Get Ahead Kids Magazine Vol 3. No 4. July/August 2011 by MAP Marketing

EDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 3 • No. 4 • Jul/Aug 2 011

Learning Innovations & Technology Special I Forgot What I Had to Do Auditory Processing & Learning Web Chat with Rural Youth Impact of Technology on Book Buying Technology in Schools: Help or Hindrance? Bringing Up Confident Happy Children in the Age of Technology

An Interview with

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Jul/Aug 2011

Contents

This Month’s

FO R FA MILIE S O N T HE G O

Spotlight

® 4

Editorial Your Letters

Giveaway My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch Giveaway

Spotlight An Interview with Dr. Chris Brown

An Interview with Dr. Chris Brown Get Ahead Kids® © MAP Marketing 2010 Publisher MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St. Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4929 7766 www.getaheadkids.com.au Managing Editor Maria Charlton MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St. Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au Graphic Design Katie Hurst MAP Marketing P: 02 4929 7766 Advertising Maria Charlton MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St. Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

Learning Innovations & Technology 8

I Forgot What I Had to Do – Auditory Processing & Learning

Learning Technologies

Impact of Technology on Book Buying

Web Chat with Rural Youth

Learning Innovations & Technology

Technology in Schools: Help or Hindrance?

Bringing Up Confident Happy Children in the Age of Technology

School Websites Rating Research Health

Diabetes News

Reclaiming Childhood for Healthy Future

Regional Video Conference Hub for HVGS HVGS Gets $3 Million for New IT Block Giveaway

Taronga Zoo Family Passes Giveaway

Innovation in Book Distribution: Born to Race Giveaway Reviews

NEW Clever Cube & Clever Cubed Storage

Book Reviews

Advertisers Index

Activity Zone

Get Ahead Kids® is published by Marketing Advisers for Professionals Pty Ltd T/A MAP Marketing. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the opinions, errors or omissions.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Editorial This issues features several interesting and informative articles on the effects, results and consequences of technology and how these impact families. The interview with Bondi Vet, Dr. Chris Brown, offers valuable advice for families on selecting a pet and highlights the importance of pets in developing responsibility in children. Above all the interview is highly motivational and entertaining. Once again Medikidz has provided an outstanding article on Diabetes. Thank you Medikidz for your ongoing support.

I enjoyed ‘Average Intelligence - Below Average Reading’ by Amanda Tocci. I work with students with learning disabilities and have been spending today reading up on specific disabilities. Amanda’s article was helpful to me as a teacher and also provided me with an avenue for referral. Y. Willis, Medowie NSW

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I enjoyed the interview with George Calombaris as I find his enthusiasm about cooking to be very contagious. It has got me to be a little more adventurous when planning the family dinners. T. Kelly. Belmont North NSW

I enjoyed all the articles in Get Ahead Kids®, however in particular ‘How Books Can Help When Your Child Starts School’ as my preschooler is off to big school next year which is a very nervous thought for both him and I. This article gave great ideas for ways to help and encourage him through those early days and weeks. Thank you. L. Jordan, Lemon Tree Passage NSW

Don’t miss out on your chance to win one of these fantastic giveaways! 5 double passes to ‘My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch’ at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle, 5 family passes to Taronga Zoo or 2 pawtographed copies of ‘The Terrible Tall Tails of EnzoB: Born to Race’. Thank you to all of the suppliers of these giveaways! Maria Charlton Managing Editor P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

My favourite article was ‘Let’s Talk About Food’ by Dorte Bladt. The content was accurate and simple and offered some handy tips for parents. I agree with Dorte in that to keep ourselves healthy it’s not rocket science - we need to get back to basics i.e. whole foods and moderate portions and we need to cultivate appreciation of our food and our families as we can at times take them for granted. Elizabeth, Garden Suburb NSW My husband and I loved reading ‘The Fun Way to Learn A Language’ by Bill Handley. Our two children are being taught German and we are always mindful of finding time and opportunities for them to learn and the article provided many great ideas and further inspiration! S. Wendt, East Maitland NSW

Please send letters and stories with your name and contact details to: Get Ahead Kids® Villa Franca, 2 Scott St. Newcastle NSW 2300 F: 02 4929 7827 maria@mapmarketing.com.au

Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

5 to

Va veaw $50 lu a .00 ed a y! aD t oub le

My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch

Giveaway This hour-long musical has been acclaimed for its humour, fun and creativity. It features Grandma, a birthday, a crash, live music, puppets and a lively cast.

Graeme Base, international bestselling author and Gary Ginivan, producer of Wombat Stew and Possum Magic bring to the stage the Australian musical adventure My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch.

Graeme said the story was inspired by his own travels around Australia with his family when he was a young child.

Featuring puppetry and original music, My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch is a musical tale of nine year old Kate, a city kid who is ‘doomed’ to spend summer with her eccentric Grandma in outback Gooligulch. When Kate arrives in Gooligulch she is amazed and delighted to find that the animals can talk.

He said the show encourages trying new things, giving new things a go, and watching the magic unfold. My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch is Australian musical adventure that both kids and adults will love.

Duration: 1 hour no interval Venue: Playhouse Theatre, Newcastle. Tour Dates: 6.00pm Wed 20 Jul 2011 10.00am & 11.45am Thu 21 Jul 2011 10.00am & 11.45am Fri 22 Jul 2011 With special thanks to Civic Theatre, Get Ahead Kids® has 5 double passes to ‘My Grandma Lived in Gooligulch’ valued at $50.00 a double to giveaway! These will be drawn 18 July 2011. Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and follow the giveaway link for your chance to win.

Garry Ginivan Attractions & Gooligulch Productions present

“Both human and puppet characters enthral” Herald Sun, Melbourne

Based on the book by Graeme Base Adapted by Graeme Base & Garry Ginivan Produced by Karen Keegan

Civic Theatre Newcastle Session & Times 6pm Wed 20 July 2011 10:00am & 11:45am Thurs 21 July 2011 10:00am & 11:45am Fri 22 July 2011

Tickets $25 each Contact Ticketek: (02) 4929 1977 www.ticketek.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Spotlight

An Interview with

Dr. Chris Brown

What is your favourite animal and why? It’s actually the cow! As a kid, I had a pet Jersey cow called “Bridgette” and I’ve always been fascinated by them. They’re actually incredibly inquisitive. What are the benefits of animals as pets? I really believe they teach you so much about life and the ups and downs that go with it. They also show that when you love something, you’ll get love back. What valuable advice do you have for families looking for a new pet? Take your time and try not to be blinded by looks. It’s their personality that will decide whether they’re the perfect pet for your family! And with so many pets looking for homes in animal shelters, start your search there! What are your tips in caring for pets? Obviously take care of the basic stuff like feeding them the right food and always taking care of their vaccinations, worming and flea control on time. Then spend time just watching them and learning what makes them happy. Then if they are off colour, you’ll spot it straight away! What has been your most interesting animal case? A few weeks ago I got called to a farm because they had an interesting intruder in their chook pen. A 3 metre long carpet python had slithered in and eaten a large marble egg that had been placed in there to encourage the chickens to lay. It was so heavy that he then couldn’t move. I then had to operate on him to remove the big lump of stone!

Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

Spotlight What do you do in your spare time?

What was your first job?

I swim, surf and run. I just love getting outdoors and clearing my head with some exercise!

It was as a dishwasher (or kitchen attendant) in a Sizzler “All You Can Eat” Restaurant in Newcastle. As you can imagine, ‘all you can eat’ means a lot of plates need washing!

How do owning pets further children’s educational development? I always found that having pets when I was young taught me a lot about responsibility and knowing that the more I learnt about how pets worked, the healthier they would be. What are your career highlights? It’s probably working with my Dad (who is also a vet) in Fiji following a massive cyclone there. It was great to be able to help out in a place that had no access to vet help and we met some amazing people and animals. And the fact we give each other so much niggle means it’s always an amusing time! What is your most unforgettable personal experience? It would have to be operating on a wild lion in South Africa a few months ago. While the surgery I performed was a stressful experience, it was nothing on the nerves I felt getting close enough to give his anaesthetic needle! What motivated you to become a veterinarian? I always loved being around animals when I was a kid but it wasn’t until my dog became really sick with a heart condition when I was 16 that I realised I was fascinated by how they work and determined to learn how to make them better. Please tell us about your family There is Mum (Anne), Dad (Graeme) and 2 older brothers, Matt and Tim.

