Parents Paper
FREE
THE
MAY / 2021
PUBLISHED BY THE KIDS IN PERTH TEAM / EST 1994
CRYPTO FOR KIDS
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DATE PLANNER
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Is your family getting the Flu jab this year?
W
By Cassie Hart, Editor - Kids in Perth
O
ver the past year we have seen people speaking up on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in Australia broadened people’s experiences and understanding of racism in this country and, according to the 2021 State of Reconciliation in Australia Report, may suggest a growing Australian unity.
common concerns: “Parents want to do what they believe is best for their child. Many believe that flu is a mild and harmless illness and therefore do not prioritise flu vaccines like they do other vaccines. Some may have concerns about the safety of flu vaccines.” According to Dr Blyth, flu vaccines are both safe and effective. “We have studied the safety of influenza vaccines for more than a decade – the current vaccines have been shown to be safe,” he said. “[They reduce] the number of children with severe flu and protect those around them.” Another concern some people have is that they will catch the flu from the vaccine. According to Dr Blyth that isn’t possible. “There are a number of flu vaccinations available in WA this year. All flu vaccines used in Australia are ‘inactivated’, which means they do not contain the live flu virus – you can't catch the flu from the vaccine.” Experts recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months old get the flu vac each year,
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Reconciliation: More than a word
By Cassie Hart, Editor - Kids in Perth hile most people’s minds are currently focused on the recent Covid-19 community transmission scare, it’s important that we don’t forget that the flu season is just around the corner and it’s time to decide whether or not your family will get the flu jab. 2019 was one of Western Australia’s worst flu seasons on record with around 22,000 cases, 3000 hospitalisations and 80 deaths occurring. As a result, the state government made the influenza vaccination available to all primary school aged children free of charge (the National Immunisation Program already funds the flu vaccine for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years) and strongly encourages families to get vaccinated. Local experts say Western Australia leads the country with some of the highest childhood flu vaccination rates of any state. But while many families have embraced the flu vaccine and added it to their annual ‘to do’ list, others have remained hesitant. Dr Chris Blyth, Co-Director of Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases based at Telethon Kids Institute explains some
COMPETITION TIME
Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine says the report shows the reconciliation movement is at a tipping point. “We recently have seen many more people speaking up, asking the hard questions, seeing the hard facts, and informing themselves about issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and taking action. “While we see greater support for reconciliation from the Australian people than ever before, we must be more determined than ever if we are to achieve
the goals of the movement — a just, equitable, and reconciled Australia. Reconciliation week runs from May 27 - June 3. This year’s theme, ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action. ReconciliationWA encourages all Western Australians to get involved by attending one of their events (on Page 10) and learning about the First Peoples’ land we live on. Their annual Walk for Reconciliation on June 3rd coincides with Mabo Day and concludes the event. The walk will commence at WA Museum Boola Bardip at midday, progress through the cultural centre and over the Horseshow Bridge and finish at Yagan Square. Reconciliation WA invites everyone to register and join the walk to reflect together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. For more information go to recwa.org.au
Ngala kaaditj Whadjuk Noongar moort keyen kaadak nidja boodja – We acknowledge Whadjuk Noongar people as the original custodians of the land on which our office sits.
Christ Church Grammar School’s Little Learners is a program developing our youngest community members’ love of learning. Aimed at boys 0 to 3 years of age, Little Learners brings families together to share stories and discuss aspects of early childhood development.
Meet our talented educators Monday 3 May | Monday 31 May 9.30am to 10.30am
Places are limited, register online at
elclearners.eventbrite.com.au
Building good men
Queenslea Drive, Claremont, WA 6010 | T (08) 9442 1555 | E info@ccgs.wa.edu.au | ccgs.wa.edu.au | CRICOS 00433G
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