Casey Cardinia Kids Summer 2021

SUMMER 2021-22

Great prizes in

TOY GIVEAWAY Discover the southeast’s

BEST SLIDES Casey mum’s incredible act to

SAVE SON’S LIFE

About Us

Hooray for summer fun HELLO again!

Welcome to the summer edition of Casey Cardinia Kids Today.

How good is it that summer is here?

After spending months at home and with the weather warming up, it’s time to dust off the cobwebs and get out and about!

If you’ve got young kids the playground is often a go-to - it is a free activity that tires the little ones out! This edition features a list of the best slides in Melbourne’s southeast, including Casey and Cardinia. So slide into summer and work your way through the list (pages 5-7) over the holidays! You may also want to check out the new Dragon Park that’s hatched in Officer (page 12).

As parents, we would do anything

for our kids. Cranbourne North mum Claire DeStratis did something incredible for her son - she risked dying to save his life. Her six-year-old son Jake was on life support with only days left to live when she gave him a life-saving partial liver transplant. Read their amazing and heart-warming story on pages 10-11.

If you like heart-warming stories, you will also enjoy our feature on Victoria’s pandemic baby boom. It’s a joyful story amid the chaos and heartache Covid has brought for many. We spoke to some local mums who recently welcomed pandemic babies, including one who delivered her sixth child.

features on how to deal with school refusal and preparing your child for prep.

If you love a giveaway, be sure to check out our summer toy competition.

We’ve teamed up with some great toy brands to give our readers the chance to win some incredible prizes. Entries close on 2 February, so head to our website and get your entries in!

Casey Cardinia Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

The team at Casey Cardinia Kids Today wishes you a merry Christmas and all the very best for 2022.

Casey Cardinia Kids

Happy holidays!

Our education section is jam-packed with great information, including

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

Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777 Editorial Melissa Grant melissa.grant@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666

CONTENTS

Photography

IT’S YOUR LIFE Pandemic baby boom feature

Orthodontic experts PAGE 21

Rob Carew Stewart Chambers Gary Sissons

ENTERTAINMENT Centre of fun

PAGES 3-4

EDUCATION

PAGE 33

Slide into summer

How to deal with school refusal

Summer fun at Bunjil

PAGES 5-7

PAGE 22

PAGE 34

Steve Biddulph on the big change in dads

Child care relief comes early

Experience the Walhalla Goldfields Railway

Mandy Clark

PAGE 34

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 8

PAGE 23 Commencing ELC

Mum’s amazing act to save her son’s life PAGES 10-11 Dragon Park hatches in officer PAGE 12 Managing festive stress PAGE 13 A park for long summer days PAGE 14 New skate park in the pipeline Free Christmas craft workshops

Advertising Manager

Get creative at Robert Gordon

PAGE 23 Preparing for prep

PAGE 35

PAGE 24

PHILLIP ISLAND

Selecting child care

PAGE 36

PAGE 24

SUMMER 2021-22

Great place to grow

FASHION

PAGE 25

PAGES 37-39

Explore and learn

PERFORMING ARTS

PAGE 25

Born to Perform

Going from strength to strength

PAGE 15

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

PAGE 40

PAGE 26 Rivercrest continues to grow

REALITY BITES

PAGE 26

Mum’s experience helps acne sufferers

Putting parents at the centre

PAGE 40

PAGE 27

From little things big things grow

Early learning with a family focus

PAGE 41

PAGE 27

Mum helps anxious parents

Story behind children’s play

PAGE 42

PAGE 18

PAGE 28

Girl’s horse business

HEALTH

Unique offering for girls

PAGE 42

PAGE 29

BOOKS

PAGE 15 Great summer toy giveaway PAGE 16 Kids in the Kitchen PAGE 17 Changing the way we think about learning

Play therapy clinic PAGE 19

PAGE 19

Online safety education

PAGE 20 Who are radiologists PAGE 20

DENTAL Affordable care PAGE 21

Discover the southeast’s Casey mum’s incredible act to

SAVE SON’S LIFE

Cover Annie-Rose and Oliver at Emerald Lake Park.

Picture: Stewart Chambers

A ‘Wandi’ful book for kids

A nurturing environment

PAGE 44 Children’s books

PAGE 30

Insights into picky eating

TOY GIVEAWAY

BEST SLIDES

PAGE 30

A zero waste space

Great prizes in

Design engineering

PAGE 44

PAGE 31

KIDS CALENDAR

PARTY TIME

What’s on this summer

Roll up to the party!

PAGE 45

PAGE 32 Born to party PAGE 32

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It’s Your Life

We’re having a Covid baby boom

By Melissa Meehan

numbers increased by up to 25 per cent in one month and 9 per cent in another.

FERTILITY rates across Australia should drop to an all-time low of 1.59 babies per woman in 2020-21.

The pair believe this reflects a significant change since the pandemic began, considering the usual fluctuation in these billing levels across the years is only around 3 per cent.

But a new report suggests the Covid-19 pandemic may have changed things.

In their paper Covid-19 baby boom, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, obstetric and gynaecology registrar Dr James Brown and clinical microbiologist Dr Len Moaven reviewed the use of the five Medicare item numbers for pregnancy related appointments.

In 2020, the use of those item

They found that the timing of an ‘apparent baby boom’ correlates with the increase in conception starting in late March to early April, during the so-called first wave of Covid-19 in Victoria.

In June Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley, answering questions in parliament over numerous anecdotal reports complied by Greens MP Ellen Sandell that the state’s maternity system

was at “breaking point”, said the pressure was due, in part, to soaring birth rates.

announced additional funding to pay for extra midwives across 38 public health services across Victoria.

“We are in fact at the moment going through a massive baby boom in Victoria, at record levels, including the Royal Women’s,” Mr Foley said.

“We’re in the middle of a baby Covid boom here in Victoria... in some areas in particular, we have seen an enormous increase in numbers of babies being born,” Mr Foley said.

Babies born in Victoria boomed over the past year, at an average of 5.7 per cent across the state, but by as much as 50 per cent in some areas.

Those numbers have soared in regional Victoria, which may be due to an influx of Melburnians seeking a sea change or tree-change before starting a family.

In July the state government

Baby Imogen with her sister Ruby, mum Melanie and brother Dylan.

“That has placed huge pressure on our hard-working midwifery staff.

“We didn’t anticipate this baby boom, because we didn’t really anticipate the global pandemic.

“The two seem to be directly linked.

But we welcome all the Victorian babies, and what we want to make sure is that they get the best care.”

Pictures: Stewart Chambers

Instant perfection arrives amid pandemic

By Melissa Grant

recovered from a c-section, especially as her husband was only at home for a couple of weeks before returning to work.

A horrible time turned to ‘instant perfection’ for the Allman family when Imogen Joy was born.

However, she said Ruby and Dylan’s school had been a great support, allowing them to come to school twice a week.

Imogen arrived on 30 July this year, just weeks after the Victorian government plunged the state into lockdown.

Melanie said getting to all the maternal health appointments had been a challenge as restrictions meant she was unable to take her two eldest children.

Melanie Allman said although Imogen was a planned baby, the realisation that her third child would be born during restrictions was horrible.

“I was terrified - I wasn’t sure what was happening,” she said.

Melanie said it was fortunate that all her pregnancy appointments were moved from Casey Hospital to the Pakenham Health Centre.

Melanie said hospital visitor restrictions were pretty strict and meant her husband Jake was only allowed to visit once a day when Imogen was born.

“He was allowed to visit once a day - he wasn’t allowed to come back,” she explained. www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

“I’m just lucky my parents don’t live too far away and have been able to help me out here and there,” she said.

Imogen and mum Melanie.

“It was pretty horrible.”

Imogen arrived via a planned c-section 15 days before her due date.

Imogen has settled in well at her family’s Clyde home, where she is fussed over by her 8-year-old sister Ruby and 5-year-old brother Dylan.

“It was a horrible time turned to instant perfection,” Melanie said.

“She’s a big part of our day to day lives,” Melanie said.

However Imogen was born with a severe case of jaundice, which caused a bit of stress. Fortunately it cleared up three days after she was born.

“My kids don’t walk past her without saying hello and trying to pick her up!”

Melanie said that home schooling was a bit of a struggle while she

Melanie’s brother had also helped on one occasion as he was off work due to the construction ban.

The biggest challenge for Melanie has been not having the same amount of support she did after having her first two children.

She spent months looking forward to the removal of home visitor restrictions so that Imogen could finally meet many family members and friends.

SUMMER 2021 3

It’s Your Life

Sibling joy in pandemic

By Melissa Grant WHEN Pakenham couple Ally and Sammi Kahlon decided they wanted a second child, a global pandemic wasn’t going to stop them from trying.

“We were originally going to have one (child) then all of a sudden we were like ‘okay, nah the other one can fend for herself a bit now and it would be great for her to have someone to grow up with,” Ally said.

“We weren’t too scared. You just think what’s going to happen in the hospital and what the restrictions at the hospital would be.”

The couple fell pregnant. It was all smooth sailing, apart from lockdown forcing Ally to cancel her baby shower.

Olivia Hope Kahlon was born at Casey Hospital on 13 August this year.

Restrictions meant that Ally couldn’t have anyone visit in hospital, including her four-year-old daughter Grace.

“I could only have my husband there at the time of the birth. (After the birth) he could only come during visiting hours,” she explained.

Ally was discharged about 24 hours after giving birth and went straight into lockdown at home, which didn’t really bother the family of four.

“For the first six weeks we were all together at home which was nice,” Ally said.

“I kind of think you are in lockdown anyway with a new baby.”

The downside was that extended family members could only meet the

Mum has sixth bub

Grace, who turns 5 in January, with little sister Olivia.

newborn on video calls.

Ally said a maternal health nurse still did a home visit shortly after Olivia’s birth. However, she said subsequent maternal health appointments with Olivia were a bit different to the ones she had with Grace.

“They ask you more questions when you’re in the car and then it’s just a quick weigh and measure,” she said.

The only real dilemma Ally faced was getting the jab. She was late into her pregnancy when she was eligible

“I’ve got friends who have had their first babies and it’s been a bit difficult for them,” she said.

Epic pregnancy dash

By Melissa Meehan

WELCOMING a child into the world during a pandemic delivered some unexpected positives for Berwick mum of six Chantal Zammit.

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

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

The main positive has been that her newborn Paddy and five older children have spent plenty of time together thanks to remote learning.

“The kids absolutely adore Paddy and it’s been nice for them to have that bit of extra time with him,” Chantal said.

“But we went into lockdown, which meant home schooling and I thought I won’t be alone for a while!”

Paddy was a bit of an unexpected pandemic baby. Chantal and her partner Adam had tried for their first baby together for 10 months without success. Although Chantal had already birthed five children, she didn’t know if she would be able to conceive at age 45.

