Geelong Coast Kids Autumn 2021

AUTUMN 2021

with Newtown vet

Dr Jane MILLER TV host’s amazing

FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS Lara’s kid-friendly

LITTLE TEAPOT CAFE www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 1

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2 AUTUMN 2021

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About Us

Fresh start for autumn WELL hello there everyone!

beloved pooch Murray Miller.

How are we all settling in to 2021?

Feeling well rested? Had a good chance to re-evalute your life? I know I sure have! Might coincide with mid-life crisis for me, but I’m sure ready for a change and a fresh start.

We caught up with Warrnambool mum Samantha Kenna who has published a kids activity book for the Great Ocean Road. She talks about how she loves taking the kids exploring along the Great Ocean Road and decided to create the activity book when she couldn’t find one based on the tourist icon (colouring in, join the dots, sudoku, etc)

Loving all the inspiration in our latest edition.

One of our favourite guests, George Georgevski (aka ‘The Lunchbox Dad’) is back with a fabulous new book Air Fryer Express. I was particularly excited by this after recently purchasing my first air fryer and not knowing what to do next (reading manuals is not my strong point). George’s fast, easy, healthy recipes had me back in the good books with the kids.

I caught up with Geelong’s most vivacious vet Dr Jane Miller from Newtown Veterinary Clinic. Be inspired

by Jane’s colourful journey to chase down her dreams. You’ll get a giggle out her romantic tale of telling her future husband they were going to get married ... on their first meeting! And hear about her heroic life saving act as she saves her

Will your child do anything for lollies?

I know mine sure will. Maybe it’s time to confront this sneaky addiction. Nutrition consultant at That Sugar Movement, Angela Johnson has some great advice for how to slowly wean our little sweet tooths off the good stuff.

And last, but not least, ex-NRL player and Amazing Race Australia host Beau Ryan shares his favourite places to holiday with kids in Australia. Beau has two kids of his own and says his favourite holidays have been in Australia with the kids (they have travelled to a lot of places) as they go back to basics - swimming, fishing, off-road and the kids are off the iPads.

Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

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

Geelong Coast Kids 1st Floor, 78 Moorabool St, Geelong, Vic 3220 Phone: 5249 6700 Fax: 5249 6799

We’re so glad to be connecting with you again!

Don’t forget to reach out to us through Facebook and Instagram. We always love your feedback.

Enjoy!

Editorial Alana Richards editorial@geelongcoastkids.com.au Advertising Robert Saunders advertising@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 03 5249 6700 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

Contents

AUTUMN 2021

IT’S YOUR LIFE

A caring podiatrist for all ages

REALITY BITES

TV host’s amazing family trips

PAGE 19

Little warrior shows plenty of heart

PAGE 4

PAGE 28

A teapot full of kindness

Bumps and Babies with Dr Bronwyn Hamilton

PAGE 5

PAGE 20

PAGE 28

Tours that touch on nature

The impacts of the pandemic on dental care

Mum’s activity book for Great Ocean Road

PAGE 20

PAGE 29

with Newtown vet

PAGES 7-9

EDUCATION

Boy driven to design cars gets a wild ride

TV host’s amazing

Should schools take a step back in time?

FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS

Steve Biddulph on the biology of boys

PAGE 29

LITTLE TEAPOT CAFE

PAGE 10

PAGE 21

Victoria’s most popular baby names

The great need to attract more male teachers

PAGE 6 Angie’s catch-up with Dr Jane Miller

PAGE 10 Lunchbox Dad’s secrets to success PAGE 11 Sleepovers - the modern dilemma

Amelia’s journey from nipper to lifesaver

Dr Jane MILLER

BOOKS PAGE 30

Early education the Finnish way

Children’s books

PAGE 22

PAGE 30

PAGE 22

KIDS CALENDAR

A school with ‘huge, huge’ ideas

What’s on this autumn

PAGE 12

PAGE 23

PAGE 31

Weaning your child off sugar

Parents’ public school of choice

PAGE 12 The kettle is always on at Armstrong Green

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Teaching girls how to love themselves

PAGE 21

Should schools provide lunches?

Lara’s kid-friendly

AUTUMN 2021 1

COVER: Harriet and Will, the children of Newtown vet Dr Jane Miller. Jane’s story is featured on pages 7-9.

Picture: Louisa Jones

PAGE 24

PAGE 13

HEALTH Pandemic blues when pregnant

ENTERTAINMENT A festival of stories and adventure PAGE 26

PAGE 16 Taming kids with kindness

PARTY TIME

PAGE 17

Jump, slide and bounce into fun

Celebrating kids of all abilities

PAGE 27

PAGE 18

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It’s Your Life

TV host’s amazing family trips AS the host of The Amazing Race Australia and a former rugby league player, Beau Ryan has travelled to some pretty awesome places around the world.

However, his favourite holidays have been in a motorhome with his wife and children.

He spoke to Kids Today editor Melissa Grant about hosting the latest series of the reality game show, travelling with kids and his favourite family-friendly placesto holiday in Australia.

The second series of The Amazing Race Australia has just gone to air. Due to Covid, the team raced around Australia. What were the highlights for you?

Meeting the cast was great. We’ve got such a diverse cast, not only from all over the country but from backgrounds all over the world and belief systems, which was fantastic. And then exploring Australia properly. I mean, we’ve all travelled in Australia but obviously not to the extent we did and just some of the places, you know in the outback and down in Tasmania just really blew me away. Tassie was fantastic and the middle of the country, Alice Springs, all around there, was just breathtaking. It’s hard to sell it in terms of what you see, you’ve just got to see there to believe it - the animals, the night sky, the landscapes, the weather - you have to be there.

Beau Ryan, pictured in Coober Peedy SA, says the Australian outback is spectacular.

What was it like filming? It must have been a lot of fun but hard being away from your family for that time?

Yeah, it was hard. It was tough, it was physically tough and mentally draining. But seeing it all come to life now and the reaction from Australia makes it worth it. I’m really happy with how the show turned out. I put everything I had into it physically and mentally, and it’s a wonderful show.

I understand you recently returned from a caravanning trip with your kids. How was that?

It was beautiful. It was probably my favourite holiday as a family, and we do go on a lot of holidays. We just went up the north coast of NSW, stayed in caravan parks - no phones, no iPads, went fishing, jumped off rocks, swam in the ocean, swam in rivers, stayed at caravan parks and we just loved it! It was our favourite trip. We liked Yamba.

We went all the way up the coast and we got to Yamba and we liked it.

kids to experience that. Port Douglas I hold close to my heart - that’s where I had my honeymoon but I’m a massive fan of Coolangatta. I’m a huge Coolangatta fan. The bottom end of the Goldy - I love it.

We have been unable to travel overseas due to Covid. Where are the best places to holiday in Australia with kids in tow?

Up in the Whitsundays and North Queensland - anywhere where it’s warm does make it easier for kids. We started in Cairns, so Cairns, Port Douglas, The Great Barrier Reef are amazing. Wildlife everywhere. The scenery is beautiful, as good as anywhere in the world and I’ve travelled a lot. The Great Barrier Reef is just breathtaking. So the safe option is always up there - where there is good weather, good food, the climate is warm enough. I really like Tasmania. I would like to get in a van and go around Tasmania. There is a lot of history there, which is boring for my kids (daughter Remi, 8, and son Jesse, 3), but good people, the food is great, the rainforests, Cradle Mountain and the dam - I really want to take my kids up there but maybe when they are a bit older. It’s quite breathtaking. I had a lot of wow moments in Tasmania and I want my

Not really. I went to Bali once when I was really young but I don’t really remember it. I went to Foster, I went once. Port Macquarie. We didn’t have a lot of money, we just went where we could drive up (from home in Wollongong) and our friends had a holiday house, we used to stay with them.

My kids have been everywhere. We took them to Asia, Thailand, Bali, America - we’ve been everywhere. But my favourite holidays have been in Australia with my kids and I honestly stand by that. I think because when you are at home, we go somewhere and we go back to basics. So we will go fishing, swimming, in the bush, go off-road. We do stuff where we get away. We don’t camp. My wife won’t camp and I won’t camp either. But we get in like a Winnebago or one of the motorhomes and go up the coast. I’ve got one of those Let’ s Go Motorhomes, one of the big campervans and that’s our base.

Then we just explore. Because I went to

4 AUTUMN 2021

Beau Ryan in Tasmania, a place he plans to explore when his children are a bit older.

Did you go on many holidays as a child?

Host of The Amazing Race Australia, Beau Ryan.

Port Macquarie and Foster (when I was a child) I want my kids to have the same experience. And the water is cleaner over here, it’s safer living standards, I don’t have to worry about problems overseas, the food’s great, the coffee’s great and it’s just good to get to small country towns and give back.

And we just love it!

care less. My son said the other day that he wants to play footy which is out of nowhere. I’m not really concerned about what he does, actually I wouldn’t mind getting him into surfing. I can’t surf, I wish I could. Because we are up in Cronulla, everyone is a surfer. I’d like him to do something in the water. He’s a good swimmer.

Travelling with young children can be a challenge. Do you have any tips to help entertain the kids?

But yeah, he went down to my mum and dad’s house at the weekend and found one of my old jerseys... my little Bulldogs jersey and put it on and now he wants to play footy.

I like to stay near the coast where there is plenty to do. We went out to see the saltwater yabbies with my son, went fishing, kayaking, swimming, we found waterholes. We just kept moving all day, so when we did get back to the van they were tired. We just had them outside and active. They forgot about phones, they got off their iPads. We stayed at a caravan park at Yamba, it was called The Blue Dolphin, and they had two water slides so we were out all day and when you come back you can just have them in the base and not worry about them. It was just good. We ate takeaway. We didn’t have to worry about anything.

You played NRL professionally. Has your daughter or son shown any interest in the sport?

My son (has), my daughter couldn’t

Also growing up in Cronulla there’s a big footy culture there, so I think inevitably he will go and play but I’m easy if he doesn’t want to.

Do you have any other trips planned this year with the family?

Not with the family. We will be going away again soon with The Amazing Race. Hopefully we get to Croatia and Lebanon. I want to go to Far North Queensland (with the family). I think they (the kids) are too young for Tasmania, but I do want to take my kids up to Cairns because you can get out to the reef and have a base in Cairns, and I really like Cairns. It’s warm. My kids are happier when it’s warm. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

A teapot full of kindness

By Carole Levy

LITTLE Teapot cafe in Lara was born out of a ‘light bulb moment’ that Sarah Chaney had back in November 2014.

This moment came at a time when Sarah had three young children - one a newborn - and had recently taken redundancy from her 10-year senior management role at the ABC. Because Sarah had suffered mild post-natal depression and a post-partum hemorrhage nine days following the birth of her youngest, she knew her ‘project’ would involve supporting mums with young children and others going through hard times.

After much research, Sarah set up Little Teapot as a charitable venture, under the oversight of an independent board. The Little Teapot team liaised with the local maternal child health service, setting up a free voucher program for new mums and other battlers to use for barista-made coffee at Little Teapot, but that’s just one community-focused aspect.

Sarah says so many businesses,

individuals and organisations stepped up to support Little Teapot’s launch - 13 major sponsors, five partners, and no less than 19 key supporters.

“It’s a real community effort and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” Sarah says.

“We haven’t raised a lot of money, but what we have given is a lot of love and support since we opened four-anda-half years ago. Little Teapot and our volunteers - numbering around 25 at the moment - and a small paid team are a joy to work with.”

“And our customers - or Teapotters as we call them - come from all walks of life and are truly amazing.

“Our volunteers include Moss, a gorgeous 82-year-old man who helps in all sorts of ways and the youngest is wonderful Declan, now 16. He’s on the autism spectrum and comes in on school holidays for work experience.

Mums with their kids in school are fantastic volunteers, as are others we have who want to give back to their community, learn new skills and meet new people.”

Little Teapot Cafe pours a little love into everyone’s cup.

MUMS GROUP “We resumed our New to the Community sessions earlier this month, which is fantastic. This is our 10th group so far, designed for mums new to the Lara community to meet other mums, or any who have babies or pre-schoolers.

Each of the six sessions is hosted by Carol, our trained family therapist.

They’re fun and informative.”

THE FOOD The cafe’s decor is thrilling for kids, with two large outdoor play areas and one indoor, designed to safely engage and delight. The ambience is perfect for getting around a table loaded with delicious food, and great coffee from Change Coffee, an ethically sourced and sustainable brand that partners with World Vision.

“As well as fresh, homemade cupcakes and scones, we provide delicious cooked breakfasts. Morning

teas and lunches include goodies such as focaccias, baked potatoes, frittatas, fruit toast - and salads during summer.

“For the kids, we have toasties and platters, and also offer menu options to meet dietary requirements.

“Our food is delicious and simple and of the best quality, and our prices are really good value.”

Online bookings are recommended to keep numbers within Covid-safe protocols.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? “We welcome new volunteers who simply need to go to our website and express their interest. I’m sure they’ll love being part of the Teapot team as much as we all do.”

