Kiddo Mag - Issue 21 EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

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educate

NO.1

BY KIDDO MAG

Nature Play and your child

How to choose the right school for your child

Jobs of the future

Your guide to education in South Australia kiddomag.com.au

W i t h A d e l a i d e ’s f i n e s t c o f f e e …

We’ll get you through the school term

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Visit Our Website:

www.spgs.school/ELC

ELC Tours Saturday 7 August 9am Thursday 9 September 9am Personal Tours Also Available T +61 (08) 8334 2215 E enrolments@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

St 4Peter’s Collegiate Girls’ School CRICOS Provider Code: 00373D

Globally recognised Education harnessing Literacy, Numeracy, The Arts and Digital Technology

Enriched Learning with a focus on culture, the environment and social connections

A Centre of excellence and wonder where families and educators thrive together 5

WELCOME TO

educate

We’ve been publishing KIDDO since 2017 and if there’s one thing that’s truly stood out along the way it’s that education is of the utmost importance to parents and caregivers. And rightly so. A good education is the foundation for a better future, and the lifelong adventure of learning is one we want our children to step into with curious minds, open hearts and big ambitions. Children are our future leaders – our most valuable asset – and how we educate them today will shape their tomorrow. The team behind KIDDO has created EDUCATE to put some of the best and brightest opportunities in SA education in the spotlight. So that families have access to a comprehensive look at what options there are to choose from when making the big decisions around schooling for our important little (and not so little) people!

Publisher Charlotte Chambers

BY KIDDO MAG

Editor Olivia Williams Editorial Contributors Madhavi Nawana Parker

We’ve been able to bring this publication to life with the help of some incredible names across a broad spectrum of fields; Psychologist and acclaimed parenting Author Madhavi Nawana Parker, Adelaide Neuroscientist A/Prof. Lyndsey Collins-Praino, Sports Psychologist and Super Coach Jenny Williams and Cyber Safety Expert Susan McLean are just a few of the leading professionals sharing their expertise with us. We welcome you to our inaugural issue of EDUCATE – we hope with every page turned you are reminded that education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.

Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People Jenny Williams Paul Baker Susan McLean Kylie Archer Kasey Edwards Christopher Scanlon Sarah Sutter Jason Tyndall Art Director Caroline Gliddon Sales advertising@kiddomag.com.au Printing newstyleprint.com.au Distribution Passing Out

e Charlo mbers Cha

For more education and family content head to kiddomag.com.au @kiddomag

A distinctly Christian education in the heart of the western suburbs. At our new Brooklyn Park Campus, your child will be nurtured in a caring, non-denominational Christian community from Early Learning to Year 6. With guaranteed entry into Middle School at Year 7, your child will have a seamless, high-quality, Christian education pathway. Places are now available at Brooklyn Park in 2022.

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Join a Principal’s Tour emmauscc.sa.edu.au

Inspiring Hearts, Inspiring Minds. 7/7/21 11:34 am

The Year 6 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream saw each boy across the year level take on a performing role.

Prince Alfred College provides a unique learning environment for boys, with programs and approaches that are tailored to their specific needs. Enrolling now for 2023. Start your journey at pac.edu.au

CRICOS No 00368A

little learners BIG winners Minister for Education, John Gardner

South Australia’s littlest learners are among the big winners from the recent State Budget, with the announcement of our new $50 million Early Learning Strategy. Its goal is to support all young children to thrive and learn by working with families on high quality preschool programmes and relationships, and increasing the proportion of children developmentally on track when they start school. Around a quarter of South Australian children start school developmentally vulnerable and many do not catch up to their peers. The earlier we can identify any issues, the earlier families can receive the support they need. All new parents understand the value of their “Blue Book” and the opportunity for a home visit from a CaFHS nurse. We believe there are many gains to be made by lifting the usage of the subsequent checks at 6, 18 months and at preschool.

A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd

A vibrant ELC - Year 12 College for girls in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD

School Tour Thursday 5 August at 10am

We will also expand the schedule to include checks at 12 months and three years. We will be helping parents in their role as ﬁrst teachers, including support for more playgroups and partnering with NGOs like Raising Literacy Australia to give more families easy access to tips, ticks and resources to support their child’s development.

WE’LL ALSO BE INVESTING IN NEW RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS TO BUILD ON THE HIGH-QUALITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT IN EVERY PUBLIC PRESCHOOL. This strategy recognises that education begins well before a child walks through the classroom door and I encourage you to check it out at education.sa.gov.au/earlylearning

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SHE WILL Within a Wilderness girl lies an unshakeable self-belief. Anywhere she wants to go, anyone she wants to be—she can, and she will.

As she grows, so too does her understanding of the world and the respectful relationships that bind it together.

Because at every opportunity she’s encouraged to celebrate her adventurous spirit in the empowering environment of Wilderness School—a world leader in girls’ education.

Nurtured by non-denominational Christian family values, she matures into a compassionate friend to her day and boarding peers, an esteemed member of her community and a responsible world citizen—just as generations have before her and generations will after.

In her early years, a spirit of joy underpins all teaching and learning. It is here she explores her interests by actively engaging in her education in an environment where her dispositions, experience and knowledge are enriched and respected. Continuing through the junior, middle and senior years, dedicated and progressive educators guide her learning journey, seeing her for who she truly is and working collaboratively with global experts to wrap evidence-based academic frameworks around her unique strengths. With their support, her potential is boundless.

wilderness.com.au

She will experience obstacles. Pioneers always do. But she is resilient, a trait learned from those who have raised her, taught her, and studied alongside her. Courageously she enters the unknown, confident she will create the life she wants to lead—both personally and professionally. This is the lifelong imprint left by Wilderness School, and the underpinning of her extraordinary future. At Wilderness, she will.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT EACH GIRLS’ JOURNEY FROM ELC TO YEAR 12 TODAY

the transition to

high school

>>>>>>

BY Madhavi Nawana Parker

Mental preparation and coping skills.

Entering middle and high school is a big transition that occurs right when children are developing their own identity, experiencing social comparison, facing new experiences and getting overwhelmed by hormones and big feelings. It’s no wonder it can be a bumpy ride sometimes.

Empathy and acknowledgment helps children

help get them through this stage and come out the other end on top. Here are some practical ideas for a successful transition from Primary to Middle and High School.

Express your conﬁdence in their ability to cope.

It’s no good telling them they’ll be ﬁne and not to worry if they’re worried. If we make resilience and conﬁdence sound easier than it is and minimise their feelings, they feel hurt. A supportive response might sound something like, ‘I’m glad you told me how you’re feeling’ and ‘it sounds like you’re nervous about this, how can I help?’

Conﬁdence in themselves, social emotional intelligence and resilience

manage fears and switch logical thinking back on.

Regular wellbeing practices like

WHEREVER YOUR CHILD movement, hobbies, creative SITS ON THE SPECTRUM expression, laughter, social OF CONFIDENCE, SOCIAL connection, digital detox breaks, EMOTIONAL SKILLS AND nature, gratitude practice and RESILIENCE, TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. STRUGGLING TODAY journaling all ﬁre and wire the parts in their brain which help them be DOESN’T MEAN THEY WILL calmer and help them get familiar STRUGGLE FOREVER.

Your child’s conﬁdence is affected by your conﬁdence in them. Children notice what we say, think and feel. Children don’t have enough life experience to know what to expect in all new situations. They put feelers out for how their parents and caregivers feel, using that as a gauge. Initiate optimistic, realistic and constructive conversations about life in general. Talk to them, how you want them to talk to themselves. Our dialogue becomes their inner dialogue. If you’re worried about where they are going to middle and high school – or their ability to cope, debrief with your supporters – out of your child’s earshot.

Normalise caution. Feeling uncertain before you do something new is normal. Caution helps you focus and become

with what feels good (so they are

more likely to know what to do next time they feel bad).

Be optimistic. We don’t know yet how they will feel when they start middle and high school – they will most likely be ﬁne. Hear them out, normalise their feelings, ask ﬁrst before you offer advice, show you are optimistic about where they’re attending and build coping tools ‘just in case.’

Increase familiarity. Spend time around the school neighbourhood, play in the local parks and if you can, connect with other families going to the school beforehand. Talk about positive things you’ve heard about the school but don’t overdo it – over reassuring is not healthy either.

aware and prepared to rise to a challenge. Children

You’ll ﬁnd more tips that help in my article on

need to know other children feel similarly to them.

choosing the right school for your child on page 28

Next, provide empathetic, practical support to push

of the magazine.

through, get out of their comfort zone, keep things in perspective and have a go.

Madhavi Nawana Parker, Director of Positive Minds Australia is a widely published author of resilience, wellbeing, conﬁdence and social emotional intelligence books, articles and programs.

positivemindsaustralia.com.au

book a tour! Portside Christian College is a place where your child will be challenged to succeed! ELC to Year 12. Join us for the next Principal’s Tour Saturday 14th August @10am.

Please book at www.portside.sa.edu.au/enrolments

...anything is possible at Portside! 13

CATHOLIC EDUCATION, A choice WORTH MAKING Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. So, how do you ﬁnd the ‘right’ one? There are many factors to consider when selecting a school, from single gender or co-educational schooling, to specialist teaching areas provided, to the links and pathways the school offers to secondary education. Perhaps the most important consideration of all is whether the school will ﬁt your child’s needs. Will they feel like they belong? Will they thrive? In South Australia, families have a wide range of schooling options including a Catholic education. Through a commitment to educational excellence, Catholic schools provide quality learning in a Catholic context – from the early years through to year 12 – instilling values that will last well beyond the schooling experience.

How does the Catholic faith shape day-to-day school life and culture at Catholic schools in SA? The core Christian values, including social justice, care for the environment and compassion for humanity underpin the daily activities in Catholic schools. Catholic teaching inﬂuences the whole life of the school and each child is invited to explore the Catholic faith through classroom lessons, prayer and celebrations.

Catholic Schools Open Week is from 9 – 15 August 2021, and offers a great opportunity for families to explore the beneﬁts of a Catholic education. Families are encouraged to attend school tours and events at their local Catholic schools and to see how a Catholic education can set your child up for life.

EDUCATE feature

What makes a Catholic school different?

