Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 78. January/February 2017 by Shore Media

ISSUE 78 January/February 2017 SUNSHINE COAST

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

FREE TO TAKE HOME

Education issue

Bridging the STEM gender gap

SCHOOL-related anxiety in kids

Coding, robotics and the new QLD curriculum

CALLING ALL ADVENTURERS DREAMWORLD ON THE GOLD COAST. A WORLD THAT CAN BE ANYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE.

TIGER ISLAND YOUR JOURNEY

STARTS HERE

Get closer than ever before, and watch our cats play and swim in their splash pool. Our new Tiger Island is theperfect place to spend your lunchbreak, with some pawsome tiger merchandise and Asian-style food.

CORROBOREE Explore a world of animals and indigenous culture, where you can celebrate traditional stories and get close to bilbies and kangaroos. We invite you to explore just how unique our land, ancestors, and legends are.

WHITEWATER WORLD Finish the day with a cool-off at our co-located water park, WhiteWater World. With plenty of pools and some serious splash, this is the place to soak up some fun! There’s something for every age with the Cave of Waves, Wiggle Bay and The Green Room.

ABC KIDS WORLD Say hello to your favourites at ABC KIDS WORLD, with Hoot and Hootabelle, Bananas in Pyjamas, and all your favourite Wiggles friends. There’s adventures to be had in a teacup, a Big Red Boat and even a Big Red Car. If happiness is a place, this is it.

SHOWS

So many shows for you to pick and choose from – whether you want to see the tigers play, explore the Creation Stories, or throw a mini beach party with Dorothy the Dinosaur. There’s something for everyone in the family.

DREAMWORKS EXPERIENCE Where your favourite DreamWorks characters are brought to life! Full of rides and attractions and all your favourite characters from Madagascar, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, it’s up to you which of your heroes you meet first.

BUY ONLINE NOW AT DREAMWORLD.COM.AU

[WELCOME]

[CONTENTS]

Neve, 9 years

Happy New Year everyone! And just like that, it’s back-to-school time! If you are one of the many parents with a little one stepping into the exciting world of ‘big’ school this year, the next few months will be an incredible time for both parent and child. I myself will be packing my little preppie off in a few weeks, and I am both excited for the new things she will get to experience, yet nervous for the challenges she will now need to face alone. To help everyone settle into the upcoming school year, this issue we are all about EDUCATION. Our cover feature explores the gender divide in STEM subjects and what we can do to encourage more girls into these subject areas. And we have the low-down on the mandatory addition of Digital Technologies to the Queensland curriculum and what this means for parents and students in the coming years. We also take a look at the amazing program of Kids Teaching Kids and how these inspirational kids are making a real difference to environmental issues. Our health section looks at toilet training for school-aged kids, and we speak to the experts about anxiety in children to find out what to do if your child is anxious about school. We also take a peek inside some of the world’s coolest schools, and we find out how to truly experience the world on a student exchange program. Plus, with all the latest events, news and stories from our local schools, as well as stacks of fun toys and supercool products, we have your back-to-school adventures covered! As always, if you have a story to share drop me a line on editor@mothergoosemedia.com.au, I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to sign up to our What’s On newsletter, to get the latest local events sent straight to your inbox. With love,

3 FROM THE EDITOR 4 WHAT’S ON: All your local events for January and February 6 SOCIAL: What's trending on our social pages 8 WHAT’S NEWS: The latest news in your area 10 NOTICEBOARD: All the news and achievements from our local schools 12 FEATURE: Bridging the STEM gender gap 18 CHECK THIS OUT: Get back to school in style with these super-cool products

28 EARLY LEARNING: The importance of early literacy with the First 5 Forever program 30 TECH: Coding, robotics and the new Queensland curriculum 34 WELLBEING: What to do when your child is anxious about school 38 HEALTH: Toilet training for school-aged kids 42 TRAVEL: See the world with a student exchange program 46 WEB WRAP UP: The latest from online

20 INSPIRE: Kids Teaching Kids

48 LOCAL LIFE: Sasha Mazzeu—combatting post-natal depression with dance

24 EDUCATION: The world's coolest schools

50 REVIEWS: Movies, books and apps

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Ryan Brady, Kerry White, Emily de la Pena, James McManis, Continence Foundation. COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Verve Portraits. Angela Sutherland, Editor Printed with vegetable/soy based inks on paper supplied using pulp sourced from sustainable forests and manufactured to environmentally accredited systems. WE ENCOURAGE RECYCLING. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin. kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

JAN/FEB 2017

as o C e

WHAT'S ON Visit ou r website to see more events!

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY EVENTS! Sign up at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au for our weekly What’s On guide.

JANUARY 1 TO 17 BIG LEGO AT THE BIG PINEAPPLE Brisbricks are holding a showcase of fantastic LEGO® creations using both traditional brick building and mosaic techniques. Get inspired by towering buildings and scenes made of LEGO®. www.bigpinapple.com.au

JANUARY 1 TO 22 INFLATABLE WORLD It’s all about having fun, so take the whole family and bounce in daily to Inflatable World. It’s not just for the kids! www.inflatableworldoz.com

JANUARY 7 ENGINES ALIVE! JANUARY 4 TO 20 OCEAN RANGER PROGRAM Feed, touch and meet some of SEA LIFE Mooloolaba’s amazing marine creatures with behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, animal feeding and lunch included in full or half-day programs. The smallest guests will enjoy hours of fun and adventure at Shipwreck Shores, the three-level soft play zone featuring a themed twisty slide, climbing frames and fun obstacles. www.underwaterworld.com.au

Hear the power at this collection of historic operational aircraft engines in a special display of aviation horsepower. Enjoy a sausage sizzle or take a ride in a WW2 Jeep and view the other 70-plus aviation displays. www.qam.com.au

JANUARY 1 TO 24 JURASSIC SEAS AT SEA LIFE Meet the ancient ocean creatures that outlived the dinosaurs when the fascinating and interactive ‘Jurassic Seas’ experience arrives at SEA LIFE Mooloolaba this summer. www.sealifemooloolaba.com.au

In this epic one-hour performance Nickleby the Magician and Blaze battle each other on stage with amazing tricks to find out who is the greater magician. www.thej.com.au

TOP 5

JANUARY 19 THE LISTIES 6D (IT’S TWICE AS GOOD AS 3D) This sketch comedy show is all about the movies, so expect haunted backpacks, ninja nans, toilet paper guns and an actual movie made at every performance on a helmet mounted GoPro! www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

JANUARY 26 AUSTRALIA DAY AT AUSSIE WORLD The day will include True Blue Aussie competitions like the famous Dunny Races, Tug of War, Mullet Tossing plus great Aussie food and live entertainment from a classic Aussie Rock cover band in the airconditioned Shed! www.aussieworld.com.au

JAN/FEB 2017

Cool off from the warmer weather on a giant waterslide, or pack the dancing shoes as Bindi and the Jungle Girls take to the stage for their Island Time show, followed by an action packed Wildlife Warriors show with the Irwins feeding the crocs! www.australiazoo.com.au

JANUARY 10 NICKLEBY THE MAGICIAN VS BLAZE - WORLD’S GREATEST MAGIC BATTLE!

JANUARY 17 MISTER MAKER Packed full of arty adventures there will be a big 'make' to take part in, super songs to join in with, a fabulous supporting cast and don't forget, The Shapes! www.livenation.com.au

JANUARY 2 TO 22 SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

FEBRUARY 11 TO 12 NOOSA SUMMER SWIM Presented by Milk & Co, the event expands to a full weekend program offering a range of distances for every ability, from junior events to a new 5km marathon distance where seasoned swimmers can push their limits. www.worldseriesswims.com.au/ noosa-summer-swim/

JANUARY 20 & FEBRUARY 17 NOOSA JUNCTION TWILIGHT MARKETS Under the starry night in Arcadia Street, this is a family friendly market with food stalls, artisan market stalls, music and family entertainment. www.junctionflava.com.au

WATER PARKS

Tewantin Water Park Aqua Park, Bli Bli Kings Beach Water Park Aqua Park Coolum Red Jacket Aqua Park, Twin Waters

FEBRUARY 25 STOMP FEBRUARY 14 VALENTINE'S DAY

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Celebrating the end of another successful harvest and vintage at the spectacular location in the hills of Monteville. The day is filled with great music, featuring Swing Central, food by Chef Adam Lugg and wine courtesy of the vineyard! Gates will open at 12pm, with the official stomping ceremony scheduled for 4:30pm. www.flamehill.com.au/stomp

* We publish information based on what is supplied to us - to the best of our knowledge all details are correct at the time of printing, however we do recommend you check event details with the organisers

i h s un

FREE SCHOOL FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN! HOLIDAY FUN! VISIT OUR ANIMATRONIC ICE AGE DISPLAYS LOCATED CENTRE VISIT OURTHROUGHOUT ANIMATRONICTHE ICE AGE DISPLAYS PLUS TWOTHROUGHOUT WEEKS OF FREE KIDS’ ACTIVITIES LOCATED THE CENTRE PLUS TWO WEEKS OF FREE KIDS’ ACTIVITIES SNOW GLOBE ACTIVITY CENTRE When: Monday 9 - Friday 13 January SNOW GLOBE ACTIVITY CENTRE When: Monday 9 - Friday 13 January FOSSIL PAINTING

When: Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 January FOSSIL PAINTING When: Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 January 3D WOOLLY MAMMOTH ACTIVITY When: Monday 16 - Friday 20 January 3D WOOLLY MAMMOTH ACTIVITY When: Monday 16 - Friday 20 January FACE PAINTING When: Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 January FACE PAINTING When: Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 January All activities will run from 10.00am - 1.00pm daily All activities will run from 10.00am - 1.00pm daily

/KawanaShoppingworld KawanaShoppingworld.com.au /KawanaShoppingworld KawanaShoppingworld.com.au

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JAN/FEB 2017

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Tue 17 Jan

11am & 1.30pm Sunshine Coast Lake Kawana Community Centre On Sale Now 5413 1400 or scvenuesandevents.com.au Go to livenation.com.au

Mister Maker â&#x201E;˘ & ÂŠ 2016 The Foundation. Licensed by Zodiak Rights Limited.

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JAN/FEB 2017

Stay up to date with your local community news. If you have any unique news that you’d like to share, please contact our editor at editor@mothergoosemedia.com.au

Whats news » Visit our website for more news, www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/news

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL BRISBANE

Brisbane is preparing to host another supercharged celebration of science when the World Science Festival returns in March. Science minister Leeanne Enoch said: “The festival will welcome the return of family-favourite free program, Street Science! alongside new theatrical performances, workshops and curated discussions on cutting-edge science and discoveries.” One of the sessions will provide insight into four of the world’s greatest minds under 16 years of age in The Future is in Good Hands. Queensland Museum CEO and director professor Suzanne Miller said the 2017 program would provide something for everyone with a mix of free and ticketed events with performances, debates and demonstrations. “One of the most endearing things about the World Science Festival Brisbane is it takes science out of the labs and into the streets, connecting and inspiring people, young and old,” she said. “Following the success of our regional program in 2016, I am pleased to announce we will again take the World Science Festival Brisbane into the regions which will include Chinchilla, Townsville, Gladstone and Toowoomba,” she added. The World Science Festival Brisbane will run from March 22 to 26. Tickets are now on sale at www.worldsciencefestival.com.au. 8

JAN/FEB 2017

BABIES MAY BE SCREENED AT BIRTH FOR SIDS

DID YOU

KNOW It’s impossible to snore and dream at the same time.

