Families Magazine - Brisbane Issue 44 Feb/Mar 2021

Issue 44: February / March 2021 www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

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

2021 Schools

Open Day Guide

SINGLE GENDER OR CO-ED? WHY WE LOVE FAMILY DAY CARE EASY PRE-READING GAMES

Check out our Instagram Stories

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The Clever Resource for Thinking Parents

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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021

Contents 4-5

Families News

6 - 20

Education Benefits of an all boys’ education

Welcome to our Back to school issue!

I did it! I finally managed to order and pay for the book list THE YEAR BEFORE. It was delivered before Christmas and has been sitting like a gargoyle under the kitchen bench. Don’t believe the hype - it wasn’t as satisfying as I thought it would be. Being organised is apparently an ongoing practice not a one hit wonder. I also forgot my daughter was going to high school which meant an entirely different booklist, which I’ve failed to find let alone fulfill.

Luckily this year I’ve decided to ‘opt out’ of full time parenting and job share with another parent. My partner isn’t keen, which means my friendships are going to be severely strained by Term 4. Honestly, if they start an online roster and organise themselves then it means my mates only need to pack one extra lunch a week for one of my children and/or do one additional drop off and pick up to accommodate their sports activities. As I explained to them: if you don’t want my children to be the kids your children complain about in 2021, I suggest you be the change you want to see in the world.

In other news, the book we “DEFINITELY returned last year so stop emailing us about it” was found in the centre of another book in our bookcases.

Whoops! I can decide whether to wrap it Christmas paper before we return it or change schools. What do you think?

Meanwhile, you can prepare yourself for the oncoming academic schedule by reading this edition.

Find out about local news for families

Benefits of an all girls’ education Benefits of co-education Getting the most out of parent conferences 2021 Open days guide

21 - 23

Parenting Reasons to love Family Day Care Easy pre-reading games

24 - 29

Families Fun Circle the family events you plan to do during February and March

30 - 31

Clubs, Classes & Activities Find a local Club, Class or Activity for 2021

I hope your school shoes are shiny and your lunchbox is minty fresh.

Regards, Cover Photo:

Simone Eclair

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

Courtesy of Ormiston College www.ormistoncollege.com.au Next issue April / May 2021 Deadline by 5pm on Monday 1st March 2021 Focus on Family Health, Bumps & Babies Brisbane readership over 80,000 every issue.

Published 6 times a year. Local magazines for families in Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan and the Moreton Region.

Families Magazine, PO Box 1018, Brighton 4017

☎ 0437 866 869

Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

www.FamiliesMagazine.com.au

© Families Magazine 2021

Families News

LOCAL FAMILIES NEWS

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

WIN! A 2-NIGHT STAY AT JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT AND SPA!

JW Marriott is giving one lucky family a 2-night family escape for two adults and two children (12 years and under) at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa! Your prize includes: • Ocean View twin room • Breakfast and Dinner daily in Citrique Restaurant • Heated saltwater lagoon see how many tropical fish you can spot!

• Complimentary parking Total prize value $2,253!

To view terms and conditions and to enter, go to www.familiesmagazine.com.au/ competitions

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

CURIOCITY BRISBANE RETURNS! Curious? Let your imagination roam free when Curiocity Brisbane returns from 12 to 28 March 2021 for a 17-day celebration of science, art and technology, including World Science Festival Brisbane and Curiocities from around the world.

The event will also debut exciting new initiatives including a Queensland Schools Challenge and a series of Curious Conversations about our future and the role of science, art and technology, hosted

by Master of Curious Conversations Benjamin Law. Find out more at curiocitybrisbane.com

Families News WILL YOUR FAMILY BE OUR NEXT

FAMILIES MAGAZINE FRONT COVER? We are looking for a family photo to be the front cover of our Families Magazine April/May 2021 issue.

Could your family, or a family you know, be on our next front cover and seen on over 40,000 copies across Brisbane? We are asking local families and photographers to email a family photo for us to consider.

SCANNING QR CODES

The details: • The photo must be portrait (vertical) in shape • The photo must have room at the top for our logo • The photo must have room at the bottom for our Instagram Stories banner

2020 has seen the re-emergence of the ‘squiggly box’ QR code – a natty little shortcut to all kinds of online content, from discount codes to landing pages and, of course, Covid sign-in forms. QR stands for Quick Response, and they’ve actually been around for over 20 years! Until recently you needed to open an app to scan a QR code, but nowadays you only have to point your phone camera at it, making them very convenient and accessible to anyone with a modern smart phone.

You’ll see lots of QR codes throughout this issue, so give your fingers a break from typing lengthy urls and let your camera take you straight to the content you want to see. Put your phone to the test by scanning the QR code above right now!

• The photo must be in high resolution (minimum 300 dpi, A4 page) which basically means the original photo from the camera.

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

Deadline for submission is Sunday 28 Feb, 2021. Send to Editor@ FamiliesMagazine.com.au or find out more www.familiesmagazine. com.au/competition/families-magazine-front-cover-competition Competition Prize: Your family on the front cover of the April/May 2021 cover of Families Magazine – Brisbane.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education

Single sex school or co-ed?

Which is best for your child?

In Brisbane there are many fantastic schools, both state and private, and enrolling your child in the one that is the ‘right fit’ for them can be a balancing act of weighing up pros and cons and matching them to your child’s personality. If you are considering private education your options are greater as you are not restricted by catchment. One of the questions you might ask is, “are single sex schools better than co-ed?” Here we take a look at the advantages of single sex schools and co-educational schools to help you make that choice.

Benefits of an all-boys’ education While we acknowledge that not every child fits a stereotypical gender mould, whether by default of social and historical latency or by nature’s design, it is generally thought that boys and girls develop and learn differently.

Learning style

All-boy schools, particularly those that consciously adapt to current data driven research, have considerable experience in understanding the learning and social needs of boys.

Many parents and educators will acknowledge that boys are more prone to fidgeting, pencil tapping, talking etc. Rather than seeing this noise and movement as a nuisance or distraction, educators at an all-boys school work to incorporate these behaviours into effective learning.

Boys often like to be active, so a learning approach that involves lots of movement, hands-on or physical activity, and even a touch of competitive challenge can be more engaging.

When it comes to communication, ‘show’ is often more effective than ‘tell’ for boys, and ‘do’ is even better. Teachers at an all-boys school understand this and tailor their lesson plans and activities accordingly, incorporating an active and memorable element to lessons to cement the learning.

Boys may also be likely to take ‘risks’ such as accepting the female role in a play, presenting their findings in class, challenging themselves further in sport, and putting their hand up for leadership roles when fear of failing in front of the opposite sex is no longer an issue.

The gender bias

Society has conditioned us to think that some activities and roles have ‘gender’ and that boys should be less interested in craft, or choir or the arts for fear of appearing unmanly. Students at an all-

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boys school can enjoy a range of activities that would traditionally see an over-subscription of female participants without fear of social retribution.

That’s not to say that there isn’t plenty to cater to a boy’s love of sport and physicality! Boys-only schools frequently become renowned for specialising in particular sports, focussing their budget, attention and coaching to excel in sports traditionally thought to be the tenet of men. You may hear one school described as a rugby school, while another would be considered a basketball school. If your son has a love or aptitude for a particular sport, this could be a factor in choosing a school for your child.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Education The adult he becomes

There’s an expectation from those on the outside looking in, that an all-boys school encourages machismo. Instead, the peer support, empathy, teaching methods, reduced social pressures and opportunities afforded result in more graduates with a welldeveloped sense of self and academic confidence.

A single gender school allows your boy the opportunity to define himself. There are no girls to impress or ‘act-up’ to, and no gender stereotypes providing an invisible barrier to leadership roles and subject preferences – your son can simply get on with being himself.

Social and peer support

The transition from childhood to adulthood means navigating those awkward teenage years. Physical and emotional maturity happens at a different rate and to a different extent for everyone, which can be a source of anxiety and comparison. At an all-boys school your son will know that everyone around him is going, will go, or has gone through the same or similar experiences. Peers and older student mentors can offer a wealth of support, comfort and guidance delivered in a peer-language that boys can relate to.

In removing gender bias, boys have the opportunity to unlearn traditional stereotypes and fully explore their potential, leading them to pursue their own interests rather than conforming to career goals and roles that society expects of them. With no girls in the classroom, boys can learn how to interact with females in a healthy way through the schools’ partnerships with all-girls schools, social interactions with siblings, cousins, friends’ sisters, weekend sports and clubs, parents and grandparents.

