Families Magazine - Brisbane Back to School & Education Issue 2018

Issue 26: February / March 2018 www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au TM

Brisbane From North Lakes and Samford in the north to the Redlands and Logan in the South and out through the Western suburbs of Brisbane

O t K BAC L! O O H C S Our bumper e ss i l a n o i t a E d uc

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2018 School Open Days Term Time Holidays: The Facts Q&A with Families that Travel Local Clubs & Classes for Kids

The Clever Resource for Thinking Parents

February / March 2018

Contents Welcome to our Back to School Issue

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New year, same me! Welcome back - how was your holiday break? Don’t bother answering - I saw your Facebook photos and they were suspiciously carefree and happy. I can read between the lines, no one is relaxed at a beach with kids under 10!!! Now that the air conditioning bill requires a personal loan it’s time to get frugal. This is the year I start meal planning and coupon shopping and only take sensible holidays in off-peak times. What’s that – Pillow Talk are having a sale? I better go clear my wish list first…

Find out about news for families

6-7

Parenting How to make-over your kids room on a budget

8 - 17

Education Feature 6 Tips for Reluctant Readers

To be frugal is to save on the little things and spend prudently so there is minimal waste. LOL. Sounds great until I look at the jumbled pile of half used erasers, pencils and school books heaped in a corner from 2017 and think “No way am I sorting through that, let’s just order the complete booklist again”.

Double LOL if you got your EDSCO order in early - the one time being on top of things doesn’t pay off! The last-minute mums and dads will be having a quiet chuckle at the delay - give them that at least. Them = me.

If you are looking for slightly more ethical, researched and effective solutions to your everyday parenting planning dilemmas then leaf through this invaluable issue. There’s tips on taking holidays during term time, kids bedrooms on a budget (thanks again Pillow Talk) and ideas for kids’ clubs and classes for 2018. Thank me later.

Families News

Spelling Success – Tips for parents Music for young children is vital Term Time Holidays: The Facts

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Families Travel Q&A with Families that Travel

26 - 30

Families Fun Circles the family events you plan to do during February & March

Yours in booklists that that don’t break the bank,

Simone Eclair

Simone Eclair insists she is a Brisbane comedian (but you can decide for yourself ).

Follow her on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram (simone.eclair) if you are inclined or enjoy her blog and videos at www.simoneeclair.com

Cover images courtesy of Shutterstock Photos & Deposit Images

CONTACT US:

Next issue April / May 2018 Deadline by 5pm on Friday 23 February 2018

Families Magazine, PO Box 1018, Brighton 4017

Focus on Families Health, Bumps & Babies

☎ 07 3265 5738

Readership over 167, 200 every issue. Published 6 times a year. Local magazines for families in Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan and the Moreton Region, Toowoomba and Gold Coast.

Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

© Families Magazine 2018

Bunya Mountains Refuel your spirit A Bunya Mountains holiday is quiet, calm and uplifting. Revel in the flow of precious, uninterrupted quality time with your family. Get up close and personal with our native birds and animals; explore the National Park walking tracks designed with families in mind.

Walks range in size from 500m up to 10km and feature bunya pine dominated rainforest, creeks, waterfalls, extensive views and peace. Soak up the magic of Bunya Mountains and the magic of being together in a wilderness mountain top location.

07 4668 3126

info@bunyamountains.com

www.bunyamountains.com Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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Families News

LOCAL FAMILIES NEWS

Sponsored by

Looking for the latest local news and views? We've got it covered!

GIRL POWER AT MABEL PARK STATE HIGH

STEAMING AHEAD SWIM AND STAY! Last year Mabel Park State High School’s Year 10 STEM Girl Power Ambassador and GEMS (Girls Excelling in Maths and Science) member, Scionah Enoka-Brown undertook an innovative pilot program with various Year 4 girls from surrounding primary schools.

Scionah prepared local Year 4 students for the ‘Little GEMS’ STEM project and visited them at Woodridge North State School and Mabel Park State School for an introductory session. Scionah then developed various weekly challenges, which the girls conducted on their campus and communicated their findings with Scionah virtually. In November 2017, the students came to MPSHS for a GEMS Conference to complete STEM projects, all designed and taught by Scionah and another GEMS Year 10 student, Dawn Toa, who has also been trained by Scionah.

This pilot program is attempting to challenge underlying attitudes and improve student confidence towards STEM early and will be a blueprint of how projects can be run in the future.

Find out more about Mabel Park State High School mabelparkshs.eq.edu.au

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

Here’s a great way to escape the heat! Head up to the beautiful Bunya Mountains to relax and enjoy some time reconnecting with your family and friends. Why not visit on the last Sunday of any month and attend the Bunya Mountains Markets!? They operate from 9am to 2pm, with over 30 handmade stalls that have something special to tempt everyone. Sample the local Bunya nut delicacies such as the Bunya burgers; Beef and Bunya nut pies; Bunya nut scones with jam and cream; their famous Bunya nut carrot cake and of course … Bunya nut icecream. Try their cappuccino; hot chocolate or chai or locally produced Crows Nest soft drinks.

Afterwards head to Coomba Falls for a swim!

Coomba Falls, at Maidenwell, is an exceptionally beautiful place, featuring a deep natural swimming hole and striking granite cliffs. The water is icy most of the year, so it’s the ideal place to cool down on a hot day. It’s a perfect place for kids.

Find out more: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ things-to-do-at-the-bunya-mountains

Families News

ARE YOU THE NEXT FAMILY TO BE ON OUR

FAMILIES MAGAZINE FRONT COVER?

Families Magazine are looking for a family photo to be the ‘face’ of Families Magazine April/May 2018 issue.

We are asking local families to email us a photo of their family for us to consider.

However, there are a few ‘rules’…

• The photo must be portrait in shape • T he photo must have room at the top for our logo • T he photo must have room at the bottom for an advert or banner • The photo must be in high resolution

(minimum 300 dpi, A4 page) which basically means the original photo from the camera.

• The photo doesn’t have to be from a professional photographer • Professional photographers are welcome to enter • All photos become our property and we may use them in future issues, but we will never use them without the owner’s written permission • You don’t have to like our Facebook page – but it’s the clever resource for thinking parents – just like our print magazine!

QUICK! Deadline for submission is Friday 23 February 2018.

Send to a good quality image to Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au or find out more www.familiesmagazine.com.au/competition/ families-magazine-front-cover-competition

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS Do your kids have a comfort toy? Do you know the pain of losing said comfort toy? Last year, Master 10 left his dolphin ‘Flippy’ in a hotel in Dubai. He didn’t realise until we were at the airport, all checked in and at our gate. There were tears and there was begging to go back to the hotel to retrieve it. It was impossible without missing our flight. It was a horrible decision to have to make. Once we returned to Brisbane I emailed the hotel who had found Flippy and agreed to post it back for nearly $80. It was a $5 dolphin…. I posted my dilemma on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com.au/ familiesmagazine) and to my utter delight we had a Brisbane family respond saying that they were heading to Dubai later in the year and that they could collect if for us as they were staying at the exact same hotel! Just after Christmas, we met with the lovely Bonnie and her family and collected Flippy and thanked her for the wonderful thing she had done. What a great reminder that there are beautiful people in the world!

BACK TO WORK OPTIONS FOR MUMS Struggling to find your way back to work? CareerSmart Mums is a proven program which gives you the skills, confidence and support to revitalise your career. Engage in a flexible online course, or in-person workshop over 4 sessions. Participants receive a comprehensive career guide, ongoing support, monthly newsletter and Facebook network to accelerate your successful return to work. The program is delivered by qualified career coach and mum, Donna Thistlethwaite.

Next in-person workshop starts 27 February, then 4/6/18, 22/8/18 and 8/11/18.

Call Donna to learn more on 0419 120 601 or visit CareerSmart Mums on Facebook and www.careersmartmums.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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Parenting

5 Tips on how to

Makeover a Kids Room on a Budget

By Karen Ghidella When I first became a parent, I wish someone had told me that their interests today would quickly change tomorrow, and to therefore invest in room choices that the kids (I have twin boys) would love for more than a year or two!

My kids recently decided that their bedrooms were for babies. This time the ‘makeover a kids’ room’ has been done properly and we managed to do it on a budget, all the items were purchased from Pillow Talk.

1. Make sure the theme will grow with your child So far, we’ve had: Winnie-the-Pooh, transportation, Aeroplanes, Transformers, and Batman. None of these interests have lasted more than a couple of years and each theme has had remnants of the last “stuck” on the walls.

Pillow Talk has a fantastic new kids’ range that has a bunch of mix and match options, all of them are designed to be quite age neutral i.e. they will look great in a toddler’s room and last them into the double digits. This is the easiest way to makeover a kids’ room – trust me!

2. A reversible doona cover is exciting for kids It sounds like such a small thing, but a reversible doona is a quick way to freshen up the look of the room when you wash the sheets. If you own a couple of sheet sets for the kids, buy two different styles, that compliment both sides of the reversible doona.

3. Don’t change the walls / if your walls are wrecked already … be creative Please, please.,. don’t change your walls! I mean, go ahead and do it, if you’re prepared to renovate regularly as your child gets older. Instead, buy some complimentary, budget friendly artwork that can be hung with removeable 3M tape.

If it’s too late and you’ve already gone down the path of not so removeable stickers and you’re not ready for a re-paint, then get creative with rugs to hide the damage that has already been done.

4. Complimenting accessories make the room Don’t under-estimate the difference a few ‘soft furnishings’ can make. Adding a lamp, a few throw pillows and soft furnishing accessories in with a new doona cover changes everything (without spending a fortune).

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

Accessorise with colours that blend in and are quite neutral, then if you buy a second doona cover, everything will mix and match.

5. Use the room makeover as positive reinforcement Family slumber parties are fun occasionally, but for me, the novelty started to wear off when I realised that I couldn’t get them out of my bed! We had a discussion “I’m not going to spend money turning your bedroom into a big boys’ room if you’re not going to use it”. Whilst I was only planning on decorating one of their rooms at a time, I hit the jackpot because both boys wanted to sleep in the ‘new room’.

I also found that this was the perfect chance to downsize on the toys and “stuff” that they’d accumulated over the years (my kids are hoarders).

“Darling, if you’re going to keep that toy for little kids, why don’t we just keep your little kid room? They match!”

So, the stuff went too, without a fight *happy sigh*.

In Summary I was so proud of my efforts that I showed off the room to my close friend, her comment “WOW, where did you get it? Paddy would love this!” Paddy is 14 years old. I did it, I decorated on a budget, Tom loves his new room and I’ve had confirmation that this style is going to last me into the teenage years.

To find out more about the bedroom makeover, see the range and check out the afford prices, visit our website and watch our video: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/kidsroom-makeover *This article was sponsored by Pillow Talk, but everything I said was 100% true… oh, and without the sponsorship component, I’m heading back tomorrow to decorate twin 2’s room!

Education

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TIPS

TO FIRE UP A RELUCTANT READER

Famous children’s author, Dr Seuss, once wrote: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more things that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Dr Seuss’ poetic insight into the critical development of a child’s early literacy skills has stood the test of time. With literacy pivotal to all learning and intrinsically linked to high academic achievement, it is a critical foundational skill for our youngest learners to harness to support them throughout their years of education.

But what if your child is a reluctant reader?

1. READ ALOUD TO YOUR CHILD Reading to your child every day, from birth through to the school years, will have a profound effect on their language development and oral comprehension. It will also help to develop a life-long daily habit of reading from a very early stage.

Singing songs, saying nursery rhymes and simply talking about the pictures in books are also strategies to help your child become immersed in language which in turn will help enrich their vocabulary and early reading skills.

