Get Ahead Kids Magazine Vol. 3. No. 6. Nov/Dec 2011

EDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 3 • No. 6 • Nov/Dec 2 011

®

An Interview with

y e l h c a e B e n Lay Summer Learning Special To Read or Not to Read during the Summer Holiday Learning at Home • After the HSC Exams • Taking a Gap Year!

Melanoma • Summer Feet - What Should Our Children Be Wearing?

November/December 2011 Subscription $6.60 AUD INC GST 06

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149000

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

4 Nov – 12 Feb $5 Adults, $3 Children/Concession, $15 Family Newcastle Museum, Workshop Way, Newcastle NSW

A captivating experience for all ages, Hatching the Past invites visitors to touch real dinosaur bones and reconstructed nests (one more than 2.5m in diameter), dig for eggs, experience hands-on exploration stations and view animated video presentations featuring well known dinosaur experts.

Call 02 4974 1400 for more info.

Image: Dennis Wilson, Oviraptor Embryo Model

Nov/Dec 2011

Contents

This Month’s

F O R FA M I LI E S O N T HE G O

Spotlight

® 4

Editorial

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Giveaways The Australian Reptile Park Family Passes The Wiggles Big Birthday Tour Pass

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Spotlight An Interview with Layne Beachley

An Interview with Layne Beachley

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Reference Major NSW/ACT Boarding Schools’ Research Summer Learning

Get Ahead Kids® © MAP Marketing 2011 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 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.

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To Read or Not to Read during the Summer Holiday

12

Learning at Home

14

After the HSC Exams

16

Taking a Gap Year!

Health

18

Melanoma

20

Summer Feet - What Should Our Children Be Wearing?

22

Kids in Car Seats News

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Dinosaurs Hatching at Newcastle Museum

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Nurture Growing Families Giveaways

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Taronga Zoo Family Passes

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LeapFrog Tag, Interactive World Map & Learn to Read Series Pack People in Focus

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An interview with Goldie Alexander

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An interview with Steve Dixon

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Reviews

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Advertisers Index

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Activity Zone

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Editorial Readers will be inspired by Layne Beachley. She is one of the most fascinating celebrities we have interviewed; overcoming so many obstacles to become an icon of women’s surfing worldwide.

Checkout our great giveaways! Two prize packs from LeapFrog, five family passes to Taronga Zoo as well as the Australian Reptile Park.

Digital subscribers also have the chance to win a family pass to see The Wiggles.

In this edition we have dealt with some vital issues on what to do after the HSC including making the transition from school to adult pursuits and hints for taking a gap year.

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

On behalf of Get Ahead Kids, I would like to wish you the very best for the summer break and festive season!

The international medical charity, Medikidz, has provided another outstanding article on Melanoma and how to protect yourself against the summer sun.

Maria Charlton Managing Editor P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

At 18 I tried contact lenses and failed miserably. I was put off for life. It was interesting to discover there are now other options. My son has just been prescribed glasses, it would be great for him to have another choice that may actually improve his vision.

‘Testing for Testings Sake’ was a very interesting article. I am a Kindergarten teacher and parents will often question why we need to test at such an early age.

L. Hogan , Ashtonfield NSW

Please send letters and stories with

Thank you to all our giveaway suppliers!

‘Stress Less for University Exams’ was an interesting read as I myself have done a lot of studies and my nieces are also going through their HSC. I will put into practice some of the tips learnt here!

L. Ritchie , Lewisham NSW I enjoyed the Mark Bouris interview.

Such great advice and practical tips we can all use in a time when finances are often pushed to the limit!

My response is that if the child is demonstrating problems in certain areas of their learning, lets pin point exactly where their strengths and weaknesses are and work on them together.

If we can identify certain problems areas at such a young age lets put into place certain intervention strategies that will assist that child and allow them to develop and gain confidence. Confidence is the key.

A. Schneider, Highfields NSW

K. Pye, Stockton NSW

SUCCESS

MAKE YOUR TIME COUNT

Newcastle Grammar School is building foundations for tomorrow’s leaders by combining the very best of academic standards with a holistic approach to Music, Sport and the Arts. The School’s educational programmes and facilities are second to none allowing students to reach their full potential in a safe and secure environment. Dedicated direct bus services ensures the students travel safely to and from School.

50% of Students received an ATAR over 88 in the 2010 HSC. 92% of Students received an ATAR over 60 in the 2010 HSC. One Student ranked 1st in the State for Music 1 in the 2010 HSC. One Student ranked 3rd in the State for Geography in the 2010 HSC.

ENROL NOW Newcastle Grammar School p: (02) 4929 5811

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Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

w: ngs.nsw.edu.au

Experience a Zoo with a Big Difference!

The Australian Reptile Park is a hands-on zoo that boasts many animal interactions and exciting wildlife shows.

Have a close encounter with some of the park’s scaly and furry animals during Snappy Hour 11:00am - 2:00pm daily, including a walk with Hugo the giant Galapagos tortoise. Elvis, NSW’s biggest crocodile, is fed at 1:30pm on weekends and school holidays.

See the spectacular alligator feeding from the banks of the massive ’gator lagoon. See native and exotic reptiles and spiders in unique exhibits.

The Lost World of Reptiles and Spider World, featuring Tarantula-ville.

Discover how we’re helping save the iconic Tasmanian devil with our exciting conservation project, Devil Ark. Witness a venomous snake and funnel web spider milking every day.

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Have a photo with a snugly python, wombat or cuddly koala.

Enjoy the children’s adventure playground, cafe and picnic area, free BBQs and hand feed friendly kangaroos.

Ask about our Behind the Scenes tours, Devilish Encounter, Kids to Keepers Program, Fear Factor and Hugo’s Birthday Party Pack!

Fear is real and living with a phobia can have an enormous effect on your life. There are many people living with phobias and many different types of phobias. It’s no joke, it’s no fun, and it’s not something you should be embarrassed by or afraid of dealing with.

More Information www.reptilepark.com.au

With special thanks to the Australian Reptile Park, Get Ahead Kids® has 5 Family Passes valued at approx. $64.00 each to giveaway!

Each pass allows a family of 2 adults and 2 children (3 - 15 years) a wildlife experience at the Australian Reptile Park.

Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win one of these fantastic Australian Reptile Park family pass giveaways.

Reserved for Get Ahead Kids Digital Subscribers The Wiggles are celebrating their 20th birthday! The concert at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre will feature all your favourite Wiggles songs, characters and lots of birthday fun on stage!

Due to unprecedented demand from Wiggles fans around Australia, ‘The Wiggles Big Birthday Tour’ will also perform their shows in cities and towns they have not visited in many years.

It will be one of the largest tours of this type ever staged in Australia with nearly 80 shows between October and December this year around the country.

In 20 years, The Wiggles have sold more than 30 million DVD’s and CD’s worldwide, sold over 6 million books, recorded over 700 songs and performed to over 1 million people a year in America, Canada, the Middle East, Asia, UK and New Zealand.

With special thanks to The Wiggles, one lucky Get Ahead Kids® digital subscriber will have the opportunity to win a family pass to The Wiggles Big Birthday Tour at 1:00pm, 13 December 2011, Newcastle Entertainment Centre valued at $130.00.

More Information www.wiggletime.com

To enter visit www.getaheadkids.com.au & subscribe to the digital magazine by 24 Nov 2011. Subscribers will receive a special link via email for the giveaway 25 Nov 2011. The Pass will be drawn Monday 5 Dec 2011.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

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Spotlight

An Interview with

Layne Beachley What do you do in your spare time?

These days I don’t have very much spare time as I am busier in retirement than I was when I was competing.

I have my own charity called Aim for the Stars; I stage the richest professional women’s surfing event in the world - The Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic and do a lot of motivational speaking, ambassador roles and media. In my spare time I surf, read and catch up with family and friends.

What was your first job?

My first job was folding t-shirts and sweeping the floor in my local surf shop in Manly. I actually worked for free for a while as the shop became my “hangout” and a place where I could store my surfboard to save me taking it home every day on the bus.

What are your career highlights?

My career is full of highlights! From winning my first ASP championship tour event in 1993 as a 20 year old, then going on to win my first of 7 world titles in 1998. Having the desire, drive and determination to continue that dominance for 6 years in a row was very satisfying, then recovering from a potential career ending neck injury to return to the tour 2 years after my 6th world title to win a 7th one was also amazing.

The accolades that accompany the success I had in the water such as being inducted into the US Surfing Hall of Fame and Walk of Fame, as well as the NSW Hall of Champions and just recently, the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame. It’s incredible to think that committing myself to something that I love and becoming the best in the world can provide me with so

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Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

much satisfaction, influence and appreciation from others. I love the fact I can inspire and motivate others through my love of surfing.

What is your most unforgettable personal experience?