Being in an all-boys environment also lessens the social distractions and pressures of forming romantic relationships. Flirtations and the pressure to ‘be in a relationship’ can cause undue stress, and as girls generally reach puberty earlier than boys, boys can feel forced to mature faster than they would otherwise choose. An all-boys school allows your son to build confidence, develop his personality, and remain a boy for as long as he wants or needs to.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education

Benefits of an all-GIRLS’ education If thoughts of an all-girls school conjure up images of French cartoon Madeline “all in a line” or – far worse – St Trinian’s, then we’re happy to assure you that the truth is far from either of those scenarios. Today’s all-girl schools are all about raising confident, independent women skilled for future careers.

Similarly, girls are not restricted in their choices on the sporting field. Depending on the school you choose, your daughter will be afforded the opportunity to compete in a wide variety of team and individual sports, from rowing and equestrian to AFL and cricket. As with STEM subjects, girls are more likely to continue with sports and physical activity into years 10, 11 and 12 when they don’t feel they are the subject of male observation and critique, leading to longterm healthy habits.

Whatever cultural, academic or sporting aspirations your daughter has will be supported and encouraged. Your daughter can aspire to world of interesting and exciting career opportunities when she doesn’t feel restricted by her subject choices.

Learning environment

An all-girls school provides an environment where girls don’t have to compete with boys for recognition or attention or feel held back by gender bias. They are challenged to reach their unlimited potential and discover the difference they can make without expectation to conform to gender stereotypes.

Girls are exposed to many external influences that tell them they should look, act, think or behave in a particular way that is often not in accord with their self-esteem, beliefs or physical capabilities.

Educators and pastoral leaders at an all-girls school understand that and tailor lessons and activities to challenge stereotypes, empower girls, and work around friendship dynamics and body image issues to build your daughter’s confidence and self-esteem.

Subject selection

In a nurturing woman-centric environment, girls are encouraged to explore opportunities to study a diverse range of subjects, including those traditionally considered to be ‘boy subjects’. The Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia found that girls were more likely to study STEM subjects to a higher level, and continue with STEM into years 11 and 12, when there is no implicit expectation of competing with boys. Girls are also more likely to ask questions and offer suggestions, leading to better learning outcomes, when in an all-girls classroom.

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Girls encourage girls

The natural doubts and insecurities of teenage years are shared and understood by her peers and teachers, and with an all-girl focus your daughter can be helped to see beyond the doubts to a bright future alight with opportunities.

As girls mature into teenagers, they face many emotional and physical changes. Knowing that ALL their peers are sharing similar experiences is a comfort and support, mitigating any embarrassment or unwanted attention they might otherwise experience in the presence of boys.

Exploring roles

An all-girls school can be a noisy place. As a parent or guardian of girls, you want them to have a voice that is heard and the confidence to use it. With the support of peers and educators your

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Education The adult she becomes

A woman will have many roles to play and choices to make in life.

Leaving school, your daughter may be focussed on pursuing a certain career path or a personal or sporting goal. At some point she may be challenged to maintain her position and relevance if motherhood beckons, and despite the best efforts of organisations and individuals, your daughter is unfortunately likely to encounter gender bias and sexism in society and the workplace.

Spending her formative years surrounded by educators that intrinsically understand what it is to be female can help her learn how to combat these added challenges and prove herself equal to her male peers.

Whatever future your daughter decides for herself, she will go forward knowing that her gender does not have to be a barrier to her independence or ability to lead. Just as she had the freedom to explore a variety of subjects and positions of authority without prejudice in school, she will have the confidence and knowledge of her self-worth to become the woman she deserves to be.

daughter will learn that she, too, can be a source of inspiration to others.

All the available leadership roles within the school will be filled by girls: house captain, chair of the debating society, team managers etc. Your daughter will learn how to take risks, step up, be heard and be a leader – all great preparation for a future career or position of responsibility.

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Education

Benefits of Co-Education Society is not single gender, but a rich interaction of different identities, personalities and culture. Co-education brings that mix together to provide a learning environment that authentically represents the world in which we live.

Building respect

A co-educational environment provides all children with a strong foundation for building respectful social and professional relationships. Working in close collaboration, children have opportunity to observe similarities and differences in learning styles, behaviours and social connections, which can help to cultivate a mutual respect and understanding for each other.

As children progress through their school years, they will experience sports carnivals, school theatre presentations, outdoor education camps and share learning and recreational spaces. These shared experiences help children develop a respect for different strengths, weaknesses, and inherent skills, giving everyone equal chance to shine, learn, or exhibit humility in turn.

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Education Different perspectives

independent, bigger schools can often facilitate a more diverse curriculum for senior years and electives. For a subject to be viable it can require a minimum student uptake, which is more likely to be met out of a bigger cohort. If your child has an interest in pursuing a particular career or area of study, available facilities and specialist subject offerings can be a deciding factor on your choice of school.

Learning to understand another’s perspective without prejudice is a fundamental skill for success in our ever-evolving society, and demonstrates emotional growth, strength of character, empathy and respect.

Another consideration is siblings. Regardless of gender, siblings can all attend the same co-ed school, bringing with that the convenience of a single school run, no clashes of awards nights or parent-teacher conferences, shared uniform, and familial support.

All children can see the world differently, based on their experiences and stereotyping. In the classroom this can lead to lively debate and critical questioning as different perspectives are voiced and shared.

Children can benefit intellectually and socially when they are seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.

Peer support

Friendships develop naturally between children in co-educational schools as they are brought together in the classroom, project teams, school ‘houses’, clubs, societies, musical groups and by shared extra-curricular interests.

Interacting as contemporaries, sharing successes and disappointments, children navigate adolescence with the support and guidance of their peers. Again, that different gender perspective can often help children overcome any differences of opinion, selfdoubt, or conflict.

Opening up emotionally with someone of different gender can sometimes be easier than opening up to someone of your own.

Shyness, fear of being misunderstood, a lack of confidence, or simple awkwardness can hold a student back from seeking help or advice, but when a diverse pool of potential peer advisors is at your disposal many concerns can be answered, contributing to self-esteem and cementing ideals of equality.

Practical and curriculum considerations

Co-educational schools are more numerous and tend to have a bigger enrolment than single sex schools. Whether state or

Preparing your child for the future

Tertiary education providers are generally co-educational.

The transition to university, TAFE or trade college can be less confronting or overwhelming when there is already experience of studying and collaborating with peers of a different gender.

A background of diverse social and educational interactions with peers can also prepare your child for employment, helping them to be more at ease regardless of the gender dynamic of their senior or co-workers.

Positive relationships with different genders, gained through coeducation, can help your child break down gender misconceptions and become a respectful, resilient, and collaborative adult.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education

Whether it be 10 or 15 minutes, whatever you child’s school allocates to parent teacher conferences it is simply never enough. So how you can make sure you are getting the most of your conference when you meet with your child’s teacher this year? Parent Conferences are a great opportunity to explore all aspects of your child’s learning – their progress, areas of growth and aspects to celebrate. Meeting your child’s teacher allows you to build a connection and partnership with them, which only benefits your child on their learning journey.

GET ORGANISED Make sure you are keeping an eye out for the communication from your child’s school about upcoming Parent Conferences. Booking a Parent Conference for your child can quite often be like booking tickets to the most popular concert in town, a real click frenzy. Once you have made your booking, find an opportunity to have a chat with your child what they think might come up in the interview, what information they would like you to ask during the conference. Take a pen/paper or a device to take notes on. You will be given a large amount of information about your child in a short space of time, especially in a high school context where it is typically set up where you will be meeting with multiple teachers as you move like pacman around the hall that is set up with lines of teachers at tables.

day? Sometimes in schools this is referred to as your child’s effort or engagement, but what it means is what is your child’s attitude and approach to learning. As a parent you might sometimes wish you were the fly on the wall to see how your child approaches the learning in the classroom.

Some key questions to ask:

How does my child contribute in the class setting? (Behaviour, Involvement during class tasks etc)

How does my child work with other students in the class?

What are your classroom expectations of my child?

GROWTH, IMPROVEMENT AND WELLBEING Your child will be working towards their own personalised learning pathway. The day your child arrived at school in Prep, they started on their own individual personalised starting point and the day they graduate in Year 12 they will have their own individual personalised schooling end point. Your child is unique to all their peers and will walk their own learning journey. As parents you want to guide and support your child that it is the appropriate learning journey for them.

