Get Ahead Kids Magazine - Vol 5, No. 4, July/August 2013 by MAP Marketing

EDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 5 • No. 4 • Jul/Aug 2 013

An Interview with

Ian Thorpe Instagram: Tweens New Ticket into Social Media World First in Childhood Stuttering Research

July/August 2013 Subscription $6.60 AUD INC GST 04

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Winter Attractions at Taronga Zoo Taronga’s animals are keeping busy these school holidays with a little help from their keepers. There’s lots of extra warmth available in the Reptile World in the 28ºC Rainforest Cone. Reptiles and amphibians, including two new Komodo Dragons, are acting as if it’s summer at Taronga. Adult Komodo Dragon ‘Tuka’, has lived at Taronga Zoo for over 20 years and can be seen at the entrance to the Reptile World. At the Zoo’s breeding unit for endangered Corroboree Frogs, keepers can be seen inside wearing parkas because the frogs like the temperature at about 3ºC like their wild habitat under the Kosciusko National Parks’ winter snows.

Meerkats are no stranger to bickering over the best position under their infrared heat lamps and the morning sun. Perfectly adept at taking in the sun’s rays, their black skinned chest is only sparsely covered with fur, enabling them to absorb as much heat as possible. If you don’t mind getting wet, the Seal Show at Great Southern Oceans is on at 11am and 2pm each day, and during school holidays there’s an additional training session held at 1pm. For more than 20 years visitors have enjoyed watching the graceful seals show off their natural abilities including catching fish, climbing and diving. Taronga Zoo is open 9:30am-4:30pm every day of the July School Holidays.

More Information www.taronga.org.au

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mily a F 5 x es to Pass way! a Give

With special thanks to Taronga Zoo, Get Ahead Kids has 5 family passes to Taronga Zoo valued at $112.20 each to giveaway! 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.facebook.com/GetAheadKids and click the like button for a chance to win!

Jul/Aug 2013

Contents

This Month’s

Spotlight

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

Editorial

Spotlight An Interview with Ian Thorpe Giveaways

An Interview with Ian Thorpe Photo Courtesy of Mark Rogers. Cover Photo Courtesy of Fountain for Youth. Get Ahead Kids® © MAP Marketing 2013 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 Kids®

Get Ahead 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.

Taronga Zoo Family Passes Giveaway

Newcastle Driving School Giveaway

Ian Thorpe Book Giveaway

The Australian Reptile Park Family Passes Giveaway

Ken Duncan Canvas Giveaway

LeapFrog LeapReader Giveaway Learning Innovations & Technology

Happy Teachers - Happy Students

Learning Innovations

How to Protect Your Daughter When She Is Online

Are We Missing a Piece of the Educational Puzzle?

Instagram: Tweens New Ticket into Social Media

World First in Childhood Stuttering Research

Getting Your Finances Back on Track after Having a Child

School Websites Rating Research Health

Build Up Your Immune System

Eczema News

A Tribute to Ken Duncan

Launch of So Active Actionwear & Dancewear

Newcastle Grammar School Fundraises for Farkwa

Newcastle Grammar School Wins Sydney Eisteddfod

Emily Eyefinger Comes to Civic Theatre

Reviews

Advertisers Index

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Editorial Ian Thorpe states he is an ordinary person whose success as an Olympic gold medallist required sustained and extraordinary training. His interview is both educational and inspirational. Get Ahead Kids is proud to spotlight his achievements and review his book. There were so many technology articles that inform parents on innovations, as well as the joys and heartaches of raising kids in this high tech environment. A special thanks to all the tech savvy contributors! The international medical charity, Medikidz provides informed advice

er ay d a aw e R ive G

There has been a lot of press lately about young drivers who are reported to have a 300% greater probability of having road accidents than drivers more than 21 years old.

What can we do about it? It would cost millions of dollars to equip schools to provide driver education, yet it is school age drivers who are in dire need of good driver training and defensive driving skills. Newcastle Driving School has provided training in defensive driving for 15 years; developed proven programs, and written a book to progress young drivers from dangerous to competent. As an introductory offer Newcastle Driving School offers $20.00 off their Defensive Driving Course upon mentioning Get Ahead Kids.

Get Ahead KidsÂŽ Jul/Aug 13

Check out the 6 Facebook, digital subscribers and reader giveaways. Get Ahead kids is grateful for and acknowledges the generosity of the many companies that provide giveaways to us especially the regulars such as Leapfrog, Taronga Zoo and the Australian Reptile Park. Maria Charlton Managing Editor P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

Newcastle Driving School

Death and injury on Australian roads is costing the nation $17billion each year according to ACERH a multi-university research centre that includes the Australian National University (ANU), The University of Queensland (UQ) and the University of Western Australia (UWA).

on Eczema and Dorte Bladt informs on how to build up your immune system during the winter season.

