Kids West - Summer 2023

SUMMER 2023

Parents wake up

To sleep support Why Hamish Blake is

Our top dad Putting new mums

In Safe Hands

12648619-AV48-23

2 SUMMER 2023

www.KidsWest.com.au

About Us

Man, it’s a hot summer!

OH hey, El Niño!

We’re sweating just thinking about the summer we have ahead of us.

Finding inventive ways to keep cool will be essential as the temperature soars over the months ahead.

We’ve been scoping out shady parks for a while now; noting the good and bad so we know where to return for that outdoor fix on a steamy day.

Parks and playgrounds with water play are always a hit in summer. Just a splash with some cool water can spark a fit of giggles and wash away even the most foul ‘It’s too hot today’ mood.

Water play is always popular at home, too; from watering the garden to ‘painting’ the brickwork, bathing toys, or

creating a sand/water/dirt slurry you’ll spend weeks cleaning up…

Perhaps you feel more comfortable indoors as the temperature rises, with the air conditioning pumping. How about keeping the kids busy in the kitchen? No oven or stove top required.

Whip up a batch of icy poles using fruit and water, juice, milk, yogurt, or whatever else you have on hand.

Customise the flavours to suit your family and (potentially) end the arguments over who gets which colour.

We like to use our smoothie blender and add whatever fresh fruit is in season (or nearing the end of its usable time in the fruit bowl or fridge…).

preservatives, and there are so many refillable moulds available in fun shapes and different sizes.

We also love the simplicity of the humble ice cube on a hot summer day.

Pop ice in a cup or bowl for cooling play for littles, or try submerging plastic toys in water and freezing them, ready for a creative kid to rescue..

What are your summer heat-busters?

Let us know your tips and tricks via Instagram or Facebook, and we’ll share our favourites.

Happy summer!

Kids West Today magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Kids West Today will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Kids West Today Unit 6/1-9 Thomsons Road, Keilor Park Phone: (03) 8318 5777

We bypass the processed sugars and

Sales Manager Gayle Williams gayle.williams@starweekly.com.au

CONTENTS IT’S YOUR LIFE Steve Biddulph: What is this dysregulation thing?

PAGE 4 Hamish Blake is an award-winning dad PAGE 4 Parents wake up to the importance of sleep PAGE 5 Support through the mental health storm PAGE 6 How to make a smooth start to the school year PAGE 6 Helping little Daisy grow PAGE 7 Kids in the Kitchen: Watermelon tree icy poles PAGE 8 Gumnut guides helping kids and parents take outdoor adventures PAGE 9

Editorial

A hidden family dining experience PAGE 11

DENTAL

Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan @starnewsgroup.com.au Casey Neill casey.neill@starnewsgroup.com.au

Sleep apnea has many signs Safer swimming this summer PAGE 12 A slice of culinary delight PAGE 13 Holiday reading hacks for kids PAGE 14 More kinder places are coming PAGE 14

ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 18

REALITY BITES New mums in Safe Hands PAGE 19 Making space for comfort and conversations PAGE 20

Group Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark @starnewsgroup.com.au Published by Star News Group publication ACN 99 006 310 498.

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.

Tara Pavlovic: Sunscreen battles begone!

SUMMER 2023

PAGE 21

Embracing The Elements PAGE 15

BOOKS

EDUCATION

How to teach your teens life skills PAGE 22

Copperfield College: Empowering every student PAGE 16

Elder shares the six seasons on her Country PAGE 22

Sunbury Downs College: Pathways for all students

Parents wake up

To sleep support

PAGE 17

Why Hamish Blake is

Lachy and Elle’s love comes full circle PAGE 10

Our top dad Putting new mum mums

In Safe Hands Cover Sisters Felicity and Abby, ready for some summer sunshine.

Picture: Rob Carew

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It’s Your Life

What is this dysregulation thing?

We can help our kids with strong feelings by teaching them to notice their body sensations, and what they are trying to say, writes STEVE BIDDULPH STEVE Biddulph writes about how we need each other when we are upset.

You’re on your way in the car to pick up your kids from somewhere. Your thoughts are on your plans for the rest of the day and a busy weekend ahead.

Suddenly, your attention is grabbed by a car coming towards you on the highway. It has veered into your lane and is headed straight for you - fast.

You hit the brakes, your stomach clenches, and you get ready to swerve off the road but - gasp - just seconds before it hits you head-on, it pulls back into its lane and speeds away.

Nothing has happened, in the sense that there was no collision, no damage, no injuries. But you are really not the same.

Your heart is racing and your whole body is clammy with sweat, you might even feel like throwing up.

You can barely keep driving, but there is no choice because, well, the kids will be waiting.

When you get to your destination a few minutes later, if it’s somewhere a bit formal - like a pickup from childcare or a piano lesson with a grumpy teacher then you just have to wing it. When they say hello, you put on your cheery face and pretend you are just feeling great.

But if it’s somewhere friendly - your mum’s house, or a good friend who has minded your kids, or their lovely grade one teacher - and they ask how you are, then an interesting thing might happen.

You find yourself blurting out, “I almost got killed by someone crossing the lanes just then!”

You might shiver and shake or burst into tears. If it’s been a bad day and this was just the last straw, you might really lose it.

And they will say, “Oh no, that’s terrible,” and come and give you a hug, and that hug will really help.

You might spend a minute or two telling them what happened, where it was, how scary it was, and how you really thought you were going to die.

Your heartbeat would slow down, your breathing would go back to normal, and your optimism would return.

Things in life will upset us. It is not easy to let go of these unless we have someone kind and not upset to be a quiet anchor to steady us.

To do that, they need to be calm, have a bit of time, and be able to give us the attention we need as we struggle to find the words, let the physical tensions go, and make sense of what happened.

Today’s language for what happens to us - often several times a day - is that we get “dysregulated”.

So along with fixing food, keeping them organised, reading them a story, or washing their clothes, a big part of our job is helping each other “reregulate”.

When we notice someone in our family is upset, we drop into quiet mode and breathe slowly, listen to what they are saying, hold back from offering advice, and notice if they need or want physical comfort.

They will sense this caring attention, and out will pour a whole bundle of heartaches or concerns.

At these times, almost the less we say, the better - just a few sympathetic sounds, some acknowledgment of how they feel.

If we can let this just be and not get dysregulated ourselves, they will soon get through it.

We feel shaken up and even “have a meltdown” or “lose it”.

Years afterwards they’ll remember you as someone who really knew how to love.

Kids have this happen all the time because they are just learning about life and because the modern world is madness with its rush and hurry and overstimulation.

Steve Biddulph wrote the world’s top-selling parenting book Raising Boys, plus Fully Human and Raising Girls. He lives in Tasmania and makes up silly songs for his grandchildren.

How Hamish Blake dads EVEN Australia’s Father of the Year gets it wrong - “frequently”.

But Hamish Blake said it was “healthy to be honest about how much we’re still learning, whilst also knowing how important it is to try just as hard tomorrow”.

“I’m excited to continue growing and learning as a dad, and I hope to inspire others to embrace the wonderful adventure that fatherhood brings,” he said.

The father of two, entertainer, and host of podcast How Other Dads Dad, received the 2023 Australian Father of the Year title in August from The Fathering Project and The Australian Father’s Day Council.

Hamish said the award was a chance to highlight the amazing opportunity dads, mentors, or father figures had to shape the future for their kids.

“I am always the most inspired by the dads doing the little things, rather than big sweeping gestures,” he said. “‘Fathering’ is a constant, daily practice, and one we’re lucky to get to do for the rest of our life.

“Nothing is more important.

“Being present, creating a space for fun and adventure, and being totally accepting of who my kids are as people is what I strive to do, and how I hope 4 SUMMER 2023

they feel safe and loved.”

Hamish shares son, Sonny, and daughter, Rudy with his wife, Zoe Foster Blake.

“Becoming a dad for me, for the first time, I suppose it’s the point where something turns from theory into practice,” he told The Fathering Project.

“There’s only so much you can think about and hypothesis.

“You only learn by doing.

“The love side of things is overwhelming - that completely floors you.

“You look at parents that have come before you and they seem to know what they’re doing, and then you know deep down that you have no idea what you’re doing “I think the thing that gets you through that storm is the love.

“I love this thing so much, I will find a way, I will try and find a way to get through.”

On his Instagram, Hamish shared that being a dad itself was the actual prize.

“But I’ll graciously accept the plaque so I can spend the next year using it to get out of trouble for things like water fights in the house and poorly thoughtthrough school lunch preparation,” he wrote.

“In all seriousness, doing a podcast

Hamish Blake receives his Father of the Year award.

about dads I am fortunate to talk deeply to a bunch of them, and I am constantly inspired by the fact that there is a huge (and growing) amount of blokes who are passionate about showing up each day to be fully invested dads so our kids can have the best shot in life.

“Of course, we’re all constantly messing up, but my heart is warmed by the love and commitment of the dads I have on the show and those who listen to it.”

The Fathering Project CEO Káti Gapaillard said Hamish delivered a powerful fatherhood message by sharing his personal journey.

“He encourages dads to connect

authentically, acknowledging that perfection isn’t the goal,” she said.

“Spending quality time each day with your child is what really matters.

