Get Ahead Kids Magazine Vol. 4. No. 5. Sep/Oct 2012

EDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 4 • No. 5 • Sep/Oct 2 012

®

Study & Assessment Special Exams V Ongoing Assessment Tasks Appropriate Assessment for All Rewards Don’t Work To Test or Not to Test

An Interview with

Iain Hewitson

September/October 2012 Subscription $6.60 AUD INC GST 05

9

771839

149000

Sep/Oct 2012

Contents

This Month’s

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

Spotlight

®

4

Editorial Giveaways

An Interview with Iain Hewitson

4

Australian Reptile Park Family Pass Facebook Giveaway

5

Taronga Zoo Family Pass Subscriber Only Giveaway

28

LeapFrog Giveaway

29

The Twits Family Pass Giveaway Spotlight

6

An Interview with Iain Hewitson Study & Assessment

Get Ahead Kids® © MAP Marketing 2012 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.

8

To Test or Not to Test

10

Appropriate Assessment for All

12

Exams V Ongoing Assessment Tasks

16

Rewards Don’t Work Schools Research

14

School Websites Rating Research Health

17

Exams & Exercise

18

Is There Something Wrong With My Child?

20

Retained Primitive Reflexes

22

Breast Cancer

24

Children & Grief - Finding Healing in a Time of Loss News

26

Celebrating Foster Care Week 2012

26

Working Memory: Learning & Reading

27

“Read Our Town Read” A Resounding Success

27

Schools Win $46,000 Makeovers

30

Reviews

34

Advertisers Index

35

Activity Zone

to Subscribe ids dK Get Ahea azine ag Digital M scriber ub to enter S away e Only Giv ge 5 Details Pa

Spring Cleaning

www.facebook.com/GetAheadKids

www.getaheadkids.com.au

3

Editorial

The September/October issue features the original celebrity chef - Iain Hewitson (Huey) and how he became involved in the hospitality industry. Huey provides great tips to get kids helping in the kitchen and trying different foods.

The study and assessments articles provide interesting insights on testing, ongoing assessments and why rewards may not work.

Rev. Dr. Kim Miller provides a moving article on helping kids deal with grief.

The international medical charity, Medikidz provides informed advice on Breast Cancer and how this disease can be detected and treated.

To encourage readers to subscribe to the Digital Get Ahead Kids and reward these digital subscribers we are giving away 5 family passes to Taronga Zoo. Maria Charlton Managing Editor P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

The Australian Reptile Park Hands-On Zoo The Australian Reptile Park features animal interaction and exciting wildlife shows.

Visitors to the park can have a close encounter with some of the scaly and furry animals during Snappy Hour 11am-2pm daily, including a walk with Hugo the giant Galapagos tortoise.

Learn about the park’s work to help save the iconic Tasmanian devil with the exciting conservation project, Devil Ark. Visitors can witness venomous snake and funnel web spider milking every day, have a photo with a snugly python, wombat or cuddly koala.

NSW’s biggest crocodile Elvis, is fed at 1:30pm on weekends and school holidays.

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

Watch the spectacular alligator feeding from the banks of the ’gator lagoon.

Ask about the behind the Scenes Tours, Devilish Encounter and Kids to Keepers program.

See native and exotic reptiles and spiders in the unique exhibits The Lost World of Reptiles and Spider World, featuring Tarantula-ville.

More information www.reptilepark.com.au

Like Get Ahead Kids on Facebook to Win! www.facebook.com/GetAheadKids With special thanks to the Australian Reptile Park, Get Ahead Kids® has 5 family passes to giveaway! Each pass allows a family of 2 adults and 2 children (3-15years) to enjoy a wildlife experience at the Australian Reptile Park.

Visit www.facebook.com/GetAheadKids and click the like button for a chance to win.

4

Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

5F

am ly P val iNews $11 ued asse to G 2.20 at s ive eac aw h ay! tal Digi ibers scr Sub nly!

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

Taronga Zoo Family Pass

Giveaways Malayan Sun Bears A new female Malayan Sun Bear can now be seen by Taronga Zoo visitors.

‘Mary’, a boisterous three year old, recently made the move from the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra to be partnered with Taronga’s male, Mr. Hobbs (Hobbsy).

Since her arrival, the large logs that used to be in the exhibit have been reduced to splinters, and water containers have been upturned as she splashes and soaks everything.

Like any young bear, she loves playing. One of her favourite toys is a hula hoop, and after tiring herself out, Miss Mary loves nothing more than reclining in her hammock.

When Mary matures the couple might produce offspring to increase the population of these Asian bears.

The pairing would introduce a new genetic line to the Australian population of Malayan Sun Bears.

Mary was the last Sun Bear born in Australia whilst Mr. Hobbs found a home at Taronga through the Free the Bears Foundation. Hobbsy was discovered outside a Cambodian restaurant in a tiny cage destined to be dismembered for food.

Malayan Sun Bears are classified as ‘vulnerable’ meaning that they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Main threats include habitat destruction through logging, the illegal wildlife trade where they are hunted for the pet trade, traditional medicines or the restaurant trade where body parts are used as delicacies such as Bear Paw Soup.

Mary and Mr. Hobbs can be seen in their tropical exhibit which they time share with ‘Satu’ the Sumatran Tiger.

Taronga Zoo is open throughout the Spring school holidays 9:30am 5:00pm.

More information www.taronga.org.au

Each pass allows a family of 2 adults and 2 children (4-15 years, under 4 years free) a wildlife experience at either Taronga Zoo Sydney or Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au follow the subscribe link and sign up to the free digital magazine (must be subscribed by Oct 12 2012 to be eligible). Subscribers will receive a special link via email for entry to the giveaway.

KidsSmile Providing specialist dental care for infants, children, adolescents & those with specialist needs Teen dental is also available

Dr. Helen Cornwell Paediatric Dentist Dr. Helen Dwyer Dentist P: 4962 7300

40 Brown Rd Broadmeadow NSW 2292

www.kidssmile.com.au www.getaheadkids.com.au

5

Did you always intend to develop a career as a television/celebrity chef?

An Interview with

Iain Hewitson

Where did your passion for working with food originate?

Both my mother and grandmother were wonderful cooks (and I liked to eat). So, from a very early age, I developed a passion for food. I can remember when I was at Primary School, I always enquired what was for dinner before leaving for school in the morning. I think my mother was quite thrilled by her budding gourmet, except when she discovered that I had been swapping her beautifully made sandwiches for tomato sauce numbers made by my best friend, Terry Lee. How did you first become involved in the hospitality industry?

I was a musician when I left school and needed money to make ends meet, so I took a part time job washing dishes in a restaurant. I soon found myself helping the cooks more and more. Whilst the standard of food was pretty awful, I enjoyed it. Then my brother Don, who was a waiter in Wellington’s only decent

6

Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

restaurant, The Coachman, shouted me a meal for my birthday. I was hooked! I still remember what I ate - Chicken Liver Pate, Duckling a l’Orange and Chocolate Soufflé, which may seem rather mundane now. But, compared to frozen Prawn Cocktails, Deep Fried Chicken Maryland and Peach Melba made with canned peaches and bought raspberry sauce, it was pretty revolutionary stuff. And, when lack of talent eventually won out in the music business, I began working - first of all at The Coachman.

No, it was just right time right place.

As I was the first ever Australian chef on commercial prime time TV, there wasn’t the celebrity chef cult happening. So, no, it hadn’t ever entered my head until Gavan Disney asked me whether I would like to be on TV - late at night in my restaurant at the time, Memories of the Mediterranean. I told him to p... off and ring me when he was sober.

Amazingly, he did and my job on “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise” started.

What are your favourite recipes and why?

I like flavour, so any recipes with lots of guts. I also, as most viewers will tell you, do have bit of a penchant for certain ingredients - chillies, garlic, anchovies and olives.

Why is it important to get kids involved in cooking from an early age?

So that they learn about good food and learn some basic ways to feed themselves, rather than growing up dependent on take away shops and the like.

What differences did you find between being a chef/restaurateur to having your own TV show?

What is some advice you would give to someone seeking a career as a chef?

The main difference was being recognised on the street - keeping in mind that TV still involved cooking, so it wasn’t as if I was changing career paths. Although, my peers felt that I had sold out, keeping in mind that I was an upmarket restaurateur/chef at the time. Interestingly, when I left “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise” seven years later, most of them applied for the job.

You must have a passion for food and keep in mind that it’s bloody hard work and, certainly at the beginning, there are few kudos. One of the problems at the moment is that various cooking game shows paint being a chef as glamorous, which it certainly isn’t. But, it can be a very rewarding career with, amongst other things, a great opportunity to travel.