Some key questions you could ask:

How has my child’s learning improved so far throughout the year?

What will success look like for my child this year?

How do you notice when my child is happy in your class?

ONGOING PARTNERSHIP BENCHMARKS AND STANDARDS By the time it is your conference, you may or may not have received some type of reporting or feedback from your child’s teacher which provides information on what standard your child has recently performed at. This could be using language such as ‘at standard’ or using an A-E scale of grading or some other form of grading used at your child’s school. This is a benchmark of your child’s performance at that point in time and it is important to find out how that benchmark was determined for your child.

Some key questions you could ask:

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What were my child’s key strengths to achieve to this standard?

What were my child’s key challenges to achieve to this standard?

What strategies do you find work best when teaching my child?

The parent conference is a point in time snapshot of the learning journey of your child. It is important from both the teacher and parent perspective that a respectful ongoing partnership is established for the year. It takes a village – a team wanting the best of your child, working together in partnership with your child’s teachers sends a powerful and effective message to your child and consequently achieving best outcomes for them.

Some key questions you could ask:

What can I be doing at home to support my child with their learning?

What are your expectations of the learning that my child is doing at home?

What is the best form of communication for us to stay in contact throughout the year?

ATTITUDE AND APPROACH

Parent Conferences are such a valuable event on the school calendar for both you as the parent but also for teachers, they model to your child that the teacher/parent team are there to support them through their learning, encourage their growth and progress and celebrate their achievements.

How your child approaches their learning journey is what every parent wants to hear. Does your child make the most of every learning opportunity that they are exposed to throughout the

This editorial was contributed by Kate McKenzie | Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning – Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell Campus www.glc.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Education

PULL OUT AND KEEP!

BRISBANE AND IPSWICH’ S MOST COMPREHENSIVE

SCHOOL OPEN DAYS LIST 2021

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/school-open-days-brisbane

FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS & PARENTS

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Education All Hallows School (Fortitude Valley) Catholic Girls’ Yr 5-12

Anglican Church Grammar School (East Brisbane) Anglican Boys’ Reception - Yr 12

Open Days: Tue 23 Mar to Tue 30 Mar. Sun 30 May. Scan QR code for details. www.ahs.qld.edu.au

Open Day: Wed 28 Apr. They also provide personalised tours at all times and an interactive tour on their website.

Scan QR code for details. www.churchie.com.au

Australian Trade College (Scarborough) Co-ed Yr 11-12 Information Evenings: Tuesdays 2 Mar, 18 May, 3 Aug, 7 Sep, 26 Oct all at 6pm. Try A Trade Day: Wednesdays 14 Apr, 7 Jul, 29 Sep, 8 Dec. www.tradecollege.com.au Brigidine College (Indooroopilly) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12

Brigidines Week of Wonder.

Varied sessions to visit between Tue 23 Mar to Tue 30 Mar. Scan QR code for details. www.brigidine.qld.edu.au

Brisbane Bayside State College (Wynnum West) Indep Co-ed Yr 7-12 Open Day: Wed 19 May. Open Mornings: Thursdays 4 Mar, 6 May, 3 Jun, 22 July, 7 Oct. www.brisbanebaysidesc.eq.edu.au Brisbane Boys’ College (Toowong) Prep-Yr 12, Boarding from Years 7-12 College Tours: held throughout the year, individual tours on request. www.bbc.qld.edu.au Brisbane Christian College (Salisbury) Indep Co-ed Pre-prep -Yr 12

Open Morning Primary: Tue 16 Mar 9am-10:30am.

Scan QR code for details. www.brisbanechristiancollege.com.au

Brisbane Girls Grammar School (Brisbane) Indep Girls’ Yr 7-12 Open Day: Fri 30 Jul 4pm-8pm. www.bggs.qld.edu.au

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Education Brisbane Grammar School (Brisbane) Indep Boys’ Yr 5-12

Open Day: Sat 12 Jun. Organised tours throughout the year.

Scan QR code for details. www.brisbanegrammar.com

Cannon Hill Anglican College (Cannon Hill) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12

Open Day: Sat 6 Mar, 9am-12pm.

Virtual tours available on their website.

Scan QR code for details. www.chac.qld.edu.au

Canterbury College (Waterford) Indep Co-ed Kindy–Yr 12 Principal’s Tours: Wed 17 Mar 9am-11am. Thu 27 May 9am-11am. Personalised campus tours are also available upon request. www.canterbury.qld.edu.au Citipointe Christian College (Carindale) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 College Tours: Tuesdays 2 Mar, 18 May, 17 Aug, 19 Oct. www.brisbane.coc.edu.au Clairvaux MacKillop College (Upper Mt Gravatt) Catholic Co-ed Yr 7-12 College Tours: ​Fridays 5 Mar, ​7 May, 18 Jun, 30 Jul, 8 Oct. All tours 9am-11am. www.cvxmck.edu.au Clayfield College (Clayfield) Indep Co-ed Pre-prep-Yr 6, Girls’ Pre-prep-Yr 12 School Tours: Wed 10 Feb 9am–11am, Fri 26 Feb 11am–1pm, Wed 3 Mar 9am–11am, Fri 7 May 9am–11am, Wed 12 May 9am-11am, Wed 9 Jun 9am–11am, Wed 28 Jul 9am-11am, Wed 18 Aug 11am–1pm, Fri 27 Aug 11am–1pm, Fri 15 Oct 9am-11am, Wed 27 Oct 9am– 11am, Wed 10 Nov 9am–11am. www.clayfield.qld.edu.au Genesis Christian College (Bray Park) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12

Open Mornings: Tue 9 Mar (Secondary focus), Tue 18 May (Primary focus), Tue 17 Aug (Secondary focus), Tue 2 Nov (Secondary focus). 9am-11am.

Scan QR code for details. www.genesis.qld.edu.au

Grace Lutheran College (Rothwell) Co-ed Secondary College Yr 7-12

Open Day: Fri 7 May. Scan the QR code for details. www.glc.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education Grace Lutheran College (Caboolture) Co-ed Secondary College Yr 7-12

Open Day: Sun 31 May.

IES College (Spring Hill) Indep, Co-ed Yr 11 & 12, local and international students.

Open Day: Sat 22 May.

Scan QR code for details. www.glc.qld.edu.au

Scan QR code for details. www.iescollege.com

Iona College (Lindum) Catholic Boys’ Yr 5-12 Open Day: Mon 31 May, 1:30pm-4pm. www.iona.qld.edu.au Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School (Ipswich) Indep Girls’ Kindy-Yr 12 Open Day: Sat 13 Mar. Book online. www.iggs.qld.edu.au Ipswich Junior Grammar School Indep Co-ed Kindy-Yr 6 Open Day: Sat 13 Mar. Book online. www.iggs.qld.edu.au John Paul College (Daisy Hill) Co-ed Early Years-Yr 12

Open Days, Secondary School: Thursdays 25 Feb, 27 May, 21 Oct, all 9am-11am.

Open Days, Primary School: Thursdays 18 Mar, 10 Jun, 7 Oct, all 9am-11am.

Whole School Open Day: Wed 11 Aug 9am-12pm.

Scan QR code for details. www.johnpaulcollege.com.au

Loreto College (Coorparoo) Catholic Girls’ College Yr 7-12 School Tours: Fri 19 Feb, Wed 3 Mar, Wed 17 Mar, Wed 24 Mar, Fri 30 Apr, Thu 13 May, Wed 26 May, Wed 2 Jun, Wed 9 Jun, all tours 9am. www.loreto.qld.edu.au Lourdes Hill College (Hawthorne) Catholic Girls’ School Yr 7-12 Open Day: Fri 8 Oct 3:30pm-7pm. College Tours: Mondays 1 & 15 Feb 3:30pm, 1 Mar 3:30pm, 12 Apr 9am, 10 May 3:30pm, 7 Jun 3:30pm, Mon 5 July 9am, 2 Aug 3:30pm, 6 Sep, 3:30pm, 11 Oct 3:30pm, 1 Nov 3:30pm, 6 Dec 9am. www.lhc.qld.edu.au Marist College (Ashgrove) Catholic Boys’ Yr 5-12 College Tours: Fridays 19 Mar, 14 May, 30 Jul, 15 Oct. All tours 9:15am–11:30 am. www.marash.qld.edu.au

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Education Moreton Bay College (Wynnum West) Indep Girls’ Pre-Prep -Yr 12

Open Days: Fri 26 Feb.