Choosing books appropriate to age and stage and relevant to your child’s interests can help engage reluctant readers. When books are too challenging for a student we see them struggle or disengage which impairs both their fluency and comprehension development.

2. MODEL REGULAR READING HABITS We know that reading matters and developing a daily habit of reading is proven to have significant impact on student attainment and life-long learning. Parents can support this through encouraging and modelling reading so that their children will establish a life-long love of reading.

3. DEVELOP PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS Phonological awareness is the ability to recognise that words are made up of a variety of sound units, for example, syllables, rhyme and sounds, or phonemes.

These phonological skills, or skills that enable students to begin to discriminate sounds in words, provides the foundation to get children reading and spelling.

According to Stanovich (1986, 1994): Phonemic awareness is the most potent predictor of success in learning to read. It is more highly related to reading than test of general intelligence, reading readiness, and listening comprehension.

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

In the classroom from Prep, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School teaches children to read and spell by teaching them 44 sounds, or phonemes, and how to blend and segment them, essentially providing them with an alphabetic code to get them reading and spelling.

The difference is in the approach. Teachers don’t ask students to analyse a whole word, its sound and its context as an early reading strategy, but instead empower students with the ability to decode any word by applying phonics knowledge and synthesising words. They also practise eight sounds at once rather than just one, increasing the speed at which they develop their reading and writing skills. Opportunities to master each sound and its corresponding letters (remembering that we have 44 sounds in standard Australian English and over 200 ways to represent those sounds) requires not only explicit instruction, it also requires intentional and repeated practice to master this knowledge and apply it to reading and spelling automatically. In doing so, we free up working memory to make space for the higher order skill of comprehending what is read.

Parents can support their child’s phonological awareness development through activities at home.

Education 4. WORD AWARENESS ACTIVITIES Word awareness activities are effective strategies to help children identify words and build a rich vocabulary. Games such as making word pairs (cat – dog, boy – girl – big little) can help develop a reluctant reader’s early literacy skills without the need to pick up a book or sit and read.

5. RHYME ACTIVITIES Rhyming helps children to discriminate sound units in words.

Rhyme activities can be an effective way to develop early literacy skills in reluctant readers. Saying Mother Goose nursery rhymes or playing games such as I Spy (for example, ‘I spy something that rhymes with gable (table)’) are fun and pressure free strategies to help parents support their child’s early reading skills.

Other useful activities including giving three words and helping your child to identify which one doesn’t rhyme. For example, burn, ripe, turn.

Alternatively, give words and ask your child if they rhyme; bed-fed, handsand, girl- giant.

6. SYLLABLE ACTIVITIES Clap or jump the syllables in a word with your reluctant reader. They’ll be developing their early reading skills and won’t even know it!

Whether your child is a bookworm or not, there are certainly many ways in which parents can support early literacy development and help encourage a love of reading.

Angela Drysdale is the Head of Primary at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.

To find out more about the school please visit www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au Reference: Literacy Resources Inc 2013, ‘Phonemic Awareness Research’, viewed 10 December 2017, www.literacyresourcesinc.com/research

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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Education

Spelling Success HOW DO YOU HELP CHILDREN TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL SPELLERS?

Weekly lists of spelling words are a regular part of the homework routine in many schools. For those children who struggle to learn their words for the ‘test’ at the end of the week, this can become a stressful time in households. The effect on selfesteem can flow over into other areas of the curriculum. So why do some children find learning spelling a chore and how do we help them succeed?

A question is raised that with the invention of spell check on devices, is it still important to be able to spell accurately?

The simple answer is that being able to spell effectively is still important for varied reasons. The process of learning to spell is cognitively demanding, complex and significant to the academic success of students. Many people and children themselves often judge their ability and intellect by the way they spell.

ORAL LANGUAGE IS THE BUILDING BLOCK Success on spelling occurs long before children bring home a list of words to learn. There are several precursors to learning to spell in primary school.

Developing the oral language skills are an important component in the process of learning to become a successful speller. Phonemic awareness is the ability to manipulate sounds and can be developed well before children learn to write. Children should be able to hear, identify and manipulate phonemes, the smallest units of sound that can differentiate meaning. Separating the spoken word “cat” into three distinct phonemes requires phonemic awareness. It is critical at an early age that children listen to and say rhymes and identify rhyming words. Syllabification is another important skill that assists children to hear and isolate sounds.

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

WORD LEARNING AND PROMOTING ACTIVE SPELLING STRATEGIES There are two aspects to learning to spell effectively. Children need to be involved in word learning strategies and active learning strategies.

Word study of spelling patterns and individual words alongside building the strategies for constructing words as they write are fundamental to developing spellers that are confident and successful.

Historically there has been an over emphasis on teaching students how to learn a word by predominately using look/ say/ cover/ write/check method, which relies on a rote learning approach for isolated words. For many, this approach alone simply doesn’t work. Children need to think

Education and talk about spelling patterns rather than just ‘do’ rote spelling activities.

Word learning strategies such as word sorts provide children with ways to identify patterns in words and compare and contrast words. Discussions about what children notice about the sounds and letter combinations and patterns that they can see in groups of words help show generalisations about the English language. Word sorts look at a group of words that have a common pattern. For example, when studying long a vowel, children will sort words that have the pattern a-e, ai, ay in the word and look for similarities with these words. Word learning in the form of word sorts, card games, word hunts, crosswords etc reinforce the patterns identified during the discussions about words.

Equally important for a child to learn are active spelling strategies that successful spellers use as they write. Segmenting or stretching a word into parts, identifying syllables, identifying base words and finding small words within words are some important strategies for children to explicitly learn.

They need to ask themselves questions such as

Is there a rhyming word I know?

What is a small word inside this word?

Does this look right?

Is it like another word I know?

If I know (eg. day) then I know (eg. tray).

Once children have these strategies, they can confidently attempt unknown words during the writing process. These metacognitive processes are essential for the transfer of spelling into a piece of writing.

Learning a list of words in isolation will not guarantee the word will be used correctly when writing.

Finally, the learning of spelling requires regular engagement in the study of words. Writing a list of words three times once per week does not build a competent speller. Short regular sessions have been proven to assist with the retention of word learning and the ability to spell new words. If children spend 10 minutes per day involved in a variety of these learning activities, they can become confident and successful spellers.

Learning to spell doesn’t start in Year 1 with a list of words for homework.

Your child can experience and have fun with words prior to school when your read and talk to them. Remember all those nursery rhymes to share and read regularly to your child. Build your child’s curiosity with language. Once they are learning spelling formally in primary school, support them with regular practice to build their knowledge of words and become great spellers!

Written by: Cheryl Malcolm - Year 1 teacher and Lead Teacher Clayfield College www.clayfield.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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Education

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC EDU CATION

Music for Young Children is Vital. Here’s why!

Music education in early childhood encompasses musical learning from infancy through to the lower primary school years. Exposure to high quality and play-based music education during the formative years of a child’s life prepares musical abilities through experiential activities, and provides a firm foundation for more formal music training at school where the musical elements are taught consciously. Children who participate in engaging and varied foundation musical experiences in early childhood gain secure skills and knowledge that are required for further development of musical performing, reading, writing, creating and analysis. This initial phase of musical learning is often referred to as Readiness Music. The overarching goals of any early childhood music program are to expose children to high quality, beautiful music in a variety of genres to awaken musical sensitivity; to support the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children through music; and to develop musical skills in the areas of singing, rhythm, listening and movement.

Musical Skill Development Songs and Rhymes Song is the child’s most natural language, and all children, barring rare physical limitations, can learn to sing as a means to access to their inner conception of music. Singing has a profound effect upon a child’s development, and is the most direct and accessible way of making a musical response. Learning music through engaging with singing, playing, moving and enjoying is a part of an organic and holistic learning process. Readiness Music programs begin to develop accuracy and confidence when singing with vocal play activities. Children learn to access their singing voice through playful and relaxed experimentation, such as mimicking the

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

sounds of owls, sirens and train whistles. Simple songs with a limited range of two or three notes, such as ‘Rain Rain, Go Away’ are included as ageappropriate and artistically accessible repertoire to support developing voices. Exposure to traditional singing games such as ‘The Farmer in the Dell’ extend the melodic range, and the joy of singing and playing that children experience during such games fosters a love of singing and music and respect for the voices of others. Rhymes are also used extensively during early childhood music programs. As consonants are exaggerated and pronunciation is slower than regular speech when saying a rhyme, speech development is supported. The metric pulse of the rhyme aids memory development and the internalisation of musical elements such as phrases and beat.

Beat and Rhythm The musical concept of beat forms the foundation of music. Early childhood music allows children early access to experiences that help them develop an internalised sense of beat. Keeping in time with the beat

Education Movement

of music through gross motor movements such as rocking, bouncing, walking, and later jumping and skipping, help children feel the steady pulse in the music and develop their awareness of their body in space. As children grow, their external applications of their sense of beat becomes more refined, allowing them to keep in time using the fine motor skills that are required for playing age-appropriate instruments such as untuned, handheld percussion. Pre-school aged children who have participated in early childhood music programs will have developed an internalised sense of beat, on which rhythmic patterns of longer and shorter sounds are superimposed. Clapping rhythmic patterns that match the words of a song or rhyme helps children to aurally discriminate patterns of syllables, which is indispensable for language and musical acquisition.

Listening

In early childhood music, movement is inseparable from any musical element. Movement and dance enhances understanding of the organisation of movement sequences, and develops spatial awareness and emotional connections to art. As children move to music while singing, musical understanding is also being hardwired – a sense of musical form is developed when actions match the phrases, and melodic contour is emphasised as children move up or down according to the music. The inclusion of traditional singing games promotes enjoyment of music and movement, and helps to transmit traditional cultures in which music and dance are intertwined and connected to community. Movement to recorded music following simple actions directed by the teacher means children are actively engaged with the music rather than being passive listeners, which develops attention and concentration.

Early childhood music programs offer rich musical experiences for children, and support the development of the whole child in readiness for school. By introducing children to music at an early age, you are setting them up for a lifetime of opportunities, passion and well-rounded humanity.

Susan Creese is the Primary Music Co-ordinator at St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly. St Peters offers a Pre-Prep Music Program to children aged 3-5 years. For information about the program, visit the Music page at www.stpeters.qld.edu.au

Listening during early childhood music education is not a passive experience. Children are exposed to activities to develop skills in aural discrimination of pitch, dynamics and timbre. Through singing and movement, children discover comparative qualities of music such as dynamics (softer or louder), tempo (faster or slower), and melody (higher or lower). Musical learning through singing also develops the ability to think in sound and hear music inside the head without acoustical stimulation, known as ‘audiation’. To develop the ability to audiate, young children must have learned many simple songs and be able to sing them in tune. Early childhood music teachers incorporate activities where children begin to think parts of known songs, such as thinking the word ‘head’ during a round of ‘Heads, Shoulder, Knees and Toes’ or ‘BINGO’.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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Education

Term Time Holidays

THE FACTS

Are you considering taking your kids out of school for a family holiday this year? What are the rules?

Will you get fined if you do? We look at the facts around taking time off school in Queensland!

WHEN MUST I SEND MY CHILD TO SCHOOL? Under Queensland law, you must make sure your child of school age (6.5 years – 16 years) is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have an acceptable reason.

Illness, doing work experience or competing in a school sporting event are acceptable reasons for being absent from school. Principals decide if the reason given for your child’s absence is acceptable.

