Families Magazine - Brisbane Feb/Mar 2014 Back to School Issue 02

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Issue 2: February/March 2014 www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

From North Lakes to Redland Bay and everywhere in between

Back to

SCHOOL & EDUCATION Schools Open Days 2014 Helping you to sort your Brisbane school choices Is your child gifted?

Music in education Could you host an International Student?

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RELEVANT

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Issue 2 February/March 2014

Contents Welcome to the ‘Back to School & Education’ issue of Families Magazine; the only Brisbane parenting magazine written locally with articles that are relevant to Brisbane families. You’ve told us that heading ‘back to school’ was a hot topic for you, so we’ve asked Brisbane schools & educators to write for us; after all, who better to share information about schooling in Brisbane, than the schools themselves!?

Many schools are moving towards (or have long established) ‘Middle School’ programmes. But what is the programme and how does it work? Brisbane Grammar tells us! Hands up if you love music! Then you will want to read the article on pages 24 & 25 about why music is so important in our education system. Perhaps your child’s abilities are ‘a bit different’ to his or her peers and you are wondering if there is something going on. Check out the article on pages 16 & 17 about ‘giftedness’ with a list of some tell-tale signs.

As your children start another school year, you may begin to think about secondary schooling (I know already!) and wonder how you are going to find all your local schools’ Open Days dates for visits. Fret none! We’ve done it for you – on pages 20 & 21 - a double page spread listing all the Greater Brisbane schools’ Open Days for the whole of 2014. Get your diary out… (or just tear the page out and stick it up on your wall – we’ve strategically placed it in the middle of the magazine!)

Looking for a dance class, or a football club or a local swim school? We’re here to help again. We’ve compiled our Clubs and Classes listings with 4 pages of the best clubs and classes around. If you know about one we’ve missed please let us know.

Our social media channels are growing every day. Have you joined us yet?

Towards the end of January we published on our website ’15 Things to do for FREE for the last 15 days of the school holidays.’ If Facebook shares and Twitter retweets are anything to go on, Brisbane you love Family Friendly FREE stuff!

AND we will be sharing lots more with you to save you Googling! Be sure to like our Facebook page to join the conversation and find out about all our Family Friendly Freebies. We’ve got theatre tickets, days out, beach wear and an amazing children’s birthday party for 20 children at Ooniverse Café - where good manners matter, see page 38.

If you enjoyed this issue and want to contribute, feel free to email or call us at the details below.

4-5

Families News

7-9

Parenting

Find out what is happening in and

around Brisbane

Improving the School Experience How to teach your children about money Cyberbullying

12-28 Back to School & Education

Education News, Gifted Children, Middle Schooling, Choosing a School, Music in Education, International Students and Schools Open Days.

30-33 Clubs and Classes

Four pages packed full of local clubs,

classes & activities for kids and their grown-ups!

34-37 Families Fun

Circle the fun things you plan to do

with your family in February and March

38

Families Freebies

WIN cool stuff for the little ones, the older kids and even adults in our fabulous competitions.

Cover image courtesy of Grace Lutheran College www.glc.qld.edu.au

Families Magazine – Brisbane – for everyone in every family!

Janine Janine - Editor

Next issue: Apr/May 2014 – Deadline Friday 28 February 2014 Readership 66,000 every issue. Published 6 times a year. For families in Brisbane, Redlands, Logan and the Moreton Region. © Families Magazine 2014.

‘Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think’ Albert Einstein

CONTACT US: Families Magazine – Brisbane, P O Box 1018, Brighton 4017 07 3265 5738  Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

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This product is sourced from wellmanaged forests and other controlled sources.

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Families News

BRISBANE FAMILIES NEWS

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

Children’s hospital to honour pioneering Queenslander Queensland’s newest children’s hospital has been named the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in honour of a much-loved pioneering Queensland physician.

Lady Phyllis Cilento’s lifelong passion for women and children’s health made her a household name in Queensland in the 1930s, with her early advocacy of vitamins, natural childbirth and family planning, leaving a lasting legacy in paediatric healthcare in Queensland. Her career, spanning more than 50 years, included a period at the Hospital for Sick Children (now the Royal Children’s Hospital) in Herston. She later established a successful private obstetrics practice at her home in Annerley, which enabled her to raise her six children. The 359-bed hospital will be the biggest public children’s hospital in the country, and the central hub of an enhanced state-wide network of children's health services that will benefit future generations of Queensland children and young people. Scheduled to open in South Brisbane in late 2014, the new hospital will bring the staff and expertise of the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Mater Children’s Hospital together under the one roof.

For more information www.health.qld.gov.au/childrenshospital

Bubble Bubble Toil and … no trouble!

It’s Brisbane’s Double Helix Science Club

Do you have a young science fan in your house?

The Double Helix Science Club might be just what they need to satisfy their curiosity. Whether it’s meeting like-minded kids, keeping up to date with the latest developments in Australian science or getting busy with experiments at home, CSIRO’s Double Helix Science Club can provide a variety of science options. Brisbane’s Double Helix Science Club events primarily take place at CSIRO Education in the Ecosciences Precinct (ESP) adjacent to the heritage-listed Boggo Road Gaol site at Dutton Park. They also occasionally organise tours and activities at other venues with a scientific significance. In 2013 events covered topics including robotics, cells, GPS navigation, electrical circuits, organ dissection, and engineering. They toured the Lone Pine animal sanctuary and took members on a special tour of the ESP building, as well as running special laboratory experiences for “little learners” aged 5-7. Their events are usually aimed at kids aged 7 and over and mostly include handson activities.

If you’re looking for something different to keep the kids occupied on their next holiday break, why not try one of their hands-on holiday events.

To find out more www.csiro.au/events/SQLDHelix.

While events are usually announced about a month before each holiday break, they usually book out quickly.

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

Deagon races on again – Sunday 14 September 2014

Following a hugely successful picnic races in 2013 it has been decided that Deagon will host another community race day in 2014.

Family picnic race days are an opportunity for a wider audience to experience a social day at the track, and they also provide tangible flow-on benefits to local businesses.

2013 tickets were sold out within six days of going on sale, more than six weeks out from race day so be sure to get in quick this year!

Keep an eye on their Facebook page www.facebook. com/DeagonRaceDay

Families News

Come Back to the Bush Does your life revolve around computer screens, Facebook, emails? Are you and your children looking for a change? Break the cycle with bushwalking!! Many children are missing out from walking to and from school. Mental and physical wellbeing is paramount to healthy lives. Let Lucy Boots Bushwalking Tours pick you up and transport you 'Back To The Bush' for a guided walk to breathe fresh air, hear the sounds of silence, where birdsong, rustling leaves and flowing water refresh your soul. Learn about available Bush Tucker and rejuvenate, revitalise and renew with Lucy Boots Bushwalking Tours. For more information or to book info@lucybootsbushtours.com.au www.lucybootsbushtours.com.au 0499117199

Looking to ‘Give Back’ in 2014?

It’s not too late to make a meaningful New Year’s resolution and consider becoming an emergency services volunteer. There are a variety of roles across the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and the State Emergency Services (SES) available to new volunteers. If you’re community Queensland Fire and Emergency Services minded and are looking for a lifechanging resolution for 2014, you should consider volunteering with the QFES or SES to make a real difference in your community. There are both ‘front-line’ and ‘behind the scenes’ roles that kept the State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) operating year-round. Volunteer firefighters not only battle bushfires;

they also deliver essential educational workshops and hazard mitigation programs and have the opportunity to undergo training and advancement opportunities. Or you may like to consider joining the army of more than 6,000 SES volunteers who respond to natural disasters and emergency situations. You could also work to assist police in the search for a missing person, provide traffic control at an emergency incident, travel in flood boats to rescue a stranded person or drop supplies to people cut off in the wet season or conduct a public education display at your local show, or shopping centre.

For information on joining the Rural Fire Service Queensland, visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Volunteering For more information on becoming an SES volunteer, phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit www. emergency.qld.gov.au/ses

2015 Cricket World Cup affordable for all Queensland is set to get a further economic boost from the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup with thousands of families to benefit from a range of affordable ticketing options recently announced. Adult tickets are from $20 and child tickets from $5, meaning a family of four will be able to enjoy this world-class event from just $50 in the safety of dedicated family zones (alcohol free) making the ICC World Cup now accessible to even more families. The three pool matches to be played at the Gabba are: Australia v Bangladesh on Saturday 21 February, Ireland v Qualifier 4 on Wednesday 25 February and Pakistan v Zimbabwe on Sunday 1 March Tickets will be available from 14 February 2014, exactly one year from the start of the event.

The best way to secure them is to register at www.cricketworldcup.com.

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Families Facts - Valentines Day

FACT: The oldest known Valentine’s Day card is on display at the British Museum in London. It dates back to the 1400's.

FACT: In Japan, Valentine's Day is usually the female's responsibility. White Day, on March 14th, is the man's turn to reciprocate.

FAC T: In Ancient Greece, throwing an apple to a woman was considered a marriage proposal.

FACT: In the 1800's the physicians would often prescribe chocolate to patients who were pining for loved ones.

FAC T:

FAC T: Teachers receive more Valentine cards than anyone else, even children.

© Disney

FACT: The Western practice of wearing a wedding ring on the third finger began in Greece in the third century B.C. The Greeks believed that there was a vein, named the ‘vein of love’ that ran from what we now call the ring finger directly to the heart.

As a result, they placed the ring that symbolized love on that finger.

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

T: FAC voice of The of ne ice, Way vouse keyeMo MicTh , e use Mo d the voic cke Mi mayrrie ine, Allw Rus,si wi, ne Alluse nieeMo Min yn ofWa 1.

199 in Taylor, d the voice marrie of Minnie Mouse, Russi Taylor, in 1991.

Parenting

image: istock

6 ways to help improve your child’s school experience Parents want the best for their children. A high level of parental involvement and interest in school activities is generally good for the child, with research showing it can result in better school outcomes.

T

he question is: how much help and support is too much? Some forms of assistance may be inadvertently sending a message to your child that you don’t think he or she is able to manage the school experience. There are a few things you can do to make sure your assistance is genuinely helpful for your child, and to help them learn about responsibility.

•Let your child pack his or her school bag. Of course, in the early years, you may need to supervise. A checklist is a good idea, reminding your little scholar about lunchboxes, drink bottles, hats and other important items. You may also like to keep a calendar in a place where all family members can access it, keeping track of each day’s necessities. Children who can read may take responsibility for checking the calendar on a regular basis.

…some parents are still assisting their offspring with assignments when at university Make sure they carry their own bags to school. You can help if the child is struggling or is carrying extra equipment, just as you would for an adult. The message should be: Your school bag is your responsibility.

If you are dropping your child at the school’s Stop and Go, try to say your goodbyes in the car. Encourage your child to grab everything he or she needs before getting out, and keep your farewells short and sweet. It’s easier on your child and keeps the often lengthy line of cars behind you, moving through quickly.

If you need to take your younger child into the classroom, make sure your leaving routine is simple and quick. And be happy if your child skips in without a backward glance. You’re raising a confident, independent individual.

Ask your child to check their bag at the end of the day for school notes, smelly bananas or the artwork produced at school. (You may like to do a quick check yourself, until your child is used to the routine.)

Homework can be a trying experience for everyone. To make life easier, ensure the child starts as soon as he or she returns home and has had a nutritious snack. Turn off the television, and take away all other distractions. While some homework tasks rely on parental assistance, such as reading and spelling lists, the child should attempt all homework by himself or herself. Try not to offer assistance until your child asks. Would it surprise you to know that some parents are still assisting their offspring with assignments when at university? This suggests these parents have taken on the responsibility for their children’s academic work from a young age. As your child gets older and moves through secondary and tertiary education, reduce your involvement in homework time. Let your child know you have confidence in his or her abilities. This will also ensure that children will remain genuinely proud of their own school achievements.

Try not to feel guilty if you can’t attend every event at school.

Whether it is the school concert or sports days, not all parents are in the fortunate position of having the time to go to everything.

If you can’t go, explain to the child that you have another family/ work/important commitment. This will certainly not cause any long-term damage and may reinforce to your child that all life’s commitments should be honoured. It can also be very exciting for a child to recount to you how the event worked out, improving their storytelling skills as they re-live the performance.

Taking the right approach to your child’s schooling and your own parental involvement can truly make these the best years of your child’s life.

Judith Locke is a Clinical Psychologist and former teacher who provides parenting training and adult and child wellbeing sessions at schools, daycare centres and workplaces, through her training company, Confident and Capable™ and her private practice. You can find out more at her website www.confidentandcapable.com

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Parenting

How to teach your child about money It can be hard for parents to teach their children about the value of money when money is becoming invisible.

P

aying on plastic is convenient (sometimes, a little too convenient), but think of how it appears to a five year old. They see mum or dad hand over a piece of plastic and in return they get a bunch of groceries and sometimes even extra cash – bonus!

The good news is that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has helped introduce financial literacy into Australian schools within maths, science and English.

