Yarra Ranges Kids Autumn 2022

AUTUMN 2022

Big chats with little people Mum scribbling her way to

Lightning strikes twice for Woori Yallock family

success

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 2022 1

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2 AUTUMN 2022

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

About Us

Autumn is here and the perfect 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).

We really hope you enjoy reading 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.

Yarra Ranges Kids magazine is a Mail News Group publication.

Yarra Ranges Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

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

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

CONTENTS

Phone: 5945 0666

Advertising

IT’S YOUR LIFE Lightning can strike twice PAGES 4-5 What’s in a naming day?

PAGE 6 Local mum scribbles to success PAGE 7 Staying sun-smart PAGE 8 Helping dads to step up

A place to breathe PAGE 13

REALITY BITES Keeping kids entertained

Small school benefits PAGE 14

PAGE 19

Unique offering for girls

BOOKS

PAGE 15

Meet a young cat-loving author

Big chats for little people

PAGE 20

PAGE 16

Discover new children’s books

Brain’s learning barriers

PAGE 20

PAGE 22

KIDS CALENDAR

PAGE 10

ENTERTAINMENT

Building respect in schools

Get creative at Robert Gordon

PAGE 10

PAGE 18

Andy Jukes andy.jukes@ starnewsgroup.com.au 5945 0643 Published by Mail News Group Pty Ltd ACN 99 006 310 498.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

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

AUTUMN 2022

What’s on this autumn PAGE 21

Big chats

Chances for dads to connect

with little people

PAGE 11

EDUCATION

Mum scribbling her way to

Kinders mark 25 years

success

Lightning strikes twice for Woori Yallock family

PAGE 12

Cover: Molly Chandler, 2, plays in the autumn leaves.

Picture: Rob Carew

yarrarangeskids.com.au

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It’s Your Life

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

Lightning can strike twice

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

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.

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.

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

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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.

“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.

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

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.

into my belly while I was wide awake,” Rachel says.

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

Ava was born at 27 weeks, via caesarian section.

“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 into the world.

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

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

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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

“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.

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

“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

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

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

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 5

It’s Your Life

Sophie with her son James and partner David.

Picture: Rob Carew

Why parents are choosing naming days

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

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 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.

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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.

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

Naming ceremonies usually take place, a few days, months or even years after the birth of a child.

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

It recognises the child’s arrival and addition to the family.

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

by Dr. Seuss.

Traditionally parents and extended family have chosen to celebrate a naming ceremony on the child’s first birthday.

■ Ceremony/Ritual

*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

www.sophisticated-ceremonies.com 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. www.YarraRangesKids.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 development.

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.

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.

And the machine washable kids shoes were born.

“I get up very early in the morning and I break things down to small bite size pieces of achievement,” she told Kids Today.

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.

“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.

There’s so much to enjoy for the whole family!

Storytimes have returned to all libraries, along with fun after-school activities and exciting events for all ages.

Be sure to pick up our Autumn ‘What’s On’ events guide to find out what’s happening at a library near you. We can't wait to see you!

Hannah creative on the shoes www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

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AUTUMN 2022 7

It’s Your Life

CIRE is reminding Yarra Ranges parents and children that it is still important to remain SunSmart even though summer is over.

Picture: Supplied

Keep up SunSmart approach in coming months SUMMER may be officially over, but the heat is still on to be sun smart and to keep up the slip, slop, slap, seek and slide approach for another couple of months.

these tips will help keep you and your child safe from the risks of skin cancer.

Cire Services Inc. is one the largest not-for-profits in the Yarra Ranges, in Melbourne’s outer east and unique to the region.

It is well documented that harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays often do not lose their sting until about the end of April, so it is important not to become complacent.

We provide flexible learning opportunities, education and training and innovative community programs and services to help meet the needs of and empower residents In the Yarra Ranges and beyond.

When it comes to sun safety, prevention is key, particularly for children and young adults.

