Families Magazine - Brisbane Toddlers & Childcare Issue 2017 by Families Magazine - Brisbane

Issue 24: October/November 2017 www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

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

TODDLERS & CHILDCARE ISSUE A parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guide to tonsillitis How a good kindy prepares kids for school 5 Reasons playgroups rock! Families fun events & activities The Clever Resource for Thinking Parents

October/November 2017

Contents 4

Times tables - Do we still need to learn them?

Welcome to the Toddlers & Childcare Issue This issue is called “The Toddler Issue” but it may as well be ‘toddler issues’ as toddlers have/ cause many. I have a 3-year-old who is in the last stages of toddlerdom (the internet says toddlers are categorised from walking till the year before preschool) and he’s achieved a level of mobility that wreaks havoc on my last nerve. As the third (and final, honest!) child he benefits from the occasional neglect and overwhelming fatigue of my inconsistent parenting as well as upskilling from his older siblings. He is unstoppable. If there is one thing I’ve learnt about parenting toddlers it’s persistence - they have more than you! They will persistently wear you down and sometimes I wonder if it is easier to give in immediately. Want a lolly? If I say ‘sure!’ I’ll save myself an hour of screaming. Another episode of Paw Patrol? Great idea (avoid screaming). No nappy today? Hooray - you are self-toilet training! Oh wait- you are just urinating with abandon, awesome. If you really want to torture yourself go back through old videos of your older children as toddlers; the cuteness is excruciating. Baby Daddy and I spent an evening watching old videos and melting into puddles of nostalgia. Then our IRL toddler came in later that night, covertly took off his nappy and released half his bodyweight in warm warm wee. And then we remembered why 2-minute videos of cuteness are waaaay preferable to the reality. If you are still invested in the success of your ambulatory genetic minion then enjoy this dedicated issue of Families Magazine and the sage advice within.

Education

5-9

Toddlers & Childcare Feature Right brain… The importance of stimulating your child’s creative side What happens when your child needs to have their tonsils out? Getting ready for Prep 5 Reasons why playgroups ROCK! 10 ways gymnastics develops your child

10-11

Families Fun Circle the family events you plan to do during October & November

12-15

Clubs, Classes & Activities Over 100 local clubs, classes, activities and venues designed specifically for children aged 0 – 17.

Yours in nappies gaffa taped on so they can’t be removed.

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 simoneeclair.com.

Cover image courtesy of Deposit Photos

Next issue December/January 2017 – Deadline Friday 27 Oct 2017 Focus on Summer Days Out & Clubs & Classes & Activities.

Readership over 100,00 every issue. Published 6 times a year. For families in Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan and the Moreton Region.

Families Magazine, PO Box 1018, Brighton 4017

☎ 07 3265 5738

Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

Today Sunshine

TODAY SUNSHINE

todaysunshine @today.sunshine

Australian designed modern art for kid’s room or nursery. Custom artworks make beautiful birthday, new baby or christening gifts. SHOP NOW!

todaysunshine.com.au Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

Education

TIMES TABLES Do we still need to learn them?

Often parents and students ask their classroom Primary teacher, “Why is learning timetables so important?” Maybe we could pass it off as, not on trend anymore to rote learn, and of course, this includes rote learning times tables. We have at our fingertips these days a device of some kind – an iPad, a smartphone, a laptop or even the good old fashioned calculator: these can do it all for us! However, I have not come across a student who can type in 4 x 12 and get the answer faster than another student who knows their times tables. With this instant recall, a student can then have the freedom to complete more complex mathematical concepts and procedures, rather than being bogged down at the starting line with trying to remember, or even type in, their times tables.

The building block of maths

their related division facts. The key term here is: recall – and this is the expectation of our Australian Curriculum. Educators are to ensure that students can recall, this does not include the use of devices to work them out. Across Year 3, students should experience a wide variety of activities to reinforce and learn their times tables. This can be achieved through: repetition, listening to timetables recordings on a CD, times tables raps which are readily available on Youtube, concrete materials, patterning with blocks for arrays, use of a myriad of apps and then of course the final steps are: transference and application.

The platform for understanding times tables is comprehensively laid down from the moment your child begins to understand numbers and how they relate to one another, through patterning and place value. In the early years of formal education, Prep to Year 2, students are learning through hands-on activities, symbols and patterning that form the basis of timetables. This is achieved through counting on in twos, threes, fives and tens, forwards and backwards.

Year 4 is the time to now focus in on all of the times tables, up to the twelve times tables. There are handy hints for many of the times tables and these are readily available in a search on the Internet. Now that the pressure is on in Year 4 to get a handle on these timetables, you should approach the learning and understanding in a regular, fun way. You should revisit timetables regularly and for short spurts each day (twice if can possibly fit it into your busy schedule).