Little Teapot, 76 Flinders Avenue, Lara.

Opens 9am-2pm Monday-Friday.

Enquiries: 5291 5064 or www.littleteapot.co

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AUTUMN 2021 5

It’s Your Life

Tours that touch on nature OFTEN on nature tours, there’s a lot of pointing at animals in the distance, but Miriam Bilander says that for people who are blind or vision impaired, it’s so important to experience the world through other senses.

and confidence in the natural environment.

The program also provides valuable experience to park rangers who provide nature-based activities to children with additional needs. An evaluation of the pilot program will help in the planning and delivery of similar programs.

Miriam, program coordinator from Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, says that a pilot education program staged at Serendip Sanctuary in Lara is very tactile.

With its flat, wide paths, Serendip Sanctuary is an accessible park suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The Serendip Education Team runs wildlife tours for children and adults of all abilities and has worked with groups including Amaze, NDIS, Scope, Outside the Box Education and Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria.

“The wonderful park rangers made sure this program - Junior Rangers - was as tactile as possible - touching lizards, learning about various Aboriginal hunting tools, and even using speakers to play birdcalls when the real ones fell silent,” she says.

Vanessa Wiggenraad, education officer from Parks Victoria, says that they want to make Victoria’s parks and reserves are as accessible as possible so everyone can benefit from time in nature.

Children who are blind and visionimpaired have experienced up close and personal some of the plants, animals and Aboriginal culture of Wadawurrung Country at the stunning sanctuary.

Hosted by park rangers in partnership with Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, 10 children and their families walked through the sanctuary listening to the sounds of the environment, touching trees and plants and feeling different objects and animals - including a resident bearded dragon lizard.

During a cultural activity, materials and tools, including possum skins, boomerangs and clapping sticks, were held and felt, along with explanations

“It was wonderful to see the kids immersed in the sounds and sensations of Serendip Sanctuary, their faces lighting up at the call of the birdlife or the ‘clack’ of traditional clapping sticks,” she says.

Park Ranger Ebonie Cook introducing a bearded dragon lizard to children.

of how they are used by Traditional Owners of the land, the Wadawurrung people.

The pilot ‘Junior Rangers’ program

has been developed to allow children to explore nature and experience native wildlife up-close with their other senses.

It aims to give them a passion for nature

Miriam notes that Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria is extremely grateful to Parks Victoria for its ongoing support.

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It’s Your Life

Will and Harriet playing with dog Ernie.

Dr Jane Miller, husband James and their children Will and Harriet.

Pictures: LOUISA JONES

Great love story ... James Povey and Jane Miller.

At home with Dr Jane Miller

By Angie Hilton I met Newtown Veterinary Clinic co-owner Dr Jane Miller in the most random way.

I was looking to cast a vet on my TV show Destination Happiness and had been scouring the country for the next Bondi Vet. I was sitting at my sister Lee’s kitchen table googling ‘spunky vets’ when she said, “Jane across the road is a vet. She’s gorgeous and really bubbly, why don’t I ask her over?”

I gave an internal eye roll thinking ‘as if it could be that easy’ and said, “Sure, call her now”.

So in bounces Dr Jane, full of life, completely down to earth, not a scrap of make-up but naturally stunning, a great sense of humour, up for anything and sharp as a tack.

I pulled out the iPhone, filmed her telling some funny animal stories and the search was over. It was quite serendipitous!

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How did you meet the love of your life?

My sister’s husband is good friends with James and for many years, through several of my boyfriends, my sister would carry on about this James guy.

“Oh James has got a girlfriend and she’s really nice and he’ll probably marry her and you’ve missed out.” And I would say, “I’ve never met this guy ... and I have a boyfriend who’s standing right next to me. It was just this ongoing joke.”

So when I first met him at my niece’s first birthday, I ran up to him and said “Oh my God, I’m going to marry you one day, I’m Jane.” He just looked at me like I was a lunatic.

After that we didn’t see each other for a long time (laughs).

Then one day my sister asked me to come camping. I was sitting beside James by the campfire and this song came on the radio and I said “oh, Lemon Jelly” (an alternative band).

Apparently the fact that I knew who it was was enough to really impress him.

And that’s how it all blossomed. Little did he know I’m top 40 all the way.

What a great story. Now I feel like I need to know how this fairytale continued? How did the ‘man who you were going to marry’ ask you to marry him?

I was still thinking what the heck is going on?

We went away to his friend’s wedding and we hadn’t been together that long.

We were just going to camp but somehow got offered to stay at this amazing house on the inlet in Tathra.

So then we got it back in the car and bought a $5 ring from Speaky’s and he proposed to me in the Geelong mall (laughs).

So overlooking the ocean, kangaroos all around and he says, “I’m going to ask you a question.”

And I was like, “Oh yeah?”

And he said, “Will you marry me?”

I blurted out “Are you serious?”

And then he just walked off.

Then neither of us said anything and we just left it. And I just thought, ‘I don’t know what that was. Was he joking?

Was that real?’ We said nothing.

Four days later, we drove home and stopped by his parent’s place. As we walked into their house, they popped a bottle of champagne and said “So what’s the answer?”

Then James said, “I asked you to marry me and you never even answered.”

That pretty much sums up our relationship ... like perhaps not so good on the communication.

What a classic story! So romantic. Fast forward a few years and you’re having babies. How was that whole experience?

Harriet’s birth was very traumatic for me. I wish I had a cesarean.

I was in labour for two days. At the very end, her heart rate started to drop so they gave me an epidural. She came out blue so they put her straight on oxygen.

She was a big, healthy baby but she had a bluish tinge for quite a while.

Continued on page 8

AUTUMN 2021 7

It’s Your Life

Dr Jane Miller and her family.

comfortable I went off by myself and did a hike in Nepal for a week.

I actually don’t remember the first two or three days of Harriet’s life. I think I was just that exhausted. And then you go straight into breastfeeding every hour and your baby doesn’t sleep and then you don’t sleep for the next nine years! (laughs) After Harriet, I said to myself I’m never doing that again. Happy to adopt if we can do that, but I’m never doing that again. Or if a man can be pregnant and give birth, I’m all for that.

Or I’m quite into science, so even if they’re grown off-site at some factory, and then you just get them when they’re babies (laughs).

So when it came to having Will I booked in for an epidural first, then got induced, then read a magazine, out came my baby, the epidural was wearing off as I started to push so I was able to reach down and pull him out and was able to control the whole thing.

He came out pink to my surprise! I thought, ‘why didn’t I do that the first time?’ I remember every second of that, but my memory of Harriet is missing.

Do you and James share a parenting philosophy?

First and foremost we want our children to be kind, polite and resilient. If they have issues, we want them to understand how to talk them through and manage them.

I think the school ground can be a good place to work on relationship issues, so that when conflict occurs when they’re older and hormones are involved, they already have some tools to draw on.

Our goal later on will be lots and lots of activities so they’re too tired to do anything naughty. We’re a big beach family so I’m happy to take them surfing every weekend to keep them out of trouble.

Tell me about when you were little and you just knew you wanted to be a vet.

I was three when I remember blowing out my candles and wishing I could grow up and be a vet and I had the

8 AUTUMN 2021

I then came back and did a threeyear science degree in Melbourne. I thought, well I can’t be a vet as I’m not smart enough, so I thought I’d do veterinary pharmaceuticals. Then after my third year I thought, I really like talking and being around people, I think I still really want to be a vet.

So I ended up doing another five years. Can you imagine my parents? (laughs) So point in case, if there are any young crew reading this, whatever you want to do there is always a pathway and if you really want it don’t give up.

How did working as a vet fit in with motherhood?

You want to give your kids all of you, but you also want to give work all of you. And then, like most women, you ended up feeling guilty all the time.

Harriet is also fond of animals.

Harriet, 9, and her pooch Ernie.

same wish every year until I became a vet.

Well it certainly wasn’t straight forward.

Even though it was my only dream, once I finished Year 12 I started to doubt myself and decided I’d be better off trying something else.

But I’ve come to the conclusion that you just have to forgive yourself and know you’re doing the best that you can. I explain to the kids that most women work now, it’s part of life.

My best friend at the time Paul was doing commerce, so I decided to do that with him even though I’d never done any commerce subjects before. I dropped out of that after six weeks as I had no idea what the lecturers were talking about (laughs).

As a vet, most people would be fascinated by what animals you choose to have yourself?

I love, love, love, my job.

Pre-kids I travelled with my job working in the UK for a couple of years and then Dr Jack Ayerbe (former owner of Newtwown Vet clinic), employed me and he gave me an incredible opportunity of not only working with him, but being involved with a trial of an anticancer drug, called Stelfonta.

We were one of three practices in the world to do the trial. I treated around 150 animals from all over Australia who were at the stage where they had no options of treatment left. Many of the trials were incredibly successful.

It got registered last year which was a really defining moment in my career.

It is still in trial work for the human market but ultimately that’s where it will end up which is fantastic!

So from there I worked full-time and then went to India for a month on my own. I was only 18. My parents tried to stop me but I’d already bought my ticket. I got off the plane and it was hugely overwhelming. The smell, the sounds, the vision, the huge number of people. I got in a taxi, got to the hotel, went to my room, rang dad and said “you’ve got to come and get me”.

So it’s one thing to have a dream of being a vet, but the reality is a lot of hard work. What was your path to get there?

As much as I’m sure they wanted to come and get me he said, “Go down to the foyer and join a travel group.” So I did a three-week tour, then once I was

Well, Murray was my first dog as a grown-up and in a way he kind of chose me.

I’m going to write a book on him, ‘The Adventures of Murray Miller’. He was a wire-haired Jack Russell and was such a character.

I was working in a vet clinic, he pushed open the front door and walked in on his own with no owner. He sat down in the waiting room, really skinny and covered in fleas. We sent him off to Geelong animal welfare, and after nine days no one had claimed him so I decided to claim him.

He obviously walked into the vet clinic thinking ‘Hey, I need some help people’ (laughs).

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Dr Jane Miller and her family at their home.

You and Murray were so meant to be ... a bit like you and your husband! What’s one of your favourite stories from The Adventures of Murray Miller?

I was about six months pregnant with Harriet. It was a cold day and I was walking along the beach at Point Lonsdale. Murray went straight in the water as usual, but this time he was swimming and didn’t turn around. He was getting a bit older and I think he saw Portsea across the water and decided that’s where he was heading.

So I stripped down to my undies and swam out to sea. My cousin who was with me freaked out and then ran down the beach and found some guy and frantically said “My cousin is swimming out to sea, and she’s pregnant and her dog is out there and they’re all going to drown!”

So he swam out and we were about 100 metres out to sea, then and he’s like, “Are you okay?” And I’m like, “Yeah, I’m just getting my dog.” It was really pretty stupid because sharks like dogs.

So I said to this lovely guy who came to save this crazy person, “Okay, I’ll swim back with you but I’ll need you to get out first as I’m in my knickers and I’m massively pregnant.”

So what current projects do you have on the go in your vet life?

My latest passion is educating children about dog behaviour. The son of one of my colleagues had his face bitten by a dog. He went over a fence, thought the dog looked friendly, went to pat it and it bit his face. He had to have plastic surgery as it was pretty severe. It got me thinking about how many people don’t have dogs and even people that do have dogs but perhaps don’t understand dog body language and behaviour.

For instance a wagging tail is not always ‘I’m happy’, it can also mean ‘I’m anxious’. There are many subtle signals and a lot of people don’t know them.

My NVC team and I have written this course, it’s called the Junior Dog Club for kids to come along with their dog and learn all about animal behaviour in a fun way.

Dog bites still happen quite a lot and I feel like as a vet clinic, it’s our responsibility to be leading that.

How do you unwind?

The beach. My folks live in Point

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Dr Jane Miller in a snapshot Favourite quote: “You don’t have to be friends with everyone but you do need to be friendly” Favourite book: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts Favourite movie: Red Dog Favourite music: Greatest Showman Soundtrack

Dr Jane Miller is the co-owner of Newtown Veterinary Clinic.

Dr Jane Miller with son Will.

Lonsdale and every time I drive down there I feel my blood pressure and cortisol levels drop.

But when it comes to for euthanasia, I actually feel very honoured and privileged to be able to peacefully let an animal go in a dignified way.

I love our little family routine. Every Friday night without fail I make pizza on the BBQ and we eat it on our laps in front of a movie.

I walk a lot and listen to podcasts like Mind Valley and Radio Lab. I also just started back at Geelong’s Gym. So a bad day at the office for you is not like your average job. How do you deal with the heartbreak when things don’t go to plan?

I really do love my job because most of the time I’m meeting amazing people and helping them look after their adored pets. But the sad reality is animals do get sick.

The most stressful thing is making sure you pick the right tests that will confirm what you think is wrong. It’s not like the human world where they can order 48 tests and it all gets run because the government funds it, so you’re constantly mindful of the fact you’re spending other people’s money.

And sometimes there’s no money to test. You’ve just got to assume something and treat based on an assumed diagnosis because everyone’s funds levels are different. So that’s probably the hardest part, because you want to do the best thing for the pet that the owner can afford.

