Stonnington Boroondara Kids Autumn 2022

AUTUMN 2022

The story behind

Dad’s Groups It’s time

to play Getting kids

into the kitchen

Supporting local sports - Vote Now

TRANSFORM HER FUTURE PLACES AVAILABLE FOR ELC IN 2023 & 2024

When your daughter takes her first steps, it is exciting.

The same is true when she starts her education.

Our Early Learning program encourages wonder, self-confidence and a connection to the natural world, sparking curiosity in 3 and 4-year-old girls.

12536996-NG11-22

BOOK A TOUR OF OUR ELC TODAY TO FIND OUT MORE

mggs.vic.edu.au/tour 2 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

About Us

Autumn: a time to explore AHHH autumn is here!

The air is that little bit crisper, the leaves are turning magnificent yellows and reds and the crunch of the ground underfoot let you know those uncomfortable hot nights are on their way out.

It’s the perfect weather to mix and match the kids wardrobes too – it’s not just their “summer” wardrobe to choose from anymore – it’s cute leggings with t-shirts and slacks and tops.

Autumn is also the perfect time to go exploring. There’s nothing like falling leaves, dropping gumnuts and pine cones all around and the chance to see more wildlife as they forage for food before the winter.

It brings a chance to change up arts and crafts too – painting with autumn leaves is somewhat a pastime in our home as is setting up our very own pinecone weather station ( they open or close depending on the weather).

our Autumn 2022 edition, we’ve spoken to some pretty amazing people with some memorable stories to share.

Don’t forget to check out our website for up-to-date stories or follow us on facebook or Instagram.

We hope the season leafs a smile on your face.

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

We really hope you enjoy reading

CONTENTS IT’S YOUR LIFE Lightning can strike twice PAGE 4 Chances for dads to connect PAGE 5 Best parks and playgrounds PAGES 6-7 Helping dads to step up PAGE 8 Big topics with little people PAGE 9 What’s in a naming ceremony?

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

Make cheesy broccoli bites PAGE 17 Explaining cancer to kids PAGE 18 Special cubby for a special kid PAGE 20 NIDA workshops for kids PAGE 21 KidSafe advice on poisoning PAGE 22 Mums share business journey PAGE 35

EDUCATION

Photography

Early Learning at St Peter’s

Rob Carew

PAGE 28

Advertising

PAGE 28 New learning spaces at Xavier

PAGE 30 Preshil’s welcoming community

All-girl experience advantages

PAGE 11

PAGE 23

PAGE 32

The therapeutic power of play

How to protect young eyes

Free glasses for kids

PAGE 12

PAGE 24

PAGE 32

Toys to entertain and educate

Low iron’s impact on pregnancy

Brain’s learning barriers

PAGE 12

PAGE 24

PAGE 34

ACTIVE KIDS

Too much screen time

Getting the hip hop high PAGE 25

Get creative at Art Factory

ACTIVITIES

PAGE 14

Something to cheer about

Kids find focus at Strike Fit

PAGE 25

Collingwood Children’s Farm PAGE 16

PARTY TIME Make your own marshmallows PAGE 26

Billy Lids Playland is back!

stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

AUTUMN 2022

The story behind

Dad’s Groups It’s time

to play Getting kids

into the kitchen

PAGE 34

REALITY BITES Keeping kids entertained PAGE 36

Supporting local sports - Vote Now

BOOKS

Cover

Meet a young cat-loving author PAGE 37 Discover new children’s books

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Picture: Xxxxxxx Cover: Bianca Jones with Eden and Elliot (3) play in the autumn leaves. Picture: Rob Carew

PAGE 37

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 27

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

De La Salle’s holistic learning

Unusual pregnancy symptoms

PAGE 15

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

PAGE 29

Chadstone loves local

PAGE 14

Mandy Clark

Balancing learning and life

PAGE 31

Camberwell’s Easter treat

Advertising Manager

PAGE 29

HEALTH

PAGE 13

Clare Vane-Tempest clare.vane-tempest@starnewsgroup. com.au Phone: 5945 0666

Getting girls into music early

PAGE 10

Robbie’s jiu-jitsu journey

Stonnington Boroondara Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Stonnington Boroondara Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

KIDS CALENDAR What’s on this autumn PAGE 39

facebook.com/stonningtonboroondarakids

instagram.com/stonningtonboroondarakids

It’s Your Life

Rachel with Portraits of Caden (left) and Ava (right).

Lightning can strike twice

By Melissa Meehan

Anatomy - doctors and nurses everywhere, medical students watching on in awe and a giant needle going into my belly while I was wide awake,” Rachel says.

THEY say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but when it does, Rachel knows its a rough journey ahead.

“It helped for a few days before they needed another.”

She’s a mum to three, but only three-year-old Kai is earthside.

Ava was born at 27 weeks, via caesarian section.

Her other two children Caden and Ava live on in their memories.

But to everyone’s surprise she cried when they lifted her out.

Rachel, and her husband Blake, have had more than their share of heartache.

“The whole room heard her cry,” Rachel said.

After a routine pregnancy with Kai, they decided to expand their family.

“And she did so well for a few days - she was breathing on her own and crying lots.”

They got pregnant quickly and were excited to share the news they would soon welcome a baby brother for Kai.

But on day eight, Ava’s heart and kidneys started to fail.

Rachel did all the usual testing, including the genetic checks at 11 weeks and they all came up normal.

But, in the throws of the Covid-19 pandemic, her 20 week scan raised some concerns.

Alone and afraid, Rachel lay in silence as the radiographer scanned her belly for two hours without saying a word. She knew then something wasn’t right.

Later a specialist scan would confirm her deepest fears and she was told the baby wouldn’t survive another two weeks. A doctor told her that the baby would be born stillborn and there was nothing anyone could do.

“I don’t think we’ve processed it still, and it’s been two years,” Rachel told Kids Today.

For weeks Rachel and Blake, with nine-month-old Kai at home with his grandparent, would get a scan every three days to see if the baby’s heart was still beating.

They were met with the false hope that maybe he could survive.

But serious chats were being had with the medical professionals about what that would look like if he were to survive, whether it meant severe disabilities or being in a wheelchair for life.

The medical team did everything the could, but there was nothing else they could do.

Rachel with Portraits of Caden (left) and Ava (right). Left are husband Blake and son Kai (2).

but deciding whether we cremate or bury a baby I could still feel kicking me was devastating,” Rachel said.

Just after she reached 24 weeks, Rachel was having lunch at her parents house when she started to bleed.

They knew being pregnant would bring back a lot of the trauma, but were reassured that it couldn’t and wouldn’t happen again.

At first she thought it was her waters breaking, but she knew something wasn’t right and they called an ambulance.

But it did. Again the first part of Rachel’s pregnancy was pretty textbook.

She went into labour that day and Caden was born alive.

They even held an extravagant gender reveal to celebrate their final pregnancy and welcome their little girl into the world. Again, at the 20 week scan the couple received some devastating news.

He was rushed off to NICU while she received blood transfusion after losing more than three litres of blood.

Caden wasn’t well the entire time he was in NICU, he had a minor brain bleed in his first few days but on day six the found a level four brain bleed.

Rachel and Blake chose to cease life support and held him as he slipped away.

“I felt angry because I didn’t want to decide, I wanted my body to have made that decision,” she said.

“But he was too sick.”

They were also asked whether they would want to cremate or bury her unborn child if he didn’t make it.

They were told that there was no genetic reasoning for Caden to have not made it.

“That was really overwhelming, like we had prepared ourselves for the worst,

That they had been unlucky, or struck by lightning.

4 AUTUMN 2022

Eight months after Caden passed, Rachel and Blake decided to try again.

Sure she had a bleed early on, but many women do.

“Because of what I had been through Blake was able to come with me even though lockdown rules didn’t allow him to,” she said.

“So we were just in shock when they told us many of the same things they had said about Caden.”

They were soon told they didn’t think their baby girl would make it either exactly one year from Caden’s death.

The Mercy Hospital did everything they possibly could to give their baby the best chance of survival; including an inter-uterine infusion.

“It was like a scene from Greys

The same doctor who had delivered the news about Caden was there beside her again telling her she could either watch Ava flatline or take her into the butterfly room and watch her slip away.

With such unimaginable heartache its difficult to process how Rachel and Blake could get up each morning, their burden of heartache all consuming.

But they have Kai to look after and care for. And he’s there on both the good and bad days. And can even force a smile on the toughest days.

Social media has also played an important tool in Rachel’s journey.

She wants to share her story so others don’t feel so alone but uses it as a way to share how she feels without burdening friends and family.

“I don’t think some people understand why it helps, but after being stuck in lockdown after both losses, I had no real way to express my heartache and frustrations,” she said.

“And there is only so much you can burden the people you love with this stuff - so I found it really helped me.”

For now, she just wants people to acknowledge that Caden and Ava existed. And share her story so that others don’t feel so alone.

Follow @our_rough_journey on instagram www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Dads Groups help dads feel connected.

Connecting dads

By Melissa Grant JOINING a mothers group is pretty much a given for new mums.

For years, mums have had the opportunity to connect with other new parents in their local area.

Dads haven’t really but that is finally changing.

Dads Groups are popping up all over the country, including the areas of Stonnington and Boorondara.

An organisation called Dads Group is the driving force behind the groups and a number of other initiatives targeted towards fathers.

Their mission is to change the culture of fatherhood for the better, while reducing isolation for new and expectant fathers.

WHO CAN JOIN Victorian State Manager Adam Tardif says all fathers and father figures are welcome.

“Some people have the idea that it’s for dads that are struggling. It’s not. It’s a place for dads to form friendships with other dads in their local community,” he said.

“You don’t have to be the paternal father - you can be a grandfather, uncle, stepfather - anyone who is a father figure.”

However, the dad or father figure must bring their child along.

The catch-ups are generally just a www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

chat over a coffee at a cafe or a playground.

THE BENEFITS Adam says joining a Dads Group allows dad to bond with their child, gives their partner some alone time and makes them ‘learn on the fly’ when it comes to ‘managing situations’.

“It’s common that dads come along with a 3-month-old and it’s the first time they’ve been out alone with their child,” he said.

“Some mums don’t trust the dads.

I’ve got group leaders who have told me their partners weren’t comfortable with them going out with the child without them.”

Adam said Dads Groups help dads feel connected, while gaining confidence and enhancing competence in their parenting abilities.

“We allow mums to come by if need be,” he said.

“But they come back and see bub has all their limbs and that baby is okay - they can see that dad can do it.”

Adam says the impact of Dads Group is clear to see and in some cases has been quite profound.

“We have had dads tell us point blank that it has saved their life, saved their marriage, saved their relationship with their children,” he said.

THE STORY BEHIND DADS GROUP The first Dads Group dad is Tom

Docking, who started the organisation with wife Kate in 2014 after realising how little support there was for fathers.

Kate fell pregnant a few weeks into the couple’s two-year around the world adventure, sending Tom into shock.

After bubs was born he went searching for support for new dads. He discovered there really wasn’t anything available.

One day he spent time with a couple of other new dads and their babies. It was then he realised what was missing - a place for dads to feel connected in a way that wasn’t clinical and sterile.

DADS GROUP IS GROWING It’s likely you’ll start hearing more about Dads Group. Over the next three years, the organisation is aiming to support at least 10 per cent of new fathers in Dads Groups across Australia - that’s more than 30,000 new fathers!

The organisation has also started rolling out programs in hospitals, where they are essentially working with midwives running classes for first-time parents.

Adam says this is all about creating change in the health system. He said many slides in parenting classes don’t even mention the word dad.

“Part of the project is we review the slides they are providing and ‘dadifying’ them,” he said.

MAN WITH A PRAM Man With A Pram are local events that

bring fathers and families together on Father’s Day for a walk to combat isolation and bring the community together. Anyone can put their hand up to run one - and it doesn’t have to be on Father’s Day. So far, more than 25 of these events have been held across the country.

DIGITAL DADS GROUPS When Covid hit, Dads Group teamed up with their partner Movember to create Digital Dads Groups.

At 10am every day, dads can visit https://www.dadsgroup.org/, click on a Zoom link and connect with any dad across the country. The calls are hosted by an experienced dads group leader and there are usually between four and five dads on each call.

HOW TO FIND YOUR DADS GROUP Visit https://www.dadsgroup.org/ and click on Dads Groups. Scroll down and you’ll find a Google Map where you can search for your closest Dads Group.

If there’s none in your local area, you can send a message to Dads Group and they will work with you to start one.

The following groups are listed for the Geelong Coast: Dads of Geelong, Dads of Belmont, Dads of Surf Coast, Dads of Torquay, Dads of Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads, Dads of St Leonards.

You can also follow Dads Group on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/dadsgroupaus AUTUMN 2022 5

It’s Your Life

Phoenix Park.

Our best local parks and playgrounds

By Melissa Meehan LOOKING for the best playgrounds in Stonnington and Boorondara?

Look no further – we’ve found some impressive places in your area coupled with picturesque parks and gardens.

Whether you are looking to take a relaxing stroll, want to entertain the kids in a fun playground, or are planning a family picnic by the river, there are many perfect places for you.

Phoenix Park.

McArthur St Reserve McArthur Street, Malvern McArthur St Reserve, located next door to the Maternal and Child Health Centre, has a good range of facilities for a relatively small park. This park was recently upgraded with extra play and interactive features throughout the garden for children to explore.

Phoenix Park Ivanhoe Grove, Malvern East The Phoenix Park precinct is the heart of Malvern East, providing a wonderful location for the community to meet, learn from one another, attend activities and recreate.

Como and Como North Parks Home to Stonnington’s Carols by Candlelight each year, it’s no surprise locals flock to these parks regularly.

There is plenty to keep the family entertained here, including exercise equipment, a playground, bicycle path, barbecue area and ample space to kick the footy.

Ferndale Park Glen Iris Road, Glen Iris Situated on the little known Ferndale Trail, the tress in this park seem to go on forever and it has a great playground that will keep the kids wanting to come back. The kids will also be amazed by the futuristic toilet block.

Markham Reserve

There’s so much fun to have at Hays Paddock in Kew East.

6 AUTUMN 2022

Picture: Rob Carew

Victory Blvd, Ashburton The excellent adventure playground features climbing nets, a large seesaw, a flying fox, monkey bars, a rotating flower, large wooden kookaburras, a sandpit and great swings for all ages.

Hays Paddock Known for sports and its all-abilities playground, Hays Paddock is also a great setting for picnics. It has tables and seating set in bushland are perfect for social gatherings.

The playground is completely enclosed by a safety fence.

And playground is designed to enable all children to play together. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Markham Reserve.