By the time students reach Year 3, it is time to formally learn and recall multiplication facts (times tables): two, three, five and ten, along with

Developing working memory and recall Learning times tables is all about developing your child’s working memory. Little but regular, is important to approaching the recall of facts. They should hear them, say them, sing them, skip them, make them, write them, draw them with chalk, felt pens, whatever you can creatively find for them to write with, even water on a concrete pathway. It should be a fun, colourful and a sensory inspired experience when learning the recall of facts. Don’t just learn them in sequence – to be able to transfer and apply the times tables, your child will need to recall them out of sequence – so flash cards are great, or games where random recall is the key, rather than just learning them as a chant or song as the only means of learning them. So, for your child to experience the freedom and confidence to approach the complex mathematical concepts that they will experience throughout their education, of course, as a numerate member of society, learning times tables is as important today as it ever has been. Written by: Tonia Lassman - Head of Teaching & Learning – Primary Clayfield College www.clayfield.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

Toddlers Feature

RIGHT BRAIN…

THE IMPORTANCE OF STIMULATING YOUR CHILD’S CREATIVE SIDE DEVELOPING THE WHOLE CHILD Friedrich Froebel, the father of kindergarten, believed that young children should participate in both making their own art and appreciating the art of others. To Froebel, art activities were notable not because they allowed teachers to recognise children with exceptional abilities, but because they encouraged each child’s “full and all-sided development”. Authentic art experiences can help children develop their cognitive, social, and motor abilities. As Froebel acknowledged, making art and enjoying the art of other people and cultures are highly significant to the development of the whole child.

EARLY BEGINNINGS Most young children are excited about participating in creative art activities. The enjoyment of art usually begins for a child with drawing or scribbling on anything from paper, books or even their bedroom walls. Children who grow up experiencing authentic art experiences with real opportunities to take risks and explore creativity and innovation, develop confidence within themselves as well as a deep sense of connectedness to the environment around them.

RIGHT VS LEFT BRAIN Creative arts help to develop a child’s brain. The brain is divided into two hemispheres – the right and left. The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, with the left side dominant over the right. The right side of the brain is in charge of creative, social, visual skills and intuition. The left sides takes over the sequencing, language, math, and rational thoughts. Deep within the brain lies the visual cortex, which is stimulated through viewing and creating visual arts.

SELF EXPRESSION & RISK TAKING Piaget promotes hands on practices to help stimulate the child’s ideas allowing them to think critically and develop problem solving skills. Art experiences provide children with opportunities to express themselves and take risks safely and explore endless possibilities. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) states “environments that support learning are vibrant and flexible spaces..[that]… invite open ended interactions, spontaneity, risk taking, exploration, discovery and connection.”

Most children enjoy displaying their art work. Giving them the decision whether or not to do so gives them control over their artistic expression. Labeling both children’s work and art prints with the heading of the work and the name of the artist give genuineness to the work. A constantly-changing classroom display, which exhibits children’s work, alongside quality art prints serves a variety of purposes. It allows children to get inspiration from other sources. It shows them that a problem can be solved with more than one approach. It allows them to compare and contrast similar and different works. It encourages each child to respect his uniqueness. Most of all, it adds joy to the classroom.

SELF RECOGNITION & THE UNSTRUCTURED APPROACH Authentic art experiences provide children with the opportunity to respond to each other’s creativity and need for recognition of self. In this way, children are developing a sense of belonging and connectedness to family, community and place. Children’s art should be connected with their lives and their interests, this will make the activity much more meaningful and interesting for them. They will interact with each other and adults during the phases of planning, development and sharing their artwork, which will facilitate their learning.

STORYTELLING THROUGH ART Each piece of art tells a story. Each person will respond to a piece of art differently and make their own interpretation, each person ‘sees’ differently dependent on reasoning, feeling and memory. Artist Nathan Goldstein calls this “responsive drawing” because what we see and how we respond varies between individuals. Piaget explains this as the child’s schema; drawing is the child’s way of portraying the child’s own ideas and understanding of their world. Moreover, Vygotsky emphasises that children draw pictures to tell a story. This in turn, will help the teacher ascertain the child’s knowledge in order to develop and build from the experience. At Banks Street Kindergarten we believe that children who grow up having the opportunity to experience authentic art feel a sense of empowerment within their communities and connectedness to their environments. Written by Michelle Casey (B.Ed Early Childhood), Certified Supervisor at Banks Street Kindy. Kath Reilly (EN, BFA) Artist in Residence at Bank Street Kindy Find out more: www.banksstkindy.org

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

Toddlers Feature

What happens when your child needs to have their tonsils out? No matter how simple, surgery can be daunting for parents and children alike. We asked Dr William Kuo from Ubuntu Medical to give us some tips to help families prepare should your child require a tonsillectomy. Understand what’s ahead

Be child focussed

The first step to preparing your child for tonsillectomy begins with making sure you are up-to-date on what the procedure entails. This will allow you to explain things to your child and address their fears (as well as any of your own).

Studies prove that children who are explained about tonsillectomy adjust and recover better than those who are not. Be careful not to frighten your child with “you will be cut open” or “the doctor will sew you with a needle” or “burn your tonsils”. Use non-threatening language instead, saying “the doctor will fix the problem” “make you healthy so you can play more”. It is also important to not lie, though. Be upfront on how they will not be with you in the operating theatre and how they will experience some pain afterwards. If children are given a chance to prepare mentally, they will cope better. Also, focus on the positives, such as the fact that they will get to eat all the ice cream they want afterwards! And finally, when speaking to your child, ensure you remain calm yourself; they will pick up on your tone and body language more than your words.