It’s case by case but we tend to give the pet a little smorgasbord of things they wouldn’t normally eat like chocolate and cream, etc. They then get sedated so they just fall asleep, so when we’re putting the IV catheter in for the drug that will stop their heart, they’re already off with the pixies sound asleep.

Some families choose to come in which I personally think is a really important moment to help children see death and understand that it’s permanent.

I know I wouldn’t want my children’s first exposure to death to be a loved one when there was the opportunity for them to perhaps learn to deal with grief around a pet that’s lived a great life.

The children handle it way better than the adults as they’re very pragmatic.

Do the kids share your same passion for animals?

Well lately, if I’m seeing a patient that needs treatment on the weekend, I’ll ask Harriet to be my little assistant. She loves it. She pops on her protective gloves and mask and is right there, eager to be part of the action. It makes me so happy. Whereas Will finds it all a bit disgusting.

Most embarrassing moment: Singing a song written by a friend at our vet school ball and forgetting all the words. I sang random words and looked like an idiot! We had practiced with the band for weeks. I possibly had a few too many courage building drinks!

Who would you like to invite over for Friday night pizza?

■ Neil Armstrong - I’m obsessed with space ■ Richard Branson - Amazing life story ■ Hillary Clinton - I watched the mini doco narrated by Hillary and find her very impressive Most annoying habit: I can sometimes be too manic and over the top when I get excited!

Guilty pleasure: Lollies, ocean swimming and Lon Day Spa! Husband: James Povey. He’s extremely kind, clever and creative Daughter: Harriet (age 9) - Kind, calm, considered (unlike her manic mother) She’s a beautiful soul. I actually don’t know how she came from James and I. Son: Will (age 6) - Emotional, hilarious, wild.

We try to get cross with him and he’ll come out with these hilarious one-liners and we just crumble.

AUTUMN 2021 9

It’s Your Life

The biology of being a boy Boy or girl does it matter?

You have to discover the unique child you have got, writes Steve Biddulph CONGRATULATIONS they say to you.

It’s a girl! Or, it’s a boy! And straight away your ideas and images about their future start to take shape. You can’t help it, and nor should you, as it’s by dreaming that we mobilise ourselves for the great journey of raising a child.

But we have to keep an open mind.

Gender does not tell you everything about a child.

There are boys, for example, who are sensitive, quiet and gentle, and girls who are thick-skinned, boisterous and noisy. You have to wait and find out ‘what you have got’. But taken as a whole, gender still has some risk factors that will apply and are really worth knowing. After all, the whole secret of raising children is finding out their nature and working with that.

I often say that the world doesn’t need men who can wrestle buffaloes any more, so we need to raise our sons to be good communicators with open hearts. But, the world is still harsh and terribly sexist, so we have to raise our daughters with backbone and fire. By knowing what you start with, it makes working towards equality more likely to succeed.

The biggest biological difference between boys and girls is in rate of brain maturity. Even as a newborn, a baby girl has a more finished brain and that difference continues all through.

Most girls are ready at five for sit-down schooling, they are settled and patient, and their fingers work well, their words and language are coming along.

Meanwhile, most boys are simply not.

So we have to be wary of starting boys

in school too young.

Boys also go through very different stages, at very different times. In updating the Raising Boys book last year, we found that new hormone research explained the phenomena of the ‘full-on fours’ when many parents noticed their four-year-old sons becoming incredibly active and physical. In fact, it’s been one of my key themes over forty years that we must let all children feel okay about their need for movement, activity, and exercise. Mothers in many countries have told me that they felt enormous relief that their boys weren’t ‘bad’ for being lively. That just as with a big dog in your home or apartment, you need to run off all that energy. It’s actually helping them to grow their brain.

We need to raise our sons to be good communicators with open hearts.

We also found new research about the ‘emotional eights’ when early hormone changes, about four years before actual puberty, cause them to have more intense feelings. Explaining to our little boys that “it’s okay, sometimes feelings get big” and helping them know the warning signs, when to walk away and chill for a while, and to be able to talk to you when they are sad or afraid, or feel like punching out their best friend. I always remember a little boy who heard his best friend was moving to another school - he hit him!

We males have to be able to stay with our grief sometimes. I once heard a dad saying to his son, who was struggling on the edge of tears “you are a great kid, you have such an open heart”, and then nestling against him with a sideways hug. The boy turned towards him in a full embrace and let the tears come. It was so healing.

When I began in the 1970s, the theory of the time was - raise kids the same, without any gender messages, and they will turn out the same. And that is very worthwhile to pursue. We have to make absolutely sure that we don’t box children in by saying girls must, and boys must. At the same time, if we can learn all we can about the

biology of being a boy, and being a girl, then we can do equality better.

Next time I’ll write about the strengths, and vulnerabilities of being a girl, and how to make sure she is strong, equal, and comfortable in her own skin. So she can wrestle her own buffaloes!

www.stevebiddulph.com Steve Biddulph AM Author - 10 Things Girls Need Most, Raising Girls, Raising Boys.

Complete Secrets of Happy Children, and The New Manhood

Victoria’s most popular baby names revealed OLIVER and Charlotte are the most popular baby names in Victoria. There were 75,000 babies born in the state during 2020, according to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

BOYS

GIRLS

1. Oliver

1. Charlotte

Of those, 546 babies were named Oliver. Noah, William, Jack and Charlie rounded out the top 5 names for boys.

2. Noah

2. Amelia

3. William

3. Olivia

Victoria also welcomed 413 Charlottes in 2020 - just 11 more than Amelia, which was the second most popular baby name for girls and followed closely by Olivia, Mia and Isla.

4. Jack

4. Mia

5. Charlie

5. Isla

6. Thomas

6. Ava

7. Leo

7. Matilda

8. Henry

8. Chloe

9. Levi

9. Grace

10. Archie

10. Ella

There has been little movement in Victoria’s most popular names for both boys and girls in recent years, with Oliver, Jack, William, Olivia and Charlotte claiming a top five spot each year for the past decade.

Archie and Theodore appeared in the top 20 boys’ names for the first time.

10 AUTUMN 2021

The state’s most popular baby names for 2020 have been revealed.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes congratulated all of the parents who welcomed babies in 2020.

“Naming a child is often the first of many important decisions we make as parents - and it’s always fascinating to see which names are the most popular each year.”

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

George Georgievski is a best-selling author with his recipe books.

Lunchbox Dad’s secrets to success

By Danielle Galvin SCHOOL Lunchbox Dad, George Georgievski, was a little freaked out to hear he has something in the order of a quarter of a million followers across his social media accounts.

For your everyday Geelong dad (in his words) he sure does know how to make waves with his creative school lunchboxes, down to earth style, and seriously inspiring recipes.

It’s impossible not to see the appeal: he is a dad with a vision to make lunchboxes healthy and easy to put together.

It’s that simple.

His new recipe book is all about his new obsession, the Air Fryer, which follows his first book, Lunchbox Express.

In Air Fryer Express, he’s got tips and tricks to get the most out of your Air Fryer, as well as 60 recipes for parents on the go, keen for quick, easy, healthy and delicious meals.

If you don’t have an Air Fryer, prepare to be converted.

There are pizza scrolls, heavenly bread rolls, cheesy balls - and the dinner ideas and bar snacks are truly nothing short of inspiring for those of us who bemoan dinner time and making lunchboxes every day.

As for Air Fryers - he loves them.

“They are not expensive, I just think the world of them,” he said.

“They are so versatile, multifunctional, time saving, economical, I reckon they are the way to go.

“If you want to reheat something - it’s like a third of the time - you don’t have to preheat the oven. It is so quick and the fact you don’t need oil - or you use very little oil.”

It’s fair to say the success of Air Fryer

This is his second book, after Lunchbox Express.

Express has taken him by surprise.

It became the number one cookbook on Amazon based on pre-orders alone, and his first book was number two at the same time - with people buying his second book at the same time.

Georgievski’s not a chef, he says, and has a full-time day job.

His laidback approach helps him too, he is a straight talker, self-deprecating, engaging.

It all started on his Instagram account, when he got sick of seeing difficult recipes that many parents wouldn’t even bother with.

And he wanted to make it as easy as possible to well, to follow the rules “eat a few veggies, and three fruit”.

He wants others to see what he does and think that they can do it too.

There are 30 pages of lunchbox inspiration to inspire even the fussiest of kids.

“In the past, when we were kids, we didn’t have technology to occupy us, so we’d burn off the rubbish we ate ... now kids are so technology minded so we have to look after their intake of foods.”

On his Instagram account, you’ll find bento style lunchboxes, the ones he creates for his two girls each week, as well as cooking videos, instructions and more.

But his formula is simple: create wholesome, colourful, easy, delicious lunchboxes, and quickly. It’s not about how they look or spending hours baking.

He uses readily available ingredients, but he’ll put a spin on it.

There’s not a bland sandwich in

sight, there are mini croissants, baguettes, scrolls.

“My daughter made those scrolls (that you see in the recipe book) and we made them together, she’s eight. That’s how easy it is.”

The success of his books and the fact he’s got followers from all over the world still blows him away.

“My daughter’s calculated (them), she’s like ‘dad you’ve got nearly a quarter of a million (followers)’ and I’m like ‘don’t, that freaks me out’, so I don’t look at the numbers anymore! I look at the messages I get and try to respond to everybody, just food related questions.”

Air Fryer Express by George Georgievski, Published by Plum, RRP $26.99, Photography by Nikole Ramsay

The day-after toastie recipe HERE we get a sneak peek into one of the recipes in the book! We’ve all had that ‘day-after’ moment; the times when we’ve celebrated a little too hard and realised that we’re not that young anymore.

This little recipe has helped me in the past, so it’s time to share with you my saving grace.

Inspired by the Cubano sandwich, it is pure bliss and a fabulous pick-me-up.

I don’t care what anyone else says about the perfect toastie; for me, it’s all about the following ingredients.

So take a photo of this list and get to the supermarket (but don’t drive if you’re recovering from the night before).

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1 tablespoon butter ■ 2 x 2 cm thick slices of crusty Vienna bread www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

■ 1 tablespoon American mustard ■ 2 slices of Swiss cheese ■ 4cm piece of chorizo sausage, finely sliced ■ 2 slices of cheddar ■ 2 slices of ham off the bone ■ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ■ 2 dill pickles, finely sliced lengthways, plus extra to serve (optional) ■ Thin plain chips, to serve WHAT TO DO Butter both sides of the bread slices and let’s start stacking. Here’s how it works: Smear the mustard on one side of the bread slices, then top with one slice of Swiss cheese, half the chorizo, one slice of cheddar, one slice of ham and a dusting of smoked paprika.

Take a breath and get ready to keep

layering. Add one slice of Swiss cheese, the remaining chorizo, one slice of cheddar, one slice of ham and the pickle. Top with the other slice of bread and finish with a dusting of paprika.

You should now have a tower of deliciousness, so what we need to do is give it a little squash (I use a frying pan to push it down, but I guess your hands will work, too).

Line the base of your air fryer with baking paper and pop the toastie in.

Cook on 180°C for 5 minutes. The cheese and oil from the chorizo should be oozing out the sides, while the top of the toastie will be lovely and golden from the butter and paprika.

Cut the toastie on an angle because that’s how everyone does it these days, top with some extra dill pickle, if you like, and serve with a handful of chips.

AUTUMN 2021 11

It’s Your Life

Sleepovers - a modern dilemma It’s a tough call as a parent: when to let your child have sleepovers.

By Danielle Galvin IN a post in a Facebook group with hundreds of thousands of everyday Australian mums, one mum posed a question to the group about sleepovers, and it elicited a very strong reaction.

She asked what age you should let your child have a sleepover, and how she could gently let down a parent at her child’s kindergarten who had suggested one.

our children at a sleepover.

It’s a natural phenomenon that as parents, we grapple with the worst possible scenarios, and the idea of your child being abused is a horrific one.

“This is a classic example of what we can all availability bias, impacting our decision making,” he said.

“If there’s a kidnapping in the news, people think there are kidnappers everywhere.

It’s fair to say the reactions startled me. The majority of mums were adamant - “late high school - if even then”.

“What can happen - is that we hang on to that - and we think that that applies to everyone, everywhere and therefore we start to make those decisions (based on that information).

So I put it to renowned parenting expert and author Dr Justin Coulson also a father of six - to hear his thoughts on sleepovers with friends.

“The probability of it happening is very, very, very low, but if it happens to your child, who cares about probability?”

Are people too scared to send their child to have sleepovers with friends these days?

Dr Coulson said people are naturally impacted and affected by their own experiences, and similarly by people around them.

If you take social media as gospel, the answer would be yes.

He explained when we hear of something alarming, our brains hold onto and fixate on it, so it’s hard to shake the feeling there’s a possibility of something catastrophic happening to

family decide are okay to watch, or how much sugary junky food they are going to put into your kid’s body.

“A lot of parents will say it’s not worth it because my kids are a deadest write-off the next day then I’ve got to deal with the ramifications.

