Knox Monash Kids Autumn 2021

knox Monash

TODAY

Expert tips to

KEEP FIT WITH KIDS Our favourite

PICNIC SPOTS The dilemma of

SLEEPOVERS

AUTUMN 2021

Discover the Green /HDYHV 'LƹHUHQFH

POP IN FOR A COFFEE AND TOUR FOR E ST HILL

WAV ER L EY GA R D EN S

KNOX

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

Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre Rooftop Jacksons Road, Mulgrave

Knox Ozone Precinct 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South

9878 8951

9574 6715

9887 2193

greenleaveselc.com.au 12484424-DL12-21

2 AUTUMN 2021

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About Us

knox Monash

Excited for autumn HELLO everyone!

an interesting read!

book “Air Fryer Express’.

2021 certainly gave us an interesting start, didn’t it?

How did you handle lockdowns in 2020?

I hope you’re settling in and are excited to make plans for the rest of the year.

While some of us found it pretty rough going, there were others who used their time productively and funnelled their energy into getting crafty. We speak to a local mum who honestly put me to shame with what she got up to in 2020! Seriously creative.

I am convinced I need to buy an Air Fryer, honestly the recipes are mouth watering and I am actually excited to cook again. Which is shocking in itself!

In this edition of Knox Monash Kids Today, we’ve tried to keep it local and showcase some incredible people in our community.

Hughesdale mum and PhD Brea Kunstler shows us exactly how we can get fit when we’ve got kids of all ages and make it fun.

A Ferntree Gully mum talks about having a baby on the day of her baby shower, a local dad writes a book so that his daughters can see themselves in literature and a Boronia mum shares tips for getting back to work after taking time off to parent.

We’ve got a nice informative piece about why drawing is actually more beneficial for kids than colouring in - it’s

And please do check out the beautiful pics our wonderful photographers Rob Carew and Stewart Chambers took in and around Knox and Monash - some nice picnic spots to check out this autumn! Maybe even ones you didn’t know about.

As always we have a bumper education and health section - with some nice feature stories on bringing chalk back to the classroom, and why we need more male teachers.

We also spoke to leading parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson - and we tackled an interesting topic - sleepovers.

When do you let your kids have a sleepover at a friend’s house? And under what rules? It’s a good read. He raised points I had not even considered.

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, and more importantly, to hear from you!

Enjoy!

We also spoke to Insta-famous dad George Georgevski (aka ‘The Lunchbox Dad’) who’s back with a fabulous new

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

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

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

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

Advertising Andy Jukes andy.jukes@starnewsgroup.com.au

Phone: 5945 0643

CONTENTS

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.

IT’S YOUR LIFE

REALITY BITES

BOOKS

Have fun while getting fit

Creative cubby hacks and more

Inspiring the hero in all of us

PAGES 4 & 5

PAGE 16

PAGE 20

Picnic spots to while away the autumn day

The benfits of joining a club

KIDS CALENDAR

PAGES 6 & 7 Sharing culture with the world PAGE 8 Understanding boys PAGE 8 Gather and connect and Burwood One PAGE 9 TV host’s amazing trips PAGE 10 Labour at her baby shower

PAGE 17 What should you spend on a party PAGE 17

knox Monash

What’s on this autumn

AUTUMN 2021

TODAY

PAGE 21

Mums need more time

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 18

Bluey top of the music charts

How to get back to work

PAGE 22

PAGE 18 Name disappointment PAGE 19 Expert tips to

The thing about sleepovers

KEEP FIT WITH KIDS

PAGE 19

Our favourite

PICNIC SPOTS

PAGE 11

The dilemma of

SLEEPOVERS

HEALTH Lunchbox Dad’s secret to success

Cover Zara enjoys the playground at Jells Park.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

PAGE 12 Headspace coming to Monash PAGE 12 Weaning kids off sugar PAGE 13 What is induction?

PAGE 13

EDUCATION Embracing our Worry Woo’s PAGE 14 Nurturing potential PAGE 14 The need for more male teachers PAGE 15 Schools stepping back in time PAGE 15

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instagram.com/knoxmonashkids_social AUTUMN AUT A AU UTU UM M MN N 20 2 2021 02 21 1 3

Brea Kunstler exercises with her daughter Abby.

It’s Your Life

Getting fit while busy with kids AFTER Covid-19 lockdowns, lives across Australia have changed.

Mums (and dads) are working longer hours, many of them at home, leaving many to question when they have time for exercise.

Life is busy. It always has been.

But blurring the lines between work hours and life hours has become an even more delicate balance since Covid.

If spending more time at home, away from loved ones and friends has taught us anything, it’s that life is short.

And we need to look after ourselves.

But with even less time in the day (whether that be true or perceived), how can we get our 30 mins a day of exercise in?

This could be because it was easy to do this during lockdown or while physically distancing (eg. online pilates class in your lounge room).

Many people might have been doing these classes while watching the kids and making use of the time and opportunity they suddenly had.

We have also seen many people take up activities that can be done solo and without a gym membership (handy since they have been closed so often).

We have many more recreational runners than before (‘those people’ who throw on the activewear to get a quick jog in before the kids get up).

We need to take this idea into 2021 and beyond - make the most of the time and opportunities you have.

Hughesdale mum Brea Kunstler is as busy as they come. She’s a physiotherapist and run coach and a research fellow at Monash University.

Are people finding it more difficult to find time to exercise?

Brea says the key is to make the most of the time you have, not to add more tasks to your ‘to do’ list.

However, I often encourage my clients to put their day on a page and see when they have at least 15 minutes to move.

Yarra Ranges Kids Today reporter Melissa Meehan sat down with her to discuss how we can find time to get moving.

Have you noticed a shift in peoples’ exercise habits since the pandemic?

We (researchers at BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash University) conducted a survey of over 1000 Australian adults early in the pandemic and noticed that physical activity levels weren’t hugely different to usual, we were still seeing the majority of adults not meeting the physical activity guidelines of 150-300 minutes of activities like walking, as well as two sessions of strength exercises, weekly (these recommendations differ by age).

However, when we looked a little closer, people seemed to be exercising in a different way. For example, people were doing more strength activities than usual during the early stages of the pandemic.