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School students from Prep to Year 10 in schools across Australia are now being taught to be smarter consumers and better money managers.

ASIC’s MoneySmart Teaching program provides a range of resources to help schools teach their students about key financial principles such as planning, spending and saving and encourage them to use their knowledge and financial literacy skills in their day-to-day lives.

As a parent, you also play a critical role

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

in helping your children develop good money habits. But where do you start?

Here are some suggestions for different age groups, based on what’s being taught in ASIC’s MoneySmart Teaching program.

Show me the money!

Ages 4-6: Show your child the value of money by helping them become familiar with coins and notes. Let them pay for

Parenting what you’d like to do, how you’ll get there, what you’ll eat and how much money you’ll have left over for a treat at the end.

Write a budget and do the calculations along the way.

Cover the costs of mobile phones

items at the supermarket. Talk about how paying on credit is borrowed money that you need to pay back and how it costs more than saving for what you want.

the ad? Or is the ad selling an image rather than the reality?

But I really NEED it

Help your child learn to spot common advertising tricks such as:

Ages 7-8: Talk to your child about needs and wants, especially when they ask for things. Do they really need it? Or is it something they can live without?

Demonstrate to your child that you’re willing to put aside personal wants in order to meet the needs of the family and others.

Try planning a meal within a fixed budget.

Get your child to decide which items are the most important and discuss why.

Compare brands to minimise costs and meet the budget.

Become advertising detectives Ages 8–9: Talk about ads you see to help your child become a critical consumer. Is the product really as good as it looks in

Explain how ads use certain techniques to make us want to buy products.

Celebrity endorsement – just because a well known person endorses a product doesn’t mean it’s the best.

Emotional appeal – does the ad give you strong feelings about a situation or product?; dubious claims - hype like "the best" when it is identical to other brands; Words like 'free' and 'limited offer' that create a sense of urgency but may have a hidden downside.

Budget for a big day out Ages 9–10: Plan your next family day out together within a set budget per person or use ASIC’s activity, ‘Fun Day Out’ (link for activity to download is in this article on our website) to do a mock version. Discuss

Ages 11–12: Look together at the costs associated with a mobile phone. Look at how much each call, text or download costs. 22% of 9–11 year olds own a mobile phone. This jumps to 73% for 12–14 year olds. ASIC has produced a series of mobile phone activities that you can do at home with your children based on real life situations. Topics include choosing a plan, the cost of calls, text and browsing the web, social media, premium services, how mobile phone advertising works and how to avoid running out of credit. You can also find a link to these activities on our website.

Plan ahead with financial goals Ages 10+: Talk about financial goals. What do they want? How much should be saved each week for this target? How long will it take to achieve with a savings plan?

Get your child involved in the MoneySmart Teaching program Bulimba State School is a MoneySmart School in Brisbane. If you would like your child’s school to be part of the MoneySmart Teaching program, it might be worth mentioning it to your child’s teacher or principal and encouraging them to visit ASIC's MoneySmart Teaching website at teaching.moneysmart.gov.au.

All teaching materials can be downloaded for free.

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

9

Parenting

Keeping our kids

safe on the Internet Second in a three part series helping parents to keep up with the ever changing online world!

Online safety and cyberbullying expert Brett Lee of INESS (Internet Education and Safety Services) highlights the essential role parents must have in their children’s online lives to identify, understand and protect them from cyberbullying risks

G

one are the days when it was optional as to whether our children would be part of an online world, it is now an ingrained and essential component of their lives both educationally and socially.

Schools are giving students access to monitored sites for educational purposes and the expectation is that more and more, as they get older, our children will want access at home too! The internet has opened up a world for our children whereby they can connect with others in ways, in places and at times that never would have been possible only a few short years ago. With this in mind we must always be conscious as a parent that our children may be exposed to others online who choose to misuse technology to cyberbully our children.

What is cyberbullying?

The Department of Education, Training and Employment in 2013 defined cyberbullying as when: ‘technology, such as email, mobile phones, chat rooms and social networking sites, are used to verbally or socially bully another person. Bullying is an ongoing abuse of power to threaten or harm another person.’

Some behaviours online will definitely stand out to us as being cyberbullying, however, some activities may not be so obvious and may fly under the radar. What we can use as a gauge to ascertain whether our children are being expose cyberbullying is to understand that the issue is not just about how others are behaving towards our children, it’s about the emotional effects that this behaviour in having on them.

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Parenting

image:© stefanolunardi Fotolia.com

What can a parent do if they suspect cyberbullying?

We as parents have a vital role when it comes to our children having an educational, fun and safe time online.

To help identify and solve cyberbullying issues we must remember the following: • You have a right as a parent to be part of your child’s online experience and to give them boundaries within it. If others know that a responsible parent may see what’s happening it can dissuade them from making your child a target.

• Create an open digital environment within your home and empower your children to talk to you about online issues, mistakes and problems. You can only help if you know.

• Take action early. You can create a safe, productive, entertaining and fun environment for your child. This is a community issue.

If in doubt utilise family members, school communities and help agencies to assist in solving the problem.

Safety reporting links: How can parents spot it?

Issues created by cyberbullying manifest in the real world such as changes in diet, sleep, mood, self confidence and a drop in school results. These changes may or may not be attributed to cyberbullying but should always be considered as a possibility.

Cyberbullying can have debilitating effect on our young people due to the very private and sometimes lonely world that sitting behind a screen can create.

Is online behaviour that constitutes cyberbullying illegal?

Yes, there is no grey area. Although legislation may not mention the word ‘cyberbullying’ there are a number of offences, both state and federal that can be applied to the act of cyberbullying.

The key Commonwealth law is ‘Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence’ (Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)).

This is very clear and applies to those 10 years of age or older.

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Facebook – www.facebook.com/safety Instagram – http://help.instagram.com/547601325292351 YouTube – www.youtube.com/t/contact_us Twitter – https://support.twitter.com/forms/abusiveuser Tumblr – www.tumblr.com/help Moshi Monsters - www.moshimonsters.com/parents Club Penguin – www.clubpenguin.com/parents Instant Messaging – for chat application, click on the ‘Help’ tab and select the ‘report abuse’ option.

Mobile phone – call the network provider and ask for ‘complaints dept. to report abuse’.

For more information and support – www.cybersmart.gov. au/Parents.aspx

Families Magazine – Brisbane has a readership of approx 66,000 local families in print and is delivered digitally to approx 14,000 inboxes! To advertise your business with us call or email 07 3265 5738 Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

11

Education

EDUCATIONAL TOYS

Use your mobile device’s QR Reader App to shop directly from our pages to buy these cool educational toys from suppliers right here in Brisbane!

Queensland Museum Animation Studio $29.99 Ages 8+

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

Human Torso $49.95 Ages 8+

Duo Scope $179.95 Ages 9+

Freestyle Kids

Peg Board Lacing & Pattern Set $30 Ages 3+

Tap Tap Set $25 Ages 3+ Kinetic Sand – 1kg $19.95 Ages 3+

To have your product featured in a future issue contact us now: Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au 12

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

YOUR 16 PAGE GUIDE TO

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE — including Open Days 2014 —

Education News

Congratulations to the 2014 Faith Lutheran College Captains Learning to be a leader at Faith begins in the Junior School and develops through the Middle and Senior Schools. Students at all year levels are encouraged to be leaders and use their God-given gifts and talents to serve others in the community.

and age appropriate Pastoral Care program, with leadership training to equip them as authentic and effective servant leaders. Faith leaders use their Head, Heart and Hands as they actively model our College values of Justice, Compassion, Forgiveness, Service, Love, Humility, Courage, Hope, Quality and Appreciation. Leaders at Faith combine the curricular and cocurricular facets of leadership to foster a diversity of developmental assets, a foundation of positive core values, a network of supportive relationships and a range of practical and academic skills that prepare students for life.

Students at Faith compliment the skills gained through their professional

Faith Lutheran College is located in the Redlands. For more information 3820 5238 www.faithlutheran.qld.edu.au

NEW Online Tool to Teach Children about Positive Relationships & Keeping Safe

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

Kids Who Know is an online, interactive and engaging experience for children aged 6-10 years. It is designed to educate children in the cultivation of positive social interactions with others thereby boosting their confidence, happiness, outlook and self-esteem.

It also addresses the practical day to day hazards like traffic, fire and electricity.

Kids Who Know teaches and empowers children to recognize risky situations and make safer decisions. The highly engaging animated video stories are matched to quiz type tests which, in turn are rewarded with certificates and unlock further games and activities.

For more information www.kidswhoknow.com

Queensland schools register for National Day of Action against Bullying Queensland schools are being asked to register for the 4th annual National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence to be held on Friday 21 March 2014. It’s a chance for schools to promote their own programmes and approaches to address bullying and it’s a time for students to unite to send a clear message that bullying and violence at school is not okay at any time. Materials, including lesson plans, have been developed for both schools and parents on how to tackle bullying and they are available on the Bullying. No Way! Website.

For more information and to register www.bullyingnoway.gov.au and see our Cyberbullying article on pages 10 & 11

Discover your local Christian primary school -

Where every child matters...

• Co-educational Prep to Year 6 • Values incorporated into everyday life • 1:1 iPad program for Years 5 and 6 • Diverse music and drama opportunities • Committed staff with a passion for teaching • Seamless transition into Grace Lutheran College

Take advantage and contact Alana Johnson, Enrolments & Marketing Officer 07 3886 2677 enrolments@livingfaith.qld.edu.au

www.livingfaith.qld.edu.au 14

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

Education News

Kindy best prepares your child for school Give your 4 year old the best start in life with a Queensland Governmentapproved kindergarten programme.

Your child will be taught by qualified early childhood teachers for typically 15 hours a week, 40 weeks of the year. Kindergarten programmes develop children’s abilities through a world of carefully planned and managed play which prepares them better for their Prep year at school.

What you need to know about the Kindy Programme: • children are at least 4 years old by 30 June in their kindy year • Health Care Card holders can access kindergarten programs at low or no cost • kindergarten programme providers have access to culturally appropriate resources to support children, including culturally-specific stories and toys • approved kindergarten programmes have the ‘kindy tick’ and are delivered by qualified early childhood teachers • fees apply and are set by individual services.

To search for an approved kindergarten provider use the Early Childhood Education and Care Services search tool or phone the Kindy Hotline on 1800 4 KINDY (1800 454 639). For more information go to: www.qld.gov. au/kindy and the Kindy counts! Facebook page.

How fortunate we are to have quality educational opportunities for our children here in Australia.

Others in developing countries are not so lucky. But, we can all make a difference, as Brisbane’s Lachlan Miller has demonstrated. Lachlan, an inspirational young man from The Gap, has vowed to make a difference to the children of Arusha, Tanzania through education. Lach has established a not-for-profit organisation called ‘YES Arusha’, the ‘YES’ standing for ‘Youth Educational Support’.

Families from the Brisbane and Dalby communities including the McDonald family from The Gap are supporting Lach’s venture through sponsoring the tuition fees for two children in Arusha. They also are helping out with the administration of ‘YES Arusha’ and with fundraising activities. The McDonald’s believe their support not only benefits the African children but also their own children who witness humanity at work and experience compassion firsthand.

Would you be interested in helping your children understand more about humanity and compassion for others? Could your family help these children? The next fundraiser is a dinner on the 9th of March 2014. Much needed funds are required for resources for the children as well as for infrastructure at the affiliated school.

Any support from Brisbane families is welcomed. Visit www.yesarusha.org or the ‘YES Arusha’ Facebook page for more details.

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

Reaching out through Education

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Education

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

Back to School

with Your Gifted Child

First in a series of parenting articles on ‘Raising Bright Sparks.’

How to recognize, support and extend our brightest kids.

E

very child has relative strengths, but children whose abilities fall within the top ten percent of the population in any area are regarded as ‘gifted’, according to Françoys Gagné, Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Montreal. Michael Pyryt, from the University of Calgary, described the difference between strengths and giftedness as similar to weaknesses and handicaps, saying “we all have weaknesses but we don’t all have handicaps”. Miraca Gross, Director of the Gifted Education Research, Resource and

Information Centre (GERRIC), at the University of New South Wales says “Every child is a gift; every child, irrespective of ability levels has relative strengths and weaknesses; but not every child is gifted.” The term ‘gifted’ is a psychological and educational term.

Gagné explains a developmental process is required to transform a child’s natural abilities or ‘gifts’, into skills or ‘talents’. A child can be gifted without being talented (because the talents have

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

Education

Parents can consider gifted children as those who are advanced, reaching developmental milestones much earlier than most children of a similar chronological age. To determine if a child might be gifted, consider the following characteristics, listed by Carol Bainbridge, an American psychologist and advocate for gifted children. She contrasts the cognitive characteristics of children who are bright achievers with those of children who are intellectually gifted and therefore have specific educational needs:

A Bright Achiever …

• Grasps meanings • Absorbs information • Remembers the answers • Generates advanced ideas • Learns with ease • Needs 6 – 8 repetitions to master • Enjoys the company of age peers • Is receptive • Is attentive

A Gifted Learner …

• Infers and connects concepts • Manipulates information

appropriately at school and at home.

