Bayside Glen Eira Kids Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

Tribute for mums by

SAMUEL JOHNSON Snow trip tips from

MT BULLER The benefits of

YOGA FOR KIDS Tackling the

LONELiness EPIDEMIC

About Us

Get energised for winter IT can be hard to be inspired to get outdoors in the cold, especially in the first few weeks of winter when we’re all still getting used to how bitterly cold it is.

But given what we all endured last year, I’m painfully aware that even if you don’t have the energy or the will to get outside, it really is a mood lifter.

It is a cliche and one that annoys me: but on a bad day, a rough day with the kids, the one thing that is guaranteed to lift my mood is a walk outside.

In this edition we have some nice photos from some parks that are new or have been upgraded recently - maybe you haven’t visited them all!

I’m proud of our local content in this winter edition of Bayside Glen Eira Kids Today magazine.

We find out about the Chatty Cafe scheme from the UK coming to Bayside, we learn about how wonderful yoga is for kids from a local, and we hear about a little gem of a venue in Brighton East.

on Brisbane based MP Anika Wells, who had her twins in October last year and spoke about getting multiples recognised with government agencies in parliament.

We’ve got some big names this edition too, including actor Samuel Johnson.

There’s plenty more to enjoy flicking through, including Steve Biddulph’s column, tips on how to make a fairy garden, as well as our education section too.

You may recall Samuel created Love Your Sister, a ‘million strong village’ of Australians committed to vanquishing cancer.

Well, Samuel is now paying tribute to mothers with a book called Dear Mum. Ninety celebrities share heartfelt and intimate tales of appreciation of their cherished mothers.

Don’t forget to keep in touch via our Facebook and Instagram.

We always love to hear about new ideas for stories in our great community.

Bayside Glen Eira Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Bayside Glen Eira Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

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

Another interesting read is the story Editorial Melissa Grant melissa.grant@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666

CONTENTS

Photography Rob Carew

IT’S YOUR LIFE

EDUCATION

ACTIVITIES

How yoga benefits children

Catching up on learning after Covid chaos

Winter parks worth exploring

PAGE 3 The science of baby talk

PAGE 12 Putting children at the centre of learning

PAGE 3 Tackling the lonely epidemic

PAGE 13

PAGE 4

High quality care at Kool Kidz

Best yet to come for Gretel Killeen

PAGE 13

PAGE 5

Childcare fees set for overhaul

Cooking preppy-style

PAGE 14

PAGE 5

Help to find your local school

Double the fun for federal MP

New hub for families in Bayside

Clare Vane-Tempest clare.vane-tempest@starnewsgroup. com.au Phone: 0404 288 948 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.

PAGE 20 Social media junior PAGE 21

PAGE 14

PAGE 6

Inspiring girls to choose STEM

Daughters, dangers and inner signs

PAGE 15

Tackling teen anger PAGE 21

How to make a fairy garden

ACTIVE KIDS

PAGE 7

Paint your own pottery

Screen time can help families

PAGE 16

PAGE 8

Kids icons unite

The pram cleaning experts

PAGE 16

PAGE 8

ENTERTAINMENT

Samuel Johnson’s letters to mum collection

REALITY BITES PAGE 19

Great snow trip tips for families

PAGE 7

PAGE 18

Advertising

Cover Eden Jones, aged 2, is ready for winter.

Picture: Rob Carew

BOOKS Born ready to face puberty

WINTER 2021

PAGE 22 Children’s books PAGE 22

CALENDAR What’s on this winter PAGE 23

Have a whale of a time on Phillip Island

Tribute for mums by

SAMUEL JOHNSON Snow trip tips from

MT BULLER The benefits of

YOGA FOR KIDS Tackling the

PAGE 9

PAGE 17

Indulgent presents

LONELiness EPIDEMIC

PAGE 9

PARTY TIME

GESAC has it all for families

Born to party

PAGE 10

PAGE 17

Futsal Academy fun for kids PAGE 10

HEALTH Shining a light on endo PAGE 11 Protecting your child’s teeth PAGE 11

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It’s Your Life

How yoga benefits children

By Danielle Galvin IN late May, Ireland’s president declared in a radio interview how much he’d love yoga to be taught in schools.

Michael Higgins said it would be great for young children and teens to learn about the ways of yoga, and its benefits to the body.

At 80, and an avid yogie himself, he makes quite the argument.

Back home in Bayside, accredited yoga therapy teacher Jayne Munday knows all too well the benefits and healing powers of yoga, not only for the body, but the mind too.

“I have practised yoga for many years for myself which taught me to be strong, calm, confident and content,” she explained.

“I have taught children for over 30 years now, nannying in the UK and now a kinder teacher as well as having 2 children of my own aged 12 and 15.

“Watching the needs over the years in this world with our children helped me take the plunge in supporting them further in their wellbeing, so I took myself back to school to learn yoga therapy for children, with Zenergy yoga and I’ll never regret it, as I love watching the children thrive through what I teach them.”

Ms Munday now runs Jem Children’s Yoga, with classes in Sandringham and Brighton East.

She believes in the current climate, yoga and mindfulness can be a particularly powerful tool for children amid lockdowns, the pandemic, and the uncertainties associated with it.

“I couldn’t agree more within the current climate,” she said.

“There’s such a need for parents to have the tools to give their kids ways to

Jayne Munday loves teaching yoga to kids.

be able to calm themselves and to recognise when they need to breathe and return to their breath when they are stressed or overwhelmed which is where self-regulations support them.

“At Jem Children’s Yoga we support this in every class.”

She said the benefits to her classes include promoting strong healthy bodies by regularly practising yoga poses to connect the body and mind, improving coordination and balance, as well as calming the nervous system.

This is achieved through self-soothing and self-regulation which reduces anxiety through structured breathing techniques.

“Children exercise individually leaving them feeling calm, aligned and secure,” she said.

“It also helps to improve creativity and imagination by allowing children to let go and dance like a wombat, or create a story through poses. Or float in the sky on a white fluffy cloud and relax which supports learning skills.”

■ Improves physical and mental health in kids aged 6-12

She said it can also be great for children with high energy as it teaches them to stop and slow down.

■ Improves balance, strength, endurance and aerobic capacity in children

“Being mindful is about being in the present, it teaches them self-regulation, otherwise their batteries will burn out and then they lose it, so teaching them to self-regulate helps them deal with ups and downs in life.”

■ Offers psychological benefits including reducing anxiety and stress

Classes are held at Yoga Station in Sandringham on Saturdays and Centre4Life on Mondays.

To find out more, visit www. jemchildrensyoga.com

Benefits to kids practising yoga:

■ Helps to improve memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behaviour **According to a Harvard Health article published in 2016

Science tells us babies love baby talk MOST of the time, you might not even know you’re doing it.

Baby talk: cooing and high pitched voices, exaggerated tones and made up songs, when you’re around a baby, baby talk is inevitable.

And now, there’s some interesting science behind it.

New research out of UCLA’s Language Acquisition Lab, alongside www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

16 other labs around the world, found that babies do indeed pay more attention to baby talk.

It’s especially poignant for families who are multi-lingual.

“Crucially for parents, we found that development of learning and attention is similar in infants, whether they’re learning one or two languages,” Megha Sundara, a UCLA linguistics professor and director of the Language

Acquisition Lab said.

“And, of course, learning a language earlier helps you learn it better, so bilingualism is a win-win.”

The study took place in 17 labs worldwide, with babies ranging in age from 6-9 months, both bilingual and monolingual babies.

Babies would sit on their parents’ laps while recordings of an English

speaking mother using baby talk or ‘adult directed speech’ would play.

Researchers measured how long each baby looked in the direction of each sound.

“Baby talk has a slower rate of speech across all languages, with more variable pitch, and it’s more animated and happy,” Ms Sundara said. “It varies mainly in how exaggerated it is.”

WINTER 2021 3

It’s Your Life

Tackling the loneliness epidemic

By Danielle Galvin IN 2017, British mum and social worker Alex Hoskyn was feeling blue as she sat in a café with her four-month-old son.

It had been ‘one of those days’!

As she looked around the café, she was struck by what she was seeing around her.

She could tell that she wasn’t the only person feeling lonely that day, and she thought how incredible it would be to be able somehow to bring people together for a friendly chat. And how that might brighten up their day.

She realised how isolating it can be to go a full day without much human interaction.

That’s where the idea came from for the Chatty Café scheme, and now the UK has over 1500 Chatty Café venues signed up to the Scheme to have Chatty Tables for customers to sit who are happy to chat to other customers.

Now the idea is happening across Melbourne, and in regional Victoria too.

Maureen, Show, and Glenys Reid.

Each week, community members meet at the Hampton Community Centre for a chat and a coffee.

a Chat’ table all day, every day, whereas other venues run sessions at particular days and times.

It’s become a lovely thing to look forward to.

After 2020 and Covid-19, it’s a concept that seems more important than ever.

Managing director of the Chatty Café Scheme Australia, Glenys Reid, explained more.

“The concept of chatty café is to build social connections and to assist in reducing social isolation and loneliness,” she said.

Venues, such as cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs, community centres, aged-care residences and others sign up for $20 a year, and for this they’re provided promotional material to set up a ‘Have a Chat’ table and social media exposure.

Initially, if they choose, the venue can have access to a Chatty Volunteer to introduce the concept and facilitate the chat, so that anyone in the community can be involved.

Some cafes have a designated ‘Have 4 WINTER 2021

“If there’s a silver lining, it’s that now most people have experienced some form of social isolation,” Ms Reid explained.

“And as a result of that, potentially people are a bit more compassionate for the percentage of people out in the community of all demographics, of all ages, who are socially isolated.

“The research shows one in four people a week feel quite isolated.”

She said loneliness is a national dilemma, but something this simple concept of bringing people together for a friendly respectful chat, can be hugely powerful.

“The venues, once they see how it’s working, get quite excited about what they are doing and being recognised

Kate Knight from the Hampton Community Centre, Mel Tighe from the Hampton Community Centre and Glenys.