“Another more serious one ... if there’s an older brother or sister, there may not be physical or sexual harm done but I can’t tell you how many stories I have heard of the big brother (coming in to the room) and telling them to look up a rude word on the iPad and next thing kids are looking up hard-core pornography.”

The other issues parents need to consider is who else may be in the home at the time, whether the parents will be drinking, who might be visiting that night, and many others.

Is there an age he deems appropriate to have a friend sleepover?

“When you look at the risks - there’s obviously your child’s physical safety and sexual safety, the primary risks people are concerned about.

“There is no correct answer - it depends on the child, their characteristics their anxiety ... how well you know them, activities they have planned, what you’ve got planned the next day.

The other risk, depending on the age of the child, might be what movies the

“It’s an impossible question to answer.”

Dr Coulson’s tips and hints before sending your child on a sleepover: ■ Make sure whenever there is a sleepover to give them a phone. I like the idea of setting up a secret code. A code to say to mum and dad go come and get you - maybe a word at the end of a text to let you know.

■ Teach them not to go into anyone else’s bedrooms - adult bedrooms/ siblings as well ■ Depending on the age, you might disclose why you are having this conversation. Older children definitely.

As a dad, Dr Coulson said he does allow his girls to go on sleepovers.

“We think it’s a delightful, fun way to spend a childhood.

We think that it’s a sign of growing up its an indication we trust them.”

But, there are quite a few buts.

They want to know all of the details - who is there, what children will be there, and they want to get to know the family first.

In terms of the mum who was nervous to address the issue in the Facebook post, Dr Coulson said honesty is the best policy.

The kettle is always on at Armstrong Green MORE than 30 residents, with nearly as many on their way, have made Armstrong Green their community of choice, soaking up coastal life in one four luxe coastal villa designs on offer.

the magnificent Connewarre State Wildlife Reserve, where 150 bird species fly over the largest remnant vegetation on the Bellarine Peninsula, but it’s not all about bushwalks and twitching.

Armstrong Green is RCA Village’s newest fab development in Armstrong Creek, a peaceful hamlet in Greater Geelong with a population under 5000.

Fishing, windsurfing and canoeing on Lake Connewarre give active visiting families and kids plenty to keep them happy.

And though the fantastic facilities in Armstrong Green are still taking shape, residents are nonetheless living life to the full, welcoming visiting grandkids and other family to stay over and visit the plethora of attractions in the stunning area.

They can kick-start their days with a gorgeous brekkie at Warralily Cockatoo in the heart of Armstrong Creek, or finish their day with a dinner that ranges through gourmet pizzas, modern-Aus sharing plates and mains.

Kids are made welcome and well catered for.

Village manager Sue Farrar says the first group of residents is a very social bunch.

“We mightn’t have our beautiful clubhouse just yet, but there’s still plenty to do,” she says.

“We’ve fitted out one of the double garages as a temporary clubroom, where residents enjoy happy hour and other activities.

“Residents have set up a bridge club and chat groups, as well as pizza nights and fish ‘n’ chips Fridays which visiting grandkids get into.

We also have a marquee on site, which was great for our Christmas and New Year functions.”

ARMSTRONG GREEN’S LOCALE Just five minutes down the road, there’s 12 AUTUMN 2021

Sullies Kiosk, another foodie delight in town, offers brekkie, brunch and lunch packed with creativity and deliciousness. Another one for the kids to feel special.

Great coastal towns surround Armstrong Green, so ducking out for a game of golf (Barwon Heads has some of the finest in Victoria), taking the kids to a theme park, tucking into gourmet food and sampling local wines is a breeze.

Barwon Heads is just 10 minutes away by car, Torquay is 15, and Ocean Grove 20.Should the ‘bigger smoke’ call, Geelong is only 20 minutes away.

Closer to home, Warralily Shopping Centre is practically next door to the village, while other shops, health

Resident Maureen, Village Manager Sue and Sales Specialist Linda enjoy lunch at 13th Beach.

providers and transport links are also just minutes away.

Particularly once the outstanding facilities promised at Armstrong Green come to fruition, this will be a mighty fine place for active, independent people to set up a mighty fine life. And they won’t be able to keep the grandkids away ... .

Stage three has just been released, with “the kettle on” every day at the sales office. To inspect the display villas, call Karen or Linda on 1800 777 898 - or just drop in.

Residents enjoying cooking duty at the New Year’s Day barbecue.

Armstrong Green by RCA Villages, 722-742 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Weaning your child off sugar

By Danielle Galvin LET’S talk about the sweet stuff: sugar.

Many of us eat way too much of it, including children.

In recent years, studies have shown how addictive it is. Over the summer months, many of us have watched as our children’s sugar intake increased, with way too many ice-creams, treats and sweets.

We asked for some advice from nutrition consultant at That Sugar Movement, Angela Johnson, about how to slowly wean your child off sugar or even start to reduce it slowly.

What advice do you have for parents who might be concerned about managing their child’s sugar intake around holidays?

After Christmas/the summer period I spoke to a few parents who were concerned that their child was consuming way too much sugar. First, try to keep things in perspective. The holiday season can involve multiple social events, extended periods away from home, and disruption of the usual weekly routine. Therefore, the consumption of homemade whole foods can decrease, while exposure to (and intake of) sweetened and industriallymade, ultra-processed stuff can increase. If your child or children consumed more sugary foods than usual over the summer holidays and Christmas period, know that this shift doesn’t need to be the new normal.

Starting today, you can take gradual steps to reduce the intake of added sugars and ultra-processed, packaged foods.

Each day, throughout and after the holiday period, aim to have at least one wholesome, homemade meal, and keep any snacks as fresh or minimally processed as possible. Lunches and snacks, whether at home or to have when out and about, are great opportunities to serve healthful whole foods, including vegetables, legumes, and sources of healthy fats and quality protein. It is helpful to prepare foods in advance for you or the kids grab and go as needed - think vegetable and egg muffins, portions of raw nuts and seeds, whole pieces of fresh fruit, plain yoghurt with berries, or pre-cut vegetables sticks with a favourite dip.

You may wish to explain to your children that the increase in sweet and ultra-processed foods over the holidays is temporary and now, as a family, we are having more of the foods that help us feel better, grow stronger, and have more energy.

Importantly, be sure to set a healthy, caring and kind example. You cannot expect your kids to eat healthier foods when you are consuming mountains of cake and cookies! At the same time, I recommend using neutral language with kids around food. Avoiding language around ‘diet’ or weight, or labelling sugar as a ‘poison’ or ‘bad’.

Similarly, try not to use words such as ‘treat’, especially if referring to ultraprocessed foods; instead such foods should be considered ‘once in a while’.

Keep in mind that our kids’ bodies are resilient. So long as you attempt to make real, whole foods the foundation of what your child eats, the once in a while cookie or cake or brief period of increased added sugar intake will not have long-lasting effects. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Angela Johnson, nutrition consultant at That Sugar Movement.

What are some signs your child might be sugar addicted?

Sweet-tasting foods are highly desirable.

Too much added sugar and sweeteners, and the ultra-processed foods they often come in, create a strong preference, habituation and desire for sweeter tastes, making subtler or bitter tastes less tolerable. While there is continued research into the area of food addiction, it is believed excessive consumption can impact the brain’s reward centre in a way that results in symptoms similar to addiction to other well-known addictive substances, such as intense cravings, shifts in mood, and energy highs and lows.

Angela Johnson has some tips for parents to wean kids off the sweet stuff.

I’ve read rewarding your child for good behaviour with a sweet treat is a bad idea - do you agree?

Here are other tips for helping your family reduce added sugar (and ultra-processed food) intake:

Using food as a reward (or punishment) is not ideal. It can set up a disordered relationship with food. Of course, you will feel there are times when tempting your child away from the playground with something tasty is the only way to get moving! Don’t be hard on yourself if you do. Try not to make a habit of it so your child won’t make the association between certain foods and behaviours, and if you offer something, choose a healthy whole food, such as a piece of their favourite fruit.

How do you wean your child off sugar, or work to lower their intake on a weekly/daily basis?

• Focus on real whole food: Make the foundation of the food you offer real, whole food. Think vegetables, fruit, unsweetened dairy, nuts, seeds, and eggs. For drinks, offer water. Infuse with slices of orange or lemon if you need to make it more enticing. Swap out sugary cereals, sweet spreads and snack bars for something more wholesome. Slowly reduce the amount of sugar or syrup in recipes by experimenting with swapping some of the added sugar for mashed or blended fruit and vegetables, such as banana, stewed apple or steamed pumpkin.

When reducing intake of added sugar and ultra-processed food, be gradual, patient and consistent. Adapt one meal or snack at a time, swapping something sugary or ultra-processed for a whole food option. Importantly, do not give up too soon! Research shows repeated exposure is helpful to acquire a taste for something new - up to 8-10 times.

• Have options available: Have prepared several options of tasty whole foods that include a source of fibre, healthy fat and/or quality protein. Kids can have the autonomy to choose from what is on offer, and enjoy a food that provides a source of sustained energy (and therefore, a reduced desire for sugar).

A really helpful guide for parents is this: The adult chooses what goes on a plate or into the lunchbox. The child chooses what and how much to eat. Try not to pressure the child into eating something they do not want, they will eat if they are hungry. Just be patient and consistent with the healthier foods you offer.

• Limit access: Keep sugary drinks, such as soft drinks and juices, and ultra-processed foods either out of the house or to a minimum.

It is recommended that children over two years limit intake to six teaspoons per day, and those under two shouldn’t have any added sugar at all. Remind yourself that every bite of healthier food makes a difference, so do not be hard on yourself - you are doing great!

• Crowd it out: Limit added sugar and ultra-processed food intake by crowding out meals with real, fresh food like fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and plain dairy. By enjoying mostly

Finally, if you have serious concerns that your child is not eating well or refusing to eat at all, please seek out advice from a qualified health professional.

homemade meals and snacks, over time eating habits and taste preferences will adjust also.

• Get them on board: Help your child understand why they will see a shift in the food they are served. For example, whole foods help bodies and brains grow strong and smart.

Get them involved in food preparation. Pair well known favourites with a new whole food or flavour. Trust that your child has an innate sense of what makes them feel better.

Above all, be gentle when weaning off a high sugar diet. The transition period toward a less-sweetened way of eating may feel tricky at first. Know that it needn’t be all or nothing. Your child does not have to abstain from sweet or packaged food altogether. A little is okay for most, just limit how much and how often. In fact, banning certain foods can make a child want them more!

AUTUMN 2021 13

A timely alert Australian children's eyesight is rapidly deteriorating 2020 was a difficult year from a number of perspectives, agrees Nicky Kiparissis, owner of Kiddies Eye Care in Geelong. The highly experienced optometrist says that, for children especially, virtual school and remote learning were a hurdle they were asked to adapt to, involving more screen time and less play time. “The impacts of this extend beyond their ability to thrive in the learning social environments; it has also likely had a large impact on their vision,” Nicky explains.

MYOPIA EPIDEMIC Also known as short-sightedness, myopia is an emerging global and Australian health problem. It is predicted by 2050, half of the world’s population will be myopic, and myopia has already been called an

epidemic, expected to be the leading cause of permanent blindness amongst children.

A child with myopia can see clearly when reading a book but will struggle to see objects in the distance with this far-vision being blurry and out of focus.

Lifestyle factors associated with an increased risk of developing child myopia (also known as school myopia) include long periods focusing on near devices, including reading and use of electronic devices, as well as a lack of sunlight exposure and time spent outdoors. “These are factors I know we, and our children, are not strangers to after last year,” notes Nicky.

Exposure to these factors can lead to child myopia,

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14 AUTUMN 2021

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

where the eye grows and lengthens too quickly during childhood, impacting the quality of their visual system in the short-term and leading to longer-term consequences into the future.

MYOPIA IS PROGRESSIVE The younger a child becomes short-sighted, the longer the eye will grow and the more likely they are to develop a severe case. Consequences include long-term issues such as increased risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration. Early detection is the best prevention – and early treatment and intervention has the greatest impact on reducing the progression.

TREATMENT OPTIONS Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available, including the use of specialised lens technology, contact lenses and atropine drops which have all been clinically proven to slow progression.

The optometrists at Kiddies Eye Care have an understanding of myopia in school-aged children and are proud to be experienced in detecting, preventing and treating myopia as accredited

practices, at both clinics at Geelong and Yarraville. “It is now more important than ever that children get their eyes tested to detect any myopia, eye strain or issues with their binocular vision, particularly as they return back to the classroom.”

THE 20-20-20 RULE At home, it is recommended that parents adopt the 20-20-20 rule of taking breaks after 20 minutes of work, looking 20 metres away for 20 seconds.

Outside play, exposure to natural sunlight and working at elbow length is strongly recommended. Also try to ensure that your child's work environment has good lighting and discourage reading in the dark. “We strongly encourage,” concludes Nicky, “that you take all steps to prevent your child from developing or progressing with myopia for their ability to thrive both in the long- and short-term. “The earlier, the better – but it is never too late to start.”