Spotlight Please tell us about your family.

Biography

My wife Ruth looks after the nitty gritty stuff for the show including show rundowns, website and research.

Our daughter Charlotte, 11, loves cooking and has been appearing on the show since she was 3. She also loves basketball.

Iain Hewitson (Huey) is Australia’s most watched television cook and has owned and operated many restaurants over the past 40 years.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I love Paris for the food and wine experience, but don’t ever enter any restaurant that has a Menu Touriste out the front. I also like it because it has a style and charm all of its own particularly now that the Parisiennes have actually discovered that they need English speaking tourists.

Are you working on any new projects at the moment - can you tell us what they are?

Yes I am... and no I can’t.

New Zealand born Huey arrived in Melbourne in 1971 and since then has enjoyed a diverse career as a chef; traveling to some of the most picturesque regions in Australia and overseas.

Huey’s easy to follow recipes are a hit with fans and, as he says, “My job is to get the viewers out of the pre-prepared food sections and take away shops and into the kitchen where they belong”. His aim is to encourage home cooks to try interesting new ingredients and experiment with same. He presents simple and tasty recipes that are easy to recreate for the family at home.

Over the past 20 years Huey has been a TV regular with TV shows including “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise”, “A Cook’s Journey”, “Huey’s TV Dinner”, “Never Trust a Skinny Cook” and “Huey’s Cooking Adventures”, which was Australia’s highest rating daytime TV show. “Huey’s Kitchen” is currently aired on weekdays at 4pm on Network 10.

In addition to his television programs, Huey has written eight cookbooks including his latest “Huey’s Bloody Good Recipes”.

More Information www.hueyskitchen.com.au

What are your top 5 tips for parents wanting to provide healthy eating and lifestyle habits for their families?

1. Instil into your children the importance of a balanced diet.

2. Vegetables & fruit play an important role in that balanced diet. So, if you have to, experiment with different vegetables & fruit until you find those that they like.

3. Encourage them to at least try most things, but don’t force them to eat something they obviously don’t like.

4. I think they should be introduced to restaurants/cafes at an early age, for example Yum Cha is a great start. Always take plenty of things for them to play with.

5. Last but not least, it’s amazing what kids will eat if they have played a part in the cooking process, so get them into the kitchen ASAP. But, don’t ever get upset if they lose interest half way through & wander off - that’s just part of the process, so just grin & bear it.

Huey’s Bloody Good Recipes Author: Iain Hewitson This book is ideal for beginner cooks, or those lacking confidence in the kitchen. It contains 50 of Huey’s all-time favourite recipes and readers are shown how to vary each recipe using the same ingredients, method and even incorporating leftovers.

This book gives excellent tips many people do not consider a necessity when cooking, such as the importance of being organised, effective shopping and the benefits of shopping locally.

Covering everything from entrees to desserts, this book certainly earns a place on the kitchen bookshelf.

Age Guide: Open Extent: 250 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9780980597387 Price: AU $50.00 Publisher: Slattery Media Group P: 03 9627 2600 www.slatterymedia.com

www.getaheadkids.com.au

7

Study & Assessment

To Test

or Not to Test

By Cate Larke

Educators are divided into two distinct camps - those that believe in testing and competition amongst children and those that don’t.

Many parents, having been through the system (and survived) don’t give it much thought until they are confronted with a child upset or anxious about an exam at school.

To put it in perspective, an exam is a snapshot of the child on that particular day and should be treated as such when possible - if they are sick, nervous or tired they will obviously not do their best.

Thankfully, the education system is changing, so that one exam does not decide the path for that child and most teachers look at other

8

Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

indicators to get the whole picture.

Even the HSC is not based fully on exams anymore, and most university courses have assessment tasks as part of their criteria for checking student progress.

Unfortunately though, testing, competition and being results driven is part of life and children will have to sit many tests throughout their education. Standardised testing helps parents, teachers and schools ensure outcomes are being met, pre and post subject tests will see what depth knowledge and understanding a child has acquired and national testing is probably here to stay!

So the debate on whether or not children should have to sit through tests is at this stage a moot point. A parent’s efforts should be spent on making children comfortable and confident with the experience, so they perform at their best when the time for formal testing arrives.

Checklist ❑❑ Time to Practice Exam Conditions Give children opportunities to sit external exams where possible.

The University of NSW exams, writing competitions, Newcastle Permanent Maths competitions and the like, give children valuable experiences of “test conditions”.

The worst that will happen is they will get a participation certificate! ❑❑ Eating Clean & Healthy Food This should be something considered most of the time, but by making sure they have a good protein breakfast and water on the day of the exam will help keep blood sugar stable. No caffeine drinks or highly coloured or flavoured foods will also help.

Study & Assessment ❑❑ Sleep & Plenty of It As a rule, children need between 9-12 hours’ sleep a night, so ensuring they go to bed at a suitable time, allowing for some wind down time before drifting off to dreamland, will mean they will awaken refreshed and ready for the day. ❑❑ Exam Techniques Talk to children about reading the questions, studying content, planning their time, not getting caught on questions they don’t know and reading multiple choice questions. Simple exam “techniques” will give them confidence going into the exam.

❑❑ Parental Support Find a healthy balance between encouraging your child to perform, without pressuring them. Encourage them to try their best, but tell them not to worry if there are questions they can’t answer. It’s only one exam!

a

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College Kindergarten to Year 12 Quality Education.

Exceptional Value.

OPEN DAY Wednesday 24 October 2012 9am to 11am

More Information Cate Larke Director Learning Tactics Australia Suite 6, Level 2 10, Bradford Cl, Kotara NSW 2289 P: 02 4952 2444 www.learningtactics.com.au

• Direct Bus Services • Affordable Fees • Academic Excellence • A well rounded Pastoral Care Program • A range of peripatetic activities such as music, drama and the arts • Commitment to a wide range of sports • A school family philosophy that embraces the individual and nurtures gifts and talents • Before, After School & Vacation Care more about what our College has to offer your child.

For more information please call 4979 8484 or visit our website www.btac.nsw.edu.au

256 Minmi Road, FLETCHER

Child With Reading Problems?

• Literacy Assessments

As a parent you need to ask 3 questions:

• Reading Programmes & Tuition

1. Why isn’t my child learning?

• Auditory Training

2. What is their learning style?

• Sensory Integration Packages Targeting Gross Motor & Fine Motor Skills

3. What can be done to help them?

At Learning Tactics we can assess your child within a week of your call.

Don’t wait. Help your child today.

02 4952 2444 www.learningtactics.com.au www.getaheadkids.com.au

9

Study & Assessment

Appropriate Assessment for All

By Amanda Tocci

In my private practice I see many children each week whose parents have deep rooted concerns regarding their child’s academic progress. They will ask me why their child has not progressed, why they are struggling and most importantly why has their problem not been identified at the class level.

My response usually comprises of an education system that is failing our children not because they want to but because they do not know any better.

This may seem a harsh comment but research is showing that there is a huge gap between what teachers emerge from university knowing and the real in class knowledge required to successfully identify, plan and treat children with difficulties.

For the child who is lucky to progress without intervention, to progress without difficulties, their school journey is fulfilling. However when we see over 15-30% of children in a class of 30 with learning difficulties, their journey is far from fulfilling. Isn’t it time we knew that those children existed?

Learning difficulties can present in many forms, behavioral, academic and social exclusion, and many teachers know that these children exist, are able to identify those with difficulties but are unable to assist with intervention due to a lack of resources, lack of funding and lack of appropriate assessment.

Assessment and identification of children who exhibit possible tendencies must be paramount in any school.

10 Get Ahead KidsÂŽ Sep/Oct 12

Study & Assessment

With most learning difficulties being shown by children of average intelligence, we must give these children the same opportunities to develop as those with diagnosed and funded learning disabilities.

The only way to do this is to make sure that we assess children based on National Standard Testing, utilising assessment measures that have been extensively tested, are valid and reliable. Any assessment measure we use here in Australia must have been tested in an Australian setting and most importantly assessments measures used must reflect what we are testing. In other words, testing reading through a spelling test or a word reading test only will produce invalid and unreliable results.

Parents, if your child requires testing at school always ask what assessment measure they are using.

If you are not sure then the following are our best here in Australia.

Cognitive or IQ Assessment: WISC-IV Literacy & Numeracy: WIAT-II

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd

Appropriate Assessment Checklist ❑❑ Schools need to assess & identify kids with learning difficulties ❑❑ Allocate funds for kids with learning disabilities ❑❑ Assess kids using valid & reliable National Standard Testing ❑❑ Use assessment procedures standardised for Australian conditions ❑❑ Use assessments that reflect substance to be tested

Assessment, Planning & Intervention for Children with Reading Difficulties.