A CLOUD CAN WEIGH MORE THAN 453,000KG.

IT’S CONSIDERED GOOD LUCK IN JAPAN IF A SUMO WRESTLER MAKES YOUR BABY CRY. Waltzing Matilda was first sung in public at the North Gregory Hotel in Winton, Queensland, on April 6, 1895. AVOCADOS ARE POISONOUS TO BIRDS.

A major breakthrough in the possible cause of SIDS might one day mean babies are screened at birth to see if they could be at risk. Researchers at The Children’s Hospital Westmead have discovered that babies who die of SIDS have lower levels of brain protein orexin, which regulates wakefulness and arousal. The lower levels of the protein suggest that the response that tells them to wake up is not as strong as in other babies. Dr Rita Machaalani, the hospital's sleep unit manager, told the Gold Coast Bulletin that the research team would try to work out the ideal level of orexin and develop a diagnostic tool. “If we can determine the normal level in babies when born then we can use those abnormalities to predict kids that might be at risk in the future of SIDS,” she said.

COMMON TOXIC PLANT WARNING OVER DESERT ROSE

A Sunshine Coast mother has warned parents of the dangers of a common toxic plant after her daughter was hospitalised after eating it. Candace Black’s daughter ate a flower from a Desert Rose. Queensland Health’s website states: “All parts of the plant are toxic. Symptoms may include slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, lethargy, dizziness and stomach upset.” It urges people to seek urgent medical help if any parts of the plant are ingested. “She needed to be on a heart monitor for 24 hours because the toxin can take that long to start to have an effect,” she told the Sunshine Coast Daily. “They don't vomit, it can just be that they become lethargic and the heart can drop to a very low critical point.”

MORE REMOTE CHILDREN TO HAVE ACCESS TO KINDY

Children in rural and remote communities will have greater access to kindergarten as the Remote Kindergarten Pilot Program is extended this year. Education minister Kate Jones said the program would be delivered at 36 schools in 2017, up from 11 last year. “The expansion is a direct result of the success of the pilot this year,” she said. “We know how vital the early years are to giving children a confident start to their education. This program gives children the opportunity for face-to-face kindergarten experiences to help prepare them for school. Children in the program also benefit from the opportunity to socialise with other children their age.” The program is delivered through composite Prep classes and all participating schools receive a $5,000 grant to buy age-appropriate resources for the kindergarten. The Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association vice-president Tammie Irons said the extra support will be welcomed by families in remote communities. “It’s definitely something we are very happy about as it means so many more children from remote areas will have access to face-to-face kindergarten education and care.” For further information visit http://deta.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood.

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JAN/FEB 2017

NOTICE BOARD All the news and achievements from ou r local schools

FIRST NAMBOUR STATE COLLEGE EQUESTRIAN STUDENTS GRADUATE The first students of the 2016 Nambour State College Equestrian School of Excellence have graduated at Nambour Showgrounds. Nambour State College is believed to be the first state school in Australia to include a Certificate II in Rural Operations and Horse Husbandry Assistance in its curriculum. Nambour State College teacher Lynda Page-Bickley said she was grateful to have been given the opportunity to facilitate the learning of the students. “It has been the highlight of my 30year teaching career,” she said. “The students have always been keen and eager to learn and that has made my job not just rewarding, but a pleasure. “I would like to congratulate the two Year 12 students graduating today, Alluka Rushton and Kayla Marston, who both fast-tracked the course which normally takes two years to complete. Knowing that the remainder of the students and I are going to be working together every week on our shared passion, supporting and learning from each other is the best feeling a teacher can ever experience.”

TAFE STUDENTS SHOWCASE CREATIVE TALENTS Students of the Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology at TAFE Queensland East Coast showcased their collections for the first time ever at the recent 2016 Creative Showcase Fashion Show DuoDecim. Around 300 people attended the Mooloolaba campus to see the 12 graduating fashion students showcase over 50 garments, celebrating months of hard work designing, sewing and stitching buttons to fabric at a frenzied pace. Student Teigan Lindley was awarded an exclusive three-month paid international internship in London working with renowned fashion designer Karl Donoghue. Teigan launched a beautiful collection named lover lover comprising of four handcrafted wedding dresses (see http://wolffandbone.com). The show was coordinated entirely by Diploma of Event Management students, Diploma of Music students performed a pre-show concert, and Diploma of Screen and Media students filmed and broadcasted the action.

GRAMMAR STUDENT CROWNED MATHEMATICS CHAMPION Sunshine Coast Grammar Student James Luu has secured the highest score in Australia for the 2016 Australian ICAS Mathematics Challenge in Year 4. Identified as a gifted and talented student at the school, James has been nurtured in accelerated mathematics with support from Sharyn Cunningham, learning support and enrichment assistant. “James is an inspiring student whose mathematical mind is nothing short of brilliant for someone so young,” she said. “He has a wonderful passion for mathematics and is always seeking to be challenged further.” ICAS Mathematics assesses students’ skills and knowledge across five areas including algebra and patterns, chance and data, measures and units, number and arithmetic as well as space and geometry.

Do you have a story to share? Email your school's news to editor@mothergoosemedia.com.au

BRIGHTWATER STATE SCHOOL SHOWS US HOW TO RECYCLE RIGHT Brightwater State School students are making great strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable Sunshine Coast thanks to the council’s Waste 2 Resource STARS Program. The school was presented with a certificate of achievement in recognition of its terrific efforts as part of the program, which educates people about the '3Rs' (reduce, reuse, recycle). Councillor Christian Dickson said an “incredible” 33% of the school’s waste is now being diverted away from landfill. 10

JAN/FEB 2017

“In 2013 when the school joined the program they were generating 18 wheelie bins per week of waste to landfill and diverting 10 wheelie bins to recycling,” he said. “The Year Fours carried out a waste audit in 2014 and found that 52% of their waste was recyclable and 9% compostable; separating and diverting these materials could reduce waste to landfill by 61%.” The Waste 2 Resource STARS Program provided training and support to the student council who kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

took charge of the roll out of the program, including recycling infrastructure and signage, and educating the school about diverting materials correctly. “The school has since increased from 10 to more than 20 wheelie bins (4,832L) of recycling rescued per week (33% of the waste stream),” he added. “You can only feel a sense of pride and excitement when our younger generation shows us how easy it can be to reduce, reuse and recycle.”

JUNIOR PRIMARY AT FLINDERS

Flinders provides our youngest children the greatest start to formal schooling. We are a caring community that fosters a passion for learning where every child can unlock their potential. Students learn how to think critically and creatively, explore ideas and work collaboratively as they develop their own sense of identity. Our supportive nurturing environment ensures the well-being of all students and families.

JAN/FEB 2017

[FEATURE]

JAN/FEB 2017

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

[FEATURE]

Bridging THE

STEM GENDER GAP by RYAN BRADY

QUICK, NAME THREE SCIENTISTS. THIS QUESTION WAS GIVEN TO A SCIENCE CLASS RECENTLY AND THEY RESPONDED RAPIDLY WITH SOME FAMOUS NAMES: ALBERT EINSTEIN, ISAAC NEWTON AND STEPHEN HAWKING. WITH A BIT OF ENCOURAGEMENT, ONE OR TWO MORE NAMES WERE RECALLED. INVARIABLY, ALMOST EVERY RESPONSE IS A MALE SCIENTIST. When it is pointed out that an entire gender is missing, a student will timidly offer up Marie Curie as if they were unsure that she was indeed a scientist. In an elective Year 8 Science and Mathematics subject iSTEAM (investigating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) at Grace Lutheran College, only one-third of the 30 students were girls. A previous Senior Physics class started Year 11 with three girls in the class, and finished Year 12 with zero! So yes, there is a marked difference in genders for both selection and retention in technology and science subjects. In a letter to his rival Robert Hooke, Isaac Newton famously wrote, ‘If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants’. Where are the giants for our girls in science? Mona Chalabi, a data journalist, discovered that there is a large number of missing scientists in the United States. To reach gender parity of professionals in the Natural Sciences, there needs to be another 80,000 female scientists in the US alone. Furthermore, in Australia women are implicitly discouraged from pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) careers by a pay divide where

men are three times more likely to hold a STEM career earning more than $104,000. Throughout history, female scientists have been robbed of many accolades or downright cheated out of their research. Girls are being systematically alienated from the sciences by a culture struggling to move forward from modernity. A persistent motto of the educational hegemony is that ‘girls just aren’t good at maths or science’. Fortunately, this idea is completely false. Recent neuroplasticity research suggests that our brains are capable of forming new and complex connections about mathematics regardless of gender. Rather, it is the prior experience and mindset of a student that determines their current skills and future outcomes in mathematics. Grace Lutheran College is helping to counter students’ fixed mindsets about mathematics by running a growth-mindset course by Jo Boaler (www.youcubed.org) with Year 7 students. By arming girls with a growth mindset, where achievement correlates with effort and mistakes are part of the learning process, they will be more likely to reject negative stereotypes that would normally discourage them from pursuing STEM pathways.

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

JAN/FEB 2017

[FEATURE]

“TRADITIONALLY, GIRLS ARE NOT EXPOSED TO TYPES OF PLAY WHICH BUILD THEIR SPATIAL-REASONING SKILLS (BUILDING, LEGO, COMPUTER GAMES). CONSEQUENTLY, THEY ARE MISSING OUT ON EXPERIENCES WHICH GIVE A STRONG FOUNDATION TO BUILD ABSTRACT IDEAS OF NUMBER, DIMENSION AND SPACE.”

The College has also just begun a research project investigating the effect of spatial-reasoning mastery on the outcomes for girls in STEM pathways. Traditionally, girls are not exposed to types of play that build their spatial-reasoning skills (building, LEGO, computer games). Consequently, they are missing out on experiences that give a strong foundation to build abstract ideas of number, dimension and space—essential for confidence in mathematics. To combat these deficiencies Grace Lutheran runs specialised instruction on spatial reasoning in the iSTEAM classes. Research suggests that early intervention for girls will measurably improve their achievement in mathematics and improve their retention in STEM pathways.

science in creative ways like slam poetry and a diary of a teenage cancer patient, project-based investigations into digital electronics and exploring the possibilities of transistors, and opportunities for teamwork by programming mars rovers and launching into space using Kerbal Space Program. Although role models are important, it is authentic experiences and opportunities in STEM that will retain girls in these fields.

To improve STEM retention rates, the iSTEAM elective is deliberately designed to create engagement and positive identity formation for all students: Hands-on-experiences of communicating

Brisbane resident, Hayley McIver, is a Grace Lutheran College graduate (2000) and Process Engineer at Ausenco. She studied Chemistry, Maths C, Physics and Biology and found these

JAN/FEB 2017

According to innovation.gov.au: “In the next decade an estimated 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest-growing industries will need skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, enrolment in STEM subjects has been in steady decline in Australia.”

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PREP NEXT YEAR? GIVE YOUR CHILD AN NCC ADVANTAGE Our specialised Prep classrooms and play areas along with our inspiring Christian teachers, provide a fun and engaging learning setting for Prep students.

