Knox Monash Kids Autumn 2022

knox monash

today

AUTUMN 2022

Celebrate with a

naming day Mum scribbling

her way to success Big chats with

little people

About Us

knox Monash

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.

TODAY

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

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

We hope the season leafs a smile on your face.

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

Knox Monash Kids

We really hope you enjoy reading

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

Editorial Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan @starnewsgroup.com.au

CONTENTS

Phone: 5945 0666

IT’S YOUR LIFE

EDUCATION

BOOKS

Explaining cancer to kids

Free glasses for kids

Meet a young cat-loving author

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PAGE 8

PAGE 19

Andy Jukes andy.jukes@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0643

What’s in a naming day?

A unique offering for girls

Discover new children’s books

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd

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PAGE 14

PAGE 19

Building respect in schools

Building positive relationships

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KIDS CALENDAR

Local mum scribbles to success

The Green Leaves difference

What’s on this autumn

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PAGE 16

PAGE 20

Lightning can strike twice

Home-schooling tips

PAGES 6-7

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Big topics with little people

Brain’s learning barriers

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PAGE 22

Advertising

ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

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

knox monash

today

AUTUMN 2022

Celebrate with a

naming day

Helping dads to step up

Mum scribbling

her way to success

PAGE 10 Chances for dads to connect PAGE 11

Big chats with

little people

Sensory toys and tools PAGE 12 Special cubby for a special kid PAGE 17 Cheesy broccoli bites

Cover:

PAGE 18

Noah and Arlo play down along the water at Dandenong Creek.

Picture: Rob Carew

knoxmonashkids.com.au 2 AUTUMN 2022

facebook.com/knoxmonashkids

instagram.com/knoxmonashkids_social www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

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.

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

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

AUTUMN 2022 3

*What is involved in a baby naming ceremony?* ■ Welcome

It’s Your Life

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.sophisticated-ceremonies.com ■ Ceremony/Ritual

Sophie with her son James and partner David.

Picture: Rob Carew

Why parents are choosing naming days

By Melissa Meehan

even made eye contact.

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

“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.

But for Bentleigh East mum 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

“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.

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.

Emphasising respect in schools A concerning rise in incidents of aggression towards school staff from parents and carers has sparked policies and resources to promote respectful behaviours in schools.

The state’s new ‘Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy’ sets out guidelines on the expected standards of behaviour for parents, carers and other adults in the school community.

The policy aims to reduce the risk and incidence of work-related violence towards school staff, ensuring all 4 AUTUMN 2022

education workers feel safe and supported at work.

It includes strategies and resources to help schools prevent and manage unacceptable behaviours from parents and carers.

Posters and communication materials are being provided to schools to communicate the new policy – and the expectations around adult behaviours.

Education Minister James Merlino said school leaders and staff had been incredible throughout the pandemic and deserved to be treated with respect.

“This important work is about keeping schools safe and supporting staff to make sure schools are places where everyone feels safe and respected – creating an environment where students can thrive,” he said.

The policy and resources are linked to the state government’s recently passed Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) legislation, which strengthens protections for school staff against parent and carer aggression.

A School Community Safety Order

scheme will be introduced to all schools in mid-2022, allowing school principals to issue safety orders in response to harmful, threatening, abusive or disruptive behaviour at work.

These new laws will also allow schools to prohibit parents and carers from engaging in threatening or abusive communication through social media and other channels.

To view the policy, visit education.vic. gov.au/Pages/Respectful-Behaviourswithin-the-School-Community-Policy. aspx www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Scribbling her way to success

By Melissa Meehan FERNTREE Gully mum Sarah had always planned to launch her own kids shoe line.

But the Covid-19 pandemic gave her the opportunity to make her dream a reality.

The former Upwey resident launched Scribblr shoes in 2020 after two years in developmevnt.

A shoe designer by trade, her experience as a mum helped shape the way she approached the product.

“It really just came from having kids and seeing what they liked,” she said.

So armed with an interest in kids footwear and making them healthy for kids - Sarah set to work.

And the machine washable kids shoes were born.

Not only were they a great shoe for little feet - but they became an arts and craft project or a way to work on fine motor skills and when they are done.

Put them in the wash and start again.

But it’s not easy managing a side hustle alongside mum life and a part time job.

Sarah is the first to acknowledge its a bit of a struggle.

“I get up very early in the morning

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

and I break things down to small bite size pieces of achievement,” she told Kids Today.

“Today I am finishing these small things and I got up early in the morning to do it. I don’t always get everything done when want to - but its the joy of a side hustle.”