More Information Newcastle Driving School Phil Burns P: 4953 9293 | M: 0413 694 569 www.newcastledrivingschool.com.au

hr 2 x 1 ng i Driv n to o Less way! a Give With special thanks to Newcastle Driving School, Get Ahead Kids has 2 x 1 hour driving lessons in an automatic car valued at $60 each to giveaway! One hour with a qualified driving instructor, willÂ give you a credit of 3 hours in your driving log book. Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win this fantastic giveaway.

An Interview with

Ian Thorpe

How did you initially become involved in swimming?

What was your favourite swimming event?

My mother was the first person to teach me to swim when I was about 2 years old. She taught me how to get to the side of the pool and to have fun in the water.

My favourite event isn’t one you would expect; it’s the 50 metres freestyle. I love it! You have to try as hard as you possibly can. I would usually have a very strategic race plan in the 200 metres event but in the 50 metres there is no strategy for me but to just go as hard and as fast as I can - at the end of the race I wasn’t tired but I had worked as hard as I could! Of course everyone else is so much better at racing the 50 metres than me. My best events are the 100, 200 & 400 metres Freestyle.

I was 8 years old when I joined my first swim squad at the Padstow Pool. My squad was called the Tug Boats and we trained for 30 minutes a week and my first coach was Jenni Ashpole. My older sister Christina was training too and competing every weekend and I had to go and watch her. I used to get so bored sitting in the stands with nothing to do, so I decided it would be better if I joined in - so I joined the Swim Club and began to participate in the races. Back then I wasn’t very good, I would bellyflop into the water because I couldn’t dive very well and I wore a nose peg because I was allergic to the chlorine, I held my head out of the water when I swam! It’s funny, when I look back on it!

What are your career highlights? My career highlight would have to be becoming an Olympic Champion! My goal when I was young was to become an ‘Olympian’ but my dream was to become an ‘Olympic Champion’. I didn’t share that dream with anyone because I thought I would never be that good, to be able to win an Olympic Medal was something I thought would be out of my reach. It was for those athletes that I always looked up too.

When I was young it’s what I aspired to be but I wasn’t sure I should share those thoughts with everyone, maybe they would laugh at me for thinking I could be that good...or maybe I was afraid to think I could be like them and that I could believe in myself and actually live my dream. As I matured and kept training hard and competing, my belief in myself grew strong and I kept setting new goals to work towards. I made the Australian swim team at 14 years of age and competed at my first Olympics in my home town, the Sydney Olympics in 2000; I was 17 years old and achieved my dream of becoming an Olympic Champion! When competing, how did you stay motivated and focused? I was swimming competitively from about 10 years old and loved swimming and training; I loved the hard work and the challenges presented to me. The competition was the easy part; this was the time to ‘show off’ in a way. To show that the months and months of hard work were worthwhile. As an athlete and a team member you work hard to achieve your goals. That takes up most of your year training and preparing for big events.

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Spotlight Each day at training you set your targets to achieve, it’s the motivation to keep you moving towards your final preparation and race days. If you do everything right and know that you couldn’t have done anymore in your preparation you feel fantastic - it is that sense of knowing and feeling - that’s your motivation. I’m not saying each and every day goes smoothly; some days you feel it’s all a struggle. You have to push through those days, you may start out with good intentions and that session may not have felt how you wanted to be or it didn’t go to plan. There’s nothing you can do but accept these days and keep your perspective and focus. I focus on the beauty of what I can do in the pool, on the technical side of the sport and mastering my technique, feeling the water - it’s what I value most. How do you deal with such intense media interest? I would say that I handle the media interest really well on most occasions but there have been times when it has been painful. It can feel like such an intrusion into my life, which has been hard on me and my family at times. I show as much as I choose too as I am a very private person so I have had to teach myself to feel at ease in situations in front of the media. I would say I am an introvert that has had to learn to be an extrovert, to enable me to be able to deliver on things I believe in. The media has a job to do and I understand that. Please tell us about your charity Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth I established Fountain for Youth after the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Our major focus is on Indigenous education and health programs for children and their families in many remote communities within Australia. I am a very proud Australian but through the work I do with my charity I have learned that there is one true emergency we all need