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 15

Health

Pandemic blues when pregnant THERE’S no doubt that life in recent times has thrown us some curveballs, and for those who are having a baby or are pregnant in the midst of the pandemic, there’s an extra set of challenges.

Epworth HealthCare psychiatrist Dr Andrea Rapmund explains how new and expecting parents can look after themselves during this time.

She says that with restrictions limiting interaction with friends and family, it’s totally normal to feel disappointed when things look very different from what you had anticipated and planned for.

“Some people talk about grieving the loss of expected experiences and these can be really hard feelings to have when, on the other hand, you’re having this incredibly joyful time of welcoming a new member to the family,” Dr Rapmund says.

“Times of uncertainty and change like this can often lead to increased anxiety and it’s important for us to acknowledge those feelings rather than suppressing them.

“If we tend to suppress uncomfortable feelings they can get stronger and more

intense, and so if we’re able to acknowledge them it’s then that we can manage them more easily.

“Things might look different at the moment, but it’s just as important as ever to seek help from our support systems. This might not be in the traditional ways that we’re used to, but it’s time to get creative - connecting with people online and on the phone.”

She notes that another thing that’s really important is making time for self-care, adding that though it can seem like a throwaway phrase, self-care is absolutely crucial.

“It’s more important than ever that we’re not putting too much pressure on ourselves.

“We need to remind ourselves that we’re not aiming for perfection. We often talk about ‘good enough parenting’ and at the moment, things might have to be good enough.

“It’s a good idea to have some sort of routine to your day - whether it be as simple as getting up at a certain time, having three healthy meals a day and having some things scheduled in throughout the day, acknowledging

Epworth Geelong reminds new parents of the importance of self-care.

Pictures: BELLA JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY

that things don’t always go to plan with a newborn at home.

“Maintaining good nutrition, getting adequate sleep where possible and exercising during the day can also help with our mental health.

“Make sure that you also schedule in some pleasurable activities; remember what the things are that make you feel good. Make that time for yourself - it might look different due to current restrictions, but it’s still important.”

She encourages adding relaxation strategies into your day, for example: ■ Breathing techniques ■ Mindfulness techniques - you could try the Epworth Moments of Mindfulness playlist on Spotify ■ Progressive muscle relaxation “Finding a middle ground with media, where we can stay informed but not feel overwhelmed can also improve our wellbeing.

“Remember, if your mood “R b d is i persistently low or anxious, speak with your doctor. You’re not alone and there is support available.”

Epworth Geelong, 1 Epworth Place, Waurn Ponds. Enquiries: 5271 7777 or www.epworth.org.au

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16 AUTUMN 2021

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Health

Taming kids with kindness WHAT do you do as a parent when your two to three year old throws food in your face? How do you respond when your four year old has a meltdown? Or what’s the approach when your six-year-old refuses to listen?

As mums, we’ve all faced these scenarios and it can be upsetting and make us feel powerless and inadequate.

We can get conflicting advice that makes it even more confusing.

It’s for all these reasons that Miranda Hodge, mother of three young kids, launched Smart Mama Smart Kids Parenting in Geelong with one-on-one online coaching sessions, designed to help parents with wise strategies to manage behaviour and emotions and strengthening connections with your child.

ABOUT MIRANDA “I’ve always loved kids. I was the child with a baby constantly on my hip. I worked casually at a childcare facility to support myself through university before becoming a primary school teacher,” she says.

“I loved working with the children and I was good at it. When I worked as a school teacher, I observed how parents and children interacted, and

what I saw sometimes wasn’t very positive. I strongly believe that what happens within schools - and families is a microcosm of society and felt sure there was a ‘better way’.”

From there, we set up coaching sessions to discuss any tricky topics, such as: ■ Emotions and how we can learn to process - and help our child do the same

“Then my husband of 13 years and I started our own family, where we faced the meltdowns and biting and defiance for ourselves. We were lucky to be surrounded by lots of support, but not all parents have that.

■ Helping your child learn resilience and life skills

“It kicked off my journey into lots of research, experimenting with strategies, and taking note of successes, what actually worked.

“My aim was always to strengthen the bonds between me and my kids, teaching them how to handle their emotions, and to use a communication style tailored to particular issues. And it worked! Today, my three under-sevens understand that what we do is about keeping them content, able to deal with emotions in a positive way, and creating a safe space to develop their full potential.”

THE INITIAL FREE CONSULTATION “I chat with mums for 20 minutes, either by phone or Zoom, to establish how I can help. The first step is encouraging them to feel more settled and that they’re not alone, explaining that together we can develop strategies to make them feel more confident.

Parenting Workshops for 2021

■ Building independence in your child ■ Parent intention plans ■ Implementing a routine in your parenting or home life ■ How you can help your child learn ■ Strategies around child behaviour ■ Changing mindsets and increasing gratitude ■ What to do when you don’t know what to do ■ Learning to see the good in your child - and tell them!

“By the end, we will discuss moving forward with a plan of action if you decide you are ready to get intentional with your parenting.”

Miranda also does speaking engagements for mums’ groups, schools and conferences, sharing strategies in a wise, humble and non-judgemental way. She also runs group workshops, either live or online, with questions fielded at the end.

She describes herself as “just a humble mum” but her excellent life

Miranda Hodge.

coach skills could change your and your children’s life to one of the joyful confidence.

Call Smart Mama Smart Kids Parenting on 0412 610 983 or visit smartmamasmartkids.com to enrol for the free initial consultation.

April 28 - Managing Preschool & Toddler Emotions

Miranda Hodge helps mums of 0-6 year old children be positive, confident parents through workshops and coaching.

June 9 - Mindset & Confidence for Mums

Leopold Community Room @ the Hub

Feb 24 - How to teach your child to listen

Aug 4 - Time Out or Time In: Positive Discipline for Toddlers Oct 14 - Growing Healthy Kids: Mind and Body Dec 8 - Preparing your Child for Prep @smartmamasmartkids www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

$49 per person per class. Book now to ensure a space. Small kids welcome. smartmamasmartkids@gmail.com or ring 0412 610 983 @smartmamasmartkidsparenting

12483209-RC10-21

By Carole Levy

AUTUMN 2021 17

Health

Celebrating kids of all abilities THE team at Kids Plus Foundation is super excited to announce its first-ever Kids+Kites Festival, a colourful family event designed to bring people of all abilities together and celebrate inclusiveness and diversity for a funfilled day of kite flying.

The wonderful day will feature kite flying displays by Jo Baker, the world champion kite flyer, as well as kitemaking workshops run by Kites 4 Kids.

Not to be missed is when the entire

The Kids+Kites Festival is on Sunday, 21 March at Rippleside Park.

gathering will fly kites to “paint the sky with colour” - like a vibrant daytime fireworks display minus the thunderous noise. Families are encouraged to bring along a picnic lunch.

The Kids+Kites Festival will also raise vital funds for Kids Plus through the sale of kites to fly on the day, which can be purchased at the kite shop at www. kidspluskitesfestival.com.au ABOUT KIDS PLUS A not-for-profit organisation founded in

Geelong in 2003, Kids Plus provides specialist physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, music therapy and social work services to babies, children and young adults with neurological physical disabilities.

Programs and workshops are designed to ensure that families have access to courses, information and support that is participant-focused, but also encompasses the whole family.

Kids+Kites Festival is designed to

promote a sense of belonging, and social and community connection, improved mental and physical health, confidence in participating in community, and family cohesion. It’s for people of all ages and abilities.

WHERE: Rippleside Park, Rippleside Park Drive, Princes Highway, Rippleside WHEN: 11am-2pm on Sunday, March 21 ENQUIRIES: 0457 264 838; email shelley. wood@kidsplus.org.au

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18 AUTUMN 2021

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Health

A caring podiatrist for all ages EVEN little bubs before their first birthday get to meet Luke Bertram. So do 90 year olds - and all ages between.

And they all leave with either expert solutions or reassurance that all’s okay.

around. Changing footwear or sometimes using an orthosis will ease the load on the heel. I work with youth sports teams so come across Severs fairly often.”

Luke, a sports podiatrist from PhysioPod Co., has been looking after all-aged people’s foot health for 10 years, but here he shares with Carole Levy his experience with kids’ podiatry issues in particular.

Other common kids’ feet issues managed by Luke include OsgoodSchlatters and knee pain; shin and ankle pain; and toe walking and in-toeing.

“In-toeing can indicate a rotation of hip or pelvic bones so we assess the joints. Sometimes in-toeing is a formed habit but with the right shoes and sometimes orthoses, 90 per cent of kids will grow out of it.”

A super-friendly professional, Luke went to a podiatrist as an 11-year-old to find he had a very common condition of children aged between eight and 14 known as Severs, which is pain in the heel in the growth plate.

Luke says one young girl, about 10 years old, was a ballet dancer and came in with pain in the middle of her foot.

He says that while this probably wasn’t the catalyst for becoming a podiatrist, it did leave him with a positive impression - something he now aims for with all his patients.

“This was a bit unusual, but it ended up being a stress fracture which, with a few months’ rest and lots of strength work, she came good.”

He explains just why a parent may bring in their baby to see him.

“Sometimes a parent may be concerned about the shape of their baby’s toes, an ingrown toe nail or turned feet,” he says. “Other times the child may appear flat-footed which can be quite common but doesn’t usually pose a problem. However, an assessment is recommended, particularly if they’re unsteady or

As Luke says, our feet carry us around and issues shouldn’t be ignored.

And by the way, with footy season fast approaching, it’s important for kids to wear the right boots to ensure problems don’t arise. Luke’s just the man to see ...

Sports podiatrist Luke Bertram.

tripping a lot, to determine if it’s structural. Most children, though, will grow out of it so we can mostly reassure concerned parents.”

“The Severs condition I had as a kid can happen when children play sport or do a lot of running around at school.

They’ll have a painful heel and limp

PhysioPod Co., Ground Floor, 59 Yarra Street, Geelong, and 59 Geelong Road, Bannockburn. Enquiries: 0474 329 219 or www.physiopod.co

Is your child limping or complaining of foot pain?

We can help them get back up & running!

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BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE www.physiopod.co 59 Yarra St. Geelong Ph 0474 329 219 AUTUMN 2021 19

12482839-DL11-21

Health

What is an induction of labour?

BUMPS AND

BABIES WITH DR BRONWYN HAMILTON

AN induction of labour is a process whereby we can bring labour on, even if your body is not thinking about it itself.

There are many indications for induction of labour and it is becoming more common due to increasing indications for having a baby earlier than the due date. There is also research supporting routine induction of labour in all women at 39 weeks if they prefer this as it may improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce caesarean section rates (from a study called the ‘ARRIVE’ study).

Reasons for being induced include but are not limited to: diabetes, high blood pressure/preeclampsia, big babies, growth restricted babies (small babies), certain ethnicities such as South East Asian ethnicity, low fluid level around the baby, other placental issues, being overdue, etc.

Methods to induce labour used in Australia include: 1. Breaking the waters (amniotomy) and

starting a syntocinon infusion/drip (via a cannula placed in your hand/ arm). This will encourage you to get into labour by making your uterus have contractions.

2. Having prostaglandin gel/pessary called Prostin or Cevidil. This mimics the natural hormones which set labour off and help the cervix to change and uterus start to contract.

3. Having a balloon catheter placed in the cervix. This is a long thin catheter with a small balloon filled with water that sits next to the baby’s head. The pressure of the balloon over time

opens the cervix.

Usually if you are having your first baby, you will need to have method 2 or 3 first followed by method 1 if not in labour from the balloon/prostaglandins.

If you are having your second or subsequent baby, the majority of the time we can just use method 1 as your cervix (the gateway to your uterus) is often a little open after having your first baby so we can usually just break your waters and start the drip.

Pros and cons of being induced include: ■ Pros: convenient, able to plan

especially if having first baby. May improve mum and baby outcomes due to delivering before babies get too big, and before placentas start not to work properly.

■ Cons: It is ‘intervention’ and some women prefer to go into labour naturally. Also, you will need to be continuously monitored (heart rate monitor on your belly) to check your baby is happy throughout the labour if induced.

For more details on the ARRIVE study, visit: https://www.nejm.org/doi/ full/10.1056/NEJMoa1800566

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The University of Melbourne and eviDent Foundation research found the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on dental care for vulnerable children who already experience higher levels of dental disease and disadvantage.

CEO of the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch Associate Professor Matt Hopcraft, also the lead author of the report, said the research found that from March to September there were 881,454 fewer dental services provided in 2020 than 2019.

“April saw an 86.9 per cent decrease in treatment provided through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) to vulnerable children across Australia, and this was replicated in Victoria later in the year,” he said.

“Delayed or deferred access to dental care meant that many routine dental problems deteriorated, and dentists now are reporting more emergencies and poorer health outcomes for their patients.

“There is also real concern about 20 AUTUMN 2021

The impacts of the lockdowns and restrictions on dentists could be long-lasting.

the impact of delayed diagnosis of oral cancers.”