“I didn’t know what my odds would be as they call it a geriatric pregnancy at this stage,” she said.

“We tried for about 10 months without intervention.

“We had gone through the tests and it looked like I was fine, everything seemed like I could.

“We had a break from trying. Then I got pregnant just as I started a new job which is what happens when you’re not planning!”

Chantal said there were times during her pregnancy that she felt a bit lonely due to Covid restrictions.

Fortunately Adam, 35, was able to attend all of the ultrasounds as restrictions allowed for Chantal to 4 SUMMER 2021

She ended up getting it when Olivia was nearly two months old.

While having a baby during a pandemic has been pretty uncomplicated for Ally, she said things could have been different if Olivia was her first child.

By Melissa Grant

“I think there were a few days before going into lockdown when I was thinking that all the kids are going back to school and that I’m going to be lonely.

for a Covid vaccine and initially she had some concerns about getting it while breastfeeding.

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

Paddy dd Logan Mitchell i h ll was b born iin July l this hi year amid the Victorian baby boom.

have one person accompany her to the appointments.

Paddy Logan Mitchell was born at Berwick’s St John of God Hospital on 28 July, a time when there were restrictions around visitors to hospitals. The silver lining was that Chantal and Adam got to spend plenty of time with their newborn son during their five-day hospital stay.

“I felt bad for my kids but it was nice to have that four nights of just my partner, the baby and I without having to worry about when visitors were coming,” Chantal said.

Twins Jimi and Liam, now 17, Adam, 14, Anneke, 11 and Beau, 9 saw their little half-brother for the first time via the internet.

“The kids couldn’t come to the hospital when he (Paddy) was born.

We had to Facetime them which was very different,” she said.

But it was quite the welcome home party, with the kids lining up to cuddle Paddy as soon as he entered the front door.

Chantal said the ban on home visitors in the months after Paddy’s arrival had been tough and she couldn’t wait for friends and family to meet Paddy.

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

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

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

Mum Radhika and her daughter Aneeka.

Picture: Rob Carew

Luckily for them, the shops were open during that time. Baby Aneeka was born on 8 February 2021. Melbourne went into a snap lockdown just one day later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Your Life

Slide into summer Kids love to slide. They enjoy the thrill of climbing up to the top and sliding down. Summer is a great time to slide - just make sure it isn’t hot beforehand! Here, the KIDS TODAY TEAM explore some of the best slides in Melbourne’s east and southeast.

Annabel at the Fitzwilliam Circuit Playground in Clyde North.

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

Pictures: Stewart Chambers

CASEY AND CARDINIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Location: John Street, Pakenham

Sophie, Annabel and Paddy on the huge slide at Casey Fields Playground. www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

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

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

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

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

There’s also barbecue and picnic facilities.

Location: 60 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East Highgrove Outlook Park, Clyde North The massive tube slide at this awesome playground is sure to get your child’s adrenaline pumping.

It’s one of two slides attached to a tall grey and red rocket ship tower overlooking the park.

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

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

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

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

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

Location: Encore Boulevard, Cranbourne South’s Brompton Estate.

More slides on pages 6-7 SUMMER 2021 5

It’s Your Life

The spectacular slide at Booran Reservoir Playspace, Glen Huntly.

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

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

Location: Corner of Hawthorn and Balaclava Roads, Caulfield North Booran Reservoir Playspace, Glen Huntly Let’s just take a moment to take in exactly how big this super slide is.

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

Harleston Park, Elsternwick boasts a gigantic slide.

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

Location: 1051 Glen Huntly Rd, Glen Huntly Harleston Park, Elsternwick A gigantic slide, with steps along the side is the perfect way to while away the spring days. And is sure to tire little legs out. There’s also an area in the sand for the smaller kids with a slide that’s sure to give parents some relief.

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

Or even bring a picnic.

Location: 47 Allison Rd, Elsternwick

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

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

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

Location: Wellington Road, Mulgrave

The twirly whirly slide at Scoresby Village Playground.

Scoresby Village Playground, Scoresby A whirly twirly tunnel slide is at the centre of this very new playground placed awkwardly between two car parks. It’s not fenced, which is a bit disappointing, but it’s simp listic design makes it a fun space for the kids to play. That said, if you have more than one who tend to run in differen t directions – this park may not be for you.

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

Only the bravest kids will take on this bright green slide, which is seriously one of the fastest we’ve seen but there are some more relaxed slides in this playground too. Don’t forget the spiders web and a sandpit too.

The giant slide at Waverley Park Playground, Mulgrave.

6 SUMMER 2021

The cool slide at Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully.

Location: Harcrest Blvd, Wantirna South

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

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

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

Location: Lyndale Ct, Ferntree Gully www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

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

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

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

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

And did we mention it’s fully fenced?

The Rocket Playground in Hawthorn.

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

Location: 30 Henry St, Hawthorn

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

The huge tube slide at Upwey Main Street Playground.

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

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

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

Location: Swansea Road, Lilydale

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

The windy slide at Phoenix Park in Malvern.

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

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

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

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

Location: Don Road, Healesville

One of the great slides at Queens Park, Healesville.

SUMMER 2021 7

It’s Your Life

A big change in our dads Parents have realised that children struggle with their ‘big feelings’.

Parenthood - especially for fathers used to be all about ‘control’.

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

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

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

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

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

Whenever someone posts a question about kids’ misbehaviour, the old guard are there weighing in with things like ‘kids have to know who is the boss’ and ‘my old man taught us respect with his belt, and it worked for me’. I used to work with those dads when I was a family therapist, as they gradually admitted that, well, in fact they hated their dads for most of their childhoods and were noticing that their kids were starting to hate them too.

There is a whole skip bin full of denial inside a great many men, and they are almost buried under it, but one day they do get out.

But most heartening is the number of commenters who have made a very big fundamental shift to realise that parenthood is not about control. It’s not about dominating kids into behaving well by yelling, threatening, hitting or contriving punishments - at least, not as the first line of defence. It’s been one of the greatest leaps forwards in

parenthood that we have realised that children struggle with their ‘big feelings’ and our job is to help them find a way through the frustrations, negotiations, and griefs and fears which every childhood brings, so they can give space to their emotions but express them in words, and not in actions that might hurt those around them or themselves.

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

When our four-year-old or six-year-old goes into a meltdown or misbehaves terribly it takes incredible grace to not just lose it, or yell at them or go all cold and rejecting, but instead to calm ourselves, really connect with them and reassure them that we love them, and we want to help. But I see this all the

time now in parks and shopping malls, and the homes of young friends and family. A child struggling - and a mum, or dad, crouching down, or sitting with them and talking it through. If they will allow it, holding them close. And seeing that child’s feelings subside, and happiness be restored.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The report found 66 per cent of teens 8 SUMMER 2021

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

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

Only per 3 cent of students surveyed

seek support from their teachers at school.

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

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

SUMMER DAYS AT Bluey’s Big Play Presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with QPAC’s Out of The Box and Windmill Theatre Co. This is Bluey’s Big Play. And it’s really for real life!

When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday arvo time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans!

Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 January 6.30 pm (Tuesday only) 10.00 am (Wednesday & Thursday) 12.00 pm (Wednesday & Thursday) 2.00 pm (Wednesday only) Tickets Adult $55.00 Child U15 $55.00 Family of 4 $51.90 per person Theatre

FUN FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART!

Sea-sational Movies on the Outdoor Screen

School Holiday Fun

Gear up for some splish splash fun in the Plaza with three family flicks that were mer-maid for summer-lovers.

Finding Nemo (G) – Sunday 9 January, 5.00 pm – 6.40 pm Song of the Sea (PG) – Sunday 16 January, 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm Dolphin Tale (PG) – Sunday 23 January, 5.00 pm – 7.30 pm

From giant melting ice creams to water play and pop up performances, there’s so much happening during school holidays. Visitors will also have access to free equipment they can enjoy during their visit including, giant games, kites and deck chairs. Visit our website or the Plaza Kiosk for daily information on planned activities.

Tickets $5.00 each and includes a cool choc-top or drink from our candy bar

10.00 am - 4.00 pm (daily) Plaza

Magic Beach Artists Workshop with Alison Lester Where is your magic place? Join Alison Lester for an immersive drawing workshop inspired by the Magic Beach story and the Blind Bight coastal landscape.

Monday 10 - Friday 14 January & Monday 17 - Friday 21 January

Free for all

Plaza

Magic Beach

Presented by CDP Kids

Every year, an everyday family go on a beach holiday. This isn’t just any beach - it’s Magic Beach, where everything you can imagine becomes real.

A play by Finegan Kruckemeyer. Based on the book by Alison Lester.

Saturday 29 January, 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

Sunday 30 January, 10.30 am & 12.30 pm

Tickets All Tickets $20.00 | Groups 4+ $15.00 | Workshop & Theatre Performance $32.00

Tickets All Tickets $16.00 | Groups 4+ $15.00 | Theatre Performance & Workshop $32.00 Theatre

Blind Bight Community Hall

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SUMMER 2021 9

It’s Your Life

JJake k recovering i post-surgery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The nightmare ordeal started in February this year, less than two weeks

after Jake returned to school.

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

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

Claire ended up taking Jake to the emergency department at the Monash Medical Centre in Clayton.

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

Two weeks of tests failed to uncover

what exactly the virus was, but it was clear that his immune system had begun attacking his liver.

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

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

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

Dads feel they can’t use flexible work options WORKPLACE culture and masculine norms are preventing dads from asking for flexible working hours including paid parental leave, new research suggests.

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

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

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

10 SUMMER 2021

Dr Borgkvist says the low uptake of formal flexible working arrangements

by Australian fathers is primarily due to a perceived, and quite often objective, lack of support from workplace managers and colleagues.

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

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

the male ‘breadwinner’.”

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

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

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

Dr Borgkvist said cultural change was vital.

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

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Jake is once again a happy and healthy young boy.

Jake spent weeks in hospital.

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

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

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

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

believed her liver has regrown and returned to its pre-surgery size.

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

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

Jake will take immunosuppressive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I can’t thank them enough.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claire has recovered well and it is

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SUMMER 2021 11

It’s Your Life

The striking dragon head.

Pictures: Stewart Chambers

Flynn, 4, on one of the many climbing stuctures.

Dragon Park hatches in Officer KIDS are sure to get fired up about the newest playground in Officer’s Arcadia estate.

The playground also features a variety of climbing structures, swings and a motion carousel.

A giant dragon is the centrepiece of Dragon Park, an all-abilities play space spanning nearly one hectare.

That being said, the playground is best suited to kids who are a bit older.

You may also want to feel the equipment if it’s a hot day.