• Poses unforseen questions • Generates complex, abstract ideas • Already knows • Needs 1 – 3 repetitions to master • Prefers company of intellectual peers • Is intense • Is selectively engaged When parents or teachers are concerned about a child’s progress at school, a psychometric assessment will identify a child’s intellectual level and educational needs. An assessment can be conducted by a Psychologist or Guidance Officer who provides a report detailing abilities, achievements and any specific learning needs as a result of intellectual giftedness and/or learning disabilities, as these may occur together.

Parents should advocate for gifted children as they start school; a different class or a new school. Don’t assume teachers will know a child is gifted.

From an early age, these children begin to mask abilities in order to fit in. It is important to provide the school and teacher with information about a child’s abilities, interests and achievements.

This is especially important when a child is reading prior to starting school. Try to establish a collaborative relationship with the teacher. Acknowledge support for your child’s learning needs and communicate concerns early. Join the parent group; make practical contributions; establish a positive presence in the school. This will hold you in good stead if you later need to advocate for provisions for gifted students. Your gifted child may need a range of adjustments in order to learn

There are times when a task is ideally matched to a child’s intellectual abilities, academic and practical skills, passions and needs. When a task is not too hard, not too easy but ‘just right’, a student will be engaged in learning. Teachers can address the learning needs of gifted students by differentiating the curriculum and implementing specific teaching strategies. Academic work should provide sufficient challenge for the child, requiring the student to stretch a little beyond the current level so new learning takes place and academic skills are developed.

The way in which a child’s strengths, abilities and gifts are identified, challenged and nurtured by parents and teachers will largely determine whether a child develops skills and talents.

Michele Juratowitch is Director of Clearing Skies, provides counselling and programs for gifted children, professional development for teachers and workshops for parents. Michele was awarded a Churchill Fellowship and is co-author of Make a Twist, a new curriculum differentiation resource for students.

Would you like to know more?

Guiding Gifted Children: Workshops for Parents will be held in Brisbane on 22-23 Feb. Book online at: http://www. trybooking.com/DZDV

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

not yet developed); however an individual cannot be talented without first being gifted. There are a range of factors that impact positively or negatively upon the developmental process. A child may have a natural ability, but if s/he does not enjoy the activity, lacks motivation and does not put in sufficient effort, this ability is unlikely to develop into a talent. Gagné highlights the role of people, resources and opportunities in a child’s life.

The development of talent depends on what the family, school, culture and the child contribute.

E: michele@clearingskies.com.au W: www.clearingskies.com.au P: 3378 0888

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Education

Middle School

EDUCATION

B EDUCATION IN BRISBANE 18

risbane Grammar’s Jacqui Zervos has been teaching at Grammar for 19 years. Prior to taking up the Head of Middle School role in 2006, Ms Zervos was a Head of Year, a pastoral position that travels with the same year level of boys from Years 8 to 12. Thus she was well placed to understand how Middle School students need to be prepared to confidently progress to the senior school – academically and emotionally – as well as focusing on the particular requirements of young adolescents.

 What is it about a Middle School that’s so important?

Middle years’ students are vulnerable because of the rapid social, cognitive, physical and emotional changes that typify this phase

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

of life. Research indicates that students undergo the greatest physical and emotional changes at this age, more than at any other time. While these developmental processes are natural they do pose unique challenges; it is a period when lack of confidence, poor self-image and disengagement from learning are likely to be more common. Educational programs for students of this age must aim to keep them connected to the learning process to prepare them for their later studies and also help them navigate what can be a difficult social and emotional stage in their lives.

True middle schooling is not only about the physical separation from the rest of the school; it’s about aligning programs and practices to a clear middle schooling philosophy.

At the heart of that philosophy is the understanding that as educators we have the responsibility to contribute to the development of every dimension of a young person’s makeup –

Education

Successful navigation over this ‘bridge’ requires teachers to carefully balance their encouragement of student independence and interdependence and the recognition of the powerful effects peer relationships and student/teacher relationships have on academic, social and emotional development.

 In a practical sense how do you engage students in a Middle School?

Simply you have to tailor programs to the interests of middle years’ students. While students need to have strong foundations in literacy and numeracy it shouldn’t come at the cost of creativity and critical thinking. Effective curriculum design should meet a range of priorities: integrity and rigour in teaching disciplinary knowledge and skills; higher order thinking, capturing the students’ imaginations; and very importantly, fun.

Whether building rockets, landing on alien planets to create a new society or building payload delivery systems – it’s about the sorts of things that really connect students to the learning process.

 Why is the physical separation important in

a Middle School?

A separate precinct allows students to have an identity within a school and helps educators deliver age appropriate programs. It also allows the students to feel safe and comfortable mixing with students their own age. At Brisbane Grammar we were also very fortunate to be able to purpose-build the Middle School. Thus the design of our learning spaces was driven by research into middle years’ philosophy and, as a result, it enables our teachers to uncompromisingly employ middle years’ pedagogy. The positioning of core teachers’ offices between classrooms means that we have constant, informal supervision of the verandahs and easy access to teachers for our students.

 What do you enjoy about working in the

Middle School environment?

I love coming to work every day to a community where there is great desire to learn, a strong culture of respect and a powerful sense of belonging. We have very courteous and enthusiastic students who are seeking to make the most of the opportunities before them. We encourage them to appreciate the privilege they enjoy and to develop a sense of responsibility and service to others.

In 2014 Brisbane Grammar will welcome their first Years 5s into the Middle School, which will then cater for boys Year 5 – 8.

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

intellectual, physical, social and emotional. Engaging in a holistic approach involves planning thoughtful progression in all key areas of the students’ interaction with their school environment, including personal organisation, study habits, complexity of thinking, social environment, learning styles and instructional strategies. In this way, middle schooling serves as a bridge that takes students from a primary school way of thinking and learning to a level where they can confidently transition into a senior school paradigm.

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Brisbane's most comprehensive

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS LIST For prospective students and parents

To promote Your School Open Day in the next issue (April/May 2014) 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 Saints Catholic Primary School (Albany Creek) Catholic co-ed Primary School Contact the school to arrange a tour 3325 6900 www.allsaints.qld.edu.au Bethania Lutheran School (Bethania) Co-ed Primary School Every day is Open Day. Contact school for a tour 3200 5363 www.bethania.qld.edu.au Brigidine College (Indooroopilly) Catholic Secondary Girl's School 24/25 Feb 19/20 May 9.30-10.30 am www.brigidine.qld.edu.au

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

Brisbane Adventist College (Mansfield) Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Please contact school to arrange a tour www.bac.qld.edu.au Brisbane Boys College (Toowong) Prep-Yr 12 Sun 18 May, Fri 8 Aug www.bbc.qld.edu.au Brisbane Christian College (Salisbury) Co-ed Pre-prep-Yr 12 Refer to website to book a tour www.brisbanechristiancollege.com.au Brisbane Girls Grammar (Brisbane) Girl's Secondary School Fri 1 Aug 4-8pm www.bggs.qld.edu.au Brisbane Grammar School (Brisbane) Indep Boys School Yr 5-Yr 12 Sat 23 Aug 12-3pm www.brisbanegrammar.com Calvary Christian College (Carbrook Campus) Co-ed Childcare-Yr 12 Fri 28 Feb, 2 May, Wed 11 Jun, Thu 31 Jul, 15 Aug, 17 Sep, 14 Oct www.calvarycc.qld.edu.au Calvary Christian College (Springwood Campus) Prep-Yr 6 Thu 27 Feb, 1 May, 12 Jun, 14 Aug, 18 Sep, 16 Oct wwwcalvarycc.qld.edu.au Cannon Hill Anglican College (Cannon Hill) Co-ed Yr 4-Yr 12 Sat 1 Mar 9-12, Fri 1 Aug 9.30-12pm www.chac.qld.edu.au Churchie (East Brisbane) Anglican Boys School Reception-Yr 12 Wed 28 May www.churchie.com.au Citipointe Christain College (Carindale) Indep Prep-Yr 12 College tours - Tue 11 Mar 5pm, Tue 20 May 9am, Thu 28 Aug 9am, Tue 14 Oct 5pm www.brisbane.coc.edu.au Clayfield College (Clayfield) Indep, co-ed Pre-prep-Yr 5, Girls Pre-prep-Yr 12 Tue 4 Mar, Thu 1 May, Fri 15 Aug, Thu 9 Oct 8.30-10am www.clayfield.qld.edu.au Faith Lutheran College Junior School Campus (Victoria Point) Prep-Yr 6 Fri 21 Mar 9-12pm, Fri 22 Aug 9-12pm www.faithlutheran.qld.edu.au Faith Lutheran College Middle & Senior Campus (Thornlands) Yr 7-Yr 12 Fri 21 Mar 9-12pm, Sat 22 Mar 10-12pm, Fri 22 Aug 9-12pm www.faithlutheran.qld.edu.au Genesis Christian College (Brendale) Indep co-ed School Prep-Yr 12 To be confirmed. Please check website for updates www.genesis.qld.edu.au Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School (Springfield Lakes) Catholic co-ed Primary School Contact school for updates on Open Day www.goodshepherd.qld.edu.au Good Shepherd Christian School (Albany Creek) Indep co-ed Primary School Sat 14 Jun 10-2pm www.gscs.qld.edu.au Grace Lutheran College (Caboolture Campus) Co-ed Secondary College Grace@Work Mon 12 May 9-11.30am, Open Day Sun 1 Jun 1-4pm www.glc.qld.edu.au Grace Lutheran College (Rothwell Campus) Co-ed Secondary College Grace@Work Mon 12 May 9-11.30am, Wed 27 Aug 3.30-5.30pm, Open Day Sun 26 Oct 1-4pm www.glc.qld.edu.au Grace Lutheran Primary School (Clontarf ) Co-ed Prep-Yr 7 Sat 3 May 1-3pm www.graceprimary.qld.edu.au John Paul College (Daisy Hill) Co-ed Early Yrs-Yr 12 For Open Days please refer to the website www.johnpaulcollege.com.au Living Faith Lutheran Primary School (Murrumba Downs) Co-ed Prep-Yr 6 Wed 7, May 9-11.30am, Sat 6 Sep 10-12pm wwwlivingfaith.qld.edu.au Loreto College (Coorparoo) Catholic Girl's Secondary College Sun 10 Aug 10am www.loreto.qld.edu.au Lourdes Hill College (Hawthorne) Catholic Girl's Secondary School Fri 10 Oct 3.30-7pm www.lhc.qld.edu.au Marist College (Ashgrove) Catholic Boy's College Yr 5-Yr 12 Contact school to arrange a visit www.marash.qld.edu.au

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

School Open Days Mary MacKillop College (Nundah) Catholic Girl's Secondary School Sun 10 Aug 10-1pm www.mmc.qld.edu.au Moreton Bay Boy's College (Manly West) Boy's College Prep-Yr 12 Sat 29 Mar 9-12pm www.mbbc.qld.edu.au Moreton Bay College (Manly West) Girl's College Prep-Yr 12 Fri 28 Mar, Fri 1 Aug 9-12pm www.mbc.qld.edu.au Mount Alvernia College (Kedron) Catholic Girl's Secondary School Sun 25 May 10-1pm www.mta.qld.edu.au Mount St Michael's College (Ashgrove) Catholic Girl's Secondary School Sun 18 May 10am www.msm.qld.edu.au Mt Maria College (Petrie) Catholic co-ed Secondary College Sun 1 Jun 9-11am www.mmcp.qld.edu.au Mueller College (Rothwell) Co-ed College Prep-Yr 12 Every day is Open Day. Contact school for a tour www.mueller.qld.edu.au Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Primary School (Wavell Heights) Co-ed Primary School Prep-Yr 7 Contact the office for a 'Walk Through' 3359 9198 www.olawavellheights.qld.edu.au Our Lady's College (Annerley) Catholic Girl's College Yr 8-Yr 12 Sat 17 May www.ourladyscollege.qld.edu.au Padua College (Kedron) Catholic Boy's College Yr 5-Yr 12 Check website for Open Day times www.padua.qld.edu.au Prince of Peace (Everton Park) Co-ed Kindy-Yr 12 Senior Campus Mon 26 May 8.30am www.princeofpeace.qld.edu.au San Sisto College (Carina) Secondary Girl's School Sun 18 May www.sansisto.qld.edu.au