Moreton Bay Boys’ College (Manly West) Indep Boys’ Pre-Prep -Yr 12

Open Day: Wed 9 Jun. Head of College Tours: Fri 19 Feb, Wed 24 Mar, Fri 30 Apr.

Mt Maria College (Mitchelton) Catholic Co-ed Yr 7-12

Open Day: Wed 12 May.

Mueller College (Rothwell) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12

Every day is open day, book a tour online.

Register to attend. Scan QR code for details. www.mbc.qld.edu.au

Register to attend. Scan QR code for details. www.mbbc.qld.edu.au

Scan QR code for details. www.mtmaria.qld.edu.au

Scan QR code for details. www.mueller.qld.edu.au

Northpine Christian College (Dakabin) Indep Co-ed Kindy–Yr 12 Group Tours: Wed 3 Mar, Thu 27 May, Tue 15 Jun, Wed 28 Jul, Thu 2 Sep, Tue 12 Oct. www.northpine.qld.edu.au Northside Christian College (Everton Park) Co-ed Kindy–Yr 12 College Open Morning: Thu 4 Mar 9:30am–12pm. Prep Open Morning: Wed 5 May 9am–11am.

Principal’s Tour (Junior School): Wed 9 Jun 9am–11:00am. Principal’s Tour (Prep Focus): Tue 24 Aug 9am–11am.

Principal’s Tour (Secondary School): Tue 7 Sep 9am–11am. www.northside.qld.edu.au

Our Lady’s College (Annerley) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12

Open Day: Sat 15 May, 10am - 1pm.

College Tours: Fridays 5 Feb, 26 Mar, 30 Apr, 28 May, 25 Jun, 30 Jul. Scan QR code for details. www.ourladyscollege.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education Padua College (Kedron) Catholic Boys’ Yr 5-12

Open Day: Sun 16 May 10am–1pm.

Rector’s Tours: Tuesdays 9 Mar, 20 Jul, 7 Sep. Scan QR code for details. www.padua.qld.edu.au

Queensland Academies (Kelvin Grove, Southport) Yr 10-12 (Toowong) Yr 7-12 Toowong Open Day: Check website for details. Kelvin Grove Open Day: Sat 29 May. Southport Open Day: Tue 16 Feb. www.qa.eq.edu.au Redeemer Lutheran College (Rochedale) Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Twighlight Tour P-12: Thu 25 Feb 3:30pm-6pm. Open Mornings P-12: Wed 19 May & Wed 13 Oct 9am-11am. Open Day: Thu 12 Aug 9am-4pm. Senior School Virtual Open Evenings: Tue 22 Jun & Tue 14 Sep 5pm-6pm. www.redeemer.com.au Redlands College (Wellington Point) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Open Day: Fri 26 Feb 9am. redlands.qld.edu.au San Sisto College (Carina) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12 Open Day: Sun 16 May 1pm-4pm. College Tours: Thu​​11 Mar 9am-10:30am, Fri 23 Jul 9am-10:30am, Thu 4 Nov 9am-10:30am. www.sansisto.qld.edu.au Somerville House (South Brisbane) Indep Co-ed Pre-Prep & Girls’ Prep-Yr 12 with Boarding Yr 6-12.

Open Day: Sat 20 Mar 2pm-5pm.

Southern Cross Catholic College (Scarborough) Catholic Co-ed Prep-Yr 12

Open Day: Sun 23 May 10am-1pm.

Tours: Tue 9 Feb, Thu 29 Apr, Tue 18 May, Thu 17 Jun, Tue 20 Jul, Thu 26 Aug, Tue 12 Oct, Thu 25 Nov. All tours 9am-10:30am.

Scan QR code for details. www.somerville.qld.edu.au

Please register attendance.

Scan QR code for details. www.sccc.qld.edu.au

St John Fisher College (Bracken Ridge) Catholic Girls’ Yr 7-12

Open Day: Thu 20 May 3:30-6:30pm.

School Tours: Fri 12 Feb 9am, Tue 9 Mar 9am.

Online registration is essential. Scan QR code for details. www.sjfc.qld.edu.au

St John’s Anglican College (Forest Lake) Indep Co-ed Kindy-Yr 12

Open Days: Kindergarten – Sat 6 Mar 9am-11am, Sat 7 Aug. Junior School – Wed 3 Mar 9am-12pm, Tue 1 Jun. Middle & Senior – Tue 9 Mar 9am-12pm, Wed 26 May. Prep-Year 12 – Wed 8 Sep. Personal tours by request.

Scan QR code for details. www.stjohnsanglicancollege.com.au

St Joseph’s Nudgee College (Boondall) Catholic Boys’ Day & Boarding Yr 5-12

Open Days: Sat 22 May & Fri 6 Aug. Scan QR code for details. www.nudgee.com

St Laurence’s College (South Brisbane) Catholic Boys’ Yr 5-12 Open Day: Thu 11 March 4pm. www.slc.qld.edu.au St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School (Ascot) Indep Girls Day & Boarding Pre-prep-Yr 12; Boys Pre-prep and Prep

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Open Day: Sat 6 Mar 9:30am-12:30pm.

Open Morning: Thu 12 Aug 8am-11am.

Scan QR code for details. www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Education St Peters Lutheran College (Indooroopilly) Indep Co-ed Prep–Yr 12

Open Day: Sat 5 Jun 10.00am-2.00pm.

Scan QR code for details. www.stpeters.qld.edu.au

LUTHERAN COLLEGE

St Peters Lutheran College (Springfield) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12 Check website for details. www.stpeters.qld.edu.au St Thomas More College (Sunnybank) Catholic Co-ed Yr 7-12 Virtual Visitors’ Evening: Tue 9 Mar 6pm. www.stmc.qld.edu.au Stuartholme School (Toowong) Catholic Girls’ School Yr 7-12 Open Day: Sat 13 Mar. Action Tour Dates: Fri 28 May, Mon 9 Aug, Fri 17 Sep, Mon 11 Oct. Register to attend: www.stuartholme.com The Lakes College (North Lakes) Indep Co-ed Prep-Yr 12

Open Mornings: Sat 6 Mar, Tue 18 May, Wed 11 Aug, Tue 19 Oct. Scan QR code for details. www.thelakescollege.com.au

The Springfield Anglican College (Springfield) Indep Co-ed Anglican Kindy-Yr 12 Open Days: The Tiny Tartan Kindergarten Sat 20 Feb 9:30am–11am & Sat 7 Aug 9:30am–11am.

Open Day: Secondary Fri 28 May 3:30pm-6pm. www.tsac.qld.edu.au Villanova College (Coorparoo) Catholic Boys’ Yr 5-12 Principal’s Tours: Fridays 5 Feb, 26 Feb, 19 Mar, 23 Apr, 14 May, 11 Jun, 23 Jul, 20 Aug, 17 Sep, 22 Oct. All tours 8:45am. www.vnc.qld.edu.au To promote Your School Open Day in the next issue (April / May 2021) contact our Editor Email: Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Tel: 3206 0593 Please check the details of the events listed before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Education

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Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Parenting Finding the right care for your child is one of the most important and emotionally exhaustive experiences that a parent or guardian can endure. When preparing to leave your child with a carer (educator), it is paramount that this person bonds well with your child, listens to your needs as a parent, gives you peace of mind when leaving your child, and ultimately, provides your child with the very best care that can be offered.

There are numerous options for families to consider when deciding on the best option for childcare, with the most popular choices including; long day care (centre-based care) or family care by relatives, and the perfect balance of both; family day care.

Family day care is approved education and care by the Queensland Regulatory Authority that focuses on each individual child’s development, while providing high quality early learning in an educator’s own home.

The benefits of family day care are many! Here are just 10 reasons why family day care is the preferred choice of childcare for over 100,000 Australian families:

Family day care is an extension of your family; children are cared for in a family like environment, in small groups, by the same educator, helping them to form lasting and meaningful bonds and relationships.

With smaller numbers of children in care, family day cares experience less exposure to illnesses, resulting in fewer sick days Family day care educators are qualified (or studying) to educate your child through play and working within the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework.

Care is provided in a nurturing, natural and flexible home learning environment.

Family day care services can provide flexible care, including all-day care, part-time, evening, overnight, casual, before and after school care, and care during school holidays.