Specialist Clinics Located in Maitland & Newcastle

P: 1300 869 905 contact@auslit.com.au www.auslit.com.au

More Information

ACN: 147 916 676

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

D is co ve r

Canoe Hire & Tours | Segway Tours | Dipnetting Reptile Encounters | Bird Feeding | Bike Tracks Walking Trails | Discovery Zone | Playground BBQ Areas | Cafe Nourish Wetlands Photography Competition Starts Sept to Nov 2012

Full Reading Checklist www.auslit.com.au

g

the Hunter Wetlands Centre this Sprin

412 Sandgate Rd, Shortland NSW 2307 P: 02 4951 6466 www.wetlands.org.au

LAKES GRAMMAR - AN ANGLICAN SCHOOL

K-12 Co-educational School of the Newcastle Anglican Schools Corporation All parents want the best possible education for their children and at Lakes Grammar we believe we offer special opportunities for young people to be themselves, to grow into young men and women of integrity and purpose.

Scholarships are currently being offered for entry to Year 11 2013 - please visit our website for more information.

Come and see what Lakes Grammar has to offer at our Spring Fair on Saturday, 20 October.

For School Tours or more information: Mrs Racquel Jolly 02 4393 4111 | enrolments@lakes.nsw.edu.au | www.lakes.nsw.edu.au Cnr Sparks Rd & Albert Warner Drive, Warnervale NSW 2259

www.getaheadkids.com.au

11

Study & Assessment

g n i o g n O V s m a Ex Assessment Tasks

By Dr. Joan Brien Ongoing Assessment Tasks

The Pros of Ongoing Assessment

For an educational institution, ongoing assessment tasks can be used to determine how a student is progressing so that help can be provided in a timely fashion, if required. It also gives students the opportunity to gain consistent results throughout the year, rather than relying on a “one off” examination at the end of the year.

• The assessment process is a continuum • Assessment tasks can take any form: it could be a test, an assignment or a project • If assessment tasks are based on what has been learned in a short period of time, the amount of information that has to be “learnt” is smaller than that learned over a whole year

• The student can assess their progress throughout the year & make adjustments to their studies if required • More information can be tested over the whole year, than can be tested in a single examination • Once a topic has been assessed, there is no need to go back over the work for future assessments

The Cons of Ongoing Assessment • The workload can be onerous as there is no “break” from study • Each topic is assessed in greater depth, so requiring a more intense coverage of those topics, which may not occur in a yearly “one off” assessment task • For the educator, it requires more marking time • This does not necessarily require students to retain information in their long term memory • It does not put the student into a situation where they have to recall facts for periods up to three hours

One Off Examinations A one off (yearly) examination puts the student under more pressure to perform than an ongoing assessment process. Some educators consider that making students perform in a one off exam is a greater indication of a student’s ability than on going assessments.

12 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

Study & Assessment The Pros of One Off Examinations • It allows students time to learn progressively without the constant demands of ongoing assessment tasks • It gives the student the whole year to gain a deeper understanding of the subject • There is usually a “study period” before one off examinations & this time, without face-to-face classes is often the time when students really start to learn their topics • Due to the time constraints of examinations, there may only be one question per topic so the depth of knowledge required overall can be less than in ongoing assessment tasks

• A one off examination does not give the student the opportunity to demonstrate how much depth of knowledge they have about each topic Whether assessment is ongoing or one off, students need to realise that they have one opportunity to show the examiners what they know so it is really important to know how to demonstrate their knowledge.

More Information

Irlen Syndrome can cause visual processing problems that can cause Dyslexia and difficulties with: • Concentration • Reading • Spelling • Writing • Comprehension Irlen Diagnostic Clinic Suite 3/136 Nelson St Wallsend NSW 2287 P: 02 4955 6904 | joan@irlen.com.au www.irlendyslexia.com

The Cons of One Off Examinations • A whole year’s work relies on a single examination • The results of a single examination can be influenced by factors other than the student’s knowledge. E.g. illness & family commitments • A student may know a particular topic quite well but if the question does not give them the scope to show their depth of knowledge, their opportunity for high marks decreases

Is Your Child Struggling with Learning?

Dr. Joan Brien Certified Irlen Diagnostician Irlen Diagnostic Clinic Suite 3/136 Nelson St. Wallsend NSW 2287 P: 02 4955 6904 joan@irlen.com.au www.irlendyslexia.com

PLAYGROUNDS, SCHOOLS & PRIVATE COLLECTORS

P: (02) 4372 1170 www.timbercreations.com.au

LEARNERS TO LEADERS Newcastle Grammar School has maintained a passion for teaching and learning for more than 150 years. Both parents and students alike value the supportive, nurturing and inclusive School community that exists well beyond the years of School.

FINE ACADEMIC TRADITION Newcastle Grammar School students continue to excel in NAPLAN and the HSC. A full list of achievements and results can be reviewed on the school’s website.

SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT The School provides the structure and discipline required for children to develop both socially and academically. The Pastoral Care programme in place aims to foster resilience, promote respect for each other and ourselves, as well as cultivate our relationships with one another.

EXTRA SERVICES The School caters for the busy family with After School Care and Vacation Care. Private Music, Speech and Drama tuition is available along with Learning Support and Gifted and Talented Programmes. Exclusive Bus Service operates daily from Toronto, Caves Beach and Maitland.

ENROL NOW

Newcastle Grammar School p: (02) 4929 5811

w: ngs.nsw.edu.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

13

Schools Research

School Websites Rating Research School websites are an invaluable communication tool for school stakeholders including: • • • • • •

Past, present & future parents Past, present & future students Government authorities Tertiary institutions The media General public

An increasing number of schools are investing significant time and resources to building and maintaining websites not only as communication avenues but also as branding devices.

The MAP Marketing Research into Hunter and Central Coast Private Schools and Major NSW Boarding

Schools websites indicated that the schools websites varied in content, functionality, information depth and design quality.

Methodology MAP Marketing rated private and boarding school websites using a 15 point criteria. For each criteria each school website was allocated a score ranging between 0 - 5.00.

The highest possible score for each category was 5.00 and the lowest was 0. A score of 2.50 was considered the average. In certain categories such as school portal, parent portal and search function, school websites were allocated a score of zero for each that did not exist or were hard to find.

The final internet rating for each school website was derived from the average of the 15 category ratings.

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

Research Results Major Hunter & Central Coast Private School Website Rating

2009 (Max 5)

2010 (Max 5)

2011 (Max 5)

2012 (Max 5)

Central Coast Grammar School

3.47

3.70

4.33

4.67

3.87

4.55

Central Coast Adventist School Newcastle Grammar School

4.43

4.57

4.37

4.47

Macquarie College

4.73

4.53

4.13

4.45

Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School

2.73

2.43

3.20

4.40

St Philips Christian College

4.93

4.43

4.40

4.15

Charlton Christian College

2.53

3.63

3.80

4.07

Hunter Valley Grammar School

4.00

3.07

4.33

4.02

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

2.47

2.60

2.93

3.98

Medowie Christian School

3.80

3.92

Wyong Christian Community School

3.67

3.82

Hunter Christian School

3.47

3.80

3.70

3.63

Belmont Christian College

4.27

3.77

3.10

3.63

Maitland Christian School

4.20

3.37

3.57

3.70

Green Point Christian College

2.9

3.03

3.53

3.50

Avondale School Cooranbong

4.67

4.27

3.70

3.48

3.47

3.17

3.47

3.13

The Coast Christian School Heritage College Cooranbong

3.77

3.33

Singleton Christian College

2.67

Scone Grammar School Brightwaters Christian College

14 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

1.13

1.50

2.93

2.53

1.43

1.62

Schools Research

2011 (Max 5)

2012 (Max 5)

Presbyterian Ladies College

4.47

4.65

The Kings School

3.30

4.65

Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore)

4.13

4.57

St Joseph’s College

4.30

4.55

Wenona School

4.10

4.53

The Scots College Sydney

4.43

4.52

Kincoppal – Rose Bay

4.20

4.52

The Scotts School Albury

4.10

4.43

Tudor House School

3.90

4.43

Kinross Wolaroi

4.03

4.42

Newingtown College

3.73

4.37

Tara Anglican School for Girls

3.57

4.18

Barker College

4.00

4.13

St Ignatius College Riverview

3.80

4.10

Knox Grammar School

3.77

4.08

Calrossy School

4.00

4.02

Cranbrook School

3.67

3.95

St Catherine’s School

3.80

3.92

Ravenswood School for Girls

3.77

3.90

Pymble Ladies College

3.50

3.88

Trinity Grammar School

3.87

3.80

New England Girls School

3.20

3.68

The Armidale School

3.13

3.67

Snowy Mountains Grammar School

1.87

3.65

PLC Armidale

3.17

3.60

Frensham

2.63

3.53

All Saints’ College

3.30

3.35

St Paul’s College

3.07

3.35

Abbotsleigh Senior Campus

3.30

3.30

Canberra Girls’ Grammar

3.30

3.23

Ascham School

2.90

2.95

Kambala

3.07

2.82

Mackillop College

2.63

2.73

Major NSW Boarding Schools Website Rating

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

www.getaheadkids.com.au

15

Rewards

The real and underlying problem is, however, very different. It is the hidden message behind the reward that causes great harm. By rewarding you say: “I don’t trust you, as I don’t believe that you can behave properly unless I reward you!” This is a declaration of mistrust, which will have profound existential consequences for the child’s development - especially in terms of selfworth and self-esteem. In other words, the method is more damaging the longer it is used and the more effective

Don’t Work

By Jesper Juul (English adaptation by Hayes van der Meer)

“When you have done your homework we can go to the movies.”