Markham Reserve As well as a playground, sportsgrounds, a community garden and beautiful spots for picnics, the reserve has a great area for BMX, scooter and skateboard riders.

Markham Reserve is a fantastic, large open space. A scenic path for cyclists runs alongside Gardiners Creek.

The excellent adventure playground features climbing nets, a large seesaw, a flying fox, monkey bars, a rotating flower, large wooden kookaburras, a sandpit and great swings for all ages.

And it has a fence!!

Beckett Park and Maranoa Gardens Famous for its stone observation tower, maze and extensive playground and indigenous plants, Beckett Park is a unique green space with everything you need for a wonderful outdoor experience.

Children delight in this wonderland of ramps, swings, slides and monkey bars as well as its in-ground trampoline and large sandpit with mechanical scoops.

The stone observation tower provides

Markham Reserve.

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

views right across Melbourne as far as Mount Macedon in the north west, and there’s even a wooden maze to lose yourself in.

Central Gardens Central Gardens is located in the heart of Hawthorn.

These gardens have an outstanding collection of majestic, mature trees surrounded by sweeping lawns.

Local children all know about the very popular ‘rocket’ playground area, with a huge rocket for climbing and a super long slide.

Junction Skate and BMX Park Managed by the YMCA on behalf of the local council, Junction Skate and BMX Park is a great park for young people and families.

One of Melbourne’s best action sports facilities, the park is home to international standard spine bowls and street courses.

The staff are trained in first aid, are all qualified skate coaches, and offer skateboard, scooter and BMX lessons for all skill levels and ages.

There’s so much fun to have at Hays Paddock in Kew East.

Picture: Rob Carew

Beckett Park is great for all ages.

AUTUMN 2022 7

It’s Your Life

The good news is that some dad’s are stepping up.

Help! My husband is not good with kids

By Steve Biddulph FIRST the good news! Twenty first century dads really are stepping up to the mark. Compared with generations before, dads today are so much more affectionate, involved in day to day parenting, and able to team up as an equal partner.

But as with all progress, it’s a bit uneven, and some dads still really struggle. If you’ve got a husband who is too harsh, angry and judgy it can be a source of real anguish, as you watch him damage your kids’ mental health right before your eyes. It can even be a marriage breaker. And of course, as often lightly touched on in Bluey cartoons, a dad who is not quite up to being firm and in control when needed is also a bit of a pain, as it leaves mum to be the bad guy. It’s exhausting.

When we started working with families in trouble many years ago, it became clear that often helping dad was the key to things going better. But the question was how to do that. One answer lay in looking to a father’s own childhood. It’s a whole lot easier to be a good dad if you had one yourself. But what if you didn’t? Was your partner one of those dads who had a terrible father? Some men somehow turn things around, determined to do better.

But some go into denial, and that just doesn’t work…

Rick is a dad of a four- year old boy.

Cathy, his partner, is really worried because Rick just doesn’t get it right. He is distant, gruff, and quite tense around their son. If he says anything at all, its often a put-down. Rick doesn’t play easily like other dads, and their son is growing to think that he is just not good enough. Kids this age don’t blame their parents, they just think something is wrong with them.

But when we talk to Rick, it turns out he had a nightmare dad. He was fun sometimes, doing recreational things like camping and fishing (Rick is one of five brothers) but when Rick was six, his dad took off with another woman. In fact, he had always been unfaithful, a problem drinker, and a terrible husband. Rick’s mum eventually had to raise all five boys on her own. So Rick never saw fathering done well.

And he had quite low self-esteem as a result.

With encouragement from us, and being in a dad’s group with other dads finding their way, he learned to be more hands on, and today has a great relationship with his son.

I think the turning point was when, after gradually feeling more safe, Rick spoke in tears with the other dads in the group about how alone he felt after his dad had left.

I have seen this sudden wave of grief come out in men who were bashed by their fathers. Or told they were no good.

Or whose father never ever spent time with them doing fun things. Or who had successful and rich dads who put impossible expectations on them. Men put on a brave face, a mask to cover their pain, and they soldier on. But they just can’t get it right with their kids.

The pain gets passed on to another generation.

Only when they can own the pain of their childhoods, and feel it in a safe environment, talking honestly with their partner, or with other men, or with a counsellor, then they become determined and resolved never to be the kind of man their dad was. Or to realize that he too had his struggles, and forgive him, and themselves, and make a fresh start.

As a young dad, I used to watch the

dads who were good with their kids, and what they did and how they did it.

Gradually I learned fatherhood. Its never too late. If your partner is struggling, he isn’t alone, and he really can change. Ask him about his boyhood, and encourage him to take off his armour and be human. It can make all the difference in the world.

Steve Biddulph is the author of Raising Girls, Raising Boys, and The New Manhood, which addresses lots of these questions of men and their struggles.

Its in audiobook too.

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

Helping Your Child Through Play Anxiety • Depression • Trauma ASD • Behavioural Issues Low Self Esteem • Social Difficulties Phone 0411 746 313 Email jesse.therapythroughplay@gmail.com www.therapythroughplay.com 12534572-SN11-22

8 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Author Jayneen Sanders.

Having big chats with little people

By Melissa Grant

parents, caregivers and educators.

SOME chats are difficult but necessary to have with little ones.

Jayneen passionately feels that we can do more to keep our children safe by teaching them age-appropriate and empowering prevention education.

It’s important to talk about issues such as consent and body safety, but where and when do you start?

These discussions can take place relatively early on, provided they are age-appropriate.

That’s the view of body safety advocate and award-winning author Jayneen Sanders, who has launched a new book series to assist parents with crucial yet sometimes ‘tough’ topics for early learners.

The series, called Little BIG Chats, features 12 books suitable for children aged 2-6 years.

The titles include Consent, Secrets and Surprises, Private Parts are Private, My Safety Network, Feelings, Everyone is Equal and Empathy.

They feature interactive questions designed to bring a child’s own experiences and understandings into the conversation, and inside the back cover there are discussion questions for

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

A decade ago she wrote ‘Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept’ to help protect children from unsafe touch by teaching them to speak up.

“I’m not a survivor of sexual abuse but I am a mother of three daughters and I’m a teacher,” Jayneen explained.

“I’ve had a number of friends who were sexually abused as children. They said to me we need to do something before they (children) are in the perpetrator’s web because once they are in the web it’s very complex.

“I went to the children’s school council and I said, ‘you know we should be doing some protective behaviours on body safety’ and everyone was really uncomfortable.

“That was really like a red flag to a bull for me. I thought OK, we need to do this. That’s when I wrote Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept.”

Jayneen went back to teaching but soon felt the need to write more books.

“Instances came up… particularly where young girls couldn’t say no to the boys around them all the time wanting to hold onto their hands,” she recalled.

“I thought, wow we have to do more about empowering kids about consent.

From there, gender equality comes into it as well and then social intelligence and empathy. The whole gambit began.”

Jayneen says her book My Body!

What I Say Goes! is a must-read for children aged 4-10 years, with the title covering personal body safety, feelings, safe and unsafe touch, private parts, secrets and surprises, consent and respect.

Last year, Jayneen decided to break down body safety and consent for kids aged 2-6 year-olds and Little BIG Chats was born.

She says parents can start teaching consent and body safety from a young age by asking to dress their child and calling genitals by the correct names.

“If kids are educated (to say) ‘that’s my vagina, don’t touch it’, the perpetrator will run a mile,” she explained.

Jayneen likens teaching body safety

and consent to putting your child’s seatbelt on.

“You put it in place, you hope you never have to use it but it’s there just in case,” she said.

“We are not with them 24/7 and and believe me, predators groom families and they groom kids.

“Look at the news cycle. It’s always there and it’s the person you least expect.

“We are seeing a lot more child on child abuse too. The average age for a boy is 11 to see pornography. Once they see it they can’t unsee it, and it’s very traumatic and sometimes they will outplay that trauma on younger siblings and children.”

However, she says the positive is that prevention through education is really empowering.

“An empowered child is an empowered teenager - it’s very powerful,” she said.

The Little BIG Chats books are available individually in hard back or can be purchased as a complete soft cover set.

For more information, visit https:// e2epublishing.info

AUTUMN 2022 9

It’s Your Life

Sophie with her son James and partner David.

Pictures: Rob Carew

Sophie with her son James.

What is a naming ceremony?

By Melissa Meehan WHEN you first thing of a celebrant - a wedding is what probably first springs to mind.

But for mum and celebrant Sophie Cooper - it’s a chance to engage with families starting their lives together, bidding farewell to loved ones or celebrating new life.

Her favourite? A baby naming ceremony.

“Welcoming a baby or child into a family, is something special. It’s tangibly heartwarming, feeling the love surrounding a brand-new addition to a family,” Ms Cooper told Kids Today.

It’s even more special because of her special bond with 18-month-old son James.

She’s noticed how Covid-19 restrictions have influenced the socialisation of babies and toddlers - even her own.

When restricitons eased, Ms Cooper

said she noticed her son getting upset if a fmaily member approached him or even made eye contact.

“I’ve spoken to many other mothers about the effects COVID restrictions have had on their growing children, and I hear the same story,” she said.

“That their children are finding it difficult in social situations, getting used to the presence of others and making friends, as they’ve been in an enclosed household bubble of just a few people for so long,” she said.

Having a naming ceremony can be a gentle way of easing a child into a social situation, as you call the shots.

It can be a quiet private ceremony, dressed up (or down) with the child’s favourite things.

“Some family members may not have had a chance to meet the newest edition to the family, so this can be a great excuse to gather the family together,” she said.

“We all need that family connection, and especially after the last two years, I think it has really highlighted how important family is to us and to our growing children.” *What are naming ceremonies?* A naming ceremony is an official way of welcoming a baby or child into the family circle.

Naming ceremonies usually take place, a few days, months or even years after the birth of a child. It recognises the child’s arrival and addition to the family.

Traditionally parents and extended family have chosen to celebrate a naming ceremony on the child’s first birthday. *Who writes the ceremony?* The naming ceremony is written by the celebrant and tailored to the family’s requests. The celebrant will write about the child and their personality, the hopes, and dreams of the parents for their child, and the promises they, and supporting adults will make to their child.

The celebrant will also talk about the meaning behind the name chosen and why the parents decided to call them their name. *What is involved in a baby naming ceremony?* ■ Welcome The Celebrant will say a few words about the arrival of the child, how happy they are and welcome their guests.

■ Talk about the child The celebrant will then talk about the child, their emerging personality, likes and dislikes, favourite activities, hopes and dreams the parents have for them and how much they mean to the family.

■ Reading or Poem A reading or a poem, can be offered by an older sibling, family member or close friend.

For example, ‘Oh the places you’ll go’

by Dr. Seuss. www.sophisticatedceremonies.com Ceremony/Ritual The family may choose the addition of a ritual, for example, they might choose to have a memory box, to which all guests can contribute by placing gifts or writing personal notes consisting of reflections and fondest memories of the child. The box is sealed, safely stored, and then opened on the child’s 18th or 21st birthday.

A wishing tree is also popular, where guests are asked to write a ‘wish’ for the baby/child and put on the tree as a keepsake.

■ Guide Parent Promises Guide parents will then pledge promises to the child, for example, ‘I promise to be a good role model, to help guide you through life, to treat you with kindness and respect, and pledge to help shape you into a good member of society’.

A guide parent can be a family member (Grandparent or sibling) or close friends of the parents, very similar to ‘God Parents’ (without making promises in front of God).

■ The Official Naming This is the part, where the baby or child’s name is officially given to them.

The celebrant will address why the parents chose their name and the meaning behind it.

■ Final Declarations This is where the celebrant will talk about the future of the child and what their parents want for them, which is usually for them to be happy, safe, and well.

■ Presentation of the Naming Certificate The celebrant will present the child and family with an official certificate as a keepsake of the day. A celebrant may also present the child with a gift, one that has meaning behind it, for example a plant or tree that will grow with the child.

12535544-JW11-22

10 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Chadstone flies local flag CHADSTONE is celebrating junior sports from Thursday 24 February to Sunday 20 March, with the opportunity for participating local sporting groups to win a share in up to $85,000 in prizes.

Chadstone’s local community is home to a range of groups that champion junior sports including basketball, cricket, dance, football, lacrosse, netball and soccer.

These sporting groups need your votes in-centre to win up to $5000 in prizing each.

For every $20 spent at selected fresh food and sporting retailers, department stores, Apple and JB Hi-Fi at Chadstone, you can receive one token to vote for a participating local junior sporting group of your choice.

Simply present your receipts at Chadstone’s Concierge Desk, located next to Michael Hill, on the day of purchase to receive one token for every qualifying purchase.

The participating sporting groups are Ace Dance Studio, Ashburton United Soccer Club, Ashgrove Calisthenics Club, Camberwell Lacrosse Club, Carnegie Cricket Club, Carnegie

Netball Club, Caulfield Cricket Club, Caulfield Lacrosse Club, East Malvern Junior Football Club, East Oakleigh Cricket Club, Glen Iris School Of Dance, Mount Waverley Cricket Club, Murrumbeena Junior Football Club, Oakleigh Raptors Basketball Club, Ormond Junior Football Club, St Anthony’s Glenhuntly Netball Club and Waverley Blues Football Netball Club.

Chadstone proudly supports local groups.

Terms and conditions apply. Learn more at chadstone.com.au.

chance to win a $250 Chadstone gift card.

Chadstone want to see your most creative photo at the Chadstone Loves Local Photo Moment. Every week until Sunday 20 March, the best photo will be chosen to win a $250 gift card.

To enter, simply snap a photo in front of the Photo Moment located outside ALDI in the fresh food precinct at Chadstone, share the image on your public Instagram account and hashtag #ChadstoneLovesLocal, follow @chadstone_fashion and keep an eye on your Instagram messages the following Monday to see if you have won.

SNAP AND WIN Visit Chadstone during the campaign period and share a photo for your

Terms and conditions apply.

Learn more at chadstone.com.au. @chadstone_fashion

Participating Chadstone retailers are 2XU, Adidas, ALDI, Apple, Arc’teryx, Baker’s Delight, Bloch, Champion, Coles, Colonial Fresh Markets, Columbia, David Jones, Elite Eleven, Fisch, Foot Locker, Foot Locker Kids, JB Hi Fi, JD Sports, Kathmandu, Kmart, Lorna Jane, Lululemon Athletica, Macpac, Merrell, Myer, New Balance, Nike, PUMA, Rebel, Skechers, Shoes and Sox, Speedo, Target, The AFL Store, The Asian Store, The Athlete’s Foot, The Butcher Club, The North Face, Under Armour, Woolworths and Yarra Range Chicken.