Picture: Rob Carew

as having a a community focus for their customers,” Ms Reid said.

“Our broad mission is that people start to talk about Chatty Cafés and go into a venue and expect that a venue would have some sort of Chatty table option.”

To find out more visit https:// chattycafeaustralia.org.au/ where venues can sign up to the scheme, volunteers can submit an EOI or customers can find a venue nearby with a Chatty Table. www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Gretel’s best is yet to come

By Danielle Galvin LOOKING back at an incredibly diverse career, Gretel Killeen is confident the best is yet to come.

She’s known for her books, her TV career, and for her no nonsense approach and comedic flair.

She truly is in a league of her own.

Here, she answers questions on her new book, My Daughter’s Wedding.

I’ve heard you say you’ve been obsessed with the relationship or the love between mothers and daughters - how intense, complex, fraught it is that’s so true! Particularly around weddings and big events. I also really appreciate a book or a show that’s focussed on the relationship between women. It’s more common these days but the relationship between the significant women in our life can often be the most important. Have you had this idea for a long time?

Yes, for as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the power of women, their intellectual and emotional strength and their extraordinary capacity to love. I’m intrigued by every facet of the mother daughter relationship as these pillars of strength both collide and support. But, please note, this novel is also a comedy.

Tell me about the central characters in the story and how they intersect (without giving too much away, of course!)

My Daughter’s Wedding is about mother-daughter love over three generations, but it’s also about the hilarious, safe and sometimes ridiculous

support we receive from our friends, and our connection to our extended family.

The lead characters are the mother (Nora living with mother guilt and anger), her daughters (Hope and Joy, one has a massive unexplained chip on her shoulder, the other is far too kind) and the grandmother ( Daphne, who’s living with increasing dementia.) The close friends are Soula (an amateur bikini-line waxer) and Thilma (whom they found in a cab in the 1980’s).

I believe you’ve said My Daughter’s Wedding doesn’t draw on your own personal life events particularly, is that right?

My Daughter’s Wedding only draws on my personal life in that I am both a mother and a daughter. I’ve found in writing this novel that the frustrating, beautiful and complicated bond that exists between mothers and daughters seems to be universal, so I added my imagination to the theory and focused on the broader picture.

Are there more stories/novels in the pipeline?

Yes, I’ve written many books in my life.

The novel I’m currently writing is about - well, the meaning of life.

I remember reading My Life is a Toilet when I was young (and loved it) - you really have had an incredibly diverse career. And of course some will know you for your work as an author, your time on Big Brother. Is there anything you’re most proud of, or a piece of work you look back on, as your best?

Thank you. I’m proud of a great deal of the work I’ve done, but I think my best is yet to come.

Gretel has a new book out exploring complex relationships between women.

For mothers of young girls - what do we have to look forward to? I’m often told the teenage years don’t compare to the toddler years. Which I find interesting!

Ah, you have some very interesting years ahead of you. In my observation ‘the toddler years’ are largely about a little person who is frustrated by their lack of independence, learning to express themselves as they discover boundaries. The teenage years can be that very same issue- but the teenager now has words, adult energy and power, and that can be mind-blowingly overwhelming. For the benefit of all of us our children need to develop their independence, but the process can be really painful ( especially for the mothers.) ps. Good luck and have faith, all will be fabulous in the end.

Cooking, preppy-style THERE comes a time when every littlie wants to ‘cook something all by themselves’.

It’s almost a rite of passage that parents either welcome as a bonding experience and a chance to teach; or dread, because of the mess, danger or time/effort involved.

So it’s mighty handy to have a recipe at hand that doesn’t need an oven, cooktop or sharp knives, is easily supervised, and is a treat in school lunch box or as a healthy snack.

Here’s such a beast:

• A few drops of vanilla essence • 2 tbsps chocolate chips • Desiccated coconut METHOD: 1. Place broken up biscuits in a large sandwich bag and crush fine.

2. Add muesli, wheat bran, flax seeds, peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Mix well.

3. Knead mixture well into a dough using your hands.

4. Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions and roll out each into a ball

No-bake cookies

5. Flatten each ball between your palms to form a thick disc

INGREDIENTS: • 12 Marie biscuits

6. Roll the prepared cookies evenly in desiccated coconut

• ½ cup muesli

7. Store in an air-tight container

• 2 tbsp wheat bran • 1 tsp powdered flax seeds • ½ cup smooth peanut butter www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

Happy kid, happy parent, happy munching…

Kids love autonomy in the kitchen.

WINTER 2021 5

It’s Your Life

Great snow trip tips for families IF you’re already a snow family you can possibly skip this as you know just how good family time is on the snow and you’ve already booked your winter escape by now! However if the skiing caper is new to your tribe, we asked the team at Mt Buller for tips on how to get your gang sliding on snow with the minimum of fuss.

■ Plan ahead - booking everything in online and well in advance is a must.

Not only will you get the best price, you can bundle everything from resort entry and parking, accommodation, rental equipment, lift passes and lessons into one convenient online purchase. You have the reassurance of the Covid Refund policy and can then relax knowing it’s all locked in!

■ Embrace the mid-week and off peak - if you can, skip the weekends and make the most of quieter days in resort (and cheaper prices). You’ll have more of the mountain to yourself, better access to lesson times and will feel like a local.

■ Give yourselves time - Mt Buller is an easy 3-hour drive from Melbourne and it’s brilliant that it’s possible to make a day trip, but staying the night is so much better - especially with small kids. Give yourself time to unwind and explore more of the village, enjoy the convenience of having a cosy room for quick clothing

changes, warm ups and time to give those ski legs a rest. Part of the fun is seeing the sunset, treating yourself to a family dinner and taking time to soak up the whole experience.

■ Mix it up - of course skiing and snowboarding will be high on the agenda but there is plenty more you’ll want to squeeze onto the list!

Meet the sled dogs for a photo shoot, browse the shops for cosy winter gear

and souvenirs, bounce and climb in the Buller Air Zone, see a movie at Australia’s highest cinema or take a snow shoe tour and explore the village trails.

■ Spring into ... Spring! Many of us think snow is only for winter but Spring is the best time for families with more sunshine, consistently good snow cover, better value and a bustling calendar of fun events like

Pond Skim, Eighties Day and Grand Final festivities. September on the slopes is seriously good fun and might become your favourite time to visit!

Mt Buller makes planning a snow escape easy with lots of information at mtbuller.com.au and even has a handy First Time Visitor Guide (search First Time Mt Buller to download it).

So the only question now is - can you keep up with the kids on skis?!

Buller Kids Stay Free In June and September, up to two kids (under the age of 15) can stay free of charge when accompanied by two sharing adults.

12498638-SN26-21

6 WINTER 2021

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Daughters, dangers and inner signs Girlhood is wonderful, but we need our ‘weapons’ sharp, writes STEVE BIDDULPH. WHEN we first learn that our baby-to-be is a girl, we have a flood of emotions.

Joyful ones and, also sometimes, anxious ones. Because you can’t help but be aware that the world can be a very bad place for our daughters.

For most of my life as a psychologist, I was campaigning about raising boys.

But in the mid 2000s we began to notice something bad happening with the mental health of girls. Some of it was in the way girls’ lives had changed with social media and the huge emphasis on looks and general pressure to grow up too fast. Those were taking an enormous toll, and it started shockingly young.

But some of it was the old evils of a world that had always misused girls and women. Sexual predation, sexism and violence often terrify the parents of daughters as they move beyond our protective sphere.

In my talks on Raising Girls I tell the story of two girls - Kaycee and Genevieve. Kaycee is only 14 when she attends a party of one of her school friends, which has very poor supervision and lots of alcohol. A 17-year-old boy from her school persuades her to have sex with him in an upstairs bedroom. She then discovers that he has done it for a bet with his friends, and is crushed and

humiliated. She tells no-one for many years.

Genevieve is more fortunate. She meets a boy at 16, and for many months has the beautiful time we all would want for our kids, knowing how special young love can be. But he begins to want to have sex, and she is wildly confused. Luckily she is close to her mum, which Kaycee was not. And so she tells her mum all about it. Her mum listens for a long time as she pours out her feelings. Then she does something rather wise and amazing.

She says “sometimes our body knows what is right for us, even when our brain is mixed up. Our body sends us signals”. Instantly Genevieve can relate to this - “You’re right - I love being with him, but when he comes on too strong, I feel squashed and uncomfortable. I don’t want to rush into having sex”.

When I tell this story to an audience, the women in the room visibly nod their heads. They know what I mean - our bodies do know what is right for us.

Whether that is a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’.

life, and the migraines ended and have never come back. Somewhere inside her ‘knew’.

In a new book I have just finished writing, called Fully Human, I go deeper into this idea, from the latest neuroscience, that we have physical signals - a kind of ‘supersense’ even further down than our emotions, which knows when we are safe or in danger. It is our deepest self, below all the conditioning which girls receive to be polite and agreeable and think of other people’s feelings first. It says ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to everything around us. One friend of mine in her 40s had suffered from a migraine every week since she married, and then one day discovered that her husband had been having an affair all those years. She booted him out of her

Our body knows what is right for us.

We have to change the way boys and men treat girls and women but, in the world as it is now, hearing inner signals is a powerful weapon that you can encourage your daughter to sharpen.

And you can do it at any age.

Neuroscience shows we all have this ‘intuition’ but mostly don’t listen to it.

Steve Biddulph’s new book is Fully Human - a new way of using your mind, published by Pan Macmillan. www.stevebiddulph.com Steve Biddulph AM Author - 10 Things Girls Need Most, Raising Girls, Raising Boys.

Complete Secrets of Happy Children, The New Manhood and Fully Human

How to make a fairy garden

By Carole Levy

bedroom or on the kitchen window ledge.

MANY kids discovered the fun of growing things during lockdowns, with families kicking off veggie patches or doing fresh plantings to spruce up their yards.

FAIRY GARDEN IN A POT 1. Lay down newspaper or tarp to create a potting area.

Getting outside and putting hands in soil is always a joyful experience but not so much during winter.