Being told I was adopted had a profound impact on me and the direction my life ultimately took. Of course I wasn’t aware of that until many years later but I realised that it actually drove me to become a world champion. When dad told me I was adopted, I felt like I no longer belonged. I felt that If I wasn’t worthy of my own mothers love, whose love was I worthy of? If I become the best in the world at something I would be deserving of everyone’s love. Once I won my 6th world title I realised that the love of self is more important than constantly seeking the love and reassurance of others.

Please tell us about your family I was adopted at birth, into a beach loving family with the last name Beachley and became a pro surfer.

Fortunate twist of fate I say! My mother Valerie picked me up from the hospital and brought me home, and then passed away 6 years later from a brain haemorrhage. My dad Neil surfed and is responsible for introducing me to the sport, while my older brother Jason rides a longboard and loves his surfing.

My dad remarried many years later and had my baby sister Catherine who is now 21. Unfortunately her mother Christina, my stepmother, passed away from Breast Cancer 8 years ago. I have a huge amount of respect for my dad and all that he has endured in life, all while maintaining a positive outlook

and responsibility to care for his family.

He is my rock!

Where did your passion for surfing come from and how old were you when you started?

I started surfing when I was four years old. I was riding a skateboard from the age of three so it was a natural progression from land to the ocean.

My dad introduced me to the water and I fell in love with it and its healing qualities.

You have surfed all over the world, where is your favourite place to surf?

I love big waves and warm water so my favourite place to surf is Hawaii. My favourite wave in the world is Sunset Beach because it’s challenging and rewarding and very unpredictable.

You have had such a successful career and have worked so hard; what helps you to stay focused on your goals?

It’s important to have attainable goals, both short term and long term to keep you motivated. As a teenager my ultimate goal was to become world champion but I had to set short term goals in order to achieve that. Some of my goals included doing some physical training every day, surfing for at least an hour a day, maintain a disciplined diet during competition or focus on winning a particular tournament. Learning to deal with disappointment and defeat taught me much more than winning did, even though it hurt a lot at the time, it made me more resilient and determined.

Spotlight How do you stay fit and motivated?

Vanity helps me stay fit. I love feeling good in a bikini and I know what is required to keep myself in shape. I have my “off “ days where I eat or drink things that I know aren’t good for me so I just refrain from those kinds of things the next day to give my body a break. I also acknowledge that I no longer have the motivation to train hard or consistently enough to stay in shape so I work with a personal trainer.

What are your top five tips for aspiring surfers?

1. Take the time to learn the correct skills and techniques. I recommend going to a surf school as there are a lot of things to look out for and unspoken etiquette in the water.

2. Start on a foam board then progress to a fibreglass once you are confident and in control. Work on building your upper body strength.

3. It’s meant to be fun so grab a few friends and learn to surf together 4. Be patient. It’s not as easy as we make it look!

5. Practice makes perfect. Once you have the basic skills and your own equipment, spend as much time in the water as you can. The best training for surfing is surfing.

You founded the Aim for the Stars Foundation, can you tell us about it and how people can become involved?

Aim for the Stars is all about empowering women to achieve their goals in all endeavours such as music, science, culture, art, academics and sport. I founded it in 2003 to provide financial and moral support for girls and women across Australia to achieve their dreams and to prevent them from experiencing similar levels of financial hardship that I endured in the early stages of my career. Girls apply through the website www.aimforthestars.com.au and we read through each application and determine who will receive the grants we have on offer. It’s a very rewarding thing to do and I’m inspired by everyone of the successful applicants that I have the pleasure to support. Applications close on Nov 15 and we announce the successful recipients in Jan 2012.

Please tell us about your exciting role More Information with the 2012 Australian Olympic team. www.aimforthestars.com.au Along with John Eales, Steve Waugh and Keiren Perkins, I have been selected by the AOC to support the Australian Athletes in London to perform at their best. It’s referred to as an ALO - Athlete Liaison Officer and each of us have been given 12 sports that we have to focus on. Some of my sports include Swimming, Athletics, Women’s Hockey, Road Cycling, Triathlon and Fencing. It’s an absolute honour to be asked to perform this role and I am really looking forward to supporting the journey of our sporting stars and hero’s in London next Beneath the Waves year. This will be the first time I have Authors: Michael Gordon with attended a Summer Olympic Games.

Layne Beachley

Biography Born in 1972, Layne was given up for adoption by her 17 year old mother.

She lost her adoptive mother when she was just 6 and credits her adoptive father, Neil as being her rock. When she was 7 years old Neil told her she was adopted.

As a 16 year old, Layne made her debut on the ASP Women’s World Tour and, by the time she was 20, she was ranked number 6 in the world. She won her first event in 1993.

In 1998, Layne won the first of 6 consecutive world titles. She recovered from an injury to win her seventh world title. Her domination of women’s surfing has earned her a place in sporting history.

She launched the Beachley Athletic brand for women and in 2006 staged the richest event in women’s surfing history; the Beachley Classic at Manly Beach, Sydney.

In addition to her surfing and business commitments, Layne created the Aim for the Stars Foundation in 2003 to support and help young women across Australia to realise their dreams in diverse fields.

Layne announced her retirement from professional surfing at the end of the 2008 ASP Women’s World Tour.

She married Kirk Pengilly, a member of the Australian rock group INXS, in October 2010.

‘Beneath the Waves’ is a touching book that takes readers on Layne Beachley’s journey; from her days as the young girl known as ‘Gidget’ at Manly to becoming an icon of women’s surfing and seven times World Surfing Champion.

World Champion is not a title that came easily to Layne Beachley.

While dealing with loss after loss in the water, Layne was also in personal turmoil. Learning she was adopted left Layne feeling empty and pushed her to train harder than ever to earn the love of those around her.

The authors successfully connect with readers using a combination of Layne’s diary entries and interview excerpts from Layne’s family, friends, coaches, past boyfriends and Layne herself.

This is an inspirational and moving tale that is a testament to winning against all odds and reminding readers that with perseverance and hard work you can achieve your life’s goals.

Age Guide: 15+ Years Extent: 348 Pages (paperback) ISBN: 9781741667288 Price: AU $19.95 Publisher: Random House P: 02 9954 9966 www.randomhouse.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

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Major NSW/ACT Boarding Schools’ Research

By MAP Marketing Abbotsleigh Senior School Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 170 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: June Brown - Registrar 1666 Pacific Hwy, Wahroonga NSW 2076 P: 02 9473 7777 | F: 02 9473 7680 registrar@abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au www.abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------All Saints’ College Primary & Secondary Co-education Max. 100 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Roslyn Cox - Registrar 70 Eglinton Rd, Bathurst NSW 2795 P: 02 6331 3911 | F: 02 6332 2236 admin@saints.nsw.edu.au www.saints.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Ascham School Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 100 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Dea Richardson - Registrar 188 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff NSW 2027 P: 02 8356 7000 | F: 02 8356 7230 registrar@ascham.nsw.edu.au www.ascham.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Barker College Primary Boys & Secondary Co-education Max. 50 Boarders / 3 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 10 -12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Elizabeth Harrison Dean Of Enrolments 91 Pacific Hwy, Hornsby NSW 2077 P: 02 9847 8399 | F: 02 9447 8210 elizabeth_harrison@barker.nsw.edu.au www.barker.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Canberra Girl’s Grammar Secondary Girls Max. 92 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Barbara Connolly Director of Admissions Melbourne Ave, Deakin ACT 2600 P: 02 6202 6400 | F: 02 6273 1505 cggs@cggs.act.edu.au www.cggs.act.edu.au

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Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

Calrossy Anglican School Secondary Co-education Max. 245 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Miriam Knight - Registrar 140 Brisbane St, Tamworth NSW 2340 P: 02 6766 2965 | F: 02 6766 2439 admin@calrossy.nsw.edu.au www.calrossy.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Cranbrook School Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 100 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Michael Atkins Director of Admissions 5 Victoria Rd, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 P: 02 9327 6864 | F: 02 9327 7619 enrol@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au www.cranbrook.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Frensham Secondary Girls Max. 305 Boarders / 6 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Joy Stewart - Registrar Range Rd, Mittagong NSW 2575 P: 02 4860 2000 | F: 02 4860 2020 frensham@frensham.nsw.edu.au www.frensham.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Kambala Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 100 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Tracy Mulligan Director of Enrolments 794 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029 P: 02 9388 6844 | F: 02 9371 8604 enrolments@kambala.nsw.edu.au www.kambala.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Kincoppal - Rose Bay Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 155 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very high Contact: Michael Jones Marketing & Communications New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029 P: 02 9388 6000 | F: 02 9388 6001 admissions@krb.nsw.edu.au www.krb.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Kinross Wolaroi School Secondary Co-education Max. 330 Boarders / 7 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very high Somewhat High Contact: Graham Jacques - Registrar 59-67 Bathurst Rd, Orange NSW 2800 P: 02 6392 0300 | F: 02 6392 0410 registrar@kws.nsw.edu.au www.kws.nsw.edu.au