Catholic schools value the intrinsic worth of every individual child. Our schools provide students with many opportunities inside and outside of the classroom, to educate and nurture the whole person, helping them to be thriving, capable learners as well as extraordinary human beings. Teachers in Catholic schools know what a privilege it is to be part of a child’s schooling journey, because an intangible piece of your school lives with you forever. What you learn at school shapes who you become as an adult.

Can you attend a Catholic school if you’re not a Catholic? Yes, we welcome students and families from all backgrounds, faith traditions and spiritual journeys; inclusivity is one of the touchstones of our beliefs. Catholic schools particularly focus on understanding and recognising the range of faith experiences within our communities.

What do you hope for students in Catholic schools? In every Catholic school, young people are nurtured and shaped to be thriving people, capable learners and leaders. In partnership with families, Catholic schools raise hearts and minds.

For more information or to ﬁnd your local Catholic school: 08 8301 6600 cesa.catholic.edu.au

HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED BY TEACHING THEM HOW TO FAIL BY Kasey Edwards & Christopher Scanlon ‘Fail fast, fail often’ is the mantra of Silicon Valley. Tech entrepreneurs to performance coaches tell us that the road to success is paved with failure. And they’re right. But when it comes to children, our reﬂex is to shield them from failure. We’ll rush in to rescue, lower the bar or make up awards so that everyone gets a gold star. A school principal told us that he created more lead roles in the school play to make sure no child missed out. These efforts to spare our kids are well intended.

it. And when children are afraid of failure they limit their potential. For some kids, the prospect of failure induces anxiety to the point that they lose the ability and drive to achieve mastery.

HOW DO WE BECOME OKAY WITH LETTING OUR KIDS FAIL? The ﬁrst step is to realise that failure is natural. Watch

“ ”

a baby try to walk and you’ll see that making mistakes is how children naturally learn and develop. Because

child’s hero. This makes you the perfect person to teach just part of the processes of learning and achieving.

is so scared of failure that we often feel like we are bad

But if children never feel failure, they’re liable to fear

You may have worked this out already: you are your them that mistakes are not something to fear but are

Parents feel their kid’s pain acutely. And today’s society parents when our kids do fail.

WHEN YOU STUFF UP, LET YOUR CHILD SEE IT

Let’s face it: if you can screw up royally and live to tell the tale, then anyone can!

Failure is absolutely necessary if they want to live a big and bold life

Help your child embrace failure by sharing the skills that you’re still developing but have yet to master –

and what you’re planning to do better. This could be anything from baking to your tennis backhand.

they have not yet learned to fear failure, and they have

And tell your child about those times you made a right

no concept of making a mistake, children try and try

mess of something.

again and keep trying.

Show them with your own experiences that not only

But for many children, somewhere between

is it okay to make mistakes, it’s natural, unavoidable

conquering walking and becoming an adult, the

and essential. Remind them that failure is absolutely

fear of failure becomes a stronger motivator than

necessary if they want to live a big and bold life.

the desire for mastery and independence. Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlon are the They often learn to fear failure from watching and modelling themselves after us. This is good news because it means that we can also model the opposite.

authors of Raising Girls Who Like Themselves, available at all good bookstores. raisinggirlswholikethemselves.com

start

The early years of schooling are the beginning of an exciting and happy journey into the future, filled with wonderful experiences for both children and parents to remember forever. To learn more about playgroup, the Early Learning Centre programs for boys and girls and the start of school at Walford contact:admissions@walford.asn.au or telephone: 8373 4062. You are welcome to visit the ELC and Walford School or join in playgroup on Friday mornings at 10am, first session is complimentary.

Walford Anglican School for Girls Inc. 316 Unley Road Hyde Park T. 8272 6555 walford.asn.au

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

WHERE STUDENTS CAN ACHIEVE MORE THAN THEY THOUGHT POSSIBLE. In today’s rapid and ever-changing world, leading independent school Westminster recognises the importance of empowering students to lead their own classroom learning journey while connecting them to real-world experiences. It’s these foundations, coupled with quality pedagogy, community connection and new state-of-the-art campus facilities, that are central to its commitment of encouraging each individual to achieve more than they thought possible.

INNOVATION AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING With innovation in learning at the heart of the school’s curriculum delivery, the breadth and quality of Westminster’s coeducational learning program provides countless opportunities for students to try new things and discover genuine interests. The outcome is students who graduate with exceptional skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving. A new Year 7 FUSS (The Future is Us) learning program underway at the school shines a spotlight on Westminster’s innovative approach to curriculum delivery. It encourages students to take responsible risks, develop a robust approach to problem solving while challenging their critical and creative thinking skills. With each problem focused on ‘tricky’ real-world problems, FUSS has been specially designed to give students greater agency and build resilience. Through program input from leading global

authority for creativity and innovation, Charles Leadbeater, one of the projects underway enables students to develop a prototype solution to help clear waterways of rubbish, as powered by a Sphero Bolt robot they code and test in the school’s swimming pool. “It’s amazing watching the students work together to problem solve and develop their creative thinking with a connection to the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development,” says Coding and Robotics teacher, Ross Willoughby.

QUALITY PEDAGOGY As a leading independent school, Westminster offers exceptional education evidenced in the strong academic performance of students. This is further demonstrated by the school’s commitment to, and investment in, exceptional teaching practices with many of its faculty on the journey to being accredited as Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT). “Our teachers are dedicated to being the best they can be and have the added support of lead pedagogy coach, Angela Phillips,” says Principal Simon Shepherd.

“

We encourage our students to be critical thinkers, great communicators, collaborative and creative, so it is important for teachers to also have these qualities, to equip them for the classroom of the future, Angela says 18

EDUCATE feature

”

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

As a result, Angela feels ongoing professional development is important for teachers, especially with rapidly developing technologies. Teachers need to be ahead of the curve in terms of how students are interacting, learning or evolving in line with the technology that is at their ﬁngertips.

The dining space will serve weekday lunch to all students, including boarders, while the onsite cafe will ﬁnd a ready audience in parents, community groups and visitors, during performances and sporting matches.

“Educational theorists expound that teachers should know their impact in order to offer the best education. There is no doubt that our teachers are aware of their impact and meaningfully strive to make it long-lasting and positive,” says Principal Shepherd.

Simon explains, “Similar to a university, students will be able to access and study from the Centre for longer periods of time. This includes having the option to book tutoring or continue studies on campus after school hours, giving working parents reassurance that their child is in good hands,”

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS Westminster is an active and inclusive community that champions being kind, courageous, mindful and curious. “We are so fortunate here at Westminster. Our engaged and supportive community is like no other, we’re so much more than a school, and that is evidenced by the meaningful connections and lifelong networks established,” adds Principal Shepherd. With sprawling campus grounds including boarding facilities, an operating farm, indoor swimming centre, 1000 seat theatre, multiple dance studios, sporting ovals and superior sports training facilities, students have the space to learn and grow. Offering schooling from Early Learning through to Year 12, students can seamlessly transition year to year surrounded by their peers and established networks. The sense of connection will be extended even further with the opening of the school’s new Cultural Centre in early 2022.

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES As a top South Australian school, Westminster is set apart by the visionary evolution of its facilities. This includes the recent transformation of the campus heart underway with the building of a new Cultural Centre scheduled for completion in early 2022. Adjoining its renowned auditorium, the Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts, the Centre will include advanced performing arts, music and drama studios, a library with collaboration spaces, a cafe facing the playing ﬁelds and a 250-seat dining hall open to students and families.

“We want Westminster to really be a home away from home for our students and their families,” Westminster also recently opened a new Creative Arts and Digital Media Centre, which is the ﬁnal piece of its three-storey, Inquiry and Innovation Hub STEAM precinct. Further stages include a new Year 12 Centre that will commence construction later this year and an outdoor social space with its own amphitheatre.

Discover the unique qualities of Westminster with a personalised tour from Early Learning to Year 12, we welcome families to come and see just how much Westminster has to offer. Through a personalised tour we can tailor your journey, sharing the areas that matter most to the needs and interests of your child.

1 – 23 ALISON AVE MARION SA 5043 (08) 8276 0276 westminster.school

FUTURE HUB Lot Fourteen, now home to Amazon and Google, has come a long way since being an operational hospital just a couple of years ago. On the site of the former Royal Adelaide Hospital on North Terrace, there’s a big buzz around the new innovation precinct and we’re super interested to ﬁnd out more! We’re wondering whether we can visit and whether it holds the key to creating the jobs of the future for the next generation. But ﬁrst up, we want to know what an innovation

Lot Fourteen, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia. Precinct vision (indicative April 2021)

precinct is. To ﬁnd out, we chatted to Lot Fourteen’s State Project Lead Di Dixon to get the lowdown.

Attractive public spaces take their lead from their neighbour, the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

What’s an innovation precinct? South Australia is home to over a dozen curated communities dedicated to the acceleration

In fact, Di says that around 70 per cent of the total 7-hectare Lot Fourteen site will be returned to public accessible space and up

of research and business outcomes. Spread throughout our city and regional hubs, these Innovation Districts are not just about co-location but purposeful collaboration—a network of places where ideas come to life.

to 50 per cent of the site will be planted, landscaped and open,

The innovation precinct is all about building growth for SA, which will build jobs and careers for our young people in the future.

once completed.

Can we visit? Just this year, community café and bar has opened, alongside the Australian Space Discovery Centre

Di Dixon talks about the innovation precinct fast-tracking innovation, entrepreneurship, research, education, culture and tourism. “Right now, we’re bringing entrepreneurs and innovators from South Australia’s leading abilities

which was opened by Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. We recommend popping into community with the kids to enjoy hot chocolates or with friends to enjoy the bar atmosphere and amazing cocktails.

in space, defence, hi-tech and creative industries.