When it’s cold and rainy outside, kids can still get into gardening indoors. It can be simple and rewarding and maintains their connection to growing and nature.

Here’s one idea that not only will the kids enjoy but it will look great in their www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

2. Three-quarters fill a wide bowlshaped pot with potting soil 3. Get cuttings of different types of succulents - just snap a piece off an existing plant and it’s ready to just pop into the soil.

Getting the succulent collection is part of the project - browse through gardens of family and friends to snaffle different types. Three to four varieties will be plenty for effect.

4. Collect pebbles in different sizes and shapes to ‘decorate’ on top of soil.

This is another part of the project that will keep the kids engaged.

5. They can also ‘paint’ some pebbles with craft glue, then sprinkle with glitter for a bit of drama.

6. Get some tiny fairy figurines - from $2 shops - and any other ornament the kids like, then arrange the garden.

7. Lightly water - succulents don’t need a lot, and are very hardy so not likely to disappoint by keeling over too soon.

8. Job done! Kids proud. Mum or dad supervises the clean-up - the only downside.

When it’s cold and rainy outside, kids can still get into gardening indoors.

WINTER 2021 7

It’s Your Life

The cleaning experts

Screen time can help families

PRAM Spa is Melbourne’s pram, car seat and baby gear cleaning specialists using only eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products to help extend the life of your items and maintain them.

Julia Ouretski is the brains behind Pram Spa and came up with the idea while pregnant with her second child when she bought a pre-loved pram.

WOULDN’T it be nice to harness your child’s enthusiasm for the television or iPad into something more productive and positive?

“In general, I like everything to be perfectly clean, the stroller was in great condition, but I still wanted to clean it professionally.

Well, experts say parents can use this to make their family stronger.

“I was looking for a place to do it, I couldn’t find it anywhere.”

“Families often struggle with the balance between healthy screen time and family time together,” Associate Professor Julie Green said.

She couldn’t find a service that used only non-toxic, safe and eco-friendly products to clean baby items.

Prof Green, executive director of the Australian Government-funded parenting website raisingchildren.net. au, said screens don’t have to divide parents and children.

“They can be used as a force for good too. Sharing screen time with your child is a social thing to do,” she said.

“It shows you care about things that matter to them - and this sends them an extremely powerful message.” raisingchildren.net.au has developed a comprehensive suite of new resources for parents looking for screen time tips and tools.

The resources are based on evidence, approved by experts and cover topics ranging from getting the balance right

WIN A Pram Spa Clean!

Screen time can actually help families become stronger.

Julia saw a huge gap in the market for these services.

on screens, to using screens to help children learn.

The business rapidly took off, quickly gaining a reputation among Australian parents.

“Enjoying time together is one of the key ingredients for family cohesion,” Prof Green said.

Julia describes the business as her “baby” and customer service and satisfaction is their top priority.

“Watching videos and playing digital games with younger children and teenagers is just as valid for building relationships as doing other activities if that’s what everyone enjoys.

The cleaning process is incredibly thorough.

“As with any activity, though, it’s important to find a balance - and parents can help their children do this by encouraging them to get outside and enjoy physical activity and face-to-face time with friends and family. It’s also good to remember that screens aren’t recommended for children under two.’”

“Let’s face it, when it comes to our little ones, cleanliness is a must.

However, as we know it doesn’t take long before everything gets messy, dirty and needs a thorough steam clean,” Julia said.

They use eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.

Car seats, capsules, prams, strollers and other baby items can all be cleaned by the team.

They meticulously clean down to the last detail of every item.

Importantly, all of the cleaning methods and processes are created in consultation with relevant manufacturers to protect the integrity of your items.

“Now we are a rapidly growing professional pram and baby gear cleaning business dedicated to providing the best, the safest and the most convenient professional cleaning and sanitizing services for your baby gear.

“The business now serves thousands of happy customers across Melbourne and Sydney.”

“The health and well-being of our kids are a high priority, as such it’s crucial to get your pram or baby seat professionally cleaned.”

To find out more about pricing and packages available, visit https:// www.pramspa.com.au/ or call 0424 624 516

Pram Spa is your Greener Cleaner NON-TOXIC & ECO-FRIENDLY PRAM CLEANING

Don’t throw it away, Pram Spa it!

Melbourne’s leading cleaner of prams, strollers and child restraint seats.

Pram Spa helps busy parents keeping their baby gear free of germs and looking sparkling clean again!

We professionally and safely clean your items using non-toxic, baby-safe, Eco-friendly cleaning products. +61 4 2462 4516

info@pramspa.com.au

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8 WINTER 2021

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Letters to mum HE’S unconventional, disarmingly genuine and charming.

Samuel Johnson, who created Love Your Sister, a “million strong village” of Australians committed to vanquishing cancer, has brought together 90 celebrities and well-known Australians for ‘Dear Mum’.

He invited them to write a letter to their mums and it’s emotional, funny, brilliant.

Samuel answered some questions with Danielle Galvin at the end of his promotional tour for the book, which raises funds for cancer research.

Firstly congratulations on the new book.

I really love the idea of asking people what they’d tell their mums. Everyone’s relationship with their mums is so unique/complicated isn’t it? Is this a call to action that we all need to go and have a chat to our mums if we still can?

We know that we love people. We

throw around “I love you“ without a second thought. But how often do we take the time to really explore why we love someone? Exactly why. Or precisely how? Writing a letter, honestly and from the heart, inevitably opens a can of worms. You discover feelings you didn’t know you had. Stuff that’s been bottled up for years. You gain appreciation and insight. And the recipient is invariably left richer, and the letter invariably has a great impact. We like to be valued or the right reasons, especially by those closest to us. It’s been a truly cathartic experience for each and every contributor. Even if your mum is lost, like mine, and will never read the letter, it still helps to express it all. I’m immensely touched that many of our readers have given this book to their mums with their own letter inserted. The proverbial bus might hit us tomorrow. I’d rather die knowing my loved ones knew exactly how I felt

about them. And letters just mean more.

It’s like having a poem or a song written about you.

Recently you visited the Mornington Peninsula, and I saw a good friend’s mum got a photo with you! I went on to the LYS Facebook page and there were dozens of other people who you happily posed for photos with, and you look genuinely happy to meet people and hear their stories. Has this been a part of the Love Your Sister journey you love?

I’ve visited over 1200 towns during my tenure as Head of Cancer Vanquishment at ’Love Your Sister’ and it’s my face time with other families that fuels my work and provides a sense of belonging that I never felt in showbiz.

People think it must weigh heavy, given the horrific effects of cancer on families, but sharing our stories is never a tax, always an honour and energises me in ways that are hard to explain.

Is there a story/letter in the book that will particularly surprise/touch readers do you think?

Guy Pearce’s letter to his mum, lost to dementia for 22 years now, is the letter that will never leave me. They all leave their mark, but Guy’s letter is indelibly etched into my soul. That letter isn’t going anywhere.

I’ve heard you describe the book as a wonderful montage for all kinds of mums. Even though we know mums can be flawed, complicated. I thought was so beautifully said. I can imagine collating the book was incredibly difficult at times too - such an emotionally charged topic?

Thankfully, our contributors respected my request for complete honesty, which, delightfully, means this collection of letters is an intricate of real mums, as opposed to some Hallmark tribute to the idea of mums. It’s what I’m most proud of about this book. It’s a true tribute.

Booxies founder Rahaf Sabbagh.

Want to send someone a hug?

Indulgent presents

Whether you want to send someone a hug, wish a friend a happy birthday, or give Dad something special this Father’s Day.

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choosing our book collections and all the matching products.

People can build their own booxie from the comfort of their couch and have it sent anywhere in Australia so quickly.

“We are proud to source everything locally and to be able to support small and medium businesses in the process and build a strong community.

“We are also proud for being eco-friendly. All our packaging is made of sustainable materials.

“Everything you see is very carefully selected and personally tested (this part is always fun!) before we recommend it to our Booxies friends.

“Whether you are a bookworm or someone who is looking to reconnect with books, Booxies has got something for you.”

On the Booxies Facebook and Instagram pages @booxies.au, there’s also helpful ideas and recommendations for new books for you to indulge in.

To find out more, visit https://www. booxies.com/

Booxies is carefully selected books paired with Australia’s finest products to enhance your reading experience. Choose one of our pre-selected Booxies or build your own and make that special person smile.

12498578-CG26-21

MELBOURNE-BASED company, Booxies, combines books and gift boxes in one to create a perfectly indulgent present for someone you care about or as a treat to yourself.

Booxies are beautiful boxes made up of carefully selected books paired with Australia’s finest products.

In the Booxies selection, you can choose from a range of different gift hamper boxes.

Some include some handmade chocolate and coffee beans, while other Booxies have a premium bottle of wine sourced from a local winery.

There’s a range of books available for you to choose from too, with new books added frequently.

Founder Rahaf Sabbagh explains the concept.

“We love books and love spreading joy through gifting and decided to put the two together to create Booxies.

Someone told me it felt like receiving a warm hug from a faraway friend when it was much needed. And I love that.

“We put a lot of love and efforts in

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@booxies.au WINTER 2021 9

It’s Your Life

YOU might not know Glen Eira Leisure has a childcare centre for parents and carers while they use the centre.

The childcare centre is open for two sessions from Monday to Friday, enabling use of the centre while the kids have a great time with the wonderful carers.

It’s the perfect solution so parents can use the gym, swim or take part in a class.

The programs are developed by qualified early childhood educators with great opportunities that enhance children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

GESAC has it all for families

For children from six-weeks to six-years of age, this is the perfect way to have a moment to yourself and exercise knowing your child is having a great time right in the same building.

There is a beautiful outdoor play area, as well as endless indoor activities.

There are cots for the little ones to have their sleeps and age appropriate toys and games for all.

Mum Inne loves the childcare service.

“I drop my youngest daughter at the childcare while my older daughter and I go to her swimming lesson,” she said.

“It is so convenient, and I have peace of mind that she is being looked after.

“After the lesson my older daughter joins in for the second session and I go to my group fitness class up at the gym.