Knox Grammar School Secondary Boys Max. 160 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Colleen Fenn Enrolments Manager Pacific Hwy, Wahroonga NSW 2076 P: 02 9487 0122 |F: 02 9487 0186 enrol@knox.nsw.edu.au www.knox.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------MacKillop College Secondary Girls Max. 70 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Vicky Evens - Registrar Tenison Woods Ave, Perthville NSW 2795 P: 02 6337 6900 | F: 02 6337 2424 dob@mkc.nsw.edu.au www.mkc.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------New England Girls School Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 300 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5 -12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Belinda Hook - Enrolments Uralla Rd, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6774 8700 | F: 02 6772 7057 enrolments@negs.nsw.edu.au www.negs.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Newington College Secondary Boys Max. 80 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Sharon Brideson Director of Admissions 200 Stanmore Rd, Stanmore NSW 2048 P: 02 9568 9333 | F: 02 9568 9521 s.brideson@newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au www.newingtoncollege.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------PLC Armidale (Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Armidale) Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 75 Boarders / 3 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Fiona Mullen Enrolments Manager Crest Rd, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6770 1700 | F: 02 6772 5697 enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------PLC Sydney (Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney) Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 65 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Catherine Marvell - Registrar Boundary St, Croydon NSW 2132 P: 02 9704 5666 | F: 02 9744 6614 cmarvell@plc.nsw.edu.au www.plc.nsw.edu.au

Reference Pymble Ladies’ College Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 120 Boarders / 3 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7 - 12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Vickii Scott - Enrolments Avon Rd, Pymble NSW 2073 P: 02 9855 7799 | F: 02 9855 7766 enrol@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Ravenswood School for Girls Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 35 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 10-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Nataleigh Bernal - Registrar 1B Cecil St, Gordon NSW 2072 P: 02 9498 9898|F: 02 9498 9999 enrol@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au www.ravenswood.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Snowy Mountains Grammar School Primary & Secondary Co-education Max. 50 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very high Contact: Joan Herringer - Registrar Kosciuskzo Rd, Jindabyne NSW 2627 P: 02 6457 1022 | F: 02 6457 1023 joan.herringer@smgs.nsw.edu.au www.smgs.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------St. Catherine’s School Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 70 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Bronwyn Ridgway - Director of Communications & Marketing 26 Albion St, Waverley NSW 2024 P: 02 8305 6200 | F: 02 9369 2470 stcaths@stcaths.nsw.edu.au www.stcaths.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------St. Ignatius’ College, Riverview Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 340 Boarders / 6 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Guy Masters Director of Boarding Tambourine Bay Rd, Lane Cove NSW 2066 P: 02 9882 8222 | F: 02 9882 8588 gkmasters@riverview.nsw.edu.au www.riverview.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------St. Joseph’s College Secondary Boys Max. 750 Boaders / 6 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Ross Tarlinton - Headmaster Mark St, Hunters Hill NSW 2110 P: 02 9816 0900 | F: 02 9879 6804 sjc@joeys.org www.joeys.org

St. Paul’s College Secondary Co-education Max. 62 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very high Contact: Jennifer Golenberg - Registrar Klemke Ave, Walla Walla NSW 2659 P: 02 6029 2200 | F: 02 6029 2410 admissions@stpaulscollege.nsw.edu.au www.stpaulscollege.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar School) Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 200 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Mahdi Deaton - Registrar Blue St, North Sydney NSW 2060 P: 02 9923 2277 | F: 02 9922 2689 registrar@shore.nsw.edu.au www.shore.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Tara Anglican School for Girls Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 60 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 5 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Kath Marshall - Registrar Masons Drv, North Parramatta NSW 2151 P: 02 9630 6655 | F: 02 9683 6297 registrar@tara.nsw.edu.au www.tara.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------The Armidale School Co-educational to Yr 5, Secondary Boys Max. 250 Boarders / 5 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Pip Warrick - Registrar 87 Douglas St, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6776 5823 | F: 02 6776 5830 info@as.edu.au www.as.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------The King’s School Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 430 Boarders / 9 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5 -12 Boarding Quality: Very high - Somewhat High Contact: Bruce Hilliard - Registrar PO Box 1, Parramatta NSW 2124 P: 02 9683 8555 | F: 02 9683 8488 enrol@kings.edu.au www.kings.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------The Scots College, Sydney Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 240 Boarders / 5 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5-12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Melissa Capel Manager of Admissions Victoria Rd, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 P: 02 9391 7624 | F: 02 9327 7584 admissions@tsc.nsw.edu.au www.tsc.nsw.edu.au

The Scots School, Albury Primary & Secondary Co-educational Max. 100 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Heather Toth Development Officer 393 Perry St, Albury NSW 2640 P: 02 6021 3233 | F: 02 6041 3210 development@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au www.scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Trinity Grammar School Secondary Boys Max. 50 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Craig Sandwell - Registrar 119 Prospect Rd, Summer Hill NSW 2130 P: 02 9581 6000 | F: 02 9799 9449 info@trinity.nsw.edu.au www.trinity.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Tudor House School Primary & Secondary Co-education Max. 50 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 3-6 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Jock Bidwell - Registrar 6480 Illawarra Hwy, Moss Vale NSW 2577 P: 02 4868 0000 | F: 02 4868 0003 registrar@tudorhouse.nsw.edu.au www.tudorhouse.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Wenona Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 55 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Lynn Siebels - Registrar 176 Walker St, North Sydney NSW 2060 P: 02 9955 3000 | F: 02 9959 4460 registrar@wenona.nsw.edu.au www.wenona.nsw.edu.au More Information Maria Charlton MAP Marketing P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au Errors & omissions excepted.

H IT E J E S S IC A W

WOVEN NAME TAGS

Easy, permanent, cost effective identification for schoolwear, workwear and sportswear.

RED, BLUE or BLACK lettering woven into white tags.

P: 02 9699 8805 E: fireband@bigpond.com www.wovenlabelsdirect.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

9

To Read or Not to Read during the

Summer Holidays

By Amanda Tocci

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd Assessment, Planning & Intervention for Children with Reading Difficulties.

Specialist Clinics Located in Maitland & Newcastle

We all love a holiday, to kick back in the sun, relax and most importantly escape the dreaded routine of lost school socks, homework deadlines and rushing for the departing bus.

However should we holiday from reading? Sorry kids but the simple answer is NO. Reading is a skill that not only needs to be developed but nurtured and nurtured with consistency. If your child has reading difficulties then reading does not take a holiday.

Find a way to make reading fun, a way to make your child think that they are not really reading…but you will know better.

Holiday Reading Suggestions

P: 1300 869 905 contact@auslit.com.au www.auslit.com.au ACN: 147 916 676

10 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

❑❑ Read to your child for 10 minutes each night ❑❑ Make night time stories relevant to Christmas or a holiday you may be taking ❑❑ Read travel brochures or search the internet for holiday ideas ❑❑ Write Christmas stories or Christmas cards ❑❑ Write a Christmas present/grocery list & have your child read it to you when you are shopping

❑❑ Get your child to read the Christmas tags on gifts at Christmas parties ❑❑ Make a Christmas play-your child acts as the narrator of the story while other family members act ❑❑ Video record a Christmas message your child reads ❑❑ Write a list of 10 things your child loves to do-make up a story or find one that is ability appropriate for your child-surprise them with a story they read each night on things that interest them ❑❑ Go to the library & get your child to choose a book that is ability appropriate-they read a page to you each night These are just a few suggestions, which will keep up your child’s reading during the holidays. Holiday reading is meant to be a break from structured school based reading but it is not a break from the enjoyment of reading. So kick back in the sun, relax and escape the dreaded routine of lost socks, homework deadlines and rushing for the departing bus. Relish your time with your child and share the joy of reading.

Summer Learning More Information

About Amanda 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 appropriate strategy instruction for children with working memory and reading disabilities. 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 for children with reading difficulties.

MAITLAND CHRISTIAN

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

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

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.

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Maitland Christian School

If you would like a Reading Checklist then please visit www.auslit.com.au.

If you would like to post a comment then please do so at contact@auslit.com.au.

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Get ahead with an awesome smile Prevent malocclusions, crowding and associated speech problems in your child.

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11

Summer Learning

Learning at Home

By Dr. Joan Brien help them by asking them to “add up” four plus four plus four plus four plus four plus four. They will probably come up with the correct answer of twenty four cents. You can then explain to them that it takes a while to do these sorts of “adding up”. Then you can explain to them that they have really just worked out “six times four” which is part of their tables. Try to get them to understand that our “tables” are really just a short way of “adding up”.