Chadstone is i celebrating junior o sports with the opportunity o for participating a local sporting g groups to win a share h in up to $85,000 of o prizing at Chadstone s – The Fashion n Capital!

Thursday u 24 February to o Sunday 20 March 2022 0 Learn more at chadstone.com.au h One e vote, per token, per qualifying fy purchase. Max 50 votes per person, per day. AU re residents 18+ only. Between 9am (AEDT) 24/2/22 & 7pm m (AEDT) 20/3/22 spend $20 or mo in one transaction on any more ny products (excl. liquor/tobacco/weapons/gift cards/layby /la purchases/cash withdrawals/utility bill payments) nt at participating retailers at Chadstone (Qualifying Purchase), e) collect original itemised receipt/s & on same day, vis visit concierge desk during centre hours, present receipt/s pt to be stamped by staff & get 1 token per qualifying purchase. e. T To vote, on same day insert token/s into box of the sporting po club you would like to vote for. Each club receives ve $1 prize value for every token received, capped at $5,000 per er club (to spend on sporting supplies). 17 clubs in total, l, potential prize pool: $85k. Max 1 entry (vote) per Qualifying ali Purchase. Keep original itemised receipt/s. See chadstone.com.au ds for full conditions incl. list of participating tin retailers and clubs. Promoter: Vicinity Centres PM Pty P Ltd (ABN 96 101 504 045).

12536911-SG11-22

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 11

It’s Your Life

Using the power of play COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges for families across Australia.

Although we seem to be on our way toward a Covid-normal existence, what is unfortunately still being felt by many families is the unprecedented challenge of children dealing with the fallout from the pandemic.

Some of these challenges include feelings of anxiety, low confidence, loss of social skills, loss of drive, uncertainty, and difficulty re-adapting to school.

If your child is dealing with any of these - they’re not alone!

Jesse, the founder of Therapy Through Play, holds a Masters of Child Play Therapy from Deakin University, where he’s now also a play therapy supervisor.

Therapy Through Play founder Jesse.

Through Play Therapy, children are able to access the therapeutic powers of play: ■ Facilitating communication ■ Fostering emotional wellness ■ Increasing personal strengths ■ Enhancing social relationships Under the guidance of a qualified play therapist, it is within play children’s natural form of communication - that the effectiveness of the therapy occurs.

Play allows children to express and process the unimaginable in imaginable ways.

It provides the emotional distance necessary for communication, learning and processing.

“Our little one is 22 months old, and our next little one is due in June,” he said.

To find out more, visit www.therapythroughplay.com or email Jesse at jesse.therapythroughplay@gmail.com

as Lyra pencils, which have just come back into stock.

learning to write with as it supports optimal grip.

The Lyra groove coloured pencils have intense pigment quality and the Lyra groove graphite pencil is perfect for

You can visit the Windmill store at 593 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills or visit www.windmill.net.au.

What’s new at Windmill?

WHEN long-time customers come back to Windmill, they often notice that something is different. The shop has a new layout and has been renovated and consolidated into one building.

swing or swivel round and round and it takes up to 150kg and is lighter than the old nest swings.

It is now run by the second generation and it is situated next door to where Jo Richards’ parents ran it for many years.

There is a wide range of kites in store including some cool new designs such as the Jurassic pterodactyl kite, which is great for older children of 12 years and up.

“What is new at Windmill? We try to have a mix of the old favourites and new innovative products with educational benefit,” Jo said.

A lovely new addition to our doll range are some locally, well-made rag dolls, the proceeds of which go towards cancer research.

These include VEX robotics and up-to-date, anatomically correct animal and dinosaur figurines such as the Schleich and Collecta brands.

At Windmill we still provide a wide range of educational toys, including the new Mier Edu range such as the magnetic ‘All About Body and Emotions’ set and Spelling 3, 4, 5 and 6 Letter Word puzzles.

There is a great range of Australianmade swings including the new Winkoh swivel nest swing.

It is so much fun for children as they

As well as new products, we try to provide those things people ask for such

Visit Windmill in-store, order online, or by phone. Click and collect available.

Australian made • STEM Robotics Outdoor Play • Art & Craft Science kits • Puzzles Games & much more.

593 Whitehorse Rd, Mont Albert (03) 9830 4336 12 AUTUMN 2022

www.windmill.net.au

12534441-JC11-22

• • • •

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Robbie with a student.

From Batman to Bullyproof

By Amy Adeney

past 15 years.

“JIU-JITSU is about respecting yourself, your friends, your family, and even the bad guy,” Robbie Singh says to 43 kids kitted out in their traditional white gi uniforms.

With more than 20 years of martial arts experience, he is now the head instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Burwood.

He holds a black belt in both karate and jiu-jitsu, and has been teaching classes for adults and children for the

His days are made up of a grueling regime of both private and group classes, designed to teach participants to combat the 36 most common attack scenarios identified by the Los Angeles Police Department.

However, it is in his Bullyproof classes, for children aged 5 to 14 years, that Robbie’s unique skill set and passion really pack a punch.

“What’s our first goal? Manage the distance, manage the damage,” Robbie

says, as he and another instructor role-play an interaction between a bully and his victim.

As students partner up and practise the rolling sequence, Robbie moves between them, correcting technique and offering fist-bumps of encouragement.

He crouches low to talk to each student, retying their loose belts without breaking eye contact.

As he assumes the role of the ‘bad guy’ to demonstrate a move, he somehow manages to shrink his almostsix-foot frame to become an equal opponent for a waifish eight-year-old – one that she can believably overpower.

Robbie was introduced to karate at age 10, weighing in at 80kg, and he unabashedly acknowledges that “I was a 10-year-old kid thinking I was going to turn into a Ninja Turtle or a Batman at that point.”

Superhero ambitions aside, it was really a case of love at first lesson.

Robbie trained each morning from 6am to 7am before school, and headed straight back to karate after school from 4pm until 7pm.

Then he caught the tram down to his family’s restaurant and worked the busy period until midnight, when they ate dinner before heading home to sleep.

By the time Robbie was 14 he was being given leadership roles at his karate academy, and even teaching adult classes.

He saved up his tips from the restaurant to buy martial arts textbooks, as the VHS instructional videos available at the time were too expensive.

But when one of his students was beaten up at school by two older children, Robbie realised “sports karate was based for competition within a very finite set of rules, and that possibly this wasn’t the best thing for kids to be

learning to defend themselves”.

Not wanting to give his students a false sense of security, he searched for a martial art that would actually enable a smaller person to prevail when threatened by a larger person.

“That became a real passion: how can I take somebody that’s unskilled and give them enough skill to feel like they could walk more confidently down the street without being attacked?” he said.

And he found the answer in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

When he finished VCE, Robbie completed graduate and post-graduate study in psychology and counselling, and accrued 10 years’ experience working in applied behaviour analysis (ABA), intervention focused on developing the social skills of children on the autism spectrum.

He now runs a behavioural consulting business, Shaping Minds, providing in-school assistance for ASD children and specialised training for their support teams.

Robbie combines this experience with his martial arts teaching by bringing the ABA methods to bear on his Bullyproof classes, where the students benefit from his clear communication and explicit instructions.

Children have come to the academy with psychosomatic blindness, eating disorders, and even suicidal ideation, following years of bullying.

Within months, he often sees a completely different child emerge, with a greater understanding of the bullying dynamic, more confidence in themselves, and a positive community of people around them.

Moving forward, one of his primary goals is to take his ‘Keep it Real’ seminars into more schools, providing them with strategies to address the rise in bullying.

POWERFUL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT In addition to unshakable confidence, our goal is to develop your child’s character to ensure success in all aspects of life.

There are six chapters in the Gracie Character Development Program: Responsibility, Health, Respect, Citizenship, Manners, and Caring.

We spend two months on each chapter, and during each class we dedicate a few minutes to discussing the featured character trait and the simple things your child can do to make it part of their everyday lives. The secret to our success lies in a unique point-based reward system that we created to excite kids about making daily progress!

FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO GRACIEKIDS.COM Once your child is enrolled in the Gracie Bullyproof program, you qualify for a free subscription to GracieKids.com, our interactive online learning center for Gracie Bullyproof.

With comprehensive videos covering every technique your child learns in class, you and your child can use your online access to review past lessons and learn new techniques – from home!

TO GET STARTED TODAY EMAIL INFO@GRACIEJIUJITSUBURWOOD.COM.AU

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

0427 220 328

FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO GRACIEKIDS.COM

12493149-SG

At some point or another, every child will be targeted by a bully. The Gracie Bullyproof objective is to give your child the physical, psychological, and verbal tools to overcome bullies. Our aim is not to encourage confrontation, but rather, to reduce fear and build confidence in order to reduce your child’s risk of being targeted.

AUTUMN 2022 13

It’s Your Life

Hop into the Junction for an Easter treat THE Camberwell Junction shopping precinct is ready to hop into Easter.

The precinct stretches along Burke Road, and fans out across Camberwell and Riversdale roads at the junction.

More than just shops, it’s where people have gone to get what they needed and found what they wanted, dined with friends, been entertained, enjoyed unique experiences and created memories since 1864.

For Easter, Camberwell Junction will host its usual Great Easter Egg Hunt, which invites families to wander around the precinct looking in store windows for Easter posters.

If they find the rare ‘golden egg’ they’ll have the chance to win a $1000 voucher to spend at any of the precinct’s 400-plus stores.

The Easter Bunny will be walking the streets on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10

April, handing out treats to shoppers.

The Easter promotion will continue into the week after Easter to acknowledge the Greek Orthodox Easter the following Sunday, 17 April.

Camberwell Junction shopping precinct shoppers will find their favourite chains plus unique boutiques, shoe shops and jewellers.

There are antiques and collectibles, beauty salons and day spas, book shops, homewares and gifts, supermarkets and malls, bakeries, cafes and restaurants.

Hidden gems can be found down laneways and side streets, and there’s the iconic art-deco Rivoli Cinema - voted one of the world’s top 10 cinemas.

Check out the Camberwell Fresh Food Market, or the Camberwell Sunday Market.

Kids get creative THE Art Factory has a fabulous new location, at 1473 Malvern Road Glen Iris.

Every workshop has a dedicated artist to ensure that your child gets the most out of every visit.

Every school holidays, the Art Factory comes alive with the buzz of programs and activities for children.

There are morning toddler art classes for the 2 to 5-year olds, after-school art classes for older children, and even a Thursday night sip and paint evening for the grown-ups.

It has a dynamic program of arts and craft workshops available for children aged 4 to 14 years, designed to maximise fun.

There’ll be Easter-themed art projects over the holidays, workshops and, of course, art and craft parties.

Owner, Priti Roberts is passionate about art and craft and just wants children to have fun again, with a focus on free play and creativity.

Are your kids eager to get creative and would you like the mess kept out of your house?

Book them in for a workshop or a holiday program this Easter.

The Art Factory is Melbourne’s longest running dedicated art school offering art classes, kids parties and school holiday workshops.

Look What I Made!

Art Class will be the highlight of your child's Week

Kiddy Art for Kids 2-5 yrs After School Art for 5-12 yrs School Holiday Workshops Art Parties for Kids 4-14 yrs Mention this advert for a free trial class 249A Belmore Rd, Balwyn North, VIC, 3104

1473-1475 Malvern Rd, Glen Iris

439 Nepean Highway, Brighton, 3186

307 Buckley St, Essendon, VIC, 3040

info@theartfactory.com.au www.theartfactory.com.au

0400 468 673

12536659-JW11-22

14 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Striking out to help kids MARK Mullan knows first-hand the value of channeling surplus energy into something productive.

The Strike Fit Training founder has ADHD and found confidence and fun honing his skills in boxing, kickboxing and muay thai.

“Kids can get bored,” he said.

He’s now using his experience to help kids with concentration troubles to do the same, in a friendly and supportive environment.

“It’s helped me channel my energy,” he said.

“This type of sport, it’s great for kids with concentration problems.”

When fists and feet are flying, they have no choice but to stay on task.

“It’s making them concentrate. They can’t afford to turn their head,” Mark said.

“They’re able to let a lot of steam out and a lot of energy out.”

Mark explained that other striking sports, like karate, involved participants following very structured movement routines, a bit like a “synchronised dance routine”.

image compared to other martial arts, but that was changing dramatically.

“UFC is the fastest-growing sport in the world,” he said.

“The moves used mostly come from muay thai and boxing.”

“With this, they’re constantly moving, running around.

Mark’s career spanned more than 20 years, with 31 wins from 35 fights.

“This type of sport…is great for real confidence, plus it’s fun.”

He trained and fought in the Netherlands and Thailand, and learned different training techniques from highly-skilled trainers throughout the world. The qualified personal trainer and level one kettle bell coach opened Strike two years ago, but Covid restrictions hampered the launch.

Mark said karate and kung fu moves looked great in the movies, but his teachers - all former professional fighters, with Working with Children checks - shared techniques more suitable for real life.

“People are realising the acrobatic stuff looks great, but doesn’t work in real-life situations,” he said.

He said boxing and kickboxing were previously seen as ‘offensive’ rather than ‘self-defense’ and had a rough

“We’ve been closed for almost a year of that due to lockdowns,” he said.

Kids aged 9 years and over can sign up for classes planned for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and work their way through different levels as

they master techniques.

Strike Fit also offers classes for fitness, sparring, kickboxing, muay thai, group training, PT, bootcamp and women-only boxing.

Strike Fit Training is at Unit 1, 5-13 Sinnott Street, Burwood.

Call Mark on 0401 059 194 or email info@strikefit.com.au.

STRI S STR F CHILDREN’S CLASSES FOR

ALL LEVELS! 12534298-DL11-22

• Boxing • K1 Kickboxing • MuayThai • Women’s only Boxing • Strength and Conditioning

Unit 1, 5-13 Sinnot Street, Burwood Vic 3125 0401 059 194

info@strikefit.com.au

strikefit.com.au

@Strikefit

FIRST CLASS FREE! www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 15

It’s Your Life

Celebrate at Children’s Farm SUMMER at the Collingwood Children’s Farm has been filled with baby animals, flowers, produce, music and NO LOCKDOWNS! It’s been a joy to welcome members, regulars and new visitors to the farm over the last three months as restrictions ease and the calendar fills up.

The Farm babies are all growing up and sometimes it’s hard to tell who is the adult and who is the youngster. Some of the lambs are nearly as big as their Mums now and they are excited to meet the public face to face.

The goat kids are finally looking in proportion and their ears don’t look half the size of their bodies anymore. It will be a bit longer before the public get to go into their paddock but they can be petted through the fence.