“My kids love going to the ‘play room’.”

Sessions are available Monday to Friday: ■ Session 1: 9.15am to 10.25am ■ Session 2: 10.30am to 11.50am Fees are: ■ Casual pass: $11.83 (per child) ■ Casual pass member: $7.65 (per child) For more information, visit https:// www.geleisure.com.au/about-us/ child-care

Futsal Academy fun for kids GESAC is also running a Junior Futsal Academy.

Over the course of each school term, players will build their individual and team futsal skills in a fun and social environment.

Catering for aged 7-15 years and working with our highly-skilled

coaching team, the Junior Futsal Academy is the perfect after-school program for players wanting to learn a new sport or build on existing futsal skills.

Sessions run every Monday afternoon at 4:15pm-5:15pm and 5:15pm-6:15pm at Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre.

CHILDCARE AT GESAC

The cost is $17.00 per session, and players can join at any point in the term.

If you’re interested in joining or would like further information, please get in contact with the GESAC team on 9575 7134 or stadium@geleisure.com. au.

Come and join in the fun at GESAC’s Junior Futsal Academy.

JUNIOR FUTSAL ACADEMY

Occasional Care for children aged 6 months to 6 years.

An excellent indoor and outdoor space for children to enjoy whilst their parents or carers use the gym and pool facilities at GESAC.

If you have a child who is interested in Soccer or Futsal, the GESAC Futsal Academy is the perfect way to help develop their skills in a fun and social environment.

Qualified and experienced staff with caring supervision.

Open for two sessions Monday - Friday Session 1: 9.15am to 10.25am Session 2: 10.30am to 11.50am

Ages: 7 - 15 years Monday afternoons at GESAC $17 per session

Casual pass member: $7.65 (per child) GEL members Casual pass: $11.83 (per child) non GEL members

For more information call: 9575 7134 or email stadium@geleisure.com.au

BENTLEIGH • BENTLEIGH EAST • BRIGHTON EAST • CARNEGIE • CAULFIELD • ELSTERNWICK • GARDENVALE • GLEN HUNTLY • MCKINNON • MURRUMBEENA • ORMOND • ST KILDA EAST

10 WINTER 2021

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For more information: geleisure.com.au/about-us/child-care

www.geleisure.com.au • 200 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East 12498555-NG26-21

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

Health

Shining a light on endometriosis IN recent years, endometriosis has been making headlines.

But experts say there’s still a long way to go to getting women diagnosed quicker, and getting the funding, research and attention it deserves as a debilitating condition.

Endometriosis a relatively common disease in which the tissue similar to that of the lining of the womb grows outside it.

While it affects around 11 per cent of Australian women, often starting in the teenage years, there’s still a long way to go to break down the stigma.

The pain, often dismissed as ‘bad period pain’ can be incredibly debilitating for sufferers.

CEO, co-founder and director of Endometriosis Australia, Donna Ciccia, said the organisation was founded in 2013 in the hopes of raising awareness about endometriosis and to normalise the conversation.

“It’s because of ambassadors such as Emma Watson the Yellow Wiggle and

Olympian Emily Seebohm and many more, that we have been able to gain attention and increase awareness about endometriosis with patients and the general public,” she said.

“Even though awareness has increased I don’t think the understanding of the gravity of living with endometriosis has reached everyone.”

Shockingly, there are often long delays in getting diagnosed, sometimes between 7-10 years.

According to the organisation, symptoms vary hugely from pelvic pain, fatigue, pain around ovulation or during your period, pain with bowel movements, pain during or after sex, heavy or irregular bleeding, pain when you urinate and having trouble holding on when your bladder is full.

In older children, damage or injury can occur as a result of sports, falling from a bike, or even on the playground.

But as Dendy Village Dental dentist Dr Rachel Freudmann explains, dental trauma can mean lifelong maintenance, which can impact confidence and cause dental anxiety.

This in term can cause the patient some general anxiety as well as altering appearance.

Wearing a mouthguard, particularly

“Endometriosis impacts on every facet of your life and for a very long time.”

Unfortunately there’s still some misunderstandings about endometriosis, particularly for teenagers and younger women getting the help they need.

“It is still common for stigma to be attached to periods and period pain, our latest free webinar on adolescents explains that is not uncommon to have period pain as a teenager but it should ease as you age,” she said.

“It is not common to have severe incapacitating pain and we do know teenagers are not too young to have endometriosis.

Ms Ciccia said sometimes women aren’t believed or are dismissed when they seek medical help.

“I think the stigma surrounding periods stops many, not only teenagers from seeking help.

“There are many factors contributing in the delay in diagnosis, normalisation of symptoms by patients just thinking periods are meant to be painful,” Ms Ciccia said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, it’s time to seek help.

“Endometriosis is a multifactorial

Protecting your child’s teeth IN children, dental trauma can occur in a number of ways such as on trampolines, scooters, or even falling off a chair or high-chair.

disease and it can affect many areas of your life from basic bodily functions like urination and defecation and intercourse to mental health and wellbeing.

for contact sports, is an essential way to protect your child’s teeth.

Dr Freudmann suggests well-fitting, comfortable mouthguards, and says they need to cover all of the upper teeth, extending into the gingival sulcus to provide protection to roots too, and they need to be the correct thickness.

“A dentist fitted mouthguard is second to none - it’s the only way to confidently protect teeth,” Dr Freudmann said.

“Some chemist mouth guards are better than nothing. However, they are in no way comparable to dentist custom fitted mouthguards.”

“If pain or painful periods puts your life on hold please seek help,” Ms Ciccia said.

She said a lack of education in GPs could also add on a couple of years to a woman getting diagnosed.

“There is now a national action plan which outlines a road map to overcome these diagnostic obstacles.

“The annual cost of endometriosis in Australia is $7.4 billion.”

As part of Endometriosis Awareness month back in March, buildings around Australia were lit up in yellow as part of an awareness campaign.

“If you are one of the one in nine women around Australia impacted, don’t accept living in pain is a normal thing, seek help.

“And the rest of us must be good allies for those who live with endo.”

“It’s 100 per cent necessary for many sports when competition begins.”

When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth, Dr Freudmann explained it’s important to brush twice a day, floss daily, drink water only, reduce the frequency of food attacks, follow a low sugar and low acid diet and show your child the correct way to brush.

This combined with regular visits for dental checks will help to ensure teeth remain healthy.

Dr Freudmann also recommends making brushing fun with books, singing, a special toothbrush and sticker charts. Introduce your child to a dentist early to help ease future anxiety.

Dendy Village Dental is located at 754

Hampton St, Brighton. Call 9592 0583 or visit https://www. dendyvillagedental.com.au/

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Dendy Village Dental consists of a highly qualified and experienced team of dentists and dental nurses. We deliver personalised dental care in a professional and compassionate manner to each and every one of our patients. www.dendyvillagedental.com.au

Dr Rachel Freudmann wants to educate parents on the importance of mouthguards.

Picture: Rob Carew

• Teeth whitening • Crowns & implants • Fillings & restorations • Exams & hygiene cleaning • Digital X rays and more

Your Family Friendly Dentist Serving Bayside Brighton Melbourne for over 45 years

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In March, Tasmanian MP Michelle O’Byrne told parliament the normalisation of period pain means women often won’t seek help for 2-3 years.

She recommends as soon as a child is comfortable and there is risk of contact they should wear one in a sports setting.

• All health funds accepted • Preferred provider of HCF, CBHS & NIB • Nervous patients welcome • Multilingual dentists • Dental emergencies • Orthodontics

754 Hampton St Brighton VIC 3184

“There is a wonderful new tool on our website by RANZCOG called RATE and this screening tool may help explain to your GP what is happening for you and help plan a treatment plan going forward.”

12489134-JW22-21

By Danielle Galvin

your sports mouthguard during your dental check-up and clean appointment.*

Call us: 03 9592 0583

*This discount is off the regular price of a sports mouthguard and does not apply to general dental check-up and clean appointments. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

WINTER 2021 11

Education

Catching up on learning after Covid chaos

By Carole Levy

and 85 per cent noted an increase in confidence.

MANY parents are worrying about their kids falling behind in their school work because of what may have been missed during Covid’s remote learning period.

According to Melbourne’s Cluey Learning, measuring a valuable tutoring experience comes down to more than just exam marks.

A solution that many are turning to is private tutoring, but does the money invested actually help?

Cluey co-founder Michael Allara says that at the end of the day, the learning program is the biggest indicator of tutoring success.

The short answer is yes, tutoring can be very effective in remedying learning shortfalls, as well as extending students beyond what they learn in the classroom.

Tutoring can also build confidence, and gives focus to children who may be distracted in a busy classroom situation.

A study conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation found that students who receive one-to-one tutoring can make five months’ extra progress over a school year, while one Melbourne tutoring company’s internal research showed that 82 per cent of parents saw their child’s grades improve

“The mode - online or in-person, private or group sessions - can enhance or detract from that but it doesn’t determine effectiveness,” he says.

“All of the component parts need to be considered, including the tutor, content program, revision of the methodology, and whether you can see a shift in your child’s attitude towards learning.

“Quality tutoring requires relevant content developed by experts; it necessitates constant feedback from students, tutors and parents; and it demands tutoring in the context of the child.

Many parents are turning to private tutoring after their children missed out on classroom time during the Covid lockdowns last year.

“A tutor should always pursue quality teaching, but they also need to be matched to the needs of your child.

There’s no point in assigning a disciplinarian if your child responds best to a softly-softly approach. Similarly, your playful child might learn best from someone with a more exuberant nature who can turn learning into a game.”

QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN A TUTOR ■ In-depth understanding of their subject area ■ Friendly and supportive nature, with an ability to communicate to someone who is struggling

■ A broad range of experience dealing with a variety of students/learning challenges ■ Offers content that’s relevant and up to date ■ Provides consistent feedback and analysis A tutor’s resources need to be as useful as possible to each student, which means they must be aligned with what a student is actually covering in class.