The Australian Space Discovery Centre is an amazing

“Growing skills in high growth industries at an exciting

and touch screens, book a free visit to learn about a

cultural destination means we’ll attract hundreds of thousands of national and international visitors

space which the kids will love. With interactive robots career in space.

annually when development is completed in 2028. “Our aim is to create a vibrant and engaging precinct

To ﬁnd out more, follow Lot Fourteen on socials and

that is open to everyone.”

visit lotfourteen.com.au

where students

Places available for Reception 2022

To book a tour and learn more please contact: Enrolments P +61 08 8372 3200 E enrol@mercedes.catholic.edu.au mercedes.catholic.edu.au 21

SPACE. THE FINAL FRONTIER…

What does your child dream of doing with their future? Are they good with their hands and think they might master a trade or passionate about making

“Not all space jobs are about becoming an astronaut,

a difference?

although that’s also an exciting one,” Dew says.

Maybe they’re entrepreneurial and you think they could work in a startup which invents a new piece of world-changing technology. Whatever their career ambitions, they can make them happen in space! If you’re keen to ﬁnd out about future opportunities for your kids, we recommend heading over to the new Australian Space Discovery Centre at Lot Fourteen on North Terrace. Your kids will have heaps of fun playing with touch screens, robots and stunning interactive displays. They will also experience Australia’s ﬁrst publicly viewable mission control centre. From moving astronauts around space stations, controlling a rover on Mars and tracking space junk, the Centre uses real-life examples to inspire South Australia’s young people while showing them Australia’s current and future role in space. Each session is an hour long and is aimed at 12 years to mid-twenties, cleverly showing young people what’s out there, in terms of careers. Australian Space Discovery Centre Manager Brenan Dew tells us everyone is welcome to enjoy and learn from the various exhibits.

There are so many STEM and career pathways, such as becoming a space lawyer, engineer or entrepreneur. With 770 Australian entities already developing spacerelated infrastructure, a range of skills is needed to support our growing space sector. The Australian Space Discovery Centre is managed by the Australian Space Agency. The Agency has an important role to inspire our next generation to consider space careers, with the centre being a signiﬁcant part of its goal to create 20,000 new jobs in the space sector by 2030. To book a free experience, search for Australian Space Discovery Centre online.

Learning through play

26 Highbury Street Prospect SA 5082 elc.blackfriars.sa.edu.au

ENROL NOW FOR 2022 & 2023

The Blackfriars Early Learning Centre where boys and girls explore, investigate and 23 discover through play.

Q&A Future jobs

Wondering what exactly the jobs of the future are? Learn about the career paths of some of the inspiring young people who are studying, working and volunteering at Lot Fourteen every day!

TOBIN

SOFIA What did you study? I studied a Bachelor of

What did you study? I studied an undergraduate

Computer Science (Advanced) (with Honours) at

in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at

the University of Adelaide.

Adelaide Uni which I graduated from as Valedictorian,

What are you currently doing? I am now

pursuing a PhD at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning where I am researching whether it is possible to land a spacecraft on a planetary surface by only using a camera as the spacecraft’s primary sensor.

What/who inspired you? When I was 7 years old,

I was diagnosed with dyslexia which made certain subjects at school extremely difﬁcult for me to do.

My Mum inspired me to be the person I was always capable of being, even if that just meant I had to work harder than everyone else for the same result.

My Mum inspired me to be the person I was always capable of being

and went on to study a Masters by Research. I’m now heading to the MIT Media Lab to study a PhD in computational social science, which broadly uses tools from the cutting edge of data science and AI to examine the world we live in.

What career do you aspire to? I generally aspire to a career varied enough that doesn’t have a single

job title, but working towards creating innovations and bringing them into the world is something that excites me. After I ﬁnish the PhD at MIT with Fulbright I want to work in a place where new things are happening and I truly hope Lot Fourteen will be that place for me.

What/who inspired to follow this career path? I credit my goals and my ambitions mostly to

the mentors in my life as I have grown into my career. It’s not some poster of Steve Jobs on my wall that made me strive for my goals but consistent advice on how to push myself to achieve dreams and create the impact on the world I want to see.

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

GEORGIA

WILL

JASON

What did you study? Self-

What are you studying?

Bachelor of Engineering

taught. I began coding in Year 7,

(Mechanical & Aerospace) with

but didn’t take it seriously until Year

for nearly three years before

a Bachelor of Mathematical and

8/9 where I built a couple of games.

transitioning into IT where I’ll

Computer Sciences.

What’s your career? I’m a

IV in Cyber Security under the

What are you studying?

What career do you aspire to? I would love to have a career

self-taught iOS developer making

as an Aerospace Engineer!

recently I’ve started at a new social

They are responsible for lots of

media startup…but that’s a little

different things like designing

secretive!

parts for spacecraft, monitoring launches or even becoming an astronaut. Currently, I am a Space Communicator at the Australian Space Discovery Centre, where I get to talk about what’s happening in our space sector and the exciting careers available.

What/who inspired to enter this career? I was inspired

apps for Apple Watches, and more

I feel so lucky to be working in a job I love already at 19 What/who inspired you?

I became inspired to build iPhone and Apple Watch apps after getting bored in school assemblies and

by local Adelaide space leaders

wanting something to pass time! It

like Flavia from Fleet Space

was great being welcomed into the

Technologies and our very own

Stone and Chalk community when

astronaut Andy Thomas. They

it opened in Lot Fourteen, Adelaide.

both have really awesome space

This was in 2019—I was just 17 years

careers, and encouraged me to

old and surrounded by an inspiring

aim for the stars!

cohort of other business founders passionate about tech. I feel so lucky to be working in a job I love already at 19, and can’t wait for

I studied Mechanical Engineering

soon be commencing a certiﬁcate SA Government Cyber Security Traineeship program.

What are you currently doing? I currently work as a

Cyber Security Trainee within the Ofﬁce for Cyber Security in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and hope to upskill to a Cyber Security Analyst over the coming years. My role sees me immersing myself within the cyber security discipline and assisting the Ofﬁce for Cyber Security in the protection of the state.

What/who inspired you to enter this career? I was inspired

to enter this career in order to have a challenging and versatile job I’m passionate about. I naturally gravitated towards cyber security due to my time spent building PCs with my Dad as a kid and increased interest with IT and security over the recent years.

what the future holds. To ﬁnd out more, follow Lot Fourteen on socials & visit lotfourteen.com.au

THE FUTURE SOUNDS GOOD AT ST PETER’S WOODLANDS GLENELG, SA

What do G Flip, Dave Grohl and Elton John have in common? They are all self taught musicians who learnt to rock out on their own terms. In classrooms around the world, music books are being banished, drums are taking over from the ﬂute, and a spirit of energy and engagement is replacing rigidity.

MUSICAL FUTURES The Musical Futures program started in the UK as a way of engaging with difﬁcult teens, and has now spread to students of all ages globally. According to Michelle Lewis, Arts Teacher at St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School in Glenelg — a Musical Futures Champion school — the success of the program starts with the simple premise that music should be fun. “As soon as we introduced the program it changed the relationship teachers, parents and most importantly students have with music at our school,” she said. “Like many schools, our teaching was pretty formal and was seen as great for extra-curricular activities like choirs and musicals, rather than a really important part of education,” Michelle said.

From drums and guitars, to musicals and music production, the internationally renowned Musical Futures program is igniting a love for music at St Peter’s Woodlands. “The Musical Futures approach to teaching music is really refreshing because it’s about trying different instruments and styles. There’s a lot of student choice and this leads to more enthusiasm and positivity.”

IT’S ONLY ROCK’N’ROLL BUT WE LIKE IT In the Musical Futures program, all music is worthy and treated equally. The program introduces a range of instruments associated with rock bands — guitars, drums and keyboards — but it also introduces singing, composition, DJ skills and production — as well as still being open to classical instruments. “Our students are digitally savvy these days. If they want to ﬁnd out something, they jump on their tablets and watch a video on YouTube. They are very competent in self-directed learning,” said Michelle. “In the same way, our lessons now are very ﬂexible. Students can try many instruments, they can work with different groups of friends and they can create the kind of music they enjoy,” she said.

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According to Head of The Arts, Mark DeLaine, while the program is great fun and motivational, there is also evidence that shows how effective music is for developing children’s brains and helping them with speech and literacy. “There’s a fantastic body of work from music educator and researcher Dr Anita Collins which shows that children from newborns to teenagers beneﬁt from learning and listening to music, that it can grow and stretch young brains,” Mark said. “You can see it in action at school, from very young children learning new words through song, right up to the older children stretching their brains to try new music, to learn new skills and collaborate in different ways.” As an International Baccalaureate World School the Musical Futures program sits brilliantly within the IB PYP inquiry approach to learning.

A MUSICAL REVOLUTION IN THE MAKING As one of just a few Musical Futures Champion Schools in South Australia, both Michelle and Mark have been astonished by the results at St Peter’s Woodlands. “Last year we had 173 students in the junior school musical which we offer for students in Reception to Year 3. It meant one in three students took part. It was slightly crazy, but so encouraging to see how much the students are enjoying music!” Mark said. “This year we’ve had 72 students audition for the 19 main roles in the senior musical. We have more than 80 of our youngest students take part in Junior Glee every week, and our Year 7 cohort write, compose and perform their own graduation song.

RECEPTION 2023 ENROL NOW Limited places available

Book a personal tour or ﬁnd out more info: Jo Gray, Enrolments Manager enrol@spw.sa.edu.au

“High schools are also giving us feedback that our old scholars are leading the way in the area of music. Making music more engaging has paid off.” What has been a surprise to both Mark and Michelle is that the popularity of rock instruments and musicals has not been at the expense of more classical instruments. “We still have lots of students learning piano, violin, ﬂute. They take part in their individual tutoring, and can bring those skills to the music lessons. Those students are used as experts, leading class workshops, while still beneﬁting from trying new things with their friends,” Mark said.

TEACHING THE TEACHERS TO BE TEN AGAIN The success of the Musical Futures program at St Peter’s Woodlands is regularly shared with other schools around the state. Recently twenty teachers took part in a workshop run by Michelle to impart her knowledge and passion for the program. “The program isn’t just fun for students, it’s really vibrant and exciting for teachers too, and that’s the way the program is taught. It’s about being ten all over again and grabbing a guitar and having a go,” Michelle said. “Seeing the teachers let go of their rigid musical upbringing and get back to the pure joy of music is brilliant!”