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Photo Courtesy of Fountain for Youth to address and take responsibility for the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians. When poor living conditions, illness and disease, lack of education and opportunity for Indigenous Australians still rival that of many developing nations, it is time for us all to take action. I visited remote communities in the Northern Territory in 2003 and this is what I found to be true! It changed me and I made the decision then to focus my charity work on Indigenous children and lend a hand in providing opportunities for the children and their families. I love Australia but I can’t help feeling shamed and saddened at the treatment of the first people of this country in the inequality, discrimination and racism experienced. It will be our ability to address these issues and close the space between us that will make Australia a stronger, greater nation. I work in partnership with Aboriginal families, teachers, health workers and children, I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve through Fountain for Youth and have committed to this work for the long term. Please tell us about your involvement in the Close the Gap Campaign Catherine Freeman and I have been Ambassadors of the Close the Gap Campaign since its launch in 2007. The campaign focuses on closing the gap between Indigenous and Non Indigenous Australians on life expectancy, educational achievement and employment opportunities. The partnership on

closing the gap will continue to set concrete targets for the future: within a decade to halve the literacy and numeracy gaps and employment outcomes and opportunities for Indigenous children, within a decade to halve the appalling gap in infant mortality rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and, within a generation to close the equally appalling 17 year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous when it comes to overall life expectancy. This is a collective partnership between health and education bodies working together to reach the set targets with the bipartisan support of the federal governments committing to the campaign. Catherine and I are good friends and both share in the belief that as Australians we should all be treated equally. As ambassadors of this campaign we have the ability to speak out and bring awareness to the inequality Indigenous Australians are facing. This is very important and we are passionate about our roles as ambassadors to Close the Gap Campaign. Catherine and I are taking a stand to deliver a strong message to fellow Australians that we can achieve closing the space that exists by working together. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? When I am home in Sydney I love spending time with my dogs, I really miss them when I’m away. I catch up with family and friends and love cooking for everyone. I love gardening and being out in the sun reading a book, just relaxing!

Fa G ce ive b aw oo ay k Where are you favourite holiday destinations and why? Bali is my favourite holiday destination! For years I had taken no notice of Bali and travelling there held no interest for me. I had the wrong image of it and I was so wrong. I was invited to stay at a friend’s house a few years ago, it was in one of the most beautiful locations that I have seen. The Balinese are so welcoming and gentle, everyone is smiling and it just makes you smile - we should all smile more. And then there is Brazil - a lot like Australia in many ways but not! Why do you think it is important for kids to learn to swim? All children should know how to swim for the fundamental issue of safety! We are surrounded by water; beaches, lakes, pools, water holes, so it is an important issue for all children to know the basic safety issues for swimming. There is also the pure enjoyment that comes from swimming, the fun and the healthy side. What are your top 5 motivational tips for aspiring competitive swimmers? 1. Love & enjoy what you are doing 2. Set long term goals & break them down into smaller steps so they don’t become to overwhelming 3. Make sure you are setting your own goals & no one else’s & that you are truly doing what you want to do 4. Have a healthy balanced diet, look after your body & get plenty of rest, develop variety in your training program that you enjoy & it will help you to bring the best out in yourself 5. Find a balance in your life between the sport, the training and outside interests. Don’t let the sport consume you. It is really important to spend time with family & friends & outside interests away from the pool

About Ian Thorpe At the peak of his career, Ian Thorpe won five Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles. In 2006 at just 24 years old, he announced his retirement from swimming after 10 years on the Australian team. After a significant amount of time out of the water, Ian announced his return to swimming in 2011, seeking to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games, however missed out on a place in the team. Ian is also acknowledged for his public speaking, his children’s charity Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth and his autobiography “This is Me”.

More Information www.ianthorpesfountainforyouth.com.au

This is Me Author: Ian Thorpe At only 14 years of age, Ian Thorpe became the youngest male swimmer to represent Australia and the youngest ever individual male world champion. In this engaging and raw autobiography, Ian Thorpe writes about his upbringing and early swimming days in Milperra in Sydney, to being an Olympic Champion and World Record Age Guide: Open holder. Extent: 324 Pages (Hardback) This is an honest and refreshing ISBN: 9781471101229 autobiography, in which Ian Price: AU $45.00 describes the events that Publisher: Simon & Schuster shaped and changed his life Australia and career and the reasons for P: 02 9983 6600 his retirement at 24 years old, www.simonandschuster.com.au when he was at the peak of his illustrious career.