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT SENDING A CHILD TO SCHOOL? Queensland parents may be prosecuted if they do not fulfil their legal obligations regarding

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WHAT IS AN EXEMPTION AND WHY DO I NEED IT? Parents can apply for an exemption from their child’s school when their child cannot attend school for a period of more than 10 consecutive school days.

Situations where an application for an exemption may be made include: enrolment and attendance of their child at school (or participation in an eligible option).

You can see the details of the law on the Department of Education & Training website.

In Queensland, the department states that holidays during term time should be “actively discouraged”. Any absences of more than 10 consecutive school days require an ‘exemption’.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

• Illness • Family reasons • Cultural or religious reasons So, if your child is exempted from compulsory schooling for the period then they are ‘excused’ from attending. However, the rules go on to state that the school principal is not responsible for providing an educational program to your

Education child, however they may provide advice on other educational options available (ie the teacher may set work for your child while you are away – but they don’t have to!)

WHY DO FAMILIES TAKE HOLIDAYS DURING TERM TIME? Anecdotal evidence suggests that the two main reasons for families taking holidays are: cost of term time holidays and extended family living in other states of Australia or overseas. Many families find this to be tr ue as it is incredibly expensive to travel in December/ January and the other school holiday dates are not much better! Leaving while the term in still underway can save $$$ off a family holiday and make it possible to remain connected to family that are so far away!

SO, IS ‘FAMILY REASONS’ A GOOD REASON FOR GOING ON HOLIDAYS DURING SCHOOL TERM TIME? The official word from Department of Education & Training in Queensland is that they ‘encourage you not to schedule holidays during school time’. And further, if your family holiday is over 10 consecutive days and that is during term time there is a set of procedures that you should follow: 1. let the teacher know as far in advance as possible 2. let the school know as far in advance as possible

3. if the absence is for more than 10 school days, you must complete a holiday form (available from the school) 4. if the holiday is not for 10 school days or more, you are not required by the department to complete a form, however your school may still ask you to do so.

WHAT ABOUT PRIVATE SCHOOLS? Catholic and Independent schools are subject to the same law as state schools. That is, school aged children 6.5 years – 16 years must be enrolled in school. Should you wish to take your school aged child on a family holiday, you must seek permission from the school if the absence will be more than 10 days. Each school

may have additional requirements on top of this legal requirement, so do check with your individual school to determine their procedure.

Find out more about taking holidays in term time on our website with links to the appropriate pages on the DET website: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ holidays-during-school-term-time

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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Brisbane and Ipswich’s most comprehensive

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS LIST For prospective students & parents To promote Your School Open Day in the next issue (April/May 2018) contact our Editor Email: Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Tel: 3265 5738 Please check the details of the events listed before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

All Hallows School (Fortitude Valley) Catholic Girl’s School Yr 5 - Yr 12 Open Day: Sun 27 May www.ahs.qld.edu.au Anglican Church Grammar School (East Brisbane) Anglican Boys’ School Reception - Yr 12. Open Day: Wed 2 May. They also provide personalised tours at all times and an interactive tour on their website. www.churchie.com.au

Faith Lutheran College (Thornlands) Middle & Senior School Campus Yr 7-Yr 12. Visit website to arrange a personal tour. www.faithlutheran.qld.edu.au

Bethania Lutheran School (Bethania) Co-ed Primary School Prep - Yr 6 Every day is Open Day. Contact school for a tour 3200 5363 www.bethania.qld.edu.au

Genesis Christian College (Bray Park) Indep Co-ed School Prep-Yr 12 Open Day: Tues 1 May 9:00am to 11:00am personalised tours can be made by appointment www.genesis.qld.edu.au

Brigidine College (Indooroopilly) – Catholic Secondary Girls’ College Yr 7-12 Visitation Days: Mon 5 & Tues 6 March; Mon 6 & Tues 7 August; Mon 22 & Tues 23 October (9.30am- 10.30am). Twilight Open Evening: Tuesday 22 May (4 – 6pm). Book on 3870 7225 as places are limited. www.brigidine.qld.edu.au

Grace Lutheran College (Rothwell) Co-ed Secondary College Yr 7-12 Open Day: Sun 20 May www.gracecollege.com.au

Brisbane Adventist College (Mansfield) Co-ed Prep-Yr 12. Tour upon booking online www.bac.qld.edu.au Brisbane Boys’ College (Toowoong) Prep to Year 12, with boarding from Years 4 to 12. Open Mornings: Tues 20 March & Thurs 3 May; Fri 17 August; Fri 19 October (8.30am - 11.00am) www.bbc.qld.edu.au Brisbane Christian College (Salisbury) Co-ed Pre-prep-Yr 12. Open Days: Tues 6 March, Tues 22 May, Tues 14 August, Tues 30 October www. brisbanechristiancollege.com.au Brisbane Girls Grammar School (Brisbane) Yr 7-12. Open Day: Fri 3 August 4pm - 8pm www.bggs.qld.edu.au Brisbane Grammar School (Brisbane) Indep Boys’ School Yr 5-Yr 12 Open Day: Sat 15 September with 4 school tour dates per term. Check website for details www.brisbanegrammar.com Calvary Christian College (Loganholme) Springwood Campus- Prep -6; Carbrook Campus- Childcare - 12. Check website for Open Day details www. calvarycc.qld.edu.au Cannon Hill Anglican College (Cannon Hill) Co-ed Prep -Yr 12.

Open Day: Sat 3 March 9am to 12 noon, Fri 3 August 9.30am to 12 noon. www.chac.qld.edu.au Cantebury College (Waterford) Indep Co-ed Kindy–Yr 12 Open Day: Sat 26 May. Tours Morning: Wed 21 March and Wed 1 August.

Canterbury@Twilight: Fri 12 October www.canterbury.qld.edu.au Carmel College (Thornlands) Catholic Co-ed Yr 7-12 Book a tour on Wed and Thurs 9am www.carmelcollege.qld.edu.au Citipointe Christian College (Carindale) Independent Prep-Yr 12. Morning and Evening Tours: Tues 6 March 5:00pm, Tues 22 May 9:00am, Tues 21 August 9:00am, Tues 23 October 5:00pm www.brisbane.coc.edu.au Clairvaux MacKillop College (Upper Mt Gravatt) Catholic Co-ed Yr 7-12 Window Days: Fri 2 March 9.00am – 11.00am, Fri 11 May 9.00am – 11.00am, Wed 13 June 5.00pm – 6.30pm, Fri 27 July 9.00am – 11.00am, Fri 7 September 9.00am – 11.00am www.cvxmck.edu.au

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Clayfield College Independent School (Clayfield) Co-ed Pre-Prep to Year 6, Girls Pre-prep-Yr 12. Open Mornings: Thurs 15 March & Tues 22 May 8:45am 11:00am www.clayfield.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

Grace Lutheran College (Caboolture) Co-ed Secondary College Yr 7-12 Open Day: Fri 18 May www.gracecollege.com.au Grace Lutheran Primary School (Clontarf ) Co-ed Prep-Yr 6 Visit website to arrange a personal tour www.graceprimary.qld.edu.au Hillbrook Anglican School (Enoggera) Co-ed Secondary School Yr 7-12 Hillbrook in Action: Thurs 2 August 10.00am to 2.00pm. www.hillbrook.qld.edu.au Iona College (Lindum) Catholic Boys’ College. Open Day: Monday 4 June www.iona.qld.edu.au Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School (girls-only) and Ipswich Junior Grammar School (co-ed) Open Day: Sat 17 March 9am to 1pm www.iggs.qld.edu.au Ipswich Grammar School (Ipswich) Indep Boys’ School Prep - Yr 12.

Open Day: Thurs 24 May 9am - 12pm www.ipswichgrammar.com John Paul College (Daisy Hill) Co-ed Early Yrs - Yr 12. Open Days: Sat 24 February 9.00am - 12.00pm; Wed 23 May 9.00am - 11.00am; Thurs 9 August 9.00am - 11am; Thurs 18 October 4.00pm - 7.00pm. Register 3826 3333 www.jpc.qld.edu.au Living Faith Lutheran Primary School (Murrumba Downs) Co-ed Prep-Yr 6 Open Days: Mon 12 March 4.00pm-6.00pm, Wed 15 August 9.00am -10.30am www.livingfaith.qld.edu.au Loreto College (Coorparoo) Catholic Girls’ Secondary College Open Day: Sun 12 August 10am – 1pm www.loreto.qld.edu.au Lourdes Hill College (Hawthorne) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School. Open Day: Fri 12 Oct 3.30pm -7.00pm. Morning Tours: Mon 5 Mar 9.30-10.30am, Mon 14 May 9.30-10.30am, Mon 6 Aug 9.30-10.30am www.lhc.qld.edu.au Marist College (Ashgrove) Yr 5-Yr 12. Open Days: Fri 16 February, 23 March, 25 May, 3 August, 19 October www.marash.qld.edu.au Mary MacKillop College (Nundah) Girl’s Secondary College Yr 7 - 12 Check website for Open Day details www.mmc.qld.edu.au Moreton Bay Boys’ College (Manly West) Boys’ College Prep-Yr 12 Head of College Tours: Fri 16 February, Wed 14 March, Wed 2 May, Fri 8 June, Fri 20 July, Wed 10 October, Wed 7 November www.mbbc.qld.edu.au

Education Moreton Bay College (Wynnum West) Girls’ College Prep-Yr 12 Open Day: Fri 23 February, Fr 17 August www.mbc.qld.edu.au

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School (Corinda) Prep-Yr 12 with a Co-ed Kindy Open Day: Sat 3 March 9 - 12 www.staidans.qld.edu.au

Mount Alvernia College (Kedron) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School Open Day: Sun 20 May 10am - 1pm www.mta.qld.edu.au

St Eugene College Catholic (Burpengary) Co-ed College Prep-Yr 12 Check website for Open Day details www.steugene.qld.edu.au

Mount St Michael’s College (Ashgrove) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School Open Evening: Fri 23 February 3:30pm - 6pm www.msm.qld.edu.au

St James College Catholic (Brisbane) Co-ed Secondary College Open Day: Fri 3 August 10am to 12noon. Tours of the College take place throughout the year. www.stjamescollege.qld.edu.au

Mt Maria College (Petrie) Catholic co-ed Secondary College Check website for Open Day details www.mmcp.qld.edu.au Mueller College (Rothwell) Co-ed College Prep-Yr 12 Every day is open day, book a tour online www.mueller.qld.edu.au Northpine Christian College (Dakabin) Indep Co-ed College Kindy – Yr 12 Open Evening: Wed 23 May from 4pm www.northpine.qld.edu.au Northside Christian College (Everton Park) Co-ed Kindy – Year 12 Prep Open Morning: Thurs 8 March. Open Morning: Thurs 3 May. Twilight Tour: Tues 16 October www.northside.qld.edu.au Ormiston College (Cleveland) Independent, Co-Educational, NonDenominational Christian, Prep to Year 12 with an Early Learning Centre.