The procedure • During a tonsillectomy, general anaesthesia is given to the child, and the tonsils are burned using an electric unit through the mouth, which is kept open with a clamp. • Your child cannot eat or drink for 6 hours before the surgery. This includes water. • Your child will be put on an IV before, during and after the procedure, until they are discharged from the hospital. This is to supply anaesthetic before and during surgery, as well as prevent dehydration post-operation. • You will not be able to accompany the child into the operating theatre, but will meet them afterwards in the recovery room.

Post-operative recovery • The back of the throat will be sore, and will develop white scabs during the recovery period, which will subsequently peel off and will return to the normal pink flesh colour upon full recovery. • Dehydration is a common post-operative complication, on top of bleeding and infection, thus frequent drinks of cold water (half a cup every hour) is needed. Also, it is important to minimize talking and get plenty of bed rest with lots of pillows elevating the upper back. Serious bleeding occurs in 1-3% of patients, but with proper caution, your child is unlikely to be one of them. • One week after procedure you should schedule a check-up with your family physician to make sure everything is going well. • The first few days after surgery are not usually too painful, but pain during swallowing and in the ear is generally increased from day 5-7 post operation. Contact your family physician for additional pain relief if required. Make sure your child takes the pain medication as prescribed even if they are not complaining of pain. Antibiotics may also be prescribed and should be taken as recommended to reduce the chance of infection.

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

Do a tour of the hospital You could also do a hospital tour ahead of the surgery. It can be a great way to familiarize your child to the environment they will face on the day of the procedure. You can also request the nurse to talk to them about the surgery beforehand and show photos of the operating theatre so your child gets to know the space and people s/he will be with in the operating room. Afterwards you can also read to them children’s story books on tonsillectomies.

Further information Ubuntu Medical is a homely and caring medical centre located in north Brisbane, where patients are given individual attention, and the focus is not to simply treat symptoms but provide good clinical advice and education on future prevention of disease and promotion of health and well-being. It is an integrative one-stop health care facility with in house chiropractor, psychologist, social worker, dietitian, acupuncturist and naturopath to provide support all your physical and mental health needs. Written by By Dr. William Kuo MBBS, FRACGP - Ubuntu Medical 07 3857 3777 www.ubuntumedical.com.au

Toddlers Feature

GETTING READY FOR PREP:

5 Things to look for in an excellent Kindy program! Many parents are overwhelmed by the daunting prospect of Prep. How can an excellent Kindy program set your child up for a smooth transition?

Little steps for big leaps in learning Kindy is a time when the foundation blocks for learning that are laid in place at home are built upon in a group setting. Kindy provides children with the opportunity for learning in many different areas where they can develop skills and hone concepts that will support their transition to Prep. These skills include: > The ability to work as in individual, in a > Confidence group or in a whole class setting > Communication > Independence This groundwork laid in an excellent Kindy program means that your child will be prepared to transition smoothly into the more formalised learning system of primary school. Many parents are concerned that their child may not be ready for such a step. This is why an excellent Kindy program is effective and why it’s important to find one that’s specifically designed to make assist children with their transition to Prep.

1. Design It sounds basic, doesn’t it? A structure with four walls and a roof. But an appropriately designed Kindy environment can house a wealth of potential for young learners. A space that encourages creativity, imagination, engagement, curiosity and exploration is a crucial part of intuitive educational design. The learning spaces for young children are very important and should reflect a natural outdoor environment as well as an indoor classroom. There should be spaces for all sorts of different kinds of learning and play. The children’s creations should be visible when you enter the space and you should be able to ‘see’ that the children have a sense of autonomy in their learning.

2. Staff An excellent Kindy program will be obvious once you see how the staff interact with the children. You could ask the following questions: > How do adults at the Kindy support individual learners? > How do adults make sure that all learners are included and respected? > How do adults track, gauge and report on learning?

Relationships are of critical importance to an excellent Kindy program. Consider how you are welcomed and how information is shared with you when you visit. Is there a sense that everyone belongs in this Kindy program?

3. What does early childhood research say about problem solving? An excellent Kindy program will provide multiple opportunities for students to engage with problem solving both individually and with their peers. Their learning environment should invite investigations and the testing of ideas. Teachers must support this learning and extend children’s curiosity and thinking skills. Independent problem solving is part of a very active decision-making process. It will help a child build resilience and enhance their ability to solve small problems – thus increasing their confidence as a learner.

4. What does early childhood research say about technology? Like it or loathe it, technology is very much a part of the world our children are living and learning in. Technology is another tool that can be used to support student learning if careful consideration is given to apps and programs. They must engage and invite thinking rather than be purely for entertainment or be highly repetitive. There are many varied uses of technology in education – some of which have either neutral or negative impact.

5. National Standards Finally, the last measure of an excellent Kindy program is how it has been rated on an independent national standard system. For example, Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACEQA) determined that 95% of C&K childcares and kindergartens either met or exceeded the national standard.

Selecting the right pre-prep program for your child If you’re at all concerned about your child starting prep or if you’d like to make an investment in their future then the decisions you make in the Kindy stage can be crucial. Make sure you make the right choice for your child. This story is brought to you by C&K (Creche and Kindergarten Association Ltd), a childcare and kindergarten not-for-profit organisation. It has 350+ centres across Queensland. Find your nearest centre at the website www.candk.asn.au or call 1800 177 092.