39 PARTRIDGE ST GLENELG (08) 8295 4317 spw.sa.edu.au

Choosing the right school for your child BY Madhavi Nawana Parker

Choosing a school for your child is a personal decision and it’s no wonder parents often worry about it. Which school is best for your child? That’s the Golden question. If I could know for certain which school is best for your family, I would tell you in a heartbeat. I’ve visited hundreds of schools and have thoroughly enjoyed and marvelled at them all, for their own unique reasons. From regional to suburban and city schools, from single sex to co-ed. From public to private, I’ve visited and worked in all these variations. I have my own experiences as a parent, raising three children too. What a privilege if you get to choose in the ﬁrst place. Choice is a luxury, that’s for sure. Here are some approaches you might like to consider to help make that big decision.

Make a list of what you want and need. Start with a list of wants and needs. Wants are not necessities, they are wish list items. You can live without wants and having them is a bonus. A needs

Make a list of what you don’t want or need. Knowing what you don’t want is as important as what you do. This will likely relate back to your personal and family values. Are there aspects to a school you couldn’t tolerate?

Work out your child’s strengths, needs, interests and personality style. Identify schools that are most likely to support and extend these (or at least not squash them). Most schools have a values statement or prospectus. Listen to your gut as you read and compare them. What gives you a good enough feeling to take a visit? If your child could choose, which school do you think they would pick? When it comes to high school, if choice is an option, try and let them tour the options you’re comfortable with and allow their input in the decision making process (if they have the psychological maturity to do that).

nurtured, affordability if you’re going private,

Look at how the school is teaching wellbeing and social skills.

convenience so you know you can get them there day

Schools do this in their own way to match the values

list is more important. This relates to values you want

in day out for a very long time (without burning out), the size of the school and the school’s ability to meet children’s diverse social and learning needs.

and programs that suit their philosophies. Take time to ﬁnd out how they teach wellbeing, life skills, social skills and citizenship skills. Does what they’re providing match your values?

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

Would you and your family feel welcome?

with students and their individual needs. Be sure

Again, there is no way to know this for sure

what feels best for you and your child.

because you’re not at the school yet. All schools have diverse personalities and backgrounds (and that’s a good thing). How did you feel on the tour? Did it feel warm? Did staff and student warmth seem to match your family’s level of warmth? Would your child be

to tour and get a feel for both options and choose

Public or Private? Both have strengths. Some children are more suited to public schools while others are more suited to private.

comfortable in the uniform and with the culture?

I don’t believe either are superior or inferior – but do

How is pro social behaviour supported and antisocial behaviour managed?

order to thrive and bring out the best in them. Tune

Read the behaviour and bullying policies. Does the school’s approach match your personal beliefs around how to best support students to be their best?

Ask childcare, preschool and school teachers and educators for their opinion on what might be a best ﬁt. They spend all day with your child and have a good understanding of your child’s personality and learning style in context of an education.

Which school cultures, academic intentions and extracurricular offerings matter most to you? Schools have unique cultures and teaching philosophies. Some schools prioritise religion and faith, others promote creativity and the arts, some are all about academics. Most schools aim for a balance and you will ﬁnd those too. Are study pathways your child might follow available? (SACE, International Baccalaureate (IB), Vocational and Educational Training (VET). How about languages, elective subjects and the number of subjects available in the senior years? Do they suit your child’s interests? Does the school offer extension, acceleration or extra learning support?

Single-sex or co-educational? There’s not enough conclusive evidence about one being better (or worse) than the other, so this comes down to personal choice. What research shows matters most is the school’s values, leadership, teaching philosophies and willingness to connect

believe some children suit one more than the other in into your gut feeling (as long as it’s not anxiety based on what the Jones’s are doing).

Take a few tours. Now bear in mind, it’s hard to tell a huge amount about how your child will be at a school based on the tour, because your child won’t have gone there as an actual real-life student yet. Use tours as an opportunity to gather information, ask questions, see whether what’s reﬂected on the website is mirrored in real life. Students often lead these tours with staff, so ask them what they like about their school. Try not to get swept away by the architecture and interior design. You’re choosing a school, not buying a house.

Be confident in your ability to make this decision. You are your child’s parent. You know them best. While this feels like a stressful decision (and it can be) remember, schools are run by trained professionals who want to teach and guide your child. They will do it in their own unique way. Once you decide what school suits your family best, show your child you have confidence in your decision. Throughout their schooling listen, observe and stay connected. If you need a re-route along the way, that’s okay too. It happens. Madhavi Nawana Parker, Director of Positive Minds Australia is a widely published author of resilience, wellbeing, confidence and social emotional intelligence books, articles and programs. Madhavi has worked with children, teenagers, families and schools for over twenty years, following University studies in Psychology and Counselling. positivemindsaustralia.com.au

A NEW CONCEPT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE

PROVIDING INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION SA Montessori is incredibly proud to announce an innovative and inspiring new partnership with ECH, one of the largest integrated providers of retirement village accommodation in South Australia.

CONNECT, LEARN AND GROW Together we are building a pioneering project that will place early learning and retirement residences side-by-side. The two services will not only be co-located on the same plot of land, but will be deeply integrated through a range of opportunities that will facilitate consistent, authentic and ongoing intergenerational interaction. Children and elders will not only share land, but will share their lives with one another as they connect, learn and grow.

Intergenerational engagement is the most natural, healthy and holistic way for a community to thrive.

The children attending Echoes Montessori Early Learning Centre will engage in their regular Montessori learning and care programs within their safe and secure centre. They will be further enriched by the inclusion of contact with their older friends as they come together for shared activities on a regular basis both within their centre and amongst the many shared spaces of the community such as the gardens, library, art room and multi-purpose hall. The children will be given opportunities to safely interact and learn alongside older residents who choose to share their wisdom and life skills with their younger ‘apprentices’.

Gardening, art, dance, yoga, woodworking, music, pottery, sewing, cooking, reading and simple companionship, are some of the planned activities to be included in the daily programs. Intergenerational engagement is the most natural, healthy and holistic way for a community to thrive. Research from around the world highlights the positive outcomes for children and adults alike when generations come together.

Friends for life For the past three decades, SA Montessori has been bringing exceptional early learning experiences to the children of Adelaide and supporting families with the process of parenting. We continue to embrace the privilege of our role in the lives of children, but we are also evolving to create a connection to our elders as well. Connection and communication are human tendencies important to us all, and there is no better way to achieve this than for generations to spend time together.

85 SMART ROAD MODBURY OPENING JANUARY 2022 samontessori.com.au

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What do you want to be when you

GROW UP? Preparing kids for the NEXT GENERATION of work Have you ever asked your child or another young person the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? The workforce is evolving quickly, and there’s every chance their response may be a position you’ve never heard of before! Make sure you’re not out of touch when it comes to the next generation—here are FIVE pieces of career advice to impart:

You don’t have to be an astronaut to work in space.

There’s plenty of opportunity in Australia’s growing space sector, which will rely on top-notch machinists, engineers, scientists and other professionals to reach new heights. For instance, did you know that SPACE LAWYER is a real job? Space lawyers provide advice to ensure compliance with international laws and treaties.

This is the age of cyber.

If you think of ‘phishing’ as a recreational activity, or that Python is just a type of snake—think again. Each

Our creative industries just got hi-tech.

Creative minds and talents are highly valued in all sectors, and there are especially exciting careers to be had in app and games development, ﬁlm production, virtual and augmented reality, and live events.

Healthcare heroes wanted.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the value of skilled doctors, nurses and carers and new ways of delivering critical health services. There’s also heaps of potential to make a real impact in the medical research sector, discovering solutions to current health problems and delivering them to the people most in need. Did you know that South Australia is home to some of the highest ranked medical researchers in the world?

There’s more than one way to kick career goals.

Employers have always advocated for the value of workplace experience, and our education sector has now caught up. Training options include ﬂexible short courses, apprenticeships and traineeships, and industry-aligned university study.

revolutionary wave of technology brings new security challenges, requiring a highly skilled workforce of

To learn more about supporting a conversation with

cyber experts. Could your child be one of them?

someone on their career, visit: skills.sa.gov.au

GETTING “BRAINY” ABOUT CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT BY A/Professor Lyndsey Collins-Praino

Lyndsey Collins-Praino is mum to Alexander and a neuroscientist at the University of Adelaide. Her research explores cognitive change throughout the lifespan.

GROWTH OF CONNECTIONS BETWEEN BRAIN CELLS By the time we are born, most of our brain cells, called neurons, have already migrated to the location that they will occupy in adulthood. Despite this, the size

We’ve all had that moment. You hold up your darling little bubba, look deeply into their eyes and think, “What the heck is going on in there?!?” What’s happening in the brains of our children can sometimes feel like a complete puzzle. Luckily, neuroscience is here to shed some light on the mystery! 32

of our brain at birth is only about 25% of its adult size, with our brain volume increasing fourfold between birth and adulthood. Understanding what leads to this growth is key for understanding the signiﬁcant changes that we see in sensory perception, motor abilities, and cognitive function as our children grow. Most of this growth occurs as our brain cells connect with one another, a process known as synaptogenesis. This happens at different rates in different brain

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag areas. For example, areas that are important for sensory functions, like vision and hearing, form these connections, or synapses, quite early on, with a rapid burst of synapse formation around 3 – 4 months, reaching ~150% of adult levels by between 4 and 12 months after birth. This is associated with the signiﬁcant improvements that occur in sensory perception throughout a child’s ﬁrst year of life. A similar process also occurs early within parts of the

...CONNECTIONS BETWEEN OUR BRAIN CELLS CAN BE SHAPED BY OUR ENVIRONMENT AND THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE HAVE, A CONCEPT KNOWN AS NEUROPLASTICITY

brain critical for motor function, which parallels the improvements in gross and ﬁne motor skills that occur in early childhood.

WHAT IS NEUROPLASTICITY?