Group and one-to-one tutoring is available, but busy parents (and children tired after a long day at school) may prefer online tutoring (such as Cluey provides) - with real-time face-toface interaction.

Special offer 20% off forBayside Bayside Glen Glen Eria for Eira Kids: Kids:

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Feedback reports after each session

Visit http://clueylearning.com.au/baysidegleneira

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12 WINTER 2021

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Education

Putting children at the centre of learning CLUEY Learning is all about putting students at the centre of their own learning.

Founded in 2017 and now the largest online tutoring service in Australia, Cluey has almost 10,000 students and 1100 tutors across the country.

Having delivered upwards of 265,000 online tutorials, they have a pretty good idea how to engage students and support their individual learning needs.

As Dr Selina Samuels, Cluey’s Chief

Learning Officer, said, “After many years in education, it is clear to us that working alongside students as their learning partner is the best way to demystify the learning process, and in doing so, build kids’ confidence.”

Cluey delivers personalised tutoring support for students in Years 2-12, in Maths, English and Chemistry. All content is mapped to the Australian National Curriculum and is tailored to the unique learning needs of each student.

Cluey has created an online platform where everything is integrated and available to students and their tutors: a learning program for each student; audio and video so tutors and students can talk to one another in real time; and an interactive whiteboard so that they can work together.

They also record every session for student revision and internal quality assurance, so parents know exactly what happens in every session.

Cluey believes that personalisation is

key to providing the learning support that Australian school students need.

The learning programs are designed and developed by an in-house faculty of teachers and draw on their thorough understanding of the curriculum and how students learn best. Students are matched with expert tutors to suit each learner’s goals and needs.

The tutors work closely with Cluey’s faculty to build on what students are learning in class, and after every session, the tutor completes a detailed progress report with personalised feedback on what each student has learned, how they’ve progressed and what to focus on next.

Some students work best 1-to-1 with their tutor, but others really thrive in a peer-to-peer learning environment.

So, as well as private 1-to-1 programs, Cluey offers small group programs with up to five students working with a tutor.

Their small group classes focus on building collaborative as well as academic skills, on making learning fun and building student confidence.

“We all agree that education is vital,” Dr Samuels said.

“But sometimes the needs of the individual learner get lost, particularly in the complex social environment of the classroom. Personalised tutoring is a great way to nurture and build children’s innate curiosity, so they thrive and actually enjoy learning rather than just going through the motions.

“We have all - or I hope we have all - experienced that wonderful moment when a concept that has seemed so difficult suddenly makes sense.

“Tutoring is all about helping students have those a-ha moments that mean they identify learning with feelings of happiness and confidence. If they find joy in learning, they will continue to be enthusiastic learners for the rest of their lives.”

High quality care at Kool Kidz DISCOVER a caring, high-quality kindergarten and early learning service at Kool Kidz Childcare in Brighton.

help enrich their learning experience at the centre and as it stands the language chosen is likely to be Spanish.

The service is accepting new enquiries and enrolments.

It’s just one of the many unique offerings at Kool Kidz.

The staff have conducted further COVID training in line with Early Childhood settings and are continuing to implement all recommendations as per the government guidelines.

World Environment Day was also marked and celebrated with the children looking at how we impact our environment and how we can make a difference.

Staff are working towards introducing the preschool children to a new language in the curriculum, to

In light of this, the centre is committed to using more natural products and always using recycled

and upcycled materials too.

In an effort to further facilitate inclusivity within the service, Kool Kidz Brighton has reached out to their local state MP who will be personally presenting the service with the 3 national flags; Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Kool Kidz Childcare is located at Level 2, 233-239 Nepean Highway, Gardenvale.

Visit https://www.koolkidzchildcare. com.au/brighton/ for more information or call 9596 6221.

Kool Kidz Childcare Brighton is modern purpose-built high-quality childcare, early learning and kindergarten service.

12494090-DL26-21

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

WINTER 2021 13

Education

Childcare fees set for overhaul

By Melissa Grant FAMILIES with two or more children in childcare are set to save thousands of dollars in fees each year.

Childcare subsidies for second and subsequent children will be increased to as high as 95 per cent and the subsidy cap removed for high income earners as part of a $1.7m spend on childcare included in the federal budget.

The changes aren’t due to begin until July 2022, however Prime Minister Scott Morrison says they could be implemented earlier “if possible”.

The fee overhaul means families with two children aged five and under in childcare four days a week, for example, would save between $41 and $125 each week.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the policy is designed to make childcare more affordable and give parents the choice to work extra hours.

Currently, parents are given the same subsidy for their second child, which means the cost of childcare doubles.

Childcare subsidies are also capped at $10,560 per child, with families earning more than $189,390 having to pay full fees once the subsidy runs out.

Under the new subsidy system,

childcare fees would be subsidised between 80 per cent and 95 per cent for second and subsequent children. The subsidy cap would also be scrapped.

For example, a family earning $110,000 a year will have the subsidy for their second child increase from 72 to 95 per cent, and would be $95 per week better off for four days of childcare.

Education Minister Alan Tudge said the measures would further ease the cost of childcare and encourage workforce participation, particularly for larger families.

“These measures will help remove the barriers for parents, particularly mothers, to return to the workforce or to increase their hours, as their family grows,” he said.

Minister for Women Marise Payne said the investment in the Child Care Subsidy would deliver greater choice for Australian women and men as they balance their family and work responsibilities.

“For women in particular, it opens the door for those choosing to work or to work more, which is critical to their own economic security and a prosperous Australian economy,” she said.

“These changes strengthen our economy and at the same time provide greater choice to parents who want to

Childcare will be cheaper for many families from July 2022.

Benefit for families with two children in childcare for four days Family income

Current out of pocket childcare cost per week

Current subsidy

$40,000

$124.80

$80,000

New 2nd child subsidy

Future out of cost pocket childcare per week

Total better off per week

85%

95%

$83.20

$41.60

$149.18

82%

95%

$95.39

$53.79

$110,000

$232.38

72%

95%

$136.99

$95.39

$140,000

$315.58

62%

92%

$190.78

$124.80

$180,000

$416.00

50%

80%

$291.20

$124.80

work an extra day or two a week.”

However, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says the federal government has “missed an opportunity” to reform childcare and boost women’s workforce participation.

Mr Albanese said “Labor’s cheaper childcare plan” lifts the subsidy and “smooths” the taper rate across the board, regardless of how many children a family has and how old they are.

He also claimed Labor’s childcare plan would assist 1 million families instead of 250,000.

“The many Australian families

struggling under the cost of out of school hours and vacation care will not benefit at all from the Morrison government’s lift in subsidy,” he said .

“Families desperately need immediate relief from soaring childcare costs, yet these changes are not even set to come in for over a year.”

Mr Morrison said the changes required to the current system were quite complex, while giving some hope fee relief could come sooner.

“If it’s possible to do these things earlier then we will certainly look at that,” he told Sunrise.

Website to help find your local school THE government’s Findmyschool website has been updated to provide parents with the latest information to find the school zone they live in.

The website allows families to find their closest, and other nearby, government schools, giving clarity on what their options are.

Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name. Findmyschool will show the zone for the current enrolment year and the 2022 enrolment year.

Every child has the right to enrol at their designated neighbourhood government school or, if there is capacity, at another government school of their choice.

updated website includes school zones for the 14 new schools and campuses opening in 2022.

“We will deliver 100 new government schools by 2026 and when a new school opens, the zones around nearby schools have to change to accommodate it,” Mr Merlino said.

“The website takes the guesswork out of identifying their closest government school, giving families the clarity they need when deciding which school to enrol their child in.”

When the site was launched in 2019, it was the first time school zones were easily accessible in one place.

In the past five years, the government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1600 school upgrades - creating more than 10,000 construction jobs - and is now ahead of schedule on its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022.

Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino said the

Families can look up their school zone online at: findmyschool.vic.gov.au

No student currently enrolled in a school will be required to change schools.

14 WINTER 2021

Families can now look up their school zone online.

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

Education

Inspiring girls to choose STEM GIRLS are less likely than boys to pursue a career using science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

That’s why a nationwide campaign has been launched to inspire more female students to choose STEM subjects and open their eyes to careers that use these skills.

Even in primary school, girls are less interested in STEM subjects, with gender stereotypes having a major impact.

Studies, for instance, have shown that most children perceive science as a male profession. When asked to draw a scientist, children draw nearly twice as many male scientists than female ones.

Furthermore, girls are perceived as not naturally suited to STEM subjects boys are seen as better at numeracy, while girls are seen as better at humanities.

It’s concerning given that STEM is a big part of many new jobs and jobs of the future.

Hallie Owers and Zara Plummer explore the Future You website, which is part of a campaign to smash gender stereotypes around STEM.

To tackle the issue, the federal government has launched Future You, an initiative that aims to smash gender stereotypes around STEM.

cent of girls aged 8-12 said they were ‘very interested’ in STEM but after seeing the Future You online platform, that increased to 68 per cent.

Since launching in October, more than 2.3 million young Australians and their parents and carers have explored Future You, an online platform aimed at children aged 8 to 12.

Boys have also benefited, with strong interest in STEM increasing from 43 per cent to 60 per cent after interacting with the career videos, games and quizzes.

The platform features 12 diverse and relatable characters, including a builder, miner, game designer, farmer, nurse, ecologist and a Moon to Mars Mission Director. It also includes video animations, skill-based games and information about STEM. Children’s perceptions of STEM jobs as being for women, or women and men equally, improved after engaging with the platform.

Before the campaign, only 20 per

The Future You Initiative is led by Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith.

She says the statistics are “extremely encouraging” given that two years ago, 27 per cent of Year 11 and 12 girls considered STEM-related subjects compared to 48 per cent of boys. Prof Harvey-Smith said STEM skills would be needed in areas where there would be massive skills shortages, including digital, cyber security, green energy, manufacturing and the space industry.

Introducing your School

TO INTRODUCE YOUR SCHOOL & PRINCIPAL HERE

clare.vane-tempest@starnewsgroup.com.au www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

St Peter’s is a vibrant primary school with 600 children, a dedicated staff and an active and supportive community.