ARLY NCC EERS NOW M SWIM OPEN NE ERM O 2017 T rs

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PREP AT NCC IS EVERYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE FOR YOUR CHILD. OUR SON’S TEACHER IS AMAZING, TOTALLY DEDICATED TO HIS LEARNING AND ALWAYS ENCOURAGING HIM. HE IS CONFIDENT, LOVES SCHOOL AND HAS GREAT LITTLE FRIENDS

NAMBOUR CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 2 McKenzie Road Woombye QLD 4559 | (07) 5451 3333 | enrolments@ncc.qld.edu.au

| www.ncc.qld.edu.au

From age early 2 . 5 years have , l e a rn a each swim less ers o n in we e k c s w im w i t h a N C l u d e d m er s C e ar It ’s a ly g r e at teach w er g a in wate ay for chil . rc dr s af e t y skil onfidenc en to l e s an d an d h an d e sp e y f or cially b us y m um an d d s a ds .

SOME EARLY ADVANTAGES EXCURSIONS Including a trip to Australia Zoo, Maroochy Botanical gardens, the cinemas, visit to the hospital and Ginger Factory, riding on a train to enjoy a teddy bear’s picnic.

FR OM

15 M O NTH S

ACTIVE KIDS SPORTS PROGRAM A fun program to develop ball skills, fitness, balance and dance (runs twice a week). WE HAVE OUR OWN FARM Surrounded by a 5 acre farm where visits to our miniature horses and chickens, learning to care for animals and growing fruit and vegetables is a part of the NCC experience. Visit nccearlylearners.com.au for further information.

34 McKenzie Rd, Woombye QLD 4559 (07) 5451 3330 info@nccearlylearners.com.au nccearlylearners.com.au

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JAN/FEB 2017

[FEATURE]

subjects were a great foundation for university. She particularly enjoyed Chemistry and had a strong bond with her peers and teachers in the Science subjects. She says, “I have had some great opportunities and experiences including optimising a coal preparation facility in Tete, Mozambique. I have been able to contribute to designs of innovative plant upgrades over the years, even a finalist for a Women in Engineering award last year. At times, I do find I am the only female in the room of meetings and when I first started working on mine sites 10 years ago, it was intimidating. I have, however, grown to trust in my abilities and confidence and the results that myself and my team are able to achieve usually speak for themselves.” We cannot, however, wait until Middle School to begin encouraging girls to pursue STEM pathways. In their early years, girls are often given the idea that ‘mathematics just isn’t for you’ by well-meaning parents, teachers, or role models. This statement will form a belief and begin to affect their performance and anxiety.

Similarly, girls’ achievement will plummet the moment that they are told it is OK ‘because I wasn’t good at maths in school either’, by their mother or another female role model. Fortunately, these mindsets can be changed, and parents and teachers of young girls are encouraged to speak positively about mathematics and science. Additionally, girls must be given opportunities to build their spatial reasoning, by playing with blocks, LEGO and 3D video games. Excellent opportunities for girls are available through the Tech Girls Movement (http://www.techgirlsmovement.org/) that aims to ‘promote positive role models to encourage and raise awareness of STEM careers for girls’. In addition, the Australian Federal Government has pledged $13m to create a number of programs with the aim of improving opportunities for women in STEM fields. Also, Grace Lutheran College is planning some STEAM holiday workshops specifically for girls in 2017, more details will be available on the Grace website.

Ryan Brady is a Teacher of Science, Maths and Academic Enrichment at Grace Lutheran College (A Christian, co-educational Secondary college at Rothwell and Caboolture). www.gracecollege.com.au

READ MORE STEM RELATED ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE www.kidsonthecoast.com.au or www.kidsinthecity.com.au

10 OF THE BEST STEM TOYS

JAN/FEB 2017

STEM - AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN SCHOOLS

HOW TO START A CODING CLUB AT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL

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5 EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS TO DO AT HOME

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MAP OUT YOUR

EDUCATIONAL

372 Mons Road, Forest Glen Qld telephone +61 7 5445 4444 | email enquire@scgs.qld.edu.au Register for our 2017 Primary and Secondary Open Days at www.scgs.qld.edu.au A School of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association

SUNSHINE COAST GRAMMAR SCHOOL

A Service of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association

FOREST GLEN 07 5453 7077 372 Mons Road, Forest Glen ALEXANDRA HEADLAND 07 5479 2222 43-45 Okinja Road, Alexandra Headland

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Book your to u today! r JAN/FEB 2017

[CHECK THIS OUT] D.I.Y. ELECTRO DOUGH KIT, TECH WILL SAVE US

$45.00 Spark your little Einstein by making your own conductive dough. Learn how electricity works, play with lights, buzzers and switches! Start by making your own homemade conductive dough (recipe included), or use Play-Doh to begin sculpting your scientific creations straight out of the box. Experiment with making shapes, connecting LEDs and learning how circuits work in the process. Find at until.com.au plus there are stacks of design ideas at techwillsaveus.com.

THONGS, MOELOCO

RRP $39.95 Designed by 7-year-old Georgia, from Manly, NSW, these gorgeous kid’s thongs have inspirational messages on the soles to leave beautiful imprints in the sand. From ‘fashion with a purpose’ brand Meoloco, for every one of its own flip flops sold Meoloco donates one pair of shoes to some of the world’s most under-privileged children. Perfect for socially conscious, fashion conscious kids, you can find them at moeloco.com.

seriously cool products to

encourage kids

BUSY CITY LUNCH BAG, HIPPO BLUE

$30 Go back to school in style with a personalised lunch bag. The roomy compartment easily holds a lunchbox or multiple containers, and it’s insulated to keep food cold. Also features an adjustable side pocket to keep water handy. Busy City is one of five new worlds to be added to the Hippo Blue range. Taking kids on a zippy ride through Tweety Town, Busy City features fire trucks, sports cars, bicycles, construction vehicles as well as fun amusement park rides. Designed by Jenny Wren, illustrator of numerous children’s books, Busy City comes in matching name labels, backpacks, lunch bags, pencil cases and library bags. Find at hippoblue.com.au.

to create, imagine, draw and play!

CONSTRUCT-A-CLOCK

$32.95 Explore the properties of pendulums and clocks firsthand with this nifty timepiece. Igniting the curiosity of any child, this brightly coloured clock will teach kids how gears, cogs and time works. Perfect for the budding scientist, this pendulum clock is simple and quick to assemble. Build it, wind it up and hang it on your bedroom wall… no batteries required! Find at coolthings.com.au.

JAN/FEB 2017

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[CHECK THIS OUT]

CHILDREN’S JEWELLERY, TRIBAL DREAMING

From $35 A new concept in children’s jewellery, Tribal Dreaming brings together intention and symbolism to create eclectic keepsake jewellery to appeal to a little ones imagination. Created by two Brisbane mums, the jewellery is designed to make children feel secure and connected when they are away from their parents, and mental health experts are claiming it can reduce anxiety and depression in children, like a modern day security blanket. With a refreshing spin on baby and children's Amber teething necklaces and traditional Keepsake jewellery, Tribal Dreaming is the 'go to' label for the whimsy, free spirited wanderlust who wants to stand out from the crowd. Find at www.tribaldreaming.com.au. Mama + Child combo features a matching Aquamarine pendant, a stone of courage, calming energies, that reduce stress and quieten the mind. Using raw Baltic Amber as a natural and safe pain reliever that's been traditionally used for centuries to ease teething pain, inflammation and irritation. Helps calm and ground. A powerful cleaner and healer. A must have for every child.

Mama Divine Truth Mala Peace Beads + Child Aquamarine Raw Amber Teething Necklace.

WIN!! WE HAVE A MAMA + CHILD COMBO TO GIVE AWAY, VALUED AT $155! SIMPLY HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE TO GO INTO THE DRAW!

MAGICAL FELT PENS, OMY

$24.95 Perfect for little ones that find colouring between the lines a challenge, these 16 double-ended erasable felt tip pens come in 14 bright colours and allow you to change your mind or fix a mistake, simply by using the white eraser pens. The ink is also washable! Find at coolthings.com.au.

SCREEN JUNIOR COLLECTION E GLASSES, SEE CONCEPT

$59.95 Did you know that computer and television LED screens emit blue light, also known as HEV (High Energy Visible) light? This light can cause headaches, sore eyes and, in the long run, eye damage. These colourful, lightweight screen protective glasses reduce these effects by filtering out 40% of the blue light emitted by LED screens (between 400 and 460nm). With flexible hinges perfect for little hands, frames are available in a range of colours. Each pair is packaged in a card gift box with soft felt pouch. Find at until.com.au.

STASHER SILICONE POUCH

$19.95 The world’s first self-sealing, airtight, non-plastic bag. Store, heat, eat and wash… again and again. The Stasher can replace hundreds of plastic bags, saving money and the environment. Easy to use, easy to clean, and microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. Made from 100% pure, platinum-grade silicone, the pouch contains no fillers or byproducts. Find at until.com.au.

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JAN/FEB 2017

[INSPIRE]

KIDS Teaching KIDS

by KERRY WHITE

“THE KIDS LEARN THEY CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, DESPITE THE MAGNITUDE OF PROBLEMS FACING THEIR ENVIRONMENT” ~ ARRON WOOD. This quote perfectly encapsulates the ethos of Kids Teaching Kids—an award-winning national school program with an emphasis on encouraging children to raise awareness of environmental issues, both on a local and global scale. It inspires them to connect with their peers and their community and challenges them with real world issues. Children are invited to present a workshop to raise awareness of an environmental issue close to their heart. They can do this during the organisation’s Kids Teaching Kids Week, or at one of its Kids Conferences. The organisation has humble beginnings. Its co-founder Richard Wood was a principal at a large city school where the challenges included bullying. In an attempt to help the school find its way back to a more caring and engaged learning community, Richard used

JAN/FEB 2017

the environment as a catalyst to promote change within the school. His son, and now Kids Teaching Kids director, Arron Wood, was starting his career at the local catchment management authority. They and the teachers worked together to encourage the students to take on more and more responsibility for their learning, and to have greater respect for their peers and the teachers and other community members who supported them. “Many aspects of the program ensued, from student led assemblies to student voices in school decision making, but the small scale student researched and led environment-based activities and learning were particularly valuable,” said Richard. When an idea for a small schools conference on the local environment generated a far bigger interest than imagined, with schools from out of state keen to attend, the idea for a national program took shape. Kids Teaching Kids was born. Richard believes that students must be immersed in the highest form of learning, that is, to teach others, if their innate gift of wanting to learn is to be harnessed. “We as educators risk losing their ‘appetite and motivation to know’, if we do not allow them to use their own voice and experiences to contribute to the learning process,” he says. And, he says, the presentations are just the beginning: “Ultimately students are encouraged to take their learning to an action phase above and beyond their presentations to others. When students take direct action in their environment the power of learning is truly demonstrated creating today a myriad of outstanding stories throughout Australian schools.”

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nurture

CREATE

investigate

OUR VISION � To develop a supportive learning community that works in collaboration and partnership to promote children’s optimal development in all areas. � To provide a rich play-based learning environment that stimulates imagination, creativity, investigation and a life-long love of learning.