Biography Chris grew up in the suburbs of Newcastle with his father as the local vet. His backyard was home and ‘hospital ward’ to everything from chickens to ducks, koalas, kangaroos, horses, cows, donkeys, dogs, cats and birds. After graduating from Sydney University with First Class Honours, Chris worked in a clinic on Sydney’s North Shore.

Chris is also a regular on TEN’s “The Circle” and “The 7PM Project”. Chris lives with Rusty, the kelpie and failed farm dog, his pet cat George, a pet yabby Max and two goldfish. Aside from a new series of BONDI VET, Chris has continued to work on somewhat of an ‘off-shoot profession’ of hypnotising animals. After starting with chickens, Chris has recently been honing his skills on everything from pigeons to ducks, mice, rabbits, pigs, cows and even an alligator.

More Information www.bondijunctionvet.com

In March, 2004, Chris accepted an exciting offer to become the new presenter and vet on Channel Nine’s Burke’s Backyard program. In the following year, Chris released his first book, “The Family Guide to Pets” which sold over 30,000 copies and was written to help people make the right decision when choosing a pet. At Channel Nine Chris was also the animal expert on The TODAY Show and was one of the presenters on Talk to the Animals. 2008 heralded yet another opportunity for Chris when Network Ten commissioned a new factual program Bondi Vet that features Chris living and working around Australia’s most famous coastline. Chris writes the very popular “Pet Page” in Woman’s Day and is corporate ambassador for the well known Optimum pet care brand and an ambassador for Assistance Dogs Australia.

Tales from a Bondi Vet Author: Dr. Chris Brown Age Guide: General Extent: 304 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780733623929 Price: AU$24.99 Publisher: Hachette Australia P: 02 8248 0800 www.hachette.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Learning Innovations & Technology

I Forgot What I Had to Do Auditory Processing & Learning By Cate Larke

I often have parents at my centre comment that they are at a loss when it comes to their child’s learning problems. The children may be having problems with reading/ comprehension, so they have had their eyes checked. They are not able to follow instructions, so they have had their ears checked. Usually they are told that everything is OK. But is it? Even though our ears hear sound, it is the brain which processes the information. Being able to process auditory information efficiently is extremely important for efficient learning, particularly reading and comprehension. Auditory processing is also important for social development - how can you learn the rules of games if you can’t sequence the information fast enough? How can you keep up with conversations and chat at recess? So poor auditory processing can impact children in a number of academic and social areas.

Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

In the classroom, a child needs to hear and process efficiently with both ears - centrally. They need to be able to hear all the sounds around, but they need to be able to filter out unwanted noise and process what is important. The teacher talking, a story being read or instructions being given, need to be attended to whilst the noise comes through the wall from next door or the child behind them is chatting! If they are unable to do this, all the sounds blend together and they struggle to follow what is going on around them. They are often very easily distracted by noise around or outside the classroom and have poor concentration in the classroom. These children struggle to maintain attention. Another type of issue that is often missed is auditory memory. Many of these children slip through the cracks of the education systemthey often have age appropriate reading accuracy, but poor comprehension. This means they often don’t particularly like reading.

Often children with this area of delay will enjoy non fiction – magazines where they don’t have to follow a story line or they may not progress very well in reading once they get to late year 2 and year 3 where there is more print on the page and more complicated story lines to follow. Many children we see at our centre fall into this group, and parents are distressed when they have been going well and suddenly in year 3 start to struggle. After a short burst of auditory training, they flourish. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often appear to have “short term memory loss”. They can’t retain the information they have heard, process, then act. This is made worse if there is background noise – such as sporting field or shopping centre. Many children will show a decline in behaviour in noisy environments as they are overwhelmed and stressed by sensory input. Others will maintain good behaviour, but will be extremely tired at the end of the school day.

Learning Innovations & Technology A range of very specific testing can check areas of processing including the speed at which the child processes sound. Once it is established that auditory processing is an issue, retraining the ears and brain can commence. In the meantime, by keeping the classroom listening environment reasonably stable, helps those in the classroom struggling to process sound. For the child with problems, ask that they be seated at the front of the room, face on to the teacher, away from busy work areas and door.

Checklist Auditory Processing Disorder ❑❑ Demonstrate problems with expressive language ❑❑ If reading, often read with poor comprehension ❑❑ Show auditory sensitivity ❑❑ Have difficulty following instruction ❑❑ Struggle to focus in a noisy classroom ❑❑ Have difficulty with phonics

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All welcome 256 Minmi Rd, Fletcher 2287 ph: (02) 4979 8484 www btac.nsw.edu.au office@btac.nsw.edu.au

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

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Learning Innovations & Technology

Learning Technologies By Dorte Bladt

Harrison is a bright, bubbly and talkative six year old sitting in my chiropractic office. Sitting is actually not quite the right term; however he is in my office. He is crawling under the table and chairs, examining the mechanics of the chiropractic bed, checking the contents of the drawers, testing the switches on the x-ray view box.... He is a very busy boy. Mum explains that he has trouble at school; he can’t sit still and has difficulty learning to read and write. “He gets into trouble because he is fiddling, moving and bouncing all the time and he is disturbing the other kids.” She continues; “I don’t understand it? I always thought he was very intelligent. He has built amazing things out of Lego from a very young age, he constructs things, can take things apart and put them properly back together again and he seems to concentrate really well at that. And now it has been suggested that he starts on medication to help him learn.” Does this sound familiar? There are several possible causes for a child like Harrison to be like he is – busy and having trouble learning and concentrating at school.

10 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

• He may suffer with interference to the way his nerves are communicating for learning. Small misalignments in the spine or skull can cause this, it can be helped gently, safely & naturally by a chiropractor trained in working with children • He may be reacting to certain foods, often chemicals like flavours, colours or preservatives, or lactose in milk products, or gluten in grains • He may not have developed proper neurological pathways due to movement & coordination difficulties • His brain may not be wired to receive & process the information the way it is being presented at school For this last one I want you to think back to your experience with a hot iron as a child. 3 scenarios: • Your mother explained to you not to touch the iron, because it was very hot & you would burn yourself • You saw a sibling touch the iron & burn herself & you learnt not to do that • You went to the hot iron after having been told & even seen your sister burn herself, you very carefully & briefly touched it just with one finger, you burnt yourself & learnt not to do that again

These are 3 different styles of learning: Hearing, seeing and movement. According to Howard Gardner there are actually 7 different learning technologies: 1. Verbal-Linguistic - The ability to use words & language 2. Logical-Mathematical - The capacity for inductive & deductive thinking & reasoning, as well as the use of numbers & the recognition of abstract patterns 3. Visual-Spatial - The ability to visualize objects & spatial dimensions, & create internal images & pictures 4. Body-Kinesthetic - The wisdom of the body & the ability to control physical motion 5. Musical-Rhythmic - The ability to recognize tonal patterns & sounds, as well as a sensitivity to rhythms & beats 6. Interpersonal - The capacity for person-to-person communications & relationships 7. Intrapersonal - The spiritual, inner states of being, self-reflection, & awareness* The first 3 are the most commonly used in the class room. The other styles are equally important, but require a bit more planning from the teachers many of whom are absolute gems at this! We all have a mix of all the learning styles, but tend to be stronger in 1 or 2 ways. However, learning through all the styles helps us develop all facets of our personality.