It is my privilege to be a member of this community where students, families and staff are committed to our vision of being a Catholic community where our love of God, self and others is central to our learning and all that we do. We are inclusive and committed to developing the full potential of each child in our care. We have a safe and nurturing learning environment focusing on the dignity of every person with an aim of developing lifelong learners that have a love of learning.

I am proud to be the principal and to be responsible for ensuring the teaching and learning within our school gives our children the best opportunity possible to become successful learners and confident and informed citizens.

This is possible because I am supported by outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff and families who are dedicated to making school a positive learning experience for all our students. With 25 years of experience as a principal in four different schools I still begin each day excited to be part of such a vibrant and passionate learning community.

I would welcome the opportunity to walk with you on a tour of our school answering any questions you may have.

Children as young as six years old, she says, are influenced by gender stereotypes which can impact their interest in STEM. By the age of 10-14 years, the STEM gap between girls and boys widens.

“We know the 8-12 year age group is critical to longer term interest in STEM careers,” Prof Harvey-Smith said.

“The Future You platform was designed to engage these children and excite them with the many career options that require STEM skills and more importantly, to show that these jobs are for everyone.” https://www.womeninstem.org.au/ futureyou/

Principal

Michael Portaro Elsternwick Primary School (EPS) is located in the suburb of Brighton, 10 kms Melbourne’s CBD and caters to a diversity of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Our 498 students run and play in open spaces, surrounded by beautiful gum trees and learn in environments, created to ensure they develop a positive sense of wellbeing, school pride and academic success.

We aim to provide every child with the best possible academic, social, emotional and physical education by adopting a wide variety of innovative teaching practices. Our talented staff are committed to delivering high-quality learning and teaching practices, empowering independence, excellence, innovation and engagement with the world in all our students.

We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities from sports and performing arts to Mandarin lessons, student leadership roles and academic extension courses.

These strong academic programs, our dedicated staff and supportive and involved parents/carers offer every child at EPS the best opportunity for success.

Our school has a friendly and inclusive culture where positive reinforcement and recognition of appropriate behaviour underpins our school values of ‘Respect, Responsibility, Personal Excellence and Curiosity’.

12497691-AV26-21

12499802-JW26-21

Please contact Clare Vane-Tempest on 0404 288 948 or

Michael Hanney

Prof Harvey-Smith says there is a real need to smash gender stereotypes around STEM.

Effective policies and programs also provide clear expectations of standards of behaviour in a supportive and nurturing learning environment. The Respectful Relationships initiative is embedded across the school to promote and model respect and equality and support children in building healthy relationships, resilience and confidence. I look forward to welcoming your child to EPS.

St Peter’s Primary School

Elsternwick Primary School

842 Centre Road, Bentleigh East VIC 3165 03 9575 0909 www.spbentleigheast.catholic.edu.au

44 Murphy Street Brighton VIC 3187 03 8534 6100 Elsternwickps.vic.edu.au

12494346-JW26-21

By Melissa Grant

WINTER 2021 15

Active Kids

Paint your own pottery Kids icons unite

Pottery workshop, retail and Nancy Cafe ROBERT Gordon Pottery offers pottery painting workshops for all ages.

SESAME Street and The Wiggles have joined forces to deliver two new music videos that are sure to get the kids dancing.

You don’t need to be an artist - all you need to do is pick a pot and get painting!

In May, the two children’s favourites released the video ‘ABCs of Moving You’. The video, which debuted on YouTube, features an updated version of the Sesame Street song (originally sung with Usher).

Anyone can get creative at Robert Gordon.

If you’ve never painted pottery before, you needn’t worry.

Friendly staff are on-hand to show you how.

In the video, Cookie Monster, Elmo and Abby Cadabby and their friends The Wiggles dance and sing through the letters of the alphabet.

Once fired, you’ll be able to take home a unique piece of pottery that’s microwave, oven and dishwasher safe.

All you have to do is:

As part of the release, young fans also got to enjoy a playlist of favourite songs from Sesame Street and The Wiggles, featuring 20 tracks.

■ Choose your pot. Mugs, plates, bowls and many other shapes available.

There are even piggy banks!

■ Paint. Glazes, brushes and aprons are all provided.

■ Finished pieces are ready for collection in 14 days. Postage can be arranged upon request.

Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road Pakenham and is open 7 days 9am-5pm. Online bookings for the

In June, Sesame Street and The Wiggles are releasing video number two.

Kids can get creative at Robert Gordon.

Paint Your Own Pottery and workshops are essential. Phone 03 5941 3302. www.robertgordonaustralia.com

This video is a reimagining of The Wiggles famous song ‘Fruit Salad’. It stars The Wiggles - Anthony Field, Lachlan Gillespie, Simon Pryce,

Emma Watkins - and Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster, Abby and Elmo.

The music video is a lot of fun with fruit being dropped and passed between screens, adding playful and colourful elements.

The two music video collaboration is commemoration of a combined 80 years of children’s entertainment excellence.

Both brands recently celebrated major milestones, with Sesame Street marking its historic 50th season last year and The Wiggles kicking off their 2021 celebration of 30 years of children’s entertainment.

“What better way to celebrate the 30th year of The Wiggles, and 50 years of Sesame Street in Australia, than with a brand new music video?” said Jenny Gioia, VP of Multimedia Programming, Sesame Workshop.

The videos can be viewed on Sesame Street’s YouTube channel.

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY

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Come and paint a pot at Australia’s favourite pottery.

114 MULCAHY ROAD PAKENHAM VIC 3181 CONTACT 03 5941 3302 ROBERTGORDONAUSTRALIA.COM 16 WINTER 2021

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

Entertainment

Have a whale of a time on Phillip Island Whales arrive in Phillip Island waters during winter.

WHAT’S so special about being on Phillip Island during winter? Witnessing the arrival of Humpback and Southern Right whales into the coastal waters.

During the festival, choose from various activities and events, including talks, workshops, whale spotting, whale cruises, comedy dinners and more!

Pack up the family and explore the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail, featuring some of the finest vantage points in the region.

Grab some warm clothing and a pair of binoculars, head out to one of the fantastic lookouts and trails from Phillip Island to Inverloch, and marvel at the area’s stunning landscapes along the way.

Those wanting to get closer to the marine giants can join one of the Wildlife Coast Cruises whale and dolphin boat tours that circumnavigate the island in search of whales.

Stay up to date with the latest announcements, including program and booking information at islandwhales.com.au Follow the action on Facebook and Instagram at @islandwhales.

Join one of the Wildlife Coast Cruises whale and dolphin boat tours.

The Cape Woolamai Beach Lookout offers a good vantage point.

Join in the local celebrations of the arrival of these majestic creatures with a range of special events from 11 June and the Island Whale Festival weekend 2-4 July.

Local community and visitors alike

have the opportunity to engage with a range of activities that will not only entertain but also allow you to appreciate the wildlife and natural habitats of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region.

Book your winter whale escape and explore more things to see and do at visitphillipisland.com.au Remember to look after the coastal environment by watching out for wildlife on the roads and by keeping to the designated tracks.

Party Time

Born to party Xavier Diaz Entertainment IF you’re after a great kids entertainer who will captivate your guests and leave them in stitches, then look no further than Xavier Diaz.

Xavier will bring the magic to your child’s party with his hilarious characters, fun songs, captivating stories and games.

He’s also a master of balloon animals and making magic that entertains.

With experience from thousands of www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

shows, he knows how to make kids smile, giggle, chuckle and explode in fits of belly laughter.

SHOWS INCLUDE

* COMEDY * GAMES * MAGIC * SINGING * DANCING * STORYTELLING * BALLOON * SCULPTING

Best of all, he involves the birthday child in a special way to ensure they feel and know the party is for them.

Professional and dependable, Xavier can provide a current working with children’s check.

For more information, visit http:// xavierdiaz.com.au/kids-parties For bookings, call 0438 003 885 or email hello@xavierdiaz.com.au

Xavier Diaz Entertainment 0438 003 885 hello@xavierdiaz.com.au xavierdiaz.com.au/kids-parties

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WINTER 2021 17

ACTIVITIES

Winter parks worth exploring WE love a new or updated park to explore!

At this time of year, it can be uninspiring to head outside in the cold.

If you’re in need of some inspo, we headed out to take some snaps at some local parks and playgrounds that might not be on your radar!

1. The Village Green Playground, Wilson Reserve - Brighton 2. Highett Reserve - Highett 3. Tjilatjirrin Reserve Playground Sandringham 4. Hodgson Reserve Playground Bentleigh

Highett Reserve - Highett.

The Village Green Playground, Wilson Reserve - Brighton.

Tjilatjirrin Reserve Playground - Sandringham

Hodgson Reserve Playground

Pictures: Rob Carew

KEEP IT LOCAL – THE BEST ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN YOUR AREA IMMERSE DRAMA

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Creative, Engaging Drama Classes

To advertise your activity here

Drama Dot’s (2-5) Let’s Roleplay Develop confidence through story with music, dance & drama After School/ Holiday sessions (4-12) Creative sessions, drama techniques, working to performances!

Saturday Yoga Station Sandringham 9.30am (3-7yrs) 10.15am (7-12yrs) 11am (Tweens)

3 Day School Holiday Pass @ $269 Teens - Professional Showcase’s (13-18) Making monologues course, limited places, register now to find out more!

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JEM CHILDREN’S YOGA

Monday Centre 4 Life Brighton East

Jayne on 0421 476 221 www.jemchildrensyoga.com | email: jemchildrensyoga.com

18 WINTER 2021

Creativity • Confidence • Communication • Collaboration

www.immersedrama.com Call Gemma 0456 090 716 info@immersedrama.com

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4pm (3-10 yrs) 5pm (Tweens) All Classes 40 minutes Parent-child bonding classes. All enquiries at:

Please call

Clare Vane-Tempest on 0404 288 948 or clare.vane-tempest@starnewsgroup.com.au www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

Reality Bites

Double the fun for Federal MP

By Danielle Galvin WHEN Labor MP Anika Wells spoke out in Federal Parliament to share a message in support of Multiple Birth Awareness Week, she had two special little guests with her.

