbourne Town Hall and Princes Bridge. The projections at State Library Victoria feature a thank you tribute to some of Melbourne’s COVID-19 heroes. It will have you feeling all the emotions. Visit all three sites for the ultimate Melbourne Christmas experience.

UNTIL 22 DECEMBER

Seven acrobats push their physical limits without reserve.

11am-2pm daily

Princes Bridge, St Kilda Rd

CARDINIA CHRISTMAS PROJECTIONS To wrap up Christmas in Cardinia, from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 December, the Cardinia Cultural Centre will come alive with a fun and interactive digital projection to celebrate the Christmas spirit. Residents can drive or wander by between 8.30pm and 10.30pm each night to take in the spectacular display across the front of the building.

3-12 years.

It’s Melbourne’s official Christmas destination, open until Christmas Day.

DAILY U-PICK TRACTOR FRUiT TASTING ADVENTURE

For tickets and more information, visit www.penguins.org.au

Make sure you are hungry as there will be at least eight varieties of fruit to try on every tour at Rayner’s Orchard, where you’ll be guided through the orchard with lots of fruit and interesting and entertaining facts along the way.

MOBILE ART WORKSHOP

Book your U-Pick tractor tour Online at www.raynersorchard.com.au or call 59647654 Open 7 days 9am-4pm.

Closed Christmas Day.

Shopping on Clyde is hosting a mobile art workshop with The Paint Pot People.

Rayner’s Orchard is located at 60 Schoolhouse Road Woori Yallock

The workshops are suitable for kids aged

Running until mid-2021.

13-14 JANUARY

Phillip Island is home to one of the largest Little Penguin colonies in the world, which you can enjoy any night of the year from Penguin Parade viewing platforms.

SUMMER 2020/2021 47

Casey Grange Village extends our best wishes to our community of retirees as the year draws to a close.

May you all enjoy a happy, healthy and peaceful Festive Season and New Year.

Visit us during summer to explore your retirement future.

Limited established homes now available

$510K 2

2

Villa 5

$525K

2

2

2

75 Evans Road Cranbourne West Open 7 days, 10amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4pm

2

12470448-LB51-20

Villa 20

FREECALL

1800 998 900 caseygrange.com.au

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