You’ll find the multi-million dollar park on Flanagan Avenue, Officer.

The dragon’s body.

Dragon Park spans nearly one hectare.

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There is a climbing net leading into the mouth of the giant dragon and to a large slide. There are also smaller slides that stem from its long body.

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12 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Managing festive stress

By Melissa Grant

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

CHRISTMAS can be stressful enough at the best of times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some great tips from Relationships Australia Victoria to help manage stress through the holiday season: ■ Organise yourself: Schedule time for exercise, relaxation, cooking and eating meals, and plan to complete certain tasks on certain days. These routines can be reassuring as they make life more predictable. Also plan time for the additional things you need to do, such as gift shopping and wrapping, and catch-ups.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SUMMER 2021 13

It’s Your Life

Kayaking is a great way to spend the day at Lysterfield Lake.

Pictures: Gary Sissons

Wildlife abounds at Lysterfield Lake.

A park for long summer days LYSTERFIELD Park is a great place to spend those long summer days.

Renowned as one of having one of the state’s best lakes to swim in, the park is a favourite for families during the warmer months.

With two large picnic areas equipped with toilets, picnic tables and free BBQs, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a snag or two in bread with family and friends after taking a dip.

The lake has two protected swimming bays with sandy shores, gentle waters and a gradual increase in water depth.

It’s a nice spot for a swim, and you can also go canoeing, kayaking or even try stand-up paddle boarding.

Spanning 82 hectares, the lake is also a place for non-powered boating and sailing. There’s boat trailer parking and a boat launching and rigging zones.

If you are venturing into the water take care - the lake is not patrolled by lifeguards and kids must be supervised at all times.

Even if you aren’t keen for a splash, you’ll find plenty to do at Lysterfield Park.

It’s a great place to see kangaroos and wallabies and you may even spot a koala or an echidna. The park is also home to some amazing birdlife.

If you are keen for some exercise, check out the tracks and trails for

A Pied Cormorant dries its wings.

walking and mountain biking.

The Lake Circuit Trail, as its name suggests, goes around the lake. It’s a popular trail as it’s pretty much flat, offers scenic views and can be done in 1.5 hours.

Lysterfield Lake is a great spot to have a BBQ or a picnic.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, it’s worth tackling Granite Peak Trail. The 6km trail takes you uphill to Trig Point, where you can enjoy 360 degree views of Melbourne.

If you enjoy views then make sure you hang around until sunset as the lake is a stunning sight when the sun goes down. It’s a great way to wind up a summer’s day.

You’ll find Lysterfield Park on Horswood Road (off Belgrave-Hallam Road).

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14 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Free Christmas craft workshops PAKENHAM Central Marketplace is running free craft activities for kids this Christmas.

The activities will be running on the two weekends in the lead up to Christmas, and all week before the big day.

If you are looking for a way to keep the kids entertained while doing your shopping, then come along and get them involved.

Construction will soon begin on the Kooweerup skate park.

New skate park in the pipeline THERE is a flipping good news for skateboarders in Kooweerup.

The township’s skatepark is getting a major upgrade, with construction expected in autumn.

Cardinia Shire Council recently awarded the tender to design and build the new skate park to Baseplate and Grind Projects.

Grind Projects are one of Australia’s premier skate park builders and Baseplate were responsible for designing the Gembrook Skate Park in 2018.

“This is the exciting first step in getting this project off the ground,” Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen said.

Westernport Councillor Kaye Cameron welcomed the news.

“The community has been patiently waiting for the upgrade of this muchloved skate park and we’re excited to kick the project off with the tender now finalised,” said Cr Cameron.

“The skatepark will remain open over the busy summer period with construction expected to commence in autumn.”

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There will be a staff member on site to guide children through the activities.

With seven different Christmas themed crafts to choose from, children will be delighted with these kidapproved activities. Whether it be the Christmas Grinch slime making, the snow globe creations or slap band designing, ‘tis the season for fun!

These activities will only be available while stocks last. There is no need to book, just pop down to Pakenham Central Marketplace with the kids. Parents must remain in the area while children are participating in this activity.

Where: 50-54 John St, Pakenham ■ Saturday 11 December: Snow Globe Making ■ Sunday 12 December: Christmas Slapbands ■ Saturday 18 December: Christmas Keychains ■ Sunday 19 December:

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Reindeer Scratch Art ■ Monday 20 December: Merry Christmas Frames ■ Tuesday 21 December: Christmas Slapbands ■ Wednesday 22 December: Christmas Grinch Slime ■ Thursday 23 December: Pom Pom Ornaments ■ Friday 24 December: Reindeer Scratch Art While at Pakenham Central Marketplace the kids might want to check out the toys in BigW but the centre highly recommend parents take a break and enjoy a coffee and one of the many cafes.

Activities will be run in a CovidSafe manner, with check in and number limits.

To find out more, visit www.pakenhamcentralmarketplace. com.au

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www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 15

It’s Your Life

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

A Wahu pack valued at $139.92 which includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16 SUMMER 2021

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

■ CoComelon Stacking Train, RRP $50: Children can get their numbers, shapes, and colours right on track with the CoComelon Stacking Train. Each big, colourful block features numbers 0-9. Use the blocks to build a train with this 40-piece construction set.

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

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

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

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

■ Explorer Microscope Set, RRP $35:

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

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

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

It’s Your Life

The finished product.

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

Pictures: Studio 74 Photography

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

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

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

i th in the kitchen with Lucy Stewart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you ready to get back on the hamster wheel?

By Julie Cliff - professional organiser

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

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

Take stock of the things you are juggling. www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

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

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

■ Are you spending time on meal planning?

■ How much exercise are you squeezing in each day?

your tasks and priorities and leave the office on time? Or do you need to get a new job?

■ Want to work more from home?

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

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

■ Want to spend more time with specific people?

Get it in the diary.

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

■ Want to get the family involved in running the household? Say no when someone tells you it’s your job. Have a detailed discussion now about who does what.

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

What next?

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

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

■ Want to work shorter hours? Do you need to work smarter or be clearer on

Need help?

Julie Cliff is a professional organiser at

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

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

SUMMER 2021 17

It’s Your Life

Changing the way we think about learning

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

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

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

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

Lili-Ann Kriegler says there are seven learning zones.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOUR EXPERIMENTS TO TURN YOUR KITCHEN INTO A SCIENCE LAB Science is around us all the time.

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

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

2. Grow crystals Besides growing beans, why not 18 SUMMER 2021

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

giving them a framework.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ask them to explain what they think is happening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you want to do through these and many other experiments is to get your child thinking using the scientific method. Scientists ask good questions.

They experiment with a variety of materials and substances; they hypothesise about what might happen and they are keen observers. Besides this, they use specific vocabulary, measure precisely to recreate their outcomes and they record what they see with drawings, graphs and photography. Children learn about more than what happens in a one-off experiment - they learn how to think.

Good luck to you and your young scientists as you explore the world in your kitchen!

Find out more at www.krieglereducation.com www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Health

Exercise in pregnancy tested COULD Pilates and weightlifting prevent pre-eclampsia?

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

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

Its findings could expose as a myth

the notion that breaking into a sweat poses a risk to expectant mums and babies in the later stages of pregnancy.

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

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

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

In the study, participants will have their blood pressure, arterial stiffness

and foetal heartrate recorded to test the hypothesis that high intensity exercise could be as beneficial in pregnancy as it is in other populations.

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

Play therapy clinic SOUTH Eastern Play & Creative Therapies believes that play is the richest form of expression and it is in play that we can express feelings that are placed far deeper than just our conscious mind.

Play Therapy and Creative Arts Therapies create a safe, nonthreatening way of communicating for children, adolescents and adults. Their aim is to provide accessible, high quality therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and families utilising play and expressive arts-based practice.

Their team provides a range of therapeutic services: ■ Play Therapy ■ Creative Counselling

Berwick Bulk Foods offer a wide range of products.

■ Art Therapy ■ Family Therapy

A zero waste space

■ Parent education and support ■ Group Programs In play therapy, children can ‘play out’ their feelings, thoughts and experiences. In the safety of the therapeutic relationship and through the child’s language of play they learn emotional regulation skills, build new social skills and develop healthy coping strategies.

Creative Counselling is an adaptation of play therapy for adolescents and adults. This type of therapy integrates talk-based counselling and play therapy utilising a range of mediums: music, art, creative writing, movement, games, sand tray work with miniatures, clay, and photography.

Art Therapy is a form of expressive

BERWICK Bulk Foods are a small, family owned shop in the heart of Berwick Village.

Play is the richest form of expression.

therapy that uses the creative process of art making to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Artistic expressions can be a vehicle to help unlock and give meaning to feelings, thoughts, and behaviours.

It is a zero waste space - they sell your pantry needs, unpacked.

This includes nuts, seeds, flours, pulses, grains, sugars and dried fruits in bulk.

They also offer fresh, locally sourced honey and freshly made nut butters as well as kombucha on tap.

To request a free phone consultation, to make a referral or for further information please contact Jenny Lord, Clinical Director at: info@ playandcreativetherapies.com.au

an easy way to start the switch to a low tox home.

If you forget to bring along your own containers, they have a selection of glass jars that can be purchased together with complimentary paper bags to fill up with your goodies.

Buy as little or as you need.

The kids are covered too – Berwick Bulk Foods stocks Bio Dough.

Your laundry, kitchen and bathroom needs are also catered for.

Their cleaning products are safe and environmentally friendly and are

Medicare rebates are available and NDIS funded clients accepted.

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Visit us at www.berwickbulkfoods.com.au

9a Blackburne Square, Berwick

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SUMMER 2021 19

Health

Insights into picky eating

By Melissa Grant

likelihood of picky eating.

PICKY eating is something many parents deal with.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

practical or psychological impacts for parents/caregivers.

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

easier said than done as these things take time, which many families don’t have a lot of.

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

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

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

“It’s quite developmentally appropriate. The concern is if it keeps going.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Although she added that this was

Who are radiologists and what do they do?

I-MED Radiology recently extended their clinic offerings to the Pakenham community, opening a fully comprehensive modern purpose-built clinic with a radiologist onsite.

So who are radiologists?

I-MED Radiology Pakenham, now open!

With an on-site radiologist daily, I-MED Radiology Pakenham will provide the highest quality medical imaging and expert patient care, bringing world class diagnostic imaging to the local community.

• • • • • • •

Radiologists are doctors who have specialised in reading and interpreting x-rays and scans to provide a diagnosis.

They have done additional training following their general doctor training. It takes around 12 years of training to become a radiologist.

Radiologists tailor radiology examinations to the specific requirements of the request received, and supervise the technical aspects of certain scans.

General and dental x-ray Low dose CT Ultrasound MRI Mammography Bone mineral densitometry Interventional procedures.