� To provide opportunities that enable children to learn meaningfully through play. � To intentionally facilitate learning experiences that encourage and extend learning and development, curiosity and wonder. � To holistically nurture and support children’s growth and individual development at their own developmental pace.

Healthy als Nutritious Me Provided

imagine

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www.bellagrace.com.au

Connect@Immanuel • Supportive and nurturing teachers • Outstanding academic results • Stage 1 of a new Primary School with $9 million in facilities opening in 2018 • Unique life skills and outdoor education programs • Great co-curricular opportunities • A community like no other Enrolling now for Prep to Year 6 in 2017. For more information please visit our website or contact Irene on T: 5477 3441.

www.immanuel.qld.edu.au kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

JAN/FEB 2017

[INSPIRE]

And the Kids Teaching Kids Week is the perfect stage for creating such stories. For more than 17 years, Kids Teaching Kids has inspired more than 110,000 children across Australia to learn about, care for and respect their local environment. Students of all ages find solutions to complex environmental problems such as climate change, water, waste, conservation, energy, drought, population and pollution. “Adults take a back seat at this event—kids teach each other in much more interesting creative ways than the usual classroom format, with songs, dance, poems, drama, games, interactive quizzes and crafts,” says Arron Wood. Since 2012, the Sunshine Coast Kids In Action Conference has been held as part of Kids Teaching Kids Week. The two-day event hosted by the Sunshine Coast Council involves around 300 students each year. The theme for last year’s conference was ‘Living Communities’ and included student-led presentations about bush tucker, how to be a mindful consumer and permaculture. To find out more about the conference, which was a finalist in last year’s United Nations World Environment Day Awards, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Environment and head to the Education Resources and Events section. Briody Fahey took part in a Kids Teaching Kids Week at Silkwood School in Queensland and also participated in a Kids Teaching Kids Conference in Melbourne two year’s running. “It was awesome to connect with kids from all over Australia who were all environmentally aware and keen to get involve, learn and teach,” she enthuses. “It made me feel important, a part of something bigger, and inspired me to keep sharing my knowledge about the environment with others.” And that is exactly what she does. In 2015 she created a not-forprofit organisation called Youth 4 Beaches (www.facebook.com/ Youth-4-Beaches-342636755887348/) which runs monthly clean ups at local beaches. She also uses this as a platform to present workshops to people looking to reduce their waste.

JAN/FEB 2017

Last year, the organisation celebrated its 10th Melbourne Water Kids Teaching Kids Conference. The theme was ‘Past, Present, Future’ and students were challenged to think about how our reliance on water and impact on waterway health has changed, and to imagine what this might, and should, look like in the future. Held over two days, the conference included presentations and workshops and the opportunity to link up with other environmental organisations to provide practical hands on activities such as gardening, construction and cooking. It is through such events that students recognise that they can have a positive impact on the world, starting in their own communities. They are given tools to manage their own learning and become confident, caring and informed citizens ready to take on new challenges. As Richard says: “Our young people are the leaders of tomorrow but they have so much to offer today.” To find out more about this year’s Kids Teaching Kids Week, visit www.kidsteachingkids.com.au. Schools are encouraged to sign up to the program during Term 1 to allow time to plan and implement the program. All of the Kids Teaching Kids presenting students are encouraged to link up with a local mentor related to their selected topics and offered support throughout the whole development process.

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IRRITABLE BABY?? Y s k ur R m As t o NTA Mu ou E for ab LIM ult P M ons CO l C tia

i In

“Committed to caring for your child”

An award winning service invites you to CALL US TODAY to enquire about our Kindergarten / River Kindy program and Early Learning Centre. Government approved Kindergarten program including fortnightly River Kindy excursions to Chamber’s Island providing children with valuable learning opportunities in a natural local environment. Open from 6.30am - 6.30pm. Dedicated, passionate qualified Educators. Caters for children 6 weeks to Kindergarten. Provide an atmosphere that is inviting, welcoming, safe and nurturing. Committed to social responsibility of sustainable futures with guidance from the Sunshine Coast Council Waste 2 Resource STARS program.

References: 1) Klougart N, Nilsson N, Joacobsen J. Infantile colic treated by chiropractors: a prospective study of 316 cases. JMPT 1989;12(4):281-8. (2) Wiberg JMM, Nordsteen J, Nilsson N. The Short-term Effect of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Infantile Colic; A Randomised Controlled Clinical trial with a Blinded Observer. JMPT 1999;22(8):517-522.

5491 7743

BABIES, CHILDREN, ADULTS & PREGNANT MUMS

Kuluin Early Learning Centre

It’s natural for parents to feel hopeless and frustrated if they have a baby who seems to cry a lot and appears to be in pain, but is not helped by much. Enjoyable times and fond memories are often few and far between. Babies are not born to be irritable and many reasons may cause their irritability. One reason can be musculoskeletal trauma. Trauma may occur due to the position of the baby in utero, during a caesarean, during a fast or long labour, or if forceps or vacuum extraction was used. Musculoskeletal trauma often results in a combination of tight muscles and a tiny spinal misalignment known as a chiropractic subluxation. Chiropractic care may be the answer you have been looking for. Parenthood is such a special time and something every parent should cherish forever. Several research studies have shown a reduction in crying time and irritability in babies after chiropractic treatment. (1-2)

Rich, educational programs for each child linking to the Early Years Learning Framework and Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines.

07 5445 1192

Our Caloundra practise now offers Child/Adult Podiatry, Psychology, Yoga & Massage therapies! CALOUNDRA 85 Bowman Road, Caloundra BUDERIM Shop 3-4 86 Burnett Street, Buderim Mall

23 Indiana Place Kuluin 4558 admin@kuluinelc.com.au www.facebook.com/KuluinELC

www.kuluinelc.com.au

A Place Of Inspiration And Success...

The newly constructed Unity College retail and café space is an exciting example of the forward thinking the College and its Vocational and Education Training department embraces. The space, which is built within a 20ft custom built shipping container surrounded by decking and seating space, allows students undertaking various subjects to have real world, business, retail and hospitality training and experience without leaving the College grounds. Open 5 days a week and strategically placed in the developing College events precinct, the yet to be officially named container café offers products made from the College bees, including fresh honey, as well as carefully chosen local industry providers, including Tim Adams specialty coffee, Allies Fit Food muesli products and more. 2017 will see the evolution of the café further develop with exciting community partnerships to be announced in the new year. Until then, the café is open to the College community to purchase goods and coffee prepared and served entirely by Unity College students.

47 Lomond Cres, Caloundra West QLD 4551 - PH: 07 5490 5777 - www.uc.qld.edu.au kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

/unitycollegecaloundra JAN/FEB 2017

Images courtesy: Kim Wendt

[EDUCATION]

JAN/FEB 2017

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

[EDUCATION]

Coolest SCHOOLS THE WORLD’S

by ANGELA SUTHERLAND

SCHOOLS HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN THE LAST 30 YEARS. GONE ARE THE TRADITIONAL ROWS OF DESKS FACING A DUSTY CHALKBOARD, AS CLASSROOMS BEGIN TO INCORPORATE BREAKOUT SPACES, OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES AND PLAY-BASED LEARNING INTO THEIR EVERYDAY ENVIRONMENT. Yet some schools around the world are taking their classrooms to a whole new level, finding forward-thinking ways to create the best possible learning experience for their future generations.

‘TELEPHONPLAN’ VITTRA SCHOOL, STOCKHOLM Can you imagine a school with no divides? At the ‘Telephonplan’ Vittra School in Stockholm there are no classrooms, and no classes. This innovative school goes beyond conventional classroom-based teaching, using interior design to facilitate individual learning via everyday experiences. Physical space is one of the most important tools, creating areas that promote the school’s principles, such as ‘the watering hole’, ‘the laboratory’, ‘the show-off’, ‘the campfire’ and ‘the cave’.

Instead of age-based classes, teaching is organised around learning groups structured according to a student’s achievement level. The school has many different spaces—a giant iceberg with a cinema, flexible labs, and rooms for relaxation and recreation. Laptops are a child’s most important tool, whether standing, sitting or reclining, so the interior incorporates digital media everywhere. Irene Blom, education officer at Vittra Schools says [translated], “The driving force is the foundation for lifelong learning, where skills are put into context and can grow… With us it is both necessary and fun to learn a lot.”

The number of Forest Schools has doubled over the last 20 years in Denmark, and the trend is also being taken up in our local area, with initiatives such as Creek Kindergarten, at the Ananda Marga River School, Maleny (www.amriverschool.org) gaining popularity. Katchia Avenell, kindergarten teacher at Ananda Marga River School and trained nature pedagogist, describes a typical day: “We gather for a snack at around 9am to bring the children together, then pack our bags, put on our boots and hats and head on down to the creek. Once at the creek, we set up our portable toilet and put out our yarning mat. We gather in our yarning circle to Acknowledge Country and pay our respects to our local nation. The children love to lead this! “We then share our thoughts, look at the change in our environment (tree branches, water flow, etc) and discuss safety,” she adds. “Then we are off for exploration and play. We have a box of tools and another box that keeps our firewood dry in wet weather. We climb trees, jump over rock formations, swim, light fires, explore the water ways and swing from vines.” The children also make soups or hot drinks on the camp oven and use the tools to fossick for stones, build shelters or make art. “It's incredible what the children make and find,” says Katchia.

FOREST KINDYS OF DENMARK The importance of outdoor learning has gained a lot of traction in recent years, and with the worrying report from the Australian Institute of Family Studies that less than eight per cent of Australian children play outside every day, it is easy to see why. But Denmark has taken the outdoor learning experience one step further, with their Forest Kindys.

No tables, no books, no chairs, no pencils, and no fences, the forest is the classroom and the adventures they have are the lessons. Even when the temperature dips to -20°C, children simply rug up and head off to experience the great outdoors.

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JAN/FEB 2017

[EDUCATION]

Coolest SCHOOLS

Images courtesy: Katsuhisa Kida/FOTOTECA courtesy of Tezuka Architects

THE WORLD’S

FUJI YOCHIEN KINDERGARTEN, TACHIKAWA, JAPAN

Images courtesy: Hibinosekkei + Youji No Shiro

Fuji Yochien is a preschool with an endless playground, where children are free to climb trees to their hearts’ content and are encouraged to create their own rules and games. Possibly the most beautiful and child-friendly childcare space ever created, Fuji’s school has won multiple architectural design awards. Designed as a large oval around the huge trees in the centre of the campus, the trees grow right through the classrooms. “We had to build around the trees already there on the land,” says architect Takaharu Tezuka in his Ted Talk. “It wasn’t easy—we couldn’t cut the roots, which spread as wide as the tree crowns.”

OGURA ASAHI KINDERGARTEN, SAITAMA, JAPAN With approximately 1,500 earthquakes recorded in Japan every year, building a school that is equipped to handle this daily threat is critical. Architects Hibinosekkei + Youji No Shiro designed just that, creating the virtually earthquake-proof Ogura Asahi Kindergarten. Constructed almost entirely of shipping containers, the school is as stable as possible.

The reconstruction also sends a valuable green message to all its students, teaching students the value of resources and environmental responsibility. Multipurpose spaces with stylish interiors provide the perfect environment for growing minds—whether for music, craft, learning or for physical education.