Prep Open Morning: Wed 28 Feb 9.30am - 10.45am. Showcase (Open Day): Sat 18 Aug 10am - 2pm. Headmaster’s Tours (4pm - 6pm): Tues 27 March , Tues 22 May, Thurs 6 Sept, Tues 23 Oct. Personal tours may be arranged www.ormistoncollege.com.au Our Lady’s College Catholic (Annerley) Girls’ College Yr 7-Yr 12. Open Day: Sat 19 May 10.00am - 1.00pm. Twilight Open Day Tues 14 August, 4.00 pm 6.00 pm. www.ourladyscollege.qld.edu.au Padua College (Kedron) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12 Open Day: Sun 20 May, 11am-2:00pm www.padua.qld.edu.au Prince of Peace Lutheran College (Everton Hills) Co-ed Kindy-Yr 12 Prep – Year 6 Open Morning: Thurs 8 March 8:45am – 10:15am & Thurs 14 June 8:45am – 10:15am. Year 7 – 12 Open Morning: Wed 2 May 8:45am – 10:30am www.princeofpeace.qld.edu.au Redeemer Lutheran College (Rochedale) Co-ed College Prep-Yr 12. Tours of the School: Wed 28 Feb 3.30pm-6.00pm, Wed 23 May 9.00am-11.00am, Thurs 23 August 9.00am-11.00am, Fri 26 Oct 10.00am-6.00pm www.redeemer.com.au

St John Fisher College (Bracken Ridge) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School Check website for Open Day details www.sjfc.qld.edu.au St John’s Anglican College (Forest Lake) Co-ed Kindy-Yr 12 Check website for Open Day details www.stjohnsanglicancollege.com.au St Joseph’s Nudgee College (Boondall) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12 Open Day: Sat 12 May 10.00am - 2.00pm. Open Morning: Tues 14 August 9.00am - 12.00pm. 07 3865 0422 enrolments@nudgee.com www.nudgee.com St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace (Spring Hill) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12. Open Day: Wed 7 March 4-7pm www.terrace.qld.edu.au St Laurence’s College (South Brisbane) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12 Open Day: Thurs 1 March www.slc.qld.edu.au St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School (Ascot) Anglican Girls’ School Pre-prepYr 12. Open Day: Sat 10 March 9.30am – 12.30pm, Open Morning: Thurs 16 August 8am – 11am. Enquiries admissions@stmargarets.qld.edu.au or register at www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au St Patricks College (Shorncliffe) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12 Open Day: Tues 29 May. Open Mornings: Thurs 1 March, Mon 30 July, Tues 30 October www.stpatricks.qld.edu.au St Paul’s School (Bald Hills) Anglican Co-ed Pre-Prep to Year 12 St Paul’s offers fortnightly tours with its Headmaster. Book your tour here: www.stpauls.qld.edu.au St Peter’s Lutheran College (Indooroopilly) Indep Co-ed Prep – Yr 12 Open Day: Sat 2 June 10.00am – 2.00pm www.stpeters.qld.edu.au St Thomas More College (Sunnybank) Catholic Co-ed College Yr 7-Yr 12 Check website for Open Day details www.stmc.qld.edu.au

Redlands College (Wellington Point) Co-ed College Prep-Yr 12.

Open Day: Fri 23 February 9:30 - 11:30am. Discover Prep: Thurs 22 March www.redlands.qld.edu.au

Stuartholme School (Toowong) Catholic Girls’ Secondary School Open Day: Sat 10 March 10am-1pm www.stuartholme.com

San Sisto College (Carina) Secondary Girls’ School. Open Day: Sun 20 May, College Tours: Thurs 8 March 9 am, Fri 27 July 9am, Tues 18 September 9am, Thurs 25 October 9am www.sansisto.qld.edu.au

The Lakes College (North Lakes) Indep Co-ed College Prep-Yr 12 Open Morning: Wed 28 February 8.45am – 10.00am, Wed 15 August 8:45am – 10:30am. Open Morning for Prep and Year 7: Sat 3 March 9am - 10am www.thelakescollege.com.au

Seton College (Mount Gravatt East) Co-ed Secondary, focusing on students with learning needs. Open Morning: Tues 6 March, Tues 1 May www.seton.qld.edu.au Sheldon College (Sheldon) Independent, Co-educational, nondenominational. Childcare to Year 12. Every Day is Open Day 07 3206 5555 to book a tour at a time that suits you. www.sheldoncollege.com Somerville House (South Brisbane) Co-educational Pre-Prep, Girls Prep to Year 12 and Boarding Years 6 to 12. Private School tours can be arranged throughout the year by contacting the Admission Office on 07 3248 9202 or visit www.somerville.qld.edu.au

The Springfield Anglican College (Springfield) Co-ed Anglican College Kindy-Yr 12. Open Days: The Tiny Tartan Kindergarten - Sat 24 March 8:00 am - 11:00, Primary Campus - Sat 26 May, Secondary Campus - Sat 1 September www.tsac.qld.edu.au Villanova College (Coorparoo) Catholic Boys’ College Yr 5-Yr 12 Check website for Open Day details www.vnc.qld.edu.au West Moreton Anglican College (Karrabin, Ipswich) Anglican Co-ed Prep - Yr 12. Open Day: Sat 26 May 11am - 3pm. Prep Open Morning: Tuesday 20 March 8.45am - 10.30am. College Open Morning: Friday 3 August 8.30 10.30am www.wmac.com.au

Southern Cross Catholic College (Scarborough) Catholic Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Open Day and Family Fun Day: Sun 20 May 10am – 1pm www.sccc.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

17

Families Travel

YOUR TICKET AZINE FAMILIES MAG

1

TRAVEL SERIES

To inspire your 2018, we’ve asked 6 Australian families who ‘prioritise travelling’ to tell us how and why they travel with kids!

Evie & Emmie from Mumpack Travel is our first family: Tell us a bit about your family.

Our family is me, Evie and my eight year old daughter Emmie. We’ve been traveling together since February 2016 and spent 18 months in Asia.

Where you are right now?

If you could inspire other family to travel what would you say?

Sydney. We both get to learn more about the world around us and have incredible F MA experiences together like camping on the EILI S Great Wall of China, seeing wild elephants in SriGAM ZA Nothing compares with sharing something Lanka and Borneo or ziplining over waterfalls ENI for the first time with your kids. Our recent in Cambodia. memories are not about rushing around

T R A S How do you afford to travel?

V E L IRE 1 SE

We’ve just arrived in Unawatuna in Sri Lanka on our very first family tour. We have 22 people We rely on savings and use the rent we get from with us - families from around the world UOY our home. I also sporadically make a little bit of R T I and we are taking them on an amazing money from social media.

EKC13 day adventure through one of ourTfavourite countries.

Where have you traveled to as a family?

Where is your family holiday and why?

We have an old caravan down the south coast of NSW and we love spending time there when Emmie and I have travelled quite a bit in Asia we are not on the road. We also love China, - to China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Sri Lanka - but really anywhere Hong Kong, Singapore, the Maldives, Malaysia, where we are together and exploring is good E us.

Indonesia, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. We lived in ZINfor A G Vietnam for about four months and Emmie went A SM to international school there. We’ve ILIEalso been M A F Fiji, Barbados to France, England, Germany, and America. And we’ve spent a lot of time in Disneylands around the world too.

Definitely a bit of patience but mostly I think it’s important to be flexible and take opportunities as they come. Relax and have fun with your kids and don’t worry about sticking to a timetable or For us its the best way to spend time together checking boxes. Sometimes magic comes when and it’s also the most affordable! We can travel you change plans or least expect it. in Asia for much less than it costs to live in

L E V A R T IES SER

1

When traveling no parent should be without…

Why have you made travel a priority?

amily E F W E N IN TH STORY ISSUE! NEXT

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

at home trying to cram everything in, but are amazing experiences like seeing pygmy elephants on the Kinabatangan river at sunrise in Borneo, sharing a meal with a local family in Cambodia and riding the blue train through tea TRAVEL 1 plantations SERIES in Sri Lanka. Family travel isn’t as difficult as people may think - it will be the best thing you’ve ever done.

FAMILIES MAGAZINE

YOUR TICKET

T CKE

R TI YOU

Hot tip for readers

I’ve just started taking family trips to Sri Lanka with Carlie from Halpe Holidays and we’d love families to join us.

They’re fabulous affordable adventures where we do all the work and you get to relax and enjoy time with your fam. Our next trips are in April and you can find more information at www.mumpacktravel.com Evie Farrell, www.mumpacktravel.com www.instagram.com/mumpacktravel www.facebook.com/mumpacktravel

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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Family Health

5 Benefits of Horse Riding for Kids Deciding to buy a horse for your child is a considerable decision.

Not only is it a big investment but the responsibility in caring for these beautiful beasts is a commitment that averages 25 to 33 years.

The benefits, however, of horse riding for kids is invaluable. Although there are many advantages, we have listed the top five according to the students and parents from Grace Lutheran College’s Equestrian Team.

Demonstrating discipline and responsibility

matter the discipline, no matter the ability of the rider, no matter the breed of horse. It is such a wonderful relationship to nurture through the teenage years.”

The responsibility and dedication in owning and riding horses is a great life lesson for children. In ensuring the horses have the correct nutrition, health and training to be able to ride, children learn time management; daily chore discipline; equipment maintenance; patience and persistence in acquiring and perfecting new skills; and prioritising expectations. Owning a horse is also a great lesson in humility.

Exercise

Mrs Monika Bennett, parent of 16 year old rider Rebecca says, “I think the top benefit for my daughter is actually GRIT! Determination, courage, commitment and fortitude to get back on and get it right again and again...”

The physical aspects of horse riding includes training, feeding, brushing and riding. Young riders out and about riding on their horses means they

Friendships Children who rides horses tend to be very close to friends who also ride horses, regardless of age. These children seem to be very like-minded in their approach to their chosen activity and spend a similar amount of time training around school work.

Twelve year old Benjamin’s mum, Mrs Melissa Randall says “There’s a lot of scientific research on the benefits of horse riding for children but something they don’t mention is the friendships the kids make while they are competing.

Having an only child, this ‘extended family’ is a godsend for us.”

Additionally, the friendship the young riders have with their horses is indescribable.

Not only are the horses their pet but they are a reliable mate and worker all in one. This connection is something that will change their lives forever. Mrs Bennett explains, “I see the love. The bond of the horse and their rider, no

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

Horse riding for people of all ages provides physical activity that boosts fitness and strength. Children who compete at equestrian events and competitions generally train between two and five hours per week, some more depending on how serious they are about riding.

Family Health are spending less time inside and inactive and more time outdoors and moving their bodies.

Not only does horse riding provide physical exercise but brain exercise as well. Recent research by Tokyo University of Agriculture has found that the vibrations created by horses while being ridden activates the area of the brain known as the sympathetic nervous system.

The results from the study showed that children riding horses greatly improved their ability to perform behavioural tasks, leading to better memory, learning and problem solving.

Aiming and achieving goals For children to set, work towards and achieve goals in any discipline helps them to develop fortitude in life. They will be better prepared for teenage life, and the challenges that are thrown their way including school work, and emotional aspects such as relationships and life worries.

In training and riding horses, children will decide on their aims, determine how they will accomplish their goals such as how many hours training will they need to do each week and how will they overcome obstacles.

In achieving their goals they will experience the gratitude, sense of accomplishment and a feeling of pride in working hard to succeed. The flipside of knowing how to deal with disappointment is equally important.

Confidence The growth children can experience in learning to care for and ride a horse provides them with a wealth of confidence. The amount of effort and persistence required to continue training, even with challenges, increases children’s confidence, self-belief and esteem.

Mrs Kylie Orr’s says about her 15 year old daughter, “Holly has benefited greatly in developing her confidence with horse riding. Confidence with taking risks and having a go and confidence with life through these teenage years!”

The Grace Lutheran College Equestrian Team compete in the Equestrian Queensland Interschool events and local shows within six disciplines. They train together each fortnight at the internationally renowned complex, QSEC at Caboolture. Grace Lutheran College is a co-educational secondary Christian College at Caboolture and Rothwell.

If you would like to know more, please email grace@glc.qld.edu.au or phone 07 5495 2444. Visit gracecollege.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

21

Local Clubs & Classes Directory

Clubs, Classes & Activities

around Greater Brisbane for adults and children aged 0 - 17.