“Hamish definitely shows us the joys of fathering and the many long-lasting benefits dads can bring to their children.”

The Fathering Project is a not-for-profit focused on giving children the best life possible through engaged and effective fathers, and runs programs in schools and workplaces.

Research shows children with an engaged father or father figure have significantly better social, mental, physical, and academic outcomes. www.KidsWest.com.au

It’s Your Life

Waking up to save sleep

By Cade Lucas LIKE changing dirty nappies or listening to nursery rhymes adnauseum, a lack of sleep is considered an unfortunate but unavoidable part of having a baby.

Unless wealthy enough to farm their screaming newborn off to someone else, parents usually have no option but to suffer in silence.

After all, complaining about something just about everyone else has to endure is unlikely to elicit much sympathy.

Which makes it all the more difficult when a baby’s lack of sleep goes beyond a mere nuisance to a serious, debilitating problem.

This was the situation Danielle Mannens and her partner Sean found themselves in seven years ago, in the months after having their first child, daughter Harper.

“She was sleeping with us for the whole first six months, we couldn’t get her to sleep in her own bed,” Danielle said.

“We were co-sleeping but not in the nicest way.”

In other words, they weren’t sleeping at all.

“We were lucky to be getting two hours’ sleep a night,” she said.

“It was bad. Like I wasn’t thinking straight, I was leaving the stove on and stuff like that.

“My partner would have to check everything to make sure it was all off at night.”

Family are normally the first and only source of help in such situations, but with theirs living in New Zealand, Danielle and Sean turned to the health system as a last resort.

“So I went and saw my maternal health nurse and she recommended us to Tweddle,” she said.

A not-for-profit, Tweddle is a name unlikely to register with most readers, but has been helping sleep-deprived families at its Early Parenting Centre in Footscray for more than 100 years.

Despite misgivings about seeking assistance for something most assume comes naturally, Danielle and Sean booked a day session.

“We didn’t know what we were walking into, but it was the most beautiful supportive environment,“ Danielle said.

Parents and children singing songs at the Wyndham EPC opening.

www.KidsWest.com.au

More importantly, after taking a while to bed in, the new techniques Danielle learned at Tweddle eventually paid off.

“She was sleeping in her own bed away from us and she was doing so for almost the whole night, which was a huge difference,” she said.

If you’re wondering why no one recommended an Early Parenting Centre like Tweddle during your own bouts of infant-induced insomnia, you’re not alone.

Despite being around for more than a century, addressing a very common need, and being covered by Medicare, EPCs remain largely unknown.

Along with Tweddle in Footscray, the O’Connell Family Centre in Canterbury and the Queen Elizabeth Centre in Noble Park are the only three EPCs based in Victoria.

There are only a limited number nationwide, and Tasmania and many regional and rural areas have none at all.

Internationally, none of the UK, US or European countries to which Australia is often compared, have anything like an equivalent.

According to Tweddle CEO Umit Agis, the issue of baby and infant sleep traditionally being a family affair is why external services like EPCs can be rare or non-existent.

“I think we’re learning more as a society about how important settling a child or having a sleep routine is,” Mr Agis said.

“We sometimes take that for granted and also a lot of times people tend to access that from their family network.”

Mr Agis said infant sleep problems could result in more than just tired parents.

“Having a settled sleep pattern is critical to a baby’s to early life development,” he said.

“We know that what happens in the first 2000 days of child’s life has a major impact on their adult trajectory.”

This is why the Victorian Government is building 12 new EPCs across the state as part of a $148 million investment in early parenting services.

These will include centres in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Shepparton - the first in regional Victoria - and an Aboriginal-led facility in Frankston.

The others will target Melbourne’s urban fringe, including Wyndham in the outer-south west, the fastest growing municipality in the country and where the first of these new EPCs opened in recent months.

The $15 million Wyndham Early Parenting Centre features 10 residential units that can accommodate entire families for up to four days, while also providing facilities for day-stays.

And like the existing facility at the other end of the western suburbs, it too is operated by Tweddle.

Mr Agis said it wasn’t just the amount of people moving to Wyndham, but the type of families settling in the area that meant an EPC was Clockwise from left, Tweddle general manager Kim Porter, required.

CEO Umit Agis, nursing director Clare Pridham, board member “You’ve got a lot of young, Annette Mercuri, and Harry Flanagan at the opening of the immigrant parents living here Wyndham Early Parenting Centre. and so they don’t have the support system perhaps that they once did, but what we can do is we can provide that help,” he said.

Among the providers of that help at the Wyndham EPC is nursing director Clare Pridham.

“We’re here to support the parents rather than do it for them,” she said.

“If there’s a concern about behaviour, we show them how to deal with the child’s The dining area at the Wyndham Early Parenting Centre. behaviour and how to work with that child to be able to improve outcomes.

“If there are sleep concerns we can be with them at three o’clock in the morning.

“We can actually show them how to resettle and be alongside them when they’re having these concerns.”

Ms Pridham said the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic made the need for early parenting support An outdoor play area at Tweddle Wyndham. even more urgent.

“There’s a lot of separation anxiety, a lack of interaction with other because he wasn’t a great children because they’ve been locked sleeper either. It’s stuck with down for such a period of time,” she said. me, it was so helpful,” she “So when it comes time for them to go said. into childcare or stay with After proselytising grandparents, for example, there’s real Tweddle and Early challenges in that.”

Parenting Centres to her Ms Pridham said the ultimate aim friends, Danielle’s passion was to teach parents techniques that for the service saw her they could use at home to change careers - nearly a avoid readmission. decade on from her visit Danielle is a prime to Tweddle, Danielle is example. now Tweddle’s communications “I’ve even used it with manager. my second child as well

SUMMER 2023 5

It’s Your Life

Support through the mental health storm Dr Monika Schott.

By Casey Neill MONIKA Schott couldn’t find the right story to explain mental illness to her children - so she wrote it.

She started ‘My Dad built me the best and wackiest cubby ever’ almost 15 years ago.

Monika’s brother first became mentally unwell about 30 years ago and was institutionalised, his family unsure if he’d ever be released.

“My first son was born the year my brother first came out of hospital,” Monika said.

She went on to have two more sons.

“They all grew up seeing the strange behaviours from my brother,” she said.

“I explained it to them in the simplest way I could.

“He was schizophrenic, paranoid,

and depressed. He would lock himself up in his bedroom for most of the day because he thought there were cameras following him.

“My children saw all that. They understood it.”

Years later, her then-husband became depressed when her eldest son was aged 9.

“They knew something was wrong but they couldn’t see it,” she said.

“That’s the thing with mental illness.

“They’re really understanding and compassionate. I think that came from the adversity.”

At the time, Monika sought resources to help her to support her boys.

“My own children loved reading. We were always looking for different books to help us talk about different things,” she said.

So she wrote her own story.

Publishers found it too confronting at the time.

“I knew I had to talk about it with them before they started making their own assumptions.”

“The others I found, they were lovely stories, but that was it - they were lovely stories,” she said.

When she sat them down, her eight-year-old started crying and revealed he feared a repeat of his uncle’s experience.

“They danced around the topic rather than being honest or real about what was going on.

“I tried to explain to them the complexity of the brain and how we need chemicals in our brain to be balanced to be working properly,” she said.

“They understand, and they need to understand.

“The boys were really patient with their father.

“You can’t insult kids.

“If they start to learn about mental health early, it helps them better manage their own mental health and be more compassionate with those suffering with poor mental health.”

Smooth the start to the school year YOU’VE packed away the Christmas tree and the holiday suitcases, and all of a sudden it’s time to get the kids ready for the new school year.

Making the most of the long break is the key to a smooth start, says primary school teacher, Miss B. Known as Lil’ Miss Sunshinee on TikTok and Instagram, she shares her tips for a smooth transition from home to school.

1. To start afresh, you need to rest - So your child feels ready to tackle the new school year, they need to feel like they actually had a break.

Enjoy the holidays, enjoy the festivities, and enjoy family time before everything picks back up again.

2. Keep learning alive - Learning in the holidays doesn’t have to look like traditional education. Keep your child’s brain buzzing by teaching them a new skill or hobby, including them in household jobs, or even playing board games at a family game night.

3. Keep reading – I always encourage

6 SUMMER 2023

‘My Dad built me the best and wackiest cubby ever’ follows a father and child as they set out to build a cubby in the sunshine, using the weather as a metaphor for mental ill health.

Clouds snake in, a storm brews, rain pours down, and blue skies return, all while the cubby grows wackier.

Leading psychiatrist Professor Patrick McGorry launched Monika’s book.

“As a parent, I wish I had this book many years ago,” he said.

“There is still a lot of stigma around mental illness but things are definitely getting better.

“But every one of us will have somebody in our family that will suffer from periods of poor mental health.

“Monika’s book is a way for younger children to learn about mental illness in a very optimistic and positive way.”

The book includes resources for teachers, carers, and families. Visit www.monikaschott.com.

Include your child in choosing their stationery for the year.

my students to continue reading throughout the holidays. Reading doesn’t have to be a chore. Read a magazine together, find a style of picture book or novel they like, engage in discussions about the text, and bond over the reading. It’ll feel a lot more like quality time rather than reading for the sake of it.