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The large oval rooftop is a play deck used for exploration and free play, the design letting children run forever. “We designed the school as a circle, with a kind of endless circulation.” Kids can slide to class, climb to class, run to class, and there are no walls between the classrooms so children are free to float from classroom to classroom or from inside to outside. There are also skylights in the roof to allow students to peek into classrooms below and see what is happening. “We added these safety nets so the students wouldn’t fall through the holes around the trees. But I know kids, and they love to play with nets. Whenever they see a hammock, they want to jump into it, to shake it. These were really just an excuse for me to give the kids another way to play.”

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ONLINE

Education GUIDE

2017

d Release

FEBRUARY

2017

SOLAR POWERED FLOATING SCHOOLS OF BANGLADESH One third of Bangladesh floods every year during the monsoon, and due to these floods, thousands of schools are forced to close. To ensure that children’s education wasn’t interrupted Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha created a ‘floating school’, to bring the school to the students. The boats each have a computer, hundreds of books, and space for 30 students at a time. Being solar powered, the boats can operate independently, whatever the weather, and into the evening. The boat first acts as a bus, collecting the children from riverside stops. It then docks and classes begin. Classes run from primary to Grade 4, teaching a river-based curriculum on how to protect the environment and conserve water. Since 2002, around 70,000 children have benefited from the boat schools. As well as running floating schools, the not-for-profit now runs 100 boats that act as libraries, solar workshops and adult education centres. Adults learn computer skills as well as get information on agriculture and job opportunities, and the solar panels bring valuable electricity, doctors and paramedics to the cut off regions.

“'If the children cannot come to the school for lack of transportation, then the school should come to them, by boat.” ~ Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha

OPEN DAYS EDUCATION NEWS AND RESOURCES DAY CARE, KINDERGARTEN PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOL, PLUS ALL TYPES OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT.

e n i l n o d a e R

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au • www.kidsinthecity.com.au

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JAN/FEB 2017

[EARLY LEARNING]

The importance of early literacy

“UP TO 90 PER CENT OF CHILDREN WITH LANGUAGE PROBLEMS AT AGE FIVE HAVE POOR LITERACY OUTCOMES 10 YEARS LATER.”

FIRST 5 FOREVER

DID YOU KNOW THAT UP TO 90 PER CENT OF A CHILD’S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT HAPPENS IN THE FIRST FIVE YEARS? IN FACT, YOUR BABY OR PRESCHOOLER FORMS APPROXIMATELY 700 NEW NEURAL CONNECTIONS EVERY SECOND! Children are born ready to learn and research shows that the first five years of their lives are critical for establishing life-long learning capabilities. However, the Australian Early Development Census data for 2015 showed that 26.1 per cent of Queensland children are developmentally vulnerable, or are at risk in one or more developmental criteria—including language and cognitive skills—and Queensland ranked a worrying last, behind all other states. On a global scale, Australia ranked just 21st against 45 developed countries in reading at Grade 4. Up to 90 per cent of children with language problems at age five have poor literacy outcomes 10 years later, and a child’s success at age 10 can be linked to the amount of conversation they hear in their first three years of life. So what can we do to reverse these numbers and ensure our own children have the best possible opportunities in life?

PARENTS ARE IMPORTANT! From the moment a child is born, every time they listen, speak, read or write they grow and develop. Because young children spend the majority of their first five years with their parents and these early years are when their essential literacy skills are formed, parents and caregivers play a hugely important role in supporting a child’s early literacy development. Babies and children learn best by listening and interacting with you, their primary caregiver, so make talking, reading and singing with your child part of your daily routine. Karen Gawen, Young People’s Services Supervisor from Sunshine Coast Council says, “It’s really easy to do in everyday situations and most parents won’t even realise the impact all these little things are making on their baby/child. Talking about what you are doing when

you are out and about in the car, at the supermarket, doing housework or playing is really important. The more words a baby/ toddler hears, the easier it is for them to build up their vocabulary, understand what’s happening around them, put the words into context and communicate back.” By spending time with your child and giving them lots of encouragement, you will give them the confidence to try new things and help them build the foundations needed for future learning.

SIMPLE LITERACY IDEAS… … for babies:

★ Babies learn new words best through everyday activities. Talk with your baby about what he sees and hears every day. ★ Share stories every day, it’s OK to read slowly, skip pages, or just talk about the pictures. ★ A baby’s best toy is you. Let your baby see your face when talking and playing by crouching down or lifting them up. ★ Give your baby chance to communicate and learn the pattern of conversation, pause to allow them time to respond then answer their sounds and actions by adding in new words. ★ Visit your local public library and enjoy a free Rhymetime session.

… for toddlers and preschoolers: ★ Children learn best from talking playing, and singing with you, and this can happen any place and any time. ★ Whenever you are together, talk about what you’re doing, what you can see, and what interests your child. ★ Read stories with your child. If a word is unfamiliar, don’t change it or skip it. Instead, show your child a picture, the real object, or an action that lets the child know what the word means. ★ Point out any letters or words you see. Talk about street signs, posters or labels when shopping, and show children recipes and instructions as you follow them together. ★ Visit your local public library and enjoy a free Storytime session.

“Singing songs or nursery rhymes, sharing books, playing games like eye spy or hand action rhymes are all fun ways for babies and toddlers to learn. Ultimately this awareness and development of vocabulary make learning to read so much easier when they go to school.”

FIND LOCAL SUPPORT AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY To support parents in this literacy development, Queensland State Government has funded the First 5 Forever program. Available at libraries across Queensland, First 5 Forever is a universal family literacy program aimed at supporting stronger language and literacy environments for young children from 0–5 years and their families. The program provides a huge range of free resources across the region including Rhymetime and Storytime sessions, and advice on how to bring early literacy into everyday life. As well as events at the libraries, the program is taking literacy to the community with various Story Time sessions in parks and hubs such as Sunshine plaza. “During these activities we are finding every parent just want what’s best for their child but sometimes it can be a bit daunting,” says Karen Gawen. “By showing them all the free services and resources the library can offer, running some Story Time sessions and inviting the parents and their children to actively play with games and puzzles together at these outreach events, parents are understanding early literacy is really just about talking, reading, singing and playing with their child every day, anywhere.” The libraries are designing more programs to implement over the next to years to aid the local region even further. “It really does take a village to raise a child so we are looking at programs to involve family members, grandparents and the whole community.”

To find out more, simply head down to your local library or visit http://first5forever.org.au. 28

JAN/FEB 2017

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Sunshine Coast Libraries

Talk, read, sing and play with your child every day The first 5 years are forever. Up to 90 per cent of a child’s brain development happens in the first 5 years. From birth, every time a child speaks, listens, reads or plays they grow and develop. You are the first and most important teacher your child will ever have. Talk, read, sing, play with your child any time, any place Attend free weekly Rhymetime or Storytime sessions at your local library 61873 12/16

Join your library and borrow books, toys, CD’s, DVD’s and games for free

First 5 Forever is a Queensland State Government funded initiative.

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

JAN/FEB 2017

[TECH]

CODING, ROBOTICS, AND THE NEW CURRICULUM USHERING QUEENSLAND SCHOOLS INTO THE FUTURE

by EMILY DE LA PENA

QUEENSLAND IS LEADING THE CHARGE INTO THE FUTURE AND 2017 WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF TWO NEW MANDATORY SUBJECTS—DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES —TO QUEENSLAND STATE SCHOOLS FROM THE START OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR. OTHER AUSTRALIAN STATES ARE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. The new Technologies subjects, for Prep to Year 10, are designed to empower students by providing them with a capacity to take action, a toolkit of thinking skills, and enthusiasm to create a better world. The two new subjects are based on creating digital solutions. Digital Technologies covers digital systems, abstraction, algorithms, and processing data while Design and Technologies focuses on empathy with users, authentic needs and opportunities, and creating a better future. Media coverage of the new curriculum has focused on introducing coding and robotics into the schools; however, this is not quite an accurate depiction. Coding and robotics play a part, but the key element is introducing new modes of thinking: computational thinking, design thinking, and systems thinking. This suite of approaches to problem solving does not always need to be explored through technology, it can also be experienced through unplugged activities—that is, activities that do not require technology. The Technologies subjects will enable children to develop critical and creative thinking skills and produce creative digital solutions for authentic community needs. These subjects will also help children to shape the world we live in. In addition, the Technologies outcomes encourage children to become change makers, innovators, and creators.

JAN/FEB 2017

The Technologies subjects have evolved from the traditional Information and Communications Technology (ICT) subject by shifting the focus from technology consumption to technology creation. As Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull emphasised, “It is important that we move beyond only teaching students how to consume technology and instead focus on technology creation.” Technology is intrinsically integrated into all aspects of life. The Technologies subjects are not bolt-on subjects. Rather, the Technologies outcomes are integrated with current subjects such as English, Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences. An example of class activity that integrates Digital Technologies and Australian History is a project where students can build an online game that teaches others students about a particular time in Australian history. A significant difference between the existing curriculum and the new curriculum will be the experience of learning from trial and error. Children who are new to developing digital solution projects often build something or write code and then ask, “Is this correct?” In the Technologies subjects, however, being correct is no longer important; instead, the focus is on the ability to test assumptions, adapt, and move towards a workable solution. Developing a digital solution requires making educated guesses,

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

JAN/FEB 2017

[TECH]

THE NEW CURRICULUM WILL PROVIDE MANY BENEFITS, BUT SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS MAY INITIALLY EXPERIENCE CHALLENGES AS THEY IMPLEMENT THE CHANGES. HOWEVER, THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO MAKE THE TRANSITION EASIER. A FEW TIPS ARE LISTED BELOW: 1. Obtain support from school community members with IT experience. They can assist their school and teachers with professional development and afterschool coding and robotics clubs. 2. F ocus on outcomes first. It is easy to get distracted by shiny tech gadgets, but choosing the tools before identifying the learning outcomes often results in gaps between actual learning and the intended outcomes. Technology creation is about thinking skills, approaches to problem solving, and feeling empowered to invent and create change, so it is important to focus on these concepts before deciding which technology to implement. 3. A pply the principles of the Technology subjects: design for a better future, have empathy for users, identify authentic needs and opportunities, learn from trial and error, and be openly forgiving of failed attempts.

testing various ideas and hypotheses, and learning from mistakes. Errors are just feedback that guide students towards a solution, of which there are many variations. Trial and error is the norm in technology development. This approach is used throughout Silicon Valley, technology start-ups, corporate research and development departments, and universities. Change is inevitable, and the rate of change is accelerating with technological innovation. We are already experiencing dramatic change in terms of digital disruption, automation, and artificial intelligence, and these changes impact communities, businesses, the nature of jobs, and industries. As Marc Andreessen, co-founder of both Netscape and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, says, “Software is eating the world.” Innovation means progress, and now is the most exciting time to be alive. Technology is a resource-liberating force and is accelerating humanity towards abundance: a world where everyone has access to clean water, food, healthcare, education, and all other aspects of

a first world standard of living. It won’t necessarily be governments or corporations solving world issues. Around the world, a swarm of independent innovators will achieve startling advances in many areas of technology. Some of them will be our students. 2016 saw some incredible inventions from Brisbane students. At the Young ICT Explorers competition, a group of four Year 5 students demonstrated their project, a device that tests water turbidity; the device was built using an Arduino, a microcontroller board. The students carefully considered the practicalities of the device, which would be used near rivers in rural areas, so they developed a design that would be sufficiently robust for use in that environment. Another exciting innovation came from a student team at Bulimba State School’s MicroMakers Hackathon, an invention that they called “TED.” TED, an acronym for “Talking Entertainment Droid,” is a companion robot. TED tells jokes and stories and is designed to provide companionship to lonely people.