They work in partnership with the referring practitioner, providing consultation on specific cases to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

They provide a written report on what they find on imaging scans and x-rays, they send this report back to the referring practitioner.

Clinic location: 20 Main Street, Pakenham VIC 3810

They also perform procedures such as biopsies of breast lumps and therapeutic injections to ease back pain.

Call 03 5947 7000 to book your appointment or visit i-med.com.au

Where would you find a radiologist working?

i-med.com.au

Radiologist and Clinic Director Dr David Wang.

What do radiologists actually do?

Radiology departments in hospitals

and some private clinics. Not all radiology providers are the same, they don’t all have radiologists on site. At I-MED Radiology it is considered best practice to have radiologists working on site across all clinics. In Pakenham, I-MED has Dr David Wang, who is the radiologist reporting, supervising and providing consultation to local referring practitioners.

Does the patient ever see the radiologist?

Sometimes, most commonly if a procedure is being performed, or direct supervision is requiried for a scan. Patients can be assured that in I-MED clinics the radiologists are busy working behind the scenes with the I-MED team and the local referring practitioners to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

12524934-SN50-21

20 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

DENTAL

An expert team The friendly team at Casey Dental Group.

SOUTH East Orthodontics has been servicing Casey for more than 20 years, and is located at a purpose built practice on Clyde Road.

Affordable care

To ensure the premises are Covid safe, South East Orthodontics sought the advice of Professor Laurie Walsh from Queensland University and Steven Kent from the Doherty Institute.

South East Orthodontics offers clinical excellence using the latest orthodontic developments and techniques.

Dr Nishan Fernando Dr Nishan Fernando, from New Zealand, completed a Bachelor of Science in physiology, and Post Graduate Diploma in Science, in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of Otago. His area of research was hypertension, and he published a Poisons Information Monograph for the World Health Organisation.

Nishan later completed his Bachelor in Dental Surgery at Hong Kong University.

Nishan was then employed in the Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at Prince Philip Dental Hospital as a House Officer. He treated complex cases and medically compromised children, as well as orthodontic patients under the supervision of his orthodontic professor.

He volunteered his time with a cleft

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

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

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

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

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

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

COST can be a major deterrent from visiting the dentist.

The expert team at South East Orthodontics.

lip and palate team which went to Cambodia.

Upon returning to New Zealand, he registered with the New Zealand Dental Council and The General Dental Council (UK).

After a few years in private general dental practice, Nishan completed his Doctoral in Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) at the University of Adelaide. His area of research involved the investigation of dental, skeletal and facial complex changes with extraction orthodontic therapy, and assessment of the resultant aesthetic changes of the face. Nishan is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeon and the secretary of the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists.

South East Orthodontics is located at Suite 5, Level 1, 18-24 Clyde Road, Berwick. Phone 9330 0702 or visit www.seortho.com.au

Casey Dental Group is the preferred provider for major health funds. The clinic offers orthodontics for only $5900, with weekly plans for $59 and family discounts available.

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

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

In addition, Casey Dental Group

The team includes new dentists Dr Anthony Curtin, Dr Amy Parveen and Dr Nelly Lee. The practice has extended its opening hours to include evening sessions that run until 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

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

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

WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE

Orthodontics and Invisalign from $59 per week.

Implants from $39 per week • We BULK BILL for the $1000 Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme • HALF PRICE CROWNS* *after first full priced crown.

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

Dr Kip Homewood and Dr Nishan Fernando make Casey Cardinia Smile

• 24 months interest free on all treatment services • NON INSURANCE PATIENTS: FREE Check Ups! • Government Emergency/General Dental Vouchers accepted

The team at South East Orthodontics who have been proudly supporting and servicing Casey Cardinia for over 20 years

Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances.

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

Participating Providers and Dr Jayson McNaughton

Dr Guy Turton

Dr Alina Bratu

Dr Shannon Gune

Dr Harjot Gill

Mr Joseph Hanna

Dr Robert Otken

Dr Deon Nguyen

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

236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South Po un dR

Phone: 9705 1755

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Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Suite 5, Level 1/18-24 Clyde Rd, Berwick Phone: (03) 9330 0702 info@seortho.com.au | www.seortho.com.au 12521265-BL50-21

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

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

Casey Dental Group is Here!

Greaves Rd 12472308-JW51-20

SUMMER 2021 21

Education

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

How to deal with school refusal

By Melissa Grant

She says there are usually warning signs for parents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12514609-JW40-21

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

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

Your Children Welcome to Hampton Park Community House

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Book now for 2022 3 year old Kindergarten P : 03 8768 8342 or 0417 375 344 3 yr old Kindergarten 9.30am – 2:30pm Mon, Wed & Thurs Occasional Care 9.30am – 2.30pm Mon to Fri Before & After School Care Morning & Afternoon Tea provided Vacation Care Programs in School Holidays Morning & Afternoon Tea provided Our Address : 16-20 Stuart Ave, Hampton Park VIC 3976

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www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Education

Child care fee relief comes early

By Melissa Grant FAMILIES with two or more kids in child care will get fee relief earlier than expected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commencing ELC ARGUABLY in education one of the greatest disruptions has occurred in early learning due to Covid.

during the lockdown with packs, educational activities and online learning through the Seesaw app.

Access has been patchy, or families have decided that children should not attend ELC during the pandemic.

“So, while we’re not out of the woods yet, an important consideration over the next 12 months will be, how will your ELC support you if we have another Covid flare-up.”

This means that selecting an ELC in 2022 is even more important to ensure that your child gets the best start possible to their education.

Sue Eden, Director of St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar’s Early Learning Centre, says there are certain things to consider when choosing a place for your three or four-year-old.

“Reflecting back over the past few months, I’m so proud to say that our ELC remained open throughout the Covid lockdowns,” she said.

“While onsite services were limited to essential workers and those with permits, we supported all our families

When choosing an ELC, Ms Eden said it’s crucial that the philosophy and program align with your family’s goals and hopes for your children.

“For some parents, their primary goal is childcare, to have a safe place for their child to be while they are at work. For others the goal is to give their child an educational head-start and for others it’s both,” she said.

“We have faith that at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar ELC we can cater for each child and support them to be best that they can be.”

Empowering Curious Minds Find out how our world-class International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and expert ELC andJunior School staff can help your child flourish in their learning through action in our intimate learningspaces and classes.

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

StMargarets.vic.edu.au St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar’s Early Learning Centre supports children to be the best they can be. www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

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SUMMER 2021 23

Education

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

By Melissa Grant

exact,” she said.

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

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

So how do you best prepare your child for Prep?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It might be good in those couple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24 SUMMER 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Education

A place to grow HENRY Grossek has never been prouder to lead Berwick Lodge Primary School.

What makes Explorers unique?

A passionate team of educators teach using a unique Reggio Emilia curriculum, focussing on interest and play-based learning. Children explore, learn and play in an inviting learning environment.

He marvels at the meaningful relationships one can develop when they are part of the Berwick Lodge family.

“For example, the past two years under the cloud of Covid-19, the camaraderie and resilience of the school community has been inspiring,” he said.

“As an adult, speaking with them, sharing views on a wide range of matters, reinforces my view that our future will be safe in the hands of our young people of today.”

Mr Grossek said that this is also reassuring as an educator.

“Our school is undoubtedly on the right path in preparing our children for leadership when their turn comes as it inevitably will,” he said.

“On another note, I marvel at how much our students grow, both

EXPLORERS Early Learning Beaconsfield offers high quality early learning, kindergarten and care for children from 6-weeks-old to school age.

Located on the Princes Highway and O’Neil Road, the recently opened state-of-the-art centre features highquality learning resources, large classrooms filled with natural light and architecturally-designed outdoor play spaces.

Mr Grossek - who has been the school’s principal since it opened 32 years ago - has been heartened by the resilience shown by the school community throughout the Covid pandemic.

“It’s an understatement to say that our student leaders are exemplary young people and wonderful role models for their peers.

Explore and learn

academically and socially over the seven or so years in which they attend our school.

“Engaging with them is a personally exhilarating experience – all the more so at the moment, given the long periods of remote learning we have all faced in recent times.

“You see, I love learning too and they teach me so much too. Why not contact us and see for yourself?”

Berwick Lodge Primary School is located at 139-145 Mansfield St, Berwick. For enrolment enquiries, phone 9707 1766.

Explorers believes every child has a deep curiosity that drives their interest to understand their world and their place within it. Explorers’ goal is to embrace this curiosity, challenge each child’s thinking and facilitate their eagerness to learn and understand.

Some of the many reasons to choose Explorers include: ■ The curriculum, inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, values the child as strong, capable and resilient, and full of wonder and knowledge ■ Sustainable practices are embedded in the program, including worm farms, animals/pet program, compost bins, community gardens, natural play spaces and recycling stations

Each child’s thinking is challenged at Explorers Early Learning Beaconsfield.

■ The 4-year-old Kinder School Readiness Program prepares children for school and beyond ■ 3-year-old and 4-year-old Kindergarten Programs are taught

by Bachelor qualified teachers ■ The Indoor/Outdoor Program gives children free choice in exploring their learning environment The ‘Explorers Enrichment‘ Program complements learning, with Speech Therapy, Music and Movement, Language and Sustainability.

The nutritious menu, created by in-house chefs, exceeds the Nutrition Australia healthy eating guidelines and caters for all dietary requirements and individual needs.

Educators and management are all extremely passionate about providing quality care and practicing the Explorers’ philosophy.

Visit bit.ly/ExplorersBeaconsfield or phone 1300 000 335.

VISIT OUR VIRTUAL SCHOOL TOUR TODAY Our virtual school tour allows you to experience Berwick Lodge Primary School spaces as though you are physically there.

Using emerging technology, we have mapped spaces across the school to create 3D tours and 360-degree walkthroughs.

Immerse yourself in the spaces, move around, explore and look out for LODGIE BEAR along the way.

Kevin Heinze Best School Garden Award 2018

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For more details visit: www.berwicklodgeeps.vic.edu.au

P: 9709 6700 F: 9796 2198 E: berwick.lodge.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Visit our website to check out the virtual tour www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au 12479598-SN13-21

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SUMMER 2021 25

Education

Going from strength to strength St Clare’s Catholic Primary School meets the needs of diverse verse learners.

ST Clare’s Catholic Primary School continues to grow and now has an enrolment of over 520 students.

One of the major developments of 2021 is the substantial landscape works to incorporate further sport fields and playgrounds.

St Clare’s continues to go from strength to strength. As part of the parish of St Patrick’s in Pakenham, the school is on site with the Early Learning Centre and the Officer campus of St Francis Xavier College. This provides a seamless transition from early childhood to secondary education with state-ofthe-art facilities.