During the school holidays, children usually do not want to do any studying, and that is understandable!

However, it is a good opportunity to help your children “catch up” on any learning that they may have missed out on during the year. The big question is...

How are you going to do it without them knowing what you are doing?

Here are some ways in which you may be able to get them “thinking” about schoolwork without them realising it.

Tips ❑❑ Money - Many children have trouble doing money problems in their mathematics. In lots of cases, they have difficulty relating the pictures of the coins in their books to the “real thing”. While you are out shopping with them, take every opportunity to let them be the

12 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

ones to pass the money over to the shop assistant. This gives them practice in thinking about money in practical terms. You can then ask them to work out if they have to get any change, and if so, help them to work out how much they should get back. Don’t make them feel that they are being “tested” because that will make them reluctant to have another go at it later on. Rather, do it as a “helper”, so that you actually work it out with them. ❑❑ Tables - As we all know, most of the calculations we have to do in life involve knowing how to multiply or divide numbers. For a number of children though, learning their “tables” seems “too hard”. While shopping for groceries, you can ask them to work out how much it might cost for six sweets if each sweet costs four cents. They may have trouble with this, but you can

❑❑ Spelling - This is often a very “abstract” thing for children to cope with. They often learn their spelling words as part of a “spelling list” but they are unable to spell the words correctly when it is in a different context. While out travelling or shopping, ask them to see how many of their spelling words they can see on shop windows or road signs. You can make this into a game if you have more than one child in the family.

They can have a competition about who sees the most words from their spelling lists.

These are just a few ways that you can get your children to “learn” without them realising that they are “learning”. I am sure that using these examples, you will be able to come up with some other great ideas that will teach your children in “real life” situations.

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

Summer Learning DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH READING?

Can I Help My Child Learn?

A Parent Guide Written in Plain English Author: Dr. Joan Brien B.Sc., Dip.Ed., PhD It is a great instructional book that provides specific examples and strategies that can be used and adapted to assist kids of all ages and even adults with literacy issues. This is an essential reference book for all parents, carers and grandparents.

This is an excellent book that parents can use to help their kids acquire literacy and numeracy skills. It is written in a simple factual way so that parents can add value to classroom teaching and help their kids to understand their schoolwork.

The topics include pre-reading, reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, story writing and basic mathematical concepts.

Dr. Brien currently operates a clinic that helps children and adults with a visual perceptual dysfunction called Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity, which can result in reading difficulties.

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

Dr. Brien can be contacted on 0412 629 924 or brien@optusnet.com.au or you can visit www.irlendyslexia.com.

Age Guide: Parents Extent: 180 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921791031 Price: AU$24.99 Publisher: Bookpal Book orders: P: 1300 769 998 www.bookpal.com.au

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13

Summer Learning

After the

HSC Exams Importance & Time Spent on Family Relationships & Friendships

So your teenagers have finished school, you have supported and encouraged them through the stressful HSC exams and you share their anxious anticipation for the future.

This can be an extremely unsettling time as you await their HSC results and pull out all stops to occupy their time during the long holiday break prior to starting tertiary education or work.

Leaving school to move on to new things can be an exciting time, however it can also mean your teenagers are in for huge life changes. These may include: • • • • •

Starting work University TAFE Taking a gap year Spending less time with school friends

• On average, young people spend 40 hours a week with their family & the majority stated they have close relationships with family • Gender, age, location & cultural background affect family relationships • Young people find friends an important source of support.

• About 94% of young people report having friends they can confide in • Young people spend an average of 20 hours per week with their friends Leisure Activities Young People 15–24 Years TV and other passive leisure

In organising your teenagers after the HSC Exams it is vital to consider the importance of family, friends and leisure to your teenagers.

By Maria Charlton

Leisure Activities & How Much Time Young People Spend in These Activities • Leisure time accounts for about 24% of 15 - 19 year olds & 21% of 20 - 24 year olds time • As young people get involved in work, education & starting new families, time spent on leisure activities decreases • Over two-thirds of young people engage in some form of physical activity • Less than half engage in moderate to vigorous exercise

Average Hours Per Week

Per Cent of Young People Engaging in the Activity

17.8

85.0

Other/Unspecified leisure

4.9

58.0

Sport and outdoor activities

3.1

26.0

Computer games

1.5

10.0

Socialising

1.7

13.0

Reading

1.2

16.0

Drinking alcohol

1.2

8.0

Entertainments/sports events

1.1

7.0

Arts, crafts and hobbies

0.9

8.0

Games

0.3

3.0

Source: ABS Time Use Survey 2006

Has your child experienced the KU difference?

KU is Australia’s leading provider of community-based, not for profit early childhood education and care.

With over 100 years experience in the Hunter region, we are committed to providing high quality, affordable preschool and long day care.

Visit www.ku.com.au to find your nearest centre, and experience the KU difference for yourself!

KU is proudly a not for profit organisation

14 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

Summer Learning After HSC Exams Tips ❑❑ Give them time to adjust - any change takes a while to adjust to, especially a big one like leaving school. ❑❑ Treat them - their favourite leisure activities such as video games, television, tickets to sports games, gym memberships, bike hikes, days at the beach, meeting up with their friends. ❑❑ Talk to them at the end of the day - prepare a favourite meal, takeout or a picnic where the family can meet & talk about their day in an informal way. ❑❑ Reward their effort in the HSC horse-riding, balloon flight, Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb or whatever else may interest them. ❑❑ Encourage them to keep in touch with school friends - leaving school can be a time when their group of friends changes as friends go on holidays, start a job, take a gap year or take a new direction. ❑❑ Keep them busy - leaving school means they may be confronted with the boredom of the long summer break before starting work or uni, TAFE - an ideal time to take a family holiday, enlist them in a hobby or leisure activity or volunteer work.

More Information www.deewr.gov.au

Big All at Once Director: Tina Havelock Stevens This documentary closely follows the lives of three teenagers from their HSC exams to their first year out of school.

While one student pursues a university career, another attends Art College and the third takes a year out to chase his passion for music, the documentary encapsulates the stress of the HSC and the tough decisions made upon leaving school.

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The documentary is a realistic insight into the mind of teenagers finishing school and making decisions on their future, and that things don’t always go the way you expect them to!

Age Guide: 15+ Years Extent: 52 min (DVD) Recommended Classification: G Price: AU $75.00 (for secondary school - prices depend on purpose of DVD) Publisher: Ronin Films P: 02 6248 0851 www.roninfilms.com.au

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15

Summer Learning

Taking a Gap Year!

When your teenagers leave school they may want to take a year off studies to embark on a gap year.

A gap year is the year between finishing school and starting further study or training. It’s also known as ‘Year 13’ or taking a ‘Big Year Off’.

to see the world, live out of home, meet new people and become more self aware.

There are many options to consider when deciding to take a gap year and these may be determined by why the teenagers want a gap year.

If the objective of the year is to save money for university, many teenagers choose to stay in the family home and obtain full time work. However, an increasing number of Australian school leavers are choosing to travel and work overseas. This is a great opportunity

Some popular gap year choices include volunteer work, working in a US Summer camp, working as an au pair in Europe and working in English boarding schools. ❑❑ Au Pair - Europe is a popular destination for Australians wishing to au pair. Numerous European families prefer English speaking au pairs as it encourages their children to learn and speak English at home. Au Pairs generally live in the family home, care for the children and perform light house duties.

Interna

By Anita Monticone

❑❑ Summer Camp - a great option for those who want to take a break after high school, but don’t want to be away all year as camps generally only last for the duration of the US summer break. ❑❑ Volunteer - this is fantastic opportunity for those wishing to make a difference in underprivileged communities, or environment and animal conservation. However, volunteer work can be expensive; you have to pay your organisation to be part of the volunteer team, pay for accommodation and food and receive no remuneration in return.

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16 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

Summer Learning

❑❑ Boarding School - ‘Gappies’ work throughout the school term and may be expected to help with boarding duties such as homework, bed time and weekend activities, as well as office duties, PE lessons, school excursions, after school activities and act as extra supervision where required. Gap students are not required at the school in holidays and can use the holiday time to travel.

Practical Things to Consider ❑❑ Visas - Without a valid visa and/or passport the trip of a lifetime can quickly come to a screeching halt. If your teenager requires a visa for their travels, make sure you research the requirements, visa types and duration. If your teenager is eligible for dual nationality it may be worth organising two passports.

Generally, a passport lasts longer and allows unlimited visits and length of stay.