Many people think that rewarding children is a good thing. Rewarding them as part of their upbringing is used in many homes and throughout the education system.

But is it an effective method?

Jesper Juul, the leader of FamilyLab Int. doesn’t think so.

He calls it: “An abuse of power” and believes it is very damaging to their self-esteem as well as their feeling of self-worth.

The Two Types of Rewards We must distinguish between rewards given when children perform at school, sport or dance and the rewards given for a desired behaviour - which means the child is “well behaved” - that is, from the parents point of view.

Children behave according to their parents’ norms, values and ambitions. The former is perfectly all right and has never damaged a child or the relations between adults and children. At school it does create some competition between students, but nothing serious.

The latter - to manage and control children’s behaviour - according to Juul is an abuse of power. If it is not considered abuse of power, then it can only be explained as a very old fashioned approach to raising children, which is based in the belief that they are naughty because they want to torment adults.

However, this theory was rejected by neurological research more than 20 years ago.

The Problems with Rewards One problem is that this discipline method actually works. This is especially true for children between one to five years old. Yet, it works only briefly.

After a while they will see through the method and respond either by ignoring it or constantly requiring more rewards.

Another problem is that this method by nature will also require that you use punishment when or if the reward stops working. This is often forgotten when we discuss or read about rewarding children.

Nevertheless, if we reward we must also punish and then we are back to the old “carrot and stick” method.

it is.

Not for the Child’s Best The fact is: no reward method is devised with the well-being of the child in mind. They are conceived as a kind of relief to the perplexed and sometimes desperate adults. These methods provide them with a kind of perceived certainty and confirmation of their own behaviour.

In this regard, a powerful FamilyLab principle comes in handy: if it works in your relations with other adults it will also work in your relations with children.

Every woman or man trying to adjust the behaviour of their partner or friend by using rewards will soon discover that it very quickly will be dismissed as a preposterous joke.

About Jesper Juul Jesper Juul is a family therapist and the founder of FamilyLab International.

He is a renowned author and soughtafter international speaker. Jesper Juul’s international bestseller and must-have book for parents and educators is now available in an Australian/ New Zealand edition: “Raising Competent Children”.

Published by rockpoolpublishing.com.au

More Information www.familylab.com.au

16 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 12 ®

Health

Exams & Exercise

As the year progresses we see an importance placed on maintaining academic standards and the need for our children to spend more time “hitting the books” so to speak.

But what about balance and does this give our children an advantage when they sit their exams?

Sport and activity plays an integral role with balancing out the important time spent over the text books and studying. Too much time spent on either side of this balance can see a poor result.

Dividing study times with activity needs to be scrutinised to ensure we don’t fatigue our children then expect a quality study session.

Study in the morning followed by an outdoor activity, running, the beach, playing sport or a family activity is favourable. Research supports enhancing study patterns in children by being active and the activity can be one of choice.

If children have had lower limb, foot, knee, hip or back pain, this can contribute to them not wishing to be active at these times and accompanied with the ‘stress’ study can induce, again we can see a decrease in results.

Pain free exercise and activity is therefore an important part of the exam period, pulling them away from the books or laptop, from the indoor to the outdoor, from perceived drudgery to fun.

Ensuring good study habits and pain free activity will see them through.

Being preventative rather than reactive also assists and early assessment is vital.

More Information

Adam Glascock Principal Podiatrist Newcastle Family and Sports Podiatry 51 Denison St, Hamilton East NSW 2303 P: 02 4961 4411 admin@newcastlepodiatry.com.au www.newcastlepodiatry.com.au

treating foot & lower limb conditions for your kids & you

www.getaheadkids.com.au

17

Health

Is There Something Wrong With

My Child?

By Susan Walton

I’m sure there are lots of parents out there who know that their child is quite smart in lots of normal ways in their day to day life.

This behaviour can create a battle to get homework done!

However, when they get to school they just don’t seem to be able to perform to the level expected in the classroom.

Some children are able to complete homework because of the one on one situation with a parent to guide and urge them through at home, but would drift from the task in a classroom of 20 or 30 others.

Depending on the nature of the child there can be a number of behavioural outcomes:

There are the labels that may be given to your child: lazy, naughty, ADD, ADHD or Dyslexic.

❑❑ Easily distracted & may distract others ❑❑ Frustration because other kids complete tasks more easily ❑❑ Quiet child who is slow or does not complete work ❑❑ Has low confidence to attempt answers or ask for help ❑❑ Avoids tasks and goes to the bathroom, is a class clown or often daydreams.

You may need to have your child tested to see what could be wrong.

Test their eyes, their hearing; see the occupational therapist or a paediatrician.

18 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

When these youngsters arrive for eye testing I like to observe what type of child they are - chatty, shy, nervous and looking to Mum for answers, wanders around the room and touches everything despite being told countless times not to by Mum, wriggles and fidgets in the chair.

What can the parents tell me about the difference in their child’s verbal abilities compared to what occurs in their schoolwork? How do they manage with coordination (ball skills, ride a bike), organising to dress themselves, carry out simple instructions – particularly if there are more than one at a time given?

Many parents are looking for answers to allow their kids to perform to their true potential.

Some of the kids I have just described can benefit from vision therapy. As a Behavioural Optometrist I am looking much more broadly at your child than just their eyeballs. Vision is intertwined with all the other senses in allowing your child to function properly in the classroom and in life in general.

Our trained Vision Therapist Hannah, works individually with the kids each week for a minimum of 10 weeks on a range of activities that explores the use of their eyes along with auditory, motor and cognitive tasks – to look, listen, think and do.

Health

We have a large room for these sessions fitted out with special equipment to allow the children to explore and expand the use and control of their visual skills in many different ways.

They learn such things as better control of their eye movements so they can track, not lose their place, not get lost on the board, and follow the ball.

There are activities where they gain or increase their ability to visualise - or be able to use images in their head - which can be integral in many areas for learning to read, spell, write stories and do maths.

The activities are then practiced at home under the guidance of their parents on at least 5 other days for about half an hour.

This home practice is extremely important for the success for your child in vision therapy.

If this sounds like your child, you may like to attend our information evening. Please phone our office for further information.

More Information Susan Walton - B Optom FACBO Behavioural Optometrist Hannah Walton Vision Therapist P: 02 4926 4799 skwalton@tpg.com.au

NEWCASTLE OFFICE t +61 2 4926 1300 f +61 2 4926 5557 17 Arnott Street, Newcastle West NSW 2302 e sales@ncp.com.au

SYDNEY OFFICE t +61 2 9890 7029 f +61 2 9890 7036 8-10 Frank Street, Wetherill Park NSW 2164

A division of Bright Print Group

specialeyes OPTOMETRISTS

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown

Perform at your Peak

www.getaheadkids.com.au

19

Health

Retained Primitive

Reflexes

By Dorte Bladt

I love going to work! There are always so many things happening; kids talking, singing, climbing, playing and having fun. Not that I can take part, of course; I am working after all, but I love the energy, excitement and feel of it.

Lachlan came in for his first visit on a day like that. And he fitted right in, had fun, explored, asked lots of questions while his mother filled in the paperwork. His high energy continued in the consultation; he was emptying my drawers, unscrewing bits on my chiropractic table and leafing through the books on my bookshelf. He did not sit still for a second. Mum looked exhausted; “He’s always like this, and I can’t keep up, nor can the teacher at school. They would like for him to be put on medication to slow him down so he can learn. He is behind with reading and comprehension and it is affecting his self-esteem”.