Learning Innovations & Technology

When my daughter was quite young she found maths very difficult. One of the ways we tried to help was by going through her homework with her. One afternoon, after many such homework sessions, I suddenly heard myself explaining to her about multiplication: “Now listen very carefully while I explain this to you. Listen to my words and you will understand: You go to the shops to buy two icecreams. Then you come home, but decide to go again and buy two more. How many ice-creams did you buy?” Guess which type of learner I am? Auditory, I understand things when they are explained to me, which is why that is the way I chose to teach my daughter. The problem is that this is not her learning style at all. She is a visual/kinaesthetic learner. When I realised what I was doing I stopped and went to get a box of matches, and used them for the rest of our “lesson”.

trying to be disruptive in class, but to learn he had to move. When he was told to sit still and listen, his brain turned off. He also suffered misalignment in his neck. When we had gently helped his neck to move better and given him a blow-up cushion to sit and wriggle on when he was doing school work he started improving. * From Howard Gardner, ‘Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences’

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Harrison is very much a kinaesthetic learner. He learns by exploring, moving and touching. He was not

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Learning Innovations & Technology

Impact of Technology on Book Buying

Do you miss the touch of a crisp new book, where the purchase was an experience of hours of meandering through cramped and overstocked aisles, stopping every now and then to tilt your head to the side in search of the perfect story? You would then emerge from the often dusty shelves with a cramped neck and a brand new book just begging to be opened. You chat to the bookstore assistant about your new purchase who offers an ever promising, “I have read that twice and I loved it.” Arriving home you flick on the jug, it boils for what seems like eternity while you slip into your favourite PJs or trackie dacks readying yourself for a marathon event of escapism, relaxation and sensory stimulation. You lovingly place your softest pillow on the sofa where an imprint of your bottom has been made from years of reading, you gather your plush blanket, delicately and precariously place your coffee in arms reach and there you are ready to undertake the awe inspiring reading marathon. Kids interrupt, the phone rings, the washing machine finishes, there’s a knock at the door and there you

12 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

By Amanda Tocci

are, moulded into the sofa with your newly purchased piece of paradise, touching, caressing, fondling each page as you say to yourself just one more page...two minute noodles will be fine for dinner tonight right?

Ripping open the satchel you find the much wanted online purchase creased through the cover and after flicking through the book you discover it really wasn’t the one you wanted after all.

Or are you one of the growing number of new age book buyers who likes to sit on the sofa with a hardened cold laptop on their legs, typing in URL after URL address, cunningly looking for the best buy, the online company that saves you money on delivery and perhaps delivers a bonus credit towards your next impersonal experience.

You then catch yourself saying “I should’ve gone to the bookstore.” Rather than logging on again to find out how to return your purchase you learn that the process is so complicated and time consuming that you may as well throw it on to the pile with the other 10 unwanted online purchases and call it even.

As you find the book you want, you click your mouse which sends your book to an icon of a shopping basket and then asks if you would like to continue shopping? There are no personal exchanges of information with a bookstore assistant except for your credit card number and confirmation of your delivery address which is all automatically transmitted.

Maybe I am just cynical about technology and what I see to be the lost art of actually reading ‘real’ books. Yes technology has its place in our society and most certainly in our classrooms however are we teaching our children to love the entire process of reading or are we teaching them to enjoy the technology and that reading is just a by-product, a leftover of that technology.

You then log off waiting 3-5 days, hoping, for your book to arrive. When your book arrives wrapped in a cold plastic satchel, the delivery driver throws it on your lawn.

With Angus & Robertson and Borders having closed their retail stores technology may have triumphed. However is it really heralding the best message for your family?

Learning Innovations & Technology Biography

More Information

Amanda Tocci is a Literacy Specialist and Managing Director of the Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd. Amanda is currently undertaking her PhD in Psychology at Newcastle University, investigating the impact cognitive load has on working memory and their relationship to reading. The Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd is a specialist centre located in Maitland and Newcastle, working with families and schools in assessment, planning and intervention of children with reading difficulties.

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd

Amanda Tocci MAEdst, BA, GradDipEd, GradCertTESOL Managing Director & Literacy Specialist Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd. P: 1300 869 905 contact@auslit.com.au www.auslit.com.au

If you would like a Reading Checklist then please visit www.auslit.com.au. If you would like to email a comment then please do so at

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Learning Innovations & Technology

Web Chat with Rural Youth By Hazel Edwards

Web chatting via Skype is the norm for us. Ryan Kennedy and I co-wrote our ‘f2m; the boy within’ novel this way. But a 3–way international chat with rural youth readers is different. Librarian Phong Truong initiated our webchat so as to use technology to attract youth and provide access to counselling resources on youth issues such as gender. Across the Tasman and across Skype, it was a 3-Way Webinar between Wellington Shire Gippsland Youth Council members (all under 20 years), co-author Ryan Kennedy in Wellington New Zealand and myself in Melbourne. Did it work? Yes it did. But it had a few technical hitches. Despite the trial, where audio problems were resolved with a closer microphone relaying questions, getting the visuals working three ways on the ‘real’ event was a challenge. And yes it was worthwhile!

Strengths of Webinar • Role modelling by Ryan as young novelist writing first book from his own gender experience • Demonstration of how ‘outside’ authors could be accessed & how co-authors utilised electronic ways

14 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

• Good questions & candid answers • Encouraged rural youth to utilise Internet when seeking answers to problems: relationships, gender or literary • This area has a Youth Council & the Deputy Youth Mayor participated.

Lessons Learnt • Network connection recommended over Wi-Fi • Need to have a test session, especially for sound & reposition seating • Prepare questions prior to the webinar • Suggest audience identify themselves when asking questions • Wear a bright coloured jacket to stand out from dark chairs • Intimate group allow questions to be answered in full • ‘Casual feel’ atmosphere is conducive to open exchanges • Since our YA novel subject matter of gender was controversial, it is helpful to have co-authors viewpoints from varied backgrounds & generations & access to their website resources such as YA guests blogs • Prior reading of book & e-books are more easily accessible

Challenges • Several youth who were expected to contribute didn’t make it • Technical issues with getting the visuals to work 3-way on Skype • Phong prepared books, handouts & invited reps from youth groupings, but 10 am Saturday was bad time for techie support & those who play football. • Questions answered: how to cowrite & get published & e-book benefits. Gender questions included getting support in a rural area, Ryan’s personal experiences transitioning and media and librarian reactions to ‘f2m: the boy within’.

Conclusions • Social media has publicised the event more widely than just those who participate. • Importance of access to co-author website resources of YA bloggers, book trailer & reviews • Has a significant implication for cost-effective access to an international author in a rural area. • The Shire Council will webchat future councillor meetings. Our chat overcame geographical and a few other barriers.

Learning Innovations & Technology

More Information Hazel Edwards 2009 ASA Medal 2012 National Year of Reading Ambassador hazel@hazeledwards.com www.hazeledwards.com

Resources and links for ‘f2m: the boy within’ www.hazeledwards.com/page/f2mthe_ boy_within.html EBook Versions: Kindle edition on Amazon.com & Readings booki.sh ebooks Awards & Recognitions: Included in White Ravens 2011

f2m: the boy within Authors: Hazel Edwards & Ryan Kennedy This book is written by punk guitarist Skye, a male trapped in a female body. It covers the emotional, physical and psychological journey of a female transitioning to a male gender. In the process Skye uncovers the genetic mysteries that threaten to tear her family apart. This is an innovative book, written by collaborative web authoring via Skype using a webcam. The result is a seamless novel on a sensitive social topic. It is a bold initiative that can be used by schools to promote acceptance of gender identity issues.

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Age Guide: 15+ Years Extent: 330 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781876462901 Price: AU$19.95 Publisher: Ford Street Publishing P: 03 9481 1120 www.fordstreetpublishing.com

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Learning Innovations & Technology

If I feel like a chat I make a cup of tea and sit at my laptop, click on Skype and say ‘hi’ to my friend and mentor, Hazel Edwards, who also has a home office. We often share our experiences with the latest technology. We laugh and learn together.

Grandson Lachlan at the laptop

Learning

Innovations & Technology By June Alexander

One of the wonderful benefits of technology is the opportunity to engage with the world from the comfort of home. These days my office is my kitchen. My desk is a century-old oak table that belonged to my grandparents. I sit at the table with my up to date laptop and start my day’s ‘work’. If I need inspiration I pause and look out the ‘office’ window over beautiful Corio Bay near Geelong. Or I pick my cat up for a cuddle. And then I get back to ‘work’. I engage with friends and colleagues around the globe via the Internet. Communication flows via e-mail throughout the day and night. Meetings are held via Skype. Research is accomplished on the web. News is spread on blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

16 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

Technology has enabled me to write three books, two of them with international collaboration, in as many years. It has enabled me to learn and connect; it has enabled me to hop on board a literary wave of change that has yet to sight the shore. When I departed a 38 year career in full-time journalism in 2007, I planned to write my memoir, a book I had been dreaming about since childhood.