Sheldon College (Sheldon) Indep, co-ed College Childcare-Yr 12 Fri 16 May 9-12pm www.sheldoncollege.com.au Somerville House (South Brisbane) Girl's School Prep-Yr 12 Contact school to book a tour www.somerville.qld.edu.au Southern Cross Catholic College (Scarborough) Catholic co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Sun 27 Jul 10-2pm at the De La Salle Campus www.sccc.qld.edu.au Springfield Anglican College (Springfield) Co-ed Anglican College Kindy-Yr 12 Wed 5 Mar, Thur 8 May, Sat 30 Aug www.tsac.qld.edu.au St Aidan's Anglican Girl's School (Corinda) Anglican Girl's School Kindy-Yr 12 Sat 8 Mar 9-12pm, please confirm attendance wwwstaidans.qld.edu.au St Agatha's Primary School (Clayfield) Catholic co-ed Primary School Fri 30 May 9-10.45 www.stagathasclayfield.qld.edu.au St Agnes School (Mt Gravatt) Catholic co-ed Primary School To be confirmed. Please check website for updates www.stagnes.qld.edu.au St Eugene College (Burpengary) Catholic co-ed College Prep-Yr 12 Tues March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, August 5, September 2, and November 4 www.steugene.qld.edu.au St Laurence's College (South Brisbane) Catholic Boys College Yr 5-Yr 12 Tues 11 Mar 4.30-8.30pm www.slc.qld.edu.au St James College (Brisbane) Catholic Co-ed Secondary College Fri 1 Aug 10-12pm wwwstjamescollege.com.au St John Fisher College (Brcken Ridge) Catholic Girl's Secondary School Thu 22 May 2-6pm www.sjfc.qld.edu.au

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

Seton College (Mt Gravatt East) Catholic, co-ed secondary, focussing on students with learning needs Tues 4 Mar, 6 May, 5 Aug 9am wwwseton.qld.edu.au

St John's Anglican College (Forest Lake) Co-ed Kindy-Yr 12 Wed 12 Mar Yr 7-12, Sat 15 Mar Kin-6, Sat 9 May, 30 Aug 9-12, Wed 22 Oct 9-11am www.stjohnsanglicancollege.com.au St Joseph's College Gregory Terrace (Brisbane) Catholic Boy's College Yr 5-Yr 12 Fri 28 Feb 4-7pm www.terrace.qld.edu.au St Joseph's Nudgee College (Boondall) Catholic Boy's College Yr 5-Yr 12 Sat 29 Mar 9-12pm wwwnudgee.com St Joseph's Nundah (Nundah) Catholic co-ed Primary School Contact school to book a tour www.stjosnundah.qld.edu.au St Margaret's Anglican Girls School (Ascot) Anglican Girl's School Pre-prep-Yr 12 Sat 8 Mar 9.30-12.30pm www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au St Patrick's College (Shorncliffe) Catholic Boy's College Yr 5-Yr 12 Tue 19 Aug 3-6pm www.stpatricks.qld.edu.au St Paul's School (Bald Hills) Anglican co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Middle school Sat 8 Mar 12-2.30pm. Headmaster's tours throughout year. Check website. www.stpauls.qld.edu.au St Rita's College (Clayfield) Catholic Girl's College Yr 7-Yr 12 Sun 27 Jul 10am www.stritas.qld.edu.au St Sebastian's School (Yeronga) Catholic co-ed Primary School Wed 19 Mar 9-10.30am www.stsebastiansyeronga.qld.edu.au St Thomas More College (Sunnybank) Catholic co-ed College Yr 8-Yr 12 Tues 25 Feb, 13 May, 29 Jul 9am & 4.15pm 28 Oct 9am www.stmc.qld.edu.au Stuartholme School (Toowong) Catholic Girls Secondary Sat 22 Mar & several Stuartholme in Action Tours throughout the year, please refer to website www.stuartholme.com The Lakes College (North Lakes) Indep co-ed College Prep-Yr 12 Tues 11 Mar 9-10.30am wwwthelakescollege.com.au Villanova College (Coorparoo) Catholic Boys College Yr 5-Yr 12 Thu 20 Feb from 8.30am www.vnc.qld.edu.au Westside Christian College (Goodna) Co-ed Preprep-Yr 12 Please refer to website for Open Day Information www.wcc.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Education

Top 5 things Parents should know when EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

Choosing a Secondary School in Brisbane One of the most important decisions you will make as a parent will be choosing a secondary school for your child.

It can be somewhat overwhelming so to help you make a choice; here are the top five things you should know.

1. Making Sense of Academic Results The main purpose of a secondary school is to help each student achieve his or her personal best and to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for future career pathways.

You will research schools and their published academic results (e.g.

OPs and NAPLAN). Using these results as a way to assess schools, however, is not particularly reliable. Here are some reasons why. a) We know that high results often relate to the high socio-economic status of families (Geoff Masters, Australian Council for Education Research 2013) or a policy of selecting students on the basis of ability. b) A narrow focus on academic success may ignore the importance of other elements such as the school’s capacity to foster a young person’s social, emotional, physical, cultural and/or spiritual development. c ) Published Queensland tertiary entrance statistics may be misleading (e.g. the percentage of OP-eligible students who achieve OPs1-15). In many schools only 50-60% of their students are now OPeligible with lower-achieving students opting for a non-OP pathway.

A school which has 80% of students gain an OP1-15 when only 40% are eligible has not achieved nearly as well academically as a school that has 80% of students getting an OP1-15 when 80% are eligible. d) NAPLAN tests assess a small range of skills but may not adequately test creativity, problem-solving and other higher order thinking skills that are the real markers of academic achievement.

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

What to Do: A better estimate of a school’s academic success is the percentage of students who get into university each year compared with the State. Download your school’s Commonwealth and State Annual Report on the School’s website, (School Leavers’ Destination Survey) to see how their statistics compare to the state. Check out the Senior Students Report from QSA in the same report to find out the proportion of students who are OP-eligible and OP-ineligible. This will give you an idea of how focused the school is on academic or vocational pathways.

2. The Importance of Co-curricular Opportunities Co-curricular activities in secondary school-aged children are essential. The Search Institute in the US found from surveying 150,000 children in Grade 6 - 12 is they are three times more likely to have positive outcomes (academic achievements, leadership, and behaviour) if they spend time practicing music, drama or other arts; or are involved in sports, religious groups, clubs or organisations at school and/or the community. Experience shows that a high cocurricular involvement usually correlates to good or high academic effort and achievement. Moreover, students who are involved in such activities get to know students across age-groups and have a greater sense of belonging and value as a contributor.

Schools that have a camping/Outdoor Education program are doing a great service to students. In particular, an experience of three to four weeks based on high-trust adventure and environmental activities is of long term benefit.

Education

You will want to consider the type of school that is best for them: a school that is State or Non-State; co-educational or single-sex; faith-based or non-faith-based.

Education is a partnership between families and the school and we are fortunate in Brisbane to have a range of education providers so that parents can choose a pathway that bests suits them.

Independent (non-Catholic) schools educate more than 20% of secondary students in the state, and numbers have increased by 39% in a decade. Research by the Australian Council for Education Research (Geoff Masters, 2013) showed that, in choosing a secondary school, regardless of whether it is state or non-state, parents attach greatest importance to the quality of teachers in the school. They also look for schools that are safe, secure and that provide quality student care.

Parents who send their children to single sex schools often do so because they hope they will do better in an environment tailored for boys or girls, or because they do not wish them to be distracted by students of the opposite sex. Proponents of coeducation say that it is more natural: life is co-ed.

Research has shown there is no evidence that students do better academically in single-sex situations. A recent report in The Courier Mail (August 28, 2013) quoted Monash University Professor Helen Forgasz: “Socio- economic factors are far more salient in terms of educational outcomes than anything to do with a gender setting of schooling.”

Faith-based and non-faith-based schools have a place in a country where democracy and religious freedom are valued. If you are a member of a particular religion, it is likely you will choose a school with that religious base. If not, it is still likely that you will consider a faith-based school because you want your children to develop values such as respect and care for others and to have the capacity to make wise ethical decisions.

4. Quality teachers make the most difference to student outcomes Recent research has shown time and time again that quality teachers make the most difference to student outcomes of any

factor including home and school: the attributes of the student make up about 50%of the difference, and quality teachers 30% (John Hattie).

An advantage of independent schools is that they have more power to recruit the kinds of teachers they want and are also freer to manage unsatisfactory performance.

Check out the Commonwealth and State Annual Report on the School web-site about teachers - for example, professional development and teacher retention rate, which is an indicator of how committed they are to their job and the school.

5. The 'Feel' of the School What finally tips many parents and students in favour of a particular school is its “feel”. The warmth and friendliness of the people you meet, the sense of order and calm and the care that has been spent on the grounds, may all point to a positive emotional and social climate for the school. Students may sense that they could belong here.

Similarly, many parents say they have chosen a school because of the students or past students they know who are fine young people, or great employees. “I hope my son or daughter will turn out like that student,” they say. Or maybe they know some great teachers who work there. Many would like to meet the Principal before they make a decision.

In education, it is always the quality of the people involved that is the most important thing – not the buildings or the documents.

After you have viewed the school and the website and read the documents, make your decision based on the people.

As you consider all the information gathered, ensure you and your child are comfortable with the decision made. Ask as many questions as you can, research and visit the schools to see for yourself how it operates.

Written by Ruth Butler, Principal, Grace Lutheran College, specialists in secondary education.

Visit choosingasecondaryschool.com.au for more information.

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

3. Select the type of school that suits your child and their needs

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Education

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE 24

J

ohn Dewey once said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself”. Therefore, education must equip children with the skills and habits necessary to deal with the ever changing world that surrounds them.

If children leave school holistically developed and prepared for almost anything, they have the best chance of living a successful life.

Plato once said, "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything". If this isn't a recipe for success, I don't know what is. Combine this with the fact that children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education; then the need for a music education becomes even more compelling.

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

Start students on the right note with music Here are just four of the many benefits of music education.  Music exposes students to beauty The simple act of making music is of significant benefit in itself.

Today’s world is filled with high stress and high pressure, intense exposure to negativity, and a constant need for immediacy - not exactly the best environment for effective learning. Experiencing music in all its forms is the ultimate antidote to these inhibiting factors. For children to have beauty in their lives they must be able to recognise, appreciate and analyse it, and ultimately recreate it. Music brings beauty and appreciation into the lives of all who experience it in a very real way. It helps to create informed and critical citizens.

Education  Opens the mind to learning A young mind is the ultimate sponge. The ability it has to absorb information is extraordinary. Like a real sponge, though, when the mind gets full it starts to loose excess information.

We must open the mind in a way that helps it retain all of the important information it soaks up. Learning music stimulates, develops and strengthens the neural pathways which help to retain information in the brain. It also develops and highlights the ability to set and execute goals, and reflect upon the whole process. The flow on effect is a thirst for knowledge and a desire to constantly improve – all vital tools in keeping the best water in the sponge.

 Develops creativity & discipline If a child leaves school with the ability to approach every aspect of their life with creativity and discipline, they are on the path to success. For this to happen, both sides of the brain must be developed. Music is at the forefront of this development. The left side of the brain is the creative side - insight, imagination and daydreaming. These are all inherent qualities in learning a musical instrument. The right side of the brain is the logical side - numbers, language, analysis, reasoning and discipline. Again, these are all inherent qualities in learning an instrument and being in a musical ensemble. Music develops the holistic self.

 Teaches empathy The ability to empathise with others is a quality in great need of attention, particularly in the high pressure world of immediacy mentioned earlier. Someone who can empathise with those around them is more likely to live a successful and ultimately fulfilled life. Recent studies have shown that children who make music together are better able to recognise and understand the emotions of those around them. Researchers found that learning music helps to develop the social self, just as much as the academic self. In my opinion, academic skills without social skills are greatly diminished ones. One of the habits of highly effective people is to understand someone before trying to be understood, in other words, empathy. Music develops this habit in a wide variety of ways.

The evidence for the benefit of music education grows more convincing by the day. Whether academic or social, music educates the ‘whole’. Encourage your child to become involved with music and experience the joys of the best investment you’ll ever make in their future.

At Brisbane Girls Grammar School music is considered to be an essential part of each student’s learning program. Girls have a selection of twenty three performing ensemble at all levels of proficiency in which to engage. This allows them to fully explore what it is to be a wonderful person and a fine citizen.

Vaughan Fleischfresser – MMEd, BMus, BEd, ATCL, AACM Director of Bands and Woodwind Teacher Brisbane Girls Grammar

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

simultaneously

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Education

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

Could you host an

International Student?

Brisbane supports a whole host of International Students who come to study in our great city.

From short term visits to long term stays the rewards for schools, students and the families, like you, that host them is immense. We talked to 3 schools to find out more…

Why do the schools host students?

Margaret Dagan - Clayfield College Homestay Co-ordinator Clayfield College has offered a homestay program since 2001.

The homestay program is designed to help students experience a different culture and education from their country of origin.

Our international student program caters for both male and female students from ages 10 to 18 years old. We offer long-term homestay for students who plan to study in our English Language program for up to twelve months or students who may spend 3 –

Brigidine College

A Catholic Girls' Secondary College

Indooroopilly

Strength and Gentleness Join us for Visitation Day 24/25 Feb or 19/20 May 9.30 - 10.30am (07) 3870 7225 www.brigidine.qld.edu.au

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

4 years in our High School with a plan to graduate in Year 12.