4 AUTUMN 2021

Time has often been reported as a barrier to exercise.

Often, we can find at least 15 minutes to ourselves and, if we can’t, we can look at where we can be active WHILE doing other things.

How can they go about changing that mindset?

We need to think about time versus priority.

Often, people say they don’t have time to exercise but they are able to find two hours a day to watch TV. So, TV watching is a higher priority than exercise in this instance.

You have the time, but you have prioritised something else. I get it! I have two suggestions for this: exercise while watching TV, or split the time.

Let’s say you have two hours to watch two episodes of your favourite show. Awesome!

Consider doing 3x12 push ups, squats and ab crunches in the ad breaks (or

Brea Kunstler says exercise can be fun.

just during the episode if there’s not breaks).

Pictures: ROB CAREW

enjoy and getting some activity in too.

This will take about 10 minutes in total.

Buy some hand weights and exercise bands to make your home exercises that little more challenging.

Then, once they are out of the way, sit down and relax to enjoy your show.

Why is it so important to get that exercise in?

Enjoying time to yourself watching your favourite program is important too.

There are so many benefits of regular physical activity.

Alternatively, consider watching one episode, and using the other hour to go for a walk and listen to a podcast or audiobook.

It strengthens muscles, bones and vital organs like heart and lungs. This is important for kids to grow into healthy and strong adults, and for adults to maintain their health.

So, you are doing something you

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Brea Kunstler.

Brea Kunstler exercises with her daughter Abby.

It improves balance and coordination. These skills are necessary for kids to safely participate in sport and for adults to avoid injury and falls as they age.

Maintaining a healthy weight, which is important in our increasingly obesogenic environment.

It maintains mental health by breaking up less enjoyable tasks like school work and facilitating socialising with friends (eg. online exercise challenges for teens and adults (eg. 55 squat challenge in March 2021) and family bonding (e.g. family walks after dinner).

Improve concentration during school and paid work. Enhanced sleep. It gives something fun to enjoy during a stressful time (stress and poor mental health was increasingly reported during the pandemic but these issues remain outside these times too).

You don’t even need to accumulate heaps of exercise to reap the benefits because something is literally better than nothing. We have seen people achieve significant health benefits by simply adding a short walk to their day (eg. walk to the shops instead of driving). Remember, your kids learn so much from you. If you are active, then they will see this as normal behaviour, and will be more inclined to do some exercise too.

that you can claim for yourself.

This can be 15 minutes when the baby is sleeping, or you could be lucky enough to get a couple of hours. After I had my daughter I claimed 5am-7am as my time.

I would feed my daughter (4.30am was a common feeding time) and then escape the house.

I would go into the garage to do an online exercise class, go to my 24hr gym and go on the treadmill or do another activity, or run outside (I felt safe enough to do this).

I was lucky enough to have my husband at home during that time so he could get up to her before he would wake for work at 7am, meaning I could leave the house.

However, if you would prefer to use this time to read a book or do something else, then find ways to exercise with bubs!

Mother and baby classes are available that are run by physios that can support you to get back into exercise safely and allow you to include your child (or you can try this virtual option).

I am a physio and provide online exercise programs to mums eager to get back into exercise but want to do so safely and in a place and time that suits them.

See one example above when I talk about time versus priority.

If you have toddlers, use your environment! Local parks are your friend, and so are online kid-focussed song and dance classes on days where you can’t get out.

With babies, treat your day like a 24 hour cycle. Find a space in that time

Do lunges as you walk around following your toddler around. Lunge as

What are your main tips on how to stay fit and healthy?

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

you reach down to take the rubbish out of their hand before they put it in their mouth! Climb the equipment with them.

Lift them up so they can touch the monkey bars.

Do a squat, push up or burpee in between each push on the swing.

Suddenly you are getting a good arm and leg workout while hanging out with your kids!

There are endless opportunities for activity in the park if you use your imagination.

If you have babies and toddlers, get the pram out and walk (or run, if you’re able).

Walk to the library or to the shops.

Walk to the park. Just walk instead of drive!

The kids get to see and hear the outdoors while you get to pound the pavement.

Think about taking a hilly route for a harder workout or even stocking the pram up with groceries to make it harder to push.

With tweens and teens, it’s important to respect that your kids are starting to crave independence and have autonomy in their decision making. So ask them what they want to do.

If you get a “nothing” then try setting an example by getting active yourself or making it more appealing by including things they enjoy.

If you sit on your iPad all day, then your kids see that and think that’s normal. If they see you on your iPad for an hour, then going for a quick walk around the block before dinner, then

Pictures: ROB CAREW

suddenly that becomes normal.

They might then appreciate an invite to this previously exclusive walk. Also, don’t demonise screens, use them!

There are so many fun online options for kids to use to get active.

Try a scavenger hunt and make sure there are prizes that the kids actually want (i.e. they choose the prizes, like a night off doing the dishes!). Or access free exercise classes offered via council that are appropriate for teens and adults.

It’s important that you seek professional support if you haven’t exercised in a while (lots of people post-pandemic!) or are new to it.

GET THE KIDS OFF THE COUCH What are some tips to get your kids off the couch, away from the TV and engaged in physical activity?

Listen to them, understand their interests, and get their interests involved in the activity (eg. they enjoy basketball, shoot hoops with them and make it a competition).

Yes, it’s important to establish healthy behaviours early as then kids learn that exercise is a normal behaviour. In saying that, they need role models to learn this behaviour. So their parents must be active too! This doesn’t mean that you need to be at the gym at 5am every morning. Going for a walk before dinner each night is a good example of integrating regular physical activity into your day AUTUMN 2021 5

You’ll see plenty of kangaroos and wallabies at Lysterfield Park.

TIM NEVILLE ARBOTORUM, 98 Dorset Rd, Ferntree Gully

Huntingdale Wetlands, MOUNT WAVERLEY

Nortons Park, Nortons Ln, Wantirna South

Namatjira Reserve, OAKLEIGH SOUTH

BRICKMAKERS PARK, 23-29 Stamford Road, Oakleigh 6 AUTUMN 2021

TIM NEVILLE ARBOTORUM, 98 Dorset Rd, Ferntree Gully www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

While away autumn days with a picnic

By Melissa Meehan

open space, playgrounds and lake - it’s hard to beat.