We find ‘going online’ an increasingly productive way of communicating with each other and with our readers. Pick a topic, any topic, and you will find people with like interests around the world. If you need an answer, tap into your Internet search bar for instant answers. My special interest is eating disorders a theme that runs throughout my memoir. I found websites set up by mothers of children who had developed eating disorders. Two of my favourites are: www.feast.org and www.maudsleyparents.org. The parents were inspired to raise awareness by sharing their experience to help others. Technology makes this possible. Time and distance become irrelevant. Another site, set up by a young woman recovering from Anorexia, is a wonderful blend of personal experience and scientific knowledge: www.edbites.com

I thought the process would be relatively easy. My diaries, kept diligently since age 12, would be my major resource.

Like Hazel, I have established a website which is like a shop front, not to one street, but to the world.

I did write my memoir - A Girl Called Tim - and on the way discovered the book was only part of the story the very process of writing was leading me on a new adventure.

Technology provides tools for recreation and for creating a business it provides communication for people suffering illness, and for loved ones who are far apart.

Technology means that staying at home to ‘work’ is no longer an isolating experience.

It allows the creation of a community of friendship and support, no matter where you live.

Learning Innovations & Technology

My latest venture is the creation of E-books – books that can be read electronically. Books have suddenly become weightless. My toddler-age grandchildren sit on my lap and tap on the keyboard. They already know how to find ABC for Kids, and other sites for children. We play educational games, watch short videos and look for books to purchase on line. I send them e-mails. Won’t be long and they will be showing me what to do. Don’t get left behind. Hop on board and enjoy the ride. All you need to do is start tapping.

More Information

www.junealexander.com

She overcomes family rejection to win the love and respect of her four children and make a huge impact into the lives of other eating disorder sufferers through her writings and active support of education and support groups.

A Girl Called Tim? Escape from an Eating Disorder Hell Author: June Alexander This is June’s memoir of a 40 year journey with two eating disorders anorexia and bulimia. These memoirs are written almost entirely from her diaries, which began at the age of 12. Isolated by her illness, June’s diary was frequently her only friend and a linchpin with sanity. June is a tomboy farm child who is intelligent, sociable and hard working, but sick with anorexia. As June grows into an adult, she hides her sickness in a bid to be loved.

This is a hard to put down book of a struggle to survive, hope, gruelling hard work, educational and career achievements, family relationships, motherhood and ultimate triumph. Although the book is one of despair, rejection and illness, it’s positive because June was determined to overcome her illness and succeed in her career and personal life. Age Guide: Open Extent: 255 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781742570792 Price: AU$29.95 Publisher: New Holland Publishers Australia P: 02 8986 4700 www.newholland.com.au

Specialised help for children, adolescents and parents: Providing assessment, diagnosis and strategies for: • Learning & Concentration • Speech-Language Concerns • Motorskill Difficulties • Behavioural Problems • Self-Esteem & Confidence • Anxiety & Depression • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Social Difficulties • Underachievement • School Readiness

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Learning Innovations & Technology

Technology in Schools: Help or

Hindrance?

We probably all agree that the world of technology is changing so rapidly that it is often difficult to keep up with the latest trends. It is a technological world and our children have to learn how to function in that world. As parents, it is easy to feel confused by the array of technological skills that our children seem to find so easy to cope with. A major innovation in technology that has been adopted by our schools is the interactive whiteboards (sometimes called SmartBoards). These provide the students the opportunity to learn basic facts in an interesting and interactive way. For most students, using and copying information from a SmartBoard poses no problems but for some, the glare emanating from the screen makes using and copying information extremely difficult and uncomfortable. Another relatively new introduction into classrooms is the whiteboard. While this has been used for some years, there are children who have real trouble coping with having to copy from them due to the glare reflected off their surface.

18 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

The other technological advance that our children are using at school is the computer. Sometimes this begins in the first year of school and these are also a source of glare that can cause visual stress in students. Some of these children may have Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity which is a visual processing problem that is caused by sensitivity to particular wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum. Along with this sensitivity, the majority of these students also experience photophobia, which may cause eyestrain and in some cases, headaches whenever they are exposed to sources of glare like SmartBoards, whiteboards and computer screens. Many of these children suffer watery, sore or itchy eyes every day at school just from the fluorescent lighting used in most classrooms, so these problems are increased dramatically with the glare from whiteboards, SmartBoards and computer screens.

By Dr. Joan Brien

For some children with Irlen Syndrome, different coloured whiteboard markers make it virtually impossible to see the words or numbers written by the teacher on the whiteboard. One client reported to me that whenever the teacher used a red whiteboard marker, she could not see the words. A Year 6 boy told me that when the teacher uses black whiteboard marker on the whiteboard, “it’s freaky”. When we discussed what he meant by that, he said that when he is copying from the whiteboard and the teacher has used black marker, some of the words “move” rapidly from the top of the board to the bottom. He did not understand what was happening and was obviously frightened by what he saw. Typically though, he did not mention it to anyone, because he thought they would think he was “mad” and he thought that he had “something wrong with him”. Once he learnt that he had Irlen Syndrome and that Irlen Spectral filters (lenses) would stop this from happening, he was better able to cope with it.

Learning Innovations & Technology

Checklist to Minimise the Effects of Glare from this Technology ❑❑ Look for signs of visual discomfort when children are looking at sources of glare like whiteboards, SmartBoards & computer screens. These include: • Children rubbing their eyes frequently while looking at the board • An inability to concentrate on the board while copying • Red, irritated eyes • Complaining of headaches ❑❑ Be aware that if the classroom lights are turned off while the Smartboard is used, there is an increased chance that children will suffer more from the glare than if the lights were left on. This also applies to the home situation. ❑❑ Be aware that some coloured text may not be clear to all students whether it be on a whiteboard, SmartBoard or computer screen, so ask the question “Can you see what is written on the board or screen?” ❑❑ In the school situation, not much can be done about the glare from whiteboards but in the case of SmartBoards and computer screens, the background can usually be changed so that the background is not stark white.

Prior to these latest technological advances, students copied from blackboards which were not reflective, computers were not routinely used in the classrooms and there was no such thing as a “SmartBoard” so the main source of glare that students were exposed to was from their exercise books or reading books. Knowing how to use technology is essential to the modern day student, but administrators need to be aware that for some, it is a problem. In its most severe form, the visual stress created by this technology can affect a student’s academic achievements, but this has nothing to do with their academic ability. There is a need for teachers and administrators to identify these children and take steps to investigate ways in which the visual stress experienced by them can be minimised.