Each learning space has been designed by education award-winning architects to provide a rich environment conducive to relevant, meaningful learning. Areas are spacious and well-resourced so as to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

Before your children even come to school, you, as parents, have taught

them so much. They’ve learned to listen, to ask questions, to be filled with wonder, to say thank-you, to wash their hands, to pick up after themselves and to look out for each other.

St Clare’s continues these life lessons and nurtures the holistic development of each child.

For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is Religious Education – developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass. St Clare’s encourages active play and healthy bodies, understanding other cultures through learning languages, and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.

Due to the impact on Covid-19 on schooling in 2020 and 2021, St Clare’s discovered that digital technology is an integral part of the learning experience in our connected world.

St Clare’s emphasises a student’s

capacity for safety, courtesy, critical literacy and independent learning online using the most current mobile learning technologies.

Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Being part of faith-filled community instils students with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging and above all, a powerful sense of selfworth.

St Clare’s aims to have each child reach their potential - to be a wellrounded individual within a supportive and caring learning environment.

Visit www.stclaresofficer.catholic.edu. au and tour the ‘virtual tour’ to get a real feel for the school. School tours are also available - contact the school on 5940 6777 to book a time.

For all enquires or to receive enrolment documentation, phone 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer. catholic.edu.au

Rivercrest Christian College continues to grow BUILDING works have been steaming ahead at Rivercrest Christian College this year.

fruition. This ground-breaking project was made possible through the approval of a $5 million grant.

Two major projects have just been completed, with more to come in 2022.

This construction builds upon the recent expansion of the Rivercrest Middle Years campus, which added four new classrooms and breakout spaces for its secondary students. This campus aims to serve Years 6–12 students by 2025.

Recent works at Rivercrest include:

Rivercrest Christian College welcomed their Year 2 students to their new, purpose-built building at the start of the year.

With the support of the state government, MP Jordan Crugnale officially ‘turned the soil’ on Friday 14 May for new building works. These new works are well on the way at Rivercrest Christian College’s Middle Years

An artist impression of the performing arts building.

Campus, which will have a new Performing Arts building and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building come into

■ New student play courts ■ Upgraded entrances ■ Additional car parking “The new building and infrastructure works at both our CREST Colleges is

testament to our ongoing commitment to provide excellence in learning and wellbeing within contemporary, engaging spaces; our students continue to be supported to flourish within the impressive surrounds of the 55 hectare CREST precinct,” said Ms Christine Lucas, Head of Colleges.

Rivercrest Christian College is part of the Crest Educational precinct which also consists of, Hillcrest Christian College, Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre, Crest Institute, and a 25 acre Environmental Reserve. Hillcrest Christian College also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Rivercrest Christian College

• International Baccalaureate World School • Inquiry Learning with a Christian World View • New Middle Years Campus • Year 9 starting 2022 (continuing to Year 12) RIVERCREST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Ferdinand Drive Clyde North Enter via Gate 6 T: 03 9703 9777 W: rivercrest.vic.edu.au 12479613-SG26-21

26 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Education

Putting parents at the centre Janette, Taylor and Maria from Kool Kidz Narre Warren.

SHROUDED by the natural beauty of lush, green rolling hills, Harkaway Hills College punches well above its weight for a school that only opened five years ago.

This year’s student highlights include winning the interschool cross country carnival, taking out a state-wide poetry competition and coming out on top in a local short story competition. The school’s bumper NAPLAN results were also a highlight following more than a year of remote education.

College parents Damien and Tatiana Burger say the key to the school’s success lies in supporting the parents.

“By focusing on developing and supporting parental confidence, we end up helping the students in the best way that we can,” Damien said.

The Burgers, who were among the cofounding parents of Harkaway Hills College, fell in love with the PARED model of education because of the encouragement it provides to parents as the first educators of their children.

“There were families in Melbourne who wanted the same support, so we got together, and here we are today, the first PARED school in Victoria,” Tatiana said.

Early learning with a family focus Support for parents is a key feature of the PARED model that drew the Chavez family to Harkaway Hills College.

The couple said friendship is a vital aspect of PARED schools because friendship makes for a beautiful community.

“Parents can gather in our dedicated parent room anytime for a coffee and a chat,” Tatiana said.

“It is also a wonderful benefit for parents to get to know the parents of their children’s friends because it becomes such a wonderful support for them as they raise their children.”

FAMILY comes first at Kool Kidz Childcare.

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

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

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

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

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

“The standards are so high in terms

of the curriculum and the support we receive,” Janette said.

Kool Kidz Narre Warren has capacity for 130 children.

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

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

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

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

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

Phone 9705 1532.

Taking Enrolments for 2022 and 2023

ENROL FOR PREP 2022 Partnering with parents for firmer foundations.

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

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

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

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CARING & FAMILY FRIENDLY

SUMMER 2021 27

Education

Story behind child’s play WHEN families drop off their children at child care, they know that their children will have a fun day. They’ll play, they’ll eat, they may sleep.

But what goes on behind the play, how does the play eventuate? Do toys, games and art activities get put out randomly? The educators at Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre share how they create their play based learning environments to get the best outcomes for children.

When constructing a play based learning program for children in classrooms, a lot of work happens in preparation. Educators observe, form bonds and ask questions both of children and their families. A holistic picture of children is gathered so as to co-construct the best learning program possible for children.

Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre educators develop children’s learning program by: ■ Identifying children’s strengths and interests through observing and engaging with them, and speaking with families.

■ Planning experiences, choosing teaching strategies and designing the environment is very important in order to build on children’s skills, knowledge and understanding of the world.

■ Designing individual and group projects that help children to inquire, make discoveries, explore ideas,

A lot of preparation goes into creating play a based learning program for children.

work cooperatively and solve problems.

■ Reflecting on, evaluating and documenting the learning outcomes for children to inform future planning.

■ Identifying children’s strengths and interests through observing and interacting with them, and speaking with families.

Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre are now taking enrolments for 2022.

Would you like a tour of the centre?

Book a tour today at www.cardinialakeselc.com.au You can also check out the centre on Facebook and Instagram.

Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre Book a tour today!

Vacancies for 2022 are limited

The benefits of learning outside

By Melissa Meehan

Cardinia Lakes ELC is an integrated child care centre with 3 and 4 year old Government Funded Kindergarten. All classrooms are run by qualified Teachers and Educators.

Meals cooked and planned for by a qualified chef.

We are open between 6:30am and 7:00pm Operating 52 weeks of the year and closed

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

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

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

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

on public holidays.

3 Atlantic Drive, Pakenham VIC 3810 P: 9066 1144 E: manager@cardinialakeselc.com.au Cardinia-Lakes-Early-Learning-Centre

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

www.cardinialakeselc.com.au

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

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28 SUMMER 2021

The link between learning in nature

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

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

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

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

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

Education

Mental health support

Unique offering for girls

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Students, teachers, families and school communities have been incredibly resilient throughout this pandemic - but we know it’s been incredibly difficult for many of our kids, and we’re making sure they’re

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

supported while studying,” Education Minister James Merlino said.

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

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

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

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

Mater Christi celebrates what it means to be a girl in a changing world. The College aspires to educate girls who can take their place in the affairs of society, are not limited by stereotypes and can be true to who they are.

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

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

Whatever her pathway, each student will have opportunities to explore her interests and talents, to

learn about herself and the world, and to find a place to belong.

Mater Christi has a proactive approach to wellbeing by including social-emotional learning as part of the learning program. Their curriculum is based on the Middle Years Program of the International Baccalaureate, an internationally recognised framework which caters for a range of learning needs, offering support and challenge where required. The VCE program is rich and students’ results are a testament to the professionalism and expertise of their teachers.

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

Informed Compassionate Creative

APPLY NOW

for 2023 & 2024 L I M I T E D PL AC E S BOOK NOW via website College Tours & Online Conversation Each girl learns to become her best self; a global thinker who is competent, confident and ready to live life to the full. Excellence in all-girls education.

Enquire about our charter bus services

28 Bayview Road, Belgrave • 9754 6611 • materchristi.edu.au 12519663-HC50-21

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 29

Education Ms Inman Grant said it is vital that schools teach their students how to stay safe with online strategies. These strategies include being an ‘upstander’ when they see bullying online and knowing how to seek help when something doesn’t feel right.

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

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

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

Online safety... nearly a third of all Australian schools are using quality online safety education providers endorsed by the federal online safety regulator.

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

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

The Trusted eSafety Provider program, which is run by the eSafety Commissioner, helps schools find

providers of evidence-based and curriculum-aligned online safety education programs. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said lockdowns and the pandemic have led Australian children to spend more time online than ever before.

“As many Australians are forced online for their work and education

during the pandemic, eSafety has seen a rise in reports about cyberbullying and other online harms,” Ms Inman Grant said.

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

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

“The majority of the participants in the programs have been students but parents and teachers have also taken part in the programs to learn about such topics as cyberbullying, imagebased abuse, and respectful online relationships.”

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

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

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

A nurturing environment “IT feels like a community where my child will be nurtured, cared for and known.”

This is what parents and guardians say is their main reason for choosing Lakeside College, according to Principal Tom Brennen.

$ýĚăĽÓĝéþå Ó³Ëè øÓ³ĝþÓĝ ħă ħèĝéļÓͯ ġÓĝļÓ ³þÏ Óͯ ġÓĝļÓ ļ ³þÏ Ó ăä ă èĝé ĝéġħ ġĪËËÓÓÏͯ éþġĚéĝÓÏ ÊĿ ħèÓ øăļÓ ăä èĝéġħ

$þĝăøøéþå þ㼠äăĝ ̿̽̿̀ ³þÏ ÊÓĿăþÏ ÊÓĿăþÏ HéýéħÓÏ ļ³Ë³þËéÓġ éþ ̿̽̿​̿ jͷ ͂͆́̾ ̈́͂́​́ $ͷ ÓþĝăøýÓþħġψø³öÓġéÏÓͽļéËͽÓÏĪͽ³Ī ͷ ĽĽĽͽø³öÓġéÏÓͽļéËͽÓÏĪͽ³Ī ̿ jăĝħăÊÓøøă mÏ͸ j³öÓþè³ý : ̀̾̽ͅ

Sþ ³ýĚĪġ jĝéþËéĚ³ø văĪĝġ vĪÓġϳĿ ͂³ý vèĪĝġϳĿ ͂Ěý

“As a Christian College in the Lutheran tradition, we couldn’t be happier that families are experiencing exactly what we set out to provide,” he said.

“Education is all about relationships - between teacher and student, family and staff and school and community.

Lakeside College prioritises these critical relationships as we carry out our service to the local community.”

As a smaller Christian school of 461 students (growing to 650 students) from Years Prep to 12, there is a richness of relationships and attention to individuals that set the College apart from others.