4. Practice handwriting – If your child is just starting school, encourage them to practice writing their name.

5. I like to move it, move it - The transition back to school is made easier when children have kept physical throughout the holidays.

Downtime like watching movies or playing video games can be great for relaxation, but we also need to make sure our body stays happy.

6. Routine, routine, routine - A relaxed holiday doesn’t have to equal a lack of routine. Simple steps for your child to follow like waking up at a

reasonable time, making their bed, or laying out their clothes the night before can make transitioning back to school that little bit easier.

7. Let’s go shopping - Including your child in the process of preparing for back to school can make it a more exciting, positive experience. Giving them a choice of stationary, lunchbox, or pencil case can create an anticipation to return to school.

8. T’was the night before school - Most

students experience some level of anxiety or uncertainty towards returning to school. It’s the fear of the unknown. Who will my teacher be?

Who will be in my class? These feelings are valid and completely normal. Keeping conversations about school in a positive light can help your child to navigate these emotions. Prepping their lunchbox, school bag, and uniform the night before can also ease anxiety on the morning of.

www.KidsWest.com.au

It’s Your Life

Helping little Daisy grow

By Tara Murray WELCOMING a child is meant to be one of the most exciting things in the world, but for Rebecca Harris and Alistair Woodard it was anything but.

After a tough pregnancy, Rebecca delivered baby Daisy at just 27 weeks at the Joan Kirner Hospital on 10 May. At 475 grams, Daisy was the smallest baby born at the hospital.

Daisy would spend the next three months at the hospital, and she and her parents have been frequent visitors ever since.

“I didn’t have the best pregnancy, I was quite sick, I had hyperemesis,” Rebecca said.

“We found out that Daisy was going to be small. We knew she had a condition called IUGR, which is intrauterine growth restriction.

“So we knew she was going to be born small and then one weekend I started feeling sick, I ended up in hospital with preeclampsia, and then three days later she was born.”

While expecting Daisy to be small, the pair thought she would be at least 500 grams.

“It was really confronting, she was tiny,“ Rebecca, a nurse herself, said.

“She could fit in your hand. But she’s doing really well, she’s 2.7 kilos now.

“It sort of happened all of a sudden, so I was on like a monitor and you could see that she was having dips in her heart rate, and it all happened all at once.

“We were rushed down to have a caesarean and I was feeling very overwhelmed and scared, but everyone there was so supportive and the staff were just so lovely. It honestly made it so that you can deal with a bad situation, all the people were so lovely. “

“Of course, the hospital wouldn’t let us take her home until they felt comfortable that she was in a good place. And, of course, in the end, it was the best decision.

“She’s come home and she hasn’t had any issues being home.“ Consultant neonatologist Dr Gillian Foo, who was one of Daisy’s doctors, said staff wanted to make sure the whole family was being looked after.

Home for the next three months would be Western Health’s Joan Kirner Hospital, starting with the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

“You change lives in one of the hardest times in a family’s journey,” she said.

“We always felt welcomed there, we were able to go in anytime,” said Alistair. “The nurses were so friendly.”

Rebecca added, “We spent three months in the NICU, and honestly the staff made me feel so comfortable.

“We felt welcomed there, we were able to go in anytime. They really became like a second family. They became like my friends, in a way.

“Everybody knew Daisy, because she’d started at the NICU…The nurses would pop in and see her and they’d be like, ‘How’s Daisy going?’”

Daisy quickly became famous at the hospital - firstly because of her size, and then because she was so healthy. That was the most astounding thing everyone was shocked at how she thrived.

Being at the hospital, however, eventually took a toll on her parents.

“We got frustrated, I guess, towards the end, but that was just our own impatience of wanting to get her home,” Alistair said.

“Things change so quickly.

“You’re on the journey with them.

The babies grow in the intensive ward unit and then follow them with checkups.

“I think it’s one of the most rewarding specialties.”

“We like to acknowledge how hard it has been for the family,” Dr Foo said.

Daisy still has a feeding tube so requires assistance from dietitians and

Rebecca thanked the hospital team, saying they wouldn’t be where they were without them.

“I’m very structured and I like to know what’s going to happen next.

When Daisy left the NICU, Dr Foo’s daughters had a special parting gift for her.

Once babies like Daisy leave the NCIU, there is still plenty of support for the families and services available.

Both said their biggest advice for any parents in the same situation was to lean on all the support that was available through the NICU and other organisations, like Life’s Little Treasures and Miracle Babies.

“I think the biggest challenge was just having to let go in a way for me,” Rebecca said.

Dr Foo said when families returned to the hospital, many of them called the nurses and doctors ‘aunties and uncles’ as they’d become part of the family.

“It’s great that my family gets to see the work I do and the families know that we do care.”

Now with baby Daisy at home, Rebecca and Alistair are adjusting to life as new parents.

They also said to make sure to take care of yourself.

“It’s a vulnerable time in their lives and it’s a shared experience that not many people understand.

“We like to have graduation ceremonies and it was only fitting to have a graduation hat.

Dr Foo said they wouldn’t be able to do the work they do without the support of the community.

“We have a very diverse population in the west,” she said. “We try and cater for a large range of cultural needs.”

Alistair said it felt like they just copped everything through the pregnancy.

Both Alistair and Rebecca said it felt more like a brief home away from home.

the nutrition team. There are speech therapists for the children and mental health support for the parents the whole way through.

“But in this regard, I had to let Daisy do her thing, grow when she needs to grow. You don’t really know what’s coming next.

“Of course we got to know her little personality while she was in the hospital, but then bringing her home she definitely turned into a different baby.”

Alistair added, “It’s so good that we still go back to John Kirner as well. So we get to see the same doctors that looked after her on the ward. The continuity has been great.“ To donate to Western Health’s NICU, visit give.whfoundation.org.au/ donate-now

Alistair Woodward and Rebecca Harris with baby Daisy.

Picture: Damjan Janevski

Dietitian Vicky Saunders, Dr Gillian Foo, Alistair Woodward and Rebecca Harris with their baby Daisy, and nurses Nicole Millson and Samantha Dean.

www.KidsWest.com.au

SUMMER 2023 7

It’s Your Life

Watermelon tree icy poles Pictures: Lucy Stewart Kids Nutrition

Ingredients: ■ ¼ watermelon ■ Yoghurt

iin n th the he kitchen

■ Optional decorations: Desiccated coconut, chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, seeds

with Lucy Stewart THESE watermelon tree icy poles make a refreshing summer snack but are especially fun to make at Christmas time.

Not only do they look impressive, they’re really quick and easy to make and encourage kids of all ages into the kitchen to help decorate them.

Cooking with kids – and the inevitable mess that follows – can sometimes feel overwhelming, but this recipe ensures minimal clean-up if you set up your decorating station in advance.

Getting kids in the kitchen has so many long-term health benefits and also helps to build confidence and self-esteem.

Even completing a simple task like this gives kids a sense of accomplishment, and it’s this feeling of success that supports their development.

Christmas is often a time when kids are surrounded by candy canes and gingerbread, so these trees make a sweet change and encourage them to eat more fruit.

The yoghurt icing adds gut-loving probiotics, nourishing fats and protein, then utilise whatever nuts, seeds or dried fruit you have in the pantry to decorate. The tree stumps work as built-in handles or you can add pop sticks.

Instructions: 1. Cut your watermelon into slices about 2cm thick, then slice the rinds in half or thirds, to create tall trees.

2. Trim the rind from the flesh at the sides to create a trunk, then use a sharp knife to make an incision in the trunk where your pop stick can go.

3. Fill a small piping bag with yoghurt and ice your trees. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply fill a plastic sandwich bag in the corner and snip the end off.

4. Place in the freezer until the yoghurt has set, then enjoy!

■ Serves: Approx. 18 ■ Prep time: 10 minutes ■ Cool time: 2 hours

Well Fed Kitchen is a range of healthy snacks for kids that you can make at home.

Created by Nutritionist and mum, Lucy Stewart, they’re made with only real wholefood and plant-based ingredients – no additives, nothing artificial, and without nuts, dairy, soy and wheat.

Well Fed Kitchen provides an easy snack alternative to the sugar-laden, healthy pro- cessed options, guaranteed to fill kids tummies, satisfy their hunger, provide a steady release of energy and some essential growing nutrients too. www.wellfedkitchen.com.au @wellfedkitchen_snacks 12562706-MS36-22

8 SUMMER 2023

www.KidsWest.com.au

It’s Your Life

Outdoor adventures

By Casey Neill GUMNUT Trails are getting families outdoors and exploring Melbourne.

Flemington mum Christina Carter created the guides with help from her husband and 4-year-old daughter.

She brought characters Ellie and Felix to life in comic form to get kids aged 2 to 12 excited about nature and send them on mystery trails.

“I wanted to bring Melbourne’s green treasures to life and encourage families to get out into nature regularly.

“It’s so important for all of us, especially our kids.

“You spend so much of your life on a laptop.

“Absorbed in that work world, it can take me an hour for that fuzziness to disappear.

The project started as a quest to tap into the nature-filled childhood Christina experienced in country Victoria.

“Then when you actually have a really decent time outside and you’re feeling connected with your family, you come out of it really happy.”