Sarah says kids can create anything they can think of and then wear their creations to show to their friends and family.

“Creative expression helps kids to try out new ideas, develop their imaginations and problem-solving skills and see what happens as a result of their experimentation,” she said.

“It helps them work out what it is that they love doing best and it teaches them that their abilities and their contributions are highly valued.”

Find @scribblrshoes1 on instagram

Hannah creative on the shoes.

AUTUMN 2022 5

It’s Your Life

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

Lightning can strike twice

By Melissa Meehan

She knew then something wasn’t right.

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

Later a specialist scan would confirm her deepest fears and she was told the baby wouldn’t survive another two weeks.

The Woori Yallock woman is a mum to three, but only three-year-old Kai is earthside.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Rachel with Portraits of Caden (left) and Ava (right). 265123 6 AUTUMN 2022

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

That they had been unlucky, or struck by lightning.

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

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

But it did.

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

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

They even held an extravagant gender reveal to celebrate their final pregnancy and welcome their little girl

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

into the world.

Again, at the 20 week scan the couple received some devastating news.

“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 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.

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

Ava was born at 27 weeks, via caesarian section.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

lockdown after both losses, I had no real way to express my heartache and frustrations,” she said.

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

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

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.

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.

“I don’t think some people understand why it helps, but after being stuck in

Follow @our_rough_journey on instagram

AUTUMN 2022 7

Education

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.”

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

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www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Author Jayneen Sanders.

Having big chats with little people

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

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 parents, caregivers and educators.

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

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

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

Dads are stepping up

By Steve Biddulph

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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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

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www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Connecting dads

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

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

Dads haven’t really had the same opportunity. However, that is finally changing.

Dads Groups are popping up all over the country, including the Yarra Ranges.

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.”

Dads Groups help dads feel connected.

- a place for dads to feel connected in a way that wasn’t clinical and sterile.

The catch-ups are generally just a chat over a coffee at a cafe or a playground.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

There is already a Dads Group listed for Belgrave.

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

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AUTUMN 2022 11

It’s Your Life

Covering kids with sensory toys

By Melissa Grant

didn’t have to order online and wait for postage,” Caitlin explained.

WHEN Caitlin Edgerton needed to buy a sensory chew toy for her son she couldn’t find anything locally.

“But it sort of blew up beyond that pretty quickly.”

She had to resort to giving her son random household items to chew as they waited for the delivery of sensory toys she had ordered online.

Around that time, Caitlin was keen to get back to work but wasn’t sure how to make it happen as a mum with two autistic children. It was then that she had her lightbulb moment and Sensory Poodle was born.

In February last year, Caitlin and her mum, Vicki Brown, launched the online business which is all about making it easier for parents to find sensory toys and tools for their kids.

The business has grown so quickly that Caitlin and Vicki are already looking to get a warehouse.

“Hopefully we will get a warehouse base or something soon because we’ve taken over my mother’s five-bedroom house - there is stuff everywhere,” Caitlin said.

Sensory Poodle caters to the needs of kids who are neurodiverse and those who are gifted.

They are needs that Caitlin is familiar with - her son Lincoln, 6, has autism and

is also gifted, while her daughter Evie, 4, is autistic.

Caitlin is also familiar with the stress parents of special needs kids experience when they can’t quickly get their hands on sensory toys and tools.

“With pick-ups I will message people.. if it’s a chewy toy or something I can tell is urgent I will message them and say ‘hey you can come and get it in half an hour if you need it’ and we’ve had people do that,” she said.

“A huge goal of ours is to be able to provide that because when I was looking for that for my son it just wasn’t around and I sort of had to find random things around the house or pay for express shipping in the hope it would come in time.

“A lot of neurodiverse kids are really struggling, so having that locally we are hoping it can alleviate some of the stress for the parents.”

For Caitlin, Sensory Poodle has also

alleviated the stress of trying to earn an income while juggling motherhood.

“It was definitely an end goal to be able to work from home and work around the kids because I obviously can’t go into a typical job with my kids’ needs,” Caitlin said.

“If I have a typical job it’s not that easy to say ‘hey I’ve got to go home and sort this out’. So it does make life a lot easier and I can work around my kids’ therapies and schools and all that sort of stuff.”

Caitlin tries to make herself available to customers as much as possible, often working into the night. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“We’ve had really good feedback about quality of our stuff and customer service. I do try to go above and beyond because I do know what it’s like for parents of kids with special needs,” she said.