❑❑ Bank Account - If your teenager plans to work in one country setting up a bank account with a debit card is a good idea. This will allow remuneration to be paid into the account and avoid international usage fees. ❑❑ Medical - Ensure your teenager is properly immunised prior to leaving home, also take care in filling out a sufficient supply of any prescriptions they need as the same product may not be available in their destination. ❑❑ Travel - This is the main reason why young Australians have a year abroad! Travel companies such as Contiki offer tours for 18-35 year olds in Europe, Asia, Mexico, Egypt, North America, South America and New Zealand with tours lasting between 3 and

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17

Melanoma

By Dr. Columba Quigley

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers of the skin. Before describing more about melanoma itself, let’s have a look at what the skin normally does.

About the skin The skin is the largest organ in the body and it plays an important role in keeping us healthy it: • Acts as a wall that protects the body from injury • Keeps out infection • Keeps in heat & fluid like water • Protects our bodies from harmful effects of sunlight, especially the rays that you cannot see, like ultraviolet (UV) light.

The skin is divided into two layers; the top layer contains melanocytes at the base. Melanocytes produce a pigment called melanin.

Melanin gives your skin its colour and protects it from the harmful effects of the sun.

When exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more melanin to absorb the damaging rays.

People with dark skin have the same number of melanocytes but they make more melanin, so have more natural protection from the sun.

The skin replaces itself every 27-30 days by shedding the top layer and replacing it with new skin cells. To do this, the normal skin cell copies itself by dividing and then growing. The cell then splits to give two normal cells. These replace the old cells that die.

18 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

What happens in melanoma?

In melanoma, the splitting of the melanocyte cells gets out of control and they keep on growing and splitting to make more new cells than the body needs. These unwanted cells come together as a lump called a tumour. The tumour gets in the way of other cells and stops them working properly.

How do you recognise a melanoma?

There are some warning signs that can be seen. For example, a change in normal skin or a change in a mole that was already there. If anything looks different, you need to ask your GP. He or she can then decide whether you need to see a skin doctor or dermatologist.

The doctors can tell a lot by just looking at the skin, but even more by taking a little skin out (a biopsy) and studying it under the microscope.

They can then say for sure whether it is benign, like a mole, or malignant, like a melanoma.

A benign tumour keeps to itself.

A malignant tumour causes more havoc.

What is the treatment?

As a melanoma can cause havoc to the other cells in the body, it is important to treat it quickly.

First of all, the doctors check to see if it has spread anywhere else, like lymph nodes. To do this they may need a chest x-ray, or other special scans.

Most people only need surgery, which means that the tumour is removed from the skin.

Sometimes, other special treatment is needed, like chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy.

Why do people get melanoma?

Although we cannot always explain why, it seems that some things may make melanoma more likely: • • • •

Too much sun Using sunbeds Having lots of moles Very fair skin

But there are things that everyone can do to help prevent getting a melanoma: • • • •

Don’t use sunbeds!

Always be safe in the sun Never get sunburnt Use lots of sunscreen (high factor & often) • Wear protective clothing, a hat & sunglasses By being safe now, it will protect you later!

About Dr. Columba Quigley Dr. Columba Quigley is a member of the medical writing team at Medikidz, a charity that provides children and teenagers with informative, accessible and fun comic books to help them understand their bodies and illness.

More Information www.medikidz.com

Health

What’s Up With Tiffany’s Dad? Medikidz Explain Melanoma

Wetlands Fu n Pho to & Pri z es Enter Wetlands Photo Comp & Win Prizes Junior (4-15yrs) & Adult Sections Entries Close 30 Nov 2011 www.wetlands.org.au

Authors: Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair &

Shawn Deloache Illustrator: Liquid Comics

Sponsors: The Herald & Hunter Region School of Photography

Tiffany’s Dad is always outdoors and unprotected from the summer sun. When he needs surgery to investigate a melanoma, Tiffany is upset and confused about what is happening to her father and how he will recover.

Tiffany joins Medikidz on a trip to investigate melanoma; the three layers of skin, how melanoma is caused, how to protect you against melanoma, how it affects the body, stages of melanoma and treatment paths.

As Australians are sun-loving people, this cartoon style medical information is an invaluable reference for each and every member of the family. It needs to be an integral inclusion in all school and GP libraries.

Christmas Family Picnic Day Sun 11 Dec 2011. Activities 11-2pm

412 Sandgate Rd, Shortland NSW 2307 P: 02 4951 6466

Age Guide: 8+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781906935368 Price: AU $14.99 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers P: 1300 551 721 www.harpercollins.com.au

The majority of accidents happen in or around the home

Caring for Kids course

Learn first aid with St John in the Hunter/Central Coast regions today

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19

Health

Summer Feet

What Should Our Children Be Wearing?

By Adam Glascock

With the warmer weather approaching your kids will be changing their sporting focus to summer sports.

The transition from winter to summer sport may need to be accompanied with a change in footwear style or the absence of footwear altogether.

to be assessed and monitored.

Childhood pains and growth problems also manifest in non sporting periods.

Off with the football boots, netball and hockey shoes and on with the thongs or going bare feet as much as possible.

Barefoot kids are a wonderful sight.

As a matter of fact more kids need to experience the joys of being barefoot.

This is how summer should be for our kids, but as with everything there are guidelines that are wise for parents to follow.

If pre-existing conditions or injuries persist from winter sports or they are experiencing hip, leg or foot pain, then time in and out of shoes needs

Time at the beach or just by having a holiday with decreased time in school shoes and orthotics or other footwear can bring on heel, knee, hip and back pain associated with poor lower limb biomechanical function such as Severs disease and Osgood Schlatters Disease.

There is a benefit in being in bare feet-to a mild degree as this will assist in using muscles that need to be strengthened in children by general play to optimise their lower limb biomechanics.

Sporting changes are a different issue - overuse injuries tend to increase as kids change sports.

This appears to be mainly due to the change in activity than going without shoes.

Training for small periods for sports such as little athletics and triathlon may benefit from time out of shoes on grass surfaces. But these training periods need to be customised to the individual function of each kid’s biomechanics, ability and injury history.

There is absolutely no scientific evidence, substantial or otherwise to indicate a benefit from running in bare feet as opposed to running in shoes for athletes. But there is anecdotal evidence that suggests running barefoot can result in increased injury rates.

20 Get Ahead KidsÂŽ Nov/Dec 11

Health Tips for Seasonal Changes in Sports ❑❑ If a pre-existing injury is present check with your podiatrist how to cater for the change in sport & footwear ❑❑ Monitor an increase in symptoms or leg & night pain ❑❑ Schedule training so that it occurs with children of a similar age & ability levels avoid ‘squeezing’ kids into adult sessions ❑❑ Ensure that the footwear is suitable for each sport & avoid using winter shoes for the summer sport where possible ❑❑ Seek early assistance from your podiatrist if hip, knee, ankle & foot pain commences or persists from the previous season, remembering “It is never to early to assess”

❑❑ Let them enjoy going bare feet & the sand beneath their toes as much as is practical & allow kids to enjoy the Australian summer

More Information

Adam Glascock Principal Podiatrist B App Sc Pod Newcastle Family & Sports Podiatry P: 02 4961 4411 office@newcastlepodiatry.com.au www.newcastlepodiatry.com.au

N E

W

S

www.getaheadkids.com.au

21

Health

Kids in Car Seats Are Your Children Restrained Correctly in the Car?

6 Months - 4 Years

Laws in NSW now require all children up to the age of seven years to use a child restraint.

However many children, because of their size, will need to remain in their child restraint until much older than seven to ensure they are properly protected in the event of a crash.

Birth - 6 Months For parents of a newborn it is much easier to know which child restraint is appropriate for their baby - a rearward facing restraint or capsule is used to carry babies in the car.

Knowing when to graduate to a forward facing child restraint or booster seat is what parents often find the most challenging.

The new laws use a child’s age to determine which restraint a child should use.

Between six and twelve months of age a baby can be moved into a forward facing child restraint. This will be when they outgrow the rearward facing restraint and they have developed strong head control.

They will then use a forward facing internally harnessed restraint until at least their fourth birthday.

Although a child is able to use a booster seat once they turn four, they should only use a booster if they are tall enough. Many children will still fit into their forward facing child restraint with built in harness, until after their fifth birthday.

Between 4 - 7 Years When they have outgrown their forward facing restraint and have passed their fourth birthday, the child can use a booster seat.

They are called ‘boosters’ as they boost the child’s height to enable the adult seat belt to fit the child correctly. There are two styles of booster seats:

• Lighter foam booster seats are placed on the vehicle seat with the adult seat belt holding the child and the seat in position; • Heavier moulded booster seats use a tether strap to attach the seat to a car’s anchor point.

These seats often incorporate an extendable head rest which can be adjusted to accommodate a child as they grow taller. They also use the adult seat belt.

The main things to check are that the booster sits properly on the car seat and that the adult seat belt crosses your child’s body correctly when sitting in the booster.