AUTUMN has to be one of the most magical times of the year to spend in Melbourne.

If you are wondering what makes such a wonderful family picnic spot, we’ve narrowed it down to a few important points.

Most days are warm and sunny, but you couldn’t complain about some clouds and a light breeze.

The leaves of some trees turn red, yellow or brown and others fall to the ground making a colourful wonderland for the kids to explore.

It’s no surprise that for many, their favourite way to wind down is to find a tranquil local picnic spot to meet some friends, unpack the picnic basket and while away the autumn afternoon.

But where are the best places to take the family for a picnic? Knox Monash Ranges Kids has done all the hard work and found some wonderful spots to share with your friends.

We’re sure to have missed some, the area has an abundance of wonderfully shady, breezy parks perfect for lounging and playing.

A favourite has to be Jells Park - the

There must be picnic tables, open spaces or playgrounds for the kids to place and beautiful views.

And we’ve put together a list of the best places in the Yarra Ranges.

All you need to bring is some food, friends and fun.

• Tim Neville Arbotorum • Aalley Reserve, Mount Waverley • Brickmakers Park, Oakleigh • Jells Park, Wheelers Hill • Batesford Reserve , Chadstone • Namatjira Reserve, Oakleigh South • Huntingdale Wetlands, Mount Waverley • Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully • Nortons Park, Wantirna South • Lakewood Nature Reserve, Knoxfield • Lysterfield Lake

Dani with her kids Zara and Asher at Jells Park.

Huntingdale Wetlands, MOUNT WAVERLEY

Lakewood Nature Reserve, KNOXFIELD

Namatjira Reserve, OAKLEIGH SOUTH www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Kelly and her daughter Georgia looking at the ducks at TIM NEVILLE ARBOTORUM, 98 Dorset Rd, Ferntree Gully

BRICKMAKERS PARK, 23-29 Stamford Road, Oakleigh AUTUMN 2021 7

It’s Your Life

Sharing culture with the world

By Melissa Meehan PERCY Shozi could never find what he was looking for.

He went to book shop after book shop in search of a book whose characters adequately reflected the culture and experiences of his daughters Nala and Zara.

So, with a noticeable gap in the market - he set out to write his own.

Who Am I? is the first book in the Zola series, a series that covers topics such as missing family overseas and learning about culture.

“I want my girls to grow up seeing kids that look like them in books,’ Percy said.

“I want them to see brown superheroes and strong brown girls.

Growing up in Africa I never saw kids that looked like me, or houses that looked like mine in books.

“Sadly, little has changed so I decided to do something about it, for my kids.”

Percy’s own love of books started when he was a young boy growing up In South Africa.

But it was the stories he loved the most.

“Our stories of our culture are so beautiful - I just love them,” he said.

So what better place to start when writing a book.

“I said to my wife, even if It’s just for

them (my daughters) to read it and be part of the character, to me that’s enough,” he said.

“So that’s the thing, my mind was blown - they loved it and wanted to read it all of the time.”

Who Am I? follows it’s character Zola (a nice play on his daughters names), a young guru of mixed African/Australia descent growing up in Melbourne, speaks Zulu and dreams about Africa.

It covers culture, music, food and everything about South Africa. Things you wouldn’t normally know unless you knew someone of that background.

But it’s not just for those with African heritage.

Percy says he’s had wonderful feedback from people of all backgrounds.

“Now that we are in a sense cut off from the rest of the world, thanks to Covid-19, sharing our culture and experiences is more important than ever before,” he said.

“And when the book was released, just before Christmas, I had much interest from Australian’s wanting more stories like this.

Follow ‘Percy Shozi Childrens Author on Facebook to stay up to date with future books in this series.

Who Am I? is now on sale at www. percyspoems.com and some localbook stores.

Author Percy.

Understanding boys

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

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.

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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 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 www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Gather and connect at Burwood One

Burwood One Shopping Centre is home to 50+ retailers and the famous 24hours Kmart and 24 hours Coles

BURWOOD One Shopping Centre continues to be your local community shopping centre where families and friends gather to connect.

A proud supporter of local clubs and local community groups, we are committed to locals; also offering complimentary spaces for fundraising in centre.

We are home to 50+ retailers and the famous 24hours Kmart and 24 hours Coles; we offer everything from a sneaky treat, fresh food and groceries to easy dinners from our fast foodies and cafes. Don’t forget there’s homewares, fashion and services on offer too!

For week two of the school holidays, we will host Colour My Little World Craft Sessions where the littlies are welcome to produce some master pieces such as colourful mosaic magnets, rainbow fish weaving, stained glass, dreamcatcher and colour wands. We hope you can come along to join in the fun.

Our retailers are thankful for the support of our community and we all look forward to seeing you in centre during Autumn. For more information regarding Autumn at Burwood One Shopping Centre or to join our mailing list, please visit www.burwoodone.com. au

12482171-DL12-21

Throughout the year, we proudly present free activities for the families in our community and in April will welcome a roving Easter Bunny handing our complimentary eggs, Thomas the Tank giving free rides through the centre, plus an awesome reptile workshop on the first week of the school holidays, where you’ll be able to

get up-close to some cold-blooded critters in our fun and interactive Australian Reptiles Stage Show!

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 9

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

10 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.knoxmonashkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Mum’s surprise delivery after baby shower

By Melissa Grant AT just 31 weeks pregnant, Ashleigh Laing was about to welcome guests to her baby shower when she started showing signs of pre-term labour.

It was a hot day, and Ashleigh and her husband Rohan had just been to the Angliss Hospital for their first antenatal class. During their visit, the couple was given a tour of the maternity ward, including the special care nursery for premature and sick babies.

Little did they know that in less than 48 hours Ashleigh would be birthing their son Sebastian, who would end up spending weeks in that very nursery.

“When I got back into the car, I remember feeling a bit off. But it was really hot, so I thought it was the heat,” Ashleigh recalled.

“When I got home my friends had been setting up the house for the baby shower. It looked great.”