Emily de la Pena is the founder of Coding Kids (www.codingkids.com.au). Coding Kids is developing the next generation of coders, creators, innovators and change makers. They are striving for: All Australian children coding by 2020! They run after-school coding clubs, school holiday code camps and professional development workshops for educators. Children build their own computer games, animation movies and digital solutions. Through fun and play children discover computational thinking, design thinking and entrepreneurship.

Listen to Emily's interview on ABC Radio: https://soundcloud.com/612abcbrisbane/emily-de-la-pena-coding Watch Leeanne Enoch MP give Emily her award as Community Digital Champion: https://vine.co/v/iY9137IOz1e 40 under 40: Top Young Entrepreneurs Brisbane: http://www.businessnewsaus.com.au/articles/40-under-40--top-young-entrepreneurs-brisbane-31-40.html

JAN/FEB 2017

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JAN/FEB 2017

[WELLBEING]

What to do when your child is anxious about school by JAMES MCMANIS

SCHOOL IS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN. MOST OF THESE CHALLENGES ARE POSITIVE, SUCH AS LEARNING AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES. HOWEVER, WHEN THESE CHALLENGES ARE MORE THAN A CHILD CAN HANDLE THEY CAN LEAD TO DISCOMFORT OR ANXIOUSNESS. CHILDREN MAY THEN SEE SCHOOL AS AN OVERWHELMING ENVIRONMENT AND SUBSEQUENTLY SEEK TO AVOID IT. Anxiety is the second most prevalent mental health condition among 4 to 17-year-old children, affecting 7 per cent of them. Here are some of the most common forms of anxiety in children:

work include time management and organisation challenges, parental and school expectations, fear of failure or fear of getting into trouble, and learning difficulties.

• Social anxiety is when a child becomes worried and distressed when faced with social interactions. Children with social anxiety anticipate others will react negatively to them, are shy, struggle to initiate conversations or play, have trouble making friends, and avoid being the centre of attention.

This stress and anxiety around school may manifest as tantrums or meltdowns in the mornings, sleep disturbance, excessive worrying, or nightmares the night before school, or psychosomatic ailments such as sore stomach or headaches on school days in the absence of fever or illness. Children may also resort to acting out at school, get into trouble and get sent out of class as a way of avoiding difficulties with school. All of these are a means of avoidance, a common strategy children use to manage stressful and anxiety provoking situations. However, avoidance does not help children learn to deal with such challenges.

• Separation anxiety is when a child becomes agitated when they cannot be around their caregivers (ie parents). They struggle separating from parents, worry about their own or their parent's safety, refuse to go places by themselves, and avoid sleepovers. • Generalised anxiety is when a child’s worries pervade many areas of life. These children can be perfectionistic, worry, becomes agitated when answering in class or when in unfamiliar situations, and seek regular reassurance. Yet, such school avoidance is not limited to children with anxiety conditions. School can be challenging for all children from time to time and school avoidance/refusal is a sign that a child is overwhelmed and needs support. School stress and anxiety in children comes about for several reasons. Primarily among these are difficulties with social situations. This may include difficulties making and engaging with friends, relating to teachers, or dealing with bullying. Second to this is dealing with school work. Typical areas of stress around school

JAN/FEB 2017

Stress and anxiety is common in many aspects of day to day life, and is a key element of growth and development of children. We all become nervous when faced with novel situations or tasks, and being challenged will result in some stress. However, this becomes unhealthy if it is more than we can cope with and we become overwhelmed. So how can we tell if our child is overwhelmed? The biggest indicator is the extent to which your child’s anxious behaviour impacting on day-to-day life and functioning. If life is becoming increasingly restricted due to stress or anxiousness, then there is a problem that needs to be dealt with. Compare your child’s life and behaviour to their peers to get a better idea of what is typical your child’s age group, and what is excessive. Finally, if you think your child’s level of distress is excessive then it is time to seek help.

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[WELLBEING]

NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO AT HOME TO ASSIST WITH SCHOOL RELATED STRESS AND ANXIETY: • Acknowledge emotion: When you see your child upset, stressed, or anxious, let them know that you recognise it. This does not mean you need to endorse their perspective, but it is important to acknowledge how they feel about it. This tells them that you are in-tune and connected to them which is very reassuring for a child and is as important, if not more so, as actually finding a solution to their upset. • Face fears: Avoidance is not a solution to stress and anxiety, it tends to make it worse. Therefore, encouraging your child to face their fears while supporting them with strategies to deal with the situation and their resulting anxiousness will help them grow through the situation. • Organisation skills: Many children struggle with school because their approach to learning is disorganised. Simple support around using a diary and calendar, maintaining a study routine, and using a task list can eliminate much of the stress that comes from poor time management and organisation.

• Focus on the journey, not the destination: Failure and getting into trouble is not that bad, however some children are terrified by it. Helping children assess their success and behaviour through reflecting on their effort and intent rather than the outcome is essential in reducing perfectionistic stress and anxiousness. • Homework, is it really important? The workload at school is steadily increasing due to the curriculum demands. I believe homework in primary school should be optional, and that primary school children would benefit more from playing and socialising rather than homework. As a parent, you need to put you own value on homework and advocate accordingly.

“IF LIFE IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY RESTRICTED DUE TO STRESS OR ANXIOUSNESS, THEN THERE IS A PROBLEM „ THAT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH.

James McManis, BA Psych. (Hons). Assoc. MAPS, is a volunteer lifesaver, pilot, and psychologist at All Abilities Child & Family Therapy Centre in Noosa and Gympie. All Abilities works with children and adolescents as well as their families/carers to develop skills and facilitate positive change. All Abilities is a multidisciplinary clinic offering in-house psychology and occupational therapy. For more information visit www.allabilities.com.au

JAN/FEB 2017

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Back to school checklist Get out the calendar and pop down the first day of school and all holidays in 2015 Make sure the school has all paperwork needed Speak to the school about any allergies, medical conditions or special needs your child may have Purchase school uniform and shoes Purchase backpack, lunchbox, ice pack and water bottle Gather together all required stationery supplies Cover books and label all supplies Summer holidays are a great time to get a haircut, a health check with the GP and a dental check-up Visit or drive past school with the kids, especially if it is their first year at the school Determine a safe pick up spot at school Organise bus transport or carpooling if required Arrange before and after school care if needed Set up a spot at home to keep your child’s school belongings For younger children, put together a care kit including spare underwear, tissues, bandaids, sunscreen and a special family photo Plan lunchbox meals for the first week of school and purchase groceries Plan something special for the first day of school (e.g. special photo prop or location, lunchbox note, after-school treat) Start getting kids back into a school bedtime routine, including quiet time for reading or homework THE DAY BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS Lay out school uniform Prepare lunch and snacks Pack backpack Make sure your camera is charged Set the alarm FIRST DAY Take a photo Smile … wave goodbye … enjoy!

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JAN/FEB 2017

[HEALTH]

TOILET TRAINING for school-aged kids

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FIVE-YEAR OLDS AROUND AUSTRALIA ARE ABOUT TO HEAD OFF TO SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT MAKES FOR A BUSY TIME AT THE NATIONAL CONTINENCE HELPLINE, AS HUNDREDS OF PANICKED PARENTS PHONE IN ASKING FOR HELP ABOUT THEIR CHILD’S BEDWETTING AND OCCASIONAL DAYTIME ‘ACCIDENTS’. WHY DO SOME CHILDREN WET THE BED?

1. Make sure your child drinks throughout the day.

• Some parents describe their children as such deep sleepers— they don’t wake up to the sensation of a full bladder.

“Give your child a warm drink with breakfast, and milk on their cereal. Have them drink plenty during the day so they don’t want to drink at bedtime, and always have them go to the toilet before bed,” Ms Fyfield said.

• Some children have overactive bladders. If this is the case, they will usually wet the bed more than once a night, and may have to rush to the toilet at times during the day. • Some children don’t make enough antidiuretic hormone overnight (which concentrates the urine), so they produce a lot of urine while they sleep.

Some basic measures to help bedwetting If your child still wets the bed occasionally at age five, there are a few simple steps you can take to help—particularly with health professionals agreeing that it’s much easier to treat bedwetting earlier rather than later. Children’s continence nurse and National Continence Helpline advisor Claire Fyfield offers parents a few basic tips:

JAN/FEB 2017

2. Prevent or treat constipation. any parents were unaware that constipation is a major contributor M to children’s bedwetting accidents, according to Ms Fyfield. “ A full, compacted bowel presses against the bladder, which in turn puts pressure on the bladder, risking leakage.” But on top of this, straining on the toilet when constipated can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and bladder supports, making urine leakage more likely, she said. ith up to 30 per cent of children constipated at any given time W (Catto-Smith, 2005), continence health professionals like Ms Fyfield will always check for constipation when a child presents with a bedwetting problem.

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[HEALTH]

“Avoid constipation by providing adequate fluids and a balanced, fibre-rich diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetables. If it’s still a problem, see your doctor for treatment. Avoiding constipation will often improve or end day and night-time wetting.”

Why shouldn’t we ‘hold on’ to our bladders?

When to seek professional help

“In addition, if the bladder overfills often enough, the bladder— essentially a balloon-shaped muscle—can lose its elasticity and ability to contract effectively and expel the urine.”

If the child is still wetting the bed regularly at the age of six or seven, or if they suddenly start wetting the bed after having been dry, it’s time to see a children’s continence professional, Ms Fyfield said. “The family will be asked to chart the child’s food and liquid intake and their bowel and bladder habits. We’ll check for conditions like urinary tract infections, and look at stressful or disruptive situations, such as access weekends, that can affect the child. From this we make a care plan for management.”

A full bladder puts a lot more weight and pressure on the urinary sphincter (the ring of muscle we relax to urinate), making accidents more likely, Ms Fyfield said.

Why shouldn’t we ‘hold on’ to our bowel motions? While most people understand that holding onto their bowel motions causes constipation, many are unaware that constipation could risk faecal incontinence (S R Ali 2011) as well as urinary incontinence, Ms Fyfied said.

Bedwetting alarms

“Chronic constipation can cause urinary leakage because of the full bowel taking up space in the abdomen and pressing on the bladder. But it can also lead to faecal leakage—often mistaken for diarrhoea, but, in fact, the opposite—constipation with overflow.”

“If everything else is fine—their drinking patterns are good, their bowels are all normal—then parents may try a bedwetting alarm, which has about an 85 per cent success rate,” Ms Fyfield said.

This, she said, happens when the semi-liquid faeces higher up in the colon forces its way past the solid blockage without the person being aware.

Some prescribed bedwetting treatments

HOW CAN SCHOOLS HELP?

She stressed, however, that it was imperative parents consult a continence health professional beforehand, who can determine if a bedwetting alarm is the best form of treatment.

Good habits start early, and to help children get on the right track, the Continence Foundation of Australia has developed a childfriendly Toilet Tactics kit for schools.