This means that the lap part of the belt sits across the upper thighs and the sash part of the belt crosses the middle of your child’s shoulder and does not touch the neck. The booster seat should incorporate seat belt guides to ensure correct fit, and you must use them.

Child restraint fit/check

Vouchers are now available for FREE restraint fits or checks.

Don’t take any chances with your child restraint.

It could save your child’s life.

 

Choose correctly Fit correctly

 

Use correctly Check correctly

For more information, contact your Community Road Safety Officer on 49742667.

22 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

Health Over 7 Years

Getting to & from School

Safety Around Schools Issues

A child can sit on the car seat using an adult seat belt after the age of seven, but to ensure they travel safely they should only move out of their booster seat once they are tall enough to be protected from injury by the adult seat belt.

Children over four may sit in the front seat in an approved restraint if all the rear seats are occupied by younger children.

• Always restrain children correctly in your car • Teach your children to use the safety door (the one closest to the kerb) to get out of the car • Hold their hands to cross the road or around traffic & always use crossings or lights if available • Never call a child across the road • Make sure you follow parking and speed signs around school areas as these are for your children’s safety • Always be a good role model-one day your children will be drivers

Your child is tall enough to move into an adult seat belt when: • Sash part of seat belt crosses over the middle of the shoulder & does not touch the neck • Lap part of seat belt sits across the upper thighs not the abdomen • Child’s knees sit comfortably over the edge of the seat & in some cases the child’s feet will be able to touch the car floor • In most vehicles this is when they are approximately 145 cms tall

If using a booster seat with a tether strap, it must be attached to an anchor point. The front seat should be pushed back so that it is away from the airbag but does not contact the legs of children seated in the back seats.

Most vehicle manufacturers include recommendations on the age that a child should sit in the front seat.

These are usually located on the visor or in the owner’s manual.

For safety reasons it is important that these recommendations are followed.

More Information Seat Me Safely Kidsafe NSW P: 02 9845 0890 kidsafe@chw.edu.au www.kidsafensw.org

www.getaheadkids.com.au

23

News

Dinosaurs Hatching

at Newcastle Museum

Often when we think of dinosaurs we think of towering and terrorising creatures, but Newcastle Museum offers a different perspective on the ever-fascinating world of dinosaurs.

Hosting its first international travelling exhibition, “Hatching the Past Exhibition” the museum offers a glimpse into the lives of baby dinosaurs, their eggs and nests.

Visitors of all ages can touch real dinosaur bones and examine an astounding array of dinosaur eggs.

oo le

M

an Bri

C

od e

l

One nest on display, measures nearly two and a half meters in diameter.

yo br y, “ m E Baby Louie”

For those who have only dreamed about being a palaeontologist (a person who studies life in prehistoric times), digging for dinosaur eggs in one of the excavation pits will make their dreams come true.

Carolyn Legge, Newcastle Museum, says; “There’s something about dinosaurs that continues to capture our imaginations. To offer children an extra dinosaur experience we will be delivering Fossil Fun - a hands-on fossil program to coincide with this fantastic exhibition.”

Hatching the Past Exhibition Venue: Newcastle Museum Dates: 4 Nov 2011 - 12 Feb 2012.

Admission: Museums admission is free Hatching the Past exhibition admission: $5 adult, $3 children/ concession, $15 family of four Fossil Fun admission: $1 per child when purchased with exhibition ticket. Available for school or private group booking.

More Information P: 02 4974 1400 www.newcastlemuseum.com.au

24 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

News

Nurture

Growing Families Programs

By Dorte Bladt

As parents our number one concern is the welfare of our children. We spend more time and money than ever before researching and talking about how best to raise the healthiest and happiest kids we can-books, magazines, seminars, courses, websites and Facebook.

Go to any parents group and the conversation is invariably about what the kids are up to or what to do about this or that!

We are hard-wired to have children, to make sure they survive to adulthood and to raise them to be the best they can be.

Many of the children I see have or have had a diverse range of health problems such as colic, reflux, ear infections, asthma, bedwetting, learning or behavioural difficulties.

The worry we as parents feel when we don’t know what to do about an issue eats away at our energy and leaves us feeling exhausted and disempowered.

From my own experience the hurt and frustration when you as the parent know early on that something is not quite right with your child, only to have these suspicions confirmed in later years when a teacher finally pulls you aside and says your child has difficulties at school.

What can you as parents do at home? How do you tackle common childhood challenges? When and from where do you seek professional help?

I have organised a group of dedicated professionals from diverse fields and organised parenting programs to help you get some answers to help your children succeed in all areas of their life.

Nurture Growing Families Programs Program Segments: Pregnancy, babies & toddlers.

Topics: Structural & muscle support during pregnancy, mindfulness & mind set for a natural birth, nutrition for mum & bub, infant neurological development, speech & movement patterns as well as how to play with your baby to stimulate brain function and emotional growth.

Professionals: Calm birth expert, a psychologist, an early childhood development teacher, a paediatric speech therapist, a pregnancy & post delivery pilates specialist, a pregnancy massage therapist & a paediatric chiropractic specialist.

Times: 1½ hour sessions over 4 consecutive Wednesdays.

Cost: $60.00 includes a nutritious morning tea.

We

ll Adj usted Kids

Safe, simple and effective methods for optimal functioning and wellbeing for the whole family.

P: 02 4942 4842 2 Lincoln Street, Charlestown www.familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown

Our Family Cares for Your Family

Childminding: There will be an early childhood teacher at hand to help entertain the little ones.

More Information

Dorte Bladt Doctor of Chiropractic Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown 2 Lincoln St, Charlestown NSW 2290 P: 02 4942 4842 info@familytchiropracticcharlestown.com.au

Rejoice in Your Kid’s Smile Providing specialist dental care for infants, children, adolescents and those with specialist needs.

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25

es asy! s s a eww News 5 Pivea N at G to alued ach V 60 E 2.

1 1 $

The NEW Taronga Chimp Exhibit Taronga’s 17 Chimpanzees exhibit has opened to Zoo visitors at their new Chimpanzee Sanctuary for the first time in October 2011.

This primate group spends time climbing and exploring the newly renovated exhibit that includes giant towers up to 12 m high, a network of climbing ropes and hammocks for the chimps to enjoy, and new viewing areas where visitors can get closer to the animals.

With special thanks to the Taronga Zoo, Get Ahead Kids® has 5 Family Passes valued at approx. $112.60 each to giveaway!

Each pass allows a family of 2 adults and 2 children (3-15 years) 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.

The chimpanzee is the closest living relative to humans. Both humans and chimpanzees belong in the classification group primates.

Chimpanzees are social animals that live in a group. The group size can vary from 5 to 40 chimps and is ruled by a dominant or “alpha” male.

Males range up to about 1.5 m in height and weigh from 70 - 90 kg while the females are slightly smaller.

Communication within the group is achieved through a series of different cries or vocalisations.

These are very loud to allow communication to occur over a large distance. Chimpanzees also communicate through gestures, posture and facial expressions.

The typical life span of a chimp is about 40 - 45 years, though in captivity they have been known to live up to approx 60 years of age.

There is no breeding season for chimpanzees, like humans the female can breed at any time.

Pregnancy lasts around 8½ months.

26 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

Females normally produce a young every 4 - 5 years. Males are sexually active at 8 years of age while females are sexually active at 11 years.

Chimpanzees are only found in west and central Africa, from Senegal to Tanzania. They inhabit tropical forests, woodlands and savannah areas. Chimpanzees are both arboreal and terrestrial.

Chimpanzees are omnivorous. The main part of their diet is fruit but they also feed on leaves, seeds, pith, bark, insects, bird’s eggs and meat.

Up until 30 years ago scientists’ distinguished man from apes believing that man was the only animal that could make and use tools. Now research has shown that chimps are known to be tool users in the wild. It is a common practice for them to use sticks or long grass to extract termites and ants from mounds.

Chimpanzees are considered endangered and if no action is taken they will become extinct.

The numbers have declined due to habitat destruction and hunting.

Chimpanzees also have a low reproductive rate which makes them highly vulnerable to habitat loss and slow to replace depleted numbers.

More Information P: 02 9969 2777 tz@zoo.nsw.gov.au www.zoo.nsw.gov.au

to G2 Pa cks iveNews aw Va l u $13 ed ay!

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at ac h

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LeapFrog Tag, Interactive World Map & Learn to Read Series Kids can take a trip and bring the world to life with the LeapFrog Interactive Tag World Map. Use the Tag stylus with the map to hear about people, places, animals and more.

As kids explore, they can discover new facts about familiar things and fun connections to new places.

Double-sided, the Interactive World Map explores games on both sides of the map.

Learn to say it, spell it and sound it with Tag and the new Learn to Read series of books. Tag brings the books to life for fun learning with cute characters teaching reading and letter skills.