Dozens of people gathered at the Laing’s beautifully decorated Ferntree Gully home for the celebration on 23 March, 2019. They ate cupcakes, homemade sausage rolls and sipped champagne. They sat in a circle and watched Ashleigh open gifts for her unborn baby.

Nobody - including Ashleigh - had any idea there had been signs of pre-term labour.

During the baby shower, the mum-tobe noticed she had lost some fluid but thought nothing of it. After her guests had left, the situation escalated.

However, Ashleigh’s mum Susie hung around as she thought something may be amiss.

“Luckily my mum had a feeling. She said ‘I could tell you were off’ and wanted to stick around.

Baby Sebastian with dad Rohan and mum Ashleigh.

B

Fighter...

Fi h Sebastian S b i weighed i h d 1.7kg 1 7k when h he h was born. b

“I was 31 weeks and 5 days at this point. I could tell because of the amount of fluid - I knew it was definitely happening.”

Ashleigh was given a shot to hold off the birth and then another. The following day, Ashleigh was put in an ambulance and sent to the Monash Medical Centre at Clayton as they had the facilities for such premature babies.

Contractions started but then stopped.

Ashleigh’s parents went home, but her sister Melissa - who initially declined an invitation to be at the birth - refused to leave. She went to the shops and got some clothes for Ashleigh, who didn’t have the chance to pack a hospital bag, before returning to the birthing suite.

For the entire day, the contractions were erratic. They were close and then far apart.

By midnight, the contractions had died off so the Laings were moved out of the birthing suite and into the ward. As it was after visiting hours, Rohan and Melissa had to go home.

“When I told mum what was going on she told me to go to the hospital.”

But by 2am, the contractions returned. Within 15 minutes, Ashleigh was on her hands and knees.

Rohan, who hadn’t left Ashleigh’s side throughout the pregnancy, was at his high school reunion in the city.

She was taken back to the birthing suite, while Rohan and Melissa were phoned and told to rush back.

“I said ‘mum, don’t call him, it will be nothing. She had a feeling that something might not be that straightforward and called Ro.”

Sebastian Michael Laing was born at 4.07am on 25 March, 2019. He arrived at exactly 32 weeks, weighing 1.7kg.

When Ashleigh arrived at the hospital, a nurse told her there was likely no reason to be concerned.

Shortly afterwards, Rohan and his best friend Robbie turned up.

“They were quite watered. Ro was joking, saying ‘hey everyone my wife is having a baby’.”

However, the mood quickly changed when the nurse returned with the results of an AmniSure test, which diagnoses rupture of the fetal membranes.

“When the nurse came back, she had a different look on her face - she turned very serious.

“She said, ‘look guys things are happening, the baby is coming!’ www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Picture: BELINDA DENNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

The weeks that followed were an emotional rollercoaster.

Nobody had prepared the Laings for what it would be like to have a premature baby, including seeing Sebastian for the first time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he stayed for eight days in isolette with wires and tubes.

“It was scary as he dropped down to 1.6kg. He kept vomiting. Then he put on weight and we would be happy. It was just a rollercoaster,” Ashleigh said.

Each day, the Laings were at the hospital from 6am until close to midnight. The scariest moment came when they phoned the hospital after they returned home in the wee hours.

They could hear an alarm going off in

Ashleigh and Rohan Laing, with son Sebastian who was born at 32 weeks’ gestation.

the background. Sebastian had stopped breathing.

“They had to go in and do some CPR and get him on the breathing machine.

We went straight back in and could see he was on the machine, which was breathing for him,” Ashleigh said.

When Sebastian was well enough, he was transported to the Angliss Hospital where he spent another 4-5 weeks in the special care unit.

At around six weeks of age, Sebastian reached the magic 2kg mark and was able to go home.

It was a tough few months, but the Laings had great support from family and friends who dropped off meals and stopped by to clean the house.

Sebastian had some weight gain issues initially, but now - at nearly age 2 - he is of average weight for his age and in the 90th percentile for height.

“The other day at the park he was mistaken for a ,three-year-old!” Ashleigh said.

Sebastian is also thriving developmentally. He is quite articulate for his age and has great pronunciation.

He loves story time and will often bring books into his parent’s room and say “mama read it please”.

Before Covid hit, Ashleigh and Rohan raised money for premature and sick babies by taking part in the Walk for Prems. They also visited the Angliss Hospital on World Prematurity Day, where they heard other couple’s premmie stories.

Ashleigh (right) with cousin Gabrielle Moody at the baby shower.

Covid resulted in the cancellation of Sebastian’s 1st birthday party, so this year the Laings are hoping to have a grand 2nd birthday celebration.

Sebastian would love nothing more than a big birthday bash - he enjoys being the centre of attention.

“He loves the limelight like his parents, he is very funny and cheeky,” Ashleigh said.

“He loves to dance and does anything he can to make us laugh.

“His latest thing is asking the waitress at cafes for a ‘coffee please’, very casually. As if we’d let him order a real one!”

AUTUMN 2021 11

Health

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

Headspace is coming to the City of Monash YOUNG people of Monash will soon be able to better access mental health support.

Headspace is expected to open its Syndal office in March.

City of Monash Mayor Brian Little said the site of the new service was ideally located, close to public transport and schools.

All important to make it easier for young people to access support for mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, and work and study.

“We are thrilled that headspace will be opening soon in Monash. This has been a service that our young people and Council has worked tirelessly towards for several years through advocacy and heartfelt pleas to the Federal Government to fund a headspace in our municipality,” Cr Little said.

12 AUTUMN 2021

City of Monash Mayor Cr. Brian Little, Federal Member for Chisholm Gladys Liu MP, Jazzy Howlett, EMPHN CEO Janine Wilson, Arjit Sachdeva, Stacey Rindell and Alfred Health’s Dr Campbell Thorpe.

“Young people were telling us their concerns about mental health long before COVID-19, and we know the impacts of the pandemic have

amplified the need for mental health services close to home.”

Cr Little said the advocacy of the Monash Youth Committee had been

instrumental in approval for the service.

The young people on the Committee led the push for this service for several years, culminating in the powerful #RaiseYourHand4MonashYouth campaign.