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ned g i S o 3 ies t y! p o C awa Give

www.facebook.com/GetAheadKids With special thanks to Ian Thorpe, Get Ahead Kids has 3 SIGNED COPIES of ‘This is Me’ valued at approx $45 each to giveaway! Visit www.facebook.com/GetAheadKids and click the like button, for a chance to win one of these books.

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Happy Teachers - Happy Students Teaching is recognised to be among the most stressful of professions; greater than that of nursing and all levels of management. Over 40% teachers report high levels of occupational stress, which attributes to the high attrition levels, especially in the early years of a career. Teacher unions and education academic surveys place the number of teachers leaving the profession within their first five years to be between 25-40%. The steep learning curve that a new teacher must go through is hard not only on students, but also on the teachers themselves: 15% leave the profession and another 14% change schools after their first teaching year. This is often the result of feeling overwhelmed, ineffective, and unsupported (Ingersoll & Smith, 2003; Smith & Ingersoll, 2004). Interestingly, student achievement tends to be significantly worse in the classrooms of first year teachers (Rivkin, Hanushek, & Kain, 2005). Dr. Philip Riley of Monash University and Dr. Andrea Gallant of Deakin University interviewed many former teachers in search of the reasons. They found that teacher education programs, school-based inductions

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and mentoring were failing to prepare teachers adequately for the stressful demands of teaching. Not surprisingly, this is also the case in the UK and USA. While new teachers bring enthusiasm and energy to the classroom, they have specific unfulfilled needs. One of these is the training and preparation to deal with classroom management. A 2004 Public Agenda survey found that 85% of teachers believed “new teachers are particularly unprepared for dealing with behaviour problems in their classrooms”. New teachers universally report feeling overwhelmed by the most difficult students, which significantly impacts on the rest of the class. In business you wouldn’t throw a new employee into the “deep end”. Unfortunately this is all too often the case for new teachers. If new teachers do receive a mentor to help, often those mentors do not have the skills or time required to assist and guide them. One solution to this problem for both experienced and new teachers is professional social and emotional awareness training. Being able to recognise indicators

By Alan Stevens

of behavioural issues before the issue rises is an essential skill for all teachers. It is important to have the ability to read the non verbal conscious and unconscious indicators that each of their students exhibit. Just as students excel academically with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) so can all teachers. A good SEL program will; ❑❑ Reduce teacher stress levels, illness & absenteeism ❑❑ Show how to effectively engage & motivate difficult students ❑❑ Enhance communication skills ❑❑ Improve understanding of students & what motivates them ❑❑ Create a more enjoyable work environment As one school principal said “we are increasingly coming across students who stretch our skills and lead us to seek out professional learning to best cater for them in our structured learning environments.” In addition “schooling is a relationships business and every role within the system relies on effective communication”. He also said that doing a SEL professional development program had increased his awareness when working with students, staff and the community.

Learning Innovations & Technology FACE OF THE FUTURE for Teachers About Alan Stevens

Alan Stevens, the Face Profiler, is a coach and trainer in the Art of Reading People, based in Newcastle NSW. He has developed SEL programs for school teachers and corporations including

programs to recognise what other people are not telling you, what they are concealing, and how they are likely to behave in any situation. His programs are delivered locally in schools and to business locally and internationally through the internet. He was described by the Newcastle Herald as “The Mentalist meets Dr. Phil meets Dr. Cal Lightman from Lie To Me”, and his passion is to share these skills throughout the community.

Fun Awareness Choice Empowerment • • • • •

Reduced stress levels, illness, absenteeism Engaged motivated students Enhanced communication skills Improved understanding, personal safety More enjoyable work environment Fun and eﬀective ways to gain selfAwareness and improve life Choices for an Empowered future

More Information www.alanstevens.com.au

www.faceofthefuture.com.au

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Learning Innovations This edition’s theme of Learning Innovations and Technology has a lot of interest for me. I like technology and gadgets. I like pulling them apart and finding out how they work. I like the mental stimulus of understanding their hidden complexity. I especially like it when I can get them back together. In my twenties I used to hot up and sell motorcycle motors for racing. My success came after a childhood littered with things taken apart and never reassembled. For an adult that litter might be seen as a series of failures. Luckily, childhood is less pressured. Or is that a thing of the past? There is enormous pressure on kids these days - study hard, get the right answers, perform better, achieve more than other kids. I don’t much like that sort of pressure, so here is a story about kids performing without pressure, just for the love of learning. Sugata Mitra is an education researcher from New Delhi. In 1999 he cut a hole in a wall of his university that bordered a city slum and installed a computer. A bit like an ATM, it had a screen, a track pad, and an internet connection. He installed a hidden camera to record what happened and left it alone.