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

Toddlers Feature

why s n o s a re K! C O R s up playgro JOIN D N A COME IDS! K L O O THE C

Being the parent of a small child can be challenging – to say the least! Trying to educate, entertain, emote and engage with small children day in, day out, can prove exhausting and at times overwhelming. With the rise in reported cases of post-natal depression and anxiety comes an acknowledgement that parents need to expand their support networks and make real connections with their communities. That’s where playgroups come into the picture! Playgroups have huge benefits for parents as well as children. They’re a positive, innovative way to confront the challenges of parenting and isolation with positivity, exciting and engaging play and the opportunity to make new friendships. Here are five fun reasons why you should join a local playgroup!

1 SUPPORT FOR PARENTS Not only will you have the opportunity to get out of your house and talk to other adults, you’ll also be provided resources to learn new things. Many offer professional advice and support on a range of topics at each playgroup meeting. Lactation and feeding support, sleep strategies, dental health, first aid and exercise physiology are all on the table for discussion as parents meet with like-minded individuals to discuss their current concerns.

2 HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING EXPERIENCES Be gone, ABC For Kids! Joining a local playgroup means that your child will be exposed to a wide variety of stimulating learning experiences. This exposure will assist in the cognitive and skill development that is paired with this time of growth and change.

3 HANDS-ON LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Fine-motor skills, coordination, memory, cause and effect – these are all crucial skills that can be enhanced by allowing your child to attend

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

a playgroup. Mastering these skills at a young age will hold your child in good stead for their transitions into kindergarten, prep and beyond! Get them off to a flying start!

4 PLAY-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES Offering play-based learning experiences allows your child to tap into resources like creativity, resilience and independence. Unstructured play, like what occurs in a playgroup, offers children the freedom to explore and take healthy risks in a secure and safe environment.

5 A CHANCE TO CONNECT Parenting can often be a lonely journey. Many find it intimidating and isolating and the days can often blur into each other. Having a regular, standing playgroup appointment in the diary can be a port in the storm for parents who are otherwise at sea. You’ll be supported by people who know exactly what you’re going through because they’re living it too!

Sesame Lane’s Happy Healthy Playgroup Sesame Lane Kippa Ring has launched a free weekly playgroup for local families. They’ve partnered with Embrace Life (North Lakes) to offer a range of family health services. Red Music also attend on the first Tuesday of each month to allow children early participation in the performing arts. You can find out more by visiting them online at www.sesamelane.com. au/playgroup

What are you waiting for? Come on, it’s time to play!

Toddlers Feature

10 WAYS GYMNASTICS DEVELOPS YOUR CHILD Gymnastics has long been a much-admired sport. The dedication, the focus and the elite athleticism involved by competitors have meant it has a special place in our culture. It is given extensive coverage in the Olympics & Commonwealth Games and is often held up as the pinnacle of sporting prowess. However, gymnastics is not just the realm of Olympians. There are considerable benefits that your child stands to gain from enrolling in the sport at a junior, more casual level. They may not stand on the podium collecting gold, but they will collect a wide variety of life-long skills that will stand them in good stead for their further education.

1. ENHANCEMENT OF COGNITIVE ABILITIES Concentration and focus are key in gymnastics. The development of these mature skills means that children will gain the discipline required to approach, develop and acquire success. The self-discipline and resilience required to master gymnastic skills could be equally applied to academic study, other school sports or cultural pursuits.

2. LISTENING SKILLS Good listeners retain information and reframe it in a way that they will remember and be able to recall. They use repetition, association and symbols to help them remember important things and discard unnecessary elements. Gymnastics is all about this selective, careful set of listening. Being able to focus and retain important information will provide an opportunity for later success in the classroom.

3. SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE Imagine being able to, and being encouraged to, use your body to express yourself. Expressing joy through movement, setting challenges for yourself and finding success. Physical movement sparks joy in children. Allowing them to move, free and unrestrained, releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins helps to safeguard against issues like depressive moods and anxiety. Encouraging involvement in an enjoyable, expressive and joyful sport like gymnastics will allow children to take part in an activity wherein their confidence grows week by week. The connections they make in these classes, both with their peers and with themselves, improve their self-confidence and teaches them they CAN instead of CAN’T.

4. GOAL SETTING

Individual children will work towards achieving different milestones. They will experience the satisfaction of gradual improvement and the huge sense of achievement when they cross the threshold of a brand-new skill.

5. SOCIAL INTERACTION The social interaction gymnastics offers children are varied, differentiated and complex. At gymnastics classes, your child will be introduced to other children from all walks of life. They’ll meet children of differing abilities, from different cultures and from different social backgrounds. In today’s society, these are attributes that are more important than ever.

6. FLEXIBILITY (MENTAL AND PHYSICAL) Not only will your child be able to bend and stretch; their resilience and ability to bounce back from a difficult situation will be improved as well.

7. STRENGTH (MENTAL AND PHYSICAL) The development of mental toughness connects directly to a growth in self-confidence and self-worth. To know your potential power is to walk tall – something that gymnastics kids do regardless of their physical height or ability!

8. PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS Developing problem-solving skills means your child will be able to ‘stick to it’ when things don’t go according to plan. They will see things from different perspectives, endure challenges and figure out how to make things ‘work’.