Given the chronic and progressive nature of dental disease, the deferral of necessary dental care could contribute to poorer oral health and long-term problems for many Australians, and place greater pressure on public dental waiting lists, particularly in Victoria. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

Should schools take a step back in time?

By Danielle Galvin DIGITAL technology is increasingly common in Australian classrooms, with many primary school students having iPads and apps and various online tools and resources.

But there’s an academic in regional Queensland who believes there’s a better way forward, although for some it might seem like a step backwards.

CQUniversity education academic Dr Ragnar Purje published a piece in Australia’s Education Review that explores the benefits of a return to chalk and slate - a decades old approach he says is second to none.

Dr Purje argued that writing on a screen or typewriting, simply cannot replace the complex skill of handwriting with chalk.

“Handwriting is so profoundly

important as the brain research shows that it is intricately linked to two areas of the brain,” he said.

requires desire, discipline, dedication, determination, perseverance and resilience.”

the moment they are born .. technology immersement stops brain development at the level that it needs to take place.”

“Handwriting and typewriting are not the same.

He explained that the connection is profound: teaching children to write is not just about the activity itself.

While chalk and slate are not widely or readily used in most Australian primary schools, Dr Purje recommends that parents encourage their children to practise writing with chalk in the preschool years.

“Handwriting needs to take place to advance oral language, that becomes written language, which then always hthe development of complex ideas.

“However if a child doesn’t know how to hold a pencil correctly, their writing skills won’t be as efficient.”

Dr Purje said using chalk encouraged a “tripod grip” with thumb and pointer finger, which helps shape neurological, neuromuscular, gross and fine motor skill pathways.

“The research dealing with handwriting and compositional narrative writing development is unambiguous; handwriting and narrative writing is not only complex, it

It also leads into constructing complex sentences and ideas, as well as reading and writing.

He is also concerned about the prevalence of digital technology and how it can discourage an active imagination.

“Children don’t need technology at prep or grade 1,” he said.

“I am not an advocate for saying we shouldn’t have technology, we need to embrace it for what it is “We have choices in how we use that technology.

“Children don’t need technology form

“When I was at school, we practised letter formation with chalk, then progressed to pencil then pen. This process is hard work, but the brain advances in its complexities by and through the process of effort, application and hard work,” he said.

Dr Purje, who completed his PhD with CQUni in 2016 under the supervision of Professor Ken Purnell, is the author of Responsibility Theory®, a book and neuro-education program guiding teachers in best-practice education methods for brain-friendly learning.

A need for more male teachers females. I think it’s really important, learning styles and teaching styles are so critical.

By Danielle Galvin BACK in 2017, Macquarie University researchers tracked a worrying trajectory of a declining number of male teachers in Australian classrooms.

“Being exposed to as many different teaching styles you possibly can, as well as positive role models (is important).”

The study lead them to ask the question: Are male teachers headed for extinction?

He said partly there’s still a stigma still around men teaching, particularly in the junior years, but more needs to be done to build back respect for the teaching profession.

The research showed a steady decline in numbers in the past 50 years.

Granted the research is now four years old, but the question remains: are there enough male teachers out there?

He hopes doing that will help attract more people to the profession.

The divide is even more stark when it comes to early education.

Dr Matthew Zbaracki is Head of School of Education at the Australian Catholic University.

In 2018, according to University of South Australia research, men accounted for between 2-3 per cent of the workforce.

The former primary school teacher said the latest statistics, from 2019, estimated 18 per cent of teachers in primary schools were male. In secondary school, there was a huge jump to 39 per cent.

“That’s the big difference, it’s very obvious in primary schools,” he said.

“I think there are a couple of reasons.

“One; there could be a gender stereotype around who teaches in primary school.

“I think there’s a lack of respect around the teaching profession in www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

In Dr Zbaracki’s view, all educators bring different teaching styles to their environments, regardless of gender.

Do we need to do more to attract male teachers?

general which has an impact as well.”

While there’s no suggestion that any gender performs better in the classroom or gets different results, Dr Zbaracki said there’s a couple of reasons why it’s important.

“The reason why they are important is that children need to be able to have these experiences with teachers of both genders, and they need to have role models as well.

“Boys need to have role models that are men in the classroom instead of just

He said male and female teachers engage students in different ways.

“It’s important we don’t get complacent and be aware of this type of issue.

“Those statistics are pretty shocking, 18 per cent in primary schools, that’s shocking.”

AUTUMN 2021 21

Education

Early education the Finnish way GEELONG parents and carers now have the opportunity to provide their children with the choice of attending one of two excellent early learning centres, each modelled on the Finnish curriculum widely regarded as the world’s best.

Finnish), we believe learning happens everywhere. The centres focus on providing a rich foundation for the progress of children’s emotional development, skills and competence as active learners.

Lisa Blackwell, who holds an Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services and has worked in the Early Childhood profession for more than two decades, is director at each of the centres.

“We introduce children to adventuring, exploring and discovering new things and using different skills as part of their whole learning process.

HEI Schools ELC in Lara opened in December 2019, and the second, ILO EEC in Norlane, launched in October last year. Lisa explains the preschool model adhered to at both centres.

“The international preschool concept originated in Finland, co-founded by the University of Helsinki by experienced educational and design experts,” she says.

“The model embraces Nordic values of accessibility and openness, which, by the way, are very likely to be part of the reason that, once again, Finland was ranked #1 in the UN’s 2020 World Happiness Report.

“At both HEI (which means ‘Hi!’ in Finnish) and ILO (which means ‘Joy’ in

ILO Norlane EEC.

“We value a child’s perspective, creativity and play, exploration, encouragement and social and emotional skills.”

The large, beautifully designed centres cater for children aged from 12 weeks to five years old. HEI Schools Lara ELC has the capacity to cater for 131 children, while ILO Norlane EEC has the capacity to cater for 122 children. Plans are afoot to open a third centre in Waurn Ponds later in 2021.

In order to meet individual needs, each centre has six dedicated rooms: Nursery, Toddlers, Junior Toddlers, Pre-kindergarten, Kindergarten, and before and after school care.

• ILO Norlane Early Education Centre, 11 Gerbera Avenue, Norlane. 3214 Opens 6.30am-6.30pm Monday-

HEI Schools Lara ELC.

Friday (closed public holidays).

Inquiries: 5292 2179; Facebook / Instagram @ilonorlane; Website: www.iloeec.com.au • HEI Schools Lara Early Learning Centre, 69-71 Buckingham Street, Lara 3212 Opens 6.30am-6.30pm MondayFriday (closed public holidays) Inquiries: 5282 2575; Facebook / Instagram @heischoolslara; Website: www.heischools.com.au

ILO Norlane EEC.

HEI Schools Lara ELC.

Should schools provide lunches?

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22 AUTUMN 2021

AN idea out of Flinders University could have parents rejoicing: what if schools provided lunches for Australian students?

“By children being provided with healthy meals at school, we think it will help children to concentrate in the classroom and support their learning.”

Researchers from the university’s Caring Futures Institute investigated whether it would be more nutritious, and there would be better learning outcomes, if the school provided lunches.

In a separate study, the university’s research team examined the dietary intake of children aged 5-12 years during school hours.

The institute’s deputy director Professor Rebecca Golley said it was a common practice in other countries such as the UK and would mean less room for treats high in sugar or salt.

The study found 40 per cent of the energy kids consume at school comes from unhealthy food, with most children consuming no or very few serves of vegetables, protein-rich foods, or dairy during school hours.

“A universal school-provided lunch model could help to ensure all children have access to food at school, reduce stigma of children not having lunch or having different types of foods to their peers, and help to ensure children are provided with healthy lunch options,” she explained.

Flinders University nutrition and dietetics researcher Brittany Johnson said good nutrition supports growth, learning and development.

“The meal would be prepared on site and served to children in their classroom, school hall or school yard, compared with the current school food model in Australia where generally parents provide lunch to their child/children, either as a lunchbox packed from home or purchased from a school canteen.

The Caring Futures Institute’s tips for healthier lunchboxes:

“While there will need to be an initial investment to set-up the necessary infrastructure and getting the right policies and guidelines in place, what is emerging from some work around Australia is that this public health strategy can deliver in terms of learning, student engagement and wellbeing.

“Australian families constantly face the challenge of packing lunchboxes that are nutritious, safe and quick, and that their children will eat.”

• Keep lunchboxes and snacks basic: go back to the less packaged foods grainy sandwich, vegie sticks, fruit and yoghurt, researchers say.

• Reduce unhealthy foods by cutting portion sizes in half or limiting the number of days in a week your children eat these foods.

• Head to the supermarket with clear plans and stick to them. Avoid the snack aisle. If there are no unhealthy foods brought into the home this can make it easier to eat healthier alternatives from the five food groups. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

A school with ‘huge, huge ideas’ HEAD of Junior School, Sondra Wood, believes that independent co-ed Geelong College Junior School is a wonderful place to learn, noting its commitment to providing best practice learning opportunities for all students.

confidence of our children as they take risks and develop familiarity and understanding of the natural world and their place in it. Many of our project based learning explorations are from inspirations from nature and Indigenous culture,” Sondra explains.

“From Early Learning to Year 3, the youngest learners of the Geelong College are nurtured, inspired and encouraged to reach their full potential under a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach,” says Sondra.

“Every day is full of life and packed with knowledge and experiences. Our Reggio Emilia-inspired learning is reflected in everything we do; our children are respected as citizens of the present and our educators value diversity and understand difference so that all learners are able to reach their full potential.”

The Geelong College Junior School learners are encouraged to take risks, be creative and imaginative in their learning, to maximize their connection to the land and the community.

Explorative and intentional teaching based on the Victorian Curriculum ensures that all children are provided with the foundations of literacy and numeracy to ensure that they are supported to meet their full potential.

Young learners are nurtured, inspired and encouraged to reach their full potential at The Geelong College.

for the children to be just who they want to be.”

Sondra says that the purpose-built school reflects this approach, with spaces for both indoor and outdoor learning.

Designed by renowned John Wardle Architects, the spaces provide endless opportunities and experiences for the children. Each space has both indoor and outdoor kitchens, ateliers to explore, and places to collaborate and for quiet time.

“The building wraps itself around our children, with central piazzas for our community to gather and to feel safe and protected. Importantly, it’s a place

The award-winning educators work together to understand the intricacies of young learners in the ever-changing world.

“Our children are sometimes the teacher, sometimes learner, but always playful and always learning.”

The land and place are an important part of The Geelong College experience.

Opportunities exist for learners to explore nature play, sensory gardens, to gather around the community fire pit within the Junior School, to explore the Enviro Garden at the Middle School and to visit Dog Rocks National Park regularly.

“It’s wonderful to see the growing

Every day at the Junior School is fun and dynamic, with expressive learning in the arts provided by the school Atelierista, the languages of French and Chinese taught by native speakers, and all the colour and fun of dance and drama, as well as opportunities to learn musical instruments such as the cello, piano and violin or to join the rock band.

“The children remain central to all we do, feeling safe, respected and valued by our community,” Sondra concludes.

“But don’t just believe me!

“As Year 2 student Alexis BegleyCapon puts it: ‘At school, you can join other people’s ideas to make a huge, huge idea!’”

Geelong College, Talbot Street, Newtown. Enquiries: 5226 3111 or www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au

The

Geelong C o l lege A leading Victorian day and boarding school from Early Learning to VCE. Discover The Geelong College difference at our Open Days on Wednesday 10 March and Friday 30 April.

Register or explore more dates or small group tours at www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or phone (03) 5226 3156.

Be of

COURAGE 160 YEARS STRONG

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 23

Education

A regional public school of choice IN his 10 years’ tenure as principal of North Geelong Secondary College, Nicholas Adamou has witnessed the school become a regional public ‘school of choice’, with parents from far and wide (83 per cent outside the zone) eagerly seeking a chance to enrol their children.

in Term 1, parents are invited to an outdoor sausage sizzle to mingle and meet their children’s Home Group teachers and other key staff members, ensuring the parent school relationship is strengthened. Up to 500 parents and family members generally turn up.

There’s also a well-resourced music program, with instruments provided, as well as a vibrant performing arts program.

Nicholas is immensely proud of the college and “his amazing staff”, as well as the excellent facilities now available.

While his focus is laser-like across the entire school, Nicholas shares with Carole Levy the particular benefits Years 7 and 8 students enjoy.

“For starters, all Year 7 students are tested in a triangulated process to identify gaps in literacy and/or numeracy,” he says. “We employ four full-time tutors, using the well-regarded, innovative, Literacy and Numeracy ACE program, with one teacher working with just two students at a time, twice a week to ‘get them up to scratch’.”

Year 7s may also begin the SEAL program, designed for students who have shown through an accredited rigorous exam process that they demonstrate high academic performance. Nicholas says that only 22 out of a possible 150 to 180 contenders are accepted - and by Year 12, program stayers are often doing a subject course at Deakin University.

“The performing arts centre is currently under refurbishment,” says Nicholas, “but the kids get to perform a song, dance or sketch at every assembly, and actively participate in the annual staged productions held in August.”