Children and their families receive more personal attention in family day care and educators are better equipped to accommodate you and your child’s individual needs

10 REASONS WHY WE LOVE FAMILY DAY CARE

Family day care can often be a more affordable option for families. While centre-based care has a set cost for the whole day, the cost of family day care is calculated on a per-hour basis and can include before and after-school care as well as casual care.

Family day care allows children to enjoy a natural approach to play and discovery in small groups whilst forming genuine lasting bonds with their qualified and passionate early childhood educator. Family day care gives families peace of mind knowing your child is happy in a nurturing, natural and flexible home learning environment.

With the onset of COVID-19, Family Day Care has seamlessly adapted to additional health and hygiene regulations and restrictions, in partnership with their standard operations, ensuring the safety of children, families and educators continue to remain

Family day care can be more inclusive, keeping siblings together for the duration of the day and not separating by age groups.

The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS), payments assisting families with the cost of childcare, is available to families who utilise family day care.

While centre-based care is typically provided only to children from a few weeks to five years old, family day care provides care for children up to 12 years old.

Family Day Care’s top priority. Despite isolation and stringent restrictions taking over the world, Family Day Care services remained open throughout isolation and have grown in occupancy.

Family day care is at the forefront of early years education and care.

For more information on why family day care could be your best choice for childcare, please visit www.fdcqld.org or call 3399 3737.

This editorial was contributed by Emma Beach, Communications & Marketing Manager, Family Day Care Association QLD www.fdcqld.org

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Parenting

Five easy pre-reading

activities

to give your child a boost!

We all want our children to do well at school, and luckily there are lots of fun ways to boost literacy and give your child a head start from a very early age.

The development of early literacy skills makes it easier for a child to learn to read, and one way parents can nurture their child’s early literacy skills is through play.

Play naturally encourages learning in a fun, organic way that feels effortless for the child. Through simple games, your child can start to develop many of the skills required for reading, including phonics, phonological awareness and vocabulary.

Here are five simple pre-reading activities you can do with your child at home, contributed by St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School.

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1. Read to your child An easy yet powerful way to make a difference to your child’s literacy development is by simply reading to them. Many experts believe children need to hear a thousand stories read aloud before they learn to read themselves.

For younger children, reading and sharing books aloud helps the listener understand vocabulary, the patterns of language and the choices that writers make to engage their audience.

During reading time with your child, point out the title and each word as you read. Discuss which is the front cover and which is the back cover, highlight the author and illustrator and discuss what is a letter and what is a word. These concepts are important understandings in the reading process.

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Parenting TIP: Provide the opportunity for your child to ‘read’ by retelling the story or creating their own story to the pictures. This increases a child’s comprehension and helps to teach children about sequencing and that stories have a beginning, middle and an end.

2. I Spy When you are out and about with your child, engage them in a good old-fashioned game of I Spy, which helps your child make the connection between a letter and its sound. For example, “I Spy with my little eye something starting with the letter c. What can you see that starts with the “c” sound?”. “I Spy” also works well on car journeys.

TIP: Include colours or categories; for example, “I Spy with my little eye something blue” or “I Spy with my little eye something in the transport category”.

3. ABC scavenger hunt Play an ABC scavenger hunt by giving your child a letter from the alphabet and asking them to point it out in the environment you are in – for example, on street or shop signs, movie posters, items on the shelves of the grocery store or product packaging. This allows children to observe the different lines and shapes that form letters in the different fonts.

Being able to correctly identify the individual letters of the alphabet before school is a great predictor of a child’s future success as a reader. You can also encourage a game of ABC scavenger hunt while reading by simply asking your child to find, for example, all of the letter “p’s” on a page.

Alphabet fridge magnets are another way in which you can boost your child’s letter recognition which gives them the dual benefit of not only helping them to identify single letters but also spelling simple words.

4. Loose parts play Young learners love to be hands-on. This activity is a letter recognition, letter formation and pre-writing activity. Gather loose parts located in or around the home like sticks, rocks or milk bottle tops and encourage your child to use them to create letters. You can also use play dough, which doubles as a fine motor development activity as well, or turn this into a more sensory experience by setting up a tray of sand, rice or shaving cream that your child can trace letters in.

5. Rhyming basket There are lots of ways to introduce rhyming to your child, whether through saying or singing traditional nursery rhymes together or reading rhyming stories such as the classic Dr Seuss books.

The game based Rhyming Basket is another. This involves gathering objects in a basket, aiming for pairs that rhyme. The aim of this game is to have your child pick one object then look through the basket for another object that rhymes with it.

Rhyming activities can be the starting point for many children to develop their phonemic awareness and understanding that words are made up of different and discrete sounds, e.g. mat has the m, a and t sounds.

Through simple games and activities, parents can help refine their child’s pre-reading development, support early literacy skills and encourage a life-long love of reading, and it’s never too early – or too late – to start.

This article was contributed by Pru Reed, Media Officer, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School. www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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#FamiliesMagFun

FAMILIES FUN

Listings for everyone in every family!

To promote your local family friendly event including school fetes and fairs, community groups, get-togethers and local festivals in the next ‘Families Fun’ listings (April/May 2021) send your entry by 5pm on Monday 1st March 2021.

Email Natalie – Listings@FamiliesMagazine.com.au Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check the details of the events listed before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

WHAT’S ON IN THE CITY?

- FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021 BRISBANE Due to the ongoing challenges with managing COVID-19 and community events we strongly encourage you to check in with each venue for the most up to date information.

BRISBANE CITY Curiocity Brisbane Let your imagination roam free! Curiocity Brisbane is a 17-day celebration of science, art and tech, where new possibilities play and big ideas collide. From 12 to 28 March 2021, explore a packed program of interactive installations and events, including World Science Festival Brisbane (24-28 March).

Visit Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens, South Bank, the Cultural Precinct and the CBD as the city is transformed into a world of discovery.

Curiocity Brisbane 2021 will also debut exciting new initiatives including a Queensland Schools Challenge and a series of Curious Conversations about our future and the role of science, art and technology. 12 - 28 Mar. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ curiocity-brisbane/all

Climb the Clock Tower An absolute ‘must-do’ for anyone in Brisbane, get whizzed to the top of City Hall’s famous Clock Tower through an original hand operated lift from the 1930s.

Get a bird’s eye view of the city and find out about the amazing history of this Brisbane icon. Then, take a peek behind the scenes of City Hall with a free tour of one of Brisbane’s most beautiful buildings.

Bauhaus Now: ART+DESIGN+ARCHITECTURE Step into a colourful world of history and design and explore the legacy of the Bauhaus in this amazing exhibition. Make sure you pick up your free take-home activity kit, where you can make your very own Bauhaus inspired creation. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ museum-of-brisbane

QUT ART MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF BRISBANE The Storytellers Can you help break Slim Halliday out of Boggo Road Gaol? Pick up a free Code Breakers activity and wander the exhibition to help crack the secret combination and set Slim free. Little bookworms will love collecting the pages of the special Lung Fish story scattered throughout the exhibition, yours free to take home. Want to make the adventure last even longer? For the ultimate experience, grab a Storytellers Adventure Book available at MoB Shop, jampacked full of activities for ages 5 – 12 years, and only $5. You can even enjoy a daily guided activity book session in the museum at 10.30am.

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miffy & friends miffy, or nijntje (little bunny) has captivated children and adults alike for 65 years. First conceived by Dutch illustrator Dick Bruna as a bedtime story for his son, miffy has evolved into a globally recognised and muchloved character. miffy embodies a universal language of minimalism and timeless simplicity, inspiring generations of artists and designers. miffy & friends brings Bruna’s work to Australia for the first time, celebrating the illustrator’s underlying philosophy of allowing room for the imagination, and introduces the influence of miffy on the work of seven contemporary Australian artists. Until 14 Mar. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ qut-art-museum

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

QUEENSLAND GALLERY OF MODERN ART The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire This world-exclusive exhibition, only in Brisbane, showcases the art, design and history of one of the most iconic objects of the last 150 years, the motorcycle. Featuring more than 100 innovative and influential motorcycles from the 1860s to present day, it considers the iconic vehicle from the perspective of social history, popular culture, design and technology. Highlights of the exhibition include an 1871 Perreaux, the first steampowered velocipede and oldest known motorcycle in the world and the earliest Australian-designed and built machines, including a Spencer produced in Brisbane in 1906! Bookings are essential.