Homestay is also offered for students who want to experience a 4 – 6 weeks English language course during their summer vacation from their respective country – usually around June/July/August time. Our short term Study Tours see us hosting students for 1 – 4 weeks at other times in the year. These students come from Japan, China, Taiwan, and Korea. Other short-term students come from Brazil, Portugal, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Korea and Japan for anywhere from 1 – 10 weeks.

Nashville State School BRIGHTON …where children come first

• Enrichment activities offered including iPad program • Consistently high and continually improving NAPLAN results • Busy Bees Playgroup with teacher facilitated pre-prep program • Spacious Grounds and Multi Purpose Hall • Outside Hours Care • Whole school explicit teaching practices • Positive Behaviour Support Program • Highly acclaimed sustainable practices • All classrooms air conditioned

by June 2014 We have so much more to offer your child…

Enrol Now

Cnr Douglas and Baskerville Street BRIGHTON 4017 Call: 3869 7333 Fax: 3869 700 Email: admin@nashvilless.eq.edu.au

Education

Maree Carr - Japanese Teacher Southern Cross Catholic College Southern Cross Catholic College (SCCC) has hosted many students who visit from larger cities in Japan and so enjoy the laid-back coastal setting Brisbane offers. Many of them are surprised by the size of their homestay families’ homes and how short the school day is compared to their very busy lives in Japan.

The students from Kyoto found life in Australia particularly different from their lives in Japan with one student saying, “We wash clothes more frequently than Australian people. Australian people cherish water.” Another student also pointed out how nice it was to eat dinner with all family members, something that doesn’t happen often in Japan with the long hours fathers work and the long hours students tend to study.

When asked further about their homestay experiences and how it differed to life back in Japan, students also noted “Going to bed very early and [waking] up very early.” as something they had to get used to. It is not unusual for students in Japan to be up until all hours of the night studying or unwinding after a long day. Students often make up for their lack of sleep during class the following day; something frowned upon in Australia but considered completely acceptable – even complimentary – in a Japanese classroom.

What does it take to be a homestay family?

through their teenage years. As the Guy family says ‘hosting International Students is all about having fun, interacting together and getting to really know each other. Spending quality time with our students doing the things we love.’

Of the over 100 families that are registered with St Paul’s to provide accommodation to international students, some offer long-term placements which means they see “their” student mature from a nervous new arrival to a graduating Year 12, with friends, skills and confidence. Others offer short-term placements to students keen to capture their short stay in Australia with memories of interaction and outings with their host family. These short stays vary from 3 nights to 2 months. The impact of the host family is a big one for these tours as the host families come to encapsulate “Australia” in their memories.

In the over 16 years that host families have been a part of the St Paul’s School community, the strength of many of the relationships continues on - making friendships with the international parents, catching up with students for a coffee or a meal when they leave and continue on at university in Southeast Queensland. The links made sometimes leads to invitations to weddings a number of years after graduation and great holiday destinations. Families who have the ability to welcome young people into their homes and to engage these youngsters may differ in many ways but they are all able to encourage our students in their journey.

Could you be a homestay family for an international student?

Why not contact your closest secondary school to see if they have international students and find out what it takes to become a homestay family for them!

Debbie Kemish - Director of St Paul’s School International School St Paul’s host families come in all shapes and sizes – from single people with a love of travelling to young couples in a new home to parents and their children (both young and old) to retired couples. At St Paul’s School, our homestays have one thing in common – a wish to welcome someone into their home and to assist them in learning about the Australian way of life and to chat to them in English so that they feel comfortable in their new surroundings and continue to grow in confidence and abilities

EDUCATION IN BRISBANE

What do the students say about the experience?

Would you like to welcome overseas study tour students into your home during February 2014 for periods of 7 to 14 days?

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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EDUCATION IN BRISBANE 28

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

From Bump to Business

Local Brisbane Mum, Karen Tannoch-Bland ‘Kicked’ off the Australian ‘Little Kickers’ classes after the birth of her first child in 2009.

■ Tell us a bit about yourself.

■ What are the challenging bits?

I am married with a 2 year old girl and 6 year old boy and our dog Archie. We live in a house filled mostly with laughter (the children), some tantrums (the parents), and lots of play, despite running separate businesses and intermittent renovating as well! I was born in the UK and my husband Colby, a builder, was born here. After 7 years together in London I didn’t need any convincing to move to gorgeous Brisbane.

My only challenge would be making sure that people understand the huge difference between the International Little Kickers and Little Rugby programs and other companies that have popped up along the way. We have been running classes for 12 years in the UK, almost 5 years here in Oz, and I know hand on heart that our programme is the best. The customers transferring to our classes can attest to that.

■ What are Little Kickers and Little Rugby?

Little Kickers is a soccer based play programme for boys and girls from 18 months to 7th birthday. Little Rugby is a programme for children aged 2 – 7 years based on tag rugby and is run on the same principal as Little Kickers: non-contact, non-competitive play. Our motto is “Play not Push”

■ How did you get started?

I heard all about Little Kickers when they first started up in the UK as I have known Christine (the CEO) for many years. When I was pregnant with my first child I wanted to change career as I knew that I wanted to work in a more flexible environment than my previous roles and I approached Christine to see if she was looking to bring Little Kickers to Australia. When my son was a 1 year old I launched the first Little Kickers classes in QLD in Bulimba at the same time that my colleague Dan launched the first classes in NSW on the Central Coast

■ What does the future hold for the business?

Since we launched in 2009 we have grown from 2 franchises to 36 (and counting) across Australia. In QLD we have 10 franchises currently covering Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast and have territories still available in Ipswich, Toowoomba and North QLD from Sunshine Coast upwards so we have room to grow.

Little Rugby is also growing nicely.

■ How do you fit work around family life?

I work hard during the week and make sure that when the kids come home and at weekends that we spend quality time together. In an emergency or a busy week, my husband takes over and runs the house and looks after the kids. We have a good balance as we both run our own businesses so have more flexibility to do this.

We both feel that we’ve been able to be more involved in our kids early years than we would otherwise.

■ What advice would you give other mums looking to work for themselves?

Keeping kids happy and running a busy house is huge - the skills that you gain from motherhood are immense and can definitely be used in running your own businesses. Working within a proven franchise business is a good route to take – particularly if you have back up from a good Head Office and an experienced person and group to work with and bounce ideas off.

Karen Tannoch-Bland, QLD Director Little Kickers and Little Rugby

■ What is the best bit about what you do?

Tel: 07 3299 3361 Email: ktannochbland@littlekickers.com.au ktannochbland@littlerugby.com.au

I have an amazing team in Queensland – all of the franchisees are passionate about what they do and I feel truly very lucky to be a part of this fantastic group of people. Watching the children grow up and develop their skills in our classes is another amazing part of the job.

If you are a local Mum who has gone from ‘bump to business’ and would like to share your story with Brisbane get in touch now! Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Brisbane Clubs & Classes Directory

Clubs, Classes & Activities for adults and children in the Greater Brisbane area

If you would like a listing for your club, class or activity in our next issue’s inclusive directory, please contact us now! Email: Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Compiled by Regina Gleeson NS = Northside SS = Southside

CLASSES FOR ADULTS Arts Tree (SS) Arts Tree 2 hour art classes that are exciting, fun, and jam-packed with tips and techniques used by professional practicing artists. Their tutors give you the knowledge you need to keep making masterpieces at home. 0437 146 359  www.artstree.com.au Bleeding Heart (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! 07 3229 0395 www.bleedingheart.com.au Brisbane Sings (NS & SS) This site is a free community service which is building to be a comprehensive list of all singing groups in Brisbane and surrounding areas. It lists all types of singing groups including choirs, toning groups, barbershop, a cappella, sacred music, musical society, singing workshops and other singing groups - basically anywhere in this region where you can go to have a sing! www.spectrumfireworks.com.au/brissings Mad Dance House (NS & SS) Offering over 120 classes a week in a stack of different styles - there is a class for you at Mad Dance House.

Dance classes on offer are: Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Popping, Locking, Tap, Hip Hop in Heels, Lyrical Hip Hop, Girly Style Street Jazz, Urban Contemporary, Commercial Jazz and fitness classes. No need to book- just rock up 10-15 mins before the start of your chosen class. 07 3210 6724 www.maddance.com.au Men’s Shed (NS & SS) An organization 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

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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 Stork, Baby and You (SS) They welcome you to attend a fun, informative day of antenatal education on the preparation towards birth & parenthood where they empower women and partners with knowledge and understanding to achieve a positive birth and parenting experience. 0411 854 443 www.antenatalclasses.com.au The Actors Workshop (SS) Supplying nationally recognised training pathways to school leavers and mature age students seeking dedicated vocational training as a Film, Television and Theatre Actor. 07 3891 1411 www.theactorsworkshop.com.au UQ Sport (SS) The UQ Aquatic Centre provides one of the most comprehensive and largest adult swim programs in Brisbane.

Their AUSTSWIM or Swim Australia qualified instructors can tailor each class to individual requirements to suit your needs. 07 3365 6047 www.uqsport.com.au

Paediatric First Aid Courses First Aid Demonstrations (SS) In a 2 - 2.5 hour session you will learn CPR, how to manage a choking child and how to initiate first aid to a child while waiting for an ambulance. 07 3854 1829 www.fad.net.au Kids First Aid (NS & SS) They offer 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 St John Ambulance Queensland (NS) This

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

course is designed to meet the first aid needs of parents, guardians and members of the public who may be entrusted with the care of babies and children up to 12 years of age. This course provides the knowledge and skills to manage everyday emergency situations. 1300 360 455 www.stjohn.org.au

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN ARTS & CRAFT & COOKING Brisbane Institute of Art (NS) These classes aim to encourage in children an appreciation of the aesthetic experience and personal symbolic language. Each term will focus on a particular media, so that during the year children will be exposed to a variety of mediums. 07 3857 5377 www.brisart.org KindyArt (SS) offers fun and educational art classes for 2-5 year olds. Each art activity is based around a children’s book that is read at the beginning of each class. Your little artist will get their hands on many arty materials and experiment with a range of art techniques.

Come along for a trial class! 0412591755  kim.kindyart@gmail.com. www.facebook. com/kimsKindyArt Miart (SS) Each child at Miart Brisbane is given guidance catered to their needs and interests as well as freedom and encouragement to express and develop their unique creativity. 0438193624 www.miart.com.au Renaissance Kids (NS & SS) Renaissance Kids offers all types of art lessons for children aged 5 years to 12 years. For students serious about improving their skills or just wanting to get a fun introduction to their creative side,

Brisbane Clubs & Classes Directory Renaissance Kids is the perfect place. 0404 847 684 www.renaissancekids.com.au Tania’s Arthouse (SS) Tania runs weekly classes for ages 6 to 11 and for ages 11 and upwards. Projects for kids may include drawing, printmaking, mosaic activities, painting, clay modelling, painting on glass, and taking photographs and using the pictures for additional activities. 0422 497 627  www.taniasarthouse.com Tiny Art (SS) Art classes for 2-5 year olds introduce children to the world of art through the engagement of media, tools and techniques, such as: painting, printing, sculpture, drawing, collage, textiles and clay. 0421 844 508  www.tinyart.com.au

Cooking Classes Cutie Pies Baking School (SS) Does your little one love to be creative in the kitchen? Cutie Pies Baking School is where your child can mix, knead, roll, ice and decorate his or her own yummy creations! Have all the fun and leave the mess! 0426967055 www.cutiepiesbakingschool.com Yummilicious Cookery (SS) love food, cooking and the social interaction that comes with it.

Their mission is to bring children together in a safe, nurtured, fun and happy environment where they can learn about real food and cultivate the joy of cooking and mindful eating. 0421 327 187 www.yummilicious.com.au Ro & Co Kid’s Cooking Parties (NS) are a creative, hands on way for your child to spend their special day. Their guests will love getting their hands dirty as they cook up a storm.  Ro 0421 639980  www.roandco.biz

LANGUAGE & BABY DEVELOPMENT

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 707 288 www.lcfclubs.com.au Studio China (SS) Calling all children ready for some great, fun brain stimulation. Learn Mandarin by moving to music, singing, reciting poems, reading stories, playing games, drawing and writing Chinese characters. 0401 575 005 www.studiochina.com.au

Sign Language Baby Sensory Hawthorne (SS) They use a combination of original and traditional songs and rhymes to develop early communication skills and you will always remember the moment your baby first uses the signs of their Say Hello song which is played at the beginning of each Baby Sensory class. 07 3399 2004 www.babysensory.com/au Deaf Services Queensland (SS) Baby Sign is designed for parents to learn basic Auslan key word signs for babies and children who are hearing or deaf, between two months and five years of age. Infants naturally use smiling, cooing, and crying and movement to communicate their needs and feelings so it is rather common for babies to use their hands to communicate long before they can speak. 07 3892 8500 www.deafservicesqld.org.au

Baby Massage Baby Buddah (SS) By being a part of their infant massage workshop, parents will discover more options in helping to reduce their baby’s crying time and increase their sleeping patterns as well as many more benefits. 0410 363 447 www.babybuddah.com.au

AlphaTykes (NS & SS) They teach French, Spanish or Italian to children between 18 months and 12 years. Lessons run from 30 minutes (under 3 yrs) to 45 minutes (over 3 yrs). 1300 61 22 88 www.alphatykes.com.au

Be In Blossom (NS) Mummy pilates & baby massage. They offer 4 one hour Pilates classes held weekly to regain abdominal support, pelvic floor strength & posture. Baby massage is included. 0488 001 105 www.beinblossom.com.au

Brisbane German Language School (SS) Fun and engaging German classes for children and adults at all levels of competency, for both native and non-native learners of German. 07 3847 2229  www.bgls.org.au

Massage Babies, Birth & Beyond (NS & SS) You will learn about and experience beautiful oils for your baby. Colic strokes and baby yoga.