He also applauded the efforts and support over the years by former Mayors Rebecca Paterson, Shane McCluskey, Paul Klisaris and Stuart James and council staff.

“We thank the Federal Government for listening to the needs of our young people and funding this service,” Cr Little said.

The service will be operated by a consortium led by Alfred Health. The consortium includes Monash Youth Services, Access Employment Services, EACH, Gateway LLEN, Hawthorn Football Club and Launch Housing.

Headspace will be located at 265-267 Blackburn Road, Syndal. www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Stopping the sweets

By Danielle Galvin

Ways of birth

LET’S talk about the sweet stuff: sugar.

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

BUMPS

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 w Movement, Angela Johnson, about how to slowly wean your child off sugar or even start to reduce it slowly.

FOR

BABIES WITH DR BRONWYN HAMILTON

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

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

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 industrially-made, 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 ultraprocessed, 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 ultra-processed 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.knoxmonashkids.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.

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

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?

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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).

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

• 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 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!

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!

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.

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.

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

AUTUMN 2021 13

Education

Embracing our Worry Woo’s FEELINGS such as worry, loneliness, insecurity, confusion, and frustration are healthy and normal emotions felt by us, especially our little ones. Often new or challenging behaviours can signal that your child is unwell, that they have not had enough sleep or even, that they’re hungry or thirsty. On other occasions, big expressions can exemplify that your child has simply found their voice and are exploring exactly how to use it!

During this stage, our children need strong social and emotional support to develop a healthy relationship with their emotions, themselves and each other. As parents, carers and educators, we can put tools and support strategies in place to equip and empower children to communicate and express their emotions. What’s also essential is that children are aware that they can verbalise these emotions in a safe learning space.

The Tiny Tots and Kindergarten children at Green Leaves Early Learning Forest Hill have recently explored the ‘WorryWoos’ series to help build this emotional understanding and confidence. Through the WorryWoo monsters book series and plush toys, the children learn about each character’s experience and how to feel and react when emotions come into play. This helps children successfully identify and understand their own emotions as well as those of others.

They are better equipped to communicate, embrace, and reflect upon their feelings, in turn building lifelong social and emotional intelligence and resilience. To find out more about WorryWoos visit worrywoos.com.

To understand how Green Leaves Early Learning Forest Hill develops emotional intelligence and resilience in children, contact the centre or pop in for a coffee and tour. Conveniently located at Level 2, Forest Hill Chase Shopping

Centre, Green Leaves Forest Hill specialise in the fundamental stages of educational development, from babies

through to Kindergarten (6 weeks - 6 years). Discover the green leaves difference for yourself.

The Tiny Tots and Kindergarten children at Green Leaves Early Learning Forest Hill have recently explored the ‘WorryWoos’ series to help build emotional understanding and confidence.

Nurturing every child’s potential ■ Personalised learning

EVERY child has a gift, a particular skill, a special something that can make a difference - to their own lives, to the lives of those around them and to the future of the world. And every child has the potential and deserves the opportunity to be their brilliant best.

■ Exceptional instrumental and vocal music program ■ Recognised for high growth in academic achievement in Naplan and VCE ■ National Science Olympiad selection

At Scoresby Secondary College, we believe in providing a learning environment that appreciates and nurtures each and every child’s individual brilliance and inspires them to make a difference in our global community.

■ Business and Industry Partnerships including Thermo Fisher Scientific Rotary Club of Knox ■ State sport selection ■ Australian Council of Education Leaders Awards ■ Australian Business and Community Scholarship 2020

We are about inspiring confidence Inspiring confidence in our parents knowing that their child is safe and nurtured as a whole person.

Inspiring confidence in our community - knowing we are building confident and capable citizens.

Inspiring confidence in our tertiary providers and employers - knowing that our students have the best foundations for life ahead.

And most importantly inspiring confidence in our students to be the best 14 AUTUMN 2021

■ Annual University of Melbourne Scholarships Scoresby Secondary College is all about inspiring confidence

they can be and make a difference in our global community.

■ Collaborative and supportive community

We welcome prospective parents and students to join our tours to gain a glimpse into our close- knit learning community, building on our strengths:

■ High expectations that promote active participation ■ Safe, secure and engaging learning environment

■ Knox City Council Youth Australia Day Award 2021 ■ DUX University of Melbourne We know that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

Applications now open for Scoresby Secondary College’s Top Achievers Program for Year 7 2022 www.knoxmonashkids.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.

The great need to attract more male teachers

By Danielle Galvin

are men in the classroom instead of just females. I think it’s really important, learning styles and teaching styles are so critical.

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.knoxmonashkids.com.au

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

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

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

“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 15

Reality Bites

Creative cubby hacks and more!

By Danielle Galvin

Tanja is hopeful her ideas and hacks may inspire other parents.

EVERY family adapted and managed Melbourne’s two lockdowns differently.

“The best way to encourage other parents to get creative is to just think how can I make life magical for the kids? And just watch those ideas pour in. “There are so many tutorials on YouTube and inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram to give you ideas, then you just make it your own by using what you have laying around and getting the kids involved, whether it’s collecting any little treasures to create a fairy garden, to cutting up scrap fabrics to make a bunting!”

“What kept me motivated during isolation was finding fun ways to get the kids outside and away from those screens,” Tanja Mitrov said.

“We kept ourselves busy by finishing off those home projects like painting, or started new ones that were on the to-do list, like building a veggie garden with them.”

Tanja, who runs a business called Art Deco Collective, got seriously creative to keep her girls engaged.

■ Follow Tanja on Instagram, the. artdeco.collective

She wanted to share some of what they got up to, and she’s even grateful for the “crazy and unpredictable” year that 2020 was.

Tanja’s tips for transforming your cubby!

Little hacks to really create that charming look for your cubby is so easy!

Oh the power of paint is a huge one.

You can instantly give your cubby some personality just by painting the door a different colour.

From transforming their cubby multiple times to making a not so scary scarecrow, she set the bar high.