“Sustainability, the environment, and nature were part of my existence,” she said.

Christina said that in other countries, doctors prescribed patients time in nature to lift their mood.

“I just took it for granted.”

She established a life in suburbia and when her own daughter reached age 2, she’d never been to the bush.

“I didn’t realise how much of a conscious effort you had to make to make these things happen,” Christina said.

“So I set out to make spending quality time in nature fun and easy for busy Melbourne families - using creative adventures, joyful illustrations and storytelling.

“There’s so much science now around how important it is,” she said.

“If you can look at greenery in your office you’ll be happier than someone who can’t.

“It’s hard to pick yourself up and get outside, but when you do, you feel so much better for it.”

It took Christina a year to create the first guide, from scoping out activities with her little family by her side to seeking feedback from test runs, writing, and illustrating.

“It would be so much easier to go to a place and walk the whole thing to find the spots alone,” she said.

“But you don’t realise what is achievable for a child until you have your child along.

“It really does add a different dimension.”

Two years on, Christina has produced four illustrated Adventure Guides North, South, East, and West.

She researched locations on blogs and sought plenty of recommendations.

“Ultimately we go out and do lots of exploring,” she said.

Christina said exploring has had a huge impact on her daughter.

Christina explores the great outdoors with her daughter.

“She’s really active, she’s strong. She’s not the most out there, loud person, but how many leaps I’ve seen in her! I’m sure this has had a big part in that,” she said.

.“It’s an idea that I could absolutely take to other areas.

Christina has “so many plans” for the guides. She’s talking to a few regions about destination guides.

Christina makes a donation to local conservation projects for every guide sold.

“I’d love to take it to Sydney but that’s going to take a bit of effort,” she said.

Visit gumnuttrails.com.au for more information.

“There’s lots of opportunities.”

Order now on aussietoysonline.com.au 12649477-AA48-23

www.KidsWest.com.au

SUMMER 2023 9

It’s Your Life

Love comes full circle

By Casey Neill A married couple who met when they were just hours old?

As a movie pitch, it sounds a bit far-fetched.

But it’s Elle Bethune and Lachlan Moorhead’s real-life fairytale, with newborn daughter Darcy recently completing their happily ever after.

The Ormond couple’s mothers, Kaye and Marlana, met in a prenatal class at Cabrini.

“They came in with their pillows, I think with our dads,” Elle explained.

“They had several classes over the time before we were born and became friends.”

Marlana gave birth to Lachy via ceasarean on 2 November, while Kaye welcomed Elle on the 10th.

“Their rooms were two doors away,” Elle said.

“We met in the ward.

“There was some holding hands under the maths desk that year,” Elle laughed.

“It wasn’t until uni that we got together.”

The couple married in 2021 after Covid restrictions delayed their nuptials twice.

They pushed their initial December 2020 date to June 2021, and finally to July that year.

“There were a few scares. The wedding was on a Saturday. The Friday morning was the first time we let ourselves believe it would happen,” Lachy said.

They started trying for a baby soon after they tied the knot.

“Everything had been pushed back already,” Elle said.

“It happened really quickly initially. I remember the first test. We couldn’t believe it.”

But she miscarried soon after.

“They created an unofficial mum’s group with another friend so the three of them caught up regularly.

“We were still relatively positive at that point,” she said.

“I know we were at each other’s first birthdays because there’s photos of that.

One progressed to nine weeks before Elle experienced bleeding - while isolated from a Covid-positive Lachy.

“But we went to different kindies and primary schools so then we just lost touch.”

Lachy said they briefly reunited at Year 7 orientation at Caulfield Grammar.

“Just by chance our mums parked next to each other and recognised each other and had a chat,” he said.

“I don’t recall remembering Elle.”

Elle laughed: “I think we weren’t giving much to each other.”

“That was sort of it. It was just that one interaction at the front gate.

“We didn’t talk until Year 10.”

She was put into a maths class without any of her mates but recognised Lachy in the back row.

“Then you slowly let me in,” she said to Lachy.

“That’s how we got to know each other.”

Lachy said they dated during their final years of high school, “but very on and off”.

Back to back to back losses followed.

“I couldn’t be there, so that was hard,” he said.

They decided to see a fertility specialist “just to have a chat” and received a game plan - try naturally for another three months, then turn to IVF. They bought the medication for their first cycle but still held onto hope.

“I thought I’d be one of those people that on the last try before IVF, it’d happen,” Elle said.

After eating the french fries and the pineapple came the long wait to find out whether the transfer had been successful.

The couple were relieved when a blood test confirmed Elle was pregnant, but they’d been there before.

“We were definitely a bit dissociated,” Lachy said.

“I’m sure everyone who goes through these challenges is similar.

“The whole time, the whole pregnancy, I don’t know if we ever believed it.

“You don’t want to be too negative either. We were trying to focus on positive thinking.

“We were aiming for some kind of neutral zone.

“We didn’t tell too many people because you’re wanting to protect yourself.

“It was nice to have a few people who knew because it’s a lot of a burden for just you two.”

Elle received progesterone needles until the 12-week mark, juggling social engagements to administer the hormone at the same time each day.

She had “a lot of bleeding” in the early weeks, which was found to be from a subchorionic hematoma - a blood clot between the amniotic membrane and the uterine wall - that resolved by 20 weeks.

“It was mentally quite hard because it brings up everything,” she said.

“When we found out the sex it made it feel more real.

“That was a step we’d never got to.

We let the walls down a bit.”

Elle was induced at 39+4 at Cabrini - a full-circle moment for the pair.

Doctors broke her waters in the morning and Darcy was born at 5.57pm on 15 August weighing 4.3 kilograms.

“It’s the most crazy thing, seeing this fully-formed thing in front of you that you’ve seen as a shape on a screen,” Lachy said.

“It was super special.”

Naming their daughter was possibly the easiest part of the whole process.

Elle came across a Darcy through her work as a dance teacher.

“We liked unisex names and this one was top of our list,” Lachy said.

Darcy was two months old when we spoke.

“It’s been a lot,” Elle laughed when asked about adjusting to parenthood.

“I don’t think anyone can quite prepare you for the reality.”

But they’re enjoying “figuring her out” and soaking it all up.

“Seeing her starting to engage her eyes and take you in is really special,” Lachy said.

“We think we’re not too far from a smile, which is really nice.

“I think also what’s been really nice is you get that little endorphin hit when you see your friends and family with her.”

Elle said: “Getting to meet her and seeing a little bit of Lachy and seeing yourself looking back at you is just crazy. That has been so nice.”

“Because it’s so timed, I remember day one came and I was like ‘it’s now or never’.

“It was almost good because I couldn’t really question it.

“I think if I’d been left with it I might not have pulled the trigger.”

Her egg retrieval yielded 26 eggs, which formed 12 embryos.

“We did the transfer. I think because of everything I was very dissociated with it,” Elle said.

Parents Lachlan and Elle with Darcy.

Pictures: Rob Carew 10 SUMMER 2023

www.KidsWest.com.au

It’s Your Life

A hidden family dining experience The City View Bistro is a hidden Broadmeadows wonder.

IF you’ve never taken the family to The Melbourne Greyhounds at The Meadows and dined in the City View Bistro, it’s about time you treated everyone.

Aptly named after the Melbourne city skyline views it offers diners, this bistro is a hidden gem (due to it being a little hard to find) and only offers dining on Saturday nights.

Located on the mature tree-lined Northcorp Boulevard, in the heart of the Northcorp Industry Park Broadmeadows, access is from Camp Road, near the Sydney Road end.

For those who have already dined in this elevated bistro with its sensational racetrack and city views, you’ll be pleased to learn an all-new spring menu was launched recently, crafted and curated by head chef Steve Collins.

He and the racing association’s new hospitality manager Harry Thackray and CEO have all worked diligently over the past six months to take the City View’s dining concept to a whole new level.

Google reviews are already singing the praises of the transformation that’s taken place.

The desserts have received particularly high praise from the dining public.

In case the offer of a great dining experience isn’t enough to drag you off the couch, don’t forget Saturday nights at the City View Bistro also revolve around all the excitement of world-class greyhound racing.

A 12-race card provides a very unique night of entertainment, whereby your table in the bistro remains yours for the entire evening (seatings start from 5.30pm and races run from 6.30pm to 10.45pm) and allows you to explore the venue and engagein the racing on offer.

It’s not just dinner, it’s a whole night of fun.

Complimentary track entry and parking are provided and the bistro dining room bar prices are very easy on the hip pocket.

The more adventurous can also delight themselves with an expertly made cocktail or a top-shelf spirit.

This bistro is very popular, therefore a table reservation must be made.

A booking can be made via melbournegreyhounds.org.au or 9355 5222 during business hours.

12590968-JC48-23

www.KidsWest.com.au

SUMMER 2023 11

It’s Your Life

Safer swimming this summer 6. Stay hydrated and use sun protection

SUMMER is the season of sun, fun, and outdoor activities, and what better way to make the most of it than by enjoying the water?

Make sure everyone stays hydrated and uses sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen regularly, and consider using rash guards or swim shirts for additional sun protection.

But, while splashing around in the pool, at the beach, or in your own back yard, safety should always be a top priority.