If you would like a listing for your club, class or activity in our next issue’s inclusive directory, contact us now!

Email: Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Compiled by Regina Gleeson NS = Northside SS = Southside

CLASSES FOR ADULTS CareerSmart Mums (NS) Struggling to find your way back to work? CareerSmart Mums is a proven program which gives you the skills, confidence and support to revitalise your career. Engage in a flexible online course, or in-person workshop over 4 sessions at Everton Park. Participants receive a comprehensive career guide, ongoing support, monthly newsletter and Facebook network to accelerate your successful return to work. The program is delivered by qualified career coach and mum, Donna Thistlethwaite. Next in-person workshop starts 27 February, then 4/6/18, 22/8/18 and 8/11/18. Call Donna to learn more on 0419 120 601 or visit CareerSmart Mums on Facebook and www.careersmartmums.com.au.

Flipside Circus (NS) Leave your dramas, inhibitions and spandex at the door and avoid crowded gym rooms and repetitive workouts. Achieve fitness goals in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Learn circus tricks that will amaze your friends (and yourself!) All circus activities are scalable to suit your individual goals.

3352 7233 www.flipsidecircus.org.au

Men’s Shed (NS & SS) An organisation that is accessible to all men and whose primary activity is the provision of a safe and friendly environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace in their own time in the company of other men. A major objective is to advance the well-being and health of their male members.

1300 550 009 www.mensshed.org

Paediatric First Aid Courses Kidsafe QLD (NS & SS) Injury prevention and first aid instruction Recommended for pregnant couples, parents, grandparents, babysitters and other carers of children, this 4.5hr programme includes an in-depth injury prevention talk followed by practical paediatric first aid including CPR for babies and toddlers. Other injury prevention talks and tours available.

3854 1829 www.kidsafeqld.com.au

Kidsafe QLD (NS & SS) qualified staff can install and check your child car seat. They also hire baby seats for a couple of weeks or 6 months as required. When you purchase a child car seat from Kidsafe you get 10% off the RRP and installed at half price! If that seat doesn’t fit in your car or is not suitable for your child

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their professional staff can assist in the selection of another, more suitable seat. Call for an appointment.

3854 1829 www.kidsafeqld.com.au

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Arts & Craft ZoomArt for Kids (NS) Art classes for children in a fun and friendly environment. 6 different age levels from 2 yrs to Grade 12. Designed for the intentional development of the child’s skills, observations, thinking, and experiences in the visual arts.

3855 1528 www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au

Cooking Classes Come and Cook (NS) Stop in and Drop off your mini-chefs for an action-packed Make Bake and Take cooking workshop. Eager cooks? Fussy-eaters?

Creative kids? 7-12 year olds / Teenagers After-School classes and School Holiday workshops. Personalised cooking birthday parties priced on request. Join our commercial-class kitchen in The Gap which is run by a passionate and highly experienced teacher (and mum) who previously ran a London-wide food education business within schools for 7 years.

Benefits: Hands-on learning, practical life-skills, kitchen confidence, exciting recipes and fun themes.

All dishes and recipe books to take home. Food allergies and additional requests catered for.

0488 249 595 www.comeandcook.com.au

STEM CLASSES Coding Kids (NS & SS) is developing the next generation of coders, creators, innovators and change makers. They run after-school coding clubs, school holiday code camps and professional development workshops for educators. Children build their own computer games, animation movies, artwork and digital solutions. Through fun and play children discover computational thinking, design thinking and entrepreneurship.

0449 162 677 www.codingkids.com.au Fox Blocks (NS) is a unique and innovative engineering and construction program for kids.

Developed by Flying Fox Studios educators, and run in Brisbane since 2009, Fox Blocks is one of Brisbane’s longest running STEM focused kids extracurricular activities. Fox Blocks classes combine STEM concepts

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

in a fun and creative way, with weekly classes for children from 3.5 years of age to Grade 7. The Fox Blocks program is so much more than one single branch of the STEM tree. Whether it be learning about physics by building a theme park, discovering historical engineering with the wonders of the world, or coding an arduino powered traffic light, Fox Blocks 3855 1528 is unique in every way. www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au

LANGUAGE & BABY DEVELOPMENT Flipside Circus (NS) Flipside circus offers classes for people aged 1 and up! Their Wriggles and Giggles classes introduce toddlers and parents to the world of circus through fun, interactive workshops designed to improve gross and fine motor skills, social 3352 7233 development and physical abilities. www.flipsidecircus.org.au LCF Fun Languages (SS) Designed over 25 years, their methodology teaches French, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, English and German with a fun and active approach that will get your child using the 1300 707 28 language quickly and naturally. www.lcfclubs.com.au Yoga, Massage and Music Classes (NS) Neighbourhood Creche has a new location for Baby classes. With a flexible pay as you go system, you and your baby will love this bonding experience. Learn many great ways to play with your baby, perform baby physio, slowly get fit with Mummy Yoga and a soothing baby massage all in one beautiful 45 minute class. This class called YMM for short is in the top 5 Best Post Natal Classes in Australia and is perfect for babies aged 6 weeks to 10 months of age.

Book online at www.neighbourhoodcreche.com.au or email info@neighbourhoodcreche.com.au

Sign Language Deaf Services Queensland (SS) offers a range of Community Auslan classes aimed at introducing basic Auslan conversational skills to participants. The community courses are informal and relaxed, follow the school terms, and run for two hours per week for a total of 8 weeks. DSQ has a wonderful team of experienced teachers who are all fluent users of the language and who make the classes engaging and fun. DSQ also offer accredited courses in Auslan for those wanting a more formal qualification in the

Local Clubs & Classes Directory language.

3892 8500 www.deafservicesqld.org.au/learntosign

ACTIVITY CENTRES Chipmunks Playland & Café (NS & SS) Visit Chipmunks for unlimited play for kids aged 0 – 11 years old and relax over a coffee or lunch with friends and family at their café in one of their 3 Brisbane locations. They feature state of the art equipment and are fully air-conditioned, clean and comfortable. They also have party facilities. www.chipmunks.com.au

Flipside Circus (NS) has a professionally appointed circus training facility that is available for individuals or small groups to use during our open training sessions.

Open training is perfect for industry professionals and advanced students who wish to work on enhancing their skills or developing new acts.

3352 7233 www.flipsidecircus.org.au Lollipop’s Playland & Café (NS &SS) Are great kids party venues or giving kids a treat while parents relax over a cup of coffee and a treat from their quality cafe. Their indoor play centres are safe and secure where kids can have hours of fun climbing, sliding, jumping and spinning. 4 Brisbane locations. www.lollipopsplayland.com.au

Skyzone Indoor Trampoline Park (SS) Sky Zone Macgregor isn’t just any indoor trampoline park. It’s hundreds of trampolines, connected to form a single massive trampoline that literally allows you to jump off the walls. If that’s not enough excitement for you, Sky Zone Macgregor now has Sky Climb! Over 20 different climbing obstacles for you to reach new heights on...but wait...there’s more...Skyland Laser is a 3-storey laser tag arena that holds up to 40 players battling it out in a cloud-filled wonderland. That’s right, you read correctly. A Trampoline park with a climbing arena and laser tag! So, what are you waiting for?

13 75 99 www.skyzone.com.au Tiddlywinks Dance & Play Café (NS) Tiddlywinks Dance and Play Cafe is a family owned and operated entertainment venue, providing a unique dance and play experience for children up to 11 years old. They also have dance programmes and party facilities.

3266 8484 www.tiddlywinks.com.au

MUSIC Kindermusik at Flying Fox Studios (NS) Music and movement classes from newborn to 7 yrs.

Kindermusik classes encourage babies & children to develop language, social, emotional, & physical skills as well—all in the context of joyful, musically rich play!

3855 1528 www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au Queensland Show Choir (NS & SS) With programs for babies up to adults, QSC provides

quality music education and choral experiences for the whole family. The benefits of early childhood music can be seen in many areas from language development to social skills, not to mention it’s 3257 4905 great fun! www.queenslandshowchoir.com.au

Wee Make Music (NS & SS) Awaken a lifetime love of music and watch your child grow and thrive in all areas of their musical and personal development. Classes in Wilston. Bulimba and New Farm 6 days a week for babies (3mths) to Pre-Prep.

Free Trial for all. info@weemakemusic.com.au www.weemakemusic.com.au

SPORTS & EXERCISE

Flipside Circus (NS) offer a wide range of classes from beginners to experienced from ages 0 - 100.

There is something fun and suitable for every age and every ability. The classes are fast moving and full of action – never a moment to spare. Go and learn all the skills of the circus including tissu, static trapeze, lyra, juggling, hoops, acro balance and tumbling.

3352 7233 www.flipsidecircus.org.au Gymnastics Queensland (NS & SS) Gymnastics is one of the most fundamental and exciting of all physical activities. Basic gymnastic skills develop attributes that are perfect stepping stones for other sports, activities and life in general.

3036 5600 www.gymqld.org.au

Hockey Queensland (NS & SS) Hockey is a team

Brisbane Basketball (NS & SS) Basketball is a non-contact sport and provides a safe and enjoyable opportunity for players of all age groups.

3371 0200 www.brisbane.basketball.net.au

Brisbane Martial Arts (NS & SS) Whether Taekwondo, or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is your preferred martial art, if you’re looking to start martial arts training, or take your training to the next level, there’s only one place to go, the home of martial arts in Brisbane.

1300 303 583 www.brisbanemartialarts.com.au

sport, children learn the value of working with others.

They figure out how to rely on teammates and understand that cooperation is key to success.

3399 6577 www.hockeyqld.com.au

Iceworld (NS & SS) Do you want to learn to Ice Skate?

• Skaters of all ages welcome.

• Participate in a program that is designed to allow everyone to progress at their own pace.

• Have the opportunity to move into a variety of ice disciplines.

For more information contact the rinks Acacia Ridge 3277 7563 Boondall 3865 1694 www.iceworld.com.au

Capoeira Beribazu Australia (SS) Their kids’ classes for 5-7 and 8-12 years old focus on age appropriate activities to develop kids in the martial arts, musicality, rhythm and acrobatics aspects of Capoeira. Physical activities, playing music instruments, singing and interacting with one another are all part of the class. Positive self-image; development of strength, power and flexibility; social skills; respect for others; and learning to deal with winning and losing situations are just some of the benefits your kids will experience by practicing capoeira.

Their after-school classes are held in Yeronga on Tue & Thu. First class free then $16/class or $65/month.

0414 433 083 www.beribazuaustralia.com

Infinity Martial Arts (NS) program teaches children healthy and active habits from a young age, it also endeavours to give every student 6 core lessons for life. These are Self-Discipline, Strength, Respect, Honour, Personal Safety and Self-confidence and self-esteem. Infinity Martial Arts has a range of classes and age groups: 2-4 years, 4-7 years, 7-11 years, 11-15 years, Elite squad and junior MMA. Infinity Martial Arts develops lifelong skills and friendships in a sport and environment that your child will enjoy and feel safe.