“Since we couldn’t visit cafes anymore, I thought why not bring the cafe to us?”Lemons were in season which could only mean one thing ... a lemonade stand! So that was the first transformation the cubby had. “I found a little online shop Olive Eve and Co that had cute lemonade printouts. “Then we just put the rest together by setting up their table and chairs outside, they had a go at squeezing lemons, and collected whatever we could find in the home from straws, to the drink dispenser, to making a menu using one of our Moodyboards.”

Similarly when October rolled around and trick or treating was off the table, Tanja transformed their cubby into a pink haunted house.

They painted pumpkins pink, had a pink balloon garland leftover from a birthday and she ordered some spider and bat balloons online.

“We made whimsical witches 16 AUTUMN 2021

1. Changing the window and door is a cheap and effective thing to do. We went from timber knobs to brass ones and even a little brass knocker and added a bell to really tie it all in.

2. If your cubby has windows, turn one side into the cafe window. My daughters love serving me coffees and burgers through it. broomsticks from dried up twigs in our backyard, painted a sign and turned the veggie garden into a Cinderella pumpkin patch.

“It was so much fun!”

The other big project was the veggie patch which needed a not-so-scary scarecrow. “The scarecrow was a great one to make because we were able to use left over dowel or garden stakes, baby clothes (size 1 or 2 is perfect) and a hat that didn’t fit anymore,” she said.

“The only supplies we needed to get

was the foam ball, burlap to cover the ball, wool for her hair, and raffia for stuffing. All from Spotlight!”

They also built a fairy garden with little trinkets, built a macrame swing to hang from a tree in the backyard, and made a treehouse platform using some old doors that were laying around in the shed. “We will eventually make it a bit more aesthetically pleasing, but the most fun of it was salvaging what we had laying around and getting creative. The girls loved it. And so did we.”

3. Add festoon lighting! It really creates the most magical feeling at dusk and they are not expensive to buy at all.

We ordered ours from Temple and Webster.

4. And make use of every corner of your garden, including the back of your cubby! We got a huge piece of marine ply from Bunnings, primed and covered it with blackboard paint, and attached it to the back of the cubby. It covers the whole back of the cubby, and would you believe that we still run out of room to draw on it? www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Active Kids

Getting your child involved in a local club

By Melissa Grant

reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression.”

THERE has never been a better time to sign-up your child to a local sports or recreation club.

SKILLS FOR LIFE Children involved in their local sporting club or recreation group learn various skills that they will use throughout their life.

Covid-19 lockdowns left Victorian children inside their homes for months last year.

This includes leadership skills. In junior sport, for example, captaincy is often rotated so that each child can learn what it’s like to lead a team.

They missed out on physical activity, not to mention social connections.

We spoke to VicHealth Physical Activity and Sport Manager, Chris Lacey, about the benefits of getting children involved in a sport or local club.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS Signing your child up for local sport is a great way to ensure they get enough physical activity.

Australian guidelines recommend that children aged 5-17 get at least an hour a day of ‘moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity.

It’s advised that kids aged 2-4 have at least 180 minutes a day of physical activity, including energetic play.

“It’s important for kids to remain physically healthy and sport is a great way to do that,” Mr Lacey said.

SOCIAL BENEFITS Sport and recreation gives children the chance to forge friendships and connections outside school Also, it often provides children with a

Party Time

They can also learn how to tackle challenges and that winning isn’t everything.

“They learn that you don’t always win and that’s okay,” Mr Lacey said.

Signing your child up for local sport is a great way to ensure they get enough physical activity. new positive role model in their life.

BENEFITS FOR PARENTS Children’s sport is good for parents too as it provides an opportunity for social connection.

Mr Lacey said while kids generally make a lot of mates at school, it was important for them to have other places they could make friends.

Mr Lacey said studies have shown that one in three Victorians are worried about their loss of social connection in the wake of Covid lockdowns.

“The social connection you get from being involved is important for kids’ mental and social development,” he said.

More than half said they want to get involved in their community clubs, he said.

“Being part of a team makes us feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, which is important.

“Having social connections can

WHEN TO JOIN A CLUB Your child is never too young to join a local club. These days, as Mr Lacey points out, there are sport-type programs for babies and toddlers.

He said it was important for a child’s physical activity to ramp-up once they reached primary school.

“Auskick, Cricket blasters, Hot Shots (tennis) all target that kind of age,” he said.

HOW TO FIND A CLUB The best way is to ask a friend for a recommendation or simply get onto a search engine and type ‘sport near me’.

There are the obvious local sporting clubs like AFL, basketball, netball, cricket and soccer.

But there are also clubs for gymnastics, dancing, swimming, diving, skateboarding, skating, hockey, sailing and even paddleboarding. The list goes on.

But what if your child says they hate sport?

“It’s good to encourage kids to get involved in physical activity but not force them. If there’s something they don’t enjoy try to pivot them towards something else,” Mr Lacey said.

That could be something like dancing or swimming.

If sport is a no-go, then you can try music or arts clubs, or get them involved in the local Scouts or Girl Guides group.

“There’s no excuse really these days not to get involved because there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Lacey said.

The cost of kids parties CHILDREN love celebrating their birthday and parents don’t mind spending a bit on making it a memorable occasion.

Research shows Aussie parents spend an average of $270 on kids birthday parties.

Interestingly, many mums and dads feel pressured to throw Instaworthy parties for their kids.

Seven out of 10 who responded to a Real Insurance Australian Family Values Survey agreed that social media and celebrities have put more pressure on parents to throw visually impressive parties they can share with others online.

But apparently you can go too far when celebrating your child’s birthday.

Around two in five parents admit to judging other mums and dads on their child’s birthday party or other celebrations for being too extravagant.

On the flipside, less than 10 per cent of parents said they had judged other parents on putting on celebrations that were too modest or simple.

When it comes to gifts, parents spend an average of $185 on their own children.

But how much should you spend on presents for someone else’s child?

According to the research, we spend an average of $46 on our children’s friends birthdays. With the average child attending around eight parties a year, the costsw can add up quickly!

But thankfully it’s still the thought that counts, with nine out of 10 parents agreeing with this sentiment.

Exciting Fun Kids Birthday Parties

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Madfun Kids Birthday Party venues are designed just for childrens parties

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A Madfun private party starts at $600 including the first 20 kids and includes food, drink and we organise the entertainment too.