Students are nurtured across the curriculum through innovative learning opportunities in core subjects, a vibrant arts program, technologies and sport.

Highly qualified and committed staff know each child deeply through the intentional pastoral care program and relish in the opportunity to teach students across the different areas of the school.

Lakeside College Principal Tom Brennen.

The College boasts excellent facilities including access to the co-located facilities provided through the Cardinia Cultural Centre, the Toomuc Playing Fields and the Cardinia Life gym.

As an open enrolment Christian College, all families are welcome regardless of their faith tradition.

“As Principal, I relish taking families on tours each week on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons and at other times as needed - please take me up on the offer,” Mr Brennen said.

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www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Education

Design engineering THE world is changing very rapidly, with new technologies driving both future growth and a significant increase in demand for new job roles and skillsets, particularly in the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

With rapidly evolving technologies comes the need for schools to adapt their programs to ensure students are receiving quality education in the fields that are likely to result in continuous, sustainable employment.

Dandenong High School has recognised the need to ensure students are thoroughly prepared for University study and the workforce, and have decided to launch a dedicated Design Engineering Academy commencing for Year 9 students in 2022. The Academy program will be taught in the new Design Centre, a purpose-built, state-ofthe-art and future-focused learning precinct.

Dandenong High School is launching a dedicated Design Engineering Academy in response to rapidly evolving technologies.

Artificial Intelligence, Applied Physics, Coding and Programming, Software Development, Digital Design and Manufacturing and Data Analytics.

In addition, students will be actively encouraged to compete in STEM competitions at a very high level.

The Academy promises to offer a stimulating educational environment.

Students will enjoy a range of enrichment and co-curricular experiences through partnerships with universities, including RMIT and Swinburne, as well as study trip opportunities to Silicon Valley in California. These opportunities will enable students to gain recognised micro-credentials and qualifications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Academy will provide students with a deeply immersive and fullfaceted STEM program and a clear learning pathway to an extensive array of tertiary courses and career opportunities. Although a specially designed STEM program, all units and subjects studied in the Academy will have a direct link to VCE subjects under the Victorian Curriculum, examples of these units may include: Cyber Security, Computational Thinking, Engineering and Robotics, The Psychology of

Extra tutoring

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 31

Party Time

Time to roll up to the party!

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

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

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

Perfect for little hands but also loved by grown ups!

Makes 40 pieces

Lamb souvlaki sausage rolls.

■ Line two biscuit trays with baking paper.

WITH OLIVIA C ENEA-BRAIN

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

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

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

Egg wash: ■ 1 whole egg ■ 1 teaspoon water

Ingredients: ■ 4 sheets Pampas puff pastry, thawed ■ 500g lamb mince

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

■ 1 small purple onion

■ 1 medium garlic clove

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

■ 1 levelled teaspoon sea salt (more if desired)

■ 1 small zucchini (unpeeled)

■ 3 mini cucumbers, grated finely

■ 1 piece of celery

■ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

■ 1 small carrot, peeled

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

■ 2 whole eggs

■ Place a sheet of puff pastry down on a clean bench or a chopping board and scoop a large heaped tablespoon of the sausage roll mixture onto the bottom of the sheet, making an even line of the mixture horizontally across the bottom of the sheet. Fold the line of mixture over to overlap the pastry to create a long role. Trim the long role away from the sheet with a knife and slice the role into 5 pieces. Place the pieces on the lined trays about 2-3cm apart.

Continue with the other half of the

pasty sheet, then repeat the process with remaining sheets.

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

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

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

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

Serve warm. Enjoy.

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

BORN TO PARTY

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

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

- art classes for kids from ages 5-12.

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

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

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Paint a Pot KIDS

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

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

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

Paint a Pot caters to kids of all ages - big and small, young and old - with a wide selection of pottery options. The on-site cafe allows the grown-ups and spectators to relax, and enjoy a coffee while the kids are in their creative element!

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

32 SUMMER 2021

their energy in the soft play area.

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

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

The studio can be hired for adult art social events.

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

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

Entertainment

Centre of fun THERE are lots of fun things for kids of all ages at Cardinia Cultural Centre.

while your child enjoys their arts and culture experience.

Whether your little ones like to watch from the sides or fully immerse themselves in experiences, there is something on offer for everyone!

You’ll find lots of children’s activities on the CCC’s website too, including Koorie Kids, dance classes and stopmotion animation workshops.

Creative workshops, interactive installations and animations, exhibitions, performances, movies, storytelling and children’s events are a plenty at the CCC. They’ve got parents and carers covered too. Did someone say coffee at The Vista Cafe? You can wander through the latest gallery exhibition too

Visit the Cardinia Cultural Centre website www.cardiniaculturalcentre. com.au or phone the Box Office on 1300 887 624 to find out more information about what’s on at the centre.

Cardinia Shire Council is proud to present Cardinia Cultural Centre’s kids’ and family programming.

A wild ride for young viewers AUSTRALIA’S ultimate animal survivors will be featured in a new children’s series on ABC ME. Production is underway on Built to Survive, a 10-part children’s natural history factual series.

The series is spearheaded by wildlife aficionado, biologist and third generation Indigenous educator, Phil Breslin.

Phil will brave some of the country’s most extreme and hostile environments in search of the ultimate animal survivors. These are species that have evolved their unique qualities to withstand Australia’s extreme conditions and unique ecosystems.

Built To Survive will be filmed on location in remote and wilderness environments throughout Queensland.

Consulting with First Nations peoples about habitats and lifecycles, Phil will traverse rivers and deserts, dive deep into the ocean, scale trees and use science in a bid to explore some of the strangest and most specialised animal adaptations on the planet.

Libbie Doherty, ABC Head of Children’s Production said the show would take children on a wild ride.

There is something on offer for kids of all ages at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.

“Aussie kids are adventurers at heart, captivated by our unique land, curious wildlife and Indigenous knowledge,” she said.

Phil Breslin, host of the new children’s TV series Built to Survive.

“Phil’s fresh perspective combines all three and takes the ABC ME audience on a wild ride across Australia.”

The series is being produced by Butter Media, with the support of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF).

Built to Survive will screen on ABC ME and ABC iview in 2022.

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www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 33

Entertainment

Summer fun at Bunjil Place BUNJIL Place is the place to be this summer.

have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and ingenuity at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.

The much-loved venue has a jam-packed calendar of family-friendly events, from plays to outdoor movies.

Here are the highlights:

Times: 6.30pm (Tues only), 10am (Wed & Thur), 12pm (Wed & Thur), 2pm (Wed only),

Christmas Craft in the Plaza 2, 9 & 16 December

Tickets: Adult $55, Child U15 $55, Family of 4 $51.90 per person

Get the kiddies into the festive spirit with Bunjil’s special Christmas Craft activities that’ll get their cheeks redder than Rudolph’s nose. There are 45-minute sessions at 3.45pm & 4.30pm. Tickets $5, which include an activity kit and seating for one child and one adult.

NGV Kids on Tour 18-20 January NGV Kids on Tour returns in 2022 with plenty of creative fun for the whole family to enjoy. NGV Kids on Tour offers children and families throughout regional and metropolitan Victoria the opportunity to engage with art and creativity through a range of free, hands-on activities and workshops at the Theatre.

Saturday Movie Night: Last Christmas 18 December Before the film, Indie Duo will perform a set of contemporary Christmas songs.

Band at 5.30pm, movie at 6.30pm.

Tickets $5 and include a Christmas treat.

Summer Days in the Plaza 7 January – 3 April

Times: 11am – 2pm (daily). Tickets: Free School Holiday Fun 10-14 January & 17-21 January

Bunjil is the place for summer fun.

Slip, slop, slap and head to the summer wonderland at the Plaza. With family activities, workshops and cinema under the stars it’s the perfect place to pitch your picnic rug and celebrate the sun with loved ones. Tickets: Free.

Bluey’s Big Play 11-13 January This is Bluey’s Big Play. And it’s really for real life! When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday arvo time out, Bluey and Bingo

Walhalla Goldfields Railway

From giant melting ice creams to pop up performances and workshops, there’s so much happening at Bunjil Place during the school holidays. Visitors will also have access to free equipment they can enjoy during their visit including, giant games, kites and deck chairs. Visit

the website or the Plaza Kiosk for daily information on planned activities.

Times: 10am – 4pm (daily). Tickets: Free

Magic Beach 30 January Alison Lester AM’s classic book comes to life in a wonderful world of text, song, light, shadow and movement for kids and their adults to enjoy.

Times: 10.30am & 12.30pm. Tickets: All tickets $16, Groups 4+ $15

Sea-sational Movies on the Outdoor Screen 9, 16 & 23 January Gear up for some splish splash fun in the Plaza with three family flicks that were mer-maid for summer-lovers.

Finding Nemo (G) – Sunday 9 January, 5pm – 6.40pm Song of the Seas (PG) – Sunday 16 January, 5pm – 6.30pm Dolphin Tale (PG) on 23 – Sunday 23 January, 5.00pm – 7.30pm Tickets: $5 each Visit bunjilplace.com.au/events for a full listing of upcoming events, exhibitions and shows.

Experience the Walhalla Goldfields Railway SPEND an unforgettable day with the family at Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

Relax and take in the breathtaking views as the train winds its way through the spectacular Stringers Gorge on what is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys.

On departing the historic Walhalla Station on your one-hour journey you will travel through the station yards with the sheer, stunning cliff face on one side and the winding Stringers Creek on the other side.

OPEN DAILY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Trains operate 11am, 1pm &3pm Please note: due to restrictions bookings must be made online and all passengers over the age of 16 must provide proof of vaccination.

Winding down through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station you cross seven bridges which in themselves are a marvel of engineering before reaching the spectacular Thomson River bridge.

Upon arrival at Thomson Station passengers disembark and have the opportunity to peruse the station and surroundings before boarding for the return journey.

To add to your experience, and for those young train buffs, the railway also offers a Ride in the Cab Experience. For a small extra fee you can experience a different perspective from the vantage point of the locomotive. See the amazing track work and bridges from out front

Take the kids on board the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

and chat to the knowledgeable crew along the way.

Make Walhalla Goldfields Railway your next family day out!

Trains depart Walhalla at 11am, 1pm and 3pm Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday weekly. During school holidays the rail operates daily (except Christmas Day).

Bookings can be made at: www. walhallarail.com.au For more information phone 03 51 656 280.

Please note that due to current restrictions all passengers over the age of 16 years must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of this when checking in.

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34 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Entertainment

Get creative at Robert Gordon ANYONE can get creative at Robert Gordon, with workshops for all ages.

If you’ve never worked with ceramics before you needn’t worry. Friendly staff are on-hand to show you how.