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH READING? Some children experience reading and learning difficulties as a result of visual perceptual problems caused by

IRLEN SYNDROME Irlen Syndrome can cause Dyslexia and difficulties with Spelling, Writing, Comprehension Concentration

IRLEN DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC Suite 2/136 Nelson Street WALLSEND 2287 Ph: 4955 6904 Email: joan@irlen.com.au www.irlen.com

More Information Dr. Joan Brien Irlen Diagnostic Clinic Suite 2/136 Nelson St Wallsend NSW 2287 P: 02 4955 6904 joan@irlen.com.au www.irlendyslexia.com

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Learning Innovations & Technology

Bringing Up Confident Happy Children in the Age of Technology By Maggie Hamilton While the gradient may seem steep for 21st century parents, there are many effective, easy-to-implement solutions to the issues our children now face. It’s essential that parents understand the marketing pressures on children from birth and are judicious about the products and brands they have in their homes. For children to develop and for their brains to grow they need direct contact with the world – initially through their senses. As they grow, they need to be involved in regular real-life activities in the home and in nature. Good communication and reading skills come from a family culture of books and conversation, rather than passive entertainment. Homes where TV or DVDs are on most of the time compromise the opportunity for reading, discussion, quiet time and imaginative play. Professionals encourage new parents to value what they bring to their child. There are dozens of fun and imaginative ways for parents to open up their baby’s world. Simplicity is the key. As soon as children are old enough, start to alert them to the ways marketers target them. Recognize little boys need as much nurture as girls. Switch off the TV as much as possible, and encourage live play instead. If parents set up one corner of the lounge room as a mini activity area,

20 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

different types of play are within easy access for children. Be aware of your own viewing and shopping habits. Don’t be tempted to dress your children as a mini version of yourself. This deprives them of their individuality, pressures them into feeling they have to act older than they are, and can give you a false sense of what they’re ready for. Have your own selection of educational, wildlife, and other uplifting DVDs/videos for home viewing. Avoid cartoon channels. Make gifts whenever possible. Donate money, goods or time to environmental causes. Encourage recycling. Give old toys to local charities or to children in countries of need. Make bedtime, bath-time, clearing up fun. Use safe online search engines such as Ask for Kids and Yahoo! Kids. As your children reach the tween years (10-12) teach them to spot product placement and understand what it’s about in a fun way. Encourage them to see why enough is never enough and ensure they understand that self-worth isn’t about what they own. Talk about the vulnerabilities advertisers play on, and discuss why marketers target kids and how much money they make from them. Keep conversations light and informative. Discuss the content of ads, TV programs and billboards, and search out entertaining and meaningful films to watch together. Set clear rules about time spent on the computer

and watching TV. Turn off the TV during meals and when you have guests. Limit their screen time and don’t allow TVs and computers in the bedroom. Make family spending an occasional activity. Find out what your child is interested in and encourage them to peruse these interests. Visit museums and art galleries and encourage their responses to what they see. Introduce a range of simple leisure activities at home and in the garden. Help foster friendships across the generations, and encourage your child to feel part of the local community by getting involved in local activities. Ensure there’s one-on-one dad time. Create time to talk about things that matter to your child and don’t forget kitchen table meals are invaluable for fun, celebration, downloading and discussion. Be aware of the immense pressure teens now face. Use time in the car and out walking to chat. Make sure your teenager knows what to expect during puberty. Encourage open discussions and ensure they realise uncertainty, frustration and confusion can be part of teen life. Celebrate milestones. Continue to let them know you care. Be honest about your own teen angst, leaving out details that will embarrass. Respect their growing need for privacy. Balance time on their own and with peers, with family activities that will engage them. Never make their physical changes the subject of family comment or discussion.

Learning Innovations & Technology Be sensitive to peer pressure, the pressure to have the perfect body, perfect grades, and to the pressures around sex, alcohol and drugs. Teach your teenager how to balance personal achievement with fun times. Help them have a good self-image, by modelling a healthy self-image. Celebrate food by dining together regularly as a family. Discourage throwaway comments about weight and what makes someone attractive. Be aware of sleep deprivation issues and have a chill out regime in the home before bed, when TVs and computers are off. As alcohol issues continue to bite be aware of your own drinking habits. Know your child’s friends and their parents. Be sensitive to the stress in their life and how hard it is to be a teen, also when they are bored. Help them deal with boredom as this often sparks unhelpful behavior. Teach your teenager how to regulate their behaviour and why. Catch them doing things right, and be reasonable about minor mistakes. Be balanced and approachable. Let them know you’re the ‘come to’ person if something goes wrong.

looking forward to the future, we remind them of the important role they have to play in shaping their world. When we as adults can be engaged, informed and inclusive, we help empower our children and awaken their imagination, their vision. Then, all we hope for them, and more, can become a reality. Checklist ❑❑ Create a family culture of reading & conversation ❑❑ Use safe search engines ❑❑ Alert children to the purpose of marketing campaigns ❑❑ Limit passive recreational activitiesTV, video games ❑❑ Foster self-esteem & individuality ❑❑ Encourage children to pursue areas of interest ❑❑ Encourage open discussions ❑❑ Be aware of peer pressures ❑❑ Celebrate milestones ❑❑ Set a good example ❑❑ Catch & encourage good behaviour

While we may struggle with aspects of contemporary life, it’s important we’re optimistic about the challenges ahead, as much of the media is not. When we tell our children they are the reason we’re

Biography Writer, publisher and social researcher Maggie Hamilton is the author of many books including “What Men Don’t Talk About”, which examines the lives of real men and boys as opposed to the stereotypes, and “What’s Happening to Our Girls?” and now “What’s Happening to Our Boys?” These books look at the 21st century challenges of our girls and boys are facing, and the solutions.

More information www.maggiehamilton.org

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What’s Happening to Our Girls? Too Much Too Soon.

Read it and don’t delude yourself that you know what your girls are up to.

Author: Maggie Hamilton media, unduly influenced by peer Backed by qualitative research and

Age Guide: Parents

pressure and unleashed by loose

expert opinions, this is an essential

Extent: 312 pages (Paperback)

parental boundaries.

read for parents of girls 0-21 years. The advice for averting the social Often it is mind exploding as the

evils affecting our girls is instilling

author deals with topics of tweens

a sense of worth and high self

and teenagers overstimulated by

esteem.

ISBN: 9780143010647 Release Date: June 2009 Price: AUD$26.95 Publisher: Penguin Australia P: 03 9811 2400 www.penguin.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Learning Innovations & Technology

School Websites Rating Research School websites provide an effective means of communication of various aspects of a school’s operations to parents, students, educators and the public at large. An increasing number of schools are investing significant time and resources to building and maintaining websites. The MAP Marketing Research into Hunter Private School and Major NSW Boarding Schools websites showed that websites varied significantly in quality of design and content. This research was completed because a school website is a visible communication tool for promoting facilities and educational programs to current and prospective parents, the school community, and the public at large. MAP Marketing rated private and boarding school websites using a 15 point criteria.

The final internet rating for each school website was derived from the average rating of 15 categories. These 15 categories were: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Overall Quality Currency of Information Image & Photo Quality Language & Content Quality Online Enquiries Information Quality Ease of Finding Information Aesthetics Location Map Search Bar Function Loading/Que Time Student Portal Parent Portal Calendar of Events Curriculum Outline

These results are presented below: Major Hunter & Central Coast Private School Internet Rating

2009 (Max 5)

2010 (Max 5)

2011 (Max 5)

St Philips Christian College

4.93

4.43

4.40

Newcastle Grammar School

4.43

4.57

4.37

Central Coast Grammar School

3.47

3.70

4.33

For each criteria each website was allocated a score ranging between 0.00 – 5.00 with increments of 0.50 for each category.

Hunter Valley Grammar School

4.00

3.07

4.33

Macquarie College

4.73

4.53

4.13

The highest possible score for each category was 5.00 and the lowest was 0.00. A score of 2.50 was considered average.

Medowie Christian School (NEW)

In certain categories such as school portal, parent portal, search function and map, school websites were allocated a score of zero for each that did not exist or were invisible.