1300 Infinity or 0452601966 infinitymartialarts.com.au Little Athletics Queensland (NS & SS) A uniquely Australian sport for children 5-16 years. Based upon the sport of athletics (track & field) the events are specially modified to suit the ages and abilities of children. A wide range of running, jumping, throwing 3255 9436 and walking events is conducted. www.qlaa.asn.au

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Local Clubs & Classes Directory Netball Queensland (NS & SS) For young children interested in playing netball for the first time, there is NetSetGo! This program is for children (girls and boys) aged 5-10 and is designed for teaching the basics of netball while fostering fun and 3848 6330 friendship in a team environment. www.netballq.org.au

abilities. From walking to adults they deliver classes designed to maximise fitness, fun and gymnastics skills. They offer competitive MAG and WAG up to Level 8. Their passionate and experienced coaches ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their 3376 4266 full potential. www.ymcabrisbane.org

PCYC (NS & SS) Gym fun, kids dance, tiny tots,

YMCA Victoria Point caters for all ages and abilities. From walking to adults they deliver classes designed to maximise fitness, fun and gymnastics skills. They offer competitive MAG and WAG up to Level 8. Their passionate and experienced coaches ensure everyone has the opportunity to 3820 5300 www. reach their full potential. ymcabrisbane.org

cheerleading, boxercise, teen yoga karate, tumble and stunt, glee club, circuit and gymnastics is just some of the activities at PCYCs. Please contact your local club to see what is on offer for you and your 3909 9555 www.pcyc.org.au children.

Horseriding Gumnuts (SS) Gumnuts is a 140 acre horse farm

QLD Cheer Elite (NS) Their classes are a mix of gymnastics, dancing and acrobatics - rolled into one.

Combine this with music, performing and costumes and it’s a mix that kids absolutely love. In cheerleading, every student in the team is important and everyone’s strengths are celebrated. Athletes of all shapes and sizes are embraced and everyone has a role to play. Cheer is about team work, encouragement, trust and commitment and it allows everyone the chance to shine.

To find out more about our free trial classes for ages 4+ www.queenslandcheerelite.com.au Queensland Fencing Association (NS, SS) Fencing teaches problem solving and patience while building strength, stamina and flexibility.

Boys and girls train and compete together in a safe and supportive environment, getting fit, having fun and forging friendships that last a lifetime. Many Brisbane clubs offer free come-and-try sessions with all equipment supplied. Contact your nearest club for 0417 611 623 www.qfa.org.au details.

Tennis Queensland (NS & SS) Tennis Queensland Registration is automatically included when you join your local affiliated club as a member. This will also give you access to all the exclusive benefits that the club chooses to offer. Find a club near you.

3120 7900 www.tennis.com.au

YMCA Bowen Hills caters for all ages and abilities.

From walking to adults they deliver classes designed to maximise fitness, fun and gymnastics skills. They offer competitive MAG and WAG up to Level 8.

Their passionate and experienced coaches ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

3851 8800 www.ymcabrisbane.org

YMCA Acacia Ridge is a specialist gymnastic centre focussed on giving your child the best possible gymnastic experience. From 10 months to teens we cater for beginners and up to Level 7. Our friendly and experienced coaches ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

3276 7793 www.ymcabrisbane.org YMCA Stafford is a specialist gymnastic centre focussed on giving your child the best possible gymnastic experience. From 3 years to teens their friendly and experienced coaches ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

3355 7176 www.ymcabrisbane.org

YMCA Jamboree Heights caters for all ages and

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located in the Biddaddaba Valley. They offer a farm stay experience as well as horseriding, which is their primary focus. They have expanded to include day & ½ day riding tours operating from both the Gold 5543 0191 Coast and Brisbane. www.gumnutsfarm.com.au

Indarra Equestrian Centre (SS) provides a safe riding environment with qualified, professional staff so you can enjoy your love of horses. You can choose either group (max 4 riders) or private lessons. Indarra also hold fun filled day and overnight camps during 0409 475 040 each school holidays. www.indarraequestrian.com.au

Kiah Park (SS) Offers 7 day horse riding farm stays for children ages 6yrs - teens every school holidays.

Includes full accommodation and each child is given their own pony/horse to love, care for and ride twice a day. Includes full accommodation, arena lessons, horse care – grooming & tacking up, trail rides and gymkhana. Fun night activities include night walk, talent show, camp fire with stories and marshmallow 5486 6166 roasting, bingo and movie night. www.kiahpark.com.au

North Lakes Aquatic Centre (NS) Concentrates in infant water familiarization, safety and personal development. Their swim program in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society caters for children from 6 mths through to Junior Squads. Their instructors pride themselves on their wealth of experience, understanding and enthusiasm.

3886 2022 www.northlakesac.com.au northlakes@belgravialeisure.com.au

Nudgee College Swimming (NS) welcomes both girls and boys, and is based at St Joseph’s Nudgee College, Boondall. With both their 25m and 50m pools being heated, it allows them to operate all year round. They have an extensive Learn to Swim Program from 10 months old. This program then filters through to their high level squads ranging from Junior Development to Age Nationals. They also run an Aqua Fitness program, which includes deep water running, aqua aerobics and adult swimfit. The talent of swimmers is maximised by their quality environment where all swimmers can achieve the many benefits of this sport such as health, self-discipline, fitness and fun.

3865 0516 www.ncswimmingclub.com Shapland Swim Schools (NS & SS) Learn-to-swim with only 3 per class. Shaplands have been teaching swimming for 3 generations and through that time have trialed many class sizes and found a class of 3 is the most successful for a child to learn their aquatic skills. A class size of 3 allows each child to receive more individual attention and accelerates their learning through less time wasted waiting for their turn to perform a skill and more time spent with the teacher. Shaplands offers a semi-private class where students can progress quickly through the Shapland unique Swim-in-Five program. www.shapland.com.au

Nag Nanny (SS) Nag Nanny & Equine Resolutions is passionate about teaching all aspects of looking after horses. Children will not turn up to a horse that is saddled and ready to go, do their lesson and leave.

They will teach them all about getting to know a horse. www.nagnanny.vpweb.com.au

Riverside Equestrian Centre (SS) Riverside Equestrian Centre is located at Moggill in a park-like setting on the banks of the Brisbane River. It is a short drive from Brisbane City. They offer lessons for groups and single riders from junior to senior riders.

Each lesson runs for 2 hours instead of the normal 3202 6526 45mins. www.riversideequestriancentre.com.au Wattle Creek Riding School (NS) At Wattle Creek, they specialise in one on one lessons. This gives 100% of the Coach’s attention to the rider. This allows the experienced and inexperienced to work at their optimum pace. No riding experience is needed to start as they teach from the first riding lesson to 3300 6422 the highly experienced rider. www.wattlecreekridingschool.com.au

Swimming Aquatic Achievers Swim Schools (NS & SS) specialize in teaching babies through to stroke correction and squads. Their innovative SOLO-1 teaching program advances skills in easy, achievable progressions. The pinnacle of their SOLO-1 program is for children to swim One Kilometre unassisted. www.aquaticachievers.com.au Dipadees (NS) They have a FREE four-week program for bubs aged approximately 3 to 4 months old is designed as a gentle introduction to water as well as classes for babies and Toddlers, Kindy Kids & Preppies, Primary Schoolers, Big Kids, and Squads.

3355 1550 www.dipadees.com

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

Superfish (SS) Free swimming assessment & Free trial lesson - No obligation! All levels & ages.

Under 3’s also includes - free 45Min orientation lesson. Under 6-month bubs also includes – free water familiarisation lessons. 25m heated, indoor pools.

Specialist Drowning Prevention Program - babies, toddlers & under 5’s. School age stroke correction program - small, structured classes. Children’s squads. Free pool entry for Superfish families, 6 days/ week, once booked in lessons! Sunnybank.

33233188 www.superfish.com.au

FILM & TV, THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS Australian Acting Academy (NS & SS) Looking for Fun, Exciting Acting classes that will build confidence increase communication skills and give real life experience and opportunities in acting for stage and in front of the camera for your child? The Australian Acting Academy is the best place to go, and has been since 1994. Your 7-12 year olds and 13-16 year olds can explore weekly classes and holiday workshops with teachers that put their needs first, with the most up to date curriculum in town. All Skill levels catered

Local Clubs & Classes Directory for, and great outcomes guaranteed.

Call 0412 728 628, to book your $10 trial class.

New locations opening all the time. www.actingacademy.com.au

Brisbane Arts Theatre (NS) Every Saturday morning, children aged 8 to 16 from all over Brisbane attend Brisbane Arts Theatre’s Performing Arts’ Workshop from 9am – 11am at the Lavalla Centre in Paddington. At each class, there are three specialist instructors teaching singing, acting and dancing in rotation. The children are taught introductory stagecraft, acting techniques, improvisation, singing (solo and chorus) and movement (mime and dancing).

Saturday mornings during school term time. Cost $600 per year or $350 for two school terms. Intakes at the 3369 2344 beginning of Terms One and Three. www.artstheatre.com.au/childrensworkshops

Flipside Circus (NS) Performance Program Flipside Circus Trainers support students in every step of the way ensuring each student is ready as they take the steps from performing in small in-house shows to roaming performances at fetes and festivals to touring large scale performing works in major 3352 7233 festivals! www.flipsidecircus.org.au

DANCE

Kick Dance (SS) in Bulimba provides classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Tap and Irish and caters for all ages and abilities from toddler to adult. Kick Arts provides classes in Singing and Acting as well as producing biannual musicals. Kick provides a fun and enjoyable class environment that also caters for students wishing to excel in exams, eisteddfods, musicals and concert performances. They are very proud of their students’ national successes and they are recipients of many Eisteddfod titles including Classical Ballet, Jazz and Tap Championships and aggregates. Whether you are keen to have fun or ‘Kick’ start your dance career, Kick 0414 308 248 Dance and Arts have classes to suit. www.kickdance.com.au

Learn 2 Dance (NS) Their Tots, Kids and Teens classes are designed to introduce your children to the fun of their art form and sport, Dancesport. With a concentration on the fun, social side of dancing they make sure your children learn all they need to have a successful start to a promising future in dancing.

0417 713 222 www.learn2dance.com.au

out more about how they can support you and your child, visit aeiou.org.au or phone 1300 273 435.

Kumon (NS & SS) The Kumon Method is an individualised learning method. The starting point for each Kumon student is determined individually.

Students start with the level where they can attain a perfect score by studying on their own.

1800 458 666 www.au.kumonglobal.com Scribble Ink Writing Classes (NS) Brisbane’s Most Dynamic Two Day Holiday Writing Course for Students @ Griffith University.

“So engaged after 6 hours! Improvement... staggering!” D. Rotili “Highly recommended.” R. Corcoran.

Their Junior, Middle and Senior Scribblers writer’s courses will take your child’s writing to the next level.

Using advanced techniques mastered over 27 years of teaching experience, allow Mister C to take your child on a journey of writing enrichment. The power to completely transform your child’s writing.

0409 075 838 www.scribbleink.com.au

Movements Academy of Dance (NS) A well-established, friendly, family based studio that believes in teaching students to be all that they can be. They handpick their teachers who are qualified, encouraging & inspiring so that every student can have the very best dance education possible.

3886 4098 www.movementsdance.com.au Seriously Dance (SS) They truly believe their

Dance Masala Bollywood Dance Company (NS) believes in creating community through dance, everyone is welcome, even if you have never danced before! Bollywood is vibrant, energetic and diverse – the perfect complement to your exercise routine, guaranteed to uplift the spirit and leave you smiling. Dance Masala’s children’s classes follow a unique curriculum for Bollywood Dance, focusing on developing confidence and technique through play based learning, and performance opportunities.

Bollywood is spectacular for physical wellbeing and a wonderful way to experience India’s diverse culture.

Dance Masala is the missing ingredient to provide joy 0422 512 991 in your life! www.dancemasala.com.au

Elite Dancers (NS) Their many different classes are structured to suit the needs of every dancer, whether you want to dance for a career or for fun and fitness.