Bluey is back for a third season.

Robert Gordon offers workshops in wheel throwing, handbuilding and paint your own pottery.

It’s Bluey season three - for real life!

The paint your own pottery workshop is popular with families. All you have to do is choose your pot, decorate with paint and collect your masterpiece 14 days later.

If you’re after something more extensive, you should check out Robert Gordon’s six-week pottery course. The course covers hand building, wheel throwing, moulding, sculpture and painting in a friendly atmosphere.

WACKADOO! A new series of Bluey has started airing on ABC Kids.

Robert Gordon is a great place to visit with the family.

The workshops take place in a new studio space at Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet.

There’s also the Nancy Eatery, which serves up relaxed, homestyle meals with beautiful coffee.

Located in the heart of Pakenham, the outlet is a great place to visit with the family.

Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road, Pakenham and is open 7 days 9am-5pm. Online bookings for the Paint Your Own Pottery and workshops are essential. Phone 03 5941 3302. www.robertgordonaustralia.com

Bluey, mum Chilli, dad Bandit, and little sister Bingo have returned with more endearing and elaborate games and adventures to take Australian families by storm.

Bluey takes the everyday events of family life, like racing in the backyard, cooking breakfast for dad,

The third series also features some new voices you may recognise. Myf Warhurst, Megan Washington, Leigh Sales, Sam Simmons, Sean Choolburra, and singer/songwriter Darren Hanlon, lend their voices to characters during the third series. For real life!

To catch up on all the episodes, be sure to check out ABC iview.

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They have a large selection of homewares, baskets and textiles.

The highly anticipated third series of Bluey premiered on Monday 22 November.

and a visit from grandad, and turns them into unique gameplay, creating idiosyncratic adventures out of everyday moments.

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 35

Phillip Island

The spectacular view from the boardwalk outside the Nobbies Centre on Phillip Island.

One of the many beaches on Phillip Island.

An island playground for all INDULGE your senses at Phillip Island this summer.

Watch the sunrise from sandy beaches, see penguins and koalas up close, delight in the taste of locally made wine and produce at one of their many eateries and strap yourself in for some thrilling action at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Endless family fun is ensured when you visit the area with something for everyone.

Walk along the pristine beaches, ride a wave on one of the many famous surf beaches, or take the binoculars out for some bird spotting and see if you can cast your eyes on any other curious creatures.

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, and a stone throw’s away from the Casey and Cardinia region - it’s the perfect place for a day trip, weekend getaway or a longer stay over the summer months.

Phillip Island boasts an endless array of things to see and do - whether you are after something quiet or high-energy octane fun.

You can teach the kids to swim in a quiet bay beach, or soak up all the action at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - this island playground has so much to offer.

With so much to see and do, you’ll realise your first visit to Phillip Island won’t be your last.

A woman gets a close up shot of a koala climbing up a tree on Phillip Island.

Big thrills at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit PHILLIP Island Grand Prix Circuit is the destination for the whole family with many hours of entertainment on offer this summer.

Racing Simulators

Go Karts and Tandems Strap yourself into the new Sodi Go Karts for an exhilarating session on the 750m track – a replica of the world-renowned Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Champions Cafe

With 9 horsepower Honda GX 270cc engines and a top speed of 65kmh, the French-made karts provide the ultimate karting sensation and are tested to meet stringent Australian standards.

The 2Drive tandem karts have twin seats. The dual steering allows kids to be involved under the supervision of an adult driver.

Test your skills or challenge your mates to a simulated race on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

The licenced Champions Cafe delivers with its fresh menu. Fantastic coffee and delicious scones, cakes, slices, muffins, pastries, sausage rolls and pies hit the spot.

Strap yourself in the Go Karts for a thrilling time.

Grand Prix Motorcycle Collection at the Circuit The star exhibit in the History of Motorsport Display is the collection of 25 Grand Prix winning motorcycles from the two famous Italian marques, Aprilia and Cagiva, with the two-wheel

treasures permanently installed in the display at the Visitor Centre.

The Visitor Centre gift shop has a wide selection of stylish apparel, merchandise and souvenirs.

Slot Cars – the best fun for all ages Race your family or your mates on Australia’s largest four-lane GP Slot Car Track - an exact replica of the circuit.

For further information, including opening hours and operating conditions, visit phillipislandgokarts.com.au or call 03 5952 9400.

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36 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Fashion

Hot summer fashion

FOR the hottest children’s fashion this summer, look no further than Billy Lidz.

After being closed for months due to Covid restrictions, the leading boutique in Berwick is open and filled to the brim with clothing, accessories, shoes, toys and great gifts for Christmas.

Billy Lidz stocks leading Australian designer children’s and baby clothing brands and overseas favourites, including Wilson + Frenchy, Illoura the Label, Duke of London and Quincy Mae. They also stock beautiful handknitted dolls from cuddle + kind, a brand that gives 10 meals to children in need for every doll sold.

So support local this Christmas by visiting Billy Lidz at Blackburne Square, Berwick.

You can also check out the range in their online store at www.lovemybillylidz.com.au

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 37

Fashion

38 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

SUMMER SEASON IN STORE NOW PLUS GREAT GIFT IDEAS OPEN Mon - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm Shop 6, Blackburne Square, Berwick Phone: 9707 5593 12521267-CG50-21

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

SUMMER 2021 39

PERFORMING ARTS

Cathy-Lea SINCE 1991, Cathy-Lea has been training students in performing arts including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary dance, hip hop, drama, singing, musical theatre and instrumental music.

Many have gone onto careers on the stage in Australia and abroad.

Thousands have gained confidence, coordination, fitness, friendships and a love of performing arts from their experience at Cathy-Lea. Renowned for its high standards, disciplined classes, and friendly expert staff, Cathy-Lea encourages students of all abilities to shine, training through recognised syllabi and affiliated with professional associations including Cecchetti International Ballet, The Australian Teachers of Dancing, AMEB and Trinity Guildhall.

Pre-schoolers (aged 18 months - 5 years) are offered the highly awarded ‘Ready Set Dance’ and ‘Ready Set Ballet’ programs as featured on television on Nick Jr. The Elite Training Program at CathyLea features tuition by professional

performing artists, highly qualified coaches and master teachers from around the world.

very excited for a spectacular end of year concert at Bunjil Place.

Recreational classes are offered in all styles including hip hop, contemporary dance, drama, singing, musical theatre, acrobatics, commercial jazz and Broadway jazz for those seeking confidence, fun and fitness.

Located in Berwick, ACPA is close by for any students in the southeast of Victoria, including suburbs such as Narre Warren, Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield, Dandenong and Cranbourne.

Students of all ages and abilities are welcome and special discounted fee packages are available for students taking multiple classes.

A new, improved and more streamlined timetable will enable ACPA to continue to provide exceptional dance tuition at their studio in Berwick.

ACPA pride themselves on mentoring generations of dancers and performers so that they become self-confident, passionate members of the community.They are well known for their friendly, caring family environment - so drop in, or give them a call or email to have a chat!

All ACPA dance and performing arts students continue to excel in their exams and competitions and thrive in weekly classes throughout the year.Everyone is

ACPA is located at 10 Intrepid St, Berwick. For more information, phone: 9796 1482 or visit https://acpa-dance.com.au/

Please contact Cathy on cathy-lea@ cathy-lea.com or 9704-7324 or visit www.cathy-lea.com ACPA Welcome to 2022 at Andrea Catherine Performing Arts (ACPA).

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Born to Perform

The ACPA Little Star Program is designed to be the BEST beginning in dance for your Little Star!

Watch your child’s imagination soar as they learn to dance, sing and play in a safe and fun environment with tuition from expert dance professionals.

Your child will explore dance and creative movement, they will sing and act, in a beautifully crafted program that nurtures your child’s individuality and happiness.

Creating stars since 1991.

Join the Cathy-Lea community in 2022!

Elite & Recreational All Abilities 18 months-Adult

9704-7324 www.cathy-lea.com

Come and dance with us in our Berwick Studio, where we are passionate about building confidence and friendships through dance.

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Commercial, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Drama, Singing, Musical Theatre, Singing, Piano, Drums,Guitar, Bass 12523684-DL50-21

Visit us at www.acpa-dance.com.au or contact 9796 6 1482 148 82

Reality Bites

Mum’s experience helps acne sufferers

By Melissa Meehan

product innovation and multicultural business excellence.

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

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

And it followed her into adulthood.

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

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

From there, this busy Melbourne mum of one started her holistic business, called SkinB5 that saw her win the gold in the 2021 AusMumpreneur Global Brand Award as well as a silver for 40 SUMMER 2021

And it now has health professionals are recommending SkinB5 as an alternative to prescription acne medication.

The patented vitamin formula found in SkinB5 addresses the underlying causes of acne rather than just the symptoms.

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

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

It is no surprise she went down that

path either, her grandfather was a chemist and manufacturer of natural skin products too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reality Bites

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

From little things big things grow Rebecca does a lot of posts about matching fashion.

Picture: Jackie Thomas

A Little Miss Period box.

By Melissa Grant

to influencers via social media.

WARRAGUL mum Rebecca Little is big on making a difference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She has also previously been involved in the Baw Baw Food Relief Christmas Appeal.

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

Picture: Caitlyn Frecklington

LITTLE MISS PERIOD Bec launched Little Miss Period during lockdown in July, although the idea had been brewing for a while.

where you can buy period underwear or you can go the other route of going pads and tampons,” Bec explained.

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

“So I just wanted to make it a bit about everything so they can go into their period with choice.”

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

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

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

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

INSTAGRAM Bec posts about women’s fashion, children’s fashion and beauty on her Instagram account.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It’s about choice. I’ve found that on the market they’ve only got options www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

However her early posts were all about travelling with children.

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

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

“I feel like it definitely took off there.”

More followers came when Bec announced that she and Dion were having twins.

“I think it’s very intriguing for people to see how you manage life with two

newborns. I think people found a lot of interest in following our lives,” she said.

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

She also won’t take on a job if it means losing her authenticity and is careful not to take on too much.

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

HELPING THOSE IN NEED Bec is keen to use her profile to good use.

She became an ambassador for Share the Dignity after the charity put out a call

A LIFE-CHANGING INCIDENT Bec says she hasn’t always been a creative type.

She initially studied a Bachelor of Business and Commerce to become an accountant.

“Growing up I always felt like I needed to have a professional career,” she said.

“But when I moved to be with Dion I couldn’t get a job as an accountant… I tried every avenue.”

Bec ended up working as a receptionist at the Warragul Hospital consulting suites, which she loved.

One day at work she went up the street to get supplies when she had a stroke.

“I just had the episode there in the street. I had to have an ambulance,” she said.