Make it a family party - parents can come too.

Two Madfun venues at Knox and Moorabbin www.madfun.com.au • P: 0402 766 025 Moorabbin • 5 mins from DFO • Knox 5 mins from Knox Shopping centre

AUTUMN 2021 17

It’s Your Life

Getting back to work

By Melissa Meehan Heading back to work after maternity leave can be a daunting task.

It can be even more daunting for those mums wanting to get back into the workforce after a lengthy period at home.

Boronia mum Rebecca Jones says there is no shame in taking some time out to care for your kids.

A resume writer and career consultant at Mumma Bird Resume Services, Rebecca says confidence is key.

“Don’t feel guilty about having that gap,” she said.

“I had my two kids 17 months apart and I know it’s daunting not knowing where you want to be and what you want to do.

“But you need to harness those skills you gain as a parent and believe in yourself.”

And while you might be happy to go back to your old job or career, there’s no guilt in finding something different, closer to home and more flexible.

Rebecca says the best thing is to sit down and work out what you want, what you enjoy and what kind of flexibility you need Then, write down your skills - not forgetting all the skills you’ve learnt and applied as a mum.

Once you have realised that the “gap” was actually an amazing and intense training camp that taught you new skills, you can go about confidently writing your resume.

“Women are traditionally hesitant and uncomfortable in selling themselves, but a resume is the best place to do this,” she said.

“Believing in yourself is really important and when looking at gaps in your resume it is perfectly fine to say you were raising your children.

“There are plenty of workplaces who

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed about returning to the workforce.

understand this and they are accommodating.”

The mentality that women can’t be mums and have a career is changing - and if you need help, there is professional help out there.

Tips for planning your resume: ■ Understand that your skills have changed (don’t forget the skills you have acquired as a mum!)

■ You have the freedom and right to look for something different - you may want to enrol in a course ■ Write a list of your skills, your top 10

- these can be technical & personal ■ Envision how your personal life looks like that ties into your family situation (then discuss the coaching tips) ■ Be kind to yourself!

■ Do you want to pursue that passion now?

■ Believe in yourself!

■ Become resourceful - place a profile on seek/linked in, join social media groups, meet with recruiters - search various job boards to gain an idea of what job /industry you are considering

Taking time for yourself, without the guilt

By Melissa Meehan MUMS sometimes need a break.

It’s a fact, and more and more women are finally realising it.

They are losing the mum guilt and recognising that they shouldn’t be the bottom of the pile in terms of looking after themselves.

And Upwey mum Sinead Phillips says that is something worth celebrating.

The local travel agent strongly believes that this break shouldn’t come in 10 minute bursts while rushing to the toilet alone.

But instead actual time our away from the family and home.

“I think women are starting to take more time for themselves and I think that is because they are getting more help at home which is great,” she said.

“The old theory that mum is the housewife and everything else around the house is gone.

“And there is a focus on not just physical health and mental health too.

“It’s just so good to see the old cliches getting driven out.”

Of course there will always be some that can’t shake the mum guilt - but more and more women are taking some time out for themselves.

For some it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, having a glass of wine - or going out for a delicious meal.

But there is no doubt that wellbeing looks different for everyone.

That’s why Sinead started her own side hustle called Mumscapes.

A chance for women with shared experiences to get away and relax.

18 AUTUMN 2021

Sinead Phillips with her kids Owen and Cora

“I don’t believe health retreats are the be all and end all,” she said.

“It’s all about reconnecting and recharging - and something magical happens when women get together.”

She said that, especially post-Covid, so many women are trapped behind their computers, laptops and other devices that often they’ve lost a sense of connection.

“So by women actually coming together, face to face, and letting their guard down - they are making an

investment in themselves,” she said.

“You can’t fill everyone else’s cup if yours is empty.”

Sinead is hoping that mums realise that 10 minutes to yourself, or even going to do the grocery shopping isn’t a break.

“You need more than that,” she said.

“I want women to realise that they are worth more than that.

“It takes a village to raise a child - but it’s the same to have a happy life.”

Sinead Phillips www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Reality Bites

What’s in a name?

By Nicole Williams

girls name would never be a part of our family.

LIKE many young children, I spent time daydreaming about what my life would be like as an adult - my career, the person I would marry and the names of our future children. As I got older, settled into a career and found someone to spend my life with, the idea of children became more than a daydream.

I have never thought ‘what if’ we’d had a girl and I am in love with our complete family of four (although I am outnumbered, even including the dog), so it is a unique feeling to mourn the combination of a few letters. I had spent years, and two long pregnancies, imagining the reactions of our families when we called to tell them the name of our newborn, murmuring it to calm an unsettled baby in the middle of the night or calling out the name at the playground.

When my husband and I decided that children would hopefully be in our future (the distant future at that time), we discussed names and settled on a girl’s name very quickly. The names, both first and middle, had special meaning to our families and we fell in love with the combination.

We didn’t find out the gender for either of our two successful pregnancies and it was a long search before we settled on a boy’s name. Again, the names we selected had significance to our families but, personally, didn’t capture my heart in the same way.

Turns out we were destined to have two beautiful little boys whose names ended up being perfect for them. While I never experienced gender disappointment, I will admit to a little heartbreak at the realisation that our carefully selected, and much loved,

Since our youngest son was born in mid-2020, we have had many people ask us what we would have called a little girl. We’ve been happy to share the name when asked but I have also been open with my disappointment. Some people even suggested using the name for any future pets we might have. Not out of the question, but not quite how we imagined honouring our family members!

I am not sure if it is an uncommon feeling or if it just goes unspoken. We feel many things as new parents and much of what we truly experience was considered unmentionable for years before I became a mum. The taboos of

Nicole with her two boys.

parenthood are slowly being broken down and the real feelings - the adoration alongside the terror, the relentlessness alongside the joy - are finally being normalised.

Therefore I know, that while it may

Picture: ROB CAREW

not be a common experience for many parents, my feelings of sadness and disappointment are valid. We will never have a little girl to bestow with a special name, but that combination of letters will always hold a special place in my heart.