Lachlan was suspected to suffer with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Mum wanted to see if I could help before she went to the paediatrician to get medication for him. Looking at Lachlan, I could understand why; he was very busy! Usually ADHD is diagnosed by the parents and the school filling in a questionnaire asking about the behaviours of the child.

20 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

Your child may often: • Fail to give close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities • Have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities • Not seem to listen when spoken to directly • Fidget with hands or feet or squirms in seat • Leave their seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected • Run about or climb excessively in inappropriate situations • Blurt out answers before questions have been completed • Have difficulty awaiting his/her turn • Interrupt or intrude on others (for example, butts into conversations or games) Looking at Lachlan, I was wondering if there was possibly something other than ADHD happening.

He looked unwell, with dark circles around the eyes and a pasty complexion, and he was sniffing incessantly. Mum confirmed that Lachlan suffered with colds, flu and ear infections all the time. She also explained that he couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything except what he himself wanted to do at any given time. She complained that he would explode in huge temper

tantrums several times a day, and that it was difficult for him to make and keep friends.

When I examined Lachlan it became clear that he had several Retained Primitive Reflexes, the most obvious one being Startle Reflex.

Our brain and nervous system control and coordinate the function of all cells, organs and systems in our body.

The development of the brain and spinal cord starts three weeks after conception, and at five weeks it starts to respond to the environment through the onset of a series of primitive reflexes. These reflexes are patterns of movement in response to a stimulus, which helps the baby move through the birth canal and practice rudimentary movements needed when in gravity in the real world. The reflexes ensure the survival of the newborn, and once this has been achieved, the reflexes are replaced by voluntary movements which we depend on for the rest of our lives.

It is important that the reflexes are present in a baby and that they are even on both sides. As the baby develops over the first year of life, the reflexes become integrated into more selective responses, so the child can learn to roll, creep, crawl, walk, write, talk and concentrate.

Health

If the reflexes do not integrate properly, there is a higher risk of learning difficulties, behavioural problems, being uncoordinated, poor concentration and attention, as well as difficulty with writing, posture and visual or auditory perception.

I did some very gentle, safe and comfortable adjustments to Lachlan’s spine over a period of time, and also showed him how to do some specific brain training exercises. In addition we looked into changing the family’s diet to help Lachlan’s immune system.

With regards to Startle Reflex; when a baby is surprised or scared, for example by a bright light, loud noise, rough touch or a sudden movement, he/she will startle; extend the arms and legs and take a breath in, followed by flexing of spine and limbs and a loud cry.

Lachlan responded phenomenally well to chiropractic care. He is focusing much better at school, is able to sit for longer periods, can follow instructions better and has caught up on his learning delays in all areas. Lachlan is a much happier child. As a result he is making new friends, with whom he can play and have fun and family life is more pleasant for everyone!

This reflex will help the baby take its first breath when it is born and after that is, a way to communicate the need for assistance and help from mum. This is a fight or flight reflex, a stress response, which is essential for the first few months of life.

After this time the reflex should integrate and become a more conscious decision whether to get scared or not.

If Startle Reflex doesn’t integrate properly the child will often be over-reactive and aggressive, easily distracted, have poor attention, and possibly be labelled ADHD. The child will often be unwell with colds and flus, etc, and may be allergic and hypersensitive to foods and airborne allergens due to continuous exposure to stress hormones.

That sounds pretty much like Lachlan, doesn’t it? Lachlan’s mum decided to try chiropractic to see if that would help his brain and nervous system function better, and allow him to settle down both at school and at home.

More Information

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

Retained Primitive Reflexes can have powerful effects on learning, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

Many children respond well to this type of care, and it should be considered before trying more drastic measures such as medication.

If you are interested in learning more about how to improve the function of your child’s brain and nervous system, we are holding a free information evening 9 October (see page 19 for more details).

During the evening we will address the importance of a healthy nervous system and show you ways to see whether your child’s nervous system is working well or not. We will give you some tools in the shape of brain training exercises and nutrients.

Seating at the venue is limited, so please call now to book your place P: 4926 4799.

Under New Management Long Day Care Service 7:30am-5:30pm 5 days Indoor & Outdoor Activities Experienced & Qualified Staff Childcare Benefit Available Accredited with NCAC West Wallsend Locations 0-3 Yrs P: 02 4953 1860 3-6 Yrs P: 02 4953 1865 georgemoro@hotmail.com

Get a Career

...not just a certificate

• Children’s Services • Business Admin • Tourism • Events • Hairdressing • Beauty Therapy

Enrol Now 4925 3833 Flexible Learning Traineeships & Apprenticeship Pathways 450 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300 enquiries@advancedcareerscollege.com.au www.advancedcareerscollege.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

21

Breast Cancer

By Dr. Huda Al Haddad

You may have seen adverts on the television or radio about big walks or races to help raise money for cancer research. You may also have noticed people wearing pink ribbons on their clothes. This is all to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a common cancer that mainly affects women. Men can also rarely get breast cancer.

Although it doesn’t tend to affect children, someone you know or are close to may have had breast cancer. It can be scary to be told that someone you love has cancer, but it’s less scary once you understand it.

Your body makes new cells all the time, to replace the old worn out ones. Usually your body makes new healthy cells that take on the jobs they are supposed to.

However, sometimes a cell misbehaves and produces lots of bad cells. When this happens, the bad cells join together to form a lump called a tumour. The tumour gets in the way of the healthy cells and stops them working properly.

When this happens, it’s called cancer.

Cancer can happen anywhere in the body. When it starts in the breast, it’s called breast cancer.

What happens in breast cancer?

How do you get breast cancer?

Your body is made up of millions of building blocks called cells. Each cell carries out a special job.

Anyone can get breast cancer, but there are some things that make it more likely to happen:

Some cells are used for support, like the cells that make up your bones, while other cells make up your muscles!

• Age: As you get older, the risk of getting breast cancer increases • Family history: You are more likely to get breast cancer if your mother, aunt, sister or daughter has had it

22 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

• Lifestyle: being overweight, smoking & drinking too much alcohol also increases your breast cancer risk How do you recognise breast cancer?

Usually, the first thing you notice is a painless breast lump.

Breast lumps do not always mean cancer! However, it is always important to see your doctor and get it checked just to be sure.

If there is a lump, the doctors will do a special scan called a mammogram to have a closer look.

They will also do a biopsy. This involves using a very thin needle to take a small sample of cells from the lump. The doctors will then look at the sample under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.

To check whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the doctors will do tests like X-rays and scans, which take detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

Health How is breast cancer treated?

As cancer can cause havoc all over the body, it’s important to get it treated quickly!

The usual treatment for breast cancer is surgery, which involves removing the tumour. Sometimes, other treatments are needed too, like chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy, usually when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Living with breast cancer Coping with the diagnosis of breast cancer can be difficult, and some of the treatments can make you feel unwell for a while.

Joining a support group can help, where you can chat to others with breast cancer about how you’re feeling. There are support groups for children whose mothers have breast cancer too.

It helps to talk to someone that you trust about your feelings, or you can ask your family doctor about local support groups.

About Dr. Huda Al Haddad Dr. Huda Al Haddad 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

What’s Up with Bridget’s Mum? Medikidz Explain Breast Cancer Author: Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair & John Taddeo Bridget is a great soccer player but her mum, who is suffering breast cancer, cannot attend her games. She just stays in bed all day and Bridget thinks her Mum no longer loves her.

Luckily, Medikidz, a group of medical superheroes are on hand to help Bridget to find out about breast cancer. Medikidz takes Bridget on a tour of Mediland where she learns about breast cancer and comes to appreciate what her mother is going through.

This is an action packed, engaging and easy to understand graphic novel that will empower families with the knowledge about the disease and take away their fear of the unknown. This book is an essential reference for every household, school, medical centre and library.

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, this is a great time to review this book. The 2012 Pink Ribbon Breakfast Cancer Australia’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast takes place in October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Age Guide: 9+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781906935085 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: Medikidz Limited P: +44 (0) 2073766630 www.medikidz.com

www.medikidz.com

Looking for After Hours MedicAL cAre or Advice tHe gP Access After Hours service (incLuding our 5 gP cLinics) is reAdy to tAke your cALL: Monday to Friday: 6pm to 8am on the next day Saturday: 1pm to 8am on the next business day Sundays and Public Holidays: 24 hours contAct gP Access After Hours on

1300 130 147 www.getaheadkids.com.au

23

Children & Grief

Finding Healing in a Time of Loss

By Rev. Dr. Kim Miller

Nobody likes it when bad things happen, especially when the word ‘grief’ enters our mind. However, bad things do happen, and sometimes our children are caught up in the experience. Understanding grief and understanding what children need can help us to help them through life’s bad times.