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“The idea of it was to serve the local community so people have somewhere to pick stuff up urgently... and they

Last year, Caitlin and Vicki processed more than 3500 orders. Caitlin estimates Sensory Poodle is now getting about 22 orders a day. The most popular items are large jellyfish sensory lamps, emotional regulation tools and ‘chewies’.

Caitlin (left) and her Mum Vicki with Lincoln Egerton holding the Smoosho Jumbo Crystal Ball .

Pictures: Rob Carew

JOIN OUR FAMILY

Holy Family School

You are invited to explore everything Holy Family Primary School has to offer • welcoming, nurturing, supportive community • strong family, parish and school connections • high expectations for all staff and students • teaching all students at their point of need providing adjustments to achieve success • data based teaching instruction • smaller classes • contemporary learning spaces

Email: principal@hfmw.catholic.edu.au Website: http://hfmw.catholic.edu.au/

• large all weather play areas • opportunities for student voice and leadership • onsite psychologists • Out of School Hours Care (Camp Australia) • learning partnerships with local Catholic Secondary Colleges • partnership with The Resilience Project

Julie David (Principal) 250 Stephensons Road Mount Waverley 3149 9807 3300

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12 AUTUMN 2022

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Upcoming Open Days School days: 9:30am - 2:00pm 4th and 5th May Sundays: 11:00am - 2:00pm 3rd April and 15th May

Prep 2023/24 Information Night St Jude’s invites you to attend our Prep 2023/24 Information Night on 24th May Tours from 6:30pm Information Session 7pm RSVP 8761 9600 office@sjscoresby.catholic.edu.au

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AUTUMN 2022 13

Education

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

Mater Christi has a proactive approach to wellbeing by including social-emotional learning as part of the learning program.

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

Their curriculum is based on the Middle Years Program of the International Baccalaureate, an internationally recognised framework which caters for a range of learning needs, offering support and challenge where required.

Mater Christi celebrates what it means to be a girl in a changing world.

The college aspires to educate girls who can take their place in the affairs of society, are not limited by stereotypes and can be true to who they are.

Mater Christi’s motto consists of three words – informed, compassionate and creative.

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

Mater Christi offers something quite unique to girls in Melbourne’s outer east.

Whatever her pathway, each student will have opportunities to explore her interests and talents, to learn about herself and the world, and to find a place to belong.

The VCE program is rich and students’ results are a testament to the professionalism and expertise of their teachers.

A girls’ school provides a safe environment to explore identity in the midst of a caring, forward-thinking, service-oriented community.

Meaning-making, learning, wellbeing and enrichment are the pillars on which Mater Christi builds this educational community, and they invite you to join them.

Informed Compassionate Creative

APPLY NOW for 2023 & 2024 BOOK NOW via website College Tours & Online Conversation

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L I M I T E D PL AC E S

Each girl learns to become her best self; a global thinker who is competent, confident and ready to live life to the full. Excellence in all-girls education.

Enquire about our charter bus services

28 Bayview Road, Belgrave • 9754 6611 • materchristi.edu.au 14 AUTUMN 2022

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

Education

Building positive relationships

By Gail Major Executive Principal Scoresby Secondary College POSITIVE relationships between families and teachers can be a significant factor in your child’s engagement, learning confidence, attitudes, and success at school.

To achieve positive relationships, it requires responsibility from both sides so you can become partners for learning and gain a greater appreciation for the important role you play in your children’s education.

Not only does it allow you to share key information to build the teacher’s understanding of your child; it also signals that they are as important as their older sibling/s.

Be willing to inform the teacher of your child’s interests and aspirations and take the time to find out about the teacher’s goals and focus for the year.

The two-way communication builds a shared understanding.

How can you engage with your child’s teachers?

It is important to take an interest in what your child is learning and participate in as many school information nights, meetings and activities involving your child as possible.

Make time to meet with your child’s teacher(s) for the purpose of developing a professional relationship.

Throughout the year maintain the communication channels between home and school.

Even if you have had an older child taught by the same teacher/s it is important to engage personally for each.

Keeping the teacher/s up to date with home circumstances such as loss of a pet, a relative moving interstate etc

can help teachers support your child’s emotional needs.

Relationships have the potential to be impacted when there is a communication breakdown or when lack of trust arises. Both parties can work more collaboratively if there is a commitment to shared focus on successful outcomes for your child.

How many times has something potentially gone wrong for your child and you have jumped in too quickly to defend them?

It is important you take the time to form a considered response and not react emotionally should your child raise an issue.