9. SKILLS FOR OTHER SPORTS Coordination, flexibility, physical strength and endurance. The skills your child develops in gymnastic could well serve them in a vast variety of different physical pursuits. Some of today’s most famous footballers got their start on the gym floor!

10. FUN! There’s something to be said for the innocence of childhood fun. YMCA Gymnastics shine the spotlight on the importance of children finding joy in movement, making positive connections to other people and developing community spirit. Find a YMCA location near you here: www.ymcagymnastics.com.au

When your child pursues gymnastics, they are introduced early to the idea of realistic and measurable goal setting.

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

#FamiliesMagFun

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 (Dec 2017/Jan 2018) send your entry by 5pm on Friday 27 October 2017. 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?

- OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 BRISBANE SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS

ROMA STREET PARKLAND

L ittle Days Out For a morning of adventure, creativity and pure fun that the kids will love, look no further than Little Days Out, South Bank’s free children’s program. Held every Thursday from 9am-1pm in the tranquil South Bank Parklands, Little Days Out is a series of free children’s workshops designed to suit all interests and skill levels. icnic in the Parklands Hip, hip, hooray! South P Bank Parklands is celebrating 25 years and you’re invited to join the fun at Picnic in the Parklands, a free event for the whole family. Held on Sunday 8 October from 10am-4pm, Picnic in the Parklands features kid’s activities, roving performers, live music and more. Remember to bring your favourite picnic snacks along too – all activities are designed to be enjoyed with friends, family and food. 8 Oct. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/southbank

BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ - In Concert Queensland Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ unforgettable score, while the film plays in high-definition on a large screen. 7 Oct. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ brisbane-convention-exhibition-centre

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM A Night in the Museum Explore the Museum as the sun goes down at the night time adventure for the smallest visitors. 27 Oct. Bookings required. Wild State takes visitors through five breathtaking environments – the arid outback, iconic eucalypt forest, tropical rainforest, sundrenched coastal zones and teeming marine environments. Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum The exhibition features more than 120 artefacts, interactive games and displays to reveal who gladiators were, where they lived and how they trained. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-museum

MOSAIC This year will be MDA’s inaugural MOSAIC – a World music, dance and cultural spectacular that celebrates the creative and rich talent of diverse communities across Brisbane and Queensland. Set in the beautiful Roma Street Parkland, MOSAIC will feature performances from renowned artists including the vibrant and energetic Bustamento, Izalco Latin American Band, Brisbane Babas, Imanzi Rwandan Cultural Dance Group, Ensemble Diaspora and many more. 8 Oct, 10am – 6pm www.familiesmagazine.com.au/organiser/ roma-street-parklands

QPAC Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories This is the story of Bambert – an impossibly small man with an enormous love for writing. Tucked away in his quiet attic, his only companions are the characters he has created in his stories. 11 – 15 Oct. Queensland Ballet’s Peter Pan With swashbuckling swordfights, over-sized puppets and breathtaking flying sequences, Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan uses a brilliant mix of dance and theatre to tell the tale of the boy who never grew up. Told from a child’s perspective, this imaginative ballet re-interprets J M Barrie’s famous story with wit, verve and a distinctly modern spirit. 25 Oct – 4 Nov. The Wizard of Oz The London Palladium production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting revision of the all-time classic. Don’t miss your chance to rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat. From 4 Nov. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/qpac

MUSEUM OF BRISBANE Tastes Like Sunshine Tastes like Sunshine explores the flavoursome side of our city’s character and reveals its rich and evolving food story through contemporary art, personal stories and historical documents, and images. Featuring exciting new artwork and installations by acclaimed artists Elizabeth Willing, Sean Rafferty and Carol McGregor, Tastes like Sunshine engages all five senses in an interactive experience that will challenge your pre-existing notions of food. Until 12 Nov. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ museum-of-brisbane

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

QUEENSLAND GALLERY OF MODERN ART Yayoi Kusama The obliteration room Children are invited to enter the world of leading contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and ‘obliterate’ an Australian domestic space by adding colourful dot stickers to white furniture, objects and surfaces in the large-scale interactive installation The obliteration room. 14 Oct – 4 Feb 2018. Kate Beynon: Friendly Beasts Young visitors can discover their own inner beast and engage with Beynon’s ideas and artworks through hands-on and multimedia activities. Until 22 Oct www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-gallery-of-modern-art

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. From 16 Sep. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/organiser/ sciencentre

#FamiliesMagFun OCTOBER 2017 Oct & Nov Family Films at Dendy Portside, Hamilton Club members can enjoy family films for $12.50 for adults and $9.50 for kids and get a free popcorn! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ event/family-films-dendy-portside-hamilton Sat 7 Oct Monster Jam, Nathan The most intense family entertainment experience on the planet, Monster Jam®, starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam trucks – RETURNS! QSAC. Bookings essential. www.familiesmagazine.com. au/event/monster-jam-nathan Sat 7 – Sun 15 Oct Oktoberfest, Bowen Hills It’s time to don your dirndl and lederhosen and get ready to celebrate Australia’s largest German festival when Oktoberfest Brisbane lands in 2017. Oktoberfest Brisbane offers something for all ages. Weekends only. Brisbane Showgrounds. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ oktoberfest-bowen-hills Sat 7 & Sun 8 Oct Lost Trades Fair – Toowoomba Lost Trades aims to inspire, to educate and to open the eyes and minds of the next generation to demand something made by a real person rather than a machine; to think about sustainability and the longevity of what they buy and use, to excite people to have the confidence to design, make and create something real, something crafted by their own hands - and to show them what people can do with practice, passion and knowledge. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/losttrades-fair-toowoomba