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Children from the slum found it very quickly. With no experience with computers they had no idea what it did. To top it off, everything was in English. They quickly figured out how to make it work. They started to learn to read English, even teaching each other, and became competent so quickly that somebody suggested the kids had been coached by somebody from the university. Mitra set up another unit in a remote rural village where there was no chance of a computer literate adult walking past. The village kids were as quick as the city kids. To step things up a little he asked himself, ‘Can Tamil speaking children in South India learn the bio-technology of DNA replication in English by themselves from a street-side computer?’ He set up another remote village unit, loaded it with information on DNA replication, and left. Two months later he came back and asked the children what they had learned. One girl answered in selftaught English, ‘Apart from finding out that improper DNA replication causes disease, we haven’t really done anything else.’ He was amazed.

By Rev. Dr. Kim Miller

Mitra asked the children to find an adult friend to help them. They turned up with a 22 year old who knew nothing of DNA technology. Mitra asked her to stand with the children simply to ask questions such as, ‘Wow, how did you do that? When I was your age I knew nothing of these things. What did you do to get that information?’ Mitra calls this his ‘Granny Method’ of education. Two months later Mitra returned to find that these street kids had caught up to the same level of biotech education as his control school in New Delhi, a wealthy school with a bio-technology teacher. Mitra calls this system of education, SOLE - Self Organised Learning Environment. To further his vision to educate the world’s children, even those without teachers, in February 2013 he was granted the TED prize of one million dollars. SOLE is based on children’s natural sense of wonder and their ability to work together, even when, or especially when, they are left to their own devices. Let’s come back to the local scene. I recently published a book of disgusting poems for boys, full of words like snot and spew and fart. It’s called ‘Who’s Who – Poo in the Zoo’. My Mum was a bit

Learning Innovations & Technology embarrassed. ‘Where did all these ideas come from?’ she asked. Easy, they came from the twelve year old boy inside me. That’s because children are more open to new things, to new learning, to doing things differently, than adults are. For instance, ask your son or daughter to read this article and watch what happens. So here we are in a magazine themed for Learning Innovations and Technology. Innovation might be found in computers and tablets and smart phones and apps, but the most innovative engine of all is the mind of a child. If we can somehow create space for self-directed exploration for our kids, what they will learn and what they will teach us is amazing. Things we learn from Sugata Mitra ❑❑ The goal of technology in education is education, not merely techno-proficiency ❑❑ Education is sometimes specific, sometimes random ❑❑ Great things flow from random discoveries ❑❑ Learn something new & then teach it to another ❑❑ Never criticise creativity

About Rev. Dr. Kim Miller

Rev. Dr. Kim Miller has been a prison chaplain for many years. People ask how he does it, but he reckons if you can get your kids through year nine you can be a prison chaplain. It’s no surprise that his first novel “They Told Me I Had to Write This” is about a year nine boy in trouble. Kim grew up in Condobolin, NSW. He started engineering at Wollongong Uni, swapped that for skydiving, motorcycle racing, rock climbing and all that guy stuff, then got married and went back to engineering. He later trained for the ministry of the Anglican Church which took him into prison chaplaincy. He is married to Kay, has one adult son, and currently lives on the shores of Lake Macquarie NSW Australia.

More Information

Who’s Who - Poo in the Zoo: Disgusting Poems for Gross Boys Author: Kim Miller This is a comical book about all things poo, fart and spew! The author effectively uses language and rhyme that will appeal to young boys and have them laughing out loud! This book is a great way to encourage incidental reading among reluctant readers. Age Guide: 10+ Years Extent: 46 Pages (ebook) ISBN: 9780987547224 Price: AU $3.50 Publisher: Kim Miller www.kimmiller.id.au

Rev. Dr. Kim Miller P: 02 5962 4774 kmiller@samaritans.org.au www.kimmiller.id.au

People often ask us, what does a foster carer look like?

This could be you ...

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Learning Innovations & Technology

How to Protect Your Daughter When She Is Online

By Marina Passalaris

Today’s teens use technology more than ever. Kids have access to blogs, online videos, social networking, celebrity gossip and world news. While most of the activities that your daughter participates in, such as emailing and chatting with friends, are safe, there are some dangers to using the Internet. Unfortunately the same advances in computer and telecommunication technology that allow our children to reach out to new sources of knowledge and cultural experiences are also leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and harm by computersex offenders. Some teens may post inappropriate photos online or be the victims of cyber bullying. When your daughter uses the Internet, be aware of the possible dangers and follow some simple steps to protect her online. ❑❑ Talk to your daughter about Internet safety. Remind her that she must never give out her full name, address or the name of her school to anyone online. Do not let her choose usernames that are suggestive or that would allow someone to identify her. Make sure that she knows never to attempt to meet anyone that she has communicated with online without your permission & knowledge ❑❑ Educate your daughter to only befriend people on social media that she knows personally. ❑❑ Young girls are bombarded daily by media images that send out a message that their value or worth is related to how they look physically. We now see a major problem with young girls who feel that they need to exchange sex for love.