My teenage novel ‘They Told Me I Had To Write This’ follows the life of a boy coming to terms with his mother’s death and his part in it.

It’s a long way into the story before he even starts to understand what grief is all about.

Grief is a complex swirl of emotions that encompass us in times of loss and change. We mostly associate the word with death but grief can engulf us in many places. Military families move base and lose contacts with friends.

24 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

Children change class and lose a beloved teacher. A family heirloom is broken. Loss and change are everywhere.

Many years ago Elizabeth KublerRoss formulated the stages of grief as Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.

People used to imagine that we travelled through these stages and came out to normal life. However, grief is not a simple experience that starts at one end and finishes at the other while we sit passively and it all happens to us.

More recently, William Worden came up with four tasks of grief. ❑❑ To accept the reality of the loss ❑❑ To process the pain of loss ❑❑ To adjust to a new environment without the lost person or object ❑❑ To find an enduring connection with what we have lost & take that into our new life

These tasks require an active engagement with life’s bad experiences.

Now let’s look at how children experience grief.

The first thing is to recognise that children are often powerless and this is magnified in times of loss and change. Their emotional turmoil is tied in with powerlessness and the inability to make things right again.

Now couple that with a limited vocabulary, especially in terms of explaining their emotional state.

Imagine that you are in their position. You can’t control what is happening around you, you don’t understand what’s happening inside you, and you can’t explain it to anyone else. This is a recipe for anxiety and fear.

Health

1. Children suffering anxiety need to feel safe, that is priority number one. Recent discoveries of neuroscience show that prolonged anxiety has an effect on the physical growth of a young child’s brain. Calming their anxiety is the priority. Assure your children that you are there, they are safe, home is still a safe place, people still love them, this bad feeling will not be forever, good things can still happen.

2. Recognise the emotional turmoil that Kubler-Ross lays out - many children regress to an early stage of behaviour in times of stress. A wise parent assesses the behaviour age and relates to that. If your eight year old child is suddenly a five year old in behaviour, deal with him/her as if they are five. Don’t tell him/ her to ‘act your age’, rather, give your child a long slow calming hug as if he/she is five.

The behaviour regression is a signal about anxiety and is not permanent.

3. Read through Worden’s tasks - you might need some imagination, but try to find things to do with your children that allow them to work through those tasks. Resources are out there.

A good start is a downloadable book called ‘Here for Each Other’ from Sesame Street TV and the Victorian Dept of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Another resource is the Seasons for Growth program from www.goodgrief.org.au. It might even be running in your child’s school.

4. If your children are experiencing a time of grief then it is likely that you are as well. What I’ve said here about children includes you.

Treat yourself gently, don’t have unrealistic expectations of your ability to cope, find one or two caring people who will look after you in the journey to the new normal. Life is to be enjoyed, and even in times of pain, enjoyment of life is still possible.

Rev. Dr. Kim Miller

Need to talk?

interrelate

family centres Strengthening Family Relationships

...since 1926 Relationship Support Programs Parenting Groups Relationship Counselling Employee Assistance Programs Family Dispute Resolution

More Information Rev. Dr. Kim Miller P: 02 4962 4774 kmiller@samaritans.org.au www.kimmiller.id.au

364 King Street

Newcastle

4016 0550 1300 736 966

w w w. i n t e r r e l a t e. o r g. a u

26568

Strategies for Dealing with Childrens’ Grief

www.getaheadkids.com.au

25

News

Respite, Short Term & Long Term Care

WE NEED YOU FAMILIES • COUPLES • SINGLES F O S T E R I N G

Family Opportunity Support Teamwork Empathy Relationship Individual Nuturing Guidance Allambi Foster Care Team provides professional training & 24 hour support

P: 4944 5900 www.allambi.org

Celebrating Foster Care Week 2012 “In 2011, we received a National Volunteer Certificate of Appreciation for work in the Foster Care System.

We were very blessed to have our two wonderful foster boys, come into our lives in 2006. With constant love, care and dedication, we have seen a vast improvement in both our boys, both physically and mentally and with continued

support we aim to ensure that all possible opportunities are given to our boys so that they will develop and grow to the best of their abilities.

We have a wonderful support system, including the Allambi Foster Care Team as well as family and friends. If you would like to care for and shape the lives of extremely special young individuals,

fostering children with a disability is an extremely rewarding experience.”

(Wendy and David – Foster parents) If you would like to share an experience such as this, please contact the Foster Care Recruitment Team at Allambi Youth Services Inc.

More Information P: 02 4944 5900 www.allambi.org

Working Memory: Learning & Reading Dr. Lee Sturgeon, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Amanda Tocci, a Literary Specialist, are planning to present a three part series of seminars on “Working Memory and Its Impact on Learning and Reading” throughout NSW, OctNov 2012.

26 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

The three sessions will cover:

The seminars are aimed at

1. Identification & diagnosis of Working Memory deficit in children in the classroom & at home

• • • • •

2. Working Memory & its relationship to executive functioning 3. Working Memory, its importance & how to help children you work with

Teachers Learning support teachers Aides Allied health professionals Families

More Information P: 1800 080 405 info@pearsonacademy.com.au www.pearsonacademy.com.au

News

“Read Our Town Read” A Resounding Success “Read Our Town Read” is an early literacy initiative designed to inspire the community to read, talk, sing and rhyme with young children so that they will be ready for reading and a successful start to education.

The project was a local collaboration between Newcastle Region Library, The Lambton Village Business Community, Livesites the City of Newcastle’s Place Making Program and local schools.

Held 29 April 2012 was the culmination of this exciting new adventure with over 5000 people attending “Read Our Town Read” to celebrate reading and the spirit of community.

The “Read Our Town Read” project included a range of community, business and Council partners to achieve an increased awareness of the benefits of reading and improved literacy outcomes in the community.

The project provided partner organisations with an opportunity to collaborate and motivate each other whist also achieving their individual aims and objectives.

Achievements of the event included: ❑❑ Five local schools & pre-schools held reading events in the week prior to the festival encouraging children & parent involvement ❑❑ Local businesses planned & supported the project & decorated their shops red ❑❑ School children created book flags to display during the festival ❑❑ Local children decorated ‘The Magic Reading Chair’ for the festival ❑❑ Local Business owners & community members read from ‘The Magic Reading Chair’ during the festival

Schools Win $46,000 Makeovers Schools in New South Wales and Victoria received a $46,000 Gold Medal Makeover from Colonial Shopping Centers as the biggest winners of the national Let’s Live Better - Run Around Australia campaign.

Soldiers Point Public School (NSW) and Kananook Primary School (VIC) beat more than 400 schools around the country after taking up and winning the challenge.

The health challenges were set by The Biggest Loser trainers Shannan Ponton and Michelle Bridges to turn school students into Australia’s healthiest kids.

Soldiers Point Public School and Kananook Primary School ran a total of almost 350,000 km to take the prize!

More Information www.runaroundaustralia.com.au

More Information Newcastle Region Library P: 02 4974 5300 www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library

EVENT

10 NOVEMBER 2012 Join us for our Ten Minutes a Day Baby Book Time picnic in the park and celebrate our 5th birthday!

Games, BBQ, entertainment and family fun!

11am - 1pm, Civic Park, Newcastle Telephone enquiries on 4974 5300 More Information at www.tenminutesaday.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

27

k asc P ogeway! . r f News p ea iveNaw pprox L 1 to G at A ed 1.90 u l $6 Va

LeapFrog Good Night Scout & My Puppy Pal Violet

Giveaway!

With special thanks to LeapFrog, Get Ahead Kids® has 1 LeapFrog pack to giveaway!

The pack contains: 1 x My First Book: Good Night Scout (RRP $24.95) 1 x My Puppy Pal Violet (RRP $36.95) Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win this fantastic LeapFrog giveaway.

My Puppy Pal Scout and My Puppy Pal Violet are fun toys for kids from 6 months - 4 years to help them develop skills to prepare them for preschool.

The green My Puppy Pal Scout and purple My Puppy Pal Violet are at the height of educational toy technology that can be fully customised to a child’s personality.

My Puppy Pal Scout and My Puppy Pal Violet introduce learning skills such as first words, daily routines and counting.

Ideal as a bedtime book, Good Night Scout will see your toddler leap into bed for a nightly routine that explores the pages with favourite puppy pal, Scout.