Sat 14 Oct St Sebastian’s Primary School Fete, Yeronga There will be rides & activities for kids of all ages, vintage treasures, a 2nd hand book store, our bar & cafe, live entertainment, raffles, games, craft, animals & more. Don’t miss the FUN! 11.30am – 7pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ st-sebastians-primary-school-fete-yeronga

NOVEMBER 2017

Sun 15 Oct Coorparoo State School Carnival, Coorparoo Head along and enjoy awesome rides, gourmet food and wine plus art auction, stalls, displays, drinks, cakes, sweets, entertainment and more. 10.30am – 6.30pm. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/event/coorparoostate-school-carnival Sat 21 Oct Pullenvale Spring Fair, Pullenvale offers a fun filled afternoon and evening for all people in Pullenvale and surrounding communities. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ event/pullenvale-spring-fair-pullenvale Sat 21 Oct St Olivier Plunkett Spring Fete, Cannon Hill The fete is all about the kids, and promises to be an affordable day of family fun and activities. 9.30am – 4pm. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/event/st-olivierplunkett-spring-fete-cannon-hill

Sun 8 Oct Moreton Kids Festival, Strathpine A paradise on earth...for Kids! The festival springs to life at Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine. This brand-new event celebrates the wide-eyed wonderment and enthusiasm of youth with a program full of familyfriendly entertainment. www.familiesmagazine. com.au/event/moreton-kids-festival-strathpine Until Sat 14 Oct Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Petrie Terrace Adapted from Disney’s 2009 Broadway production and featuring all your favourite songs! Brisbane Arts Theatre. Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ event/disneys-little-mermaid-petrie-terrace Sat 14 Oct Bracken Ridge State School 2017 Spring Fair Food Trucks - Rides - Games - BBQ Markets - Stalls - entertainment - Fireworks and much more. 2 – 7pm. www.familiesmagazine. com.au/event/bracken-ridge-state-schoolspring-fair Sat 14 Oct Canterbury College “30th Anniversary” Fair, Waterford Enjoy performances by talented Dance, Drama and Music students, carnival rides, entertainment, delicious food and drink, market stalls, exhibits, displays, games, prizes and a spectacular fireworks display! 1 – 7.30pm. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ canterbury-college-30th-anniversary-fairwaterford

Sat 21 Oct Summertime Riverfest, West End Go along and join thousands expected to flock to the river’s edge to be a part of the fun and festivities the day has to offer along with the iconic race that quacks the nation – Australia’s Biggest Duck Race! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ summetime-riverfest-west-end Sat 21 Oct Toowoomba Gem Fest, Toowoomba This is a great event for the whole family! Selling a wide range of cut and uncut gemstones, jewellery, semi-precious gemstones, beads, pearls, fossils, opals, crystal and mineral specimens from all over the world. 9am – 5pm. Centenary Heights High School. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ toowoomba-gem-fest-toowoomba Sat 21 Oct – Sat 2 Dec Robin Hood – The Musical, Petrie Terrace From Sherwood Forest to Nottingham Castle, grab your bow and arrow and be whisked away on this thrilling escapade! Brisbane Arts Theatre. www.familiesmagazine. com.au/event/robin-hood-musical-petrieterrace Fri 27 & Sat 28 Valley Fiesta, Fortitude Valley Brisbane’s free, all-ages festival for music, arts and food returns to the streets, malls and laneways of Fortitude Valley in October. With something for everyone, the Valley Fiesta is more than a street party! www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ valley-fiesta-fortitude-valley

Sat 4 Nov Brisbane Conboy for Kids, Redcliffe The convoy travels from Forest Lake leaving 9:30 am Sharp and travels to Redcliffe Showgrounds where there will be a truck and ute show, rides, stalls, displays entertainment, fireworks, raffles and auction for the whole family. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ brisbane-convoy-kids-redcliffe Fri 10 Nov Sherwood Community Festival, Sherwood A free family event, sponsored by Brisbane City Council, which each year keeps getting bigger and better. There will be a section dedicated to a huge variety of food stalls, a popup library, plus all the other market stalls, rides and live entertainment! 5.30 – 9.30pm. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/event/sherwoodcommunity-festival Fri 17 – Sun 19 Nov Cully Fest Outback & Aboriginal Folk Festival, Toowoomba Cully Fest Folk Festival is a friendly, down-to-earth gathering, where artists maintain Outback traditions and inspire community spirit by sharing their skills. Cully Fest is unique and one significant point of interest is Kids can join traditional and contemporary performances, art workshops. Toowoomba Showgrounds. www. familiesmagazine.com.au/event/cully-festoutback-aboriginal-folk-festival-toowoomba