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❑❑ This leads many young girls to post inappropriate photos of themselves on websites or Facebook. What girls need to be educated about is that once these images go out into the cyber world, they no longer own them, they have no control who sees them and these images are like a tattoo, there forever. ❑❑ Supervise your child when she’s online. Know which sites she visits, and monitor what types of online activities she participates in. ❑❑ Keep the computer in a central location in your home to make it easier to keep an eye on her. You are the parent and need to set boundaries with what your daughter can and cannot have access to online. ❑❑ Use your Internet provider’s parental controls to ban certain websites if desired. Another option is to install filtering software. ❑❑ Check your computer’s history periodically to make sure that your child is following the rules that you have set for Internet use. ❑❑ When it comes to online bullying which has become an epidemic in today’s society, encourage your daughter to communicate with you about what is going on in her world. She will be far more inclined to tell you about any online bullying if she feels she can confide in you. Bullying online has become so easy for teens to do as online communication gives people a sense of bravery and lack of accountability. Make sure your daughter knows that cyber bullying is harmful and unacceptable. Teach teens not to respond to cyber bullies. Show them how to block the bully’s messages or to delete messages without reading them.

About Marina Passalaris Marina Passalaris is the founder and director of Beautiful Minds Australia, a school dedicated to educating girls about self-esteem, etiquette and life skills to help them become confident and dynamic individuals. She is also the author of the new book, Beautiful Minds

More Information www.beautifulminds.com.au

Beautiful Minds: A Journey of Self-Discovery for Teenage Girls Author: Marina Passalaris Filled with tips and information from friendships, boys, skin care, bullying and social media, this book helps to promote self esteem and uses imagery and colours that will appeal to teenagers. It is an ideal resource for parents of teenage girls, school counselors and teachers. Age Guide: 12+ Years Extent: 167 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781452556512 Price: AU $55.00 Publisher: Balboa Press (Division of Hay House) P: 1800 050 315 www.balboapress.com

G Re ive ad aw er ay

Australian Reptile Park July heralds Conservation at the Australian Reptile Park and there are lots of activities for a fun-filled day during school holidays. The Australian Reptile Park welcomes two beautiful dingo pups that will delight visitors and educate them on the importance of the species. Listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the pure-bred dingo is a top order predator that plays one of the most important roles in maintaining balance in Australian eco-systems. The iconic Tassie devil is also a focus for the Park. Devil Facial Tumour Disease has reduced the species to an alarming 10% of its original population in the wild. The Reptile Park founded Devil Ark, a conservation project that aims to save the species in the wild. Devil Ark is a mainland breeding facility in the Barrington Tops. There are currently 140 devils at Devil Ark and it is anticipated that disease free devils like the ones at Devil Ark will be reintroduced back into Tasmania once it has run its destructive course.

The koala will also be a feature of Conservation Month and the Reptile Park has organised up close visitor encounters with these wonderful creatures. The brand new nature walk is now open and features an aviary with endangered birds like the Regent Honeyeater and locally endangered Bush Stone Curlew. Eric’s Central Coast Nature Walk also includes a brand new Noctarium, filled with some exciting new species. There are Mountain Pygmy Possums, a critically endangered marsupial from Alpine Australia, the endangered Brushtailed Bettong and tiny Feathertail Gliders. The Reptile Park popular Kids 2 Keeper workshops will be running throughout the holidays. Little Kids 2 Keeper for 8-12’s will feature new activities including wombat weighing, dingo pup grooming, Tassie devil conservation and building a bird box amongst others. Elvis NSW’s largest crocodile is a star attraction! He’s fed at 1:30pm daily throughout the holidays.

mily a F 5 x es to Pass way! a Give There are numerous wildlife shows running from 9:45am to 3:45pm every day and visitors can grab a photo with dingo pups, alligators, giant pythons and koalas every day of the holidays. The Australian Reptile Park is the hands-on zoo and visitors have the chance to meet animals up close when our roving crew roams with reptiles between 11am - 2pm every day.