In contrast, other brain areas connect much more

So how does the brain “decide” which connections

slowly. In particular, the prefrontal cortex, a part of the

to maintain and which to eliminate? It appears to

brain critical for judgment, planning and reasoning,

be critically dependent on the amount and timing of

doesn’t reach peak synaptogenesis until well after

activity at the synapse. Another way to think about this

the ﬁrst year of life. It’s thought that this slow process

is “use it or lose it” connections that are activated are

of connectivity is important for the development

reinforced and maintained, while those that are not

of complex cognitive functions. It may also help to

grow weaker and are eventually ﬂagged for pruning.

explain why it’s so difﬁcult to convince your teenager

This is exciting, as it means that the connections

to not make hasty decisions. In fact, studies suggest

between our brain cells can be shaped by our

that the prefrontal cortex isn’t fully mature until our

environment and the experiences that we have,

20s (with some neuroscientists speculating that it

a concept known as neuroplasticity.

might be even later!). One powerful example of this is language. Very young infants respond to phonemes, the building blocks

PRUNING AWAY OF CONNECTIONS BETWEEN BRAIN CELLS

of language, from all languages. By 6-months of

If you ask a gardener, they will tell you that pruning is

longer respond to phonemes from languages that

key for removing damaged or weaker plants, in order to allow those that remain behind to function more effectively. Interestingly, the same process occurs in the brain. Synapses, or connections between brain cells, are originally over-produced, reaching peak density around 5 years of age. Following this initial

age, however, they show a preference for phonemes from their own language, and, by 12-months, they no are not their own. By approximately 7 – 8 years of age, children lose the ability to learn and produce the sounds of another language at the same level as a native speaker. Instead, individuals who learn another language after this age will usually retain their original accent when speaking.

over-production, certain connections are slowly pruned away. This also occurs at different rates in different brain regions. For example, the number of synapses in the parts of the brain important for

WHY EARLY YEARS EXPERIENCES MATTER

sensory functions is reduced to adult levels between 2– 4 years of age. In contrast, reduction of connections

Given the timing of synaptic formation and pruning,

in the prefrontal cortex doesn’t reach adult levels until

it helps to explain why having rich and diverse

between 10– 20 years! This pruning away of extraneous

experiences in the early years is so critically important.

synapses helps the brain to eliminate connections that

What happens to our children during this period can

aren’t useful and subsequently ﬁne-tune its function.

have a signiﬁcant impact, laying the groundwork that

But why bother? Isn’t it inefﬁcient for the brain to

shapes their brain activity for decades to come! So next

create so many extra connections, just to later remove

time you look into your little one’s eyes and wonder

them? Neuroscientists think that this helps to make

what is going on in their head, remember that the

brain circuits more robust and efﬁcient.

answer is A LOT!

MONTESSORI MAKES SENSE! The Hills Montessori School has been operating in the Adelaide Hills for over forty years, fostering the curiosity of children in their educational programs. It offers an education based on the Montessori philosophy of respect for self, others and the environment, by fostering a love of learning and commitment to community. Principal Cathy France said: “Montessori classrooms are divided into multi-age groupings, allowing students to stay with one class and one teacher for a 2 to 3-year cycle. The multi-age classroom is fundamental to the Montessori method as it allows opportunities for leadership, true peer group learning, diversity and stability for both students and teachers as they have a chance to get to know each over an extended period.” The Wairoa campus in Stirling, caters for middle school students in its Adolescent Program, Years 7 to Year 9. The Yultiwirra campus in Aldgate provides education from birth up to 12 years of age. It comprises an early learning Infant Program from ages 0 to 3 years; Preschool from ages 3 to 5 years; and primary programs from Reception to Year 6. The Reception program is unique and ﬂexible in that it has an intake of students each term throughout the year so children can begin their school journey when they are developmentally ready. Of particular interest is The Hills Montessori Preschool, designed for families who are looking for an environment that will give their child a quality start to their learning in a nurturing environment. The Preschool curriculum has an emphasis on early literacy and numeracy skills, as well as experiences in geography, history, biology, art and physical education. The preschools ‘practical life curriculum’ helps children develop concentration and independence in activities such as food preparation, cleaning and looking after the natural world.

‘practical life curriculum’ helps children develop concentration and independence

Preschool students have access to a beautifully renovated outdoor bush play area with places to climb and explore including the hand-crafted stone walled sandpit, water course and water pump. For a quieter time children can enjoy calming nooks and peaceful seating areas or meander through the native gardens, play chefs in the mud kitchen or retreat to the teepee cubby area. OPEN DAYS are an excellent way to get to know students and parents already involved with the school as well as meet the teachers and heads of school, Principal Cathy France and Assistant Principal Susan Harris Evans. For details regarding Open Days visit montessori.sa.edu.au COME AND TRY SESSIONS are available across the Infant Program, Preschool and Primary school

YULTIWIRRA CAMPUS 12 ANDERSON ROAD, ALDGATE WAIROA CAMPUS 142 MT BARKER ROAD, STIRLING (08) 8339 6842

enquiries@montessori.sa.edu.au montessori.sa.edu.au

EDUCATE feature

Supporting SA Teachers to support Students learn vital skills for successful futures Commissioner for Children and Young People has created a range of resources designed to support teachers working within South Australia’s schools education system.

Check out the Commissioner’s suite of FREE customised Education Resources for South Australian school students, downloadable from the following websites:

Skills in computational, design and systems thinking for students of all ages

Action civics and citizenship via a student driven project

Primary school children sharing what matters to them most

commissionersdigitalchallenge.net.au

ychange.com.au

postcardsproject.com.au

The resources have been developed in consultation

All are offered annually and FREE. Each has a dedicated

with South Australian children and young people

website providing full details of what’s on offer with easy

who told the Commissioner they wanted to learn

access to registration and resource pack downloads.

more about digital skills, citizenship and to have more of a voice. Curriculum aligned, interactive, and containing links to quality curated extended learning content, the resources are suited to primary and secondary school aged children.

Students and Schools have a chance to earn rewards and attain certificates upon completion of various activities and challenges. There are also opportunities for Students’ work to be showcased on both online and through gallery exhibitions such as MOD. and the Australian Space Agency. 35

MONTESSORI FEELS LIKE HOME. Placing your child into the care of someone else, in an environment other than your home, is an act of enormous importance that hinges entirely upon trust. You have to trust the people caring for your child, trust that the setting is safe, trust that your child will be nurtured and inspired. So, what does a parent do if they can’t ﬁnd a place they trust? In Barbara Langford’s case, the answer was to create one herself.

Back in 1989 Barbara was a young mother with a two-year-old daughter. She simply couldn’t find a preschool setting that reflected her family values and offered the level of education and care that she felt her daughter – like all children – truly deserved. Barbara had already started investigating the Montessori method of education after coming across a book that described an approach to teaching that she felt aligned with her parenting philosophy. Barbara, previously a Dental Hygienist, completed a training course in Montessori Education and then “with stardust in her eyes” and a great deal of support from her husband Stephen, she began the journey to establish Jescott Montessori Pre-school. “There were many unexpected challenges along the way. In hindsight, I’m glad I wasn’t armed with all of the knowledge up front, or I might never have been brave enough to complete this journey. I just followed my instincts and learned an incredible amount each time I had to overcome an obstacle put in front of me.” CEO Barbra with daughter Jessica Langford

Jescott Montessori opened with 8 children attending, including Barbara’s daughter Jessica. Twenty years later, Jessica joined her Mum as a colleague and business partner having completed her Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood, a Montessori Diploma and a Diploma in Positive Psychology. The success of Jescott Montessori planted the seed that grew over three decades to become the ﬂourishing family tree of seven early learning centres that make up SA Montessori today. Each of the SA Montessori centres retains the core value of respect and belief in children’s innate abilities. “Serendipity has played a big part in the expansion of our centres. Opportunity has come our way many times when we weren’t actively looking for it. We were approached to establish centres at Westminster School, Loreto College, Walford School for Girls, St Spyridon College and St. Aloysius College. What higher endorsement could we have gained than to be trusted to run the ELC’s for these prestigious schools?” Along the way, Barbara Nache, Adriana Francescangeli, and Pam Francescangeli joined Barbara and Jessica as co-partners in the establishment of some of the SA Montessori centres. Together these ladies have formed an exceptional friendship that keeps the spirit of family alive as a reminder of the true beginnings of SA Montessori, when a young parent simply wanted to trust that her child would be cared for and inspired the way she deserved. CEDARS MONTESSORI UNLEY CHANCERY LANE MONTESSORI ADELAIDE CBD JESCOTT MONTESSORI MAGILL LILLIPUT VILLAGE MONTESSORI MAYLANDS LITTLE OXFORD MONTESSORI UNLEY ROSEMONT HOUSE MONTESSORI NORWOOD ECHOES MONTESSORI MODBURY samontessori.com.au

EDUCATE feature

School Tours! Saturday

Give your daughter a head start.

change maker

14 August 10:00am Tuesday 17 August 9:30am

standrews.tours Where St Andrew’s School 22 Smith Street, Walkerville.

standrews.sa.edu.au

Bright Futures

Enquire now for 2022 and beyond Empowering young women from Reception to Year 12 for over 150 years. To book a tour or join our playgroup contact us at St Mary’s College Adelaide

Begin.

ENROL NOW FOR TRANSITION,

RECEPTION, YEAR 5 & YEAR 7

FOR GIRLS WHO LOVE TO LEARN

St Dominic’s girls are inspired to be engaged students who grow to be young women, confident in their future. Supported by highly-skilled, professional and positive teachers, our community encourages girls to be leaders and risk takers, who strive for excellence in their learning.

BOOK A TOUR TODAY

To find out more about what our College has to offer Call us today on 08 8331 5100 or visit stdominics.sa.edu.au 139 Molesworth Street, North Adelaide SA, 5006

BDA 37

KUMON:

A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE As the largest after-school learning programme in the world, Kumon is more than just tutoring. It’s a partnership between parent, student and Kumon Instructor to fully pursue each child’s individual potential and develop his or her ability to the maximum. Students progress independently at their own pace, with Kumon helping develop their conﬁdence, a daily study habit and a high level of mathematics and reading ability.

CONFIDENCE FROM THE START To develop conﬁdence, children start with worksheets that are easy for them. So easy, they can complete a high volume of worksheets, achieving near perfect scores, with speed and concentration. Conﬁdent they can do the worksheets on their own, children will be enthusiastic to do more. Their concentration will expand and a daily study habit will form.