Guinea pig cuddles are a perennial favourite for our younger visitors (and not so young!). We usually have the three 30 minute sessions every day, starting at 10.30am.

We’ve had weddings on most weekends over summer and autumn is looking even busier, as couples make up for cancellations over the past two

years. The heritage oak tree is the venue for many of the ceremonies as well as the Stables Paddock by the Birrarung. Receptions are in our rustic barn or in a hired marquee in the paddock.

Our birthday party packages at the Farm have been extremely popular since we launched them late last year.

Nearly every weekend until May is booked out and we have had lots of very happy party guests. The Basic Birthday Package includes an allweather marquee, tables and hay bale seating. Private guinea pig cuddles are also available as an optional add-on.

The Farm’s cut flower garden, which was planted in spring, has been an amazing success over summer, with hundreds of flower bunches sold at the Farm Gate, Farmer’s Market and online.

The beautiful fresh produce available at Farm Gate looks even better now with some purpose built shelves to protect it from the wind, rain and sun.

It will also reduce set up and pack down time. There are plans to add a fridge for salad mix, herbs and other greens that suffer from heat stress.

Finna, and Stealer, the magpie.

Pictures: Supplied

Farm Gate produce is available from Monday to Friday, with the Farm having an extensive produce stall at the Abbotsford Farmer’s Market every Saturday.

A chimney hive has recently been installed in the orchard as part of our partnership with the Victorian Apiarists Association Melbourne.

This hive and the bees are the same as the other hives but it has a long chimney for an entrance.

This guides the bees up to about three metres above ground before they fly out to forage, making it safer for both farm visitors and bees.

Peacock at the Collingwood Children’s Farm Farm.

The Collingwood Children’s Farm

12536876-HC08-22

• guinea pig cuddles every day • book your child’s birthday party • school tours • corporate experience, staff events • school holiday programs • farm fresh produce at the farm gate stall VISIT THE WEBSITE (farm.org.au) FOR ALL INFORMATION AND COME ON DOWN AND ENJOY

16 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Cheesy broccoli bites BROCCOLI can stir up some pretty strong emotions – it seems people either love it or hate it, and it’s more often the later when it comes to kids. But broccoli is actually favourite vegetable, and I’m here to convert even the toughest of critics with my Cheesy Broccoli Bites.

Broccoli is rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium, is a fantastic source of vitamins A, C and K, and full of fibre and folate. It’s also high in glucosinolates, which help the body get rid of toxins. It has a prominent flavour but can be delightfully grassy and even rather sweet. For maximum nutrients choose broccoli with dark green, densely packed and tightly closed florets.

i th in the kitchen with Lucy Stewart

CHEESY BROCCOLI BITES Makes: 28 Prep time: 1-hour Cook time: 12-minutes Ingredients:

How you cook your broccoli makes all the difference too - no one enjoys the taste or sulfurous smell of mushy over-cooked boiled broccoli, right?

Steaming your broccoli for a short amount of time, retains the most nutrients and also prevents the formation of unpleasant odors and flavours. The addition of cheese and a little garlic in these bites, always makes broccoli taste better too. Serve them warm from the oven, and with a tomato salsa or a yoghurt dipping sauce for added yumminess.

■ 2 heads of broccoli (500g) ■ 1 clove garlic, minced ■ 3 eggs ■ 1 cup grated parmesan cheese ■ ½ cup sourdough breadcrumbs or almond meal ■ ½ tsp sea salt ■ Olive oil Pictures: Studio 74 Noosa

Instructions: 1. Cut broccoli into florets and steam for 2-3 minutes. They should start to turn bright green but still be lovely and crunchy. Let them cool completely.

2. Preheat oven to 200’C and line a baking sheet with baking paper drizzled with a little olive oil.

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

3. To a food processor, add cooled broccoli florets and pulse to a crumb – rice-sized pieces, not pureed, small enough to be rolled in it to balls.

4. To a large bowl, add broccoli, breadcrumbs, parmesan, whisked eggs, garlic and salt and stir to combine.

5. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture and squash together to form a ball – add some extra breadcrumbs if you need more “glue” - then place on baking sheet.

6. Cook for 12-minutes until slightly golden.

AUTUMN 2022 17

It’s Your Life

Kristy Telford has self-published a children’s book based on her cancer journey and from the perspective of her young daughter.

Mum’s heartfelt book explains cancer to young children TELLING a young child that their parent or a loved one has cancer and what that means is extremely difficult.

It’s an overwhelming situation, and one which Victorian mum Kristy Telford faced after being diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her second daughter, Isobel.

Her eldest, Anna, was just a toddler when she received the devastating diagnosis.

In an instant, life for the young family was turned upside down.

Kristy was induced at 37 weeks and after delivering Isobel began undergoing surgery and therapy to treat the aggressive disease.

How would she explain it all to her toddler daughter? She pulled out her laptop and started writing a story about her cancer journey from the perspective of her little girl.

At the time, the story was purely to help Kristy talk to Anna, and eventually, Isobel, about their life and how cancer was a big part of it.

Late last year, Kristy’s story was published as a children’s book called ‘Annabel’s Mum’, a title incorporating the names of both her daughters, now aged 6 and 4.

18 AUTUMN 2022

The story is based on the family’s journey with cancer, which began as Kristy and her husband Scott were preparing for the arrival of their second child.

“I would have been about six months pregnant or earlier when I first found the lump in my left breast but I didn’t think a great deal of it,” Kristy explained.

“There are a lot of breast changes happening anyway, but also in the back of my mind is the fact that my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was quite young too - she was 31 when she was diagnosed.

“Then a couple of months went by and I was noticing lots of different things - mood changes, I just didn’t feel right, the lump began to grow and then my skin became quite red around the lump too and I thought ‘yes it’s time to go see a doctor’.

“I think deep down I always knew what it would be but I didn’t want to come to that at that point.

“I was 29 years old and 29 weeks pregnant when I was diagnosed.”

Kristy had a lumpectomy and after delivering Isobel underwent surgery to remove more breast tissue and lymph nodes. The young mum had only just

started chemotherapy when she received some heartbreaking news.

“I had scans, which I couldn’t have when I was pregnant, that showed that the cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes and my liver, so it was now suddenly stage 4,” Kristy said.

“I’ve been on many treatments since.

I recently started a new oral chemotherapy; hopefully it can do some good things for me.”

Kristy says while Annabel’s Mum is largely a positive story, it doesn’t conceal the serious realities of cancer.

“At the end it says sometimes in life people will pass away for reasons we don’t always understand - but thankfully we are able to keep memories of those people and fortunately we always have the gift of new life, just like when Annabel’s baby sister is born,” Kristy said.

“It mentions the word cancer because we have been open with that word. I think that children need to know that word - it shouldn’t be hidden from them.

“There’s definitely no heavy content.

It’s designed to open up conversations with children.

“A lot of friends who have read it to their kids said there were so many questions that flowed afterwards… it’s good they are asking these questions and trying to make sense of it all.”

Kristy self-published Annabel’s Mum with the help of an organisation called Dreams2Live4, which helps grant dreams for cancer patients.

The book, illustrated beautifully by Ada Rovai, is aimed at children in preschool and primary school. Kristy’s aim is to get copies of the book into schools and educational settings, and out to cancer organisations that can distribute it to families who may benefit.

Although Annabel’s Mum explains a difficult topic, it is a celebration of family, love, new life and cherished memories.

“It’s all about remaining positive, which is what I like about this story - even though it touches on death it tries to keep it in a positive light,” Kristy said.

To purchase a copy of Annabel’s Mum, visit Kristy’s Instagram account cancers_grace

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

A new kind of comfort zone.

Welcome to the all new C-Class. More than a luxury vehicle, it’s a personal oasis where you can enjoy exceptional comfort with ambient lighting, seamless connection with an intuitive touchscreen and MBUX, and complete control with state-of-the-art safety features.

The all new C-Class.

Experience the all new C-Class today at 3 Point Motors (Fairfield, Kew & Epping) www.mb3point.com.au

3 Point Motors LMCT 433

- 484 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield. Tel. 9487 7777.

128 Denmark Street, Kew. Tel. 9853 6669.

380 Cooper Street, Epping. Tel. 9409 9999.

12537134-BL11-22

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 19

It’s Your Life

Marley enjoying his new cubby house.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation gifted the cubby house and organised a fun reveal.

The cubby house offers Marley a safe place to play.

Cubby house a special gift

By Melissa Grant WHEN Grovedale boy Marley Reddington was born at 24 weeks, doctors didn’t know whether he would survive.

He spent the first 180 days of his life in hospital and has been diagnosed with multiple complications from extreme prematurity, including chronic lung disease.

But after a rocky start to life, Marley is now a happy, engaging and determined five-year- old who loves George from Peppa Pig, collecting rocks, playing ‘floor is lava’ and Duplo.

The energetic boy also loves pretend play, however going to parks is really difficult as he requires oxygen.

But late last year, he was gifted a safe place to play outdoors when the Starlight Children’s Foundation granted his wish for a new cubby house.

The cubby - which features a wellstocked kitchen, seating area, Avengers pillows and a barista machine - was a complete surprise for Marley, as Starlight had installed it while he was out at appointments.

He was blown away by the cubby reveal where he was greeted by Captain Starlight, confetti and cupcakes as he walked down a red carpet.

Mum Kellie and Dad Steve say the cubby has given Marley a special place of his own to share fun, smiles and laughter with his friends and brother.

“At first he was overwhelmed, then couldn’t stop smiling and got straight to work role-playing,” Kellie said.

“Ever since, he has wanted to play in it every day from the moment he woke up.”

Kellie said the cubby house provided a safe play space for Marley, who was often not well enough to venture too far from home.

“Marley has a complex range of conditions, arising from his extreme premature birth at 24 weeks. Every system in his body is impacted in some way,” she explained.

“He requires oxygen, tube-feeds and 20 AUTUMN 2022

Marley at the wish reveal.

Marley Reddington.

The Reddington family.

also has a tube for bowel washouts.

Mercy Hospital from early on in her pregnancy as she was at high risk of delivering prematurely as her first son was born at 30 weeks.

“Parks are risky not only from a health perspective - illnesses such as colds, Covid, but also from a safety perspective - risk of tubes getting caught/pulled out; risk of falling from heights.

“Marley’s cubby house provides a place for him to simply and safely enjoy independent play, whenever it suits him.”

Marley weighed just 687g and was 29cm long when he was born at 24 weeks.

Kellie had been under the care of the

After showing signs of labour at 23 weeks, Kellie was put on bed rest at the Mercy.

“A few days later my waters broke, so we knew we weren’t going to make it to our goal of 32 weeks,” she recalled.

“After a few more days of bed rest I got an infection, at which point it was safer for the baby ‘to be out rather than in’.”

Marley was delivered via emergency caesarean.

“Doctors didn’t know if Marley would survive and his journey in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (SCN) was rocky and not straightforward,” Kellie said.

“Marley ended up spending 180 days across Mercy Hospital for Women, Royal Children’s Hospital and Geelong Hospital before he came home for the first time.”

However Marley was only home for two days before being readmitted to hospital where he spent the next two months.

Marley continues to have multiple stints between Geelong and the Royal Children’s hospital, with visits ranging from an overnight stay to weeks or months.

He also has regular appointments at both hospitals and weekly sessions with his therapists at Kids Plus Foundation, and undergoes multiple surgery visits each year.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation has had a long involvement with the Reddington Family, with Captain Starlight often visiting Marley’s hospital room.

Kellie said Starlight had been a blessing for Marley, who often becomes upset in hospital while separated from family and friends.

“Captain Starlight is seen as a friend and puts a smile on his face,” she said.

Kellie said the visits also provided Marley with a much-needed break from the ongoing medical treatments and monitoring that make up most of his days in hospital.

She encourages people to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which makes a difference to the lives of sick kids like her son.

“They support kids who don’t get to enjoy the same freedoms as others the same age,” she said.

“Starlight’s contribution is not just about putting a smile on a child’s face, but also the warm fuzzy feeling their parents and guardians get when they see their child happy.”

To donate or for more information, visit https://www.starlight.org.au/ www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

So much to learn AUTUMN school holidays are around the corner and it’s a great time to get inspired with courses that will enable young artists to connect with their craft and reignite that creative spark.

Presented by the National Institute of Dramatic Art, NIDA Open holiday courses provide a space for children and young people to step outside of their

comfort zone and try something new or build on the foundations of previous skills.

From acting and drama to improvisation, filmmaking, writing and more…Not only can students expect to work on skills in performance, designing or making, but they will also develop skills in communication, leadership and

collaboration – qualities that can stick with them for life.

After experiencing NIDA Open for the first time this year, one parent said: “After hearing my girls excitedly explain in detail particular games and exercises involving their own creation and improv, it was clear NIDA provided a real, substantial drama class, which pleased

me immensely as I start to introduce them to an activity I enjoyed so much as a kid.”

NIDA’s teaching methods are based on ‘learning-by-doing’, which means all children receive specialist tuition with a practical focus.

All courses are led by industry experts with a focus on personal and creative development. These classes are based on the same training that has helped NIDA graduates achieve success on the stage, on-screen and behind-the-scenes.

A time for learning and personal development, each class also gives children and young people a chance to socialise and meet like-minded peers, build relationships and learn to work together.

A participant in NIDA course Auditions and Screentests for Grades 7 to 10 said: “I loved meeting all the lovely people in the course. My favourite part was learning to be on-screen and learning where to look depending on what you’re doing. I loved learning new skills in a safe, positive and extremely supportive space.” So, whether your child is a six-year-old attending their very first drama class, a 12-year-old wanting to try acting on-screen, or a budding filmmaker wanting to sharpen their camera skills, NIDA Open provides an environment where every student is nurtured.

Enrolments are now open for the NIDA Open autumn holiday program starting soon in Melbourne.

Try a one-day taster or a five-day intensive – there’s a course to suit everyone.

Book four weeks before the course start date for children and young people to receive a 10 per cent early bird discount.

For more information and to book, call NIDA Open on 1300 450 417 or visit nida.edu.au/autumn.

CONNECT WITH YOUR CRAFT THIS AUTUMN School holiday courses start this April in Melbourne!

Try acting, audition preparation, drama, public speaking and more for Prep–grade 12.

Visit nida.edu.au/autumn 12534563-HC11-22

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 21

It’s Your Life

Take the product container with you to the phone – the poisons information centre will want to know what ingredients are in the product

How to keep your kids safe from poisoning HAVE you ever noticed that toddlers love to place everything that they find in their mouths, no matter what the object is or how hygienic it may be? This behaviour can start anywhere from as early as 2 months of age and is your little one’s way of exploring and learning about the environment around them.