More Information www.reptilepark.com.au

With special thanks to the Australian Reptile Park, Get Ahead Kids® has 5 Australian Reptile Park Family Passes valued at approx. $68.00 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 this fantastic giveaway.

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Learning Innovations & Technology

Are We Missing a Piece of the Educational Puzzle? By Michelle Lee

Imagine students, teachers, parents and school communities communicating with honesty, understanding, respect, and enthusiastically encouraging one another to pursue their individual passions. An ideal educational framework would focus on IQ as well as SEL (Social & Emotional Learning). China’s President Xi Jin Ping said in May 2013, that; “Emotional Intelligence (EL) is important for adapting to society, although it should be used together with professional knowledge and techniques.”

14 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 13

Emotional and Social Intelligence are not new terms. Ever since these concepts were popularised by Daniel Goleman in 1995 and 2006. Goleman states that EL is the added value that distinguishes outstanding performers and leaders from the average. The EL skill set determines efficiency at handling self, relationships, and in some cases matters more than IQ. Someone with a high EL quotient has higher levels of discipline, motivation, empathy, resilience, communication, and leadership skills. The great thing about EL is that it can be taught at any age.

These are only some of the benefits of SEL for students, as well as teachers: • Awareness of self, skills, attributes, & talents • Strong & positive fellow student & social peer cooperation & communication • Emotional management, control of impulses, increased empathy • Improved personal management, self-confidence, self-esteem, & selfworth • Increased resilience to obstacles & setbacks • Increased motivation & focus on goals and individual passions • Improved effectiveness through problem solving, voluntary contribution & responsibility

Learning Innovations & Technology

FACE OF THE FUTURE for Students A meta-analysis of more than 200 separate studies where EL based programs were taught, found that: • Positive behaviour rose by 10% • Negative behaviour dropped by 10% • Academic scores jumped up by 11% Despite the wonders of science and the progress of technology, how often do we hear about disengaged staff and students; staff who have lost their passion for teaching; staff who struggle to communicate; parents who demand more; kids who do less; who are distracted, disruptive, absent or even dangerous. As Amanda Tocii, Managing Director and Literary Specialist in Australia stated in an earlier article in Get Ahead Kids, “...Technology does not mean it allows your child true interaction with their environment.” In fact, the advent of “social media” can be argued to be a major contributor to “anti-social” behaviour, particularly cyber-bullying. If we consider these grim Australian statistics: • 100 school age children take their lives each year, with another 20 times that attempting suicide • 7,000 are admitted to hospital after self harming each year, which does not include those who suffer in silence • In 2010, 1 in 4 were recognised to have psychological problems. In 2013 this is expected to rise to 1 in 3 • Bullying & depression issues are escalating while social behaviour deteriorates

Isn’t it time we start doing something drastically different? Let’s shift the focus from academic achievements and outcomes based funding to social, emotional and life skill aptitude outcomes and firmly implement this major piece of the educational puzzle, for the well being and sanity of our children and our teachers.

About Michelle Lee

Fun Awareness Choice Empowerment • • • • •

Strong positive student & social connections Improved self-conﬁdence & self-worth Awareness of strengths, skills, attributes Improved focus and motivation A more enjoyable school life

Fun and eﬀective ways to gain selfAwareness and improve life Choices for an Empowered future

www.faceofthefuture.com.au

Michelle Lee is a Transformational Life Coach at UpnAway Career & Life Coaching, based in Newcastle NSW. She successfully guides adults and teens to transform their lives and to pursue their passion and purpose. Michelle has developed SEL programs to be used in or out of school and together with other professionals builds programs to enhance mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

More Information www.upnawaylifecoaching.com

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd 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 ACN: 147 916 676

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Learning Innovations & Technology

Value Based Decisions

Instagram

Tweens New Ticket into Social Media By Michelle Mitchell

Many well intending parents have refused their tweens access to Facebook after hearing horror stories about cyber bullying and paedophiles. So clever tweens, eager to enter the social media world, are doing the switcheroo and turning to Instagram. What they don’t tell their parents is that Instagram isn’t just photo sharing. It has all the features of social media, including the dark sides. Snapping innocent photos of pets, drawings and social outings is just the beginning of what Instagram offers.

Basic Facts ❑❑ Instagram is a free app. ❑❑ To the uneducated eye Instagram can look like a photography app. It isn’t. ❑❑ Children need an email address to download the app. There is a lot of sense in not giving children their own email address. This way they have to use yours to download things, unless they are computer savvy enough to create their own. ❑❑ On sign-up Instagram gives you a birthday picker. Technically children have to be over 13 to use Instagram. There are many good reasons for this.