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

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 Hands On Brisbane (NS) Their arts and crafts workshops are conducted by some of Brisbane’s finest artisans to give you a hands on approach to learning your new skill. With many classes also providing the materials you need to start straight away, all you need to do is turn up and start creating! Workshops are held in Brisbane City at The Gardens Club, in the heart of the Brisbane City Botanic Garden.  3012 9606  www.handsonbrisbane.com 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 Forum Communicators (NS & SS) Be a better speaker. Toss your speaking fears out the window and come along to Forum. You will improve your public speaking skills in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, and even enjoy yourself. The WILL to become a confident speaker is all you need, the time to join is now.  3266 3521  www.forumcommunicators.asn.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 Injury prevention and first aid instruction (NS & SS) 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.  3854 1829  www.kidsafeqld.com.au Kids First Aid (NS & SS) The only first aid courses delivered exclusively by experienced paramedics, designed to teach parents and caregivers how to respond calmly and confidently to 10 of the most common first aid emergencies situations.  1300 138 133  www.kidsfirstaid.com.au

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Arts & Craft Tiny Art (NS & SS) Brisbane based art school for children 2-12 years help children learn, play and express themselves creatively through the world of

art. Tiny Art’s enthusiastic and passionate degree qualified art teachers nurture children’s creativity igniting a love of art. From beginner to extension and in a safe and fun learning environment Tiny Art offer weekly classes, holiday workshops, unique art parties, Kindy and school workshops and teacher Professional Development. Give your child a head start with Art and create special memories by contacting us today. For more details and learn about our special promotions  0421 844 508  www.tinyart.com. au, deb@tinyart.com.au

discovery of the workings of the surrounding world. The result? Great minds and even greater possibilities for the future. Science Education Australia delivers an interesting, exciting, hands-on, content specific science curriculum extension program for primary students, years 1 to 6. This is fun science education, delivered by passionate, highly qualified professionals. This program runs on Saturdays in the Sunnybank area as well as at selected schools throughout Brisbane, from 3.00pm on week days.  0427 644490

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

LANGUAGE & BABY DEVELOPMENT

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: Handson 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

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 development and physical abilities.  3352 7233  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 language quickly and naturally.  1300 707 28  www.lcfclubs.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 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 is unique in every way.  3855 1528  www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au Science Education Australia (SS) Curiosity is a brilliant thing. A child with a passion and curiosity for science has the world at their fingertips. With the right guidance, this curiosity develops into a thirst for the adventure and wonder that comes with the

 scedau@optusnet.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

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 teacher 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 language.  3892 8500  www.deafservicesqld. org.au/services/education

Local Clubs & Classes Directory 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

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 Crank Indoor Climbing – Rock Climbing & Parkour Macgregor (SS) The largest indoor rock climbing and parkour centre in Brisbane. Filled with over 65 ropes, with 100’s of rock climbs, a cargo net and ninja parkour area. Catering for ages 4+ with something for everyone, even the parents. Let your kids be little ninja’s and climb the walls, jump the boxes and navigate the obstacles. We also cater for parties and classes.  0413 891 229  www.crankclimbing.com.au Inflatable World (NS) It’s all about having fun, so bring the whole family and bounce on in to Inflatable World. It’s not just for the kids. 3266 569 www.inflatableworldoz.com/qld

ACTIVITY CENTRES Bounce Inc (SS) 100% Pure Awesomeness every time! Bounce is a world where the wall becomes the floor, a slam dunk is within your grasp and the rules of gravity no longer apply. It’s packed with lots of things to do with kids and the family, it takes the rush of getting airborne and adds a bunch of new dimensions – from aerial manoeuvres to slam dunking, wall running and dodgeball warfare. The best part is it doesn’t matter if you’re under 5 or an action sports junkie in training – you’re never too old or too young to have an awesome time.  1300 000 540  www.bounceinc.com.au Caboolture Sports Centre (NS) operates all year round and provides graded, mixed or social competitions for adults and children in Indoor Cricket, Netball, Soccer and Beach Volleyball. For those not inclined towards sports, Inflatable World operates every Saturday and selected days over the school holidays. Follow them on Facebook or look at the website for times. Fun, Family, Fitness…. something for the whole family to enjoy. They also encourage other organisations or businesses to use their facilities for their own organised competitions or to train in comfortable conditions without having to worry about the weather.  5495 5570  www.cisc.net.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 Rainbow City Children’s Playcentre & Café, Underwood (SS) is the only play centre in Logan which caters for children age 8 and under. Not only do they offer soft play and big play structures, they also offer young children a place to have fun. Rainbow City is a great environment for the whole family regardless of the season. The Play centre caters healthy light meals with great coffee to suit everyone including those with food intolerances or allergies. They are fully air conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi. They also cater for birthday parties and private functions with various options and packages available.  3290 0434  www.rainbowcplaycentre.com.au

also have dance programmes and party facilities.  3266 8484  www.tiddlywinks.com.au We Play (SS) are the best family fun centres in Australia, offering entertainment, games and activities for children of all ages, facilities for corporate events and parties for children and adults alike. Our locations offer a huge soft play structure, exciting ball and laser games, mini-golf, ride-on cars and a gourmet cafe, all in a fully air-conditioned, clean and safe environment.  www.weplay4fun.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 great fun!  3257 4905  www.queenslandshowchoir.com.au Wee Make Music (NS & SS) Classes are essential early development sessions where age appropriate activities using beat, rhythm, language and movement empower a love of music and learning in babies through pre-prep age children. So much fun and so beneficial for general cognitive, musical and social development. Free visit class for all. New classes added in Bulimba, New Farm, Wilston.  0434 357 764  www.weemakemusic.com.au