Maitland Christian School

4.20

3.37

3.57

Green Point Christian College

2.9

3.03

3.53

Central Coast Adventist School (NEW) Charlton Christian College

3.87 2.53

3.63

3.80

Avondale School Cooranbong

4.67

4.27

3.70

Hunter Christian School

3.47

3.80

3.70

Wyong Christian Community School (NEW)

3.67

The Coast Christian School (NEW)

3.47

Heritage College Cooranbong

3.77

3.33

3.47

Lakes Grammar- An Anglican School

2.73

2.43

3.20

Belmont Christian College

4.27

3.77

3.10

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

2.47

2.60

2.93

Scone Grammar School (NEW) Brightwaters Christian College

22 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

3.80

2.93 1.13

1.50

1.43

Learning Innovations & Technology Major NSW Boarding Schools Internet Rating 2011

Av Rating (Max 5)

Presbyterian Ladies College

4.47

The Scots College Sydney

4.43

St Joseph’s College

4.30

Kincoppal - Rose Bay

4.20

Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore)

4.13

The Scotts School Albury

4.10

Wenona School

4.10

Kinross Wolaroi

4.03

Barker College

4.00

Calrossy School

4.00

Tudor House School

3.90

Trinity Grammar School

3.87

St Catherine’s School

3.80

St Ignatius College Riverview

3.80

Knox Grammar School

3.77

Ravenswood School for Girls

3.77

Newingtown College

3.73

Cranbrook School

3.67

Tara Anglican School for Girls

3.57

Pymble Ladies College

3.50

Abbotsleigh Senior Campus

3.30

All Saints’ College

3.30

Canberra Girls’ Grammar

3.30

The Kings School

3.30

New England Girls School

3.20

PLC Armidale

3.17

The Armidale School

3.13

Kambala

3.07

St Paul’s College

3.07

Ascham School

2.90

Mackillop College

2.63

Frensham

2.63

Snowy Mountains Grammar School

1.87

OPEN DAY

More Information Maria Charlton Managing Director MAP Marketing P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

TOURS BY OUR STUDENTS 9am - 11am WEDNESDAY 20

JULY

LIMITED PLACES ARE AVAILABLE IN SOME YEARS FOR 2011 AND BEYOND Newcastle Grammar School p: (02) 4929 5811

w: ngs.nsw.edu.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Health

Diabetes By Dr. Phoebe Votolato

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disease in which the body cannot make the hormone insulin. Insulin moves glucose (sugar) into cells where it is used as an energy source. Type I or Juvenile diabetes, aka Insulin-Dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is less common than the late onset version of the disease. It affects 1 in 200 people in the UK.1 Type I typically starts in childhood between 10-13 years. Late onset DM (Type II) usually affects adults with an unhealthy lifestyle. But Type I is caused when the body’s defence system attacks the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. Exactly why this happens is not clear though, DM Type I does run in families. That means there is a link to your genes, but exactly which ones hasn’t been fully worked out yet. Without insulin, sugar can’t get into the cells of your organs and other tissues. This means they have no energy to work. Without insulin, your child may feel lethargic, generally unwell, may faint, won’t gain weight normally and may even lose weight. These symptoms can start very quickly as the pancreas starts being attacked by the immune system.

24 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

After a meal, sugar floods the bloodstream. Normally, this would be moved into your body’s cells by insulin. If there’s no insulin around, then sugar gets stuck in your blood. Your body attempts to flush the excess sugar out by making you pee more. Larger volumes are passed and you feel very thirsty. In the short term, dehydration and drowsiness occur. If these early clues are missed, a serious complication called Ketoacidosis may arise. In this situation, there’s too much sugar in the blood, as well as Ketones. These are made when fat is used as an emergency energy source if you can’t use sugar. Ketones are toxic in high levels causing serious illness and possibly death. As they build up, they make your blood more acidic than it should be. This is why it’s called Ketoacidosis, and it can end up causing serious damage to your body, even leading to a coma. Long-term, untreated diabetes leads to problems throughout the body as blood vessels are damaged by sugar. Poor vision, kidney problems, stroke and heart attack are potential consequences. Therefore, lifelong treatment is needed.

Treatment involves replacing insulin with a manmade copy via injections several times daily to keep blood sugar levels healthy. You can monitor sugar levels with a finger prick kit to guide you in balancing insulin dosing with food intake and exercise. Your GP, Paediatrician and Dietitian will be at hand to ensure you have the knowledge you need to neatly control blood sugar levels and keep your child well.

Advice for Families Early warning signs of diabetes in children: ❑❑ Excessive thirst ❑❑ Peeing more frequent ❑❑ Weight loss ❑❑ Lethargy ❑❑ Catching infections more often Keep an eye out for these early clues and get a doctor’s appointment quickly if you see them. If you think your child may have diabetes, your doctor will test his/ her blood and urine for sugar.

Health Checklist ❑❑ Early warning signs include excessive thirst, frequent peeing & weight loss ❑❑ Contact your GP if you suspect your child is unwell ❑❑ If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, make sure you keep any appointments with your doctors so they can keep an eye on how your child is doing ❑❑ Monitor blood sugar at home regularly & adjust food intake & insulin dosing accordingly ❑❑ Change insulin injection sites often. Rotating between stomach, thighs & buttocks helps prevent hard lumps from forming in overused spots

❑❑ Sweatiness & confusion may indicate very low blood sugar which could lead to a coma. Treat urgently with a sugary drink or snack, or you can use an injection of another hormone called glucagon, which lets your body release glucose from its own stores

Biography Dr. Phoebe Votolato is a medical writer for Medikidz, a charity providing children and teenagers with informative, accessible and fun comic books to help them understand their diagnosis.

More Information www.medikidz.com

The Medikidz are a group of five larger-than-life cartoon super heroes who live on Mediland a planet shaped just like the human body. They arrive to guide Ella on a journey through Mediland, explaining diabetes in a simple and engaging way.

What’s Up with Ella? Medikidz Explain Type 1 Diabetes Authors: Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair & John Taddeo Illustrator: Liquid Comics Ella of the “Cool Kids Robot Friends Society” has a meeting and Axon who is a brilliant inventor of Abacus, is expected to be there. The excitement is rising as Ella presides over the gathering, and suddenly she collapses.

Ella learns about the importance of glucose and sees the way in which the body converts it to energy and gains essential knowledge about insulin in order to control of her condition.

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News

Reclaiming Childhood for a

Healthy Futu re

The Hunter Alliance for Childhood (H.A.C.) is a non-profit advocacy and support group dedicated to the protection and preservation of childhood. H.A.C. will be hosting the first ‘Expo for Childhood’ 12-14 August 2011 at Cardiff Panthers. The theme of the expo is ‘Reclaiming Childhood for a Healthy Future’ and incorporates conscious parenting, inspired education, and natural approaches to child health and well-being. The event will include speakers and stallholders, who will offer strategies and resources to parents and professionals working with children: • To enhance the holistic health & well-being of children • To protect & preserve childhood as a unique & important stage of life

‘Expo for Childhood’ Objectives

Expo Programs

• To empower & inspire families, professionals & communities by promoting awareness & understanding of the critical & unprecedented issues facing contemporary childhood • To provide practical strategies that will lead to increased daily engagement with ‘real food’, ‘real play’ & ‘real life’ for optimum child development • To promote real choices for families • To strengthen community living & establish support networks for families • To inspire educators & professionals to seek out & utilise strategies to enable children to experience childhood in its fullest sense

• Parent & professional development workshops & seminars • Free talks & demonstrations • Product & information stalls • Children’s activities • Children’s charity fundraising The first 300 visitors on each day of the Expo will receive a complimentary ‘Expo bag’ containing information and product samples from approved businesses and organizations.

More Information P: 02 4954 4717 hunterac@live.com.au www.hunterallianceforchildhood.org

You’re Invited to the Hunter’s First...

Expo for Childhood 12-14 August 2011 at Cardiff Panthers

• Sunday 14th is Children’s Day (2 Adults + Up to 4 Children Only $12) - Free Activities & Entertainment • Register Your Playgroup or Mothers’ Group for Special Prize Draw & Discounted Entry • Win $2000 Kitchen Garden Package for Your School or Childcare Centre Donated by Lake Macquarie City Council

• Special Guest Sue Dengate (Author of Fed Up & Founder of Food Intolerence Network) • Stalls

• Free Talks

Tickets on Sale at the Door or at www.stickytickets.com.au

26 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

• Parent Workshops

• Hourly Prizes

Programme & Enquiries hunterac@live.com.au or visit www.hunterallianceforchildhood.org

News

Regional Video Conference Hub for HVGS The Australian Independent School’s NSW (AIS) has selected Hunter Valley Grammar School (HVGS) as one of ten regional independent schools to establish a regional video conference hub with direct communication to the AIS. This innovation allows: • Staff to participate in professional learning activities • Students to engage in global learning networks

The AIS is providing all of the equipment, hardware, audio and video gear as well as the carrier grade microwave equipment needed to connect to the network.

It also establishes the school as a leading innovative learning organisation in the Hunter.

These initiatives will allow HVGS to provide faster and improved internet upload speeds for moodle, parent portal, iwise, remote desktop, email, and the school web site.