Now is the Time Raquel Ormella invites children to speak up about climate change and the environment in her FREE exhibition at the Children’s Art Centre. In the exhibition space children can design a protest t-shirt, create a poster, cast a vote for what they care about, and share their climate message with other visitors on a message-board.

Raquel highlights Australia’s long history of environmental activism with a timeline featuring historical photos and posters. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-gallery-of-modern-art

QUEENSLAND MUSEUM Sea Monsters While dinosaurs may have ruled the land, giant marine reptiles hunted the depths of the sea. See some of the largest, fiercest and most successful predators ever that lived in Earth’s oceans. The Sea Monsters exhibition combines real fossils from millions of years ago, gigantic replicas including a 13m long Elasmosaurus and 9m Prognathdon, 180-degree immersive video that puts you right inside the action, hands-on interactives

#FamiliesMagFun the 70s and 80s, where the city’s conservative climate sparked youth rebellion, do-it-yourself expression and underground music. Made with whatever was on hand, music posters were a creative outlet for youth and a snapshot into the mood of the era. From The Go-Betweens to The Leftovers, Razar to The Riptides, dig deep into Brisbane’s alternative music past and the design work that took it to the streets at this FREE exhibition. Bookings required.

SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS Medibank Feel Good Program FREE fitness classes return to South Bank Parklands in 2021! There are twelve different classes to choose from including popular options such as yoga, Zumba©, Pilates, and dance fitness.

Pre-registration is required to attend.

Until 27 March.

and much more. Discover the secrets of these monsters of the deep in this new exhibition that will delight all ages! Bookings required.

I Do! Wedding Stories from Queensland Who doesn’t love a beautiful wedding gown?!

This exclusive exhibition explores diverse stories of Queenslanders who celebrated this major milestone – the life-changing moment of marriage – by examining the social and cultural changes associated with weddings over the past 180 years. Head into the Queensland Museum to see 40 sets of garments and 100 objects on display.

Bookings required. Until 21 Feb. Lost Creatures Get up close to some of Queensland’s long-lost inhabitants, including dinosaurs, giant marine reptiles and megafauna. Featuring some of the most significant fossil finds, including the famous Muttaburrasaurus reconstruction and new 3D modelling of Queensland dinosaurs, this is a larger than life FREE exhibition you won’t want to miss!

Wild State Gallery & Discovery Centre Showcasing more than 1300 objects, discover, play and have fun in this exciting FREE space. Specialist staff are on hand to answer questions and identify objects – from archaeology to palaeontology, cultural history to earth sciences and of course, questions about insects, reptiles, arachnids and mammals. See live snakes, stick insects and giant cockroaches – along with the Meet the Curator sessions. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ queensland-museum

Big Voices: Children’s Art Matters Showcasing beautiful and thought-provoking artwork by children from Queensland, Vietnam and China, Big Voices takes you on a journey into these young artist’s worlds, to see how they view themselves, their lives, their rights, and their futures. This very human FREE exhibition explores a child’s right to be heard and to share what they think with others.

Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ state-library-of-queensland-2

QPAC Shrek the Musical The Broadway smash hit Shrek The Musical is on now at QPAC. Shrek The Musical, based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favourite ogre to life on the stage. Featuring a terrific score of 19 songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, Shrek The Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone! Until 14 Feb.

SPARKLAB SCIENCENTRE Science Bar Have you ever tried to make elephant toothpaste or wondered what a marshmallow would look like in the vacuum of outer space? Get up close with live science experiments and demonstrations where you get to ask questions, predict outcomes and direct part of the investigation. Science Bar is included as part of your SparkLab ticket.

Bookings required. Daily session times are 10am, 1pm and 3pm.

Maker Space Imagine and design solutions to challenging questions posed at the Maker Space. Make your creation from a range of materials provided and test out your design.

Share your thinking with others and build on each other’s ideas. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/ sparklab-sciencentre-south-brisbane

STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND Cut Copy: Brisbane Music Posters 1977–87 If you love Brisbane’s music scene, be sure to visit Cut Copy. Step back to Brisbane in

Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show Two worlds gleefully collide when Australian circus ensemble Circa and Academy Award-winning studio Aardman, bring Shaun the Sheep to the stage. Despite a traumatising tick infestation and daily labours to save the postman from Bitzer’s angry attention, Shaun and the flock will entertain you through incredible feats of daredevil acrobatics and vibrant circus skills.

Shaun The Sheep’s Circus Show is must-see family entertainment full of heart-warming comedy delights. Bookings required. 2 Mar – 14 Mar. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/qpac

Pixar Putt Australia’s mini golf sensation Pixar Putt returns to Brisbane with five new holes!

The immersive pop-up mini-golf experience is made up of interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E and Inside Out. Bookings required. Until 7 Feb. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ south-bank

BRISBANE CONVENTION CENTRE Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo Discover all you need to know and buy from bump, to birth and beyond. See, touch, try, and buy with all of the latest brands and products under one roof. Live talks, practical demonstrations and workshops at the Expo give you an opportunity to learn from the experts and a range of specialist speakers.

Bookings required. 13 & 14 Feb. The Brisbane Home Show About to renovate or build? Then visit Brisbane’s Home Show to see, try and buy all the latest products for your kitchen, bathroom or interiors upgrade. There are hundreds of new ideas to renovate your house, both inside and out.

Get FREE expert advice from more than 280 leading Queensland suppliers, so bring your plans and photos. Kids under 14 are FREE! 26-28 Feb. The Big Meet Careers Fair The Big Meet is a FREE careers fair targeted at undergraduates and recent graduates from all universities in the metropolitan region. Meet up to 100 organisations offering a range of options including graduate employment, voluntary work, gap years, international internships, vacation work, postgraduate education, teaching, travel and overseas opportunities.

Bookings required for this FREE event. 15 Mar. Baby to Toddler Show This free-to-attend event provides a one stop shop for all pregnancy, baby and toddler needs, offering a stylish shopping experience, and entertainment. Get hands-on with the very best products plus advice from experts to support you on your parenting journey.

26-28 Mar. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/venue/ brisbane-convention-exhibition-centre

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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#FamiliesMagFun FEBRUARY 2021

Throughout Feb & Mar Shadow makers | Redcliffe What does your shadow look like? Does it have a story to tell? Explore the magic of light and shadow in Shadow makers a FREE hands-on exhibition perfect for families. Enjoy a host of fun interactive activities including silhouette tracing, making shadow box puppets, performing a shadow show and more! Redcliffe Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/shadow-makersredcliffe/all

Throughout Feb & Mar Learn to Sew | Everton Park Join The Nest Community Inc. for their weekly sewing class that takes absolute beginners through the basics of machine sewing and progressively teaches new skills. Experienced instructors will teach you the basics of threading, adjusting and maintaining a sewing machine. Sewing machines and materials are provided, however you are welcome to bring your own machine. These workshops are recommended for ages 14+yrs. Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/learn-to-sew-evertonpark/all Throughout Feb & Mar African Drum & Dance Playshop | Newstead Get ready for a high energy, interactive class for all ages.

Spend quality family time together while you laugh, play and relax in this fun class full of rhythm, dancing and African culture. Kids will be empowered to give African drumming a try coached by expert drummers from Hello Africa. Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/african-drum-danceplayshop/all

Throughout Feb & Mar Fruit Salad, Tales of a Convent Cat | Brisbane Discover one of Brisbane’s hidden cultural gems, Adderton: house & heart of mercy. There are plenty of FREE activities to capture the imagination in the Mini Mercy children’s space. Armed with a free copy of the beautifully illustrated activity book, Fruit Salad, the adventurous tales of a Convent Cat, children can discover simple ways to make a positive difference in the world. Bookings required.

Adderton House. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/fruit-salad-tales-of-aconvent-cat-brisbane/all Throughout Feb & Mar Goldie! The Untold Story of Goldilocks | Brisbane A girl with golden hair, three chairs, three bowls of porridge, three beds… we know what you’re thinking: “I’ve heard this story before” – but this story is completely bear-free! Goldie is up to her tricks again – she never steals anything, she just likes breaking in and moving the furniture around. But this time she’s picked the wrong house and finds herself face to face with three of the meanest pigs in town. Enjoy a modern take on the household classic that will have you rolling with laughter! Brisbane Arts Theatre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/goldie-the-untold-story-ofgoldilocks/all

Until 21 Feb What Lurks Below | Bribie Island From peculiar slug-like creatures to giants of the sea, explore What lurks below and dive into the hidden world of the waters surrounding Bribie Island.

