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What ‘noice’ Australian sitcom is reportedly getting a reboot
Sale author’s new book
Stefan Bradley
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A NEW children’s book hoping to help raise a generation of resilient and kind children, authored by Sale-based early childhood educator Andrea McKenzie, is set to be released next week. Ms McKenzie wrote Feelings are just Feelings after receiving help from a psychologist to deal with overwhelming stress. “I suffered post-natal depression after my third child. I saw a psychologist, who was giving me these simple strategies for my stress and overwhelm,” Ms McKenzie said. “It left me wondering if children had learnt those strategies, would they avoid ending up in the same situation I was in finding certain situations so hard, or be unable to cope? “I have a passion for instilling resistance and kindness into children. I feel like I’m an empathetic person. I want the best for everyone.” Ms McKenzie said the book was easy to write. “I find writing very therapeutic,” she said. “I’m fun and crazy with my kids to the point where I can make up songs on the spot. So the book just came to me - I wrote it in one night in 2019 and it sat there in a Word document. In early 2021 found it again. It was the second year of COVID and I thought that this is what the world needs.” The book was illustrated by Christina Miesen, and Ms McKenzie said the drawings “crammed more meaning” into the book. “They asked me for an illustration brief. I just sent them stick figures as I can’t draw,” Ms McKenzie said. “I was amazed when I got them back as they were exactly as I envisioned them. For younger children, the adults can just read to them the words, whereas older children can read the pictures as well. “The book is aimed towards primary school children and will hopefully help them through their high school years. “I hope it can be used as a classroom tool for teachers. If they’re having problems, they can talk about how their thoughts influence their behaviour. They can talk about overthinking, bullying or what it takes to be kind. “I’ve had such good feedback. I’ve sent it to local professionals in the mental health profession. Teachers are saying it’s amazing. Parents say they wish they had it when they were in school. It’s not just a book, I feel like it’s a wellness tool.”
Feelings are just Feelings also address bullying. “Words can hurt, and can cut deep. But you don’t have to believe everything that people say. Just because someone says something about you, doesn’t mean it's true. They’re trying to make you feel that way. Block them out. It's them not you,” Ms McKenzie said.
Andrea McKenzie with her book Feelings are just Feelings.
Photo: Stefan Bradley
“Knowing that your feelings come and go, just because you feel a certain way at a certain time, you’re not gonna feel that way forever. “School in the scheme of life is such a small part. There’s so much living you do after you finish school. But when you are in school, it feels like forever.”
Feelings are just Feelings will be available in bookstores from Monday, May 23. Ms McKenzie will also be selling her own copies and children can access it in school libraries. Ms McKenzie said that Collins Booksellers and Sale Public Library are working with her on an official book launch in June. Find out more at facebook.com/andreakate. onetoomany
Valencia Hall to welcome Sionnach Rua in June
Highway boost
FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the Princes Highway duplication project has reached a major milestone with traffic switched to the new section at Flynn. The $250 million final three stages of the project is 80 per cent funded by the federal government with the state government providing 20 per cent. Mr Chester said the fully duplicated road will save lives, improve productivity and reduce travel times for locals and visitors. “A better, safer Princes Highway will make a huge difference for local residents, freight operators and the visitor economy,” Mr Chester said. “It’s exciting to see significant progress on all three stages of the project between Traralgon and Sale. “As roadwork continues, I urge everyone to be patient with reduced speed limits designed
THE next concert at the Valencia Hall is Sionnach Rua’s “Irish Song Book” on Friday, June 3, as part of their extensive Victorian tour which have featured sell out crowds where they'd played. Sionnach Rua’s Great Irish Song Book brings Ireland's rich and unique culture to the shores of Australia, with a romantic passion that runs deep in Celtic veins. It's an authentic music and story catalogue from Irish-born and raised frontman, Gallie. Interwoven with rich stories from Gallie’s Irish upbringing, with tales of Irish traditions and histories, audiences will be transported back to a lively session in a celebration of Celtic music with
Sionnach Rua’s is heading to the Valencia Hall on Friday, June 3.
Photo: Contributed.
songs ranging from Planxty to Van Morrison to the Dubliners. This stage show will make you feel like you are visiting a lively “session” in an Irish bar without having to travel to Dingle. It is an assured crowd pleaser. The concert starts at 8pm. Tickets are $40 - BYO drinks and nibbles. Contact Garry for bookings: 0439 454 428.
SALE PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ INFORMATION SESSIONS/OPEN DAYS
2023 FOUNDATION (PREP) ENROLMENTS.
Araluen Primary School
9:30am Information Session / Tour
Additional tours available by appointment
Sale & District Specialist School 333 Princes Highway, Sale Phone 5144 5644 Friday 20th May
11am - 1pm Information Session After hours by appointment
Sale ‘545’ Primary School
Macalister Street, Sale Phone 5144 5545
Guthridge Primary School
Dawson Street, Sale Phone 5144 3633
Thursday 26th May
9:30am Information Session / Tour
Tuesday 17th May
9:30am Information Session / Tour