Sleepovers - the modern day dilemma

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.

It’s fair to say the reactions startled me.

The majority of mums were adamant - “late high school - if even then”.

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.

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

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 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. www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

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

“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).

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

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

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

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

home at the time, whether the parents will be drinking, who might be visiting that night, and many others.

■ Teach them not to go into anyone else’s bedrooms - adult bedrooms/ siblings as well

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

■ Depending on the age, you might disclose why you are having this conversation. Older children definitely.

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

“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.

“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.

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.

AUTUMN 2021 19

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

20 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.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on

this autumn

MARCH 12

MARCH 22

MID APRIL

VCE CREATIVE SHOWCASE CLOSING NIGHT

AUTISM FAMILY SWIM EVENT

MONASH YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL ENTRIES OPEN

Celebrate another year of stellar talent at the VCE Creative Showcase closing night. The Showcase is the largest exhibition of emerging artists in the Yarra Ranges, a testament to the creativity and hard work of VCE Art and Studio Art students.

An event open to the Different Journeys community. Its a cost of $10 per person which includes entry to the pool and BBQ dinner.

Knox Leisureworks From 5PMM

6PM - 8PM entry free, bookings essential Burrinja Cultural Centre, 351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey 3158

THE RCH150 ANNIVERSARY ART TRAIL The cities of Melbourne and Geelong will be taken over by 100 UooUoo (pronounced you-you) sculptures, each one uniquely designed by Australia’s most talented artists, to form walking trails of imagination and adventure for all to enjoy.

TEEN WRITING BOOTCAMPS (VIRTUAL) Teenaged budding writers are invited to attend the State Library of Victoria’s writing boot camps online, designed for budding writers of all backgrounds and skill levels!

These creative crash courses will be hosted by accomplished and diverse authors throughout March, April and May. Choose from a range of topics to hone your skills, including fiction, personal voice, non-fiction, slam poetry, screen writing, and science writing.

There are six boot camps to choose from, each with four sessions.

All boot camps are open to teens aged 13 to 18 years old from all around Australia.They are free to attend, but require consent from a parent or guardian.

Contact 8664 7099 or inquiries@slv.vic. gov.au for more info. www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Me and UooUoo brings communities back together to rediscover the adventure of our cities, while celebrating and raising funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Melbourne.

After entertaining children, adults and families alike, the legacy of Me and UooUoo continues as each sculpture is auctioned to raise funds for the future of paediatric healthcare.

The Festival runs around 40 instrumental and vocal solo and ensemble events catering for a wide range of young musicians. Most of the events are competitions, however we also run the increasingly popular mini recitals.

Entries open mid April via Stardom www.stardom.com.au and close mid June 2021. The Festival begins 31 July this year. Please go to our website at www. monashyouthmusicfestival.com. au for more details.

UNTIL MARCH 21

2 MARCH-27 MAY

The Monash Youth Music Festival is an annual music festival held over two weeks in August in the City of Monash.

APRIL 2 GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL The 90th annual Good Friday Appeal on Friday 2nd April 2021, brings together the community to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

JUNE 29 MAKE YOUR PARENTS DISAPPEAR After blowing away the nation in the grand final of Australia’s Got Talent, Alex and Luke will be appearing at Knox Community Arts Centre with some astonishing trickery to fool your parents!

The Knox Community Arts Centre is located at 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater 11AM -1PM AUTUMN 2021 21

Entertainment

Bluey top of the music charts CHEESE AND CRACKERS! Bluey: The Album has made history by reaching number 1 on the ARIA Album Chart, becoming the first children’s album to take out the top spot.

The weekly ARIA Charts are released each Saturday at 5pm (AEDT) and are the official record of the hottest singles and albums in Australia.

The album, which was released in Australia and the U.S. on 22 January 2021, reached number 1 on the Australian iTunes album chart and reached number 5 on the U.S. iTunes album chart within days it’s of release.

Bluey’s composer, Joff Bush, composed the album with his music team and the cover artwork is designed

by Joe Brumm, the creator of Bluey at Ludo Studio.

The perfect soundtrack fun and play at home or an outdoor adventure, the album features 17 tracks, all original compositions from Series 1 of the animated series.

“I’m a bit blown away. This is really thanks to the Bluey fans, Ludo and the awesome Bluey music team who I get to make magic with every day here in Brisbane,” ’ Bluey composer, Joff Bush said.

The album is available to stream or

download from digital platforms, including Amazon, Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

In a special treat for Australian fans, they can also get their paws on the CD from participating retailers, including Amazon Australia, Big W, JB Hi-Fi and Sanity.

Bluey is a multi-award winning Australian children’s series that has taken Australia by storm and is charming audiences across the globe.

In Australia Bluey is the most watched series ever on ABC iview, with over 480 million plays across series 1 and 2.

The series has enjoyed critical success, winning an International Emmy Award in the ‘Pre-school’ category in March 2020 and recently winning its second AACTA Award for ‘Best Children’s Program’.

Created by Joe Brumm and made entirely in Brisbane, Australia, Bluey is produced by the multi Emmy awardwinning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids (Australia) and is co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, with production support from the Australian Government through Screen Australia, and Queensland Government through Screen Queensland.

Bluey now has her own album.

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22 AUTUMN 2021

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For boys and girls aged 9 - 11 yearss

Our gardens are more than just a personal sanctuary, they are the grounds for our children’s first memories with nature and can be the foundation to them learning to build resilience and assist in developing problem-solving skills whilst creating a positive environment.

We design and create gardens to nurture you and provide a garden experience to enrich the heart, mind and soul.

Instagram: @thegreenergardencompany Facebook: @greenergardencompany Web: www.tggc.com.au Email: hello@tggc.com.au

Home - Office and Commercial removals Pre-packaging - All South Eastern Suburbs 12473357-CG51-20

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Free Quotes www.pykesfurnitureremovals.com

0428 720 921 0400 537 545

12473727-SG51-20

For boys and girls aged 2.5 - 3 years

AUTUMN 2021 23

12482539-DL12-21

OPEN DAY & NIGHT

Wednesday 28 April 2021 For bookings, contact 9765 4100 24 AUTUMN 2021

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au