The Member for Lilley held Ossian and Dashiell, her twin boys, to address the House and raise awareness about testing for zygosity and identical or fraternal multiples.

“I never expected to be standing in front of the House with twins, and that is the experience of many twin parents out there,” she said in March.

“I just ran into a twin mum, coming into this place, who said, ’Is it the case that Centrelink and Medicare still do not consider twins to be a multiple birth?’

“I said: ’Yes, that is the case.’

Centrelink and Medicare do not consider twins to be multiple births as it currently stands.

“She said, ’You get in there and tell that parliament that, when you are giving birth to twins, it definitely feels like two babies are coming out,’ and I promised to do that. So, twin parents: I see you, I hear you, and I’m here for you.”

The twins have an older sister, Celeste, to Ms Wells and her husband Finn.

Ms Wells explained why it’s so important to know about whether twins are identical or not.

“You’d be surprised how many parents out there don’t know for sure and they probably don’t think it matters.

“It’s important for health reasons.

Identical twins are more likely than fraternal twins to get the same illness. If one twin is diagnosed with a particular condition, the other can be checked for early symptoms.

“Identical twins are also always compatible for organ transplantation or bone marrow donation, if they ever need it.

“It’s important too for twins to know their own identity, and for parents to estimate the likelihood of giving birth to further sets of twins - only fraternal twins are an inherited trait.”

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

Lilley MP Anika Wells with Oshy and Dash in parliament.

When Ms Wells gave birth to the twins on 20 October last year, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese announced their safe arrival in parliament, noting how special it was that a sitting member of federal parliament had welcomed twins.

She says no two days are the same as a busy MP and mum of three.

“As fellow parents of small children can testify, there is no real “regular day”.

“Same with my work, which is incredibly dynamic and varied.

“The wheels can, and do fall off regularly. The baby might throw up on you as you’re dressed for work and ready to run out the door, you run out of nappies in the middle of the function you’ve brought the twins along to, you get to daycare only to discover you’ve left the twin backpacks at home.

“But we all just get on with it, we have to.

“Having a supportive partner who shares the load makes what I do as a Federal MP possible. Hats off to those parents who do it on their own.”

Many Australians might not know

that some government agencies don’t recognise twins as multiple births.

It’s an issue Ms Wells has been championing.

“When the Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA) first lobbied the Federal Government for the Multiple Birth Allowance in the 1990s, they were only able to secure the allowance for triplets or more.

“This still excludes the majority of families with multiples - those with twins.

“Financially it can be a challenge, because unlike with singletons, parents of multiples can’t “stagger” expenses like childcare, education, sports fees. And often the increased costs start during pregnancy, with multiples often leading to higher medical costs, mothers having to finish work earlier etc.

“There’s an AMBA research project underway to quantify these insights.

Once that data’s in hand, lobbying for the review of financial support for families of multiples will begin in earnest.”

In the months since Dash and Oshy were born, it’s been full of unique

challenges, but also unique experiences that only parents of multiple children experience, Ms Wells said.

She described it as a great privilege.

“It’s particularly special to witness their relationship with each other - how they reach out to hold each other’s hand when they are teething.

“Their bond is beautiful to see.”

She hopes she can be a voice for parents of multiples.

“A voice for multiple parents is important because they face some particular difficulties too.

“Because of the increased cost of care, parents of multiples are less likely to participate in the workforce.

“Another key difference is the increased likelihood of higher medical costs, with the health risks of multiples and their mother increasing by tenfold and the risk of post-partum depression is doubled. “That’s why it’s so important we review our childcare system in Australia, which is the most expensive in the OECD, not only for parents of multiples with for all Australian parents who are trying to manage the juggle of work and family.”

WINTER 2021 19

Reality Bites

The venue is a converted home in Brighton.

New hub for families in Bayside

By Danielle Galvin

“I wanted it to be like a family hub, we all belong to a family,” Louise said.

TUCKED away from Nepean Highway in Brighton East, you could be mistaken for almost missing a quiet little hub of activity called Centre4Life.

“Having my child’s birthday party here in December last year, all of the mums said to me this is amazing, you should do something with this space.”

There, director Louise Johnson runs her psychology practice, 4thought Psychology. By converting an original home into therapeutic rooms, she was able to create an inviting and warm environment for children, families and adults.

With that in mind, Louise opened up the studio and gardens to celebrations and birthday parties. She wants to ultimately take the stress out of hosting, knowing mums want to create beautiful family memories but can be overwhelmed playing host at home.

In 2020 a beautiful studio “centre4life” was built amongst the therapeutic gardens of 4thoughtpsychology, which was designed specifically for children and families: with basketball ring, trampoline, a fairy garden, cubby house, veggie patch and their special furry and feathery therapy friends bunnies and chooks.

Now, the venue is also open and available for children’s parties, birthdays, celebrations and family gatherings.

“What I found as a psychologist was that there weren’t many therapeutic environments when children saw a psychologist and to incorporate creative therapeutic experiences. So part of the whole ethos of 4thought Psychology and Centre4Life is being able to provide this beautiful space which is welcoming and inviting.”

While the space was originally intended to be purely therapeutic for the families who visit, she sees it as a hub for the local community.

The studio also sees yoga classes, kanga training classes, parent groups, women’s groups, first aid courses for families, early parenting support and available to rent for professional functions, seminars, workshops etc.

“There’s kind of an endless list of community support groups and functions that I want to be able to provide here,” Louise said.

“The design and thought that has gone into the environment creates a calmness and space for families to share memories of being connected in ‘Centre4Life’.“ Visit https://www.centre4life.com. au/ for more information.

Pictures: Centre 4 Life 20 WINTER 2021

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

Reality Bites

Social media junior: Do you run and hide?

By Danielle Galvin

they can get them into Instagram when they are of age,” she said.

THERE were reports earlier in the year that tech giant Facebook was working on an Instagram for kids platform.

But according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri, children who are under 13 are asking to use Instagram, and perhaps this would be a way to let them use the platform, and have it be a safe space.

It would reportedly allow children under 13 to safely use the platform, with heightened controls.

It certainly raises questions about the dilemma for parents: do you let your child have an introduction and a taste of social media, or ban them from it as long as possible in a bid to keep them safe?

Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer.

Social media expert Meg Coffey has an interesting take on it, and two differing perspectives.

“The cynical way is that they are just trying to get children on board early so

“The other side ... if it’s inevitable that they are going to use it, let’s give them a place that we can control it, where we can control as much of it as can be controlled. “(But) I also keep coming back to, again this is the cynicism, all of these tech guys don’t let their kids anywhere near social media or technology.

“And I go OK so you’re not letting your kids anywhere near it, but now you’re building a platform for kids? It’s an inner turmoil for I think everyone.”

Ms Coffey, who says she is not a

parent but greatly sympathises with the job of raising kids in the digital age, said parents play a role.

Similarly, talk to your younger children about what they know about social media.

Asking kids about who they are following, what are they engaging with, what they’re up to is critical.

Why do they want to be on Instagram or Facebook or YouTube?

She says the social media apps for kids, such as Facebook Messenger Kids, are a positive start.

She wants to believe they put the right boundaries in place so that kids can play and be involved, but they’re not bullet proof.

“It comes back to parents paying attention and having conversations, an open conversation, if something makes you feel uncomfortable come talk to me about it, don’t hide it from me,” she said.

“I think let the kids have access if you are going to be a parent that pays attention.”

What do they know about the platforms and what do they do if they see something strange or scary or that makes them feel icky?

In her view, find an age appropriate way to chat about it, and remember each child will be different in terms of their own maturity and understanding of the digital sphere.

From time to time, most parents will be guilty of handing their child an iPad and letting them scroll or watch whatever they like.

But Ms Coffey said just keep the lines of communication open, constantly talk to them about what they are seeing.

When teen anger is more than acting out

By Carole Levy HOW do you cope if your teen becomes aggressive or even violent towards you?

It is common to keep this kind of abuse behind closed doors and not confide in anyone. Many parents feel that they have failed to control their child, or that they are responsible for the behaviour in some way. In addition, they may not know where to turn.

However, any kind of aggression can be stressful, and can cause an atmosphere of tension and fear for the entire family, not to mention the possibility of physical harm if their teen becomes violent.

No parent should feel obliged to put up with an unruly teen, and as with any type of domestic abuse, help and support is available. There are a number of techniques and tips that you might find helpful.

DEFUSING HEATED ARGUMENTS It’s useful to remember that your own behaviour can improve or worsen an aggressive situation, so it’s important to be a good role model for your teen.

With that in mind, it is worth trying to maintain a calm and peaceful www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

presence. You need to be strong without being threatening. Remember that your body language, as well as what you say and how you say it, should also reflect this. Avoid staring them in the eye, and give them personal space.

Allow them the opportunity to express their point of view, then respond in a reasoned way.

If an argument becomes very heated, take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale. Repeat five times. This technique is very useful in intense situations. If your teen is becoming aggressive during arguments, suggest this technique to them when they’re calm, so they too have a way of controlling their anger.

If an argument feels out of control, you can also try explaining to them that you are going to walk away, and that you’ll come back again in half an hour. Given the chance to reflect and calm down, you and your teen will both be more reasonable when you resume your discussion.

As with toddlers, if you give in to teenagers because their shouting and screaming intimidates or baffles you, you are in effect encouraging them to repeat the unreasonable behaviour as a way of getting what they want.

If very heated arguments happen frequently, it may be worth suggesting counselling to your teen. They’ll benefit from talking to someone new and unbiased, someone who isn’t in their family and who won’t judge them.

Remember they may not know how to handle their anger, and this can leave them frustrated and even frightened.

Some guidance from an outsider can be very helpful.

DEALING WITH VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR Sometimes, teen aggression can turn into violence. If they lash out at you, or someone or something else, put safety first. Let your teenager know that violence is unacceptable and you will walk away from them until they’ve calmed down. If leaving the room or house isn’t helping, call the police — after all, if you feel threatened or scared, then you have the right to protect yourself.

you set. They need to know that any kind of violence is unacceptable.