Bec was 24 at the time and fortunately the impacts of the stroke were reversed quite quickly.

However, she still struggles with words at times and has found her brain works a bit differently.

“I went from numbers to creativeness,” she said.

“So I guess that’s where my Instagram evolved from... as well as my passion project which is Little Miss Period.”

You can follow Bec on Instagram at rebeccalittle_ or check out Little Miss Period at https://littlemissperiod.com/ SUMMER 2021 41

Reality Bites

Erika with her son.

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

Mum helps anxious parents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“For many kids Coronavirus is a

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

She has some tips about how to be a better parent when you are already feeling anxious yourself: ■ Be aware of yourself Think about how you are feeling right now, can you communicate freely?

Are you overworked? Anxious?

Stressed out? What do you need?

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

■ You need to say how you feel There is no point of having the “she’ll be right” attitude, it’s an unhealthy to deal with trauma. We need to

express how we feel and that is OK and teach our children that its normal to have emotions ■ Set boundaries It’s hard when in lockdown to set your own boundaries but then you need to set new ones. Whether it’s as simple as not having the news on 24/7. Kids aren’t programmed to have that screen time.

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

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

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

Girl starts her own horse business

By Shelby Brooks

“Some have apple and carrot in them and my horses just love it.”

A YOUNG Caldermeade girl’s love of horses has sparked a new side hustle.

Motivated by how much her horses enjoyed the healthy all natural treats, Macey decided to expand her baking to the wider community.

Macey Ramsbotham, 11, started baking horse treats for her beloved horses Chloe and Bluey.

“I really like baking things and wanted to make cookies for the horses,” Macey said.

“I started making up recipes and my horses tried them and they worked out.

“Mum put it on the Lang Lang Facebook page and it has just blown up,” Macey said.

She estimates she has made around 300 treats in the first week of going into business.

Despite school returning to on-site learning, Macey is determined to continue baking and taking orders from locals.

“I’ll have to try get all the orders done before or after school. Maybe I will have to wake up early,” she said.

You can head to @maceys.equestrian on Instagram to order.

Does your child have an interesting ‘side hustle’? Let us know by emailing editorial@caseycardiniakids.com.au

Macey Ramsbotham at her home in Caldermeade.

42 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Games And Gadgets

Zoe is loving technology and the outdoors THE Thursfields are a tech-savvy family who also like to get outdoors and keep active.

Zoe, 8, loves her technology - she plays lots of video games on different devices including her virtual reality (VR) headset and Samsung tablet.

■ Playground: Zoe likes to play on her playground in the backyard with her dogs, Bonnie and Clyde. She really likes swinging on her swing.

■ Virtual reality: Zoe likes to play with her VR headset, and her favourite game to play is Roblox.

When Zoe isn’t playing video games, she’s likely to be found on the playground in her Lyndhurst backyard or out and about either walking, bike riding or scooter riding with parents Courtney and Chris.

■ Computer games: Zoe and her dad like to play Co-Op games on the computer, they really enjoy the Lego games. They like to play through the games together. Zoe says her favourite is the Lego Harry Potter.

Here, the Thursfield family shares some of their favourite things.

■ Samsung tablet: Zoe likes to take her Samsung tablet outside to watch Disney Plus and Netflix. She says her favourite show at the moment is Ladybug and Cat Noir, and her favourite movie to watch is Z-O-M-B-IE-S.

■ Board games: The Thursfields love playing board games. Zoe’s favourite game is Monopoly and her favourite version of Monopoly is Sore Loser.

■ Walking and riding: The Thursfield family like to go for walks, and scooter and bike rides. They usually scoot or ride around their area. When they go for big walks they like to go to parks and gardens, especially the Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne. When they scoot, Zoe and her dad like to ride their electric scooters.

■ Movies: The Thursfields love to have family movie nights. They take it in turns choosing so that everyone sees something they like. Lately Zoe’s choice has been the Harry Potter series, which helped with some fun online family trivia nights through lockdown.

Zoe on the playground in the family backyard.

Zoe gets a push her mum C Courtney.

Z h on the h swing i ffrom h

Zoe playing with the virtual reality headset. Pictures: Stewart Chambers www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Zoe on her electric scooter.

Zoe on her tablet.

SUMMER 2021 43

Books

A ‘Wandi’ful book for kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parrett is at the sanctuary twice a

Wandi the dingo dingo.

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

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

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

Author Favel Parrett is passionate about dingoes.

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

of great need,” she said.

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

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

Wandi is available at local bookstores.

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

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

You can also follow Wandi on Instagram at wandi_dingo

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

Children’s books...

Cookie

Little Big Bully

Isabelle Duff, illustrated by Susannah Crispe

Trace Moroney

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

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

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

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

Kid President Totally Rules!

Who’s a Goose?

Deltora Quest

Scott Stuart

Emily Rodda

Jack Health, illustrated by Max Rambaldi

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

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

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

Scholastic Australia, RRP $17.99

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

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

For readers aged 8+ Scholastic Australia, RRP $39.99

EK Books, RRP $24.99 44 SUMMER 2021

www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on

this summer

11-24 DECEMBER

7 JANUARY - 3 APRIL

ALL SUMMER

FREE CHRISTMAS CRAFT

SUMMER DAYS IN THE PLAZA

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY

Pakenham Central Marketplace is running free craft activities for kids this Christmas.

With seven different Christmas themed crafts to choose from, children will be delighted with these kid-approved activities, including Christmas Grinch slime making and slap band designing.

There is no need to book, just pop down to Pakenham Central Marketplace with the kids. Parents must remain in the area while children are participating.

Pakenham Central Marketplace, 50-54 John St, Pakenham More information: www. pakenhamcentralmarketplace.com.au

Slip, slop, slap and head to the summer wonderland at the Bunjil Place Plaza.

With family activities, workshops and cinema under the stars it’s the perfect place to pitch your picnic rug and celebrate the sun with loved ones. Free.

Robert Gordon’s paint your own pottery workshop is popular with families. All you have to do is choose your pot, decorate with paint and collect your masterpiece 14 days later.

The workshops take place in a new studio space at Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet.

Online bookings for the workshops are essential.

Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road, Pakenham.

Phone 03 5941 3302 or visit www.robertgordonaustralia.com

UNTIL 25 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS PROJECTIONS The much-loved Christmas projections are back at Melbourne Town Hall. See five gorgeous adornments, complete with a countdown to Christmas clock.

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

Nightly 9pm-11pm. Bookings not required.

Visit www. pakenhamcentralmarketplace.com.au to find out more.

11-13 JANUARY BLUEY’S BIG PLAY This is Bluey’s Big Play. And it’s really for real life! When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday arvo time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and ingenuity at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.

Bunjil Place Theatre.

Times: 6.30pm (Tues only), 10am (Wed & Thur), 12pm (Wed & Thur), 2pm (Wed only), Tickets: Adult $55, Child U15 $55, Family of 4 $51.90 per person

18-20 JANUARY

MAGIC BEACH PERFORMANCE Alison Lester AM’s classic book comes to life in a wonderful world of text, song, light, shadow and movement for kids and their adults to enjoy.

Bunjil Place Theatre, 10.30am & 12.30pm Tickets: All tickets $16, Groups 4+ $15.

Theatre Performance & Workshop $32

9, 16 & 23 JANUARY

NGV KIDS ON TOUR

SEA-SATIONAL MOVIES OUTDOORS

NGV Kids on Tour returns in 2022 with plenty of creative fun for the whole family to enjoy. NGV Kids on Tour offers children and families throughout regional and metropolitan Victoria the opportunity to engage with art and creativity through a range of free, hands-on activities and workshops.

Bunjil Place Theatre, 11am – 2pm (daily). Free event.

Gear up for some splish splash fun in the Bunjil Plaza with three family flicks that were mer-maid for summer-lovers.

Finding Nemo (G) – Sunday 9 January, 5pm – 6.40pm Song of the Seas (PG) – Sunday 16 January, 5pm – 6.30pm Dolphin Tale (PG) on 23 – Sunday 23 January, 5.00pm – 7.30pm

29 JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MAGIC BEACH ARTISTS WORKSHOP

WHAT’S ON CARDINIA FESTIVAL

Join Alison Lester for an immersive drawing workshop inspired by the Magic Beach story and the Blind Bight coastal landscape. An amazing opportunity to make art with one of Australia’s most beloved and bestselling author/illustrators. A family workshop for children aged 5+ and their parents/carers.

Blind Bight Community Hall, 10am – 12pm. Tickets $20, Groups 4+ $15 each.

Workshop & Theatre Performance $32 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au

30 JANUARY

The inaugural What’s on Cardinia Festival is planned for February. The festival will showcase local businesses, art, and creatives to the community and wider region.

It will also promote local artists and creatives to perform and exhibit in venues and businesses around the shire including the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham and the Hills Hub in Emerald.

For more details visit, https://www. cardinia.vic.gov.au/ whatsoncardiniafestival

GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is the destination for the whole family with many hours of entertainment on offer this winter.

Experience the thrill of the Go Karts and Tandems, race on the GP Slot Car Track, test your skills on a simulated race or check out the Grand Prix Motorcycle Collection. For further information, including opening hours and operating conditions, visit phillipislandgokarts.com.au or call 03 5952 9400.

WALHALLA GOLDFIELDS RAILWAY Take a ride with the family on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

The rail journey is a great way to see the spectacular Stringers Creek George.

It’s a fun day out for the whole family!

All trains depart from Walhalla Station, located at 2 Main Road Walhalla.

For bookings and more information, visit https://www.walhallarail.com.au/ or call (03) 5165 6280.

PAINTBALL GAMES Low impact paintball suitable for kids aged 8 years and over.

Starts at $40 per person with 300 paintballs for a two-hour session.

Three locations: Cockatoo, Coldstream and Ballan.

Bookings and more info: www.paintballgames.com.au SUMMER 2021 45

Let us help 12523789-HC50-21

you..

E AT. C R E AT E . S H O P.

Three Locations: Th L i Ballan, Cockatoo, Coldstream

Ph: 1800 813 395 Book online at www.paintballgames.com.au

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WHAT’S ON FOR THE FAMILY THIS SUMMER Roll down the road to Bunjil Place for the most unreal family entertainment in the south east!

114 Mulcahy Road

CONTACT I 03 5941 3302

Pakenham VIC 3810

robertgordonaustralia.com

For bookings and more information, jump onto bunjilplace.com.au or phone 9709 9700 Information is correct at the time of printing.

For current details please check our website.

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BERWICK LODGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

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St Clare’s Catholic Primary School, KĸĐer Our Faith leads to Wisdom and Courage.

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Helen Staindl School Principal

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St Clare’s Primary School Oĸcer Oĸcer 3809 Phone 03 5940 6777

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