Aside from the inconvenience of every item in your home being covered in drool, this natural curiosity and eagerness to explore can also lead them into danger, particularly if they come into contact with poisonous substances.

How common is childhood poisoning?

Every year in Australia over 1,800 children aged 0-14 years are admitted to hospital due to unintentional poisoning – that’s around 34 children every week.

Most incidents occur in children under the age of 5, with those aged 1-3 at greatest risk.

When the word poison is mentioned, many people think of dishwashing detergents, bleach and household cleaners – however, did you know that

there is another substance that is more commonly involved in childhood poisoning incidents?

The most common cause of poisoning lives in many homes and bags The majority of child hospitalisations due to poisoning involve pharmaceuticals.

This can include over the counter medications such as paracetamol or cough and cold remedies, as well as prescription medications such as those used to treat blood pressure.

Poisoning incidents often occur due to unsupervised access, including when items such as medications are left out after being used or when they are stored in easily accessible locations such as handbags.

To children, medications can look like lollies, so they may think that they have just found Mum’s, Dad’s, or their grandparent’s secret stash of treats, not realising the dangers that these items can pose.

Don’t most of these products have child resistant packaging?

Many medications - along with other poisons such as household cleaners come with child resistant lids or

packaging. However, it’s important to remember that these are not child proof.

They are made to be difficult for children to get into, but not impossible – you may even find that some kids can open them easier than adults can.

What can I do to reduce the risk?

The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning from medications: ■ Store all poisonous products out of sight and reach of children, at least 1.5 metres off the ground in a lockable cupboard ■ If medicines need to be kept in the fridge, use a small, lockable container for them ■ Always read instructions carefully and return all poisonous products to their safe storage area immediately after use ■ Administer medication in a well-lit room and keep a record of the time and amount of each dose, to reduce the risk of accidental overdose ■ Never refer to medicines as ‘lollies’ as this can confuse children

■ Keep handbags, including visitor’s bags, out of reach of children e.g. on a hook up high ■ Dispose of expired or unwanted medications. You can contact your local pharmacy for advice on how and where you can do this safely What should I do if I think my child has ingested a poisonous substance?

If you think your child may have ingested a poisonous substance: ■ Call the Poisons Information Centre straight away on 13 11 26 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Australia wide).

They will be able to provide you with expert advice and guide you what to do next ■ Never try to induce vomiting ■ Take the product container with you to the phone – the poisons information centre will want to know what ingredients are in the product ■ If they have collapsed, stopped breathing, or are having a seizure or anaphylactic reaction, call 000 for an ambulance For more information and advice on poisoning or other unintentional injury topics, please visit kidsafevic.com.au

Go on a caravan adventure with Bluey’s family and friends.

Now just

$48.00 WAS $59.95

Bluey’s Caravan Adventures Playset with Jean Luc Buy now from aussietoysonline.com.au 12535357-CG11-22

22 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Health

Unusual signs of pregnancy SOME of the signs of early pregnancy are well known and fairly obvious, such as missed periods or swollen, tender breasts. But what about some of the symptoms that you might not know about, or dismiss as something else?

Epworth Maternity midwife, Stacey Goad, says there can be some telltale signs that indicate you may be pregnant.

“Everyone’s body is different and even each pregnancy can be different.

Some early pregnancy signs can mimic how you might feel just before you get your period,” Stacey explains.

These often include: ■ fatigue ■ tender or swollen breasts ■ nausea ■ mood swings ■ bloating “There’s also a number of less common symptoms, where you might not even realise are signs you’re expecting.”

These can include: ■ increased urination ■ excessive saliva

■ more than normal amount of vaginal discharge ■ feeling lightheaded ■ feeling warmer than normal ■ constipation ■ food/smell aversions “It’s important to be kind to your body and your mind when you’re pregnant.

You are growing new life and your body is doing a lot of work to make that happen,” says Stacey.

“You may not realise when you’re pregnant, your blood volume increases by an incredible 50 percent - you even grow a new organ: the placenta. This amazing organ is vital to your baby’s health and growth, delivering nutrients and oxygen to your baby, while also removing waste from your baby’s blood supply.”

You might feel your mood swings are more dramatic than usual. While hormones can cause mood swings and you may experience an emotional rollercoaster, they’re vital to sustaining your pregnancy.

If you suspect that you’re pregnant, the next step would be to take a home pregnancy test and visit your GP.

Epworth Freemasons Maternity

We take care of the big things, so you can focus on the tiny ones.

Exceptional care and world-class facilities make Epworth Freemasons a premium choice for maternity.

Private health insured, or self-funded, enjoy your boutique room and our renowned chef-prepared meals as you bond with your baby.

NP2 2522 2_FR _FRE_1 E 021 E_1

Scan me to learn more about Epworth Maternity

Epworth Freemasons | call 03 9418 8300 Level 2, 320 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne | epworth.org.au 12534542-NG11-22

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 23

optometrist early in their developmental years, even if there are no known problems, as high myopia is associated with lifelong increased risks of eye diseases and children may be unaware their vision is not as it should be.

Health

4) Discuss myopia management options As a parent it may be comforting to know that there are new techniques and strategies emerging to limit progression of myopia. You can familiarise yourselves with these myopia management options that are now available, to have an informed discussion with the optometrist or ophthalmologist

Myopia: Top four tips to protect your eyes

By Dr Rasha Altaie, Ophthalmologist AS a child grows, his or her vision passes through key developmental phases which are profoundly integrated with their overall development. Vision can therefore often become the key to understanding how your child is progressing through developmental milestones.

One of the most common eye problems in children is myopia, often referred to as ‘short-sightedness’, and which causes blurred distance vision.

The management of myopia and the importance of early detection is critically important as myopia cannot be reversed.

Knowing your child’s potential risk of

Several interventions have been explored to slow the progression of myopia.

1. Pharmacological: Atropine eye drops 2. Contact lenses: Special designs of soft lenses and orthokeratology lenses 3. Glasses: Special designs of spectacle lenses Treating myopia in children doesn’t mean just getting glasses. The above options can induce changes in the structure and focusing of the eye to reduce the development and progression of myopia.

myopia and taking action early can benefit their academic and physical performance, personal growth and overall health.

Given that outdoor play is free, “more green time less screen time” is a timely reminder for moderation in an increasingly digital world.

Top four actions you can take now:

2) Limit prolonged near tasks Minimising screen time, taking short breaks every 20 minutes, using good lighting when reading and doing close-up work may help to prevent or reduce your child’s myopia progressing.

Regular check-ups are even more important than usual with the increase in screen time and close-up work.

1) More Green Time Less Screen Time Children are spending a lot of time on close-up work, mainly devices and screen time, and less time outdoors.

Such lifestyle factors including low levels of outdoor activity may influence the development of myopia.

More research is needed to determine if it is to do with the intensity or brightness of the light or the distances that children focus on, but what is proven is that there is a link between outdoor time and its benefit to a child’s myopia development.

3) Have your eyes examined by an Optometrist Optometrists are able to diagnose myopia and may be able to slow the progression of myopia in children. It’s therefore important for a child to see an

Get eye health on your child’s health check-up list Regular eye examinations are very important. Similar to regular dental check-ups, your Optometrist can help to prevent bigger problems in the future.

As recommended by the New Zealand Association of Optometrists, a child’s first eye test should be with an optometrist before starting school and at regular intervals thereafter.

Good vision is key to a child’s physical development, success in school and overall well-being, so the earlier an eye problem is detected, the earlier an appropriate treatment can be recommended to ensure successful vision correction and life-long benefits.

Aussie children tell us what they like to look at and why it’s important to look after your eyes - https://www. childmyopia.com/videos/looking-afteryour-eyes/

Debilitating condition impacting pregnancy WHEN Mel Ryan was pregnant with her twin boys she felt constantly tired, out of breath and like she was going pass out.

She thought her debilitating symptoms were normal pregnancy symptoms, and that she needed to “harden up”.

But like many pregnant women, Mel was suffering the effects of low iron levels.

After receiving treatment for iron deficiency in her third trimester, she immediately felt much better.

“It was like flicking a switch,” the Melbourne mum said.

“After the iron issue was taken care of, I was feeling great. I suddenly had the energy to do everything that I needed to in order to bring these two new lives into the world.”

Research shows many women begin their pregnancy with low or depleted iron stores, and don’t have the iron they need during pregnancy. Some women are still iron deficient one week after delivery.

Low iron levels can impact the mother’s physical health and wellbeing.

Additionally, very low iron levels can affect the baby’s growth and can increase the risk of early delivery.

Common symptoms of iron deficiency 24 AUTUMN 2022

include tiredness and fatigue, dizziness, headaches and a pale complexion.

Due to the symptoms being nonspecific, they can be mistaken as a normal part of pregnancy. This means the early signs of iron deficiency may not be identified before anaemia develops.

Jean Hailes gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth Farrell said it was common for women to ignore symptoms or attribute them to other lifestyle factors.

“They will typically say their tiredness is due to being busy and doing a lot of running around,” she said.

Dr Farrell said pregnant women needed significantly more iron for the healthy development of their baby, and to assist with breastfeeding and mental wellness as they bonded with their newborn.

“I was taking a multivitamin, but my understanding is most are unlikely to have enough iron, particularly for pregnancy needs,” she said.

Mel Ryan, pictured with husband Peter and twins Beau and Byron, suffered the effects of low iron during pregnancy.

“It’s always best to get advice from your doctor but I would recommend getting a blood test done early. It’s quick and easy, and if you are suffering, whatever the symptoms, you can have it diagnosed and fixed so that you can enjoy your pregnancy and have the energy to then enjoy your baby.”

More information: takeironseriously. com, jeanhailes. org.au

“It’s really important women have enough iron for their own health and for the health of their baby,” she said.

“There is growing evidence to suggest iron deficiency can lead to babies having developmental problems and cognition issues, so it is vital women are iron sufficient from the beginning of their pregnancy.”

Mel advised other women to have their iron levels checked prior to becoming pregnant or early in their pregnancy. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Active Kids

Getting the hip hop high Hip hop brings a level of ‘cool’ to dance class.

By Jenan Taylor

troublesome way to settle differences between rivals.

POPPING, locking and breaking are just some of the hip hop dance moves keeping scores of students enthralled, whether they’re performing them, or just cheering from the sidelines.

Those original dance-offs and the moves themselves have since gone on to be popularised, if not mythologised, in movies such as Save the Last Dance, Breakdance and Street Beat.

Hip hop is a kaleidoscope of acrobatic and jazz steps that promotes cardiovascular and muscle strength, agility and fast reflexes, and it has taken off in dance schools across Australia over the past decade.

The style hails from the streets of New York and San Francisco where it emerged in the 1970s as a less

Freya Stills-Blott chose hip hop because it always looked like it would be fun and because she preferred it over more fluid styles of dance.

Music video clips featuring dancers performing alongside rap artists from Eminem to Salt-N-Pepa, added an extra level of cool and helped make hip hop accessible to anyone from just about any background.

The genre’s laid-back aspect is also what makes it so appealing, with comfortable clothes and runners being just about all a student needs to be

“I like entertaining the audience. Hip hop dance leaves the audience on a high.”

prepped for class.

While hip hop can seem amazingly complicated, it really is just a variety of steps joined together, and for new students, it all begins by understanding some of the basics.

“Then I discovered I was good at it,” she says, and soon became hooked.

Now the 14-year-old has a swag of medals and trophies from her performances at local and state hip hop competitions.

Like many other students, Freya loves the creative side. “I like that I can take out all my emotions in my dancing and show off my personality,” she says, but of course, there are also the social thrills.

Locking involves freezing or suddenly pausing a movement. Popping is about isolating parts of the body by tensing and releasing the muscles. Breaking usually involves floor spinning (including on your back) and a range of other body twists and turns.

So if cruisy creativity is your style, have some fun and give hip hop a go.

Activities

Something to cheer about

By Carole Levy AMERICAN-STYLE cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and dance schools around Australia are riding the wave, with all-aged students flocking to get some pom-pom action.

Cheerleading classes teach all the fundamentals of cheerleading, such as tumbles, cheer, chants, stunts, dance and pom-pom work.

It’s all about having fun in a team, learning about sportsmanship, and using movement in an exuberant celebration.

Cheerleading was once an all-male domain, but World War II created a chance for women to step up. It wasn’t until the 1950s that cheerleading became professional and, by the 1960s, it was considered a mostly feminine pursuit.

Today it’s open to anyone, but girls still dominate the sport. Cheerleading has come a long way and is now a genuine career option, with Aussie sporting events often fielding cheer squads.

So if you have an active little person who loves the whole dance thing, this could be the way to introduce them to discipline, to learn how to coooperate with others and to give them all the exercise they’ll need. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Picture: istock

0433 324 090

PROGRAMS Gymnastics classes for boys and girls learning fundamental gymnastics skills in a inclusive fun environment

Kindergym

Kindergym CASUAL

Recreational

0 - 5 y.o.

0 - 5 y.o.

Prep to grade 6 at school

Intermediate

WAG program

Fitter for life

By invite only

By invite only

55 y.o. plus

Phone: (03) 9888 7095 76 Highbury Rd, Burwood 3125 www.bugsgymnastics.com bugsgymnastics@bigpond.com

12531591-JW11-22

It was back in 1860s Britain that cheering and chanting in unison for favourite athletes at sporting events began.

Soon it spread to the US, where on 6 November, 1869, the first intercollegiate football game took place, marking the day the original ‘sis-boom-rah’ cheer was first used, variations of which are still chanted today.

Cheerleading is all about having fun in a team, learning about sportsmanship, and using movement in an exuberant celebration.

12536039-HC09-22

Even pre-schoolers love to perform in a cheerleading squad, and are able to form wonderful friendships doing their bit together.

After a successful Overseas dance career

dylan Dickson presents Professional Dance Classes

ūūŒ NjūƭƑ FREE ¹ƑĿîŕ ŕîƙƙ sūDžȣ dylandicksondancers.com AUTUMN 2022 25

Party Time Sweeten the party with vanilla marshmallows.

Making marshmallows Ingredients: ■ 2 cups caster sugar ■ 3 satchels gelatine powder ■ 2/3 cup glucose syrup ■ 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar ■ 1 tablespoon Queen pure Madagascar vanilla extract ■ ½ cup cold filtered water ■ ¼ cup room temperature filtered water For dusting and rolling the marshmallows: ■ 2/3 cups cornflour ■ ½ cup powdered sugar Utensils ■ 1 x baking pan size 20x20 ■ Spatula ■ Baking paper ■ Olive oil spray ■ Handheld electric beater or standing bench electric mixer Method: Before you start, line the baking tray

WITH OLIVIA C ENEA-BRAIN

with baking paper and generously spray olive oil over the baking paper.