Relaxation techniques for mums and bubs. 0407 592 238 www.mbbb.com.au

Conversations On (SS) Engaging English, Japanese, Chinese, German, Spanish or French Classes. Small classes (maximum 6). They also help your baby communicate earlier and give them a bright future with baby sign language classes. 07 3871 2882 www.conversationson.com.au

Sweet Dreams Infant Massage (SS) A variety of group classes are held in Camp Hill. Classes are also held privately in the client’s home either on a one-on-one basis or as a group (e.g. group of friends, mothers group) 0422 607 863 www.sweetdreamsinfantmassage.com.au

The Nurturing Connection (NS) Learning infant massage could not be easier. You will be guided through each stroke carefully until you are confident in communicating your love through touch. In addition you will learn to relax yourself and create a serene and nurturing environment in which your baby will thrive. 0409 614467 www.nurturingconnection.com.au

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 HelloPlay (SS) Head to Hello Let’s Play with your little munchkins for a day of fun at one of Brisbane’s biggest indoor play centres! Huge range of exciting activities designed to develop kids’ imaginations, creativity and fitness. Wall to wall Jungle Castle, ball pits and tunnels, inflatable slides, obstacle courses and loads more! 07 3394 3300 www.helloplay.com.au Lollipop’s Playland & Café (NS &SS) Lollipop’s Playland & Cafe kids Indoor Play Centres are great kids party venues for or simply giving kids a treat while parents relax over a cup of hot 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 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. 07 3266 8484 www.tiddlywinks.com.au

MUSIC Boppin’ Babies (NS &SS) Boppin’ Babies is a music therapy program for newborn babies up to 5 years. Sessions run for 30 minutes. 0430 591 532 www.boppinbabies.com.au Do-Re-Me (NS & SS) Do re mi children’s music classes offer enjoyable, educational music classes for children, including babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, aged 3 months to 8 years and beyond, and has classes available throughout Brisbane. www.do-re-mi.com.au

continued on page 32 

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Brisbane Clubs & Classes Directory  continued from page 31

Forte School of Music (NS & SS) They offer their Jungle Music program for children aged 6 months to 3.5, which immerse the child in interactive classes which encourage understanding and responding to music.

They can continue their musical experience in introductory piano courses, Music is Fun, Junior Keys and Piano Keys. Free trial class. 07 3357 5556  www.fortemusic.com.au Gymboree (NS & SS) Award winning children’s Play & Learn Gym, Music & Art classes for 0-5yrs.

Designed by experts, the age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. The programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development. Free trial available. 07 3878 2468  www.gymboree.com.au Kindermusik at Flying Fox Studios (NS) Their teachers are passionately committed to bringing music to children’s lives through developmentally appropriate curricula, CDs, books, instruments, and activities for their classes and for family time at home. 07 3855 1528 www.flyingfoxstudios.com.au Music Masters (NS) This a sequential music program developed by Christine Masters. The classes are designed, not only to foster a child’s natural musical ability, but to extend them so that their musical education is fully developed. 07 3357 9646 www.musicmasters.com.au

SPORTS & EXERCISE Australian Parkour Association (NS & SS) A philosophy and method of movement through any environment with speed and efficiency.

The concept is to overcome all physical and mental obstacles in your path by using your body and mind to run, climb, jump and vault. 1800 759 015 www.brisbaneparkour.com.au Baseball Queensland (NS & SS) Baseball caters to boys and girls of all ages. Their club competitions fall into the following age groups: Under 8 MighTee ball, U10 Rookie Ball, Little League (U12), Baseball - U14, U16 and U18 age groups. 07 3876 2222 www.qld.baseball.com.au Brisbane Basketball (NS & SS) Basketball is a non-contact sport and provides a safe and enjoyable opportunity for players of all age groups. 07 3371 0200 www.brisbane.basketball.net.au Brisbane Martial Arts (NS & SS) Whether Taekwondo, or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is your preferred martial arts style, if you’re in Brisbane, and 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, Brisbane Martial Arts! 1300 303 583 www.brisbanemartialarts.com.au Dynamight Kids (NS & SS) Dynamight Kids teaches safety, self-defence and life skills to children aged between 3-12 years. Lessons run for 30 minutes. 1300 61 22 88 www.dynamightkids.com.au Ginger Sport (NS & SS) Fun soccer programs for 2-10 year olds. Providing soccer coaching in an inclusive, play-based, learning environment with the perfect mix of fun, physical activity and instruction in soccer. Experienced coaches that work with all age groups and skill levels to provide a positive, nurturing and safe environment to learn soccer. Free trial available 07 3890 3338  www.gingersport.com.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

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general. 07 3036 5600 www.gymqld.org.au Gymboree (NS & SS) Award winning children’s Play & Learn Gym, Music & Art classes for 0-5yrs.

Designed by experts, the age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. The programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development. Free trial available. 07 3878 2468  www.gymboree.com.au Hockey Queensland (NS & SS) Since hockey is a team sport, children who play learn the value of working with others. They figure out how to rely on teammates and understand that cooperation is key to success. 07 3399 6577 www.hockeyqld.com.au Junior Golf Queensland (NS & SS) Golf is a great game for juniors/students/children as it is a healthy game that one can play for their whole life. Apart from providing the gift of a lifetime recreation, golf has special qualities that can have powerful and lasting impacts on young people’s self-image, personal development and confidence. 07 3252 8155 www.juniorgolfqueensland.org.au Life Stream (NS & SS) Life Stream facilitates a wide range of opportunities specifically in South East Queensland for people with an intellectual disability to participate, develop skills and be active members of their communities. Life Stream believes that through participation in community activities, recreation, leisure & sport and having friendships and responsibilities, people develop all types of skills and lead healthy, active and meaningful lives. 07 3394 4399 www.lifestream.org.au Little Athletics Queensland (NS & SS) Little Athletics is a uniquely Australian sport for children 5-16 years. As the name suggests, it is based upon the sport of athletics (track & field) and 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. 07 3255 9436 www.qlaa.asn.au Little Kickers (NS & SS) An international soccer programme. At Little Kickers the focus is very much on fun - a national network of informal yet professionally run training classes where enthusiastic boys & girls (18 mths – 7th birthday) are given a helping hand to stand on their own two feet.  info@littlekickers.com.au www.littlekickers.com.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. 07 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. 07 3909 9555 www.pcyc.org.au Queensland Cricket (NS & SS) These days, cricket offers some new and exciting formats for kids that won’t take up your whole weekend – it’s no longer an all-day commitment for parents on the sidelines. To get started, kids can take part in the Milo in2Cricket program which is a fun way to get a taste of the sport. As their skills develop, they can transition into Milo T20 Blast and then on to club cricket to continue a lifelong connection with the game. 07 3292 3100 www.qldcricket.com.au Skipping Queensland (SS) Skipping is a very dynamic, exciting and exhilarating sport. It

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

helps in the development of an individual’s fitness and co-ordination, and is used by a number of other sporting codes and athletes for aerobic fitness. Competitive skipping takes the activity to the next level. www.skippingqueensland.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. 07 3120 7900 www.tennis.com.au Wild Things (NS & SS) Wild Things is a fun and energetic physical fitness program for children aged between 2-5 years. They also discuss briefly anatomy, nutrition and world awareness.

Lessons run for 30 minutes. 1300 61 22 88 www.wildthingsaustralia.com.au

Horseriding Cherbon Waters (SS) Cherbon Waters’ facilities include a new fully lit 60m x 20 indoor arena (with an undercover viewing area), riding trails, round yards, stabling area, wash bays, safe fully-electrified paddocks. 0417 704 671 www.cherbonwaters.com.au Dalson Park Indoor Equestrian Centre (SS) Horse riding lessons are well priced and cover the use of Dalson Park ponies, tacked up by capable stable hands; the use of arenas, tack, saddles, helmet and boots if needed; and expert and encouraging instruction. The more lessons you book in a month, the more cost-effective lessons become. 0448 034 514 www.dalsonpark.com.au Heritage Riding (SS) It does not matter if you are a “first timer” or you are a current Junior Rider wanting to gain more competitive skills in Dressage or Jumping. They have a Horse/ Pony and Qualified Instructor that will suit your needs, and give you a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience. 07 3206 3951 www.heritageriding.com.au Indarra Equestrian Centre (SS) Indarra Equestrian aims to provide a safe riding environment with qualified, professional staff so that you can enjoy your love of horses. You can choose either private or group lessons.

Their group lessons are limited to a maximum of 4 riders so that your learning experience is maximised. 0409 475 040 www.indarraequestrian.com.au Slickers Horse Riding (NS) Their lessons are conducted in either an enclosed yard or out on one of their trails depending on which the rider requires. 07 3285 1444 www.slickershorseriding.com 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. 07 3300 6422 www.wattlecreekridingschool.com.au Windsong Equestrian Park (SS) Their coaches conduct private lessons by appointment, in an all-weather surface ProRide arena. Their coaches are qualified level one instructors and are happy to cater for beginners or higher skill levels of all ages.  www.windsongpark.com

Swimming Aquatic Achievers Swim Schools (NS & SS) Aquatic Achievers Swim Schools 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

Brisbane Clubs & Classes Directory Sam Riley Swim Schools (NS & SS) Their team of dedicated, qualified and experienced instructors know the importance of balancing the professionalism required to teach your child to swim, whilst maintaining an element of enjoyment, so your child has fun while learning. 07 3050 7341 www.samrileyswimschools.com Shapland Swim Schools (NS & SS) Shapland Swim Schools teach semi private swimming lessons to children of all ages, including babies from 6 months. They teach a unique Swim in Five program in small classes with a maximum of three children.  www.shapland.com.au Swim Australia (NS & SS) While swimming lessons may help to address safety issues, lessons will also continue to refine the strokes helping the child to become a safer more efficient swimmer, and of course lessons are a fun, healthy activity for children. 07 3376 0944  www.swimaustralia.org.au Hibiscus Swimming Academy (SS) With highly qualified instructors and coaches, the Hibiscus Swimming Academy stands by its motto: “Committed to Excellence”. Their mission is to provide a safe and happy learning environment to each and every individual who participates in their learn to swim. 07 3420 6074 www.hibiscusswimmingacademy.com.au The Clem Jones Centre (SS) The Learn to Swim program focuses on water safety, water confidence and the development of all strokes while also emphasising on fun and excitement for both the child and parent. They cater from 6 months to adult classes’. 07 3398 2107 www.clemjonescentre.com.au Nudgee Brothers Swim Program (NS) The organisation aims for its swimmers to reach their potential by providing a coaching program that produces excellent results at state, national and international level.

They have a range of programs for different swimming groups, from beginners to advanced, from infants to older swimmers.

Their program operates all year round. 07 3865 0516 www.brothersswim.nudgee.com

Yoga Angel Yoga 4 Kids (NS) AYK Yoga classes teach children through asanas, yoga stories, yoga songs, yoga game’s, yoga art, yoga dance, visualisation, pranayama, relaxation & meditation techniques. 0412 564 757 www.angelyoga4kids.com.au Brisbane Yoga Space (NS & SS) Yoga is an invaluable tool of fun, learning, health and growth for kids and teens. Through yoga, young people can have fun while developing health, fitness and self-confidence. 0430 158 826 www.brisbaneyogaspace.com.au 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. 07 3343 3285  www.calmforkids.com.au Inner Bliss Yoga Studios (SS) Their Bliss kids yoga classes are a fantastic way for your child to enjoy the many benefits of yoga in fun and friendly environment. In each class, the instructor guides the children through an interactive & themed practice of song, movement, yoga poses, creativity, story-telling and relaxation. 07 3162 2188 www.innablissyoga.com.au Ten Toes Yoga & Natural Health (NS) Childhood is a time to explore the world around and for self-discovery. Children respond well to Kids Yoga Classes because Yoga gives

them a chance to explore aspects of their bodies, minds and emotions in a fun and creative way. www.tentoes.com.au

THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS 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). 07 3369 2344 www.collegetheatrepractice.com.au Brisbane Youth Theatre (NS) Their theatre classes are adventurous and playful. Brisbane Youth Theatre provides an exciting and supportive environment for creating theatre and enhancing learning. 0404 220 465 www.brisbaneyouththeatre.com.au Fame! School of Performing Arts (NS & SS) Performance based programs include training in dance, drama, and voice. They encourage students to develop skills in all these key areas. Courses are fun, innovative and provide excellent grounding to students interested in the performing arts. 07 3252 4806 www. fametheatre.com.au Shake and Stir Theatre Co (NS) Improve your child’s performance and communication skills, raise their self-confidence and increase their level of physical activity. 07 3358 6025 www.shakeandstir.com.au Stagecraft Acting School (NS & SS) Focus is on helping kids become happy, confident and successful people not just successful actors.