Down there you’ll meet sea creatures that like to hide and ones that you should hide from! There are clever creatures that make potions, ones that look a bit strange and the gentle giants of the sea. What lurks below is a FREE interactive exhibition for the whole family. Be prepared to get hands on, be amazed...and maybe even be a little bit scared! Bribie Island Seaside Museum. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/what-lurks-below/all

Throughout Feb & Mar Powerkids: Art Lab | Brisbane Ignite your little one’s imagination with the artists of Little Match Productions. These FREE multi-sensory classes combine storytelling, music and visual arts with fun, play-based activities suited to 0-5 years. Brisbane’s littlest artists will collaborate in a COVID-safe environment, creating magical, musical soundscapes and take-home artworks. Every Wednesday from 9am-12pm. Bookings required.

Brisbane Powerhouse. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/powerkids-art-lab-newfarm/all

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1 – 28 Feb BrisAsia Festival | Across Brisbane Celebrate Asian culture at the BrisAsia Festival. From the city to the suburbs, see an array of diverse live entertainment and outdoor activities as well as healthy and active events. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brisasia-festival-brisbane Sat 6 Feb BrisAsia Bazaar | Sunnybank If you appreciate Asian culture and its dynamic food, art, and entertainment offering this is a must-see event. Local traders will be showcasing authentic and diverse Asian experiences, with something for everyone to immerse and engage in the rich cultural diversity Brisbane has to offer. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brisasia-bazaarsunnybank

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

#FamiliesMagFun the latest caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, 4×4’s, vehicles, and accessories. Plus discover new holiday and touring destinations, all in the one convenient location. There will be over 160 local and national brands on show, plus loads of great entertainment for the whole family. Redcliffe Showgrounds. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/2021-moreton-baycaravan-camping-boating-4x4-expo-redcliffe/all Sat 13 Feb Lunar New Year | Fortitude Valley Experience Lunar New Year in the heart of Fortitude Valley and enjoy the unique flavours and vibrant culture that Chinatown has to offer. Book a table at your favourite venue and enjoy the roving entertainment, including lion dances and Japanese drumming, to welcome the Year of the Ox in the Chinatown Mall and other venues in the Valley precinct. No bookings are required to attend the festival however bookings may be required to dine at Valley precinct restaurants. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/chinese-lunar-new-yearfortitude-valley

Fri 12 Feb – Sun 14 Feb Disney’s Moana Jr. | Redcliffe Roar Academy and Redcliffe Musical Theatre’s Youth present a musical adaptation of the Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film while you follow the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us. Bookings required. Redcliffe Entertainment Centre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/disneys-moana-jrredcliffe/all Fri 12 Feb – Sun 14 Feb Moreton Bay Caravan, Camping, Boating & 4x4 Expo | Redcliffe One of the largest outdoor adventure events in the state is back in Redcliffe this February! Browse and compare

Sat 20 Feb Samford Music Under the Stars | Samford Samford Music Under the Stars is returning to a brand-new and bigger venue! Samford Village will be transformed into the perfect FREE night out for family and friends, with a stellar line-up of live music.

The kids will have a blast bopping to tunes in the silent disco, climbing on the soft play area or creating a masterpiece at the art and craft cart. Explore the twilight markets featuring the best in handmade design and indulge in the food trucks with a drink from the Samford Stags bar. Alan Cash Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/samford-music-underthe-stars Sat 27 Feb Brisbane Holi – Festival of Colours | Seventeen Mile Rocks Brisbane Holi – Festival of Colours welcomes its fifth year of celebrating Brisbane’s vibrant multicultural communities.

Originating in India many centuries ago, Holi is a widely anticipated annual event across the globe, with many forms of celebrations taking place to share in the joy and happiness

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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#FamiliesMagFun of colour, dance and music. ‘Let’s colour everyone equal’ is the slogan for the event, considered as one of the most inclusive in Brisbane. Bookings required. Rocks Riverside Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brisbane-holi-festival-ofcolours From 27 Feb On the Move | Ipswich Enter an interactive transport world created in collaboration with illustrator James Gulliver Hancock in this FREE exhibition. Along the way you’ll discover fascinating facts about different modes of transport and types of vehicles. Construct a paper plane and see how it flies, and build a vehicle of the future to test on the track. Discover how transportation works in busy cities, and how the fuel choices you make can have a positive impact on the environment. Bookings required. Ipswich Art Gallery. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/on-the-move/all/

MARCH 2021 Throughout Mar Gondwana Festival | Scenic Rim Located within the stunning Scenic Rim, from Lamington National Park to Mt Barney National Park, the Gondwana Festival is a month-long celebration of some of the most precious and spectacular areas of the Queensland section of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. The Festival includes guided walks, talks and wild adventures from the base camps (and luxury lodges) of Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Mt Barney Lodge. Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/gondwana-festival-scenicrim/all Fri 12 – Sun 14 Mar Timber Tools & Artisan Show | Bowen Hills Are you ready to learn, love and create? Time to head to the Timber Tools & Artisan Show! It’s Australia’s premier event for woodworking, glass blowing, pottery, blacksmithing, ceramics, sculpting, painting and much more. From weekend hobbyists and DIY’ers to experienced enthusiasts, see the best in the industry share their expertise over 3 days and have fun trying new techniques and art forms yourself to learn a new art, fall in love with making and start creating your own. Bookings required. Brisbane Showgrounds. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/timber-tools-artisanshow/all

the annual Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, installations from local and nationally acclaimed artists, as well as daily circus performances, roving entertainment, sand art activities and sculpting workshop. You’ll be able to ‘step right up’ and learn new skills from performers and artists. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/beyond-the-sand-surfersparadise/all Wed 17 March – Fri 19 March Somerset Storyfest | Gold Coast Kicking off on 17 March, this year’s Storyfest festival will once again inspire literary lovers of all ages with a line-up of well known authors including Andrew Daddo, Ursula Dubosarsky, Jess Hill and Fiona McIntosh. With reading sessions, writing and illustration workshops, theatre performances, and long lunches you will have plenty of opportunities to mix, mingle and learn from some of Australia’s most successful authors and storytellers. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/somerset-storyfest/all/

Thurs 18 Mar The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show | Cleveland One of the most iconic children’s stories of all time, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges from the page in a theatrical experience featuring over 75 magical puppets and an all Australian cast.

Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the show features other Eric Carle stories including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bookings required. Redlands Performing Arts Centre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/the-very-hungrycaterpillar-show Sat 13 Mar St Patrick’s Day Parade | Brisbane Organisers are working hard to ensure this event goes ahead in 2021. The St Patrick’s Day Parade has been held amidst the streets of Brisbane city for over 30 years, flooding the inner-city district with a colourful convoy of floats and displays representing Irish culture. The event provides free community entertainment for all ages. Brisbane CBD. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/st-patricks-day-paradebrisbane Sat 13 – Sun 21 Mar Beyond the Sand 2021 | Surfers Paradise Beyond the Sand will transform Surfers Paradise into a beachfront gallery of colour, movement and music across nine spectacular days and nights. The FREE multi-medium arts festival will be circusthemed offering entertainment for the entire family. Featuring

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Wed 24 – Sun 28 Mar World Science Festival Brisbane | South Brisbane Hosted by Queensland Museum, see one of Australia’s largest annual celebrations of science bringing the world’s greatest minds together to explore the dynamic connection between science and our everyday world. This year’s event will include a live turtle conservation experience where you can watch turtles hatch, an exploration of light and the solar system and the opportunity to hear from a panel of scientists waging the war on COVID-19. Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/world-science-festivalbrisbane Wed 24 Mar – Mon 12 Apr Brisbane Cycling Festival | Brisbane Get ready for the ride of your life when the Brisbane Cycling Festival rolls into the river city for 2021! The festival encourages you to hop

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

#FamiliesMagFun on your bike with professional, amateur and mass participation events including the very popular Tour de Brisbane and the AusCycling Track Nationals. Events will be held at the celebrated Anna Meares Velodrome and other venues around Brisbane. This year family friendly cycling activities are included in the festival.