7. Set boundaries and establish water rules

This summer, let’s dive into a safer season with some valuable tips to keep your family secure around water.

Make sure everyone knows where it’s safe to swim and what areas are off-limits.

1. Enrol your children in swimming lessons

8. Fences and gates

One of the best ways to ensure a safer summer for your family is by teaching your children essential swimming skills.

By enrolling in swimming lessons, you can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 percent.

By choosing a swim school that focuses on survival skills, like Paul Sadler Swimland, your children can not only become more confident swimmers but you’ll provide them with the tools to stay safer in the water.

Learning to swim is an invaluable life skill, and it’s never too early to start, with lessons at Paul Sadler Swimland starting for babies from just 4 months old.

2. Always supervise and stay vigilant Even experienced swimmers can get into challenging situations.

Designate a responsible adult to keep a watchful eye on kids while they swim,

Make sure that all fences and gates to pool areas are functional and lock properly.

Ensure furniture or other items can’t be moved to the fence to give kids extra height to open or climb the fence.

9. Plan swimming sessions around skill levels

It’s never too early for swim lessons.

and avoid distractions like cell phones or lengthy conversations.

3. Teach water safety rules This includes understanding the meaning of different pool signs, not running around pool areas, and respecting the water. Make sure they know the basics of reaching, throwing, and don’t enter the water to rescue someone without proper training.

4. Always use appropriate safety gear Life jackets, floaties, and other safety

If you have beginners, stick to shallow pools and calm waters. As skills improve, you can venture into deeper or more challenging environments.

gear should be used as necessary, especially for young children who might not be strong swimmers yet.

Don’t forget that active supervision is still required even with these items.

5. Be prepared for emergencies Every family should have basic water safety and first aid knowledge. Keep emergency numbers and rescue equipment (lifebuoys, throw ropes) nearby when you’re around the water.

10. Promote respect for water This includes understanding currents, tides, and the unpredictability of open water.

Paul Sadler Swimland has sites throughout Victoria, with multiple locations in the west.

Visit www.paulsadlerswimland.com for more information and to enrol.

One Stop Shopping Centre for the

Entire Family GOURMET CHINESE

03 8382 0500

Taylors Corner Deli 9307 9969

VANKA’S Bakery and Cakes

0421 829 282

Divine Floral & Giftware

9307 9813

Mini Punjab Foods

WATERVALE 9307 9995

FISH & CHIPS 9307 2288

Watervale

Vanity Nails

Indian Supermarket

9307 9190 Australian Seafood Specialist

Lotto News & Gifts

0403 027 978

9005 1414

Woolworth Supermarket and BWS liquor store

8361 4713

9307 2888

9307 8488

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LAUNDRY 0468 961 491 Charcoal Chickens Redrocks 9307 9818 HAIRDRESSER and beauty treatment.

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&

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TABLETS REPAIRS

9307 0275

WATERVALE MEDICAL CLINIC

4416 3250

9307 7494

9307 9161 DENTAL CLINIC 9307 8620

No hassle parking

12 SUMMER 2023

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12648660-HC48-23

NEW DRAGON

HOME TOWN PIZZA & PASTA

It’s Your Life

A slice of culinary delight WHERE ambiance meets culinary excellence Slices Restaurant has firmly established itself as a dining destination that transcends mere sustenance.

At the heart of Slices Restaurant lies a culinary adventure that fuses contemporary Italian and Australian cuisine.

The carefully curated drinks menu complements the culinary offerings, allowing diners to savor the perfect pairing with their chosen dishes.

Nestled in picturesque locations, it marries sublime settings with unique decor, creating an atmosphere that resonates with both urban sophistication and rustic charm.

The new menu boasts a symphony of flavours created from the freshest and finest ingredients.

Slices Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of culinary excellence and an unforgettable dining environment.

Upon stepping inside Slices Restaurant, diners are enveloped in a world of warmth and aesthetic delight.

The use of timber and custom-made finishes infuse the space with an inviting cosiness, while distinctive lighting and decor elements add an extra layer of personality.

Whether you seek a quiet, intimate evening or plan to host a gathering of friends and family, Slices Restaurant offers a relaxed and comfortable environment to cater to your needs.

Each dish is a testament to the chef’s dedication to achieving the perfect balance of tastes and textures.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a celebratory event, or simply an extraordinary dining experience, Slices Restaurant is the place where your expectations will not only be met but exceeded.

From classic favourites to innovative creations, there’s something to please every palate.

The dining experience is elevated further with an extensive selection of boutique wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your meal.

What truly sets Slices Restaurant apart is its commitment to providing a diverse and memorable experience for its patrons.

With a variety of exclusive and versatile function spaces, it’s the ideal choice for special occasions, from intimate celebrations to large group gatherings.

The restaurant’s attention to detail in crafting these spaces ensures that each event feels unique and tailored to the customer’s vision.

12648977-MS48-23

www.KidsWest.com.au

SUMMER 2023 13

It’s Your Life

Holiday reading hacks for kids RUTH MCGURK is a mum, primary school teacher, and author of the new children’s book The Dinosaur Did It. She shares her tips to keep kids reading over the summer break.

SO, the holidays have rolled around again and amid organising the perfect Christmas, the family travel plans, and juggling work commitments, you’ve been put in charge of your child’s reading over the six-week break.

Fear not: there are ways to do this without feeling like a drill sergeant, and keeping your sanity intact.

Why do schools recommend this?

Over the holidays it’s normal for kids to forget a little bit of what they’ve learned at school.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘summer slide’, it’s when skills get a bit rusty because students are out of practice and not engaging with learning in the same way they do at school.

Kids absolutely need a break from formal schooling, but encouraging reading during that break can help them to not fall too far back.

Here are some tips to get your kids’ noses stuck into a book.

Start small Reading doesn’t just mean books.

If you’re happy to get the kids into the kitchen over the holidays, get them to read the ingredients and instructions in the recipe.

The same goes for craft activities and even putting toys together.

Ask your child to help you read out the steps to assemble that new trampoline while you put it together, or share the rules of the new board game they just got for Christmas.

They might be short texts but it all counts.

Leave reading material lying around This might be a tough one if you prefer an ordered, uncluttered house, but leaving a small stack of picture books on the breakfast table can give kids something to do while they’re feeling under-stimulated with a mundane task.

Yep, you might end up with cereal on some of your favourite stories, but having it within reach provides extra opportunities for kids to have a quick flick through.

If you’re up for it, you can level up and stick some next to the toilet or in the seat pockets in your car.

And it doesn’t have to only be story books either. Theatre programs, footy records, Guinness Book of World Records, or even a magazine about their favourite activity all work.

For example, if your child is really into gaming, there are magazines that review new releases and discuss the latest trends (just be sure to check the content is appropriate first).

Any text about an area your child is interested in is worthwhile them reading, and might feature vocabulary they are not commonly exposed to in a fiction text.

Try audiobooks This is perfect for that road trip on the way to your family holiday.

When it’s your turn to pick the music, pop an audiobook on instead.

There are fantastic recorded versions of novels and picture books you can play in the car via bluetooth or CD. It doesn’t need to be the whole book, either - most books try to capture their readers by chapter three. Once you’ve got your kids hooked into the story, you can switch to the hard copy.

It’s the holidays, after all, so let them sit back and relax with familiar characters and storylines.

Let them choose their own adventure Giving your child ownership of picking a new book can really ignite their interest.

We’re lucky to have brilliant independent bookshops with staff who are incredibly knowledgeable and well-versed in kid’s books on all different topics.

Also, they can help caregivers branch out from the stuff we read growing up.

There truly is something to appeal to most interests, from books celebrating the Matildas, epic fantasy series, to funny graphic novels with heaps of pictures to support your child’s understanding of the story.

Be seen to be reading This one is both incredibly powerful and often really hard to pull off.

This can be hard if you’ve got very young children, but setting up a culture of reading in your home is fast-tracked when they see you reading, too.

So sit down with a cuppa and good book - it’s for the kids!

Getting your kids to read over the holidays is more than just worthwhile for their academics, it’s a fantastic way to relax after a busy school year.

If you can get creative with it, you’ll be setting your children along a path to becoming lifelong book lovers.

The Dinosaur Did It is published by Five Mile Press, and available in bookstores and online from January.

Ruth McGurk with husband, Adam, and their children, Felicity, 2, Imogen, 5, and Nicholas, 3.

Picture: Louisa Jones

When kids see their adults sitting down and enjoying a book it’s a validation of reading.

And if your child finds reading challenging, an audiobook is the perfect read-a-long companion while they follow the words on the page.

Best of all, these can be accessed free of charge through libraries in-house or via apps.

Check out the library holiday program Libraries have fantastic holiday programs with a variety of activities.

Jump onto your local library’s website to check out what’s on offer.

And while you’re there, why not use the opportunity to encourage the kids to grab a book on the way out?

Memberships are free and the staff are always ready to pair your child with their perfect book.

Comfort reading is legitimate reading You know how adults enjoy an easy beach read? Well, kids need that comfort, too.

Let your children read their old favourites. They will be revising vocabulary and getting a deeper understanding of the text each time they re-read it.

More kinder places are coming TWO kindergarten projects will create more than 120 new preschool places for Wyndham kids.