They pride themselves in teaching kids the skills they need to become professional actors in the real world by making learning fun. 0417 118 006 www.actingacademy.com.au

Dance Brisbane Academy of Dance (NS) A wide range of qualified teachers in all areas of dance. They all have an energetic approach to teaching and encourage students to achieve their personal best. 07 3359 4066 www.brisbaneacademyofdance.com.au Kick Dance (SS) Their aim is to offer structured programs in dance run by professional teachers with excellent qualifications and extensive industry experience. They provide classes which facilitate enjoyment, confidence, develop students at a very high technical level and allow a ‘kick’ start into the performing arts. 0414 308 248  www.kickdance.com.au

Promenade Dance Studio (NS)

They aim to inspire each student to realise his or her own potential, and are committed to providing high quality dance education in a positive and encouraging learning environment. They place an emphasis on nurturing the creativity and individuality of each student, creating a fun learning environment while developing the technical aspects of dance. Classes are available in Creative Movement (2 - 5 years of age), Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Singing. Dance at Promenade extends much further than just the steps or the music. Promenade is: For Fun, for Friends, for Life, for Dance! Visit their new studio at: Glentanna Street, Kedron 4031

0417 768 614  www.promenadedance.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

TUTORS & SCHOOL SUPPORT Fruition Tuition (NS & SS) They profile your child’s learning behaviour, discuss the findings with you, recommend a course of action and work out what can be done to meet the learning goals and fit with your family circumstances. They deliver learning courses that cover all areas of The Basics - Mathematics and English Language development - from prep to adult, including ESL. 1300 884 846 www.fruition.com.au

Kip McGrath Education Centres (NS & SS)

Kinderballet (NS & SS) An Imaginative and Creative introduction to Classical Ballet for Toddlers and Preschoolers. They have introduced thousands of children to the wonder of ballet through their program and music, which have been specifically developed for younger children.

They offer 'Mummy & Me' classes for children aged between 2 and 3½ (accompanied by a carer), 'Tots' classes for 3½-5 year olds and 'Kiddies' classes for children aged between 4 and 5.

Arrange a trial today by calling or visiting their website. Mention this ad and when you enrol, you’ll receive a free rainbow ribbon!

1300-606-949

See your child really improve In maths and English. Qualified teachers create individual tutoring programs for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods of tuition. Maths, English, Reading, Spelling & Comprehension.

1300 789 457  www.kipmcgrath.com.au 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 http://au.kumonglobal.com

www.kinderballet.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

33

Families Fun

FAMILIES FUN FAMILIES

Listings for everyone in every family!

To promote your local family friendly event including school fetes and fairs, community groups, gettogethers and local festivals in the next ‘Families Fun’ listings (April/May 2014) send your entry by 5pm on Friday 28 February 2014. 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.

Throughout Feb/Mar Throughout Feb/Mar Cai Guo-Qiang Kids: Let's Create an Exhibition with a Boy Named Cai GOMA (South Brisbane) Young visitors learn about and participate in artist Cai Guo-Qiang’s exciting working methods to create their own exhibition. Make and display objects in miniature gallery spaces, create spectacular multimedia gunpowder drawings and fireworks events and watch a short film written by Cai Guo-Qiang about art and adventure. www.qagoma.qld.gov.au

or guardian. Co-ordination, climbing, tumbling, acrobatics, aerials and juggling are just some of the skills taught. No need to pre-register – just turn up and have fun! www.visitsouthbank.com.au/kidsclub

Mon 3 Feb Adventure Kids (Wooloowin) This program is guaranteed to keep the kids active with lots of action in the outdoors.

Activities include putting up tents, orienteering, parachute games, super rockets, bush walking, water squirting challenges, obstacle courses and treasure hunts! www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Throughout Feb/Mar Our Dreaming: animating country (South Brisbane) FREE! Our Dreaming: animating country – connecting people to place through animation and storytelling.

Through exhibitions, workshops and events Our Dreaming showcases Queensland’s vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, as they are retold through animation. Experience how these stories are being shared and bring your own stories to life. www.slq.qld.gov.au

Weds 5 Feb Story Day (Taigum) FREE! Take the littlies along for some singing and dancing fun with Story Time at Taigum Square. Your little ones can have a ball watching an interactive show, with a craft activity afterwards. Every second Wednesday 9.30am. www.taigumsquare.com.au

Throughout Feb/Mar Science Fiction, Science Future (South Brisbane) Are you ready for science fiction to become a reality? If you thought teleportation, holograms, invisibility and mind control were only in the movies think again. Science Fiction, Science Future will allow you to move objects with your mind, turn invisible right before your eyes, be mimicked by a life-like robot and see augmented reality in action. www.sciencentre.qm.qld.gov.au

Hey! Let’s go check out Science Future with the kids!

Until Sun 2 Feb Chinese Lunar New Year (Fortitude Valley) FREE! Join in celebrating one of Brisbane's signature events, the 2014 Valley Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse. Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley will come alive with celebrations including dancing, musical performances, cooking demonstrations, firecrackers and Tai Chi displays. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Weds 5 Feb Handbags & Toolboxes Eco-Art Workshop (Wooloongabba) Children are invited to create their very own bag or box out of industrial discards, to decorate all over with Reverse Garbage materials. Wacky Wednesday workshops are $20 for a child (ages 3 - 5) and parent to attend together (including materials and tuition)Bookings are essential. www.reversegarbage.com.au

Queensland Museum – Science Fiction – Science Future

Forward this to a friend:

Throughout Feb & Mar South Bank Kids Club (Southbank) South Bank’s newest program of free kids specific events and meal deals designed for children under the age of 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 1pm on the Arbour View and Central Cafe lawn.

Tuesdays: Kindy Tennis brought to you by the Australian Kindy Tennis program, Kindy Tennis is a program tailored specifically for 2 ½ - 5 and is designed to help teach and build confidence in developing fundamental and perceptual motor skills in children. Thursdays: Circus activities tailored especially for children aged 18 months – 6 years of age. The aim is to learn the basics of circus in a fun, supportive environment, with an opportunity to interact with other children. Children in the Wriggles and Giggles classes share the experience with their parent

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FEBRUARY Sat 1 Feb World Wetlands Day (Griffin) Go along to some walks and talks, touch marine life, enjoy children’s craft activities and a sausage sizzle.

Join the Osprey House volunteers to learn more about the migratory waders that are currently feasting in the wetlands of Moreton Bay. See the birds before they return to the northern hemisphere to breed during our winter months. www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au Sat 1 Feb Afro-Brazilian drumming classes (New Farm) FREE! These drumming classes are for anyone who wants to have fun with music and percussion. The most popular Brazilian rhythm is Samba and it will be our musical base.

All equipment is provided. Bookings required. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

Tape It – Ipswich Art Gallery

Families Fun From our Gardening with Kids expert and Nashville State School Prep Teacher, Sue McKenzie

Growing FLOWERS

Wedhus Gembel– Brisbane Powerhouse

Fri 7 Feb Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (Coorparoo) Join in the fun of acting out some of your favourite nursery rhymes, doing some craft and playing some fun and funky games that will stretch the body and imagination.

Bookings required Sun protection and water needed. Age 2-5 years www.bazilgrumble.com.au Sat 8 Feb ACT-ivate Eco Drama (Belmont) FREE! Activate your body with physical theatre and movement activities with an environmental and sustainability focus. Jump like a kangaroo, fly like a cockatoo. You will have so much fun you'll laugh like a kookaburra! Bookings required Sun protection and water needed. Age 5+ www.bazilgrumble.com.au Sat 8 Feb Brisbane Astronomical Society Public Viewing Night (Mt Coot-tha) Head up to Mt Coot-tha lookout for free telescope viewing.

Club members will show you the spectacular mountain ranges and craters on the Moon, star clusters and planets. Afterwards enjoy the beautiful Brisbane city lights and have a coffee or other light refreshment at the adjacent Kuta café. www.bas.asn.au Sat 8 Feb Garden to Gourmet (Bracken Ridge) Herbs can add wow factor to your everyday meals and kitchen creations and even a bit of

flare to the edible patch. Learn how to grow a great range of herbs not only in the garden but in pots too. Bookings essential. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Sun 9 Feb Survivor Challenge (Kangaroo Point) Lets Go ! Get your friends together to challenge yourself in this survivor team event. Work out the clue, complete the challenge, progress in the game. Great team building experience while having heaps of fun. Ages 10+ www.lifebeinitfunworks.com.au Tues 11 Feb Meet The Author: Rowena Bennett - 'Your Sleepless Baby' (Albany Creek) Meet Rowena Bennett author of Your Sleepless Baby: a rescue guide Babies are not born as good or bad sleepers, they become that way. www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au Sat 15 Feb - Sun 23 Feb Tape It (Ipswich Art Gallery) FREE! Discover the art of expanded drawing at the interactive children's exhibition Tape It! Spark your creativity using coloured electrical tape to create unique drawings and designs. The floor is your canvas as you work alone, or in a team, to create a sticky sensation that combines art and science! Imagine it...

Create it...Tape It! www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au

continued on page 36 v

Growing flowers is a very satisfying experience for both children and adults. If you wish to start off on a small scale you simply need a reasonable sized pot, over 30cm diameter and some good quality potting mix. If your children are the patient types you may like to choose from one of the many seed mixes available and simply follow the instructions on the pack as to the depth to sow. Don’t forget to put your pot in a sunny spot and remember to water it regularly. You should have some shoots appear between 2 and 4 weeks after planting.

For a more instant result consider purchasing some seedlings from your nearest nursery or hardware. Your plants will already have a head start and should begin to grow immediately. Remember to check the recommended growing conditions on the tag when selecting a location for your pot.

At Nashville State School we love growing Snapdragons as they are fun to pick and the children can make them “talk” like puppets by squeezing either side of the flower. We have also had great results with miniature daisies, sunflowers, coreopsis, petunias and sunjewels. These are all easy to grow with minimum care, and give a pretty result. The children like nothing better than picking a flower for a parent or teacher and with these abundantly flowering varieties it is easy to do.

Growing flowers is a fun and easy way to learn about nature and to beautify your surroundings.

You can find out more about Nashville State School’s gardens www.nashvilless. eq.edu.au

Brisbane Astronomical Society

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Families Fun

Listings for everyone in every family! continued from page 35

Sat 15 Feb Plank for PTSD (Lang Park) 8.30am at PCYC Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium).

They have men's, women's and children's divisions and 3 different age levels as well as a team category and major prize for 'Longest plank of the day'. Each entrant will receive a fantastic Goody Bag and the winners will receive a trophy and prize. Go along and support a great cause. Support one of our favourites Little Kickers who are participating. www.facebook.com/plankforptsd Tues 18 - Sat 22 Feb Wedhus Gembel (Powerhouse Theatre, New Farm) Let giant puppets take you and your family on an adventure of gods, monsters and volcanoes.

Wedhus Gembel combines puppets, dance, theatre and music to retell an Indonesian fable about the cycle of life and the power of nature. http://brisbanepowerhouse.org Tues 18 - Sun 23 Feb Clancestry (South Brisbane) Clancestry, A Celebration of Country is an annual festival celebrating the arts and cultural practices of the world's First Nations Peoples with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Awarded a Queensland Reconciliation Award for the inaugural event in 2013, it is a community festival produced by QPAC with advice and counsel from Elders and community leaders. All events are free and you are invited to celebrate our country with this event. www.qpac.com.au Sat 22 Feb Guiding Gifted Children: Workshops for Parents - Primary School Day For parents of primary school aged children and preschoolers. These one day workshops for parents are filled with practical information, with a solid research base, presented by experts in the field with real life experience, to help you better understand giftedness and how to help your gifted child thrive. Bookings essential. www.clearingskies.com.au Sun 23 Feb Guiding Gifted Children: Workshops for Parents - Secondary School Day For parents of high school students and for parents of younger children who want to be prepared for adolescence. Bookings essential. www.clearingskies.com.au

Sun 23 Feb Team Challenge (Camp Hill) This is a great social activity of team work and leadership. Take your mates and see if you are up to the challenge. All fitness levels can participate but mostly suitable for ages 8 years to adults www.lifebeinitfunworks.com.au Thurs 27 Feb People's Day (QPAC South Brisbane) People's day is an exclusive behindthe-scenes insight into the daily life of a dancer of The Australian Ballet. You'll see class on the Lyric Theatre stage, learn more about your national ballet company. Don't forget to take your autograph book! $20 per ticket www.qpac.com.au Fri 28 Feb Keeping chickens in an urban environment (Annerley) All you need to know about keeping chickens in your backyard.