According to the Cancer Council Australia, “Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence has been shown to greatly impact an individual’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer”.

That is why it’s so important to be proactive in teaching children about sun protection early in life. This is a high priority for Cire Early Learning, where all our centres are SunSmart members focusing on the key preventative measures of slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.

Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with two out of three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. It is also one of the most preventable cancers. The sun’s UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. You can see and feel the sun’s heat, but you can’t see or feel the UV rays. Our senses cannot detect UV radiation which makes it dangerous.

Too much sun can cause skin damage and cancer. Babies are particularly vulnerable to UV rays because they lack melanin, protecting 8 AUTUMN 2022

adults from burns by preventing DNA damage.

Up until they’re about four-years-old toddlers also have a thinner stratum corneum (the outermost layer).

A healthy balance between too much and too little UV radiation from the sun is vital for health. Too much UV from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer. Too little can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the blood. It is also necessary to develop and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and teeth.

To ensure a healthy balance between too much and too little UV is maintained, sun protection is used from mid-August until the end of April and whenever the UV Index level reaches three and above.

Sun protection is not used from May until mid-August unless the UV Index level reaches three and above.

For the best defence against skin

cancer, it is important to protect your whole body from the sun. This includes wearing sunscreen, clothing, sunglasses and hats. For children, it is crucial to make sure they are protected because their skin is thinner and has not been exposed to as much sunlight as adults.

The key strategies of the SunSmart program are: ■ Slipon clothing to cover as much of your body as possible ■ Slop on sunscreen – at least SPF30 or higher and reapply every two hours ■ Slap on a hat – needs to be a widebrimmed hat that protects your head, face, neck and ears ■ Seek – seek out shade wherever possible ■ Slide – put on sunglasses where possible to protect your eyes It is also good to limit time spent in the sun during the peak hours of 10am to 2pm and monitor the UV rating by checking the SunSmart app. Following

A registered charity employing approximately 220 Cire operates across multiples sites and through outreach to deliver the following core services: ■ Cire Early Learning: EL offers long day care (with integrated 3 and 4-year old kindergarten), outside school hours care (0SHC), vacation and occasional care, and other family supports like playgroups.

■ Cire Community School: A coeducational specialist school for young people in years 5 to 12 needing a positive alternative to mainstream education and realistic pathways to employment and a positive future.

■ Cire Training: Our award-winning Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivers nationally recognised and accredited qualifications and short courses. One initiative, First Impression Clothing Exchange (FICE), provides a holistic program to assist vulnerable women.

■ Cire Community Hubs: Our welcoming and inclusive hubs offer various services, education and leisure programs and community development activities that reflect community needs and interests. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Cire Early Learning At Cire, we provide a welcoming and nurturing environment where children are valued and respected for their uniqueness. We celebrate and support inclusion and diversity.

Informed by the Reggio Emilia approach, our passionate educators scaffold children’s learning to ensure they can confidently reach their fullest potential, from infancy through to school readiness. We believe that children should have a voice in their learning and acknowledge that they are capable, competent, co-contributors and active participants in the journey

“You all do such amazing work with the children and make everyone feel we lcome and accepted. Cire is amazing!”

- Cire Early Learn

ing Parent, 2021

Why choose Cire?

Qualified educators Purpose-built facilities Infant care to 4-year old kindergarten

Interest-lead learning

Easter

VACATION CARE

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Large outdoor playspaces

Make friends, learn news skills and have fun during the Easter school holidays! A huge range of exciting activities suitable for primary school aged children.

Our vacation care runs at Badger Creek and Woori Yallock across two weeks with full day care options available. For full details including dates, activties and fees please scan the QR to visit our website.

Chirnside Park | Mount Evelyn | Yarra Junction www.cire.org.au | 1300 835 235 | earlylearning@cire.org.au

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 9

It’s Your Life

Dads are stepping up

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

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.

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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 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.