HVGS Gets $3 Million for New ICT Block This announcement coincides with the school’s decision to invest approximately $3.0 million into a brand new information and communications technology block. The new ICT building will be the school’s hub for teaching, learning, training and global communications.

At Hunter Valley Grammar School we believe that education is best achieved in a caring, balanced and values-based environment that promotes a passion for life and learning. Our vision is to give students the confidence needed to meet life’s challenges. We aim to empower students to be the best they can be. Hunter Valley Grammar School is known for it’s commitment to excellence in education with the right balance of sporting and cultural pursuits. For further information phone the registrar or email registrar@hvgs.nsw.edu.au NORFOLK ST ASHTONFIELD 2323 P 4934 2444 www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au

The block will feature four new classrooms each with their own unique layout befitting its technology functions and will include teacher training rooms as well as housing the professional IT teaching and technical staff.

More Information Susan Boyd Communications Officer Hunter Valley Grammar School P: 02 4934 2444 www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au

Forging ahead

Holly Lawrence, 2011 Australian Schoolgirl Single Scull Champion

www.getaheadkids.com.au

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Taronga Zoo Family Passes

Giveaway

Five new Ring-tail Lemurs have arrived at Taronga Zoo, just in time to warm things up for the winter school holidays.

of age she is quite well catered for with a number of heated rocks in her exhibit and heated cave for her to snooze in.

The bachelor group of rare Madagascan primates, which have just made the journey from Dubbo, will delight visitors as they pounce through the branches and walk upright in their lush exhibit.

There are still some Taronga residents which will enjoy a frosty swim this winter. At Taronga’s aquatic megaexhibit, Great Southern Oceans, the Zoo’s Leopard Seals, ‘Casey’ and ‘Sabine’ are revelling in the winter weather. Taronga is the only zoo in the world to care for this Antarctic species and visitors can learn more about how ‘Casey’ and ‘Sabine’ are helping researchers understand more about this elusive species at the 10:45 am zoo keeper talk.

Australia’s Nightlife has also recently welcomed ‘Angus’ the Rufus Owl, which, after many years delighting visitors at Taronga’s Free Flight Bird Show, has retired in the nightlife exhibit. Generally they’re elusive but visitors will be able to see Angus in the specially-created tropical habitat which the keepers have made for this rainforest dwelling raptor.

While the Zoo animals are enjoying the cooler weather, visitors can be sure of plenty of shelter and warmth in Taronga’s heated and underground exhibits. The Rainforest Cone at Taronga’s Reptile World is one of the warmest places in Sydney, heated to a very comfortable 30 degrees for the Zoo’s reptiles. Australia’s fascinating native animals are busy going about their winter business in the Zoo’s Australia’s Nightlife nocturnal exhibit, the Nocturnal House. Once your eyes have adjusted to the dark, you will see Bettongs and Bilbies foraging for food and tiny Feather-tail Gliders seamlessly using the soft breezes in their forest homes to fly.

P: 02 9969 2777 tz@zoo.nsw.gov.au www.taronga.org.au

The lemurs are adept at beating the cold and love to indulge in group sunbathing sessions in the cooler weather, by sitting in what is called the Lotus Position. Their extraordinary black and white-ringed tails are longer than their bodies and their hair which keeps them nice and warm is so thick it can clog hair clippers. The Meerkats can be seen beating the winter chill by basking under heat lamps in their African desertthemed home. The winter winds will be no issue for these inquisitive animals as they have evolved to be able to close their ears in the event of a desert sand storm. Taronga’s majestic Brown Bear, Bethyl, will also be kept warm over the frosty period thanks to her long shaggy fur which acts like a warm coat. Bethyl is the last Brown Bear living in Australasia and at 34 years

28 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

More Information

With a special thanks to Taronga Zoo, Get Ahead Kids® has 5 Family Passes valued at approx. $109 each to giveaway! Each pass allows a family of 2 adults and 2 children a wildlife experience at either Taronga Zoo Sydney or Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win one of these fantastic passes.

Innovation in

aw to Co grap Giv pies t hed o ea wa y!

Book Distribution

The Terribly Tall Tales of EnzoB: Born to Race is a children’s book written by Luscheyne Mellon. She wanted to share the book with children worldwide. The iPad allowed the author to springboard her vision to share and distribute her book through the new platform with the world. The iPad brings the book to life with animation and sound effects aimed at engaging children.

AppCast took the digitised text and worked with the illustrations of the book to recreate the book on the iPad. Then the unique interactive components allow the iPad to enhance the reading experience. The book will be enjoyed by children around the world and will again challenge the traditional print medium and distribution for other upcoming Australian authors.

More Information

With a special thanks to Luscheyne Mellon and Red Umbrella Press, Get Ahead Kids® has 2 pawtographed copies of ‘The Terrible Tall Tails of EnzoB: Born to Race’ valued at $34.95 each to giveaway! Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win one of these fantastic books.

www.appcast.com.au/ApplyingMobilityDetail.aspx?study=enzo

The Terribly Tall Tales of EnzoB

This is a stunning adventurous tale with the underlying messages of; love, triumph against all odds and tolerance of differences. It is splashed with Steve Dixon’s colourful illustrations, maps, treasure hunts, diagrams, riddles and competitions.

The Terribly Tall Tales of EnzoB: Born to Race Author: Luscheyne Mellon Illustrator: Steve Dixon BeagleDom is where the world’s finest show dogs are born and bred. But from the moment he was born, everyone knew that EnzoB was different - he was a dwarf beagle.

It is ideal for chapter reading and great for reading out loud to younger children. Parents will also be delighted by this tale. Age Guide: 6+ Years Extent: 152 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780980762051 Price: AU$24.95 Publisher: Red Umbrella Press P: 02 9369 1221 www.redumbrellapress.com

Meet EnzoB! A dwarf beagle with a whopping passion to become the world’s first Formula One canine. With exuberant hand painted illustrations that compliment the delightful narrative, Born to Race is a great first step for kids ready to transition into chapter books.

Find out more at :

www.enzob.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Reviews

NEW Clever Cube & Clever Cubed Storage

The new cube storage products help to organise your family’s stuff from toys to books to work files to sporting gear. And with floating cubes you can easily install to the wall as storage.

Clever Cubed Storage Available in a high gloss black or white finish, these practical floating cubes can be used for both storage (files, books, toys) or for display purposes (photos or vases). They can also be used in the bathroom or kitchen. This three-cube set contains one of each cube: 25cm x 25cm, 20cm x 20cm and 15cm x 15cm (all are 10cm deep) and have a weight capacity of up to 2kg. Build your own wall of cubes! RRP $34.88 3 pack.

Melamine Clever Cubes These individually packaged cubes are available in black or in white to suit most decors and can be mixed and matched according to needs and arranged in a number of formats. You can even build an entire wall of cubes! Each cube is made of sturdy melamine in the following dimensions: 352mm x 352mm x 392mm. Ideal for storing magazines, papers and books, these cubes also double up as display units. RRP $19.98 each.

30 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

Clever Cube Fabric Inserts Available in pink, blue and coffee, the Fabric Cubes inject colour into any room and are ideal children’s rooms and work spaces. They can be used either as stand alones or as inserts for the Melamine Clever Cubes. Older kids will love the vibrant colours and cool raw cotton finish! They fold flat when not in use. They come with label pockets and pull out handles and are great office storage. Dimensions: 330mm x 330mm x 370mm. RRP $12.47 each.

Clever Cubed Storage

More Information Fiona Andry The Gipps Street Agency P: 02 9661 6191 fiona@gippsst.com.au www.gippsst.com.au

Melamine Clever Cubes

Clever Cube Fabric Inserts

Reviews

BEST

OVERALL CINEMA

Headstarts Authors: Dr. Cindy Pan & Vanessa Woods Headstarts is an educational book full of useful information for parents/ caregivers. Some of topics included are: • Spending quality time with your young ones • Spelling tips • Good brain food • Importance of Kindergarten This easy to read book is perfect for every home library and is not written with lots of complex terminology. Age Guide: Open Extent: 216 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781741755749 Price: AU $24.99 Publisher: Allen & Unwin P: 02 8425 0100 www.allenandunwin.com

Successful Public Speaking, Debating and Oral Presentations Author: Dr. Barry Spurr This is an essential reference to successful public speaking, debating and oral presentations, for students and teachers, public speakers and anybody who wants to improve their oral presentation skills.