Medications Desmopressin acetate, a prescription drug that substitutes a naturally occurring diuretic hormone, can sometimes be prescribed for older children.

Toilet Tactics teaches children how to adopt lifelong healthy bowel and bladder habits, and illuminates teachers and parents about the importance of encouraging and reinforcing good practices early.

“It reduces the amount of urine produced overnight by the kidneys. Your prescribing doctor will talk to you about the correct use of this drug, which can also be useful on occasions for older children or adolescents wanting to go on a sleepover or attend camps,” Ms Fyfleld said.

Children learn about diet, exercise, and how their bladder and bowel work and the importance of responding to the body’s signals.

DAYTIME ‘ACCIDENTS’ Daytime accidents are a significant issue, with one in five primary school-age children wetting themselves during the day (Sureshkumar et. al 2000) and one in 25-40 experiencing faecal incontinence (Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital). Ms Fyfield said that one of the major reasons children wet or soil themselves during the day was because they ‘held on’ to their bladders or bowels for longer than they should. “It may be because the school toilets are smelly, wet or unwelcoming, or because the child forgets to go during play time, and then isn’t allowed during class time,” she said.

Just as importantly, Toilet Tactics teaches teachers how to recognise the signs a child may be experiencing bladder or bowel control issues, and gives them strategies to handle these situations sensitively and effectively. So far more than 2,000 Australian schools have registered for Toilet Tactics. Find out if your child’s school is registered by asking your child’s teacher or your school welfare officer.

WHERE CAN PARENTS LEARN MORE? Contact the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66), where continence health advisors can offer advice, information, resources and the contact details of the nearest children’s continence service. Go to continence.org.au for more information.

This article is provided by the Continence Foundation of Australia the peak national organisation working to improve the quality of life of all Australians affected by incontinence.

JAN/FEB 2017

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[TRAVEL]

STUDENT exchange

programs

FOREIGN EXCHANGES ARE A GREAT WAY FOR STUDENTS TO FULLY IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN ANOTHER CULTURE, PRACTISE THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS AND LEARN A LOT MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES. KIDS DEVELOP A NEW SENSE OF MATURITY AND INDEPENDENCE, AND FOR SOME, IT’S THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE STAYED AWAY FROM HOME FOR SUCH A LENGTH OF TIME. WHILE THE EXPERIENCE CAN PUSH STUDENTS OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE, EXCHANGES OFFER A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS, SEE ANOTHER PART OF THE WORLD, AND IT LOOKS GREAT ON THEIR RESUME TOO.

SCHOOL EXCHANGES Grace Lutheran College offers its students the chance to go on a study tour of Germany or Japan. In Term 3 each year, a group of 15 students from Nichidai Tsurugaoka High School in Japan have a three-week homestay experience with students from the college, and students from Lebach in Germany come to stay with the college’s host families at the start of Term 4 most years.

Scholl Gymnasium,” says Mr Hutchinson. “As for the Japan study tour, typically about 20 Grace students spend an amazing 17 days immersed in the Japanese language and culture. “The tour includes visits to Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Takayama, Shirakawa, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima,” he adds. “One of the real highlights of the tour is attending classes at Nichidai Tsurugaoka where they also have a homestay with Nichidai families.”

“During their time at Grace, the exchange students attend lessons, go on excursions and learn lots of new things about Australia— particularly our local region,” says Ken Hutchinson, head of languages at the school. “They also visit every language class at both Rothwell and Caboolture campuses, helping with lessons and participating in activities with the theme of peace and harmony.”

Sunshine Coast Grammar also offers its students the chance to go on an exchange to Shohei High School in Saitama Prefecture, located outside Tokyo. “This is a new relationship with Shohei High School and we had three students spend the duration of Term 4 abroad studying Japanese at Shohei,” explains Elizabeth Suzuki, co-ordinator of Japanese.

During the spring holidays, students from Grace have the opportunity to participate in a study tour to Germany in the odd years (2017, 2019, etc) or Japan in the even years (2016, 2018, etc). Any students who have elected to continue their language study after Year 8 can apply for the study tours.

She said the improvements in the students’ language skills are a major benefit of the exchange: “At first, it may only be snippets of a conversation that they can engage in, in Japanese, but as they increase in confidence they become more involved in conversations in target language.”

“The study tour to Germany includes visits to Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Neuschwanstein, and then on to Lebach, where the group attends its sister school, Geschwister

Year 10 student Jordan Lucas was in the group of those who recently went to Japan. She said: “Being lucky enough to be able to experience completely different culture, customs, and

JAN/FEB 2017

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[TRAVEL]

language, is something I can safely say I will neither regret nor forget. In such a short amount of time I have gained countless valuable life skills, and have had the opportunity to experience first-hand something that most people cannot understand unless they have experienced it themselves.” As well as exchanges to Japan, Sunshine Coast Grammar students can take part in a linguistic and cultural study tour to Aurillac in France thanks to a partnership with Europe Langues Organisation (ELO). The tours are based on a reciprocal arrangement where the school welcomes students from Aurillac and then returns to France to spend three weeks with the same students and their families the following year. “It is often following time on tour that students decide to return to France on exchange,” says Georgie Richardson, head of French. “Past exchanges undertaken have varied in duration from six weeks to six months. Currently students in Year 9 to 12 are eligible to apply for exchange.”

STUDENT exchange

programs

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? “Tour costs vary according to such things as exchange rates, and the itinerary,” Mr Hutchinson explains. “However, it is usually in the region of $3,800 to $4,000. This amount includes almost everything except personal spending money.” “The cost impost to the student is minimal as it is reciprocal and the students involved host a Japanese student in return if they are able,” says Mrs Suzuki. “Costs for students involve flights, personal insurance if they wish (though they are covered by the school insurance), and a payment per week to the host family.” Mrs Richardson adds that the benefits of an exchange are plentiful: “Being on exchange is exciting in terms of knowledge acquisition–it’s like hundreds of light bulb moments all at once. It is hard to explain the feeling of truly being able to communicate and operate in another language, in another culture, on your own. It builds independence, resilience, global awareness and empathy like nothing else can.”

their homes and lives, giving us the support and love that is sometimes needed when living away from home. When the two months drew to close and I was forced to say my teary goodbyes to my new friends and my host families, it struck me that in just two short months I had experienced things that many people won’t ever have the opportunity to do and for that I am incredibly grateful.”

Year 11 Sunshine Coast Grammar student Lola Barbero said participating on a French exchange alongside three of her good friends was the highlight of her school year. “During my stay there I got to make many new friends as well as seeing familiar faces from the 2014 French tour, which was absolutely incredible. I also got to experience the French culture in more depth and immerse myself more in the French lifestyle. This trip allowed me to visit new places, meet new people and try some strange but delicious meals. I will always treasure my time and memories in France and I hope to visit Aurillac in the future.”

INDEPENDENT ORGANISATIONS

Camille Hansen was lucky enough to spend Christmas and New Years in France on her exchange. “The two months that I spent in Aurillac, France were undoubtedly the most amazing and lifechanging months of my life,” she says. “I experienced what life was like in France in an in depth level that was completely new to me. “For those two months I lived in complete French emersion; living with a French family, going to school and attending classes completely in French, eating endless amounts of French food and finally experiencing Christmas and New Years in France. “In the time I was there, I fell in love with French culture and the amazing people that I met along the way. We were all so incredibly happy with our host families; they welcomed us completely into

JAN/FEB 2017

There are many independent organisations that provide exchanges for students whose school does not offer them, or for those who are interested in a different exchange to those available at their school. World Education Program (WEP) offers student exchanges to over 25 countries to those in Years 9 through to 11. Argentina, Ireland, China, Mexico and Switzerland are just some of the countries that students can visit. Parents can also apply to become a host family for overseas students travelling to Australia. Kelly and Ian recently hosted a student from Brazil. “I would recommend the experience of hosting to anyone,” Kelly said. “It is such a rewarding experience, for everyone involved. The student, the children of the host family, the family of the student, and of course, me as a host mother. I feel blessed that I have been allowed to ‘borrow’ someone else’s son, and am sad to ‘give him back’. I have had an eye opener of things to come when my children reach the teenage years, and feel that I am better prepared for the experience.” Program costs depend on the destination and length of stay. For example, a semester-long exchange to Switzerland will cost around $10,550, while a year-long exchange to Thailand costs around $8,950. For more information, visit https://wep.org.au.

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PICK ONE WHE BOREDOM STRI N KES

BoredJAR - on the coast

- in the city

ACTIVITY

LIST

Cut out the activities, wrap each around a pencil to curl the paper, then place into a jar. Add an interesting label or tag to the jar. Whenever anyone is bored pull out an activity.

READ A BOOK

COOK BISCUITS

PICK FLOWERS

TIDY YOUR ROOM

GO SWIMMING

CALL A FRIEND

MAKE JELLY

LISTEN TO MUSIC

MAKE PIZZA

GO FOR A WALK

LEARN TO SKIP

PLAY WITH LEGO

PAINT ROCKS

HAVE A BATH

CLIMB A TREE

COOK MUFFINS

TIDY YOUR BEDROOM

PLAY A BOARD GAME

WRITE A POEM

RIDE A BIKE

HAVE A BATH

SORT THE LAUNDRY

WATER THE PLANTS

WATCH A MOVIE

MAKE HOT CHOCOLATE

WRITE A LETTER

COOK PANCAKES

HAVE A TEA PARTY

COLOUR IN A BOOK

MAKE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

DO A JIGSAW

GO TO A PARK

MAKE A PAPER BOAT

WALK THE DOG

WASH THE CAR

VACUUM THE FLOOR

MAKE FINGER PUPPETS

GO TO A MUSEUM

GROOM THE DOG

MAKE A SOCK PUPPET

PUT UP A TENT

PLAY WITH TOY CARS

DRAW A MAP

BRUSH YOUR TEETH

COOK CUPCAKES

LEARN TO SKATEBOARD

30MINS WITH MUM

PLAY HOPSCOTCH

MAKE A BIRD FEEDER

WRITE A POEM

WATCH A CARTOON

BUILD A CARD PYRAMID

TALK LIKE A PIRATE

PLANT A BEAN IN A JAR

HAVE A RACE

MAKE A VOLCANO

BLOW BUBBLES

MAKE FRUIT SALAD

DRAW YOUR FAMILY

SORT THE LAUNDRY

MAKE YOUR BED

5 THINGS YOU LOVE

RESEARCH ROMANS

GIVE AWAY 5 TOYS

DESIGN A FAMILY FLAG

CUDDLE MUM

GO TO THE LIBRARY

JUMP 20 TIMES

MAKE A CARD

HAVE A TEA PARTY

WASH DISHES

MAKE/FLY A PAPER PLANE

MAKE ICE BLOCKS

PAINT A PICTURE

HAVE ICE CREAM

MAKE A BRACELET

DRAW A COMIC

PLAY WITH PLAYDOUGH

MAKE A VIDEO

MAKE/FLY A KITE

COOK POPCORN

GO TO THE BEACH

CLEAN YOUR SHOES

TAKE 5 PHOTOS

SWEEP THE FLOOR

KICK A FOOTBALL

PLAN A DINNER

FIND SHAPES IN CLOUDS

DANCE TO LOUD MUSIC

MAKE A TREASURE HUNT

LEARN TO SEW

CLEAN A TOILET

1 CHORE FOR MUM

WRITE A GROCERY LIST

PLAY HANGMAN

PLANT SEEDS

GO ON A NATURE WALK

TELL A JOKE

BIRD WATCH

DRAW A RAINBOW

MAKE A RAIN CATCHER

MAKE POTATO PRINTS

BOUNCE A BALL

1 CHORE FOR DAD

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JAN/FEB 2017

Visit ou r website!