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The policy and resources are linked to the state government’s recently passed Education and Training

Respect... the state has launched a new policy to foster respectful relationships between parents/ carers and school staff.

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/RespectfulBehaviours-within-the-SchoolCommunity-Policy.aspx

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www.YarraRangesKids.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.

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 chat over a coffee at a cafe or a playground.

Dads Groups help dads feel connected.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

“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.

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

“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.”

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

The organisation has also started rolling out programs in hospitals, where

“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

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

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

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

Education

Celebrating 25 years of YRKI New CEO Gaby Thomson led the celebrations for YRKI.

By Mikayla van Loon YARRA Ranges Kindergartens (YRKI) have been providing community led early learning to little people for 25 years now, a milestone that was celebrated by staff and the community.

Although delayed by a year because of Covid-19, the celebrations on Wednesday 16 February were just as memorable for all in attendance.

Operating 21 kindergartens across the Yarra Ranges, with over 1000 children attending and with over 100 staff educating the next generation, YRKI have had a large impact on the lives of the community.

“It’s far too difficult to calculate the exact numbers of children who have been through our services,” YRKI board treasurer Richard Williams said.

exponentially to provide early learning to places like Sassafras, Mount Evelyn, Chirnside Park, Kilsyth, Warburton and many more.

Although YRKI was only established in 1996, some of the kindergartens themselves have been operating for 70 years, a history that only betters the standard of education.

Stepping into a new quarter of a century, YRKI also welcomed its new CEO Gaby Thomson three weeks prior to the event who said it had already been action packed.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is these people, these people that have been bringing the magic and the passion, the dedication of the teachers and the creativity, it’s just really inspiring,” she said.

“But it’s less about the numbers and more about the positive impact that we have on these children’s lives as they start their educational journey.”

“They work so hard, they’re so dedicated. So I feel like I’ve just joined an organisation where there’s a really shared sense of direction and I really like that as a CEO.

What began as the Upper Yarra Children’s Services, with just four kindergartens, has now expanded

“There’s that complete passion to keep getting better and better so the little people that we serve get the best

service they can. From what I can see everyone lives and breathes that desire for continuous improvement.”

Ms Thomson said thanks to the long history of YRKI and the kindergartens that came before it, she could already feel the community effort that goes into raising a child, not just from teachers and educators but also parents on the committees.

Hearing from some of the kindergarten teachers in a video presentation on the night, YRKI takes the approach of allowing children to explore who they are, is focused on teaching children good environmental practices and giving them enough outdoor play.

Yarra Ranges Council Deputy Mayor Johanna Skelton congratulated YRKI on 25 years of excellent education and spoke from personal experience having put her children through the Belgrave kinder.

“I loved the fact that Belgrave kindergarten and probably all of your kinders have such a close relationship to families and have such respect for what

Picture: Mikayla Van Loon

they bring to the table as well,” she said.

“It’s not just raising children, it’s a whole community and everyone’s touched by the work that you’re doing… you’re such important pillars in our community.”

Ms Skeleton said she felt connected to the kinder once she went for an open day and saw how relaxed but in control the teachers were, as well as the approaches to learning.

“The reason why I chose Belgrave kinder…it just felt very perceptive, child led and all the things that we wanted in a kinder.

YRKI CFO Vik Naidu said it has been the work of everyone at the organisation, teachers, administration staff, governance and of course parents who have got YRKI to 25 years of successful education of young people.

“We are here to serve them. The message to the community is, please keep supporting us and we will continue supporting you as well for the foreseeable future. So together, we will provide the required education for the young ones going forward.”

@poohbearshouse

@pooh_bears_house

Operating 52 weeks a year

6:30am - 6:30pm

Offering 3 and 4 year Funded Kindergarten in 2022/2023 POOH BEAR'S HOUSE Early Learning Centre

323 Maroondah Highway, Croydon North VIC, 3136 (03) 9725 0403 pooh_bears_house@bigpond.com 12538783-SG12-22

12 AUTUMN 2022

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Education

A place to breathe AS you walk into the Little Yarra Steiner School, you are immediately immersed in a peaceful and nurturing environment enhanced by the surrounding mountains’ natural beauty.

develop those qualities in themselves?

children for academic learning.