The Breakfast Club is another popular Year 7 social activity, with treats eaten together in a great cafeteria - the school has two “Masterchef” kitchens. “Even I pop in for a vegemite toast sometimes,” Nicholas says.

The 2021 captains.

Social and wellbeing programs are plentiful at the college for Years 7 and 8.

They can join lunchtime chess, debating, public speaking karaoke, and Dungeons and Dragons clubs, as well as try out for the school’s football and soccer teams, getting to wear a special uniform.

Year 7s also have their very own

sanctuary, an area for gathering socially and receiving mentoring and wellbeing help from the Junior SubSchool staff.

During Term 1, eight groups of Year 7s from approximately 30 primary schools undergo a special induction program to meet each other, form friendships, and participate in many fun activities. Early

And five scholarships in five categories are also on offer, each valued at $4500 for Years 7 and 8.

School of choice? It seems obvious why ...

North Geelong Secondary College, 130 Separation Street, North Geelong.

Enquiries: 5240 5800 or www.ngsc.vic.edu.au

GEELONG HIGH SCHOOL A LEADER IN QUALITY STATE EDUCATION SINCE 1910 Corner Ryrie & Garden St, East Geelong

Our school is focussed strongly on deliberately enacting our vision and values through the work we do and the relationships we build.

Geelong High School is a positive and creative learning community that embraces its history and prepares students for life.

We are committed to: • Developing caring and respectful relationships; • Empowering people to realise their potential through effort, responsibility and teamwork; and • Building healthy, resilient and productive global citizens

Our core value is:

RESPECT

For enrolment information please contact Mr Steven Brown, Assistant Principal.

Phone 5225 4100.

12480553-SN10-21

Responsibility Excellence Service Positivity Effort Creativity Teamwork

P: 5225 4100 F: 5229 6702 WWW.GEELONGHIGH.VIC.EDU.AU 12470956-DL48-20

24 AUTUMN 2021

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

NORTH GEELONG SECONDARY COLLEGE SELECT ENTRY ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAM

COLLEGE INFORMATION EVENING Thursday 11th March

SEAL PROGRAM APPLICATIONS DUE Wednesday 5th May

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE Wednesday 5th May

FEATURES OF OUR COLLEGE • High expectations on academic endeavour and student behaviour • Scholarship Program for areas of: Leadership, Academic, Sport, Community and Art • Significant Transition Program • Diverse, engaging curriculum with a cutting edge Chromebook Program • Excellence in Sports Programs and state of the art facilities

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR COLLEGE 360.tspvic.com.au/ngsc3215 For further information, please contact STAN KOULLAS • TRANSITION & PATHWAYS LEADER

STAN KOULLAS 130 SEPARATION STREET, NORTH GEELONG, 3215 PH: (03) 5240 5800 NGSC.VIC.EDU.AU 12482835-NG10-21

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 25

Entertainment

A festival of stories and adventure CENTRAL Geelong’s popular children’s festival Storyfest is back for the 2021 autumn school holidays, April 2-18, 2021.

An initiative of Central Geelong Marketing, the 17-day festival features an exciting program of stories, adventures, fun activities, live performances, hands on and virtual workshops, Easter activities, competitions and exhibitions.

Headlining Storyfest are these amazing events not to be missed...

A brand new story time exhibit ‘Fully Immersive Story Time’ will be at MoPA: Museum of Play and Art for the whole school holidays. The exhibit features live and recorded stories by Australian writers and illustrators, with interactive and immersive features for a whole-ofstory experience.

The Dinomania interactive stage show is a fun adventure for the whole family.

The Storyfest Writing Competition is open to all Victorian residents aged 8-18 who have a story to tell about the environment. There are great prizes to be won and Platform Arts will host some writing and poetry workshops for inspiration.

Easter hasn’t been forgotten with a visit to Central Geelong by the Easter Bunny and augmented reality activities featuring your favourite bunny and his friends.

Storyfest activities are hosted by Central Geelong businesses and Central Geelong Marketing. The event is in multiple venues and public spaces across Central Geelong and online.

Find out more about these activities

The festival will include stories, activities, performances, workshops and competitions.

including dates, times and how to book and to see special offers from Central Geelong businesses. Get your Storyfest Program at www.centralgeelong.com. au/storyfest from Thursday, March 18.

Storyfest will feature Easter craft.

12482892-RC10-21

The ROARSOME ‘Dinomania Interactive Dinosaur Stage Show’ is a fun family show spectacular, featuring six life-size dinosaur puppets.

Imaginations will run wild as the audience embarks on an awe inspiring, exhilarating and gripping journey back through time to an age when dinosaurs roamed the earth. This is a family-friendly musical adventure that is out of this world.

26 AUTUMN 2021

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Party Time

Jump, slide and bounce into fun WHEN your kids are “bouncing off the walls” with excess energy, there’s a place you can take them to do exactly that, damage free: Inflatable World at the Geelong Indoor Sports Centre.

Open on weekends and school holidays, Inflatable World is like a jumping castle on steroids, where literally everything is soft, bouncy, jumpy slidy and climby. It’s a vast world of exploring different shapes - up, down and sideways - where games of chase, rock wall climbing, and hide ‘n’ seek take on a whole new dimension.

Inflatable World is also a great birthday party destination with a difference. All you need to bring is the cake and the friendly team will do the rest and supply everything else - the table, snacks, hot food, drinks and, of course, the fun!

There is a whole range of the kid faves to choose from in the venue’s catering packages, from fairy bread and hot chips, to fruit platters, pizza and nuggets.

If the gang from work wants to bond for a couple of hours of crazy fun, then they can book as a private group. There are food options that suit the older crowd such as sushi, pizza or Asian platters- or they might choose a bowl of cocktail franks for a bit of retro fun, followed by ice cream cake. The venue is fully licensed, so a great way to cool

Fun for all ages.

off after all that jumping is with a refreshing beverage.

There’s a cafe where grown-ups can kick back with a coffee, sweet treat or hot snack as their kids go mad. But the mums and dads are encouraged to get in on the bouncy action, too.

Staff in blue shirts are always ready to help, and the entire place is sanitised to the max to keep everyone Covid-safe.

NOTE: When booking a party online, record your fully catered food choices in the comments section. Sessions run for 90 minutes. Socks must be worn at all times.

Inflatable World.

Geelong Indoor Sports Centre, 13 Gravel Pits Road, Geelong South. Enquiries: www.readysteadygokids.com.au and www.inflatableworldoz.com.au

Inflatable World caters for parties and private events.

WALK IN WALK OUT

KIDS PARTY SPECIALISTS FULLY CATERED • All Weather Facility • Full Cafe - Coffee, Treats, fully licensed • 90 minutes sessions full of jumping fun suitable for all ages.

• Casual entry available

Geelong Indoor Sports 13 Gravel Pits Road, South Geelong Open Sat & Sun and school holidays

12482851-JW11-21

Ph: 5222 1822 southgeelong@inflatableworldoz.com.au www.inflatableworldoz.com.au/stadiums/south geelong www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 27

Reality Bites

Little warrior shows plenty of heart

By Luke Voogt

“His smile would light up the world.

We’re incredibly proud of his progression; he’s a very strong resilient boy.”

LIFE has “changed in a heartbeat” several times for Natalie Whitford and Colin Shallue since a 14-week pregnancy scan of their then-unborn son.

But Brayden’s first two years were challenging for him and his parents.

“We had to lean on each other a lot and trust what the doctors were telling us,” Natalie said.

Initially, specialists told the Batesford couple that their son Brayden had a severe congenital heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

At 18 months, Brayden underwent another major surgery for his heart.

At 22 weeks, another scan revealed he did not have the condition.

Instead, he and his parents faced eight different defects, including hypoplastic aortic arch and small descending aorta.

“He took six months to recover and that left him with no muscle tone throughout his body - it still affects him today,” Natalie said.

Natalie with son Brayden.

“They had to operate on the aorta when he was three days old,” Natalie said.

“happy and excited” to restart kinder after missing most of his first year due to Covid-19.

“In the first 10 months after we got him home he had 78 hospital admissions and appointments with cardiologists, GPs and maternal health specialists.”

A fan of Paw Patrol and Blaze and the Monster Machines, he loves playing in the sand, camping and “anything to do with trucks”, according to mum.

Fast-forward to today, Brayden is a chatty four-year-old who says he is

“He’s a very cheeky, fun-loving little boy that’s very gentle with a kind heart,” Natalie said.

“When we eventually brought him home he would stand up and fall, which wasn’t good for his chest having just been cracked open.

“We were blessed with an absolute superstar warrior. His determination, strength and fight got us through our bad days.”

Throughout, children’s charity HeartKids supported them with transport, learning about heart conditions to be an “advocate” for their

son and introducing them to families in similar circumstances.

“They soon become your strength because they have already walked the path that you’re just starting,” Natalie said.

Brayden sees physio, occupational and speech therapists and, until recently, Natalie stopped working as a logistics scheduler to look after him.

“He doesn’t stop talking but it’s hard for some to understand him,” she said.

“My employer has recently taken me back on a casual basis at night from home.”

The Covid-19 lockdown was challenging, with Brayden having no physio for six months. But his physiotherapist helped Natalie design an “obstacle course” to aid his physical development.

Natalie admits she knew little about congenital heart disease (CHD) before Brayden was born, or that 65,000 Australians live with it.

HeartKids expects 3000 Australian babies to be born with CHD in 2021, as on average it impacts one in 100 births.

Amelia’s journey from nipper to lifesaver

By Carole Levy JAN Juc local Amelia Belle has been involved in lifesaving all her life.

In fact, she was one of the first “nippers of a nipper”, with her mum a nipper at Jan Juc Life Saving Club herself. Her dad, too, has been with the club for years, while mum is always helping around the club.

Amelia’s parents actually met as teenagers at the Life Saving Club, becoming fast friends and later marrying. It’s definitely ‘in the blood’.

Amelia began as an under-eight nipper, competing in carnivals and state championships. In the under-14 group, she trained as a lifesaver and was able to patrol beaches. Then, at 15, she obtained her bronze medallion just like her parents did as juniors, as well as completed her inflatable rescue boat training.

Last year, Amelia completed her gold medallion - advanced lifesaving conducted by Life Saving Victoria, and 28 AUTUMN 2021

obtained her silver medallion/beach management qualifications. And she still competes.

This summer, Amelia became a paid Lifeguard for Life Saving Victoria, working in teams at various Surf Coast beaches. She says the season was “massive”.

“I did a couple of rescues at a couple of beaches, but for the Jan Juc volunteers some amazing statistics have been recorded - just for the weekends since November,” she says.

“We had 16,241 visitors at Jan Juc beach; more than 190 patrolling members (including me); 17 major first aid events; and 1741 preventative actions. It was a huge season.”

Needless to say, Amelia loves patrolling.

“People are always so nice when you are on patrol, really appreciative of the service, and it’s a great way to meet people of all ages and backgrounds.

I’ve patrolled a few local beaches as well as Jan Juc this season - Torquay

surf beach and Cosy Corner, and Anglesea beach.

“The lifesaving world is fantastic. It’s given me invaluable life skills and instilled a lot of confidence. And it’s great for making friends from all over - I still have close friends from my nipper days.”

Amelia is completing Year 12 this year, with the hope of going on to Melbourne University to study science.

“My lifesaver experience will definitely help me with my uni education, another advantage of being part of the lifesaving community.”

WATER SAFETY Amelia strongly endorses the Victorian Lifesaving directives, and never more so than with the 43 drownings in Victoria so far this season.

“Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Always swim with a buddy. Always visit beachside.org.au to check if a beach is patrolled.

“And if you can’t see a lifesaver, we can’t see or save you.”

Jan Juc local Amelia Belle loves patrolling.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Reality Bites

Mum’s activity book for Great Ocean Road

By Melissa Grant KIDS love exploring the Great Ocean Road.

The iconic touring route offers so much for children to discover, from stunning attractions to wondrous wildlife.

And now there’s a children’s activity book dedicated to the destination.

The Great Ocean Road Activity Book is the brainchild of mother of three and teacher Samantha Kenna.

It features 28 pages of engaging, educational activities that feature a sight or attraction along the drive.

Samantha came up with the idea during one of her many adventures along the Great Ocean Road with husband Joe and children Louis, Harry and Lola.

Samantha and Joe had ventured into the Lorne Information Centre to search for something to keep their two eldest kids busy in the hope they could have a bit of a breather.

“I was looking for an activity book and I wanted it to be on the Great Ocean Road,” the Warrnambool resident said.

“They didn’t have anything. I started looking around and I couldn’t find anything.

“I couldn’t believe it. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic destinations in Australia and there was no fun resource like that out there for children.”

In the weeks after that trip, Samantha started to think about how she could

Some of the activities inside the book.

Samantha and her two-year-old daughter Lola with a copy of the book.

create a fun and educational activity book for kids to take along the tourist route.

Activities include animal sudoku, design your own surfboard, join the dots and colouring in pages.