Skyzone Indoor Trampoline Park (SS) Sky Zone Macgregor isn’t just any indoor trampoline park. It is hundreds of trampolines, connected to form a single massive trampoline that literally allows you to jump off the walls. And if that’s not enough excitement for you Sky Zone Macgregor has Skyland - 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 laser tag! So what are you waiting for?  13 75 99  www.skyzone.com.au

SPORTS & EXERCISE

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

Brisbane Basketball (NS & SS) Basketball is a noncontact sport and provides a safe and enjoyable opportunity for players of all age groups.  3371 0200  www.brisbane.basketball.net.au

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

Local Clubs & Classes Directory 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 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 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 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 and walking events is conducted.  3255 9436  www.qlaa.asn.au 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 friendship in a team environment.  3848 6330  www.netballq.org.au PCYC (NS & SS) Gym fun, kids dance, tiny tots, 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 children.  3909 9555  www.pcyc.org.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 details.  0417 611 623  www.qfa.org.au

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 reach their full potential.  3820 5300  www.ymcabrisbane.org

Horseriding Ready Steady Go Kids is Australia’s most reputable multi-sport and exercise program for pre-schoolers (aged 2.5-6 years). They have been operating since 2004 and currently run classes at Toowong, Auchenflower, Taringa, Indooroopilly, The Gap, Ashgrove and Bardon as well as Carina & Balmoral with new classes added regularly. It is a physiodesigned program teaching children the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a fun, non-competitive, team-based environment. Classes are 45 minutes covering 5 sports per term. The program has a structure that is repeated each week so children become familiar with the routine. Ready Steady Go Kids seeks to develop lifelong passion for physical activity and sport.  1300 766 892  www.readysteadygokids.com.au

Rugbytots (NS & SS) is a specifically designed play program for children aged 2 to 7 using the multiple skills of both rugby codes to create a fun and enjoyable environment whilst also developing social and psychological skills Divided into three age groups, Rugbytots combines the key aspects of team sports with a fun first interactive approach.  0404 343 02  www.rugbytots.com.au

Gumnuts (SS) Gumnuts is a 140 acre horse farm 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 Coast and Brisbane.  5543 0191  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 each school holidays  0409 475 040  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 roasting, bingo and movie night.  5486 6166  www.kiahpark.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

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

Queensland Cricket (NS & SS) These days, cricket offers some new and exciting formats for kids that won’t take up your whole weekend. Kids can take part in the Milo in2Cricket program, a fun way to get a taste of the sport. As their skills develop, they can transition into Milo T20 Blast and on to club cricket to continue a lifelong connection with the game.  3292 3100  www.qldcricket.com.au

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

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

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 45mins.  3202 6526  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 the highly experienced rider.  3300 6422  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

Local Clubs & Classes Directory

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 Grace Swimming (NS) a swimming environment that is friendly and family-oriented. Situated at Grace Lutheran College, this state-of-the-art swimming facility boasts experienced and renowned swimming instructors that cater for all swimming levels.  3204 2725  www.graceswim.org.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 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

Yoga Calm For Kids Relaxation Classes (NS & SS) Calm for Kids hold yoga based relaxation classes for children throughout Australia. The Calm for Kids classes consist of balance, concentration and co-ordination exercises, breathing exercises and games, peer massage, children’s relaxation and visualisations and positive affirmations.  3343 3285  www.calmforkids.com.au Inna Bliss Yoga Studios (SS) Bliss kids yoga classes are a fantastic way for your child to enjoy the many benefits of yoga in fun and friendly environment. The instructor guides the children through an interactive & themed practice of song, movement, yoga poses, creativity, story-telling and relaxation.  3162 2188  www.innablissyoga.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 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

encouraging & inspiring so that every student can have the very best dance education possible.  3886 4098  www.movementsdance.com.au

Brisbane Arts Theatre (NS) Their training enhances children’s performance skills and stagecraft knowledge with acting techniques, improvisation, voice (including singing – solo, chorus and harmonies) and movement training (theatre, dance and mime).  3369 2344  www.collegetheatrepractice.com.au

Seriously Dance (SS) They truly believe their philosophy of respecting each student for their individuality & challenging each student to obtain personal excellence.  0416 477 703  www.seriouslydance.com

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 festivals!  3352 7233  www.flipsidecircus.org.au

DANCE 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 in your life!  0422 512 991  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 or casual basis.  0427 999 909  www.elitedancers.com.au 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 Dance and Arts have classes to suit. 0414 308 248 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 Movements Academy of Dance (NS) A wellestablished, friendly, family based studio that believes in teaching students to be all that they can be. They handpick their teachers who are qualified,

HEALTH, WELLBEING AND SCHOOL SUPPORT ABC Reading Eggs (For ages 3-13) Join over 3.4 million users worldwide to teach your child to read with ABC Reading Eggs, the multi-award winning online reading program that makes learning to read fun.  www.readingeggs.com.au/fam

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 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 Synchrony Occupational Therapy (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

Your Local Families Magazine October/November 2017

Holiday homes and chalets from $100/night Low Season, up to 4 people, 2 night minimum

House featured here is Boobook, available from $100/night

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