How do we work with what children inherently bring, rather than only pushing them into what we think they should become?

Located on 60 acres bordering the Little Yarra River, the school and kindergarten occupy 18

This certainly doesn’t mean letting children do only what they want, but in fact working with them in a very structured way that helps to develop those qualities that will stand them in good stead - like resilience, persistence, creativity (in thought and action), empathy, a sense of social awareness and responsibility, to name a few.

There are a number of physiological, socio-emotional and other developmental factors that are taken into consideration in determining a child’s readiness to begin academic learning.

acres and the rest is used for organic/ biodynamic farming, orchards and revegetated wetlands and habitat.

Education today has the difficult task of preparing children and adolescents for a future no one can predict.

There are many differences that make Steiner education a leading educational system.

One of those is how we prepare

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So we ask: what are the qualities and capacities that will best serve this generation as they move forward into the world, and how do we help them

choklits.com.au www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

"I was actually against our children going into formal education so early, but I was sold the minute I met the staff and saw the facilities at Choklits, especially the big backyard" - Paul, parent, Ringwood.

In Steiner schools, children in the Prep year are still part of the preschool, where they are engaged in a largely play-based program.

kinder and Prep groups, fostering a home-like environment supporting children’s first steps from home to school.

Steiner schools have developed the view that education is indeed an art in and of itself.

Little Yarra has established a reputation as one of the most successful Steiner schools in Australia.

Here children imitate what they see and experience in their surroundings, including how their teachers interact with them and each other.

The school is proud to deliver an education that is more relevant than ever for the challenges facing the world today.

Our new purpose-built preschool building accommodates playgroup, 3-year-old kinder and two mixed-age

For more information, or to book a tour of our school, visit lyss.vic.edu.au or call 5967 1953.

We are excited to invite you to our school and for you to see how we can support your child’s needs. St Mary’s embraces the whole child, parents and community.

We are a family.

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AUTUMN 2022 13

Education

Village School has a small student population.

Why a small school is a bonus VILLAGE thinks of its small student population as an extended family and this flows through to the parents who enjoy being part of a small like-minded community.

In normal times (sans-Covid!) children and parents gather to talk and play after school, arranging play dates and sharing child minding or lifts to and from school.

The small school has a direct effect on the behaviour and the learning of each child.

They are part of a community where everybody knows their name.

as many rules are born out of the need to manage large groups of people.

When they take some of their class work to share at the whole school meeting, the Year 6 chairperson will address them as an individual, people will comment on or ask questions about their work and they will be given the space to explain how they made their model, or to read part of their story.

The children are often the instigators of the rules, particularly as they relate to cubby building, and the Year 6 group keep the Cubby Rules Law Book and refer to or amend it as needs be at whole-school meetings.

With a small school there’s time to hear from everybody.

A small school needs less school rules

Are all your friends the same age as you? In a small school you see much more vertical play across the grade levels.

The big friend/little friend program

also means you might spot a Year 6 boy playing in the sandpit with his little friend, or helping him transport a bucket of water to the mud pit.

And then there’s the cry that sometimes arises out of nowhere: “Whole-school tiggy! Whole-school tiggy!” and suddenly there is a rush to the meeting place to discover who is it and the game begins.

Sometimes it’s capture the flag, or else it’s a game of soccer, but it’s always the same - everyone is invited to join in.

Your Kinder of Choice Belgrave - Chirnside Park Colchester Park - Coldstream - Fernhill Hansen Park - Joy Ave - Lancaster Launching Place - Millgrove - Montrose MECEC - Mt Dandenong Mt Evelyn Memorial - Sarah Court Sassafras - Upwey - Upwey Sth - Wandin Warburton - Woori Yallock

State of the art facilities, experienced Educators, two-year Kindergarten program and free ongoing Hey Dee Ho and Soccerjoeys classes.