We have classes for ages 3 and above on a registered 0427 999 909 or casual basis. www.elitedancers.com.au

philosophy of respecting each student for their individuality & challenging each student to obtain 0416 477 703 personal excellence. www.seriouslydance.com

Synchrony Occupational Therapy

HEALTH, WELLBEING AND SCHOOL SUPPORT AEIOU Foundation: Creating lifetime of opportunities for children with autism (NS, SS) AEIOU Foundation’s specialised early intervention program helps children aged 2 – 6 years to develop essential life skills, fostering greater independence, confidence and inclusion.

With an evidence-based program delivered by a team comprised of behaviour therapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and skilled educators, AEIOU supports the individual needs of each child. Parents and carers are involved in their child’s program and are provided with regular training to acquire skills and tools to achieve therapy goals in the home and broader community. To find

(NS) Fostering happiness, confidence, independence and success. Synchrony Occupational Therapy is a Brisbane-based private practice that is helping children between the ages of 3-18 years to reach their potential. Clinic and mobile options are available. Helping Children with Autism, Medicare and Private Health rebates are available for eligible families.

0400 788 459 www.synchronyot.com.au If you would like a listing for your club, class or activity in our next issue’s inclusive directory, contact us now!

Email: Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Compiled by Regina Gleeson

Advertise with us from only $390 + GST

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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FAMILIES FUN

Listings for everyone in every family!

To promote your local family friendly event including school fetes and fairs, community groups, get-togethers and local festivals in the next ‘Families Fun’ listings (April/May 2018) send your entry by 5pm on Friday 23 February 2018. Email Regina – Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check the details of the events listed before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

WHAT’S ON IN THE CITY?

- FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018 BRISBANE SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS Little Days Out Held amid the shady trees of the South Bank Parklands, Little Days Out is a series of free children’s workshops designed to suit all interests and skill levels. It’s on every Thursday from 9am-1pm (taking place from February - November), with locations and activities changing each week, so there’s always something new to enjoy!

brands, free advice from parenting experts such as Pinky McKay (twice a day!), live performances from top entertainers plus much more. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. 9.30am – 4pm daily. Fri 16 – Sun 18 Mar. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ brisbane-convention-exhibition-centre

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM Wild State takes visitors through five breathtaking environments – the arid outback, iconic eucalypt forest, tropical rainforest, sun-drenched coastal zones and teeming marine environments. unsettle A new artists-in-residence program will see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people draw on the State Collection to inspire works of film, street and visual art, music and theatre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-museum

QPAC Disney’s Aladdin – The Musical Breathtaking sets, mind-blowing special effects, over 300 lavish costumes and a fabulous cast bring the magic of Disney’s Aladdin to life on stage. Featuring all the songs from the classic Academy award winning film, including “Friend like Me”, “A Whole New World” and “Arabian Nights”, prepare to experience the unmissable theatrical magic that is Aladdin. From 20 Feb.

BrisAsia Festival 2018: Summer Party Celebrate Asian pop-culture with a huge line-up of talented performers and entertainment including anime, cosplay, fashion, k-pop, and synchronised swimming. This free, all-ages event will come alive as South Bank Parklands becomes a pop party full of electrifying, non-stop entertainment.

17 Feb 5 -10pm.

From Jaws to Jurassic Park: The Music of John Williams Relive the iconic soundtracks from Star

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ south-bank

BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE Essential Baby & Toddler Show A day out for the whole family, featuring exclusive show-only specials from up to 250 local and international

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Wars, Superman, Schindler’s List, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and others. Winner of five Academy and 23 Grammy Awards, John Williams has composed the scores to more than 100 films.

Complete with spectacular lighting, this is a live concert experience not to be missed. Sat 24 Feb – 2pm & 7.30pm.

Queensland Ballet’s La Bayadère Solor, son of the Maharajah of Koch Bihar, has pledged his undying love to the beautiful Nikiya, a bayadère (temple dancer). When he is forced by his father to marry the Governor-General’s daughter, a string of tragic consequences is unleashed.

16 – 29 Mar.

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activities. Let your taste buds run wild as you experience the flavours of Japan with a range of pop-up food stalls, plus much more all in the one summer night-time festival. 5.30 – 10.30pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/organiser/ roma-street-parkland

QUEENSLAND GALLERY OF MODERN ART The Kite Wishes Project Mao’s Last Dancer Li Cunxin has a life-long love of kites, creating and flying them as a child in rare and precious moments with his father. Visit Museum of Brisbane during Mao’s Last Dancer the exhibition and design your own kite or be inspired by the koinobori fish template created by Brisbane artist Elysha Rei. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/organiser/ museum-of-brisbane

Me, Myselfie and I is a Collection-based exhibition which explores representation of self.

In addition to select artworks from the Gallery’s Australian, international, and Asian and Pacific collections, the exhibition will feature interactive making and multimedia artist projects, inviting children to consider different ways of creating their own portraits.

ROMA STREET PARKLAND Valentine’s Day Movie in the Park The most romantic night of the year is fast approaching and what better way to spend Valentine’s Day then a night under the stars with someone you love. Bring a picnic rug, chair or even bean bag if you like and relax under the warm summer night sky as you catch the free screening of the ever-popular romantic comedy, ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ (M). 14 Feb.

World Science Festival Brisbane – Cool Jobs The future of our job market is changing – so what does it take to do some of the coolest jobs on Earth? Meet four amazing scientists with some of today’s most innovative jobs. Learn how they got there and what inspired them to choose their exciting and inspiring careers. 22 Mar. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/qpac

MUSEUM OF BRISBANE 100% Brisbane In an exciting world-first, Museum of Brisbane has collaborated with celebrated Berlin based theatre company Rimini Protokoll to create a powerful and unforgettable interactive exhibition experience which brings together 100 residents who currently call Brisbane home.

Kisaragi Sai Festival, Brisbane Experience the many facets of Japanese culture and society with a range of Japanese music and dance with performances across two stages. There will also be martial arts, Bonsai, Ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement), market stalls, artist demonstrations, exhibitions and children’s

SCIENCENTRE Perception Deception Mind melting illusions, sensory sensations, playing with perception, and discovering the world inside your head are all part of the exhibition Perception Deception. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/organiser/ sciencentre

QUEENSLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tubby the Tuba Discover the instruments of the Orchestra and learn about the world of orchestral music in an interactive and fun environment. Go on an enchanting musical journey with Tubby the Tuba as he searches for a melody of his own.

Discover the instruments of the Orchestra from the smallest piccolo to the largest tuba. Wed 14 & Fri 16 Mar. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-symphony-orchestra-studio

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#FamiliesMagFun FEBRUARY 2018 Until Sun 18 Feb Built for Speed, Ipswich Start your engines Built for Speed is back at IAG this summer! It’s a hands-on day of racing fun for the whole family. Design, build and race your LEGO® hot rod, dragster or supercar down mega ramps and speed tracks. Modify your ride and tweak your design to test your luck on the ultimate conveyor belt. Thrills, spills and awesome crashes are guaranteed! $5 per person or $15 for a Family Pass (admits up to 5 people. Must include at least 1 adult).

Ipswich Art Gallery. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/builtspeed-ipswich

celebrate Harry Potter book night. Libraries across Brisbane will take part with their own magical Harry Potter events. Go dressed as your favourite professor of Hogwarts and share in themed activities, games and quizzes.

Ideal for children aged 5-10 years. Bookings essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/harry-potter-book-nightfantastic-beasts Sat 3 Feb BFLF Brisbane - Launch Party, Fortitude Valley Brisbane, are you ready for the Launch of Big Fish Little Fish family rave? Family fun for the post-rave generation of parents. Helping parents be responsibly irresponsible since 2013. Blast off as the first event takes you deep into orbit with the theme – ‘Space Exploration’. Dressing up in your best ‘space’ themed outfit is optional but highly encouraged! The Met. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/bflf-brisbane-launch-partyfortitude-valley

Until Mon 4 Mar Moonlight Cinema, New Farm Australia’s favourite open air cinema showing advance screenings, new release and cult films in the iconic New Farm Park at Brisbane Powerhouse. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/moonlight-cinema-new-farm Until Sat 17 Mar Twelve Dancing Princesses, Petrie Terrace The twelve princesses love to dance, but their overprotective father won’t allow it. A visit from his late wife’s sister Lady Monica is about to change all that. A magical musical journey awaits in the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Brisbane Arts Theatre. Bookings essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/twelve-dancing-princessespetrie-terrace

Sat 3 Feb Chinese New Year Night Markets, Newmarket Admission is free with plenty of activities including games for kids, street food, cultural performances, school art competition and much more! Multicultural Community Centre presents the Technicolour Chinese New Year Night Market. Chinese New Year or “Spring Festival” is the most important celebration in the traditional Chinese calendar. Welcome 2018 and wish for a blessed and prosperous coming year with a free entry event full of red and gold. 4.30 – 9pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ chinese-new-year-night-markets-newmarket Fri 9 – Sun 25 Feb Sand Safari Arts Festival, Surfers Paradise Kings and queens of the castle, get ready to converge on Surfers Paradise as the annual Sand Safari Arts Festival returns to celebrate all things sand, sea and sport, transforming the iconic foreshore into a family-friendly fantasy sandscape. This popular free event features the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, drawing thousands of spectators to admire some of Australia’s and the world’s most talented sculptors as they intricately carve life-sized masterpieces over the course of the weekend, as well as the city-wide Sand Trail, Inflatable Art Installations, Live Book Readings with mermaids and Sand Sculpting and Sand Art workshops.

Throughout Surfers Paradise. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ sand-safari-arts-festival Sat 10 Feb Ashy and Friends, Broadbeach Featuring Ashy and her best friends; Bruno, Aria, Professor, Kat and Joey. There is never a dull moment when these friends are together! This engaging, fun and action-packed live show, for 1-6 year olds, has plenty of singing, dancing, education, exercises and loads of laughs. Best of all, included in your ticket is the Ashy and Friends’ animation series which will be sent to you to watch leading up to the live show. Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ashy-friends-broadbeach

Thu 1 Feb Harry Potter Book Night: Fantastic Beasts On Thursday 1 February, Harry Potter fans from around the world will once again

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Sat 10 Feb – Sun 4 Mar BrisAsia Festival, Various Locations in Brisbane The festival provides professional and creative sector development opportunities for Brisbane-based creatives with a strong interest in the Asia region and whose creative practice is reflective of this. The program will feature a variety of free activities to experience Brisbane’s diverse Asian communities. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brisasia-festival-brisbane

#FamiliesMagFun

Sun 11 Feb Out of this world fun, Toowong Bookings essential. Blast off into space with this fun activity. High energy games and an adventure walk make this workshop an out of this world experience! Zoom from the Planetarium down to the Hide and Seek Children’s Trail where you will have a great time finding some hidden treasures! 10am Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/worldfun-toowong Fri 16 Feb Chinese New Year Street Festival, Hope Island Celebrate Chinese New Year of the Dog in vibrant cooler at Links Hope Island’s inaugural Community Street Festival. Authentic Chinese entertainers including; heritage listed Mask Changing Dancers, String quartet, singers, flautist, Tai Chi Sword Dance, Chinese massage, cultural activities and a delicious array of Chinese street food. There will be plenty for the kids to do at the “Little Wonderland” with a Chopstick Competition, calligraphy and dumpling making classes. And, high impact Kung Fu display, Dragons, Lions and colourful dancers will command your attention! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/chinese-new-year-streetfestival-hope-island Fri 16 & Sun 17 Feb We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Surfers Paradise Based on the book written by Michael Rosen & Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. From the page, live on stage! Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog as they wade through swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and thick oozy, squelchy mud, on their quest to find a bear. With lots of surprises along the way, it’s gonna be a big one … but we’re not scared! The Arts Centre. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/event/going-bear-hunt-surfers-paradise Sat 17 Feb Moreton Bay Region Lunar New Year, Caboolture Moreton Bay Region Lunar New Year once again hosts a packed program celebrating the Chinese New Year. This is a free event for the

whole family. Caboolture Town Square from 4pm - 8pm will experience Asian culture and entertainment. This amazing program will feature traditional music and dance, mouth-watering traditional Asian food, Chinese Dragons, cultural displays, activities and workshops. Go along to welcome the Year of the Dog. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ moreton-bay-region-lunar-new-year Sat 17 & Sun 18 Feb Chinese Lunar New Year, Fortitude Valley Celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in Fortitude Valley’s Chinatown Mall.