The marshmallow mixture is extremely sticky to handle, so you’ll need the oil spread evenly to make it easy for the marshmallows to be removed once set.

1. In a medium sized pot, place sugar, vanilla sugar, glucose syrup and ¼ cup filtered room temperature water.

2. Prepare your electric mixer, plugged in and ready for use. In a large bowl, place the contents of 3 satchels of gelatine powder, stir in the ½ cup of cold filtered water set aside near your electric mixer.

3. Place the pot containing the sugar/ glucose/water on the stovetop, over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar crystals melt. This takes approximately 5 minutes. Time this part; turn the heat on high and remove your spoon. Allow the mixture to bubble away for 1 minute. It will be a bubbly, frothy consistency.

4. (You will be slowly pouring the hot sugar syrup into the gelatine mixture).

Remove syrup from heat and take the pot to the bowl of the gelatine mixture.

Mix on low initially, the gelatine crystal will have solidified, so start the mixed on low so that they don’t fly out of the bowl. Gently pour the syrup, mixing well. Pouring should be made in four parts roughly. Start with a quarter of the mixture and follow with another quarter every minute or so, mixing on medium in-between. For the last bit of liquid, turn the mixer on high and mix well. Now add in the vanilla extract. Once all the syrup is in the bowl, mix on high for another 5 minutes.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared,

lined pan and using a spatula, scrape the bowl.

6. You’ll need to remove some of the bubbles in the mixture. To do this; lift the pan off the bench, not too high, and drop it. You’ll see bubbles surface and pop. Do this twice.

7. Place the marshmallow in the fridge and allow to set overnight.

8. Combine the cornflour and powdered Sugar in a bowl. Mix. 9. Using a sieve, sprinkle the surface of a chopping board as well as the top of the marshmallow.

10. Gently remove the marshmallow from the pan, removing the baking paper and place the marshmallow on the board.

11. Slice as you wish, I did little cubes, sprinkling the dusting mixture as needed to avoid the sticky sides.

12. Store in an airtight container, in the pantry or fridge for up to a month... if they last that long!

Enjoy.

FANTASTIC COOKING PARTIES! 12537048-HC11-22

Design your own Specialty and Novelty Party

Dreamy White Bouncy Castles, Luxe Ball Pits & Balloon Garlands for your next special Event!

Throw them a party pa they will never forget! Boys & girls, gi Great for ages 3 to 16 yrs.

Parties from $125

E: Hello@alaskaswhitecastles.com.au M: 0422 204 611 W: alaskaswhitecastles.com.au

A party to remember!

Mobile parties 18 Melbourne Locations

03 9824 5979 | 0413 133 753 www.gourmetkids.com.au

BEST. PARTY. EVER.

12535562-JC11-22

12534565-SN09-22

12538815-CG09-22

SLUMBER TRIBE TEEPEE SLUMBER PARTY HIRE WE DELIVER AND SET UP FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE WWW.SLUMBERTRIBE.COM.AU 0491 916 533 26 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Entertainment

Have a cuppa while the kids play

BILLY Lids Playland is back!

Hawthorn’s iconic indoor playland first opened in 2001.

indoor play space, a new cafe and dedicated staff.

Most parents know that feeling when you want a coffee, but you have your children with you. It’s easier said than done, but the search for a solution is over.

With a large climbing structure, a huge inflatable slide, dolphin carousel and dedicated enclosed toddler play space – children of all ages will love it and parents can drink their coffee before it gets cold!

Billy Lids Playland, the largest indoor play centre in Boroondara, is open again, with an extensive refurbished

Whether parents drop-in for a coffee with their little one after taking the older kids to school or

CAFE

pop in for an after-school play and snack, the Billy Lids team promises they won’t be disappointed.

space, but also an ideal children’s party venue, with Basic, Bash and Bonanza party options.

The centre’s new cafe serves all the old favourites, like chicken nuggets, pizza, burgers, chips and toasted sandwiches, with some healthy options like gourmet wraps and salads.

The centre also has options for older children and private function hire packages, with catering options.

Billy Lids even serves fairy bread for that special treat.

Billy Lids Playland re-opened on 21 November last year. Adults enter free of charge.

Billy Lids is not just an indoor play

INTERACTIVE BALL PIT

Grab a coffee and a bite to eat while your children have a world of fun.

PARTY ROOM

BILLY LIDS PLAYLAND IS UNDER R NEW N MANAGEMENT! The ultimate indoor playground and a fantastic birthday party venue, for 0-11 yrs. With new management and an extensive playground upgrade, we are the safest place to keep kids entertained indoors. Multi-level play structures, MEGA inflatable slide, Interactive ball pit and a brand-new café.

Pop in for a coffee and a snack and book your next party today! Located in Hawthorn, a short walk from Glenferrie station.

BECOME A MEMBER FOR A 1/2 PRICE FIRST VISIT valid until 31/12/2022 0478 619 674 • www.billylidsplayland.com.au • 86 Lynch Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122 www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

12537006-NG11-22

Unlimited play all day per entry ticket • Birthday Party • Private Venue Hire • Open 7 days

AUTUMN 2022 27

Education

St Peter’s Early Learning Centre ST Peter’s Early Learning Centre at St Kevin’s College is a coeducational Catholic early learning environment in partnership with the parish of St Peter’s Toorak. We are a small setting with big heart. Working in partnership, we are committed to instilling values of family, community and social justice.

At St Peter’s ELC, we believe in setting the right foundations for school readiness through a play based learning environment. We pay particular attention to the children’s

Charlotte Caldwell is learning about rhythm and music.

early stage of ‘learning how to learn’, and we guide this through the principals of the Reggio Emilia Educational Project’s view of 100 languages.

Our early learning program considers the interests and curiosities of the children, as well as from Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence, which looks at how different modes of learning can benefit each child.

Educators spend time ensuring that the learning stimulus and provocations

are meaningful for the children. It’s not a matter of setting up random activities to keep the children busy, it’s about stimulating curiosity, inquiry and learning to further extend each child’s development.

We believe the foundations made in the early years strengthen the children’s social and emotional intelligence and provides confidence so they are ready to learn in the formal settings of school.

Head of St Peter’s ELC – Mrs Kathleen Brohier

St Peter’s ELC believes in setting the right foundations for school readiness through a play-based environment.

Picture: Supplied

Getting into the rhythm early ENJOYING, learning about and making music influences many parts of young children’s learning and development.

Music is one of the few activities that use both sides of the brain (logical and creative), which means it helps build important brain connections.

Not only can music get children moving and thinking creatively, music education also provides them with a range of developmental benefits. It enhances engagement and wellbeing, increases personal and social development, and improves outcomes in other curriculum areas.

The benefits of music education, proven by decades of research, are the basis of Melbourne Girls Grammar’s decision to introduce music to our students from the age of three.

The specialist program taught at our Early Learning Centre aims to provide the foundation for children’s musicality through dance, movement, music and storytelling. The use of voice, beat, melody and rhythm are the defining features of the program.

The development of students’ musical literacy and their confidence to participate is of primary importance.

Zivah Sarsavadia, Claudette Scarff and Charlotte Caldwell pose for the camera.

Pictures: Supplied

Martin J. Bergee and Kevin M. Weingarten, University of Kansas, ran a study in 2020 to measure the relationship between music education and increased performance in other disciplines such as maths and reading.

Their findings, which were published in the Journal of Research in Music Education, showed learning music did appear to make students better at numeracy and literacy.

Greek philosopher Plato said he “would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but more importantly music; for in the patterns of music and all the arts, are the keys to learning.”

Joanna Patocs, Melbourne Girls Grammar Music teacher (Prep to Year 4), says “children with an early music education have higher levels of working memory, mental flexibility and selfregulation; these skills are essential to learning and development.”

She adds that “learning music supports fine and gross motor skills, co-ordination, and body awareness.”

She believes it also enhances the following abilities in children: auditory processing through focused listening; literacy through visual tracking and decoding; numeracy through patterns, duration and subdivision.

Joanna says patience and persistence is also learnt through painstaking skill development while confidence and self-worth are built through the successes, large and small, along the way.

“In short, an early introduction to music not only builds essential skills but is itself a thread that connects the dots of a broader education,” she said.

Learn more about Melbourne Girls Grammar’s ELC and Junior Years program, including our music program, by joining us at an Open Morning or a school tour. Register today mggs.vic.edu.au/tour

St Peter’s Early Learning Centre St Kevin’s College – ELC-Year 12 St Peter’s Early Learning Centre is a Catholic, co-educational setting where children are given the opportunity and time to discover and explore, to question and predict, to wonder and to dream. The wider world becomes the child’s world.

We welcome you to visit our website to find out more and arrange a tour. www.stpeterselc.vic.edu.au 12537041-SN11-22

28 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Education

Kostka Building and Master Building Plan at Xavier College XAVIER College is justifiably proud of the opportunities that lie ahead of us as we reimagine inspiring new learning spaces for our students.

heart of the school for students, staff and visitors alike.

A new boarding house is to be established at the western edge of the campus, neighbouring a reimagined Sports Centre, and a brand-new underground Transport Hub will provide a newfound ease and safety in supporting car-parking and student drop-off.

As a school that enrols boys, Xavier is committed from the commencement of a boys education to developing respectful and aspirant learners.

Our distinctive Jesuit character underscores these learning and life values, whereby our future graduates are formed with an intentional mindset to be authentic, spiritual, positive, inspiring, resilient and empathetic.

These ASPIRE qualities are infused through each age and stage, where our educators deliver a holistic curriculum designed to encourage students to be curious, ask questions, make discoveries, collaborate, reflect and think independently.

Extending upon our co-educational Kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds, Xavier is moving to a 2-year staged model of educational delivery from Prep to Year 12.

This will coincide with a comprehensive building program to enhance every aspect of each campus.

The perimeter of the campus will be reimagined as a mile long biodiversity walking and running track, which has quickly become known as the “Xavier Tan”.

Xavier College plan.

Our key entry point of Year 7 will be accommodated in an exceptional, new state-of-the-art Year 7-8 learning precinct on the Senior Campus, opening for the start of 2024.

As we welcome the new enrolments of year sevens and eights onto the Senior Campus, we are highly driven to ensure these new and reimagined facilities enable the continued fostering

Picture: Supplied

of the human connections and relationships that have made Xavier the much-loved College that it has become throughout many generations.

The building plan connects the centre of the College with a safe, generous and accessible walk along the northern edge of the campus, creating a gentle backdrop to the College’s Memorial Chapel, which remains at the

As well as encouraging physical health and opportunities for informal exercise, the Tan will support mental wellbeing, offering spaces for reflection, mindfulness, and prayer along its length.

The inclusion of Years 7 and 8 on the Senior Campus, accommodated in these new and exceptional facilities, will produce a further and quite profound uplift through the entire Xavier experience.

We welcome you and your son as we continue to build the possible.

Andale students spread their wings ANDALE School is known for supporting learners who benefit from structured, scheduled, and evidenced based literacy and numeracy learning interventions, Andale students are also given many opportunities to participate in programs and activities that support healthy, happy, and well-rounded young people.

Each week students are given the opportunity to express themselves creatively through our Media Arts and Drama/Music.

Specialist Social Skills classes provide an important opportunity to work on the skills of developing and maintaining friendships, cooperating, and negotiating, all within a context of recognising students’ own personal strengths and the talents of others.

Weekly Physical Education at Andale School exposes students to a variety of sports, regularly supported by expert instructors in the fields of gymnastics, cricket, and tennis.

Students are introduced to the pleasures of food education, supporting the development of positive food habits through the school’s Kitchen Garden program.

Dishes cooked reflect the vegetables, www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Andale School allows their students to spread their wings.

Picture: Rob Carew

herbs, and fruits grown, season-byseason, by students in our organic garden. The program encourages critical thinking, teamwork, an understanding of cause and effect, and increased levels of observation.

Wednesday’s Karate strengthens the body and the mind, developing composure, clearer thought processes, stamina, and coordination.

Students develop confidence and gain a sense of achievement as they earn their gis (uniform), belts, and stripes.

At Andale School, we provide a positive learning environment for children who experience language and learning challenges, within a welcoming community that recognises and celebrates their learning achievements.

Semester one’s Swimming program ensures all students develop the skills required to be safer in and around water.

It all makes for a busy, yet balanced learning program for students. You can arrange to see this for yourself by contacting Andale School on 9853 3911.

Contact us for more information andaleschool@andale.vic.edu.au 84 Charles Street, Kew, 3101 | +61 3 9853 3911

Education Empowered andale.vic.edu.au

12534559-CG11-22

A pediatrics Yoga instructor supports students’ physical and mental wellbeing, finishing every Monday with a Yoga class.

AUTUMN 2022 29

Education

Be your best DE La Salle College educates over 1,000 students across three campuses – Tiverton, Holy Eucharist and Kinnoull.

Each campus is designed for each stage of your son’s development. We have an open enrolment policy and provide a contemporary learning community that encourages and supports personal excellence.

Founded in 1912, De La Salle College provides a Catholic education in the Lasallian tradition for students in Years 5 - 12. A non-zoned Catholic boys’ school; De La Salle College welcomes students throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Our holistic learning environment and specialised programs ensure De La Salle students are challenged and supported throughout their school years.

We provide a variety of pathways including VCE, VET and VCAL and our students learn in a community of faith and growth, founded on a culture of social justice.

Our support networks, committed teaching staff and evolving technologies ensure our students reach their full potential throughout their education.

Our extensive range of co-curricular

opportunities complements classroom learning and provides a broadening of perspective for our students. Our rich music and drama programs cater for students interested in the performing arts, with performance and private tuition available. We offer various sports choices for students at school level, as well as state level competitions.

We are committed to social justice and helping others and students participate in fundraising or volunteer initiatives throughout each year. From music and drama to self-defence and social justice initiatives, there really is something to engage every young man.

All De La Salle College students participate in the GROW (Growing Responsibility for my Own Wellbeing) wellbeing program. The program was developed by De La Salle College staff and is tailored to suit the wellbeing needs of each Year Level. It is targeted at students’ level of emotional, social and psychological development.

GROW promotes and develops the qualities of resilience, openness, reflectiveness, growth mindset, positivity and purpose, and ensures

that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand themselves, the world around them and their place in it.