Leap ahead in learning with Tag. The LeapFrog Tag Reading System is easy to use, amazingly responsive and small enough for a child to take anywhere, the Tag stylus takes just one touch to make words talk and pictures sing.

With special thanks to LeapFrog, Get Ahead Kids® has 2 LeapFrog Packs valued at approx. $139.97 each to giveaway!

Each pack consists of:

A small, sophisticated infrared camera at the tip of the stylus ‘reads’ letters, words and symbols printed on the special micro dotpatterned pages of books in the Tag library.

1x LeapFrog Tag Reading System, RRP $59.99 ea 1x Tag Interactive World Map, RRP $29.99 ea 1x Tag Learn to Read Series, $49.99 ea.

More Information

Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win one of these fantastic LeapFrog giveaways.

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27

People in Focus

An Interview with

Goldie Alexander What are your hobbies?

Reading – lots of reading and I read all the time. Every day. Walking, sometimes bush walking, and I walk every day. Going to movies, plays, art galleries. Knitting as I’m watching TV and DVD’s. Cooking is essential as I like food.

How did you get into writing?

I wrote for Young Adult (YA) Dolly fictions, each 32K’s in length, their settings in the present, and intended to show girls empowering themselves. They were a great way to get started and it was through these I learnt some of the fundamentals of writing fiction.

How long have you been writing?

Over 25 years. I went from teaching high school english and history into becoming a full time author. I have also taught creative writing for most of that time.

28 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

What was the first book you had published?

My first ‘Dolly Fiction’ books were published under the pseudonym Gerri Lapin. My first YA book published under my own name was ‘Mavis Road Medley,’ a time travel book into the Melbourne of 1933.

How do you go about writing a book? What are your inspirations?

Some ideas are suggested by friends and family. Others by what I read. My major ploy is to try and put two unlikely ideas together e.g. in ‘The Youngest Cameleer’ there was Gosse’s rather dry journal that described him almost literally stumbling into Uluru. The second thread appears in ‘Hamlet’; that is… as Ahmed travels into the interior with his uncle Kamran, he wonders if his uncle was responsible for his father’s death.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Yes! Keep at it and try to write a little every day. Perseverance is what counts. Also, try to read very widely and in this I include books for adults even if you only write for kids. Ideas pop up everywhere.

What important messages do you want to convey to families?

Reading is important for a growing child’s imagination as they will need lots of this ingredient to survive this ever changing/challenging environment. Also, parents need to set an example. If a child never sees his/her parents reading fiction, why would that child find reading fiction important? Example is everything!

For younger children, being surrounded by lovely colourful picture books with easy to understand text is wonderful. As far as historical fiction is concerned, this is my way of presenting history in the ‘here and now’, my way of making it immediate.

People in Focus

TOLERANCE. The media is presently creating ‘bogeymen’ about Muslims and ‘boat people’. I want to show how integral they have been to our early history and to prove they are ‘just like us.’

What is the age group and gender of your readers?

‘Cameleer’ is for older children, young adults and even adults interested in our own history. Uluru is such an important Australian icon but few know anything about its discovery. I wrote it for both adults and children of all ages.

What is your latest project?

The YA book I am currently working on is based on the ‘Petrov Affair’ that took place in 1954. The working title is ‘Secrets’.

Although the cameleers were known as ‘Afghan’ cameleer, they came from a variety of Islamic countries. They were mainly young or middle-aged men who came to Australia during the nineteenth century and faced enormous physical and social hardships.

The Youngest Cameleer Author: Goldie Alexander This novel provides insights into the contribution of the Afghan cameleers to opening up our interior of Australia and the discovery of Uluru and the Olgas.

This book is an easy to read diary that exposes the hardships, adventures and discoveries of the early Australian explorer W.C. Gosse and his cameleers.

Age Guide: 12+ Years Extent: 208 pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781741304954 Price: AU $16.95 Publisher: Five Senses Education P: 02 9872 5354 www.fivesenseseducation.com.au

Biography Goldie Alexander has written 65 fiction and non-fiction books published both here and overseas, plus many prizewinning short stories and articles. Her latest how-towrite’ text for adults is ‘Mentoring Your Memoir’. She writes for history, crime, science fiction, fantasy and contemporary settings

More Information www.goldiealexander.com

Early childhood is a time of great discovery.

Our dedicated, professional staff provides a caring and creative place for children to express their ideas, imagine and experiment while learning.

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Phone (02) 4948 8046

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29

People in Focus

An Interview with

Steve Dixon At age three, Steve Dixon was teaching himself to draw in the sand.

At age five he was holding drawing competitions with his classmates at the kindergarten blackboard, to see who could draw the scariest monster.

It didn’t take the other kids long to wise up they didn’t have a chance to win.

Growing up on the Coast of Sydney, its beach, surf and skater culture had a strong influence on his desire to pursue a career in the field of art and design. Trading in his jackhammer for pencils, paints and brushes, Steve entered the world of fine arts at the Hunter Street Art School in Newcastle mastering the fundamentals of life drawing, colour theory and design using traditional methods of inks, chalks, paints and brushes.

A non-traditional traineeship as an airbrush artist for a textiles company paved the way for a career in T-shirt design using traditional methods in film and dark rooms, bromides and working with Letraset sheets. One day his boss handed Steve an Apple Mac

and said ‘Here’s a computer, learn how to use it’. The master of brushes became a master of the modern day mouse.

In 1997, he set up the first wholly Australian inspired, designed and manufactured surf label called The Doolagahs with Shayne Martin and Kenneth Swan. After supplying a few local stores and generating reasonable sales, they were approached by Time Warner and began selling their label in the USA. Steve eventually started his own graphic design business in the late 90’s. A chance meeting with the author of ‘Born to Race’ when the two worked on an advertising pitch, paved the way for a creative collaboration that has resulted in the design of the gorgeous paperback and iPad edition of the book.

Steve lives on the Central Coast with his wife Rachel and their kids Ruby and Oscar.

More Information www.enzob.com.au

ndale!

Free fun at Stockland Gle Join the my funland club today. It’s free and packed with fun!

Stockland Glendale 387 Lake Road, Glendale Ph: (02) 4954 9666 www.stockland.com.au/glendale

30 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

The Terribly Tall Tales of EnzoB: Born to Race Author: Luscheyne Mellon Illustrator: Steve Dixon 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

Ages

3 -12 years

Share in stacks of giveaways, competitions and be the first to hear about all the latest news and fun events!

Join online today! Visit myfunland.com.au

Reviews A r e Yo u P r e g n a n t ?

• Free & Confidential Pregnancy Tests • Free & Confidential Pregnancy Counseling Newcastle Pregnancy Help Service Shop 2/2 Market St, Newcastle NSW 2300 Ph/Fx: 02 4927 0131 pregnancyhelp@bigpond.com www.pregnancysupport.com.au

World Culture Products Author: Putumayo Kids An interesting series of educational books for young readers. These books subtlety encourage cultural awareness while kids have fun colouring in or using the stickers.

Each book comes complete with a comprehensive glossary of animals, buildings and instruments in both English and the language of the book title.

The books are environmentally friendly; printed with soy ink and 100% replanted through donations to Trees, Water People.

Age Guide: 2+ Years Extent: 20 Pages (Colouring Books) 3 Pages (Sticker Books) ISBN: Africa Coloring Book ISBN: 9781587592713 Europe Coloring Book ISBN: 9781587592881 Latin America Coloring Book ISBN: 9781587592843 Africa Sticker Collection ISBN: 9781587592737 Europe Sticker Collection ISBN: 9781587592898 Latin America Sticker Collection ISBN: 9781587592850 Price: USD $9.95 ea. (Colouring Books) USD $11.95 ea. (Sticker books) Publisher: Putumayo Kids P: 02 9948 1811 www.savd.com.au/putumayo.html

Sharon Witt is a secondary school teacher who has been working with adolescents for over 16 years.

She has been interviewed and written articles for a variety of media sources and has appeared on Channel Nine’s ‘Today Show’ and ‘Mornings with Kerri-Anne’.

Teen Talk Parent Talk: A Common Sense Guide to Raising Your Teenager Author: Sharon Witt

This book offers practical advice and strategies to help parents to understand their parenting style, communicate and discipline teenagers.

It uses a variety of techniques to convey messages including quizzes, pop outs, instructional text

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and even poetry. It is an interesting, easy to read reference for parents who are having trial and tribulations with teenage children-virtually all parents!

Age Guide: Adults Extent: 280 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780980389593 Price: AU $19.95 Publisher: Collective Wisdom Publications Pty Ltd P: 0408 349 355 (Sharon Witt) 0418 475 801 (Scott Eathorne Quikmark Media) www.teentalkbooks.com

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31

Reviews

Mirror Author: Jeannie Baker The contrasting lives of two young boys, one living in urban Australia and the other in the Moroccan desert are depicted through a series of stunning collages. ‘Mirror’ cleverly depicts the similarities and common bonds between the cultures.