EVERY CHILD PROGRESSES AT THEIR OWN PACE

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Children are given the opportunity to practise a topic a number of times when needed, helping them to decrease the number of errors, reduce completion time, review an earlier topic, or consolidate something new before they move on. The right amount of practice and a daily study habit – ideally no more than 30 minutes per subject per day – prepares children for higher levels and lays the foundation for smooth progress.

The Kumon method aims to foster sound, capable individuals who are able to independently carve out a path for themselves in life.

In Kumon, students study at the level most appropriate for them, irrespective of age or school year. As they progress, Instructors ensure that students always study worksheets at their ‘just-right’ level – the spot between study material that is too easy and too difﬁcult. Children who need to build on more basic concepts are supported and those who can be challenged by more complex work are extended.

CREATING A DAILY STUDY HABIT

With Kumon’s Free Trial, your child can experience an individualised Mathematics or English programme over two weeks, for free. Register with your local Kumon Centre now.

DEVELOPING SELF-LEARNERS

The primary strength of the Kumon Method is, above all, advancing beyond school grade level. The programmes are not only for improving students’ performance in their maths, native, and foreign language classes. Rather, by experiencing and learning how to self-learn through their study of those subjects, children are able to cultivate the ability to independently learn without always needing to be taught. Equipped with this skill, children can pursue their own potential at school and in life with no limitations, by developing a mindset that no problem is too difﬁcult to attempt.

au.kumonglobal.com

Want your child to feel truly ready for school?

Enrol now for Kindergarten 2022 Goodstart Early Learning combines the flexibility of a long day environment with a structured play-based Kindergarten program. Our highly qualified Kindergarten Teachers support children to develop the language, literacy, early maths and social and emotional skills they need to start school ready to learn! Plus, our families benefit from the convenience of a fiveday-a-week Kindergarten program delivered across the whole day. Taking the pressure off drop-offs and pick-ups, and the need for any additional ‘child care’. With more than 50 centres across South Australia, there’s a centre near you!

Secure your spot today! 1800 222 543 goodstart sa

Learning and Belonging

Strong literacy and numeracy programs which stretch and challenge our learners Welcoming community where every child matters Opportunities for learners to thrive across the broad curriculum including through Languages, Performing Arts, Sport, Religious Education and STEM Natural play spaces with room to kick a ball We can't wait to meet you! raph.catholic.edu.au info@raph.catholic.edu.au 8272 2368 114 Glen Osmond Rd PARKSIDE

A CENTURY OF INNER CITY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION With a history spanning back to 1908, Grey Ward Children’s Centre has been educating and caring for South Australian children for well over a century, as the second Kindergarten ever to be established in Adelaide and still going strong today.

“My two girls grew up at Grey Ward. They had the most caring, fun, professional and knowledgeable educators from the Baby Room to Kindy – this is why we stayed for the Kindergarten program. The curriculum is outstanding” HOLLY, MOTHER OF TWO

The integrated community children’s centre was originally developed in the image of early childhood educator and educational theorist Lillian de Lissa who began training teachers from humble beginnings in a cottage in Franklin Street in 1907.

GREY WARD CHILDREN’S CENTRE is a long day care and integrated service which caters for families with children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age, located in the Adelaide CBD.

The rich history behind Grey Ward Children’s Centre has paved the way for a strong reputation steeped in community values and quality learning.

NATURAL OUTDOOR PLAYSPACE Today’s Grey Ward Children’s Centre is made up of families working in the Adelaide CBD and the children of the Grey Ward community go on to attend schools all over Adelaide.

the educators to build their skills and conﬁdence in planning and implementing fun and engaging sessions with the children.

With its inner city location, Grey Ward offers an expansive, beautiful and intentional outdoor space which speaks to the Centre’s philosophy of child initiated, inquiry-based play and learning.

The Centre also boasts a strong Numeracy and Literacy focus, incorporated through play experiences and by providing provocations to stimulate curiosity, thoughts, ideas and actions.

LEARNING TOGETHER, EVERY DAY The ideas for the educational program come from your child, with Grey Ward Early Childhood Educators closely observing and listening to your child’s interests and needs to determine the direction of their individual learning plan. The team at Grey Ward Children’s Centre incorporate Music and Movement into the daily routine, with a music teacher mentoring

BELONGING, BEING AND BECOMING Grey Ward Children’s Centre provides long day care across four rooms; babies, nursery, junior kindy and kindy and also boasts an integrated Department for Education Preschool Program with dedicated Early Childhood teachers. The team at Grey Ward Children’s Centre highly values the input and inclusion of the family community and actively work towards maintaining small group sizes to enhance children’s well-being and ability to form successful relationships. GREY WARD CHILDREN’S CENTRE

253 WRIGHT STREET ADELAIDE SA 5000 (08) 8231 9195

essential outdoor play

EDUCATE feature

greywardcc.sa.edu.au

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

NATURE PLAY SA’S TOP TIPS FOR ENGAGING CHILDREN IN NATURE Schedule time to help make it a priority Remember that play should be a sensory activity – getting dirty is a good thing! Encourage free and independent play

NATURE PLAY THE NEW BUZZ WORD! BY Sarah Sutter, CE Nature Play SA IMAGES Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

The words “nature play” are undoubtedly becoming a buzzword in the SA community. We’re hearing more and more about the importance of nature play for children because we know they are spending less time outside than ever before. Our children’s lives have hectic schedules, structured activities, rules, regulations, and constantly evolving technology. The concept of nature play is for children to have the opportunity to play freely in natural environments. Play in nature provides endless possibilities for them

Make visiting natural spaces a regular thing (National Parks, beaches, and other wild places) Role model nurturing values and behaviours towards nature.

As a society, we now realise that we need to make positive changes for our children. Part of this shift is bringing nature back into their lives. We see this happening with the increasing number of nature play spaces in schools and local councils and parents’ understanding of the importance of outdoor play. In addition, more and more research is validating the beneﬁts of children spending time with nature. Every time we give our children an opportunity to access nature, we’re improving their physical and emotional wellbeing. Importantly, we are also building our connections with each other.

to learn, grow, engage their full senses, develop gross motor skills, take risks, regulate emotions, and use their imagination.

For more information natureplaysa.org.au

BACKYARD CRITTERS Discovering a world of wonder

NATURE PLAY SA

WORDS & IMAGES BY Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

Backyard critters feature in many children’s books such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Stories from Bug Garden and Bee. They’re familiar, friendly and accessible in story, and just as fascinating and educational in real life. Backyard critters aren’t everybody’s cup of tea. In fact, they’re easy to label ‘dangerous’ or avoid simply because it feels like a lot of effort to learn about them, especially if you’re not overly enthusiastic about ‘creepy crawlies’. But it’s important to look beyond any ick-factor and consider the important role they have to play in encouraging children to explore their curiosity, develop empathy towards living creatures and discover basic scientific concepts, such as lifecycles and pollination. Whether it’s giggling at the tickly legs of a slater, feeling the stickiness of a worm or quietly watching a bee pollinate a flower, the benefits for children’s sensory and emotional development are innumerable, making backyard critters a worthwhile investment in your time – and your family’s.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR BACKYARD CRITTERS Native bees

Most native bees nest alone, don’t have hives and don’t make honey. In fact, many like to live in bare soil. They’re important for your garden, your veggie patch and the environment, pollinating native plants that in turn support other forms of life. Common native bees include the Blue-banded Bee, Leafcutter Bee, Carpenter Bee, Masked Bee and Resin Bee.

Butterﬂies

What is more fascinating than a caterpillar spinning itself into a chrysalis and emerging as a butterfly? Your little ones may also be interested to know that butterflies taste with their feet, only lay eggs on the plants they know their caterpillars will eat and they pollinate flowers. Common backyard butterflies include the Lesser Wander and Painted Lady.

Ladybirds

Ladybirds are easily recognisable by their colour and spots. In your garden, they help to control aphids – tiny insects that can damage fruit trees, veggies and

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

Tips for ATTRACTING backyard critters 1.

Plant colourful ﬂowers that bloom in different seasons (chat to your local hardware store or plant nursery for ideas)

Introduce some movable logs and rocks to peek under

Start a veggie patch or herb garden

Grow stone fruit and citrus trees

Research, make and install a native bee hotel

Install a bird bath or water source

Avoid using chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides

NATURE PLAY SA

Tips for OBSERVING backyard critters

other plants. Ladybirds are particularly attracted to coriander, dill and carrot ﬂowers, so planting some when you encounter aphids may help. Common

Initiate a ‘no-touching-spiders’ agreement (without expressing fear or dislike – being kind to all creatures can help to build empathy)

Slaters

and are often referred to as ‘roley poleys’, referring

Agree not to touch something if you don’t know what it is (ﬁnd out ﬁrst)

Have an identiﬁcation book handy such as Greater Wildlife of Adelaide to help build your conﬁdence

Start with slaters, worms and ladybirds – they’re generally safe to handle as a beginner

Remember to wash your hands after handling critters (and note you don’t have to handle them, peeking under logs can be just as fun and beneﬁcial)

Encourage your little ones with equipment

Ladybirds include the Transverse Ladybird, Common Spotted Ladybird and 28-Spotted Ladybird.

Slaters can be found under almost every log or rock to their ability to roll into a ball, particularly when disturbed. If your little ones look closely they will be able to count 14 segments on a slaters body. Interestingly, they’re classiﬁed as a crustacean, making them a relative of crabs and yabbies.

Worms and beetle grubs

Digging in soil has a range of health and sensory beneﬁts for children, one of which is the opportunity to discover worms or white beetle grubs. Not only do they keep your garden healthy, they also offer children a chance to take a closer look at soil dwelling critters. Some of the beetle grubs you ﬁnd may belong to the Christmas Beetle – another critter commonly spotted in the summer months.

such as a magnifying glass or camera

* Bee hotels, magnifying glasses and a range of children’s book featuring critters are available from our shop. For more information and ways to Nature Play with your child, head to: natureplaysa.org.au

EVERY CHILD IS ALIVE WITH CURIOSITY AND WONDER Alive Catholic Early Learning Centres offer a unique, holistic approach to early learning with an emphasis on child-centred education from 6 months to 5 years. Alive believes in nurturing the development and growth of the whole child including their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cognitive needs, and celebrate that all of these areas are equally important as a child grows.