These upgrades will include three modular kindergarten rooms, providing adaptable learning spaces.

Then-Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Minister Ingrid Stitt announced $5.75 million for the projects in September.

A further $2.75 million will support the redevelopment of the Jamieson Way Kindergarten in Point Cook.

The redevelopment of the Mossfiel Integrated Family Centre (interim name) in Hoppers Crossing will deliver up to 83 new places, supported by a $3 million investment to modernise the service.

The facility will be expanded to three rooms, with space for an extra 40 children to attend the service each day.

14 SUMMER 2023

“We’re investing in the future of our littlest learners through our Best Start, Best Life reforms – delivering new and upgraded kinders across the state, so more children and families can access two years of free, quality kindergarten close to home,” Ms Stitt said.

Both projects are part of a $47 million Building Blocks Partnership with Wyndham City Council that will create more than 3600 local kindergarten places across 17 early childhood services by 2029.

More kinder places are coming soon.

www.KidsWest.com.au

Entertainment

Embracing The Elements RAIN, hail or shine, Melbourne’s new coastal activity park ‘The Elements’ at Wyndham Harbour has all you need for a playful day getaway with your family, furry friends, mates - or even your date!

The new adventure oasis offers pleasure-seekers and day trippers a chance to escape the hustle of the city and experience the great outdoors in a way that’s fun for all walks of life - and the best part is it’s only a stone’s throw away from the city.

The Elements consists of a one-of-akind, nature-inspired 18-hole mini-golf course, nature walks, an adventurous sailing school, picnic spots, an expansive deck and coffee corner, and trendy eatery 3030 Boulevard.

You can have a (w)holesome game of putt-putt, feel the salt on your

skin, grab a bite to eat, and sip on cold-brews and cocktails while looking across the ocean to uninterrupted views of the Melbourne city skyline.

Set on a stretch of Port Phillip Bay coastline that until now had remained largely untouched and undiscovered, the Elements is located just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and 13 minutes from the heart of Werribee.

The coastal park sits pretty in the heart of the newly-developed Wyndham Harbour, which consists of a world-class 1000-berth marina, 500 contemporary residential

complexes and exclusive amenities including the Marina Lounge, a fish cleaning room, bathroom and laundry facilities, water and electricity at each berth, a barbecue area, and complimentary parking.

With its convenient location, it’s the perfect place to spend a couple of hours away from the house, or even stop by on your way to Werribee Zoo, romantic Werribee Mansion, indulgent Lancemore Mansion Hotel or Victoria State Rose Garden.

Inspired by the natural ‘elements’, rich farming and maritime history of Werribee and its surrounds, the foundations of the new coastal activity park were fashioned from materials with a deep connection to the community.

This includes reclaimed wood from the marina nearby, and 100-year-old

railway sleepers rescued and reused from the old Geelong rail.

Cosy natural habitats have been carefully built for the native bird and bat communities that inhabit the area to ensure all kinds of locals can make the most of the new activity park.

The landscape is flourishing with native and indigenous flora and grasses to encourage biodiversity and is enriched with organic mulch.

Even the mini-golf green has been designed to look lush 24/7 with no watering required.

Whether you are looking for an outdoor activity with the kids, a new hotspot to take your foodie friends, or a romantic place to have a picnic with a loved one, The Elements is your one-stop-shop to uncover the good times.

MELBOURNE’S NEW COASTAL ACTIVITY PARK ‘THE ELEMENTS’ AT WYNDHAM HARBOUR FORECAST TO BECOME YOUR #1 DAYCATION DESTINATION

www.theelementsactivitypark.com.au play@theelementsactivitypark.com.au +61 3 9233 8588 @theelements.activitypark 50 Quay Boulevard, Wyndham Harbour, Werribee South VIC 3030 www.KidsWest.com.au

12647262-HC48-23

SUMMER 2023 15

Education

Empowering every student COPPERFIELD College’s mission is to ‘empower every student to aspire and achieve’ - the key word being ‘every’.

The college team lives its values of Collaboration, Inclusiveness and Growth, and embrace all learners into the Copperfield family, knowing that every student can learn, every student can progress and create opportunities for themselves and others.

The college does this by investing in people to provide wrap-around support for each child.

There are home group teachers, team leaders, campus leaders, campus principals, wellbeing staff, expert literacy, numeracy and EAL teachers, pathways staff and staff who support for extracurricular activities and, of course, expert classroom teachers.

Student survey data reflects the school’s success, with data being in the top quartile of the state for teacherstudent relations, safety, not experiencing bullying, motivation and interest and high expectations.

The new VCE Vocational Major (VM) certificate was modelled on Copperfield’s successful vocational educational programs.

Although Copperfield is a large school, because it’s on three campuses, students get the benefit of being with a smaller cohort, so they are seen, known, and know each other.

The school community’s diversity is also a strength, with families coming from many different countries.

successful students also receive a school recommended device.

Copperfield College also has a two-year scholarship program for students starting Year 7.

There are three areas - Academic Excellence, Performing Arts and Leadership/ Community scholarships.

Students who demonstrate excellence in their field are encouraged to apply as this is a wonderful opportunity for students to be supported in playing to their strengths.

In addition to financial support,

Copperfield’s community liaison staff work closely with our families, providing translations and information sessions in community languages.

This brings a richness and vibrancy to the college as the school body lives its values every day.

Information is available on the school website.

Copperfield College has a motto: ‘one family, three homes’. The school prides itself on its positive retention rates. Once students become part of the Copperfield family, teachers nurture them until they realise their potential and leave us as well-rounded, caring citizens with a positive life pathway.

Copperfield College invests in people to provide wrap-around support for each child.

The Year 7 transition program has proved very popular with students who endorse it strongly.

It begins during their primary school years with the opportunity to attend college events, participate in peer tutoring and meeting teachers.

This is also reflected in the college’s median ATAR of 28, which is above state average.

The large school offers a huge range of course options. In fact, senior students have the choice of 37 VCE subjects and 33 VET options.

The beginning of their first year includes a transition program where they get to know the school and its systems and process and participate in a fun-filled day of inter-home group competition.

12606695-JC23-23

“Empowering every student to aspire and achieve” Book a tour of our College by visiting our website www.copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au Junior School - Year 7-10 Kings Park Junior Campus Kambalda Circuit Kings Park 3021 Phone: 9365 4111 | Fax: 9365 4999

Copperfield College Sydenham Campus Community Hub, Sydenham 3037 Phone: 9361 3888 | Fax: 9361 3899

Senior School Years 11 - 12: VCE, VCE (VM) & VET Delahey Senior Campus | College Administration Goldsmith Avenue Delahey 3037 Phone: 9307 5555 | Fax: 9307 5444

Email: copperfield.co@education.vic.gov.au | Website: copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au I acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal owners of this land, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

16 SUMMER 2023

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Education

Pathways for all students SUNBURY Downs College is a vibrant Year 7 to 12 coeducational secondary college, offering a rich educational experience in an environment that encourages excellent outcomes for all students.

The college offers a wide range of programs catering for all students, with a strong emphasis on developing individual wellbeing and positive interpersonal relationships.

The Sunbury Downs house and school captains with principal Warwick Beynon.

Students belong to one of two ‘mini schools’ - Middle Years (7-9) and Later Years (10-12) - with year-level coordinators working with homegroup and classroom teachers.

Sunbury Downs College has a comprehensive educational program including English, mathematics, science, humanities, health and physical education, arts, technology and languages (Italian).

The college also offers a range of VCE subjects, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) together with a structured VCE Vocational Major program in Years 11 and 12, catering for students with an interest in applied learning.

Sunbury Downs College offers an Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) program, extending students through a challenging curriculum including early commencement of VCE.

The ACE program is a select entry course with enrolment from feeder primary schools for students in Years 7 to 9.

The college offers a wide range of inclusive activities and programs which cater to all students, including debating, maths club, band and choir.

There are year level and specialised camps and excursions that compliment the teaching and learning program.

It offers instrumental music and presents a highly acclaimed musical production, enabling students to excel in an environment that fosters participation, responsibility and teamwork outside the classroom.

Students are allocated to one of four houses (Aitken, Evans, Jackson, Mitchell) on enrolment, with an inter-school sporting program offering students the opportunity to represent the school at the local level.

The college values of Respect, Resilience, Ambition and Community are embedded within the school’s teaching and learning practices.

These core values support a culture of participation and excellence based on developing positive relationships and personal growth by all community members.

Sunbury Downs College ‘Confidence to Achieve’ • VCE results consistently at or above state average • A safe, inclusive and secure learning environment • Supporting student’s wellbeing by understanding the needs of each child

• Recently modernised & upgraded facilities • Accelerated Curriculum & Enrichment (ACE) program • Students are known and cared for as individuals

Our work is underpinned by our College values:

Respect | Resilience | Ambition | Community A co-educational school with dedicated teachers who implement innovative ideas to stimulate learning Contact 9744 0500 or sunbury.downs.sc@education.vic.gov.au

12590186-AV23-23

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148-174 Mitchells Lane, Sunbury VIC 3429 SUMMER 2023 17

DENTAL

Sleep apnea has many signs WITH school holidays around the corner, it’s a good time to book the kids in for their dental check-up.