A series of collages tell the story, one side in English, the other side Arabic, until they meet in the middle.

This is a mesmerising story and artistic expression that captivate and hold the interest of parents and children with the added bonus of teaching children of the cultural differences of and bonds between two countries.

It is perfect gift and coffee table book.

Age Guide: 4+ Years Extent: 48 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781406309140 Price: AU $39.95 Publisher: Walker Books Australia P: 02 9517 9577 www.walkerbooks.com.au

DIY Around the Home: Easy Projects for the Weekend

Skulduggery Pleasant: Death Bringer

Author: Tom Williams

The Necromancers no longer need Valkyrie to be their Death Bringer, and that’s good news.

However they no longer need Valkyrie because they’ve already found their Death Bringer! This Death Bringer will dissolve the doors between life and death, which is a very bad thing!

This is a practical, step-by-step guide to common Do It Yourself (DIY) projects to improve and enhance your home.

Tom Williams is one of Australia’s most famous carpenters. Graded in easy, medium and difficult, the DIY tasks come with estimated time for completion. DIY projects include painting, restoring timber floors, creating a raised veggie garden, soundproofing a room, building a dog house, fixing a window and making an opening in a wall.

It is a highly readable, easy to follow book and one of the best Christmas gifts for family renovators.

Age Guide: Open Extent: 176 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781742571645 Price: AU $35.00 Publisher: New Holland Publishers P: 02 8986 4700 www.newholland.com.au

Author: Derek Landy

Skullduggery and Valkyrie have only seven days to uncover the Necromancer’s secret before the port is dissolved.

This is the sixth installment in the Skulduggery Pleasant titles and offers readers excitement and adventure. Skullduggery and Valkyrie are back to kick evil in the face!

Age Guide: 9+ Years Extent: 604 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780007326044 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers P: 1300 551 721 www.harpercollins.com.au

More book reviews at www.getaheadkids.com.au

Blood Sugar: Inspiring Recipes for Anyone Facing the Challenge of Diabetes And Maintaining Good Health Author: Michael Moore

32 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 11

Chef Michael Moore is a diabetic who has developed easy to follow, delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. These recipes are designed to keep blood sugar levels under control and maintain good health. Blood Sugar also includes nutritional tips, food balance and ideas for a healthy life.

Although this book is written by a chef, the remarkable aspect about the recipes is the short number of ingredients for each recipe. The

photography is colourful and mouth watering. This is a great family reference for diabetics, families with a history of diabetes or people who are committed to staying healthy.

Age Guide: Open Extent: 240 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781742571546 Price: AU $45.00 Publisher: New Holland Publishers P: 02 8986 4700 www.newholland.com.au

Reviews Santa’s Aussie Mix-Up Author: Colin Buchanan Illustrator: Simon Swingler Set to the tune of Advance Australia Fair, ‘Santa’s Aussie MixUp’ is a fantastic book by children’s entertainer Colin Buchanan; offering readers colourful and entertaining pictures, a great storyline and a bonus sing-a-long CD! Santa needs to have all the Christmas presents delivered on time and with all the Aussie animals eager to help - will Santa get it done on time?

‘Santa’s Aussie Mix-Up’ is the perfect gift for young children especially for friends and family living overseas!

Get Ahead Kids® Partners

Age Guide: 4+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781742830070 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 4328 3555 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

Totally Twins #3: Tropical Trouble Author: Aleesah Darlison Illustrator: Serena Geddes Ten year old, Perse writes her latest diary about her Fijian holiday antics with her flashy twin Portia, her Nan and the seven year old next door neighbour, Dillon Pickleton. During this latest adventure Perse confronts her jealousy of her popular twin, sails the open seas, swims with sharks, has a dance-off and has her first fling with Ash.

Toppling Author: Sally Murphy Illustrator: Rhian Nest James ‘Toppling’ is a sad verse novel about childhood cancer and the impact on school friends and support from an unexpected source-the school bully.

A great read for primary school students who will be totally absorbed in this heart churning tale.

‘Toppling’ was the winner of the 2010 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards in the Children’s Books category.

This is a highly readable book that depicts relatable feelings between Age Guide: 10+ Years sisters, amplified by the fact they are twins. It is a refreshing and adventurous Extent: 128 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921529429 tale written in an easy, concise style.

Price: AU $16.95 Age Guide: 7+ Years Publisher: Walker Books Australia Extent: 160 Pages (Paperback) P: 02 9517 9577 ISBN: 9781921042690 www.walkerbooks.com.au Price: AU $14.95 Publisher: New Frontier Publishing P: 02 9453 1525 www.newfrontier.com.au

TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT THE NEW

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33

Index

Article Themes 2012 January/February Back to School - Vanessa Amorosi Ad Booking Deadline Nov 11, 2011 Editorial Deadline Nov 18, 2011

March/April Physical Education - The Commando Ad Booking Deadline Feb 10, 2012 Editorial Deadline Feb 17, 2012

May/June Languages & Communications Jessica Rowe Ad Booking Deadline Apr 5, 2012 Editorial Deadline Apr 13, 2012

July/August Learning Innovations & Technology David Reyne Ad Booking Deadline May 25, 2012 Editorial Deadline Jun 1, 2012

September/October Study & Assessment - Iain Hewitson Ad Booking Deadline Aug 10, 2012 Editorial Deadline Aug 17, 2012

November/December Summer Learning - Nicole Livingstone Ad Booking Deadline Oct 1, 2012 Editorial Deadline Oct 15, 2012 EDUC ATIN G

THE GO FAMI LIES ON

® Vol. 4 • No. 1

Advertisers Index ABC Orthodontics 11 Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd 10 Baby Ballerinas & Co 28 Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College 15 The City of Newcastle 22 Essential Moves 13 & 23 Essential Play 27 Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown 25 The Great Aussie Bush Camp 21 hey dee ho music 33 Hunter Development Corporation 29 Hunter Wetlands Centre 19 I Can Read System 33 INParenting 33 International Child Care College 16 Irlen Diagnostic Clinic 13 KidsSmile 25 KU Children Services 14 Maitland Christian School 11 Macleay College 15 Mission Australia Early Learning Services 29 Natraspray Pest Control 13 NCP Printing 31 Newcastle Family and Sports Podiatry 36 Newcastle Grammar School 4 Newcastle Pregnancy Help Service 31 Newcastle Museum 2 PCYC 33 Pilates for Life 19 Schoolchoice.com.au 33 St John Ambulance Australia (NSW) 19 Stockland Glendale 30 Susan K Walton Optometrist 21 TAFE NSW Hunter Institute 17 The Master’s Touch Coaching 15 Wilsons Business Brokers Pty Ltd 17 Woven Labels Direct 9

• Jan/Feb 2 012

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

2012 January/February AUD INC GST $6.60 Subscription 01

9

771839

149000

Celebrity Spotlight Vanessa Amorosi Singer/Songwriter Back to School Issue out

December 2011 34 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 2011

Activity Zone

Spelling

Bee

Can you help Miss Smith mark the spelling test below by placing a tick for correct or cross for incorrect answers next to the students answer. If the word is incorrect, write the correct spelling of the word on the line provided.

Great Stocking Fillers

1. Cematary

6. Paralel

2. Embarass

7. Scissors

3. Acomodate

8. Tommorow

4. Vacuum

9. Envalope

5. Freind Friend

10. Sandwich

More reviews, activities & answers at www.getaheadkids.com.au

Christmas Wombat

The Nativity

Author: Jackie French Illustrator: Bruce Whatley

Author/Illustrator: Julie Vivas

‘Christmas Wombat’ is another charming children’s book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. It is a delightful tale featuring Mothball the wombat, his love for carrots, and the reindeers referred to as ‘strange creatures’.

This book is great for very young children as the words, story lines and pictures are easy to read.

Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9780732291716 Price: AU $24.99 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers P: 1300 551 721 www.harpercollins.com.au

The Nativity is a creative interpretation of the age old Christian story of the birth of Jesus.

It was first released in 1986 and has had numerous reprints both in Australia and overseas. This book is an ideal Christmas gift for Christian families.

Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 36 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781862916623 Price: AU $15.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au

All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth Author: Don Gardner Illustrator: Katz Cowley Incorporating the words from the popular song; ‘All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth’ is a charming childrens book and an ideal gift for young children; with its colourful animations, it is easy for readers to follow the story while listening/ singing along to the included CD. This book is a perfect gift for young children.

Age Guide: 4+ Years Extent: 24 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781741697841 Price: AU $16.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

35

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