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Jan/Feb 2017

WEB WRAP UP Here’s what you’ve loved on www.kidsonthecoast.com.au & www.kidsinthecity.com.au

NEWS PEOPLE URGED NOT TO LEAVE KIDS OR PETS IN HOT CARS

NEWS NEW PARK FOR TEENS AT BELLS REACH

m kids on

MEDIA PUBLISHED BY Mother Goose Media PTY LTD PO Box 491, Eumundi QLD 4562 admin@mothergoosemedia.com.au www.mothergoosemedia.com.au Uniquely connected to our local market and with a devotion to our community we exist to bring an abundance of high quality content – news, events, features and lifestyle – to parents across South East Queensland. Fresh, modern and always evolving, this is THE place for local parents to be united, be understood and be inspired.

THE TEAM

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OPINION DO YOU LEAVE YOUR KIDS IN THE CAR TO PAY FOR PETROL? PARENTING PARENTING & THE LAW

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NEWS NEW DRUG COULD PREVENT FOOD ALLERGIES

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NEWS LEGO LAUNCHES SUPER HERO GIRLS!

BEST OF 9 BEST FREE WATER PARKS IN SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND 46

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BEST OF 10 COOLEST SUPERPARKS IN SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND

MARCH/APRIL BOOKING DEADLINES Ad booking: February 15 Art deadline: February 20

DISTRIBUTION Distributed directly to parenting hotspots across South East Queensland. Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast. Gold Coast Distribution: T.H.E Brochure Service 1300 655 418. wwwthebrochureservice.com.au For distribution enquiries phone: 1300 430 320 or email: admin@mothergoosemedia.com.au

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All editorial and advertising in Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City publications are published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Kids on the Coast is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback/ comments/suggestions? Send to: publications@mothergoosemedia.com.au. We aim to reply to all correspondence.

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Sunshine Coast - Brisbane - Gold Coast

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

Fill up your holiday calendars â&#x20AC;¦ read online

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au or www.kidsinthecity.com.au

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JAN/FEB 2017

[LOCAL LIFE]

Lessons DANCE

Sasha Mazzeu PROFESSIONAL PERFORMER, DANCE INSTRUCTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER, AND MUM TO TWO BOYS, SASHA MAZZEU IS A SUNSHINE COAST MUM WHO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT BRAZILIAN DANCE AND CULTURE. KNOWING FIRST-HAND THE BENEFITS OF DANCE WHEN EXPERIENCING POST-NATAL DEPRESSION, SASHA HAS STARTED A MUMS AND BUBS DANCE GROUP ON THE SUNSHINE COAST. WE CHAT TO HER ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF DANCE, AND HOW IT HELPED HER THROUGH SOME TOUGH TIMES.

Where did you learn to dance?

Like a lot of young girls, I started ballet classes at three years old at my local hall. I still have very vivid memories of the excitement of going to class and the first time I wore a tutu! From then I forever had dance in my life in some way or another, whether it be hip hop, tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballroom or African dance. I was introduced to the world of Latin dance through my aunty who had been dancing Latin and specifically tango for many years. A dance company, Rio Rhythmics, opened classes on the Sunshine Coast and for a short time I stayed at the back of class ‘doing homework’ whilst my mum and aunt did the classes. At the time I was only about 11 years old and although the class was filled with ‘old people’ I was drawn to the music and vibrancy of Latin dance and soon was enrolled as a student. Throughout high school I became an assistant and after finishing school eventually trained to be an instructor. The Brazilian styles of dance took my heart and when I was 19 years old I travelled to Brazil for the first time to deepen my

JAN/FEB 2017

cultural understanding and learn directly from dance masters. This January I will undertake my fourth trip to Brazil to learn more about their never-ending dance culture!

What do you like most about the Brazilian culture?

Where to start! Their dance culture and history fascinates me. There are so many contributing factors to why things are and how the dance has evolved, which could be said about any culture really. Brazil is a dance enthusiast’s dream, where each region has it’s own style of dance. Everything is relevant, from the weather, landscape, foods that are eaten in that region, history, materials accessible to make instruments, to the degree of suffering from the past or present. Even though the country has its many flaws in government and various degrees of poverty, there is an undercurrent of energy and alegria (happiness)! The zing in the air after dancing all night and grabbing a fresh juice from a corner at 3am, for me, is electrifying.

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[LOCAL LIFE]

Tell us about your Mums and Bubs dance class… I wanted to create a space where mums (and dads) could be welcome with children of any age, and specifically newborns. The class is based around Brazilian Dance with a variety of rhythms being danced to each week. Brazilian dance is so great to dance with your bubba as most of the moves are walking style with of course a few circular, bub-shaking moments! The classes are open and flexible so that mums can feel free to take a break, feed, or lay their bubs on a mat if they get too heavy, etc. I bring a big box of toys for the older children who attend and delight when they take a stance beside their mums to try and do the moves! We also finish the class with a beautiful yoga-style stretch.

What are the benefits of dance for both mums and children? Wearing your baby in a sling, close to your body is being researched more and more and the bonding benefits are huge for both mother and child. There are many studies that conclude that dance keeps the body and brain active and is a great way to keep your muscles and joints healthy. Dance is a lot about body awareness and understanding how to move so naturally this can help with improving your posture and balance. When holding your baby it is easy to forget about posture, looking after your back and keeping your core engaged, so taking these lessons from the class and applying them every day is one example of how the benefits of dance filter through to life. There is also an overwhelming amount of research about the benefits of children listening to music ranging from stimulating the brain to developing listening and math skills!

Like many women, you experienced postnatal depression. How have you coped with that? Did dance help? I didn’t understand what was happening for a few years. My journey to being a mother was like being kicked off a tall stool! I thought that I was ‘just tired’, kept all my feelings buried and distracted myself with work and exercise. I didn’t realise that the exhaustion I was feeling was the very start of a hurricane that would take my mind and body years to get over (if ever!) Dancing was definitely a saviour, to have a break from my reality. But also, nothing beats talking to someone with experience, who offers you life saving advice and tools to deal with what you are going through. It is also my opinion that having a baby should come with a mental health plan no matter who you are.

“I wanted to create a space where mums (and dads) could be welcome with children of any age, and specifically newborns.”

How are your classes helping other mums who might be experiencing post-natal depression? I hope that these classes are an antidote to the isolation you can feel from being a new mother and an opportunity to meet other like-minded people who share a similar situation. Exercise in general is known for releasing happy hormones; couple that with vibrant Brazilian drumming PLUS learning something different with your child involved and that’s a pretty great recipe for adding a spring to your step during the week. I would also love to partner up or support organisations committed to awareness about PND–this is definitely in my future plans.

Tell us about the children’s party packages that you have planned for the near future. In 2017 my company, SOMBASHA, will be launching Brazilian themed kids party packages that include carnaval headdress making, plus a mini dance and drumming class. The packages will mostly suit kids aged 5 to 13 years old but we expect to have interest from people of all ages and can tailor packages as need! There is no limit to the vibrant, positive atmosphere music and dance creates and this is at the core of Brazilian culture so fits perfectly in to the event planning arena.

To find out more about Sasha’s classes, visit www.sombasha.com, contact info@sombasha.com, or hop onto their very active Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sombasha

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

JAN/FEB 2017

apps

Movies

VOCAB VOYAGERS

A start-up created by 4 girls from St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School in Perth, Vocab Voyagers is a fun app designed for students from Year 2 to 6, to improve spelling ability and expand vocabulary. With enjoyable mini games and quirky pirates, the app offers a range of preset spelling lists based on the Australian curriculum and NAPLAN tests, as well as being able to insert your own words, building a foundation to aid in literacy at secondary school. The app aims to launch on Google Play for android. You can get behind the app at www.gofundme.com/ vocabvoyagerstrip

SWIFT PLAYGROUNDS

Real coding concepts are brought to life with this revolutionary new iPad app that explores working with Swift—the programming language used by Apple developers. Solve puzzles, take challenges, and step up to the more advanced creations as you guide a character through a 3D world. With no previous coding experience needed, the interactive interface allows students and beginners to explore coding at their own pace.

Books

MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE

In cinemas January 12. Rating PG Imaginative quiet teenager Rafe Katchedorian is tired of his middle school’s obsession with the rules at the expense of any and all creativity. Desperate to shake things up, Rafe and his best friends have come up with a plan: break every single rule in the school and let students run wild. Starring: Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Alexa Ninenson

GIRL STUFF FOR GIRLS AGED 8–12 Kaz Cooke. RRP $24.99 “My daughter has started the changes of puberty and she’s only 8!” “How do I help my kids deal with bullies?” “My 10-yearold wants her own phone and all her friends are on Instagram!” Girls are bombarded with inappropriate messages and hard-sell commercialism, and parents are increasingly worried about how they can help their daughters. Kaz Cooke’s latest book Girl Stuff provides them (and their parents) with independent, inclusive, practical and kind age-appropriate information with their best interests at heart.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2017 BLOCKBUSTERS! RRP $24.99 The brand new book from Guinness World Records BlockBusters! is exploding with the latest pop-culture records, stellar pictures, behind-thescenes news, and definitive top 10s. Includes new records on: Pokemon Go, Finding Dory, Adele, Zootopia, Harry Potter, Star Trek and loads more, as well as record-breaking challenges to try at home with LEGO®, emojis and soft toys. With Q&As that share what it's like to be Rey's stunt double in Star Wars and how YouTube stars Dude Perfect would win the Hunger Games if given the chance, BlockBusters! is so on trend it deserves the ‘fist-bump’ emoji.

THE END Louise Guy. $9.99 The End sees Jamie and Sam step once again into the much-loved video game of Minecraft. Attempting to travel to the End brings unexpected mob encounters, heartstopping battles, and an extremely difficult decision for Jamie and Sam. Overcoming these challenges is only the first step. If they are successful they will face the hardest task of all. Kill the ender dragon, or be defeated and never again return to the Minecraft world. Do the Crafters’ Club members have the skills to complete their mission, or is this really the end? Written by Sunshine Coast author, Louise Guy, The End is book 9 in the Crafters’ Club series.

MONSTER TRUCKS In cinemas January 12. Rating CTC Looking for a way to get away from the life and town he was born into, Tripp, a high school senior, builds a Monster Truck from bits and pieces of scrapped cars. After an accident at a nearby oil-drilling site displaces a strange and subterranean creature with a taste and talent for speed, Tripp may have just found the key to getting out of town and a most unlikely friend.

See more and save more with a BCC and Event Cinemas Family Pass, available for some great family films during the school holidays. Check the website during the school holidays for your local BCC or Event Cinemas Family Pass offer. www.eventcinemas.com.au

READ MORE reviews www.kidsonthecoast.com.au or www.kidsinthecity.com.au 50

JAN/FEB 2017

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