Equally, your child needs to feel heard and supported.

Let your child know you are taking their concerns seriously and gather information from them.

Avoid undermining teachers in front of your child and if you do need to contact the school, contact the most relevant person, and use a calm and considered response.

Working together with the teacher and/or school provides a better outcome for your child that if one or both are not willing to work together.

Long term partnerships with schools develop from relationships where you show loyalty to your child’s teachers by being an advocate and talk positively about your child’s teacher and school, rather than being negative about them when speaking in the wider community.

8, 10 and 12 hour days available to ensure you obtain the maximum benefit from your Childcare Subsidy.

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Education

Discover the Green Leaves difference GREEN Leaves Early Learning specialises in the fundamental stages of educational development, from babies through to kindergarten (six weeks through to 6 years).

the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, which draws on and recognises that early childhood is a crucial period for learning and development.

With a purpose to provide early education and care that exceeds traditional standards, Green Leaves provide high-quality facilities and education programs facilitated by a qualified team of experienced and passionate educators in the communities they operate in.

This philosophy enables children to step into the wider world with curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong desire to learn.

Melbourne’s eastern suburbs is home to three Green Leaves centres, which are located in Knox, Waverley Gardens and Forest Hill.

Upon entering these centres, families are welcomed into the parent lounge where they can connect with other families, and educators over barista coffee and freshly baked treats from the centre’s in-house chef.

The open plan learning hubs were built with intent to provide children with numerous opportunities for play-based learning, where inquisitive minds could thrive.

In Victoria, Green Leaves embraces

With the belief that children are unique and so are their learning journeys, the programs at Green Leaves are age-appropriate, flexible, and customised to suit each child’s knowledge, interests, culture, abilities, and strengths.

This ensures that children are nurtured throughout their early years with care, encouragement, and respect while developing a love for lifelong learning.

In their early years as babies and toddlers, children at Green Leaves are guided by experienced and passionate early childhood educators as they learn and explore.

When the children are approaching their formal schooling years, they begin the kindergarten program which is

delivered by Bachelor-qualified, early childhood teachers, who support them in developing skills and abilities that are essential to achieving success in future learning environments.

Recognising the importance of community connections, the curriculum at Green Leaves is supported by activities which include visits within the local community to provide children with the opportunities to extend on their interests.

Visits from local fire brigades and police units are very popular, as are walks to the letter box, which encourage life skills such as posting letters home to loved ones.

The natural environment is an integral part of the program at Green Leaves.

The children are encouraged to cherish and protect their natural world.

A favourite feature across all centres is the edible gardens.

These gardens thrive through the children’s interest in planting seeds, observing them grow, composting, harvesting, and then creating delicious meals with the help of the centre’s in-house chefs.

As part of Green Leaves’ all-inclusive fees, the children also participate in incursions and excursions, which include yoga session, chef-led culinary

lessons, language lessons, bush kinder, music and movement classes, just to name a few.

While high-quality architectural features are standard designs across all Green Leaves centres, each centre has its own unique characteristics.

Green Leaves Knox has a unique indoor sports facility which includes basketball and tennis courts, and an indoor soccer field.

Hosting sports and games days in their expansive sports complex, this indoor and outdoor play spaces allow for children to remain active throughout the year even through inclement weather conditions.

Green Leaves Forest Hill features an undercover playspace to rival any other that must be seen to be believed, and a thriving modern curriculum while Green Leaves Waverley Gardens has recently received a new and fresh outdoor playspace that the children can’t get enough of.

Green Leaves Knox, Waverley Gardens and Forest Hill welcome families to pop in for a coffee and tour to experience the Green Leaves difference for themselves.

All centres are taking enrolments.

Contact your local Green Leaves to arrange your visit, via www.greenleaveselc.com.au

Home-schooling tips for 2022 NEARLY two years in, it’s safe to say, this pandemic isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.

schooling to playground bullying, an increase in class sizes or a lack of faith in the traditional classroom model.

Some of us are already pretty comfortable with this strange new world of home-schooling; some may be new to it. But what is homeschooling is and how you can support your children at home this year.

A number of parents choose home-schooling to support a child with special needs, such as dyslexia, or to provide for gifted and talented students.

What is home-schooling?

Even before bushfires and a global pandemic forced many of us out of the classroom, home schooling was on the rise in Australia. In fact, around 20,000 students were registered for homeschooling in Australia in 2019. The numbers are growing, with states reporting up to a 50% increase in registrations over the past two years.