Presented by Ingrid Dimock of City Chicks.

Bookings essential. Please phone (07) 3403 8888 to reserve your place. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Fri 28 Feb Daisy Hill Reptile Show and Spotlight Walk (Daisy Hill) FREE! Big and small there will be reptiles galore! Learn more about some wonderful Australian species with a ranger followed by a spotlight walk of Daisy Hill Conservation Park. Bookings required. www.nprsr.qld.gov.au Fri 28 Feb Rare Disease Day (Auchenflower) RVA is pleased to announce they will be going to Queensland for Rare Disease Day on Friday 28th February 2014. They would love to see as many of the rare disease community as possible attend this event. There will be presentations, attendance from the Department of Health Qld, Free lunch and refreshments and opportunity to meet other rare disease folk in Qld. If you would like to attend the day please contact RVA office wwwrarevoices.org.au

MARCH Until 1 Mar BrisAsia Festival (Various Locations) Celebrate Brisbane-Asia connections. BrisAsia Festival features a range

of traditional and contemporary arts and cultural events across the city. Check website for details. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Until 29 Mar The Great Fairytale Robbery (Petrie Terrace) Featuring every child’s favourite fairytale character, The Great Fairytale Robbery is a fun and lively pantomime for all ages. www.artstheatre.com.au

Connect to Brisbane Arts Theatre website to book tickets Until 30 Mar Fairytales and Fables GOMA (South Brisbane) From fantastical adventures to cautionary tales, ‘Fairytales and Fables’ looks at the cinematic allure of these two traditional forms, and their continued ability to enchant, enthral and unnerve. Fairytales and Fables’ offers an opportunity to revisit some of the genre’s most popular titles, and to discover other films that investigate and reinvigorate these narrative genres on the big screen. www.qagoma.qld.gov.au Sat 1 Mar Tashi 'The Mountain of White Tigers' and 'Lost In The City' (Cleveland) Join Imaginary Theatre on a journey of adventure and excitement as they bring two of Anna and Barbara Fienberg’s well-loved adventure books to life on stage. www.rpac.com.au Sat 1 Mar Movie in the Park (Redbank) FREE! 6.30pm. Take along your picnic rug and picnic and enjoy this FREE movie. Tonight’s movie is ‘Parental Guidance’. For more information phone Ipswich City Council on (07) 3810 6666. www.ipswich.qld.gov.au Sat 1 Mar Walk and Whimsy Art in the Park (Ascot) Go along to this fun, active and creative session. Experience the wonder of a nature walk in the beautiful gardens. Then make a whimsical artist book using papers and fabrics reminiscent of the textures and patterns within the gardens. Bookings required. Ages 6+ www.bazilgrumble.com.au Sun 2 Mar Clean Up Australia Day (Various Locations) Clean Up Australia Day is a simple way you can take action to clean up, fix up and conserve our prized Australian environment.

In 2013 an estimated 550,300 volunteers removed 16,150 tonnes of rubbish at 7,341 sites right across the country - but we can do better!

So lend a hand and help clean up Australia. www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

CaiGuo-Qiang Heritage GOMA

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

Sat 8 Mar International Women's Day (Various Locations) Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more. Please check website for an event near you. www.internationalwomensday.com

Families Fun

image: Southbank Corporation

Sat 8 Mar Brisbane Astronomical Society Public Viewing Night (Mt Coot-tha) Head up to Mt Coot-tha lookout for free telescope viewing.

Club members will show you the spectacular mountain ranges and craters on the Moon, star clusters and planets. Afterwards enjoy the beautiful Brisbane city lights and have a coffee or other light refreshment at the adjacent Kuta cafĂŠ. www.bas.asn.au Sun 9 Mar Survivor Challenge (Camp Hill) Lets Go! Get your friends together to challenge yourself in this survivor team event. Work out the clue, complete the challenge & progress in the game. Great team building experience while having heaps of fun. Ideal for ages around 10 to adult but some younger kids can participate. www.lifebeinitfunworks.com.au Sat 15 Mar Eat your garden: workshop for children (Banyo) This activity teaches children how to grow an edible garden in a container.

They will learn how to plant, water and harvest, plus label and decorate their own container garden. Ideal for children aged 6-12 years.

Bookings essential. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Sat 15 Mar Kitchen gardening with young children (Kenmore) Enjoy a fun, informative and productive session with your child. Play with soil, worms, seeds and edible plants. Take home cuttings and seeds to plant in your own garden.

Ideal for children aged 3-7 years.

Bookings essential. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Fri 21 Mar Harmony Day (Various Locations) Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home, from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world. You can see what's on in your local area by visiting the on-line National Harmony Day Diary search facility. www.harmony.gov.au Sat 22 Mar Relay for Life (Redlands) Relay for Life is a worldwide event, where relayers walk for 18 hours, keeping a baton moving in

a relay-style walk or run overnight. Relay is an opportunity for the community to get together to Celebrate cancer survivors, Remember loved ones lost and Fight Back against a disease that takes too much. https://secure.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au

opportunity for all of us to come together to celebrate, reflect on our actions and our impact on the environment, and make a renewed commitment to preserving our planet. www.earthhour.org.za Sat 29 Mar Royal Australian Artillery Band Diamond Jubilee (Southbank) In 2014 the Royal Australian Artillery Band, 1st Field Regiment will celebrate its Diamond Jubilee and to mark this important milestone will be performing a Beat the Retreat Ceremony and 1812 Overture complete with the firing of canons. This promises to be an event not to be missed. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Sat 22 Mar Valley Multicultural Festival (Fortitude Valley) FREE! Join in a nine hour multicultural celebration featuring a variety of cultures with live entertainment, roving acts and muscial performances. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Sun 23 Mar Belayed Tree Climb (Holland Park) FREE! Climb a tree using pre placed hand holds whilst secured by a top rope belay. Closed in shoes eg. sports shoes or hiking boots, pants or shorts (ladies no skirts) must be worn. Safety brief given before session. Ages 8+ Bookings required. www.treeclimbers.com.au From 28 Mar Deep Oceans (South Brisbane) Journey deep below the Earth's surface to this dark and mysterious world in this new exhibition. Deep Oceans showcases strange real-life creatures as well as myths and legends about fearsome monsters of the deep.

Queensland Museum. www.qm.qld.gov.au Connect to QLD Museum website for more information about Deep Oceans and to book

Queensland Museum - Deep Oceans

For even MORE Families Fun Events visit our website www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

Sat 29 Mar Earth Hour (Everywhere) At 8:30pm, unite with millions of people around the globe while switching off your lights for Earth Hour as a symbolic act of global unity. It is an

Like us on Facebook to get after press updates on local events and activities! www.Facebook.com/FamiliesMagazine

Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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Families Freebies

Fantastic Prizes

Families

Freebies for the whole family!

Enter Online!

Enter at www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au/competitions

WIN 2 Luxury Hooded Beach Towels Ever wondered why you can’t buy hooded beach towels that are beautifully made and bigger than toddler size? The Nautical Mile Hoodie Towel is the smartest summer musthave to come along in years. Made from 100% cotton, absorbent terry toweling inside and soft luxurious velour on the outside. Available in colours and sizes to suit kids, teens and adults. Perfect for the pool, the beach, sport, boating, swimming or surf clubs, and even bath time.

See colours and styles www.nauticalmile.com.au www. facebook.com/nauticalmileaustralia

2 Luxury Hooded Beach Towels to win

WIN A Family Ticket to see The Great Fairytale Robbery at Brisbane Arts Theatre

By Eric Scott, Directed

by Ruby Tuesday Sarah and Julie’s favourite characters are fading from the pages of their fairytale books. When the familiar faces appear pleading for help on their bedroom television set, the two sisters must enter the fictional world to confront an evil studio manager. With the aid of a scarecrow with a brain, Sarah and Julie must try to save the lives of Cinderella, Puss in Boots, Little Bo Peep and all their friends to protect the future of books!

Featuring every child’s favourite fairytale character, The Great Fairytale Robbery is a fun and lively pantomime for all ages.

Season: January 21 to March 29, 2014 11am Tues-Fri & 2pm Sat & Sun Tickets available online: www.artstheatre.com.au Box Office: 07 3369 2344

WIN A Birthday Party for 20 Children at Ooniverse Family Café Bulimba

2 x family tickets to see ‘The Great Fairytale Robbery’ to win

1 x birthday party for 20 children to win

The OOniverse Family Café is proud to offer you the chance to win a free birthday party for up to two hours for your child, including free OOniverse treats, fun games and entertainment, and free blow up balloon for each child who attends. The OOniverse Café encourages positive children using good manners, eating healthy and being nice to one another.

OOniverse Family Café: 261 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne. (Beside the Hawthorne Movie Cinema) Nicky Noo’s OOniverse Family Café - Creating Positive Thinking Children, for a Happy Future!

For more information about the café www. nickynoo.net, look them up on Facebook or call Nicky 0413 405 682

FREE Trial Class at Gymboree Play and Music

✁

Scan the QR code or simply cut out this coupon for a free trial class at any of the 3 locations in Brisbane – Sunnybank, Indooroopilly & McDowall.

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WIN A family tour of Maleny Dairies for four Maleny Dairies is a family owned business situated in the picturesque hills of Maleny.

The process of milking their Guernsey girls and bottling their creamy goodness for your breakfast table is a fascinating one.

On our tours you get to see where it all happens and learn a lot about the process and the different products that they are so famous for. They pride themselves on having the friendliest staff that truly makes your experience a very happy one. Tours run twice a day except Sundays so contact them to reserve your spot today. www.malenydairies. com www.facebook.com/malenydairies

1 x tour of Maleny Dairies for a family of four to win

WIN A family ticket to see TASHI at Redland Performing Arts Centre Imaginary Theatre brings to life Anna and Barbara Fienberg’s well-loved adventure books at Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland for one day only! See two fabulous theatrical adaptations of these exciting family stories - Tashi and the Mountain of White Tigers and Tashi: Lost in the City. There will be lots of colourful characters, including the Wicked Baron, and plenty of excitement as Tashi saves the day in each of these delightful stories. These live theatre performances will be loved by children aged 4 to 10 years and are a great way to encourage reading with 15 books in the popular Tashi series.

Share your children’s joy as the pages of these Tashi adventure books magically come alive at Redland Performing Arts Centre on Saturday 1 March at 10.30am and 1pm. Tickets are $16$18. Duration: 70 minutes. Bookings or more information: 3829 8131 or www.rpac.com.au

2 x family tickets to see ‘TASHI’ to win Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

Ask A Local Local Mum Helen King tells us about living in and enjoying the family friendly suburb of

Forest Lake Tell us a bit about yourself. I am a working mum with a 14 year old son. My role as a Contact Centre Manager is very busy, I enjoy keeping fit and spending time outside in the sun.

How long have you lived in Forest Lake? 2 years, I’ve lived in Brisbane all my life and mostly on the Southside.

Favourite things about living in 4078? The leafy area. I love taking my dog for longs walks through the Forest and for a run around the lake. The lake is also a great place for a BBQ on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Favourite children's club or class? Forest Lake has so many activities for children, dance, fitness, karate, it’s hard to name a favourite!

Favourite park/green space & why? The Lake for sure! Love the Lake, it’s a great place for an early morning run or a lazy afternoon stroll. There are many playgrounds and activities to meet all ages groups. And its free!

Favourite local family day out? Taking a bike ride around our area – so many things to discover. You’re keeping fit without knowing it!

Favourite child-friendly restaurant?

The Forest Lake Tavern has a lovely restaurant, which is priced appropriately.

Favourite children's book/DVD? Has to be Goosebumps! I think my son has read every single one. Some of them he has read multiple times!

Most played with toys/activities?

Skateboard, Scooter and magic tricks.

Most successful children's meal/recipe?

Would have to be Frittata’s – you can put all the good things in without the kids knowing!

No parent should be without... (is it bad if I say wine?)

Time to themselves to unwind and focus…

UPCOMING ISSUES April/May 2014

FAMILY HEALTH, PREGNANCY & BABIES Advertising deadline: Friday 28 February 2014

June/July 2014

Families Magazine – Brisbane is made with love by Janine Mergler - Editor, Regina Gleeson – Listings Editor, Lisa Bibby – Designer and Jayde Mihan – Web Designer.

CHILDREN’S PARTIES & WINTER DAYS OUT Advertising deadline: Wednesday 30 April 2014

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Your Local Families Magazine – Brisbane Issue 2 - Feb/March 2014

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