We prepare our students to fully participate in society with the skills for life-long learning and a foundation based on the Lasallian faith experience to value, respect and welcome all.

Discover De La Salle College through a College Tour or visit www.delasalle.vic. edu.au to find out why the College is the right choice for your son.

Be Your Best at De La Salle College.

De La Salle have a strong Academic focus.

Picture: James Macpherson Photography

ENROL NOW Primary: Years 5 - 6 Secondary: Years 7 - 12

www.delasalle.vic.edu.au

1318 HIGH STREET MALVERN VIC 3144 PH 03 9508 2100 12538810-JW11-22

30 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Education

Preshil Kindergarten campus in Kew.

Our Community of Learners AS parents, we might ask ourselves, “What kind of community do I want for my child?” At Preshil we have created one that is welcoming, that has children at the heart of everything we do, and that recognises each child’s potential.

Importantly, we have structured our Kindergarten program to be fully integrated into our Primary campus “Arlington” so that our youngest children are a vital element of our community.

We understand that childrens’ emerging sense of belonging is a key component of their success in learning.

Our three and four-year-old children learn and play in the Kindergarten’s unique indoor and outdoor environments. Multi-age grouping is a key feature of our Kindergarten, giving the younger children the opportunity to

learn from the older children, and the older children the opportunity to be leaders even at this young age.

This multi-age grouping continues throughout the Primary School, and our children play with peers of all ages as a result.

Children are encouraged to learn through social interactions and strong relationships with their peers and educators.Our teaching team ensures balance throughout the day with time for collaborative inquiry, small-group teacher-led experiences and free play throughout the daily routine, with a focus on smooth transitions.

Children in the Preshil Kindergarten are fully fledged participants in all that Arlington has to offer. On their way to

passionate about their specialty area.

This broadens their community further, and for some of these classes our Kindergarten children use the shared facilities giving them experience of learning and belonging in the Arlington setting.

the Kindergarten gate each morning, our youngest Preshil learners are greeted by friends and teachers from across our Primary School. These connections are fostered through regular shared experiences like our Biggies and Buddies program with Grade 5 and 6 children, weekly singing as a whole school, and weekly time with our Prep class.

As an IB Continuum school, the Kindergarten offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme so that inquiry learning is seamless between Kindergarten and Primary. Specialist classes in Philosophy, Art, Music, and French are part of the Kindergarten curriculum, giving our youngest learners an opportunity to work with a range of teachers who are

The Kindergarten children share Bush School with their friends in the Prep class. Together they make an Acknowledgement of Country to foster important links between themselves, their community and the rich history of Country and First Nations people. Then they are off to explore our bush nook to engage with water play, search for creatures, climb the trees, and make potions and creations. Sometimes the children collect wood and light the fire to cook damper, bake potatoes or brew a chai tea for sharing. Safe risks are encouraged and children have an active role in caring for the campus environments.

The children of the Preshil Kindergarten are supported to feel emboldened and courageous as members of the Arlington Community, growing and learning together.

PRESHIL

THE PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE Preshil continues to offer a truly progressive education with a focus on each child; their creativity, passions and curiosity. As a continuum school, Preshil delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme from Kindergarten to Grade Six. Our Kindergarten is fully integrated into the primary school through joint programs, buddies and whole school events.

Kindergarten is where the Preshil journey begins.

Three and four year olds learning together Learning set in beautiful classrooms and gardens Bush Kindergarten with our Prep friends Stories and literature shared in our Library French, Art, Philosophy and Music taught through play

ENQUIRE NOW

_

A DEDICATED INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WORLD SCHOOL Providing a Continuum of IB Education from Kindergarten to Year 12

Kinder & Primary: 395 Barkers Road Kew VIC 3101 03 9816 7900

Secondary: 12-26 Sackville Street Kew VIC 3101 03 9817 6135

preshil.vic.edu.au

registrar@preshil.vic.edu.au 12534556-JW11-22

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 31

Education

The advantage of an all girl experience SACRE Coeur is shaping the women of the future.

The independent catholic college’s Prep to Year 12 all-girl program encourages their students to aspire for greatness.

It’s about providing them with the tools to give anything at go and embrace all opportunities thrown their way.

Janine Hogan, Head of Joigny, their Junior School, said there are many reasons an all-girl education sets them up for success.

She says there is evidence that girls are more likely to try and succeed in subjects such as maths or science at a girls school.

“We know that in the early stages of development, the girls handle of the English language is stronger than it is for boys” she said.

“So they gravitate to those subjects because they feel stronger in them, but we also know it is an opportunity to grow their confidence in their numeracy skills.

“If we can catch it early it makes all the difference - and you can see girls having great results in a range of different subject.”

The school both subtly and explicitly

Guiding girls to have the confidence to take risks.

reminds the girls that they are capable of anything - if they put their mind to it, work hard and are willing to take risks.

There’s also evidence that girls prosper in an all girls setting.

“We are talking about the development of their brains and making sure that we are using all the tools in their formative years to set them up for the future,” she said.

She said teachers in a Co-Ed setting often spent eight times the amount of their time addressing boys than girls and give boys longer to answer questions.

By removing some of those influences that can negatively affect the girls - it in turn maximizes the learning, she says.

An all girls setting, from Prep, also

A place where girls can be whoever they want to be.

allows teachers and the greater school community to focus on issues that relate to the female experience.

They can target issues like body image and resilience, by including

programs that speak to the girls clearly and fitting for their particular age group.

Sacre Coeur 172 Burke Rd, Glen Iris VIC 3146 https://sacrecoeur.vic.edu.au/

Free glasses for kids CHILDREN with undiagnosed vision problems often find it hard to concentrate at school.

This presents challenges when it comes to actively engaging in their learning.

However, many Victorian parents avoid having their child’s eyes tested due to the prohibitive cost of glasses.

That’s why the state government has funded a free Glasses for Kids program.

The Victorian-first program, which is managed and delivered by State Schools’ Relief, has helped more than 22,000 Prep to Year 3 students at 395 schools have their eyes screened and, if needed, receive free glasses.

Last year, Minister for Education James Merlino announced the 1000th

pair of free glasses had been prescribed to a student.

So far, the state has invested more than $2 million into the program to help ensure a child’s education isn’t disadvantaged by easily treated issues like vision impairment.

“Giving every Victorian child the opportunity to thrive at school goes beyond providing great education programs – it’s about making sure nobody is left behind because of easily treatable issues like vision impairment,” Mr Merlino said.

“It’s fantastic to see an extra thousand Victorian students seeing more clearly and concentrating better thanks to Glasses for Kids – and that’s exactly why we’ll continue to invest in this vital program, and in our kids’ health.”

Victorian students have access to a free Glasses for Kids program.

32 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

12534560-JW11-22

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 33

Education

Using brain science to explain learning barriers Dr Michael Nagel.

By Melissa Grant

and teachers to get better learning outcomes for boys and girls.

when they are unable to do something in class.

DO boys and girls really have different learning needs?

Dr Nagel says the books aren’t about suggesting one gender is better than another.

“One of the things that boys are exceedingly bad at is being able to explain why they are struggling or why they are having problems, because for boys not being able to do something is not good.”

Child development expert Dr Michael Nagel believes so, and has written two new books to give teachers and parents greater insights into why that’s the case.

Drawing on the latest brain science, the books focus on the neurological differences between the sexes and what they can teach us about educating and raising boys and girls.

Released late last year, Oh Boy …

Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Educating and Raising Boys explains what is really going on inside the head of a boy. It explores aggression, learning difficulties, behaviour, emotional problems, toxic masculinity and the challenges of technology.

It’s A Girl Thing … Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Educating and Raising Girls explores female aggression, self-esteem, relationships, emotional problems, peer-contagion and the challenges of technology.

Both Oh Boy and It’s A Girl Thing offer solutions and ideas for parents

Rather, they are about helping those involved in educating children understand that there are some behaviours that happen for a reason.

“Males and females share more similarities than differences,” he told Kids Today.

“But the differences that do exist are very pronounced and can have a huge impact, particularly on individuals at a young age.”

According to Dr Nagel, boys often get in trouble for fidgeting and being impulsive in the classroom when they aren’t wired to sit for long periods of time.

“We know that movement actually stimulates the mind for males and females alike. For boys, it’s almost a biological imperative. The irony is a lot of boys come into class and are often asked to sit for long periods of time in ways that just don’t feel natural for them.”

He said boys can also get frustrated

Dr Nagel says that while girls tend to do well on most measures academically, there is a point where social and emotional development can impact their learning.

“As girls hit puberty and adolescence they tend to form very close relationships with one or two individuals and when things go wrong, they can really go wrong,” he said.

“So social and emotional development (in girls) is probably more of a concern for parents and teachers than anything else rather than academic and scholastic.”

According to Dr Nagel, when puberty kicks in girls tend to jump into areas of relational aggression or ‘aggression in pink’.

He believes that how girls and boys express aggression is important for learning outcomes.

And while boys are more likely to express aggression physically, girls tend to show more relational aggression. This aggression can be in the form of spreading rumours or causing others to be isolated from their peers.

“There were a lot of girls that were doing very poorly at school and who identified that they had been bullied, but no-one had picked up on that because they would go to class and just be quiet,” Dr Nagel said.

Dr Nagel said there were strategies teachers could use to accommodate for gender differences in learning, citing an example of a teacher who had students do exercises for 5-10 minutes at the start of classes to help the boys settle down and be ready to learn.

“She found if she did that, when they got into class, they weren’t as restless,” he said.

Oh Boy … Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Educating and Raising Boys and It’s A Girl Thing …

Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Educating and Raising Girls – have been published by AMBA Press and are available in bookshops and online.

The impact of too much screen time WE all know excessive screen time isn’t great for kids But the fallout from spending a lot of time on tablets and phones during childhood is starting to be seen in people aged in their 20s - and it isn’t good.

Chiropractor Dr Cody Hanish has warned a “generation of tech injuries” is emerging in young adults, with many experiencing back and joint pain. They are more prone to injury and have less coordination, according to Dr Hanish.

“Too much time spent on screens can mean missed opportunities to be physically active, which is incredibly important for growth and development of hand, eye coordination,” he explained.

“We are now seeing a generation come through who have back and joint pain earlier in their lives because of the way their bones have developed following long periods of screen time, 34 AUTUMN 2022

especially sitting in awkward positions or with unnatural repetitive movements.” Dr Hanish said children were moving less with four out of five kids hunched over screens for more than two hours a day.

“When your child tilts their head forward because they’re bent over a phone or tablet, the angle of the head puts additional strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck,” Dr Hanish said.

“Children also tend to round their shoulders forward, which creates additional wear on the back and the upper part of the spine but often the long-term impact won’t be obvious until they are older.

“People don’t realise how bad this is for a child’s development as their bones have not solidified until they are 25 which means they will grow in a way they are not supposed to.”

Dr Hanish said the long-term impact

of spending too much time on screens in a poor posture “exponentially” increases the risk of degenerative joint disease throughout the entire spine.

He said the most common long-term effects of prolonged screen time on the body are muscular and skeletal strain, increased risk of obesity, susceptibility to chronic health conditions such as degenerative joint disease and migraines.

Leaning over at a unnatural angle during screen time can also lead to an array of problems, including muscular tension/spasm, Dowager’s Hump, compressed and degenerative disc disease, nerve impingement syndrome, and osteophytic formation (degeneration of the vertebrae), he added.

Unfortunately, screen time is a reality of modern life.

So what can you do apart from reducing screen time?

Dr Hanish suggests these exercises to help improve posture and coordination: 1. Child’s Pose: This is where you lie on the floor with your knees bent and your arms extended out in front of you keeping your back nice and straight 2. Cow: You will be on your hands and knees and then go through the motion of arching your back, bringing your head down and tuck your tummy then bring your head up, extend your back and arch your low back. Move back and forth through these movements.

3. YWTL: Similar to the YMCA dance moves but with different letters.

Always remember to have your thumbs pointed behind you and squeeze the shoulder blades together in each of the positions. Hold each of the letters Y, W, T, L for 15 seconds. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

It’s Your Life Fran Woods and Jo Clark are two busy mums with a successful business.

Jo and Fran met at a set of traffic lights in Melbourne’s inner-west.

Mums share incredible business journey CREATING an international brand is no mean feat, particularly when you throw in six kids and a pandemic.

Jo Clark and Fran Woods knew they were onto something when they created Franjos Kitchen after meeting by chance on a street in Melbourne during 2014.

“Slowly but surely it started turning around. Then Covid hit and we thought ‘oh my god it’s going to be the end of us’,” Jo said.

But in 2020 Franjos Kitchen experienced 81 per cent increase in online sales.

Business success story...

Jo Clark and Fran Woods.

At the time, Jo had a naturopathic clinic in Flinders Lane and her own range of healthy biscuits called Kooka’s Natural Cookies, a homage to her dad’s Kooka’s Country Cookies.

What started off as two flavours of breastfeeding biscuits soon expanded to a product range to support mums and mums to be.

Jo said the remarkable turnaround was the combination of stripping back the business and the rise in mums wanting to increase their breast milk supply during the pandemic.

While the business grew the women, who have three kids each, were busy juggling the demands of motherhood and hit a major financial hurdle.

Jo and Fran were able to finally start paying themselves a proper wage and are now running a very profitable business.

“We were totally consumed with being mothers to all these children and keeping things ticking on,” Torquay mum Jo explained.

It’s incredible to think that their business success story started on a street in Kingsville. Jo and Fran, who both resided in the inner-west suburb at the time, were out walking their firstborns when they struck up a conversation while waiting to cross the road at a set of traffic lights.

Jo then changed the recipe to make the biscuits more nutritionally sound.

They both had very different careers - Jo was a naturopath, while Fran was, and still is, a practising lawyer. But they shared a passion for baked goods.

“It was just snapped up like that by all the local mums. We drove around and dropped off samples and that’s how it all started.”

After meeting on the street, Fran went home and started to think about how she had been struggling to make enough breast milk for her daughter.

Business picked up faster than Jo and Fran anticipated. After 10 months, wholesalers and retail shops were sending them messages seeking product. Distributors then started hearing about them.

“I think we ended up having about $1000 left in the bank and thought ‘oh my gosh, what are we going to do here?’

“This was just before Covid hit and it was pretty dire.”

At the time Jo and Fran, who had just moved her family to New Zealand, stripped the business back by putting product development and extra spending on the backburner, and concentrated on getting their team right. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

She started Googling and found a recipe for lactation cookies.

Fran’s lactation cookies were working but thought Jo could use her knowledge as a naturopath to make them healthier.

She called Jo to tell her about her business idea.