Home-schooling, or home education, is a legal pathway for parents who would like to teach their children outside of mainstream classrooms. Parents apply to their state education authority for registration and if they can present all the necessary documents, including a detailed education plan, they’re usually approved.

Why some families are choosing to home-school?

Although every decision to homeschool is unique, many families cite religious or philosophical motives.

Some reports credit the rise in home16 AUTUMN 2022

There are also parents who opt to home-school their children because they’re geographically isolated or want to spend extended periods of time travelling. These families see education as an integrated part of their child’s life, and often put a great deal of emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

And now, after the experience of home-schooling, some families realise that there are different ways to manage their child’s education.

Am I ready to home-school my child?

For parents that choose to homeschool, there is a significant amount of research involved to make sure all the necessary educational outcomes are met. You must decide on a method of home-schooling that suits you and your child, the right curriculum, and make sure to submit a plan for home education which aligns with the learning outcomes set out by your state education authority.

The reason for your selection of home-schooling will naturally inform

much of your decision making. For instance, if you have chosen to home-school your child because they have a special learning need, you may wish to access expert ancillary support and develop your at-home curriculum accordingly. Homeschooling gives you the option to align learning with your family’s lifestyle, but you need to make sure that you are still covering all the curriculum elements.

Understanding the challenges (and how to overcome them) from seasoned home schoolers We have a lot of experience supporting home-schooling families at Cluey. Many families turn to us because few parents are experts in everything. For many, helping their children learn creatively is the joy of home-schooling, but they are very grateful for support with the literacy and numeracy fundamentals. For other families, the incorporation of external structure in the form of regular tutoring sessions relieves some pressure and gives their child the benefit of learning from another adult.

“All parents have found it challenging at one time or another to teach their kids,” says Cluey Chief Learning Officer, Dr Selina Samuels.

“Children, especially the teenage variety, tend to take things quite personally and can be sensitive to

criticism from parents, however well-intentioned. The input of a tutor can provide a valuable additional viewpoint and help students to see their progress more clearly and objectively.”

Home-schooling tips and support Dr Samuels’ key advice is to do what you can and let go of the rest. Focus on core literacy and numeracy skills and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to emulate their school day.

Dr Samuels’ top five tips: ■ Identify your child’s greatest areas of learning need and look for expert support for these ■ Make sure you understand the requirements for home-schooling in your state. If in doubt, contact the relevant education authority directly ■ Don’t try to do everything. Seek out tutoring help when you need it ■ Create as much structure as you can. Children – even teenagers – crave more structure than they would ever admit to ■ Home-schooling should provide a benefit to your child and your family. Make sure you reflect regularly on how it is going and give yourself permission to change things up as you go www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Marley enjoying his new cubby house.

Marley Reddington.

Cubby house a wish come true

By Melissa Grant

of his own to share fun, smiles and laughter with his friends and brother.

delivering prematurely as her first son was born at 30 weeks.

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

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

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

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.

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

“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.

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

“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 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.

Marley was delivered via emergency caesarean.

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 www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

“He requires oxygen, tube-feeds and also has a tube for bowel washouts.

“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.

“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 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.”

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

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

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

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.

Kellie had been under the care of the Mercy Hospital from early on in her pregnancy as she was at high risk of

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/

AUTUMN 2022 17

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.

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 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.

18 AUTUMN 2022

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. www.KnoxMonashKids.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.

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

A fun read for the entire family.

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

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.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 19

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.

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.

20 AUTUMN 2022

Tickets are $16. Visit www.bunjilplace. com.au.

6-10 APRIL

Croydon Park is at 213-215 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon.

19 & 26 MARCH, 2 APRIL

Attend between 2pm and 4.30pm at 92 Burke Road, Malvern East.

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.

The Adelaide Fringe Festival favourite will feature something for everyone.

Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully.

Duldig Studio will honour one of the world’s most useful inventions - the umbrella - with fun activities in its sculpture garden.

Where will they find flying cats, a mermaid, a sea monster, an invasion of monkeys, and a giant gorilla?

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.

National Umbrella Day

Andy and Terry are going to bring their stories to life in their first EVER play – except they forgot to write it!

Gluttony Festival

This free all-ages, family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free event will run 10am to 10pm.

6 MARCH

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.

16 & 17 APRIL Easter Egg hunts 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.

www.KnoxMonashKids.com.au

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Education

Educating boys and girls

By Melissa Grant DO boys and girls really have different learning needs?

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.

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Dr Michael Nagel.

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

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

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

when they are unable to do something in class.

“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.”

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.

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.

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