• • • • • •

Invaluable do’s & don’ts Exercises Time honoured public speeches How famous presenters did it Event specific advice Debating topics & model debates

Age Guide: 11+ Years Extent: 96 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921042256 Price: AU $12.95 Publisher: New Frontier Publishing P: 02 9453 1525 www.newfrontier.com.au

BEST

SOUND AND VISION

the hUnter’s hoMe oF FaMIlY entertaInMent

Charlestown sQUare

49/30 Pearson st Ph: 02 4032 1150

www.readingcinemas.com.au

MAITLAND CHRISTIAN

MAITLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SCHOOL Do all God’s glory Do all forforGod’s glory

Maitland Christian School, nestled away in the middle of Metford, is a great place to educate your children. With 570 students from Kinder through to Year 12, at Maitland Christian School you won’t get lost in the crowd! The school’s mission is to work in partnership with families and churches by offering a sound Christ-centred education which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteristics of each child.

Author: Deborah Diesen Illustrator: Dan Hanna

This book teaches children that if you are sad all the time, things will pass you by and being happy is always much more fun.

LUXURY CINEMA

It features:

The Pout-Pout Fish

This is a book about a sad fish and how he doesn’t think it’s his choice to be happy. However he soon learns with the help of a few of his friends that all it takes one little kiss to be happy.

BEST

Age Guide: 5+ Years Extent: 29 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781742830063 Price: AU $15.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au

www.maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au Ph: (02) 4933 7633

Maitland Christian School

75-81 Chelmsford Drive Metford NSW 2323

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Reviews

Ready, Set, Go? How to tell if your child’s ready for school and prepare them for the best start Author: Kathy Walker This book adopts a problem solving approach on how to assess your child’s readiness, how to prepare them for school and includes useful case studies. It is an easy to read book that can be read, put down and picked up without a break in comprehensiona perfect reference for busy parents. Age Guide: Parents Extent: 192 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780143565420 Price: AU: $19.95 Publisher: Penguin Group (Australia) P: 03 9811 2400 www.penguin.com.au

Winter’s Shadow

The Great Expedition

Author: M.J. Hearle

Author: Peter Carnavas

This is a dark story filled with suspense. Winter can’t stop thinking about the strange boy Blake who saved her life. She’s curious to get to know him and know his story.

A group of young explorers set off to deliver a very special parcel. The journey would be dangerous the rewards and lessons learnt would be priceless.

But Blake doesn’t seem as interested to get to know Winter, he has a deep dark secret that he is willing to kill for.

This book is a wonderful first reader and contains invaluable lessons for young readers including. “Even the most unlikely of people can be heroes.”

This is a perfect book for those older readers who like to escape into a fantasy. Age Guide: 10+ Years Extent: 426 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780330404471 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia P: 02 9285 9100 www.panmacmillan.com.au

Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781921042812 Price: AU $24.95 Publisher: New Frontier Publishing P: 02 9453 1525 www.newfrontier.com.au

More great book reviews at www.getaheadkids.com.au

Waiting for Later Author & Illustrator: Tina Matthews Nancy is a young girl and one day she feels small so she decides to ask her family to play with her. Unfortunately they are all very busy and tell Nancy they will “later”. While Nancy is waiting she climbs a tree and imagines what it would be like if she was playing games with her family right now. When later finally comes around Nancy’s family wonder where she is.

32 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 11

This book explains that sometimes children need to be patient and when they are they will get what they want. Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 30 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781921720055 Price: AU $24.95 Publisher: Walker Books P: 02 9517 9577 www.walkerbooks.com.au

Reviews

Get Ahead Kids® Partners Food Intolerance Management Plan Authors: Dr. Sue Shepherd & Dr. Peter Gibson This is a great cookbook for anyone with or cooking for someone with food intolerances.

Button Boy Author: Rebecca Young Illustrator: Sue deGennaro This is a book about a boy who loves buttons and has them sewn all over his jumper.

Full of wonderful recipes, menu plans and helpful hints this book is a great family reference.

It helps to teach children to keep their minds open because searching for one thing can often lead to the discovery of another.

Age Guide: Open Extent: 255 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780670074419 Price: AU $35.00 Publisher: Penguin Group (Australia) P: 03 9811 2312 www.penguin.com.au

Age Guide: 5+ Years Extent: 28 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781741697971 Price: AU $26.99 Publisher: Scholastic Press P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au

Junior Chef: Sweet Treats

“I Love Ollie” Series

Author: Carolyn Beth Weil

Author: Anna Walker

This is a wonderful first cookbook for anyone who loves to cook or has a bit of a sweet tooth. Parents will have just as much fun in the kitchen as the kids making all the yummy treats. This is a perfect book for parents to help children learn to follow instructions.

These two wonderful books from the ‘I love Ollie’ Series explain what is so amazing about having a baby sister or brother. They are wonderful books to read to young children.

Age Guide: 7+ Years Extent: 126 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781741698978 Price: AU $16.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au

Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 21 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: I Love My Baby Sister 9781741698947, I Love My Baby Brother - 9781741698930 Price: AU $12.99 each Publisher: Scholastic Press P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au

hey dee ho music runs music programs for 1- 5 year olds. There are franchise opportunities in the inner Sydney suburbs & the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

Franchise Enquiries: (03) 9786 3104 | jenny@heydeehomusic.com.au www.heydeehomusic.com.au

TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT THE NEW

Pilates, Brass Band, Choir, Chess, Table Tennis, Judo, Akido Kickboxing Boxing, Gymnastics, Circus, Dancing, Fencing

P: 4961 4493 | www.pcycnsw.org

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Index

Article Themes 2011 January/February

Advertisers Index

Back to School - Susanne Gervay Ad Booking Deadline Nov 5, 2010

ABC Orthodontics

Editorial Deadline Nov 12, 2010

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

March/April

Civic Theatre Newcastle

Physical Education - Shannan Ponton

Doctor Home Visit Service

Ad Booking Deadline Feb 2, 2011

Educare Specialist Services

Editorial Deadline Feb 11, 2011

Essential Moves

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown

The Great Aussie Bush Camp

hey dee ho music

Hunter Alliance for Childhood Inc.

Hunter Valley Grammar School

I Can Read System

INParenting

International Child Care College

Irlen Diagnostic Clinic

Karrawong Kindy

May/June Languages & Communications George Calombaris Ad Booking Deadline Apr 8, 2011 Editorial Deadline Apr 15, 2011

July/August Learning Innovations & Technology Dr. Chris Brown Ad Booking Deadline Jun 3, 2011 Editorial Deadline Jun 10, 2011

September/October

KidsSmile

Macquarie College

Maitland Christian School

NCP Printing

Newcastle Grammar School

Study & Assessment - Mark Bouris

Newcastle Pregnancy Help Service

Ad Booking Deadline Aug 12, 2011

Newcastle Region Library

Editorial Deadline Aug 19, 2011

PCYC

Reading Cinema

Red Umbrella Press

Summer Learning - Layne Beachley

Schoolchoice.com.au

Ad Booking Deadline Oct 7, 2011

Stockland Glendale

Editorial Deadline Oct 14, 2011

Susan Walton Optometrist

November/December

EDUC ATIN G

THE GO FAMI LIES ON

FREE

® Vol. 3 • No. 5

• Sep/Oct 2

011

For more advertising information please contact Maria Charlton | maria@mapmarketing.com.au | P: 02 4929 7766

Advertisers media kit & booking form at www.getaheadkids.com.au

Celebrity Spotlight Mark Bouris ‘The Apprentice’ Study & Assessment Issue out

September 2011 34 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 2011

Activity Zone

Clockwork

Our clock has stopped working. The repairman has given us 5 parts that need to found and replaced. Can you find the replacement pieces in the clock below and colour them in?

Replacement Pieces