EVERY CHILD IS A UNIQUE LEARNER At each Alive Early Learning Centre, educators take the time to learn about the uniqueness of each child, encompassing their curiosities and capabilities. This commitment to understanding each early learner is guided by the relationship formed with the child and their family. Communication is of the utmost importance during this ongoing process. The quality of these relationships, together with the team’s expertise in Early Childhood Education means that each child engages in a learning program that is designed for them, and incorporates their unique strengths, and how they learn best.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EARLY YEARS The early years of a child’s life is a critical time for brain development, which is why Alive Early Learning Centre educational programs start at 6 months. The curriculum is designed to actively support children to make connections with others and the world around them. During these critical years, what a child learns and who they learn from inﬂuences their growth and how they see themselves as a learner; someone who is capable and valued. Alive Early Learning see it as a privilege to inﬂuence this time in a child’s learning. They are conscious that all educators understand the critical nature of a child’s development as well as deeply respect and seek meaningful relationships with families.

What parents say about Alive Early Learning Centres:

“Our child is the priority” ZOE GOLDRICK

“Each child is important, they aren’t only a number. They listen to what we want, and achieve it for us” EBONY CHANAN

BE PART OF A SCHOOL COMMUNITY Each Early Learning Centre in the Alive community is co-located with a Catholic school, allowing children to reap the beneﬁts in their learning experiences of being part of a school community. This ongoing connection ensures a very smooth transition to school and the next step in a child’s learning is one they very much look forward to. As all of the leaders at Alive have school teaching experience, they know what needs to be included in your child’s learning so that they are actively supported for starting school. Alive in collaboration with Catholic Education offer families a learning pathway for their children from 6 months through to Year 12. HOVE MOUNT BARKER PARAFIELD GARDENS (08) 8353 9900 alivecatholic.org.au

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Centre Tours Book now via alivecatholic.org.au

Tuesday 17 August @ 10am and 5pm Saturday 18 September @ 10am Alive Parafield Gardens

Co-located with Holy Family Catholic School | 71 Shepherdson Road Parafield Gardens SA 5107

8283 8200

Wednesday 25 August @ 10am and 6pm Alive Mount Barker

Co-located with St Francis de Sales College | 8 Dutton Road Mount Barker SA 5251

8188 8700

Thursday 9 September @ 5.45pm Alive Hove

Co-located with McAuley Community School | 51A King George Avenue Hove SA 5048

where futures begin

8198 3200

BEST ON GROUND

THE QUALITY OF EXPERIENCES AND PEOPLE WHO SURROUND YOUR CHILDREN WILL IMPACT ON THEIR LIVES AND GIVE THEM MORE JOY OR DIRECTION THAN ANY NUMBER OF JUNIOR TROPHIES

BY Jenny Williams Dip T B.Ed Grad Dip Psych, B.BSc. MPsych (Organisational)

Another day of being a sports driver. Be it practice or games, Mums, Dads and caregivers all over the country spend much of their free time transporting their children to sporting grounds. Their children’s experience of sport/dance can range from fun and great learning, through to anxiety, boredom

lives and give them more joy or direction than any number of junior trophies. My name is Jenny Williams and I would like to offer a unique perspective on childrens’ sporting experience coming from a background of being daughter of a champion (Dad’s name is on a stand at Adelaide Oval),

or even bursts of anger.

an elite athlete myself (SA Sports Hall of Fame), a

This article is a challenge to parents. To make you

coaching juniors, a PE teacher of 35 years and now

aware that the quality of experiences and people who surround your children will impact on their

30 year career of elite coaching adults, even longer a Performance and Organisational Psychologist.

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

THE IMPORTANCE OF WINNING

POST-GAME FEEDBACK

If sport is always about the child’s improvement or

Parents who are not experts (many hours of playing/

friendship, then children would still be playing as

coaching with good feedback) are given instructions

young adults but somehow the importance of keeping

that they can only give their child one or two pieces

score, winning and our own adult egos can get in the

of information after a game. If their child is to be

way. We produce a few champions but many, many

a champion, it isn’t parental drive that will make it

more drop-out never experiencing a lifetime of joy

happen but rather the child themselves. We often

from teams, friendships and movement.

laugh that not giving an hour of instruction on the drive home is hard on some parents but believe me

There are so many aspects to developing amazing,

it makes life so much easier for the child. If a coach

resilient, driven young athletes but most attention

always sits the child on the bench or is negative and

is given to technical or physical training. Psychological

critical, we have conversations about changing teams

and social training tends to be what you luck into or

and if there are mean girls or bullies dominating the

out of. Very little time is given – other than perhaps

group then we look at how to cope in the short term

goal setting and team development days – which

and then move to a new group.

are often taken by non-experts. Challenges under a psychologically safe background In helping my athletes of all ages, I use a Hoberman

really help build resilience and should be encouraged

sphere to outline the STAR they would like to be.

but brutal feedback or negativity in an atmosphere

This star can be expanded to be huge or be pushed

that lacks CARE will damage fragile conﬁdence

together to indicate feeling very, very small.

and self worth.

At the centre of the STAR is a mass that is labelled

In my years as a PE teacher or coach of juniors,

CARE. Care about others, care about yourself and

I would hope that in every session the following

care about the RESULT. To be a larger star and a happy

four aspects were part of every session.

healthy individual, each of these aspects must be part of our everyday experience. As a junior, the care for themselves (in terms of development) and care for others should be of paramount importance over the RESULT in most cases. If you want to set many children on a path to depression, make all of the experiences about them

1. 2. 3. 4.

FUN (it makes hard work feel easier) RAISE the heart rate to get a ﬁtness beneﬁt LEARN and practise something new CONNECT with others, say please, thank you

SUCCEED BY MAKING EACH OTHER BETTER

or expect perfection at games and life. My life has been blessed and as an elite athlete I won 41 out of 45 League, National and International Finals.

IF WE ALSO MAKE THE RESULT SO IMPORTANT WITHOUT TEACHING HOW TO REGULATE EMOTION, THEN WE ARE FACILITATING ANGER AS A RESPONSE TO LOSING.

I have many trophies but as I tell my athletes... they never ring, call or send me birthday messages. What adorns my walls and is a major part of my sporting highlight tape are the pictures of my teammates and our lives together. We won because we cared not only about the RESULT but because by making each other better and genuinely caring about each other’s lives, we loved the hard work and training.

I will also mention that as an elite coach although

My quest as I age is to fast track those I teach.

the RESULT is my ultimate aim, WINNING is much more likely if I have spent my time CARING about my

Jenny’s book, Think, Prepare, Play like a Champion

athletes as people and performers, by learning about

is available online. RRP $74.95.

their lives, loves and how to get them to play their best.

bestongroundperformance.com

BLUE DOLPHIN SWIM

BUILDING HAPPY, HEALTHY & CONFIDENT CHILDREN IN THE WATER With our combined 50 years in this wonderful swimming industry, the absolute paramount principle is our ability to self-survive in water. It’s a complex skill to teach because of the level of coordination involved and our natural survival instinct. The most powerful thing we can teach children is to enter Lesley Rudd Founder/Owner and Daughter Tara Hanias water, turn around, get to the side Owner/Director and climb out. Our survival instinct gets us to do 2 things: hold onto our air and put our head up where the air is. Together, these 2 things set us up to drown. Teaching through to the subconscious level, enables us to overcome our fears and consciously take control of these instincts. If we are fearful, we cannot learn, our only concern is survival!

QUALITY, CHILD-LED EDUCATION Blue Dolphin Swim Centre’s framework model is child-led in a nurturing and trauma-free environment. We focus on body positioning and air exchange first which promotes control and confidence. Mastering body control in an aquatic environment to maximise efficiency, propulsion and rest phases is a process achieved through quality education, practice and assessment.

SKILL-BASED TRAINING We cater for babies from 4 months through to 16 years and our philosophy is skills, rather than age-based, translating into children working at their own pace and being promoted to higher levels whatever their age. In our program one skill leads into another, and a solid foundation is built to complement a students’ learning journey. We monitor progression by regular reward-based assessment to ensure readiness for the next level and keep our parents informed every step of the way.

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Your child’s aquatic education provides them with opportunities for fun, safety and aquatic independence they will appreciate for their lifetime – and may even save their life FORMING HEALTHY HABITS AND BEHAVIOURS With reference to ‘The Grifﬁth University Report’ (Jorgensen, 2012), young children who make an ongoing commitment to swimming are wellahead of peers in terms of physical, social and academic development and skills. Forming healthy habits and behaviours that adhere to water safety ideals and learning how to learn prepares for school and further provides a wonderful bonding experience between carer and child.

FAMILY OWNED, COMMUNITY BASED Our unique facility is founded on standards of excellence and safety. We are family owned and community-based with values centred on education, superior customer service and cleanliness as well as being informed by a continuously improved program. Our skilled, passionate and qualiﬁed teachers use proven teaching methods that have been complimented by elite coaches. After 5 decades in the industry, extensive travel, study and experience we shout from the rooftops, “why wouldn’t you teach your children to swim?” 5 GLORY CRT HAPPY VALLEY 8322 6566 bluedolphinswim.com.au

Keeping your kids safe in

////CYBERSPACE! ////////////////// BY Susan McLean

Children are digital natives, born into a world where they are constantly surrounded by technology and devices. Smart devices and social media sites have become part of our children’s lives and they strongly inﬂuence how children can learn, create, share and exchange

There are TEN things that you need to know about cyberspace and to teach your children.

information with others.

2. Cyberspace is a public place not a private space.

Despite the beneﬁts technology brings, the online world does include substantial risks for children.

# They are tech savvy but lacking in ‘actual knowledge’ and cognitive development.

# It is their primary form of socialisation/ communication

# They have no fear of technology or cyberspace.

# It is extremely important for them to be connected.

Understand the risk… and minimise it! When you give a child a connected device, you are giving your child to the world and the world to your child. You must understand that there is a risk associated with the use of any device and as a parent you must be there to guide them. The risks to your child can include cyberbullying, pressure to share nude images, grooming by predators, digital reputation issues and problematic gaming. Whilst you cannot remove the risk, you must identify, minimise and manage it.