Main Street Dental participates in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

If your child is aged between 2 and 18 years, they might be eligible for dental treatment up to $1052.

Sleep apnea in children Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes children to stop breathing for short periods during sleep.

This can happen multiple times a night and can disrupt their sleep.

Symptoms of sleep apnea in children include: ■ Snoring; ■ Pauses in breathing; ■ Restless sleep; ■ Snorting, coughing, or choking; ■ Mouth breathing; ■ Nighttime sweating; ■ Bed-wetting; ■ Sleep terrors; ■ Daytime sleepiness;

■ Problems with attention and learning;

■ Weight loss;

■ Hyperactivity; and

■ Medications; and

■ Behavioral problems.

Causes of sleep apnea in children include: ■ Enlarged tonsils and adenoids;

■ CPAP therapy; ■ Surgery.

Complications of sleep apnea in children

■ Obesity;

■ Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a number of complications, including:

■ Allergic rhinitis;

■ Daytime sleepiness;

■ Craniofacial abnormalities; and ■ Neuromuscular disorders.

■ Problems with attention and learning;

Diagnosis of sleep apnea in children

■ Hyperactivity;

If you are concerned that your child might have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor.

■ Impulsivity;

They might recommend that your child have a sleep study. A sleep study is a test that monitors your child’s breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs during sleep.

The best healthcare provider to screen your children is the dentist. All children should start seeing the dentist from the age of 2 or, if sleep apnea is suspected, maybe earlier.

Treatment for sleep apnea in children Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. Some common treatments include: ■ Removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids;

■ Aggression; ■ Behavioral problems; ■ High blood pressure; ■ Heart problems; and ■ Stroke.

Prevention of sleep apnea in children There is no guaranteed way to prevent sleep apnea in children. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your child’s risk, such as: ■ Maintaining a healthy weight; ■ Avoiding exposure to smoke and other irritants; and ■ Getting regular medical checkups.

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Reality Bites

New mums in Safe Hands

By Casey Neill

“I had the most beautiful birth,” she said.

phone, you’d be lucky if you got asked how you were going.

CLAIRE Andrews is a mum and nurse on a mission.

“But after I gave birth to her I dropped 1.7 litres of blood within the space of 10 minutes.

“A lot of people are moving away from the hospital system because they just don’t want to do it anymore.

“I got diagnosed with preeclampsia and retained membranes and ended up in theatre very quickly.

“One side effect of that could be people navigating early parenthood move into the job.

“It all happened within my workplace.

That added a layer of stuff.”

“I think that there are a lot more people coming into this line of work who have similar passions in this area of women’s health rather than children’s health, and hopefully that will start turning the dial.”

“I really genuinely think that through shared experience we can help each other to feel a little less alone,” she said.

Her own rough entry to motherhood inspired her to become a maternal child health nurse, start online resource Safe Hands Parenting, and produce podcast The Moment.

“To know what it feels like to become a parent is almost indescribable,” Claire said.

“It is the most monumental experience that your body, your mind, your self, your identity can go through.

“People don’t have to feel isolated or helpless or alone in that experience.”

Claire has been a nurse for more than 10 years. She still remembers the moment she knew it was the career path for her.

“I was doing health and human development and we did a topic on perinatal health,” she said.

Claire was diagnosed with glandular fever at her six-week checkup, and then the lockdowns began.

Her partner, Steve, started his job as a paramedic just two weeks before Millie was born, so had no parental leave and was working long hours.

“We didn’t really have a circle of friends or support network around us,” she said.

“It was just months and months on end of not having any face to face contact or everyday support.”

Claire was diagnosed with severe postnatal depression, and later with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I went home to my mum and said, ‘I really want to do that’.”

“The silver lining of going through such a horrible experience was it showed me what I love about what I do, and it’s really supporting women,” she said.

Her mum explained ‘that’ was midwifery and suggested she start out studying nursing.

“I thought, ‘How can I combine my professional and my personal experience to hopefully make a difference?’.

Claire did just that, started working in nursing in 2012, and entered a midwifery postgraduate course the following year.

“Going into maternal child health nursing was the best way I could see that happening.”

“I wasn’t a huge fan of the purely adult nursing in a ward,” she said.

Plus it was inflexible with her midwifery studies and placements, so she helped to provide termination and contraception services at Marie Stopes Australia, now MSI Australia.

“That was really fantastic. That confirmed my love of just women’s health and working with women and supporting women,” she said.

Claire joined the Royal Women’s as a midwife in 2015 and welcomed her first child, Millie, five years later.

www.KidsWest.com.au

Claire said Victoria’s MCHN system was more robust than anywhere else in the country.

“Parents can access up to 10 appointments from birth to 3.5 years,” she said.

“But the circus is missing a trick.

“The motto is ‘children are at the heart of what we do’.

“But children do not determine what their life looks like, their parents do.

Safe Hands is an extension of her work with new parents, and was born from having multiple conversations around navigating the same parenthood challenges.

grew up in as children, we saw mums that ‘just keep going’ because there is no alternative.

“They would never speak about how they felt, especially with their kids.

“My mum worked full time after having her youngest.

“She was juggling a huge amount of work in a paid sense, and in a household sense.

“They didn’t have an outlet so they kept it all bottled up.

“We’ve seen that role modelled.”

So Claire is passionate about preparing for parenthood.

The business includes a guide for new parents, as well as an Instagram account.

“My biggest piece of advice is, if you have one person that you can speak to about anything, then that can really take a weight off,” she said.

“Social media has brought a great amount of information,” she said.

“My other piece of advice is, it’s OK to feel what you feel.

“But you do have to take everything with a grain of salt.

“In the process of entering parenthood, you are going to have everyone come up to you and say ‘you must be so excited’.

“I don’t think there’s been enough of that genuine content, there is too much glamorisation.

“And you’re relying on people adhering to their scope of practice.

“I didn’t want to just create an account for the sake of creating an account.

“I wanted to fill the gap.”

Claire leans on her wealth of clinical and personal experience and shares content she wishes she’d seen while in the thick of it - the honest thoughts and feelings common to new mothers.

“Our generation is shifting the way we are talking about things,” she said.

“They learnt from their parents that they don’t talk about anything.

“Things aren’t kept hush hush anymore.

“The system is geared towards the child.

“Becoming a parent, you are never going to be so analytical about your own childhood in your whole life.

“Through my experience, over the

“Across many households that we

“It minimises the other 1001 thoughts you have about your experience.

“You might be completely overwhelmed.

“Giving yourself permission to be OK with that is a really important step to having those conversations with other people.”

Claire invites parents to share these thoughts on The Moment.

“It basically is a podcast where everybody shares the moments that have shaped them as parents,” she said.

“It’s about putting words or a voice to the experiences that so many go through, yet until now hasn’t been spoken about enough.”

Listen to The Moment wherever you get your podcasts, and find Claire on Instagram at SafeHandsParenting.

SUMMER 2023 19

Reality Bites

Making space for comfort and conversations

Gabrielle with children Camille, Audrey, and Frederick.

20 SUMMER 2023

Picture: Jenna Agius

By Casey Neill

in a practical sense he’s making a lot more money than I am.”

GABRIELLE Nancarrow is guiding new parents through the beautiful chaos of modern motherhood.

The mother of three, doula, and author released her second book, The Motherhood Space in October.

She shares her own motherhood journey alongside interviews and personal reflections from more than 50 women around the world.

“This book was written in notes on my phone, on torn pieces of paper around my home, and from conversations that have been swimming around in my head since I finished my first book,” Gabrielle wrote.Beyond providing comfort in shared experiences, she hopes to “further the conversation of how unacceptably challenging it is to parent in a culture that does not acknowledge or value the work of motherhood”.

“The truth is, loving our children is the easy part. It’s mothering under the patriarchy that drowns us,” she wrote.

“It’s going to take time for the walls of the patriarchy to come down and to ensure that happens, change has to come from within our homes.

“Teach your children from a young age that the work of the home is everyone’s responsibility and allow them to witness both parents doing it regardless of who is in paid work and who is not.”

When Kids spoke to Gabrielle, she conceded tackling such generational change was hugely overwhelming.

“I think I’ve learnt a lot through the process of writing this,” she said.

“Governments and workplaces don’t recognise that men and women need to be equal.

“There’s still pressure on men to be those breadwinners.

“They’re not given the time and space at work to have equal parental leave.

“Genuine change needs to begin in our homes.

“The only way is if you show up in equal parts from the minute that child is born.

“So much of what has to go in is invisible.

“It’s not just practical, but the emotional load.

“They come to you to talk to you because you’re the present parent.

“Unless you have true equal time in your family, it’s really difficult for the other partner to break in on that.

“But the person doing all the work gets so resentful.”

Gabrielle lived in New York when she welcomed her first child.

She returned to work full-time just a few months later. When she returned to Australia, she took some time off before taking a part-time role.

“So then it was me as the primary, sole carer of three children,” she said.

“My partner has always worked full-time. I don’t like that.

“I would rather it was more equal, but

The home is not the only place where Gabrielle examines the need for change.

“Things have to change in the hospital system,” she told Kids.

“One of the biggest and most difficult things I work through as a doula is that women blame themselves.

“You’re up against a system that has been in place for centuries.

“It is a medical model. We have a very medicalised system.