Enrolments for 2023 now open!

YRKI

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

Yarra Ranges Kindergartens Inc. 9726 0439 www.yrkinders.com 12535811-HC12-22

14 AUTUMN 2022

Email: croydon@discoverychildcare.com.au • Phone: 9722 8933 50 Maroondah Hwy, Croydon - 6:30am to 6:30pm www.discoverychildcare.com.au

12511979-BL51-21

Enquire today for an obligation free tour:

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

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.

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

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

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

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

These words capture the dreams for each and every young person who

walks through the school’s doors.

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

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

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

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

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

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 www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 15

Education

Author Jayneen Sanders.

Big chats with little people

By Melissa Grant

as consent and body safety, but where and when do you start?

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

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

It’s important to talk about issues such

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.

Jaynee, 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

12539343-AV12-22

16 AUTUMN 2022

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

12538579-BL12-22

Village School

A warm and nurturing environment nestled on 8 acres of bushland next to Brushy Creek

A small school with a big heart • Small class sizes • Respectful relationships • Negotiated student learning • Differentiated learning • Real life learning • Fostering each child’s unique way of learning Contact us: 9726 4766 9 Holloway Rd, Croydon North. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

admin@villageschool.vic.edu.au villageschool.vic.edu.au AUTUMN 2022 17

Entertainment

Get creative at Robert Gordon ANYONE can get creative at Robert Gordon, with workshops for all ages.

If you’ve never worked with ceramics before you needn’t worry. Friendly staff are on-hand to show you how.

Robert Gordon offers workshops in wheel throwing, hand building and painting your own pottery.

The paint your own pottery workshop is popular with families. All you have to do is choose your pot, decorate with paint and collect your masterpiece 14 days later.

If you’re after something more extensive, you should check out Robert Gordon’s six-week pottery course.

The course covers hand building, wheel throwing, moulding, sculpture and painting in a friendly atmosphere.

The workshops take place in a new studio space at Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet.

Located in the heart of Pakenham, the outlet is a great place to visit with the family.

Online bookings for the paint your own pottery and workshops are essential.

Call 5941 3302 or visit www. robertgordonaustralia.com.

Robert Gordon is a great place to visit with the family.

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They have a large selection of homewares, baskets and textiles. There’s also the Nancy Eatery, which serves up relaxed, homestyle meals with coffee.

Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road, Pakenham and is open seven days, 9am to 5pm.

18 AUTUMN 2022

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Reality Bites

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

Pictures: Rob Carew

Ways to keep the kids entertained

By Melissa Meehan

containers from the kitchen and watching them fill with rain, she says.

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.

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

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.

She’s worked at Chirnside Park’s Community Kids centre for 14 years.

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.

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

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.

It’s as easy as getting some

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.”

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

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.

Give Jodie’s suggestions a go, and tag us in your photos on social media.

Getting the kids to take part in cooking helps with numeracy and literacy.

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 19

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.

“When I saw there was a chance to

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.

“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.

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 $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

Hachette Australia, RRP $18.99

A fun read for the entire family.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $24.99 20 AUTUMN 2022

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

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.

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

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.

AUTUMN 2022 21

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.

Released late last year, Oh Boy … Understanding the Neuroscience

just don’t feel natural for them.”

He said boys can also get frustrated when they are unable to do something in class.

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.

“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

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Enrolments Open for 2022 and Beyond Call 9726 0439 or enrol@yrkinders.com.au www.yrkinders.com

“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.”

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

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Dr Michael Nagel.

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.

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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Mooroolbark Campus Thursday 31 March, 5.30pm-8pm

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School Tours outside our Showcase Night are available.

Please contact the campus office to book.

24 AUTUMN 2022

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au