“I’ve received lovely messages from people saying how much they enjoyed the book.”

“I sat there feeding my baby with one hand and jotting down the ideas with the other,” she said.

The book also includes information on how the Great Ocean Road was built and the historical significance of Loch Ard Gorge, the site of a famous shipwreck.

The Great Ocean Road Activity book is available from the following stores: Anglesea News and Lotto, Collins Booksellers Warrnambool, Port Fairy Information Centre, The Bookgrove in Ocean Grove, Torquay Books, Lorne Beach Books, Kafe Koala at Kennett River, Apollo Bay Visitor Information Centre, Twelve Apostles Kiosk, The Port O Call Port Campbell, Peterborough Licensed Grocers and The Book Bird in Geelong.

“I wanted it to be something kids could do independently and also have tasks they could do with the family.”

Samantha, a teacher at St Patrick’s Primary School in Port Fairy, said the aim of her book was to educate children about the Great Ocean Road, including its attractions, history and wildlife.

There’s even a scavenger hunt that kids can do from the back seat of the car.

Samantha’s two eldest children, Louis, 6, and Harry, 4, have enjoyed doing the activities.

Hundreds of other children have too.

“I think the more children know and learn about something the more meaning it has, the more they will enjoy it,” she said.

Samantha has sold more than 600 copies of the book since its launch in November.

The book features activities aimed at children of kindergarten and primary school age.

“It’s been wonderful,” Samantha said, adding her book had been sold out at some outlets.

Pictures: JUSTINE WALKER

The book is also available online at wonderingclassroom.com You can follow Samantha on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the_ wondering_classroom

Boy driven to design cars gets a wild ride

By Melissa Grant

Development team in Australia once he was old enough to apply for the Ford Australia Graduate Program.

WHEN 10-year-old Jake Field sent a letter and a Mustang design he created to Ford, he was hopeful of getting a response.

“You’re a little too young to join our 2021 Graduate Program, but we’d love for you to apply for perhaps the 2035 intake of our Ford Australia Product Development stream,” Mr Wolff wrote.

Not in his wildest dreams did he anticipate a Ford Mustang would end up in his family’s driveway.

“Please get back in touch once you’re old enough and we will set up a meeting with our Product Development team.”

“I’d almost given up hearing back from anyone then I got a parcel in the mailbox,” he said.

“I was so excited just to get a letter ... then I read the letter asking if I wanted to have a loan of a Mustang and reading that blew my mind! I couldn’t stop talking about it - I was so excited.”

The parcel also contained a Ford Mustang cap and licence plate.

Mustang-mad Jake had written the letter to Max Wolff, Design Director for Ford International Markets Group and China.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Jake said the loan of the Mustang was “awesome”.

Jake’s mum Kristine, dad Chris and little brother Harry were also thrilled.

Jake Field with the Mustang that his family was loaned from Ford.

Jake shared a design he created for a new Mustang.

His Mustang was a convertible with a supercharged V8 engine, titanium alloy frame, custom 20 inch chrome rims and a built-in iPad. “I love cars especially the mustang

(my ultimate dream car) and would love to get into car designs when I’m older. I would like to share with you my mustang design I created,” Jake wrote.

Max replied, offering Jake the opportunity to meet with Ford’s Product

“We had the Mustang for a week, which was so much longer than we thought and we were sad to give it back,” he said.

Jake says his dream job is to design cars - for Ford.

“I’d love to work in the car design industry and would like to apply for the Ford graduate program,” he said.

AUTUMN 2021 29

Books

Teaching girls how to love themselves

By Melissa Meehan Now that the glass ceiling is smashed, girls are told they can do anything they want - but the fear of embarrassment or judgement can often create a hurdle to success.

But if we can teach them to like themselves and have the confidence to achieve anything then the sky is the limit, according to a new book by Kasey Edwards and Dr Christopher Scanlon.

In a world full of parenting books that can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and guilty, Raising Girls Who Like Themselves tells girls their flawed is refreshingly different.

Not only does it work from seven basic ideas, but it clearly shows ways to introduce them into an already busy family life. And, authors Kasey and Chris, who share two daughters themselves, have proven it’s possible because they’ve done it all themselves.

“We were very aware of the issues ahead, some of the statistics for girls are really scary,” Kasey said.

“We were talking to a friend about it at a party and she said, we don’t have time to research and find all those things out, can’t you put it in a book?

Good advice ... authors Kasey Edwards and Dr Christopher Scanlon have girls of their own.

there, but by following their seven qualities and getting them right between toddlers to tweens your daughter’s life will be easier.

“And that’s how it started.”

Thanks to their ‘day jobs’ as researchers and journalists, the pair had the privilege of being able to call on leading parenting experts as well as those with a great knowledge of social and cultural issues.

“Mainstream advice at the moment doesn’t seem to be working. We all want to raise girls who thrive, but we still have horrific rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self-harm,” Kasey said.

“Girls are drowning in anxiety and doubt. The prescription at the moment just isn’t working,” Chris added.

So what makes their book so different to the rest?

“Girls need to like themselves,” Kasey said. “We believe that if she knows who she is and genuinely likes who she is they will achieve every dream and want.”

Because she loves herself.

And you won’t feel guilty once you finish the book, because the steps are practical and easy to slot into already busy family life and all that comes with trying to be a good parent.

Raising Girls Who Like Themselves.

Chris said: “They’ll have the confidence to achieve and won’t be defined by failure. And from there they will have good physical and mental health because it’s natural to care for what you love.”

And by extension, she will expect the same from those around her.

Both Kasey and Chris agree there is so much parenting information out

Alarming statistics ■ More than 55 per cent of Australian girls aged eight and nine are dissatisfied with their body ■ A quarter of 14-15 year-old girls have had thoughts about self-harming in the previous 12 months ■ Fifty-one per cent of girls say that girls often feel pressured to take ‘sexy’ photos of themselves and share them ■ The third most common chronic illness for young females is eating disorders.

Children’s books...

Round and Round the Garden

How to Make a Friend in 6 Easy Steps

Illustrated by Matt Shanks

Dhana Fox & James Hart

Little ones will love this very cute Australian take on the classic nursery rhyme Round and Round the Garden. In this book, the kids are playing in the garden with magical Aussie creatures around them.

All Rosie the shark wants is a friend. So she reads a book about how to make one.

“Round and round the billabong like a kangaroo. One hop. Two Hops. Wiggle your nose too!”

There are so many cool animals featured in this beautifully illustrated book, including a lorikeet, crocodile, wild brumby and a big wombat.

Ready to forge a new friendship, she swims down to a shipwreck where there are a heap of sea creatures.

Then, she starts going through the six steps outlined in her book. Easy, right? Wrong!

Although each step is pretty straightforward, making friends is not as easy as Rosie thinks … because she’s a shark!

Lola Online #1: #TheSecretUpstairsFanClubParty Shannan & Tayla Steadman A fresh and funny fiction series for the YouTube generation.

Characters leap off the page in this book that explores friendship, managing online presence, sibling rivalry and country music loving felines!

Leading little lady Lola has her own YouTube channel, a little brother, and a lot to say as well as a cat that loves country music. When Lola’s crazy top fan hijacks her birthday party plans, drama ensues.

A fun, rhyming read in a special hardback edition for kids aged 2+.

A playful read that introduces the concept of making friends.

For kids aged 3+

Perfect for reluctant readers aged 7+

Scholastic Australia, RRP $15.99

Scholastic Australia, RRP $17.99

Scholastic Australia, RRP $15.99

30 AUTUMN 2021

Friday Barnes 9: No Escape

The Lake

R.A Spratt

A scary and suspenseful read from best-selling young adult author Natasha Preston.

Girl detective extraordinaire Friday Barnes returns with a new mystery that needs to be solved.

In this instalment, Friday has been released from prison but is a shell of her former self. She has sworn she won’t be solving mysteries again. But you guessed it ... you can’t keep her away from some muchneeded detective work.

Friday’s uncle wants her to fly to Italy to help him protect the Uffizi Galleries from thieves. So she goes, even though her ex-boyfriend/nemesis is living there.

Natasha Preston

The Lake is about a summer camp filled with dark secrets.

Esme and Kayla are excited to be returning to Camp Pine Lake as counsellors in training.

That’s despite the fact they once did something bad there when they were campers.

However, they have moved on and are both looking forward to a summer camp filled with sun and flirting. Until... they get a note.Their secret is about to resurface.

For kids aged 9-12 years

A thrilling read for kids aged 12+

Penguin, RRP $15.99

Penguin, RRP $18.99 www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on

this autumn

UNTIL 21 MARCH ME AND UOOUOO To mark the 150th anniversary of The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, the RCH Foundation is bringing a spectacular public art trail to Geelong. Me and UooUoo (pronounced you-you) encourages communities to reconnect with their cities, and be active by visiting unique art sculptures.

There will be 10 UooUoo’s in Geelong.

Find them at Federation Mills, Mackey Street in North Geelong.

More info at https://uoouoo.org.au

The paths on the 1.5km wildlife walk are flat, wide and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

The free tours are offered on Saturdays until April. The tours go for one hour.

Choose a 10am start or midday start.

6, 13, 20, 27 MARCH & 10, 17 APRIL YOU YANGS PARK WALK Join a Parks Victoria volunteer-led walk through You Yangs Regional Park. Enjoy the serenity of the bush and stunning views from Big Rock. The walk is a medium difficulty walk that includes small hills and uneven ground.

For tour times and registrations, visit www.eventbrite.com.au and search You Yangs Park Walk

6 MARCH, 3 APRIL, 1 MAY

PAKO FESTA Experience Geelong’s diverse mix of cultures at Pako Festa.

From 27 February to 13 March there will be night projections featuring 30 diverse communities on Geelong West Town Hall. From 27 February to 27 March, there’s an Elements of Culture Arts Trail along Pakington Street between Gordon Ave and Church Street. For more info, visit https://www.pakofesta.com.au

6, 13, 20, 27 MARCH & 3, 10, 17 APRIL SERENDIP WILDLIFE TOURS See and learn about the habitats and wildlife of Serendip Sanctuary on a volunteer-guided tour. You will enjoy close encounters with kangaroos, emus, lizards and other birdlife. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

10am-2pm, Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach Road Geelong

For tour times and registrations, visit eventbrite.com.au and search Serendip Wildlife Tour

Free tours are offered on Saturdays from February to May. The walks are one hour in duration and you can start at either 10am or midday.

UNTIL 27 MARCH

The market is held on the first Sunday of each month.

21 MARCH KIDS+KITES FESTIVAL The Kids+Kites Festival is an event designed to bring people of all abilities together for a fun, accessible and inclusive day of kite flying! There will be kite making workshops run by Kites 4 Kids, a kite flying display by former World Champion Kite Flyer Jo Baker and community kite flying. Families can bring a picnic and fly their own kites!

GOLDEN PLAINS FARMERS’ MARKET

The festival will be held at Rippleside Park and raises funds for Kids Plus.

The Golden Plains Farmers’ Market takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

11am-2pm

The market showcases the very best in fresh produce and handcrafted goods from the Moorabool Valley region. With a lively atmosphere for all ages, the market is a go-to for locally grown, farm-fresh and homemade foods as well as unique art, handmade homewares and eco-friendly products.

8.30am-12.30pm. 22 Byron Street, Bannockburn

7 MARCH, 4 APRIL, 2 MAY GEELONG WATERFRONT MAKERS AND GROWERS MARKET This popular market showcases a variety of handmade and homegrown products, including art, timber toys, clothing, jewellery, soaps, candles, olive oil, fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants.

Rippleside Park, Rippleside Park Drive Geelong

30 MARCH RAISING GIRLS WHO LIKE THEMSELVES This online event details the seven qualities that enable girls to thrive and arm themselves against a world that tells them they are flawed. The session is full of practical, evidence-based advice - a guide to raising a girl who is happy and confident in herself.

This theme will be discussed with Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlon, the authors of the the book Raising Girls Who Like Themselves.

The free virtual event will be held from 7.30pm - 8.30pm.

To register, visit https://events.grlc.vic. gov.au/event/4842452

2-18 APRIL STORYFEST Central Geelong’s popular children’s festival Storyfest is back for the 2021 autumn school holidays.

An initiative of Central Geelong Marketing, the 17-day festival features an exciting program of stories, adventures, fun activities, live performances, hands-on and virtual workshops, Easter activities, competitions and exhibitions.

Get your Storyfest Program at www. centralgeelong.com.au/storyfest from Thursday, March 18.

20 APRIL STORY BOOK NATURE TRAILS Join Tania from Nurture in Nature for a Story Book Nature trail through the Geelong Botanic Gardens. There will be four 30 minute guided sessions with the feature story of Scribbly Gum Secrets.

Story Book Nature Trails combine reading, physical activity and nature connection to engage communities in reading children’s books together outdoors.

This is a free event for pre-school children. Limit total of 20 participants (adults and children) per session.

To book a session, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/story-book-naturetrails-tickets-140927920203 AUTUMN 2021 31

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au