“There’s a lot of talk about this system being broken.

“The system isn’t broken. It was set up to move a large majority of the population through a hospital system.

“There’s so much going on in a hospital system. Women are really at the bottom of the pile, unfortunately.”

She said the New South Wales government commissioned a report into birth trauma.

“A lot of it is women feeling like they’re not being heard,” Gabrielle said.

“Our intervention rate is so high that it’s normalised.

“It’s a very difficult thing to trust your gut in this type of environment.

“They present it like your baby’s life is at stake.

“You want to do what’s best for yourself and your baby.

“Informed consent is a really important part of this picture.

“A lot of women are being scared into being induced. They’re not being told the risks.

“They’re only told about the risks of waiting it out.

“They’re not getting both sides of the story.”

Women railroaded into decisions are coming out the other end traumatised or disappointed, Gabrielle said.

“Birth can be positive and empowering, but it can be the exact opposite,” she said.

“It influences how we mother, how we parent, how we birth again if we go on to have another child.”

Gabrielle’s children were aged 9, 5, and 2 when we spoke.

She wrote that one of the unexpected joys of writing the book was speaking with women whose children were older than hers and highlighted the amazing parenting journey ahead of her.

She’s “really mourning those years of babies and newborns” despite often thinking she’d never come out of them.

She’s not quite ready for the next chapter.

But Gabrielle’s eldest is moving into the tween years.

“The changes in her are incredible and scary at the same time,” she said.

“It does feel overwhelming but it does feel kind of exciting.

“It feels like a new beautiful chapter I can get excited about.” www.KidsWest.com.au

Reality Bites

Tara reads the book to Paddy.

Sunscreen battles begone!

By Casey Neill

in for both kids so early on.”

Tara sought professional support to get her mental health back on track.

A former Bachelor star is using a cheeky book to help kids stay sunsmart.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work on myself,” she said.

Tara Pavlovic-Shepherdson wrote The Adventures of Willy and his Sunburnt Bum after fighting many sunscreen battles.

“I’m the biggest I’ve ever been but I don’t see a fat person staring back at me.

The mum of two spent years working in childcare and as an in-home nanny.

“I see a healthy strong person staring back at me.

“One of the main things I struggled with was getting sunscreen on the kids and keeping a hat on their heads,” she said.

“I always trained because I wanted to be skinny.

“No matter how thin I got, I still wasn’t healthy in the mind.

“I always wished I had a book to read them.”

Tara held onto the idea for years, until appearances on reality TV shows The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise opened some doors and Willy hit bookstores. Willy hates clothes and sunscreen in equal measure but still wants to play outside. He learns his lesson the hard way.

“Having him highly upset and emotional shows it does hurt if you don’t wear sunscreen, it does hurt when you don’t wear your hat,” she said.

Tara said the reception to Willy had been great.

“I’ve already got so many people who have reached out and said thank you, it helped their household make sun safety a really enjoyable experience,” she said.

“Paddy was very bad with his hat to start with.

“He’s only two and a half so he’s still very young in terms of understanding things.

“He’s still getting used to the sunscreen, but I always just read Willy and freshen up Willy’s message.

“It’s all about persistence, and incorporating the book into that persistence.”

Tara allows Paddy to help to apply his sunscreen. She said giving him some feeling of control can help to smooth the process.

“They’re feeling like they are

www.KidsWest.com.au

“I always still thought I was fat.

“Weight has always been so attached to self-worth. responsible. Eventually, they will be responsible,” she said.

In terms of wearing a hat, Tara said repeatedly putting it back on your child’s head and sticking to ‘no hat, no play’ were key to getting them on board.

TARA thought she was going to nail motherhood, with years of experience in childcare under her belt.

“I thought I would really be great at being a mum,” she said.

“Turns out it’s very different to working in childcare.

“I love it. But it has been a wild transition.

“I think everyone with a child, though, feels this and feels this responsibility that just doesn’t go away.

“You just don’t get a rest from it.

“There’s just so much to think about always, your brain is always just ticking over.

“It’s literally the most amazing thing ever and it’s the best thing, and you just love your kids so much.

“But sometimes you’re just so tired.”

When we spoke, Paddy was almost two and a half and Edi-Rae had just turned one.

“They are so different. They couldn’t be more different,” she said.

“Paddy was always a terrible sleeper - still is a terrible sleeper.

“She’s an amazing sleeper.

“I actually was freaked out. I thought she was having infantile seizures because she wasn’t crying. She’s just staring at things and looking around.

“I took her to paediatrician. I was just so used to having an upset baby.

“I always thought the skinnier I was, the more lovable I would be, and the more I would love myself.

“Two kids down the track I’ve never been more comfortable in my body.

“I had two knee injuries, two babies, a knee reconstruction, anxiety, and depression.

“My body’s been through a lot.

“She was just a content baby and he wasn’t.

“A lot has gotten me to the size I am today, but it also led me to live a much healthier life afterwards.”

“She’s been independent the whole time and he’s not. He’s always needed someone to be there with him at all times.

With therapy, Tara worked through the trauma she was masking with her unhealthy habits.

“You can give her a toy and she’ll sit there and play with it.”

“I think everything happens for a reason.

Paddy was only 16 months old when Edi-Rae was born. Tara’s mental health suffered.

“I think I had to hit rock bottom to be the person I am today.”

“I felt so guilty when I got PND (post-natal depression) because I had a healthy baby already and then I was pregnant with another one,” she said.

“People can’t fall pregnant and here I am, depressed with my current situation. I’m a terrible person, I’m so ungrateful.

“I ate so much crap. It was the only thing bringing me joy.

“I couldn’t even walk. I had SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction). It kicked

“I’m me again,” she said.

The person she is today is a mum of two fighting a battle many parents will be familiar with - teeth brushing. And it’s getting her creative juices flowing.

“Paddy will not brush his teeth, so that book has to happen ASAP,” she laughed.

“You’d think we were murdering him.”

The Adventures of Willy and his Sunburnt Bum is available from www.adventureswithtara.com.au.

SUMMER 2023 21

Books

Teach your teens life skills

By Casey Neill CONNECTING with Your Teens is about building resilient and independent adults.

Author Andy McNeilly wrote the guide to help parents and teachers bond with teens while helping them develop important life skills.

It follows on from the school teacher’s first book, Connecting with Your Kids, which was aimed at primary school children.

Andy’s kids are now aged 20, 18, and 16 years so he’s in the thick of the teen years himself.

When he was a teen, he’d jump on his bike and head off for the day. There were no mobile phones.

“My mum and dad had no idea where I was,” he said.

“We really didn’t get into that much mischief.

“Now there are so many more things for kids to negotiate as teenagers.

“As a parent, I really want my kids to be able to handle these things - to be resilient, to be independent.”

Andy and his wife were about to travel to New Zealand for a holiday when we spoke.

“I can confidently leave my three kids at home,” he said.

“They are well-equipped.

“I’ve always thought about parenting as ‘how can I help my kids be independent and move out?’.

“I think a lot of parents do worry that

Author Andy McNeilly with his family.

it’s a lot more difficult for kids today.

“They think ‘I better take care of my kid, I better wrap them up’.

“They’re less likely to push them out into the world and say, ‘You have the skills, I believe in you’.

“You want them to face these tricky situations.”

And when a situation is too tricky for their skill set? Hopefully, they ask you for help.

“When you don’t have the relationship, it’s really hard for them to ask for help,” Andy said.

“You want to have a strong relationship.

“If I put a game on the kitchen table, eventually they might want to play.

“It’s never too late to repair or build a relationship.”

“The book is full of ideas that are really simple and accessible.

Connecting with Your Teens features activities, strategies, and examples.

“It could be a five-minute activity.

“Sometimes they might be a bit angsty and ask, ‘Why do I have to play a game with you?’,” he laughed.

“It can be tricky to change, but even a little change…

“With my kids, if I say, ‘Come on, let’s play a game’ they might walk away.

“Get them to teach you a game they play on their console. Say, ‘Let’s play it together’ and get into their world.

“I think sometimes we forget as parents, we get a bit trapped in the seriousness.

“Life’s too short not to have fun.”

Elder shares the six seasons on her Country ASK Aunty: Seasons is an educational picture book for children aged 5 to 10 years that introduces First Nations seasonal calendars.

For First Nations People, the seasons don’t change when the calendar does.

To engage the Evolve audience in a fun and accessible way, Aunty Munya creates ‘Ask Aunty’ videos for the website and TikTok channel, translating words from the Bardi language and discussing cultural knowledge.

Instead, they look for changes in plants, animals, water, weather and the stars to mark the start of a new season.

Aunty Munya brings this engaging information to the pages of Ask Aunty: Seasons.

Aunty Munya explains how there are six seasons on her Country.

With illustrations by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis, Ask Aunty: Seasons encourages all readers to develop a deeper connection with the land, waters, and sky.

Mankal is the rainy season, bringing strong winds from the ocean, while Barrgan is the season when bush fruits are most plentiful.

An Elder from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Aunty Munya is the co-director of Evolve Communities, through which she runs cultural awareness training programs.

22 SUMMER 2023

Ask Aunty: Seasons is the first in a planned series of children’s books by Aunty Munya.

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