Bookings required. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brisbane-cycling-festival Fri 26 – Sat 27 Mar Queensland Symphony Orchestra - Peter and the Wolf | Redcliffe Renowned for their high quality, breathtaking performances of both classical and modern compositions, Queensland’s premier orchestra brings the light-hearted symphony

by Russian composer Prokofiev to life. Follow a young boy called Peter who joins with his furry and feathered friends to outwit a fierce wolf. With animals and characters brought to life by different instruments, this is the perfect introduction to the live orchestra experience. Bookings required. Redcliffe Entertainment Centre. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/peter-and-the-wolf/all Fri 26 – Sun 28 Mar Mould: A Cheese Festival After a sold out 2019 tour, Australia’s favourite cheese festival, MOULD, is coming back for an even bigger mozzar-hella good time! MOULD will bring together the best artisan cheese producers from across the country for a day of cheese, wine, masterclasses and more. Alongside the best Australian cheeses, there will also be a full food program featuring dishes from local chefs, and to wash down all that delicious cheese, there will be wines, whisky, sake, beer and cider available to purchase. Bookings required. Brisbane Showgrounds. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/mould-a-cheese-festival/all Sat 27 Mar North Lakes by Night | North Lakes Saturday Nights just got better! Every Saturday from 5.30pm - 9.30pm grab your family and feast on taste sensations from international food trucks.

Enjoy a bite to eat, stroll through the local market stalls, and relax to live music performed by local talent. Plus, there’s plenty on for the kids with children’s amusements planned. Westfield North Lakes. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/north-lakes-by-night/all

Sat 27 Mar Rocklea Rocks On | Rocklea Get ready to rock the day away with live music from ABBA Live and The Naturals, two very popular cover bands. The kids will be catered for with Spiderman putting on a show and a kid zone with both FREE and paid activities on offer plus carnival rides. Local school bands will compete on the day for prizes and the title of Rocklea Rocks On School band champions. You can also squeeze in some retail therapy from the market stalls and food vans. Bookings required. Rocklea Showgrounds. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/rocklea-rocks-on/all Sun 28 Mar Brisbane’s Great South Run | Oxley Brisbane’s Great South Run is one of Queensland’s fastest Half Marathon running festivals and host of the Queensland Athletics State Half Marathon Championships. Now in its 5th year, the Festival includes Half Marathon, 15km, 10km, 5km & 1km distances. Run on a super fast, super shady, all-road, IAAF-AIMS certified course through Brisbane’s scenic Oxley Creek wetland forest. Bookings required.

Paradise Road Park. www.familiesmagazine.com.au/event/brisbanes-great-southrun-oxley

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

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Local Clubs & Classes Directory

Clubs, Classes & Activities

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

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

Email: Editor@FamiliesMagazine.com.au

Superfish

FREE swimming assessment and FREE trial lesson – no obligation! All levels & ages, small structured classes. Redland Bay opening 2021!

Sunnybank 3323 3188 www.superfish.com.au

Flipside Circus

A wide range of classes from ages 18 months to 100 years, there is something fun and suitable for every age and ability. Classes are fast moving and full of action – learn tissue, trapeze, lyra, juggling, hoops, acro balance, tumbling, and more!

FREE trial for your first class!

3352 7233

www.flipsidecircus.org.au

Perform Australia

Acting and drama classes around Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Learn acting technique for stage and screen and participate in performances and film shoots. Build selfconfidence, creativity and social skills in fun friendly classes. Enrol online, no audition needed!

1300 908 905

www.perform.edu.au

Saurabh Cricket

Saurabh Cricket Coaching offers 1-2-1 coaching and runs holiday clinics for boys and girls (aged 5 -18 years) each holiday. We offer a trial session too! Take action and get your budding Cricket soul registered today. Registrations can be done online at saurabhcricketcoaching.com/ program/holidayclinic or call 0422 397 838 to book your spot.

TAWA Yoga

Infinity Martial Arts

Bringing the joy of YOGA to Children and Teens!

Helping children recognise the balance of mind, body and spirit equips them with the tools to develop into kind, responsible and confident adults. Family friendly yoga studio offering classes for EVERYBODY; Pre-natal, Children, Teens, Seniors and everyone in-between!

The largest and first female owned and operated martial arts academy. Modern, family friendly facility in Petrie teaching classes for kids aged 2+ and adults. Classes suitable for people of all skills levels in Brazilian Jiujitsu, MMA, Kickboxing, Boxing, Women-only BJJ, Yoga, Pilates. FIRST CLASS FREE. Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount off each membership.

0488 110 298

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www.tawayoga.com.au

0431 081 072

infinitymartialarts.com.au

Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2021 www.familiesmagazine.com.au

Kip McGrath

Albany Creek Individual learning programs in maths & English with qualified teachers – book a free assessment today!

0417 864 285 www.kipmcgrath.com.au/albany-creek

PCYC Gymnastics PCYC is Queensland’s largest gymnastics provider! Fully accredited coaches - fun, inclusive classes - any age and level! Build foundations of a healthy and active lifestyle and improve fitness, strength, balance & flexibility.

Trampolining, Tumbling, Junior Ninja, KinderGym, Recreational Gymnastics, Performance Gymnastics, Fitter for Life & more!

Caboolture 5495 7143; Deception Bay 3293 0166; Redcliffe 3385 1900; Sandgate 3269 5358 www.pcyc.org.au

Advertise your club, class or activity for only $995 +GST per year!

Drama Works

Aqualogan

Aqualogan Laurie Laurence Swim School offers world-leading teaching methods proven over 50 years. FREE swim assessments for all learn-toswim levels. School holiday swim clinics, squads, adaptives and private lessons.

Beenleigh 2803 4102; Logan North 3541 6151 www.loganleisurecentres.com.au/aquatics

Brisbane-based mobile drama school, Drama Works Academy, is passionate about sharing its love of drama & musical theatre. An inclusive approach and encouraging learning environment dramatically develops: communication, confidence, self-esteem and teamwork for all children Book a free trial class today on 1300 654 998 www.dramaworks.net.au/contact-us

IceWorld

Flip Out Strathpine

There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than a visit to one of Brisbane’s IceWorld Olympic Ice Rinks – the coolest place to be in the school holiday!

Public session times available daily, offering hours of ‘sun safe’ fun & exercise!

Online Bookings Essential.

Acacia Ridge Boondall

Pricing includes skate hire.

Fully stocked cafés on site.

Get the kids having active, indoor fun in a supervised, CovidSafe environment!

Trampolines, foam pits, basketball slam-time, running walls, and a separate area for under-10s and fully air conditioned. Café on site too! Keep an eye out for specials and book in advance. www.flipout.net.au/locations/qld/qldstrathpine/strathpine

www.iceworld.com.au

Kids @ Adderton

Join Fruit Salad on an adventure! Kids love exploring Adderton with their free activity book, Fruit Salad, the adventurous tales of a Convent Cat and discovering ways to make a difference.

Book in for Kids@Adderton holiday workshops book via www.adderton.org.au

Kick Dance

Classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Tap and Irish dancing, as well as singing and acting. Whether you are keen to have fun or ‘Kick’ start your dance career, Kick Dance caters for all ages and abilities from toddler to adult!

0414 308 248 www.kickdance.com.au

Laserzone Lawnton

Brisbane’s No. 1 multi-level Laser Tag arena, Arcade and Bumper Cars will blow your mind!

Offering the best family entertainment with a variety of packages to suit all ages and abilities.

Book your family fun or birthday party now!

3205 4141 brisbane.laserzone.com.au

Bounce Tingalpa

Victoria Park

BOUNCE Tingalpa has more than 50 interconnected trampolines, the Big Bag, Slam Dunk and Dodgeball all rolled into one - the perfect playground to develop and practice your skills. Whether you’re trying to master your first flip or learn how to run The Wall, it’s the ultimate in Freestyle fun! www.bounceinc.com.au/venue-tingalpa-qld

Learn to play golf for kids at Victoria Park with their school holiday kids golf activities. Their classes are fun and interactive for kids aged 4 – 14, no experience required. Play exciting games, learn great sports skills, all while making new friends. www. victoriapark.com.au/whats-on/

school-holiday-kids-golf-clinics/

Families Magazine is made with love by...

UPCOMING ISSUES

Janine Mergler – Editor

April / May 2021

Joanne Crane – Co-Editor Natalie Turner – Listings Editor, Online Content Manager Suzie Porter – Designer Stephen Monteith – IT Systems and Support

Could your family be on our Apr/May front cover?

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

FAMILY HEALTH, BUMPS & BABIES Advertising deadline: Monday 1 March 2021 June / July 2021

WINTER DAY TRIPS & CHILDREN’S PARTIES Advertising deadline: Friday 7 May 2021

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

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