“I trialled it at home and we took it out to the factory where we were making our other biscuits and they did a run of 180 packets. Then Fran popped it up on the inner-west mums and bubs Facebook group,” Jo recalled.

The women also began developing more products, including a pregnancy product for nausea and biscuits for kids.

Their sales success during Covid also meant they were able to develop a formula called Arepa to support cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue of mums experiencing ‘baby brain’.

Franjos Kitchen now has products going into New Zealand and Singapore, and is also working with China and Hong Kong.

“It’s reaching far and wide now. We have around 1000 stockists in Australia and are in some really great talks with some big retailers looking to take us on,” Jo said.

Jo and Fran also plan to launch three new products this year.

Needless to say the women, who came so close to calling it quits, have well and truly carved out a niche in the motherhood wellness industry.

AUTUMN 2022 35

Reality Bites

Jodie Kist has worked as an early childhood teacher for more than 20 years.

Pictures: Rob Carew

Ways to keep the kids busy

By Melissa Meehan WHETHER the weather outside isn’t great, the dreaded pandemic has caught up with you or you’re scambling to keep the kids entertained while you work from home over the school holidays - we’ve got you covered.

Yarra Ranges early childhood teacher Jodie Kist has more than 20 years in the industry and was more than happy to share her knowledge and guidance with Kids Today on how to engage with your children when they are at home with you.

As summer winds down and the cooler, wetter days are upon us, a visit to the playground can’t always be on the cards - but Jodie says the great outdoors should be an option rain, hail or shine.

“As a mum of two older boys, I get it, you want to find a balance between doing things with them but also giving them the independence to do some things on their own,” she said.

watching them fill with rain, she says.

And then in turn let the kids use items they find outside to mix in with that water and scoop, mix and create.

Another favourite is going exploring on a nature hunt, Jodie says.

“Mud, gum leaves, gum nuts, bark, feathers - you name it,” she said.

“They can all be brought home and added to something else - you might make a funny face out of the items you find, or make a potion in the puddles.

Anything goes.”

But if outside isn’t an option, there are many ways to keep the kids entertained and engaged inside without touching the remote.

“Science experiments are great fun and can be created using common household items like bicarb soda, dishwashing detergent and water,” she said.

“Even adding food colouring to jars filled with water and creating a rainbow on paper towel... there are so many things you can do.”

“But spending time outdoors is important and the weather shouldn’t affect that as long as you are dressed appropriately.”

Her favourite, and a bonus for parents with fussy eaters, is getting kids involved in cooking treats and every day meals.

Jodie says getting out in the rain is beneficial to children young and old as it allows them to explore their senses, as well as take part in activities that link back to maths and science.

Giving them a sense of ownership often helps those kids who are fussy try new things - plus reading the recipe counts as literacy, and measuring the ingredients as numeracy.

It’s as easy as getting some containers from the kitchen and

Give Jodie’s suggestions a go, and tag us in your photos on social media. literacy Getting the kids to take part in cooking helps with numeracy and literacy.

36 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Books

Girl shares a ‘pawsome’ story

By Melissa Grant WRITING doesn’t come easily for Melbourne girl Adelaide Hogan, but her adoration for a neighbourhood cat has led to her authoring a children’s book.

Adelaide’s book, simply titled A Cat’s Story, is based on one of four cats that regularly visits her garden, a feline she calls Coco.

The 11-year-old’s story is told from Coco’s perspective and follows the challenges the cat faces as she transitions from street-cat to shelter cat, to the beloved companion of a young woman.

Adelaide wrote the story after her mum Amy saw the Cat Protection Society of Victoria advertise its Furry Tales Children’s Story Competition last year.

Adelaide Hogan, 11, has just had her story based on a neighbourhood cat turned into a children’s book.

Her story was judged the winner of the junior category from over 260 entries - a significant achievement.

win a cat cuddle session with my friends, I wanted to win because they love cats, too!

“Winning a story award is very special to us given that Adelaide has dyslexia and writing is not always easy for her,” Amy explained.

“I like cats because they are soft and cuddly. My friend’s cat, Jasmine, is super friendly and lets me pat her any time I visit.”

“She can really identify with cats which is why she wrote the cat from Coco’s perspective.”

Adelaide’s story has been turned into a Children’s Book professionally illustrated by Leah Lux Artist and Photographer.

Adelaide wrote the story over three or four days. Her goal was to show how the Cat Protection Society of Victoria helps injured cats go from living on the street to finding their forever home.

She was also particularly excited about one of the prizes on offer.

“I love cats, and write most of my school creative writing stories about cats and kittens,” Adelaide said.

Stories entered in the Society’s competition were judged on how they help educate the community on responsible cat ownership or raise the profile of cats as companion pets.

Annie Bell, primary school teacher and judge of the Junior Category said Adelaide’s story was very heartwarming.

“When I saw there was a chance to

“I found this story particularly moving

which is a testament to how well it is written,” she said.

“It reinforces the importance of cat adoption so there are less vulnerable cats roaming the streets. It also reminds the reader of the love, companionship, and utter joy that cats can provide for us.”

A Cat’s Story can be purchased for $25.00 at www.catprotection.com.au/ furry-tales/ or at the Cat Protection Society of Victoria’s retail store located at 200 Elder Street, Greensborough.

The hard cover book is a ‘flip book’ that also features ‘The Very Best of Friends’ written by Sue Moossajee, the open-age winner of the Society’s competition.

Proceeds from the book will go towards continuing to provide care for and rehoming of cats and kittens in need at the Society.

Children’s books...

The First Book of Bush Sounds Fred Van Gessel A fun book that teaches children about animals that live in the Aussie bush, including the sounds they make.

From growling Koalas to stridulating crickets, kids will love learning these characteristic animal noises.

This beautifully illustrated sound guide covers Koala, Common Brushtail Possum, Sugar Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider, Red Fox, Dingo, Greyheaded Flying-fox, Asian House Gecko, Bush Thick-knee, Southern Boobook, Australian Mole Cricket and Black Field Cricket.

Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup Andy Sagar Yesterday Crumb is no ordinary girl. She was born with fox ears that have cursed her to a lonely life working in the circus and her origins are a complete mystery. When she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, she learns she is a strangeling who has lost her magic. She finds herself in a magical, walking teashop filled with fantastical customers, a flying teapot turtle and spells in every teacup. As she begins to rediscover her magic, a mysterious figure tries to send her new life crashing down.

Hachette Australia, RRP $16.99

The book also features a heap of cool facts about Aussie bush animals.

A fun read for the entire family.

A - Z of Australian Animals

Dare to be Different

A Far Wilder Magic

Ben Brooks

Allison Saft

Jennifer Cossins

Words can have great power.

Children will enjoy discovering 26 fascinating animals on this illustrated journey through Australia’s unique wildlife with Tasmanian artist Jennifer Cossins.

Ben Brooks, the global bestselling author of Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different, has brought together 100 people who have all in some way or another used words to do wonderful things. Some may have changed a life, while others have changed the course of history for almost everyone on earth. But whether their effects were big or small, these individuals’ speeches, letters, poems, songs, stories and advice prove one thing: words can make the world a better place. An inspiring and comforting read for kids.

In the gothic town of Wickdon, Maggie Welty lives in an old creaking manor. Maggie’s mother recently left town, leaving her with just her bloodhound for company.

This stunning picture book is full of interesting facts and is perfect for young conservationists and students with a keen interest in the world.

On an expedition through the alphabet, kids encounter some of Australia’s rare and enchanting animals, from the gorgeous azure kingfisher and the sleepy koala, to the shy numbat and the friendly zebra finch. A fun and educational read for young ones.

Hachette Australia, RRP $18.99

Hachette Australia, RRP $39.99

But when Maggie spots a legendary ancient fox-creature on her porch, everything changes. Whoever tracks down and kills the hala in the Halfmoon Hunt will earn fame and riches – and if Maggie wins, she knows her mother will want to celebrate her. This is her chance to bring her home.

But she will need help.

A fantasy love story for young adults, and perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Finbar Hawkins.

Hachette Australia, $17.99

New Holland Publishers, RRP $24.99 www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 37

Let us help

you..

Cour age X k in d n e ss = th e S a c réw a y C oe u r

Kiddy Art for kids 2-5yrs After School Art for 5-12yrs School Holiday Workshops 12539116-DL11-22

Art Parties for Kids 4-14yrs

0400 468 673 www.theartfactory.com.au

CHILDREN’S CLASSES

Contact us for more information andaleschool@andale.vic.edu.au 84 Charles Street, Kew, 3101 | +61 3 9853 3911 Education Empowered

andale.vic.edu.au

FIRST CLASS FREE!

12537565-SG11-22

ALL LEVELS!

• Boxing • K1 Kickboxing • MuayThai • Women’s only Boxing • Strength and Conditioning

Unit 1, 5-13 Sinnot Street, Burwood Vic 3125 0401 059 194 info@strikefit.com.au strikefit.com.au @Strikefit

CAMBERWELLSHOPPING.COM.AU

12538392-JW11-22

FOR

4 Locations Balwyn North, Brighton, Glen Iris, and Essendon

12523379-AV50-21

Sacré Cœur 12537560-JW11-22

Contact our Julie Muldoon on (03) 9835 2713 or visit www.sac.vic.edu.au

12539153-HC11-22

info@theartfactory.com.au

Book a School tour today

12537569-DL11-22

12537558-SN11-22

Holiday courses for grades Prep–12 starting soon in Melbourne!

Xavier’s new state-of-the-art Year 7/8 building ENROL NOW FOR 2024 xavier.vic.edu.au

Book early and save 10% Visit nida.edu.au/autumn

201811124811-DJ48-18

12537595-JW11-22

PRESHIL

THE PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE #$ !%Ä $ $3 % %Ä $!' $,

rprs Å$ - !&n)!/n Ä2n 2

593 Whitehorse Rd Mont Albert, 3127

(03) 9830 4336 www.windmill.net.au

12508492-BL37-21

12537030-JC11-22

0427 220 328 12496880-CG26-21

Kids Calendar

What's on this Autumn

2, 9 & 23 MARCH, 6 APRIL

11–14 MARCH

20 MARCH

8 MAY

Kew Traffic School

Moomba Festival

Children’s Week Picnic

Mother’s Day run

These sessions require full adult supervision as children learn traffic rules and play in the miniature village houses on their scooter or bike.

Set on the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River, Moomba is an annual free festival held over the Labour Day long weekend in March.

This free event will feature interactive activities with a focus on education and learning, from 10am to 4pm at Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee.

Tens of thousands of people will unite for the Mother’s Day Classic to celebrate and honour those affected by breast cancer and raise vital funds for research.

A pre-booked ticket is required, from www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ childrensweekpicnic.

Feel free to bring a picnic rug and snacks to feed the hungry riders.

Kids aged up to 6 years ride 9am to 10.30am, and ages 2 to 10 years ride 11am to 12.30pm. $10 per child.

3 & 4 APRIL

Kew Traffic School is at 374 Cotham Road, Kew.

12-13 MARCH Curbside Carnies Join the crew for a FREE and fun circus program at Menzies Creek Hall then Park Road and Yarra Junction Community Playground on Saturday, then Belgrave Big Dreams Market on Sunday.

Learn new skills in mini workshops, play with circus props and see roving entertainment - even mums and dads can get involved!

Knox Festival

Register at tix.yt/ curbsidecarniesartattacklongweekend.

Andy and Terry are going to bring their stories to life in their first EVER play – except they forgot to write it!

Where will they find flying cats, a mermaid, a sea monster, an invasion of monkeys, and a giant gorilla?

Perfect for children aged 6 to 12, the 60-minute show will hit the stage at Bunjil Place Theatre, 2 Patrick NE Drive, Narre Warren, at 2.30pm on 3 April and 10.30am on 4 April.

Tickets are $16. Visit www.bunjilplace. com.au.

6-10 APRIL Gluttony Festival

This free all-ages, family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free event will run 10am to 10pm.

The Victorian premiere of Gluttony On Tour will celebrate music, circus, burlesque and the best food and wine the region has to offer.

Visit stages and food stalls, participate in craft and sports activities for kids, enjoy live music and amusement rides and watch fireworks.

The Adelaide Fringe Festival favourite will feature something for everyone.

Croydon Park is at 213-215 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon.

Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully.

16 & 17 APRIL 19 & 26 MARCH, 2 APRIL Easter Egg hunts Boronia Big Flix Festival Enjoy three weekends of free outdoor cinema events featuring a food truck park, kid’s activities, local traders and family friendly movie selection.

From 6.30pm to 10.30pm at 257 Dorset Road, Boronia.

6 MARCH National Umbrella Day Duldig Studio will honour one of the world’s most useful inventions - the umbrella - with fun activities in its sculpture garden.

Attend between 2pm and 4.30pm at 92 Burke Road, Malvern East. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au

Visit mothersdayclassic.com.au for more information or to register.

The 13-Storey Treehouse

Visit www.boroondara.vic.gov.au for more information.

5 MARCH

There will be up to 70 event locations nationwide where supporters can walk, run or jog for the cause on Mother’s Day.

Luna Park will host a scramble for chocolate eggs from 11am to 10pm.

The St Kilda icon is also open Good Friday (15 April) and Easter Monday (18 April) from 11am to 10pm.

28-29 MAY Blacksmiths Festival The Blacksmithing and Metal Art Festival (Blacksmiths Festival) returns to from 10am to 4pm with metal forging classes and displays, live music, food and drinks.

There are ‘taster’ sessions for beginners and a special fire-free kids zone for ages 5-12 to cold forge small items under the guidance of experienced blacksmiths.

Waterside Metal Art Studio and Maribyrnong riverfront, 60 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray.

YEAR-ROUND

UNTIL 25 APRIL

Shrine Kids

19 MARCH

The Gecko and the Mermaid: Djerrk’u Yunupi’u and her Sister

Shrine Kids is a free self-guided program for families with primary school-aged children.

Live at Warrawee!

Geckos, turtles, lizards and mermaids!

This summer’s NGV Kids exhibition introduces two significant contemporary Yol?u artists from Northeast Arnhem Land to the youngest of visitors.

Four different activity cards provide a starting point for fresh perspectives as children are asked to consider and conjure their creative responses to a range of questions related to different aspects of the Shrine.

The National Gallery of Victoria is at 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne.

Get your family and friends, bring a chair or picnic rug, and watch the sun set over Warrawee Park while enjoying live music, food trucks and a pop-up bar.

The festival runs 4pm to 9pm at Warrawee Park, 95 Drummond Street, Oakleigh.

AUTUMN 2022 39

12536654-SN11-22

40 AUTUMN 2022

www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au