Get involved in the festivities with lion dancers, fire shows, traditional music, cultural performances, interactive workshops and roving street performers to welcome the Year of the Dog. Celebrating the most important day in the Chinese and Asian calendar and attended by hundreds of people each year, Chinese Lunar New Year offers the chance to discover more about the many Asian cultures in Brisbane and enjoy the cultural diversity of Fortitude Valley. www.familiesmagazine.com. au/event/chinese-lunar-new-year-fortitude-valley Sat 17 & Sun 18 Feb Da Vinci Maker Space, Toowoomba Tinkering workshop weekend for kids to get creative. Imagine it, draw it, and make it...just as Leonardo da Vinci did. Join in at the da Vinci Maker Space to create handmade toys and inventions using wood, fabric and other recycled materials. This tinkering workshop weekend for is for kids aged 5-15 years old. Hammer it! Nail it! Glue it! Cobb & Co Museum. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/event/da-vinci-maker-space-toowoomba Sun 18 & Mon 19 Feb String Symphony, New Farm String Symphony is a large-scale, interactive performance installation that uses puppetry to explore connection, community and collaboration. Hand-woven using more than one kilometre of rope, the giant illuminated puppet is waiting to be brought to life. This mesmerising performance invites 12 audience members to become puppeteers. As the participants manipulate the giant interactive puppet, onlookers marvel at the beauty of this magnificent creation. A joyful, engaging and visual stunning work for all ages, String Symphony offers a high-impact piece for festivals and outdoor events. Brisbane Powerhouse, bookings essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/string-symphony-new-farm

MARCH 2018 Sat 3 Mar LifeFlight Music Muster and Family Fun Day, Toowoomba

Boomer Bullbars presents- The 3rd Annual LifeFlight Music Muster and Family Fun Day March 3rd, 2018. Held at Brother’s Rugby League Club, Cnr of Hursley Road and Boundary Street, Toowoomba. Boomer Bullbars will be running a fundraiser ute show, truck show, country music and 70’s and 80’s music festival and family fun day for LifeFlight. There will be trade sites, food and market stalls and fireworks. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/lifeflight-music-musterfamily-fun-day-toowoomba Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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that dwell beneath the sea, and discover fascinating facts and sea-shore treasures. Boondall Environment Wetlands Centre. 10am. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/meet-ocean-creatures-boondall

Sun 11 Mar Redlands Rockabilly Revival, Cleveland Show organisers Robot Productions are thrilled to be planning another one-day festival full of good times in the beautiful bayside. Thousands of people are expected to enjoy a sensational day surrounded by hot rods, specialty markets, gourmet foodies, dancing, pinup parades, live bands, dj’s and more. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/redlands-rockabillyrevival-cleveland Thu 15 Mar – Sat 7 Apr The Sunset Cinema, Toowong Recognised as Queensland’s premier tropical Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens are the perfect backdrop for relaxing nights, lazing under the stars enjoying the stars of the Silver Screen with Sunset Cinema. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/sunset-cinema-toowong Sun 18 Mar Harmony and Heritage Fiesta, Cleveland The day will consist of local multicultural dancing groups, kids activities and food from around the world. First 5 Forever will be hosting storytelling and craft for families to enjoy. Redlands Museum. 10am – 2pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/harmony-heritage-fiesta-cleveland Wed 21 – Sun 25 Mar World Science Festival, Brisbane World Science Festival explores and celebrates the entanglement of science and art through a curated program of thought-provoking conversations, inspiring theatrical and cinematic experiences, interactive workshops and engaging demonstrations. There will be various activities around Brisbane to help celebrate. Some are free, and some are ticketed, so make sure you check the website for more information. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/world-science-festival-brisbane Sat 24 Mar Harmony Day Festival, Springfield Central Enjoy free face painting, free red bag (5:30PM), lucky door draw (7:55PM), $2 unlimited land train (Westside Community Care Fundraiser) along with various stalls, international food, martial arts workshop, lion dance workshop, multicultural performances, the studio of performing arts, Showbiz Express circus & dance, talented young vocalist Paris Morgan, fireworks spectacular (8:00PM) and $10 Unlimited Fun Rides. Robelle Domain Parkland. 3 – 8pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/harmony-day-festivalspringfield-central Sat 24 Mar The Witches, Petrie Terrace Something is up at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children! It turns out these lovely ladies are witches in disguise, with a plot to turn all children into mice. The world of Roald Dahl returns in this captivating, family-friendly adventure sure to excite even the oldest of your clan. Brisbane Arts Theatre, bookings essential. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/witches-petrie-terrace Sun 25 Mar Meet ocean creatures, Boondall Are your kids curious about what creatures live in the ocean? If you answered yes, then be sure not to miss this activity. Your children will have the opportunity to touch live marine animals. They will learn about marine life, meet some animals

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

Sun 25 Mar RepX - Brisbane Reptile Expo, Bowen Hills RepX – Brisbane Reptile Expo 2018 will be the biggest reptile expo ever seen in Queensland. With more floor space, activities and presentations, and a team of special celebrity Ambassadors, this expo will appeal to existing hobbyists and those new to keeping reptiles, as well as families looking for an entertaining day out. Experience a unified atmosphere with people who share your passion for these awesome creatures. There will be heaps to see and do, with exciting animal demonstrations, reptile displays, insightful and educational talks, door prizes and children’s entertainment.

10am – 5pm. Brisbane Showgrounds. www.familiesmagazine.com. au/event/repx-brisbane-reptile-expo-bowen-hills Thu 29 Mar North Lakes Teddy Bears’ Picnic, North Lakes Grab your favourite teddy for a special Easter themed Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Thursday 29 March at Aurora Boulevard Park, North Lakes. Running from 9am to 12noon, there will be plenty to keep your little ones entertained including stage shows, face painting, kid’s activities, an animal farm, teddy bear parade as well as a special appearance by the Easter Bunny.

Remember to pack your favourite Teddy Bear and a picnic rug to join in the day the Moreton Bay Region Teddy Bears’ have their picnic. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/event/north-lakes-teddy-bears-picnicnorth-lakes Fri 30 Mar Redcliffe Festival of Sails, Redcliffe Looking for something to do this Good Friday with friends or the family? Be shore side for the spectacular start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. The Redcliffe Festival of Sails is an annual event which takes place on the foreshore of Suttons Beach on the Redcliffe Peninsula with markets, family activities and a prime possie to watch the yachts race by. 9am – 4pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/redcliffe-festival-sails-redcliffe

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Freebies for the whole family!

Enter Online!

Enter at www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au/competitions

WIN! A Classic Red Buddy Wagon

WIN! 1 of 10 x Peace Mumma Online Programs

Life comes with all kinds of stuff, so it’s nice to have a Buddy around to help out. Portable by design and incredibly easy to set up, a Buddy Wagon, is a strong, compact and stylish collapsable trolley. The simple design makes Buddy Wagon the perfect companion for any lifestyle, from families, to gardeners, festival goers, sports teams, anglers, shoppers or just heading to the beach.

Buddy Wagon is made from modern and sturdy materials, with a telescopic handle, brakes and four multi directional wheels, making it ideal for any activity.

It then folds away, to a compact size of 35cms x 20cms x 74cms, to fit anywhere you need to store your Buddy Wagon! A Buddy For Life. And everything in it.

The Peace Mumma Online Program is an inspirational and educational program guiding mothers in the first 18 months after birth, assisting in healthy breastmilk production, better health, a relaxed & toned post baby body and a content, happy baby! Using postnatal yoga, mums and bubs yoga, Ayurvedic baby massage, organic natural products, meal plans, health & connection daily ritual schedules, recipes of superfood meals made under 10mins and more, all specific to mother and baby at this time. Peace Mumma is a part of Living Ayur, an agency for professional classical Ayurvedic health advice. Peace Mumma is dedicated in making content, vibrant, healthy mums and babies the “social norm” by using Ayurveda and Yoga’s speciality care of mother and baby care.

More @ www.buddywagon.com.au

More @ livingayur.com/peace-mumma-program/

1 Prize valued at $249 to WIN

WIN! 1 of 10 Lizzie May the Shoelaces Book Lizzie May the Shoelaces is Book 2 of a 50 novella book series written and illustrated by Soochen Low, Happy.Positive.Successful Joy Expert and Coach.

Lizzie May the Shoelaces, Book 2, explores “Being Different” and empowers Mums and their children to see what makes them different as beautiful and positive instead something to be ashamed of. When readers can see the beauty and power of their uniqueness or difference, that’s when their best self is being unlocked and their 100% confident self starts to come through and creates positive change to all areas of their life.

10 x Prize Packs Valued at $79.00 each to WIN

WIN! 1 of 2 ‘Name My Stuff’ School Value Packs Name My Stuff uses the latest technology to personalise/permanently mark anything from baby dummies, lunch boxes, drink bottles etc – no more need for texta or stickers that wear off – Name My Stuff’s markings will never wear off or fade. You can score: 1 medium Fridge to-go bag, 1 personalised Little Lunch Box Co, 1 personalised 500ml Oasis stainless steel bottle and 1 nametag for a school bag Mix and match the different designs and save. The fridge-to-go is a great lunch bag, and there is still room for a banana etc after you pop the lunch box in!

See more @ www.namemystuff.com.au

More @ www.happypositivesuccessful.com/books.html

2 x Prize Packs Valued at $109.60 each to WIN

10 x Prize Packs Valued at $30.00 each to WIN

For full competition terms and conditions and to enter, log on to: www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au and click on ‘Competitions’

Families Magazine is made with love by Janine Mergler - Editor Regina Gleeson – Listings Editor Suzie Porter – Designer Jesse Stanger – IT Systems & Support Dana Flannery-Hayes – Talk About Creative – SEO @ www. talkaboutcreative.com.au

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Lou Lavery – Online Content Manager The information contained in this publication and on our website and social media forums is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Families Magazine and its contributors as detailed on individual articles. While we endeavour to publish information that is up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related images contained in print, on our website or in our social media forums for any purpose. Information received via our publication or online should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal or financial decisions. You should consult an appropriate professional for specic advice tailored to your need and situation.

April / May 2018

FAMILIES HEALTH, BUMPS & BABIES Advertising deadline: Friday 23 February 2018 June / July 2018

WINTER DAY TRIPS & KIDS PARTIES Advertising deadline: Friday 4 May 2018

We do not endorse contents or advertisers in our publication or on our web pages and will not responsible for any content of any linked site or any link contained in the link site. In no event shall we be liable for direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential damages or any damages whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the use of or performance of information, products, services or reliance on the contents of the advertisements.

All material including, but not limited to adverts, editorial, images and part thereof sent to Families Magazine remain the property of Families Magazine. All materials and personal details will be handled appropriately with respect to data protection laws. No material published by Families Magazine in print or online may be reproduce whatsoever without prior written consent.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2018

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