Parenting in the digital space This starts with being an active participant in your child’s online world, by setting rules and boundaries and knowing what they are doing online and where they are going just as you would in real life. Parenting in the 21st century requires you to be able to parent in the digital space.

1. Respect, Responsibility and Reputation. If everyone used tech with respect and responsibility, there would not be ANY online issues.

3. Nothing can be totally deleted. 4. You are never anonymous online – anonymity is a perception, and you can always be traced.

5. You always leave a digital footprint. People will look you up online in order to form an opinion of you/your child.

6. Manners maketh the man or women or child. If you wouldn’t say/do it to their face don’t do it online.

7. Passwords must be shared with parents/guardians but NO ONE else.

8. There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ app or website.

The level of safety is linked to how it is used and what security settings are available.

9. If there is anything that is bothering you then you CAN talk to a parent/guardian about it.

10. There are laws online. All forms of online misuse can lead to police involvement and criminal charges.

The key is educating yourself and talking early and often. Remember, ‘no’ is a very important word and despite what your child says, you won’t be the only parent saying it, but in reality it doesn’t matter. Your child’s safety does! For more information on caring for kids in an online world: cybersafetysolutions.com.au Susan McLean is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of Cyber Safety and was a member of the Victoria Police for 27 years. Widely known as the ‘cyber cop’, she was the ﬁrst Victoria Police Ofﬁcer appointed to a position involving cyber safety and young people.

Navigating the

NDIS for your child

WHAT IS THE NDIS? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (also called the NDIS) provides Australians with permanent and signiﬁcant disability, the disability-related supports they need to increase their independence and help pursue their goals. This may include community involvement, education or employment, for example.

The NDIS recognises that everyone’s needs are different and the NDIS provides people with individualised support and the ﬂexibility to manage their supports to help them achieve their goals and enjoy an ordinary life.

The NDIS is Australia’s ﬁrst national Scheme for people with disability. It currently provides funding directly to close to 450,000 participants across Australia, with approximately 9,600 children receiving initial supports in the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) gateway. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. The NDIS also provides people with disability, their families and carers with information and referrals to existing support services in the community.

Australians will now have peace of mind that if their child or loved one is born with, or acquires a significant disability that is likely to be with them for life, they will get the disability related supports they need.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? To access NDIS support, you need to be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, be aged under 65, and have a permanent disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. It is not means tested. Access to the scheme is based on functional impairment, not diagnosis or condition.

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

APPLYING FOR CHILDREN?

HOW DO I APPLY?

If you have a child aged 0–6 with developmental delay or disability, an Early Childhood Education Early Intervention (ECEI) partner will be your main contact point for the NDIS and can help you understand and access the most appropriate supports for your child.

If you meet the eligibility criteria you can contact the NDIS by calling 1800 800 110 and asking for an Access Request Form, completing an Access Request Form online via ndis.gov.au or contacting your Local Area Coordinator or NDIA ofﬁce.

As every child is different, your ECEI partner will tailor support to your child’s individual needs and circumstances. This includes helping you with an NDIS plan if your child becomes a participant. You can contact an Early Childhood Partner if concerns about your child’s development have been identiﬁed. Early Childhood Partners are teams of early childhood professionals including therapists and educators who deliver the Early Childhood Early Intervention Approach on behalf of the NDIS. Early Childhood Partners are experienced in providing early childhood intervention and will provide assistance, advice and access to early intervention and support for your child. You don’t need assessments or reports when making contact with an Early Childhood Partner. Early Childhood Partners use their knowledge of child development to gather information about how your child does everyday activities. They will use this information to help you work out the types of supports your child needs. The Early Intervention approach helps children and their families to build their capacity and supports greater inclusion in community and everyday settings, meaning each child will be provided with opportunities to grow and learn.

Speaking to an NDIS Local Area Coordinator is a great way to get step by step advice and assistance. A Local Area Coordinator (also known as LAC) can also help participants develop and use their NDIS plan.

NEXT STEPS As part of the process to access the NDIS, you may be asked to provide information and background on your child’s requirements. Australians will now have peace of mind that if their child or loved one is born with, or acquires a signiﬁcant disability that is likely to be with them for life, they will get the disability related supports they need. For more information about the Early Childhood Early Intervention Approach: ndis.gov.au

The NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.

PACKING GREAT LUNCHES, THE EASY WAY! BY Kylie Archer @kidgredients

When it comes to packing the over 2000 school lunches you’ll make for your child during their school journey, there are some ways you can make it simpler, yummier and more fun! THE LUNCHBOX

Otherwise known as the most important tool in lunch making, the lunchbox really determines what you can pack, how fresh it will stay and whether lunch gets eaten. I have to send crunch and sip (fruit and veggies only), recess and lunch every day, so we use three containers per child. Having tried many lunchboxes, I have a few favourites. Yumbox Panino (pictured): Super versatile and perfect for kids who want to keep their crackers separate from their yoghurt. It’s leakproof for wet food – think the consistency of apple sauce – and works for kids up to around 12 years of age. I use the Yumbox MiniSnack for recess. B-Box: Great for kids who like whole pieces of fruit, we use their smaller containers for crunch and sip.

Boxi: Great for older kids (or kids who have all their food for the day in one box) and super hot climates as it contains an ice brick that goes under the food. PlanetBox Rover: Great for avoiding plastics but still having a bento style lunch, match it with a cooler bag and you’ve got plastic free lunches.

KEEPING YOUR COOL

No matter what lunchbox you get, the lunch the kids eat is only as good as your ice bricks! We love the Arctic Zone Cooler Bags (from Mini Hippo) or Montii Co Cooler Bags. Ideally we need to keep food between 1–4 degrees and the best way to do this is to store it in the fridge until it goes into the cooler bag.

EDUCATE by Kiddo Mag

Teach kids how to open and close their lunch bags and make sure they close them securely between meals.

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Kids quickly get sick of something if they have it every day for a week, so make a batch of something like scrolls, freeze and pull them out when needed, so as to avoid lunchbox boredom.

If the kids love a hot lunch, then a thermos is a good investment – just make sure to prep it with boiling water for 5 minutes, then empty and add the food when it’s too hot to heat. This means it will be the perfect temperature by lunch time. Don’t forget to pack a fork or spoon!

Some freezer friendly ideas: scrolls, bliss balls, slices, cakes, muesli bars, mini pizzas, mufﬁns, zucchini slice, mini frittatas, mini quiches and even cookies! It’s simple to make lunches easier and rely less on packet food when you take the time to get prepped in advance.

GETTING PREPPED

FINDING FAVOURITES

Things like carrots, cucumbers, capsicums, celery, can all be prepped in advance and kept in the fridge in water. This helps with variety too, as you don’t have to ﬁnish every veggie on the same day in the lunchbox. Cut fruit is more likely to be eaten in our household, so I chop apples, watermelon, oranges, pears, strawberries, the lot! We use qukes as the kids like them better than whole cucumbers. Soak apple slices in cold water before popping into the lunchbox. Pop a paper towel under wet fruits like watermelon so they don’t leak. If your kids like yoghurt in their lunchboxes, consider reusable yoghurt pouches to save dollars!

USE YOUR FREEZER

By utilising your freezer and making lunchbox snacks in batches, you will have more variety on hand and won’t ever be panicked to ﬁll the lunchboxes in the morning.

Lunch boxes are not the place to experiment with a new food that hasn’t been tested at home! Make a habit of trying new stuff out with the kids, rather than just putting it into the box and hoping for the best. Some of the most popular things that my kids always want in their lunchbox: Ham and Cheese Pizza Scrolls kidgredients.com.au/easiest-ever-ham-cheesepizza-scrolls Caramel and chocolate Bliss Balls kidgredients.com.au/caramel-chocolatebliss-balls Amazing Whole Apple Food Processor Cake kidgredients.com.au/amazing-whole-applefood-processor-cake

LUNCHBOX WINS

At the end of the day, if the kids don’t eat everything, it’s annoying, but it could simply mean you have overpacked, or that there was something on at school that was more interesting than lunch! Ask them why it wasn’t all ﬁnished, and if at all possible, get them to ﬁnish it for afternoon tea! For a never ending supply of lunch box ideas and kid friendly fare, head to Kylie’s Instagram: @kidgredients 53

BACON & HIDDEN GREENS MAC & CHEESE INGREDIENTS 200g butter

Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water as per manufacturer’s directions. Melt butter in a medium sized pot over medium heat then add the bacon, garlic and onion.

Add ﬂour and cook for a further 5 minutes stirring continuously.

250g bacon – diced 1 garlic clove – chopped

Add one third of milk, and bring to the boil while whisking. Repeat twice until all milk has been added.

1 onion – diced 200g flour 1.5L milk ½ bunch of tuscan cabbage – finely chopped ½ bunch silverbeet – finely chopped 100g frozen chopped spinach – defrosted 250g grated parmesan 100g grated cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 180˚C.

Cook for 10 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure it doesn’t stick.

500g macaroni

Paul Baker

METHOD

Remove sauce from heat and stir through the chopped greens, macaroni and parmesan. Transfer to an oven proof dish and sprinkle with grated cheddar. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Leave to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Sydney-born Paul has come to be one of Adelaide’s most well-known food ambassadors, having been named Adelaide Advertiser’s “Chef of the Year” 2015 and in 2017 he was also awarded “Chef of the Year” by the Restaurant & Catering Association. Paul is now the Executive Chef & Owner of Chefs on Wheels and cooks for hundreds of SA families every week. chefsonwheels.com.au @chefsonwheelsau

Kids spend a lot of time in their school shoes, so it’s important they are comfy and well supported. Children’s Shoes With more than 45 years experience and a wide variety of brands and styles in up to 6 different widths, we’re your one-stop school shoesandal-sneaker shop!

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Audi Solitaire

As smart as it looks. The new Audi Q5.

Visit Audi Solitaire to book a test drive today. 26 Belair Road, Hawthorn | 1300 795 406 | audisolitaire.com.au Overseas model with optional equipment shown. LMCT 65541.