■ TALK TO THEIR SCHOOL: Find out if their aggressive behaviour is happening there as well. Some schools offer counselling.

■ ARRANGE COUNSELLING: If your teen admits they have a problem and is willing to get help, book an appointment with a counsellor or psychologist as soon as possible.

Sources: Raising Children Network, Women’s and Children’s Health Network GET HELP: ■ Raising Children Network: Australian resource for parenting newborns to teens ■ ReachOut Parents: Online service to help parents help teenagers ■ 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24-hour, national sexual assault and domestic family violence counselling service)

GOOD ADVICE GIVE THEM SPACE: Once they have calmed down, you may want to talk to them about what has happened and suggest that they let you find them some help.

■ Police Assistance Line: 131 444 (24-hour)

■ BE CLEAR: Teenagers need to know that you will stand by the boundaries

■ Child Youth Health: Parenting and child health information

■ Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 (24hour)

WINTER 2021 21

Books

Born ready to face puberty

By Melissa Meehan IN an online centric world, our kids are growing up quicker.

They have access to so much information, so much more than generations past.

So talks about the birds and the bees, puberty and other things our parents used to teach us by leaving a book on the end of the bed (and running in the other direction) need to happen earlier.

That’s where Michelle Mitchell comes in.

The author of A Guy’s Guide to Puberty and A girls Guide to Puberty says it’s completely normal to grapple with when those conversations need to happen.

“The good news is that they were born ready,” she said.

Michelle shares that she was recently giving a talk to a group of 10 year olds, one of whom was contacted by a modelling agency via social media and asked to give them her contact details.

“That kind of thing brings some urgency to those conversations,” she said.

“Because these young kids can be making really critical decisions for themselves.

“It is a much more sexualised world.”

Some signs they are ready: ■ Become embarrassed about being naked in front of others

Michelle, a former teacher, has spent the last 20 years working with disengaged young people and speaking at scools about puberty.

■ Start gravitating towards same sex friends

And she says it’s increasingly evident that parents are needing to have these conversations with younger kids.

■ Begin to discuss sexual concept without any degree of accuracy

“But between the ages of eight and 10 is the perfect time to make a start.

Previously they’d say 12 is a good time to talk about sexuality, but Michelle says between the age of eight and 10 is often the sweet spot.

“And they are important conversations to have, because they are being exposed to many things earlier than we were, because they are online.”

Each of child has their own special needs which may include trauma, birth order, disabilities, learning challenges or emotional maturity.

■ Curious about gender differences, pregnancy, sex

■ Interested in knowing more about their bodies ■ Ask questions ■ Look at parent’s bodies differently Michelle’s books act as a starting point which will open up the conversations at home.

The books, each aimed at either sex,

explains how to care for your body, emotions and brain.

“If we want open hearted conversations with our kids about tough topics we have to be prepared to initiative them in an open-hearted way,” she said.

“I personally think that they should never have to be the one who initiates difficult conversations, so always assume they need you and step into that space. Let’s be prepared to go to them, and in doing so grow with them.”

Her book isn’t a tough read either, it very cleverly includes cartoons that simplify some of the bigger issues and break it down so that younger kids can understand without being overwhelmed.

Children’s books...

Winner Winner Bin Chicken Dinner

Harmony

Kate & Jol Temple, illustrated

by Ronojoy Ghosh Our favourite bin chicken is back!

In this sequel to the popular picture book Bin Chicken, Ibis is looking for dinner but isn’t having much luck until she spies the most wonderful food wonderland of all ... the school playground.

Winner winner! There are a few hiccups along the way, but in the end the Ibis gets the last party pie.

This is yet another hilarious read about the pesky bird that everyone loves to hate!

Perfect for kids aged 3+ Scholastic, RRP $17.99

22 WINTER 2021

The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife: Book 1

Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics

Set in 1914, this young adult novel is a gripping love story that plays out against a backdrop of the First World War. Tom is in the blood-soaked landings of Gallipoli, while Gracie marries another.

Maz Evans, illustrated by Chris Jeavons

Trixie Whitmore

It’s not until American teen Noah joins his mum Deborah, grandfather Will and greatgrandmother Gracie in Australia that the secrets of the past are revealed - secrets that will take them back to the beaches of Gallipoli.

In this laugh out loud tale, Scarlett is in big trouble after her big feelings lead to a hamster getting into the vicar’s trousers at her aunt’s engagement party.

Richard Yaxley

A compelling multigenerational story about connectedness, family and the power of truth.

For readers aged 12+ Scholastic, RRP $18.99

Scarlett Fife has big feelings.

Unfortunately, every time she pushes her feelings down something explodes.

If she loses her temper again she will miss out on her trip to the best theme park on the planet.

This classic children’s adventure book is being republished just in time for the Tokyo Olympics.

Originally launched to coincide with the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics is about a cute koala who participates in a series of Bush Olympics sports with the hope of winning a gold medal.

Kids will love exploring the book’s beautiful hand-painted illustrations that detail Australia’s native fauna and flora.

A fun book for parents and children who have, at one time or another, lost control of their feelings

The ‘find and discover experience’ is complemented by rhyming poems throughout.

Hodder Children’s Books, $14.99

Ocean Reeve Publishing, RRP $24.99 (hard cover) and $19.99 (soft cover)

A fun and educational book.

Bedtime is Boring David Campbell, illustrated by Daron Parton A hilarious sequel to Stupid Carrots, Bedtime is Boring features a funny bunny called Billy who just doesn’t want to go to bed.

He’s had his bunny bath, he’s read his bunny book but (you guessed it) he just doesn’t want to go to bed.

Billy is too busy for bed.

And bedtime is boring! Oh, and he needs to pee. But guess what happens when Billy Bunny finally hits the hay? A relatable story for many families!

For kids aged 3+ Scholastic, RRP $17.99

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on this winter

11 JUNE - 11 JULY

2 JULY

ISLAND WHALE FESTIVAL

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ART WORKSHOP

Head to Phillip Island to celebrate the arrival of some very majestic creatures!

There is a range of special events from June 11. There’s also the Island Whale Festival weekend that runs July 2-4.

During the festival, choose from various activities and events, including talks, workshops, whale spotting, whale cruises, comedy dinners and more!

2-4pm

Bookings are required.

Ages: 6 - 14, at a cost of $20.00 Corner of Carpenter and Wilson Street, Brighton

You can also follow the action on Facebook and Instagram at @ islandwhales

8 JULY

TASTE OF BAYSIDE Through exciting video and moving imagery, the light projections will put on a show of food-themed and iconic dining images, bringing Bayside’s food stories to life and raising the curtain on what happens behind the scenes in your favourite Bayside kitchens.

Plan your night of Bayside dining in line with the Taste of Bayside light show so you can experience the festival while enjoying eating at one of the fantastic food businesses.

■ 12 June, 5pm to 10pm - Beaumaris Concourse ■ 19 June, 5pm to 10pm Sandringham Village ■ 25 June, 5pm to 10pm - Black Rock Village ■ 26 June, 5pm to 10pm - Church Street and Hampton Street www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au

https://www.babytotoddlershow.com. au/

Join Bayside Acquisitive Art Prize artist, Julia Gorman, for this fun and creative school holiday workshop where you will work with basic materials to create wonderful three dimensional sculptures!

For more information visit islandwhales. com.au

UNTIL 26 JUNE

expectant parents with the very best products and advice to help them on their parenting journey.

STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA 10am-3pm The library will be transformed into an interactive and colourful playground for kids and families.

From the forecourt to the Quad, the Library will be bursting with creative activities and mind-expanding experiences for kids and their grownups.

The Kids’ takeover featured live music performances, a range of craft activities and more.

25 JULY

At only $2 entry for adults (children < 12 yo free ).

BABY TO TODDLER SHOW The Baby to Toddler Show is Australia’s most comprehensive parenting event featuring everything to do with pregnancy and baby, through to the toddler years, providing new and

https://fedsquare.com/events/thewinter-village

Running since 2010, these markets are great for parents, expectant parents, grandparents and carers on the hunt for high quality pre loved, handmade and new goods at reasonable prices.

JURASSIC WORLD BY BRICKMAN

16 JULY - 18 JULY

With Melbourne’s twinkling city lights as the backdrop, The Winter Village is set to be a landmark destination for a second season. Of course, a visit to The Winter Village wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the magical igloo village; grab your friends or family and nestle into one of the 24 private igloos, your food and drinks delivered to you, guaranteed to keep you cosy all winter long.

14 Willis Street, Hampton 9am-12pm

UNTIL JULY 11 you’ll be able to enter an immersive Lego experience set to be the largest Lego experience in Aussie history. Made in partnership with the Jurassic World franchise, this new event will have over 50 large-scale dinosaurs, props, scenes and activities made using over six million Lego bricks.https://exhibition. thebrickman.com/

THE WINTER VILLAGE @ FED SQUARE

BUMBLE BEE BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET

Everything related to little ones is on hand: ranging from maternity to primary school aged products/services: clothing, books, toys, high chairs, prams, nursery items, activity sets ... the list is endless!

Bookings will be required.

UNTIL AUGUST 29

UNTIL 25 AUGUST STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA Come along every Wednesday morning, except on school holidays, for a free and invigorating learning session for pre-schoolers.

ALL WINTER DISNEY: THE MAGIC OF ANIMATION An exhibition presented by ACMI & the Walt Disney Animation Research library showcasing the creativity and innovation of Disney Animation.

12pm-5pm weekdays and 10am-6pm weekends at ACMI, Fed Square. www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/disneythemagic-of-animation-exhibition/

This winter, resident host will be music education enthusiast Julie Murray from Sounds Like This. Julie will run an interactive music lesson every week to inspire young minds and get their creativity flowing.

Activities suitable for children five years and younger.

10.30am-11.30am WINTER 2021 23

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24 WINTER 2021

www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au