28 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

With more than 30 simple bedtime discoveries, you and your child can search each page together.

Slowly let your little one wind down with Scout as they drift off to sleep.

Close the book and press the light for soothing lullabies and dimming lights as Scout and your child settle into sleep.

LeapFrog is a leading supplier of educational toys for preschoolers.

More information www.leapfrog.com.au

2F a to Gmily Pas Va i v e s lue d a away es $10 tA ! p 0 .00

p Eac rox. h

With special thanks to the Hunter Region Drama School, Get Ahead Kids® has 2 Family Passes to ‘The Twits’ valued at approx. $100.00 to giveaway!

The family pass entitles the holders entry to ‘The Twits’,

Hunter Region Drama School

Wednesday 26 September 2012, 2:00pm at the Civic Playhouse, Newcastle.

Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win this fantastic Hunter Region Drama School giveaway.

Hunter Region Drama School is renowned for its staging of Dahl classics, making its upcoming production of The Twits a great celebration for its 5th birthday.

magic Roly-Poly bird have an idea for a hair-raising trick of their own that threatens to turn the world of Mr and Mrs Twit upside down.

Hunter Region Drama School

Audience: Children 4-12 yrs & parents

Roald Dahl’s

Sloppy and smelly, Mr and Mrs Twit don’t wash and they don’t clean, but they do play nasty tricks on each other. They’re not just horrible, they’re extra-specially horrible!

Duration: 100 mins incl. interval

Mr Twit’s beard is a host to spinach, ketchup and minced chicken livers in fact every bit of mouldy food that misses his mouth.

Mrs Twit has a glass eye which she likes to pop in her husband’s beer, boasting “I’ve got eyes everywhere so you’d better be careful”.

The poor Muggle-Wump monkeys, stuck in a cage in the Twits weedy, grubby garden have been watching them play tricks on each other for years.

Now Mr Muggle-Wump and the

presents

Show Times & Dates: Civic Playhouse 2:00pm Wed 26 Sept 11:00am & 2:00pm Thurs 27 Sept 11:00am & 2:00pm Fri 28 Sept 2:00pm & 6:30pm Sat 29 Sept Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 10:00am & 2:00pm Thurs 4 Oct Ticket Information: Civic Ticketek: 02 4929 1977 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre: 02 4990 7134 Prices: All tickets $25* each *Other fees and charges may apply

Wood stage by David Adapted for the niel Stoddart Da by d cte re Di Tickets: Civic Ticketek: 02 4929 1977 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre: 02 4990 7134 www.hunterdrama.com Hunter Region

Drama School

A n

a c a d e m y

f o r

y o u n g

a c t o r s

More information www.hunterdrama.com www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

29

Reviews

Ghost Buddy #1: Zero to Hero

Hubert & The Magic Glasses

Authors: Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver

Author: Candice Lemon-Scott Illustrator: Joe Spellman

Billy Broccoli is starting new; new house, new school and new step family.

He is shocked when he realises that he has a ghostly roommate, Hoover Porterhouse (aka the Hoove), who seems to have all the answers and is extremely helpful when bullies harass Billy at school.

The first book in the Ghost Buddy series, ‘Zero to Hero’ deals with confidence building and how to stand up for yourself without using violence and stooping to the low levels of others.

Age Guide: 7+ Years Extent: 188 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781407132280 Price: AU $9.99 Publisher: Scholastic UK P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au

Hubert is not the best soccer player on his team and feels his lack of skills is letting his team down.

Not matter how hard he trains, his skills do not develop.

His mother insists on getting his eyes tested. Reluctantly, Hubert attends the appointment after mistaking dog biscuits for his breakfast cereal.

Hubert’s new glasses seem to transform him, by improving his vision he is able to help his team to victory, boosting his self confidence.

This is a great book for young readers who are reluctant in getting their eyes tested and wearing glasses.

Age Guide: 7+ Years Extent: 82 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921928246 Price: AU $12.95 Publisher: New Frontier Publishing P: 02 9453 1531 www.newfrontier.com.au

Fraught with the wide hate for Germany and its aggressive leader and the ever present threat of bombs, Georg struggles to feel safe or at home in England.

Pennies for Hitler Author: Jackie French Georg is a young German boy who is smuggled in a suitcase from Germany to London to live with his Aunt Miriam after the violent and confronting death of his father in Nazi occupied Germany.

30 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

When London is bombed, and it is no longer safe for a young child to live in the city, his Aunt Miriam sends him to Australia on a ship with hundreds of other children to be fostered out to Australian families.

In Australia Georg finally comes to terms with what happened to his father, the atrocities of war and most

Things My Daughter Needs to Know: The truth about drugs, drink, sex, tattoos, babies, strange men and high heels.

Author: Dilvin Yasa Magazine journalist Dilvin Yasa has compiled a series of letters and advice for her three year old daughter, Cella, in this light-hearted parenting book.

She warns Cella of the dangers of strange men, fashion fads, tattoos and drugs in an honest, highly entertaining way.

The book is a great educational tool, offering practical advice to help guide women through their life; offering opinions and advice on everything from body image, dating, education, removing stains and even motherhood.

Although the book is aimed at girls over 15, mothers will also find it an entertaining read.

Age Guide: 15+ Years Extent: 232 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781742610917 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: Pan MacMillan Australia P: 02 9285 9100 www.panmacmillan.com.au

importantly he comes to know and build an understanding of himself.

This is an emotional book and the themes of family, identity, war and religion will capture the attention of readers of all ages.

Age Guide: 14+ Years Extent: 330 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780732292096 Price: AU $15.99 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers P: 02 9952 5020 www.harpercollins.com.au

Reviews

Ruby Who? Authors: Andrew & Hailey Bartholomew Illustrator: Alarna Zinn This is the story of Ruby’s adventure in re-discovering her identity. Ruby always wants new things, and dreams of being like other kids.

Each time Ruby wishes for something new – it appears! Before long she has gold curly hair, a cookie, a coat, a blue tutu, sparkly wings and even some roller skates!

But eventually, Ruby realises she has too much stuff and misses just being herself!

This book is an effective way to explain to kids that having more ‘stuff’ won’t make life better and looking like other kids won’t make you happy.

Age: 4+ Years Extent: 42 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780987665300 Price: AU $19.50 Publisher: Self Published P: 07 3342 2229 www.rubywho.com

53 Interesting Ways of Helping Your Students to Study Authors: Hannah Strawson, Graham Gibbs, Sue Habeshaw & Trevor Habeshaw This is a useful guide for high school teachers and university educators seeking new ways to keep students interested and motivated to learn both in the classroom and at home.

With chapter topics such as planning, learning with others, using resources and exams, this book is full of useful teaching tips and class activity ideas.

Author: Michelle Renee Heeter Pulled from the wreckage of a murder scene, Len Russell is confused and alone. She has blocked all memories of her past from her mind and is placed in the Inner West Youth Refuge in Sydney.

Secretive, abrasive and intelligent, Len pushes away those trying to help her and struggles to conform to her new surroundings.

The authors effectively demonstrate how educators can support students through the learning process from study planning and note taking to revision and exams.

As her time at the refuge goes by, the harsh reality of her past catches up with her and she begins to remember life from before the accident. But where have all the people in her former life gone, and why hasn’t her dad come to find her?

This book is ideal for educators and even parents looking to help and motivate kids to learn.

This is a compelling and at times emotional novel that is ideal for teen readers.

Age Guide: Adults Extent: 168 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781743311592 Price: AU $22.99 Publisher: Allen & Unwin P: 02 8425 0100 www.allenandunwin.com

Age Guide: 13+ Years Extent: 308 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921665707 Price: AU $19.95 Publisher: Ford Street Publishing P: 03 9481 1120 www.fordstreetpublishing.com

Ben is lonely and scared to go to school and sometimes pretends he is sick so he doesn’t have to go. He is scared to tell his mum and dad but eventually they find out what is happening and begin to help him.

people, staying away from where the bullying is happening and telling a teacher or school counselor what is happening.

Author: Dr. Lucy Blunt Illustrator: Chloe Osborn

Ben goes to see a psychologist called Teresa who gives him lots of helpful tips to stand up to Sam and Damien and to help get him out of the bullying environment.

Sam and Damien have been bullying Ben at school. They stomp on his work, push him on the bus, hide his lunch and kick his school bag.

This book is a great tool for both the home and classroom. There are simple tips intertwined into the story to help kids deal with their problems at school, such as playing with new

Beating the Bullies

Riggs Crossing

There is a helpful parent/teacher guide at the back with information about the types of bullying, long term effects and useful class activities.

Age Guide: 7+ Years Extent: 140 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780987227539 Price: AU $18.95 Publisher: Jane Curry Publishing P: 02 9326 1452 www.janecurrypublishing.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

31

Reviews

Fathers Who Dare Win: 30 Ways to Be an Awesome Dad Author: Ian Grant Ian Grant argues that fathers are integral to the healthy upbringing of their children, especially boys.

‘Fathers Who Dare Win’ is highly readable and enjoyable.

It covers communication and life skills to help fathers to develop a relationship with their children whether they are living with them on a full time basis, they are busy, or separated from the mother.

This is a fun creative book that provides easy to use strategies.

Age Guide: Adults Extent: 404 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781742759029 Price: AU $29.95 Publisher: Random House P: 1800 222444 www.randomhouse.com.au

Mommy, Daddy, I Had a Bad Dream!

Author: Martha Heineman Pieper, Ph.D. Illustrator: Jo Gershman Joey, a young happy kangaroo, finds himself scared and running to his parents bed after having a series of bad dreams.

His parents help make sense of the bad dreams by thinking about the previous events of the day and this helps Joey go back to sleep, in his own bed.

This book has a positive plot and shows how parents can help their child deal with nightmares. By encouraging the understanding of dreams, this will help build confidence in their child which in turn will help them overcome their bad experience.

Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9780983866404 Price: AU $18.99 Publisher: Smart Love Press P: 02 8445 2300 www.smartlovepress.com

Omega Squad: #1 Time Thieves

32 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

This book covers the latest findings in brain science into how the brain grows, learns and operates and its relevance to parenting and child-rearing.

It is very comprehensive and informative and an essential reference for parents, carers, educators and health professionals.

Age Guide: Adults Extent: 240 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921966026 Price: AU $32.99 Publisher: Exisle Publishing P: 02 4998 3327 www.exislepublishing.com

Author: Rosie Smith Illustrator: Bruce Whatley

The author of the Battle Boy series has created an exciting new adventure series.

The elite Omega time troopers are sent back into history to investigate why time and energy bundles are being stolen from the Battle Books.

Author: Michael C. Nagel, Ph.D.

My Dad’s the Coolest

Author: Charlie Carter

Napoleon Augustus Smythe (Battle Boy 005) is now a qualified Battle Agent (BA005) and together with BA004, BA009 and super solider TEX, form the Omega Squad.

Nurturing a Healthy Mind: Doing What Matters Most For Your Child’s Developing Brain

‘Time Thieves’ is an ideal book for young readers fascinated with history and time travel.

Age Guide: 9+ Years Extent: 144 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781742610931 Price: AU $12.99 Publisher: Pan MacMillan Australia P: 02 9285 9100 www.panmacmillan.com.au

The beautiful, simple animal illustrations help depict the fun loving relationship between fathers and their sons.

This is an ideal book to be read out loud, making it a perfect gift for father’s day.

Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 24 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781742830742 Price: AU $16.99 Publisher: Scholastic Press P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au

Reviews

The Home Therapist: A Practical, Self-Help Guide for Everyday Psychological Problems Edited By: Dr. John Barletta & Jan Bond This is an informative self help family reference that covers a large variety of issues that touch family life and parenting issues, children and adolescent issues. It is recommended reading for families, schools and health professionals.

Age Guide: Adults Extent: 422 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921513916 Price: AU $54.95 Publisher: Australia Academic Press P: 07 3257 1176 www.australianacademicpress.com.au

The Unexpected Crocodile Author: Kim Kane Illustrator: Sara Acton Peggy’s family is hosting a BBQ for their neighbours, the Dawsons, when a hungry crocodile invites himself to tea. By the end the crocodile’s hunger is satisfied with the unfortunate Dawson family.

A layered tale with more than expected outcomes when a crocodile comes to dinner!

Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 23 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781742378077 Price: AU $24.99 Publisher: Allen & Unwin P: 02 8425 0100 www.allenandunwin.com

#1: The Nerdy Ninjas vs the Really Really Bad Guys

Dinosaur Dig!

Author: Shogun Whamhower Illustrator: Heath McKenzie

This is an appealing dinosaur book for young readers, with its busy illustrations and focus on counting how many dinosaurs are helping in the work yard.

Jake, Ben, Pongo and Veejay are nerds, too nerdy for the local bully to pick on or extract money from. In an effort to shed the nerd image they decide to become ninjas - if only they knew what this meant!

This is a hilarious and left field book that will have parents and kids laughing as they read it.

Age Guide: 7+ Years Extent: 144 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781742830261 Price: AU $12.99 Publisher: Scholastic Press P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au

Get Ahead Kids® Partners

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

Author/Illustrator: Penny Dale

Kids will enjoy finding all the things happening in the illustrations and discovering what the dinosaurs have been busy building.

Age Guide: 2+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780857630940 Price: AU $13.99 Publisher: Nosy Crow www.nosycrow.com

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

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

Advertisers Index Advanced Careers College

21

Allambi Youth Services Inc.

26

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd

11

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

9

Physical Education - The Commando

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown

Ad Booking Deadline Feb 10, 2012

hey dee ho music 33

19

Editorial Deadline Feb 17, 2012

Hunter Development Corporation

25

Hunter Food & Wine

36

May/June

Hunter Region Drama School

29

Hunter Medicare Local

23

Languages & Communications Jessica Rowe

Hunter Wetlands Centre 11 I Can Read System

33

Ad Booking Deadline Apr 5, 2012

INParenting 33

Editorial Deadline Apr 13, 2012

Interrelate Family Centres

25

Irlen Diagnostic Clinic

13

July/August

Karrawong Kindy 21

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

September/October

KidsSmile 5 Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School

11

Learning Tactics 9 NCP Printing 19 Newcastle Family and Sports Podiatry

17

Newcastle Grammar School

13

Newcastle Permanent Building Society

2

Study & Assessment - Iain Hewitson

Newcastle Region Library

27

Ad Booking Deadline Aug 10, 2012

PCYC 33

Editorial Deadline Aug 17, 2012

Schoolchoice.com.au 33

November/December

Timber Creations 13

Summer Learning - Nicole Livingstone

For more advertising information please contact

Ad Booking Deadline Oct 1, 2012 Editorial Deadline Oct 15, 2012 EDUC ATING

Vol. 4 • No. 6

• Nov/Dec 2

ecember 2012 November/D GST $6.60 AUD INC Subscription 06

9

771839

149000

012

THE GO FAMI LIES ON

specialeyes OPTOMETRISTS 19

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

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

®

Celebrity Spotlight Nicole Livingstone Retired Olympic swimmer & TV sports commentator Summer Learning Issue out

November 2012 34 Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 12

Activity Zone

Spring Cleaning

Can you find 10 differences?

Answers and more activities at www.getaheadkids.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

35

MAN FARM

4

RD

RD

TH

UN

Best Hunter Keepsake DE

RB

OL TS

LN BUC KET TS

NS

TO ST AN

ND RD

6

GLOUCESTER WA U

5

KIV

OR YR

D

FORBESDALE

N SL

RN AI

IRB FA

FAULKLA

1

WA Y

CHURC H ST

RD

TON

BUC KETT SW AY

STRATFORD

A perfect gift, Hunter Food & Wine brings WAUKIVORY you the finest signature recipes tested by 2 the Hunter’s most renowned restaurants and chefs.

THE

e n i W & d o o F r e t n u H

NTS

OMME

ER’S C

ries the se ition in d nd ed ion an e seco sensat r you th tourist ed to offe er is a acclaim e Hunt lighted e Th th de ”. es of from I am & Wine glimps raphs th od og wi Fo ot r u yo e ph “Hunte ovide d som s to pr selecte Wood off!!!

I have Geoff k you Ge rapher s. Than photog ewhere secret ing som scenic ne use go Hunter ca be e, pristi ly enic lak me main resort, to a sc g golf chants a car trip nter en d, testin ar ke Hu in a Ta e ey Th these g vin easy. do all ntalisin nt is so ta uld r, re co fe u dif rbou ctic ha wish, yo u he e. yo h, If tim beac er a life g forest. ov tin ra em ch th es and or invigo n stret ur sens you ca duce yo day or e to se joy! es. En book ar ing this perienc sh ex bli er nt s in pu more Hu My aim arn for you ye make

PUBLISH

Order online www.hunterfoodandwine.com.au n Charlto Maria er Publish rketing MAP Ma 7766 29 .au 2 49 g.com + 61 (0) arketin mapm maria@

& Wine

Also available to buy from: MAP Marketing Villa Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300 22/3/07

9:29:39

D RD

STROU

STROUD

7

Enquiries: MAP Marketing | P: 02 4929 7766