16 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 13

❑❑ Many youngsters go ahead and download apps on iPads and smart phones without asking their parents’ permission. Before their parents know it they are operating a social media account without any supervision.

Profiling Yourself Online ❑❑ Tweens are targets of paedophiles. ❑❑ When tweens profile themselves online they often fail to understand the gravity of including personal information such as where they live or go to school. Instagram allows them to ‘show’ such personal information and map a story of their lives that paedophiles piece together through photos. ❑❑ Creating private profiles is absolutely essential. You have to manually activate privacy on Instagram, or your photos will be posted publicly. ❑❑ When children advertise other social media sites on Instagram (Skype, KIK, Facebook) it enables strangers to contact them through other forms of media, including video and personal chat. This presents a high risk of exposure to pornography.

Even if your tween has set up the strictest privacy settings on Instagram, they have to make the following value based decisions each time they use the site. While using Instagram tweens will need to decide when to: ❑❑ Block people who they do not want to continue to follow ❑❑ Report abuse ❑❑ Delete people’s inappropriate comments. Remember users can’t delete comments from other people’s photos regardless of how inappropriate they are. That means they are exposed to whatever comments are written on the people’s sites they follow. ❑❑ Decline or accept people who ask to follow them ❑❑ Choose who they want to follow by requesting to follow them or simply clicking ‘follow’ if that person’s privacy settings are not private ❑❑ Comment on followers photos & have them comment on their photos

Where Can it All Go Wrong? In the past month the following tween cases have walked into my office: ❑❑ A 12 year old who was exposed to pornography after following “Sexy Babe”. She was too embarrassed to show her mother her profile which included 1147 followers she gained after following the page. ❑❑ A 10 year old girl who had a 10 year old boy liking & commenting inappropriately on all her photos. I highly doubt it was a boy her own age, especially since he also asked for her email address so they could stay in touch. ❑❑ An 11 year old who was sharing inappropriate semi-naked photos of herself via Instagram with a male she didn’t know.

Learning Innovations & Technology

Steps Every Family Should Take

For More Information

Here are some tips to keep kids safe on Instagram:

For a free Social Media contract, visit www.michellemitchell.org

❑❑ Check if your son or daughter has an Instagram account ❑❑ If they don’t, it’s ideal to respect the legal age for using Instagram. It’s there for a reason. ❑❑ Talk openly about the dangers associated with Instagram ❑❑ Create a social media contract for your home which outlines expectations of Instagram’s use. Some things you might include in the contract are: • time limits • no technology in bedrooms • a rechargeable area for technology during the night • rules for how social media is to be used • consequences for when rules are broken • communication about risks

Fun Outdoor Soccer & Multi Sports Programs Kids 2-6 Years Old For More Information Call

02 4951 8886

www.sportykids.net.au Michelle Mitchell is the Founder of Youth Excel and Author of “What Teenage Girls Don’t Tell their Parents” michelle@youthexcel.com.au www.michellemitchell.org

What Teenage Girls Don’t Tell their Parents Author: Michelle Mitchell When your little girl becomes a teenager and starts acting up and acting out you may start wondering what went wrong. Based on numerous interviews with teenage girls, the author reveals what your daughter may not be telling you. Abundant in advice, case studies, revelations and anecdotes, this is an invaluable guide to parents of teenage girls.

Age Guide: Adult Extent: 170 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921513770 Price: AU $24.95 Publisher: Australian Academic Press P: 07 3310 8922 www.australianacademicpress.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Learning Innovations & Technology

World First in Childhood

Stuttering Research

By Dr. Paul Sowman

Stuttering can emerge in children between the ages of two and five years. For 70% the problem resolves spontaneously before puberty. For 1% of the population, however, stuttering becomes chronic. “Stuttering occurs as children move from using individual words to constructing sentences but in most cases brain development catches up and stuttering disappears,” explains Dr. Paul Sowman, a member of Macquarie University’s Department of Cognitive Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders. “A lot of stuttering studies have been done with adults, particularly in the US, UK and Finland, but the brain changes over time so the original issue may be masked,” he said. “Speech can contain six syllables per second and involve up to 100 muscles in the tongue, neck, jaws, chest and diaphragm. Then there’s the feedback from the ears. It’s an amazing feat of coordination.” Since 2009, Dr. Sowman and his colleagues have been using a unique MEG, or magnetoencephalography, system designed specifically for young children-the first child-sized MEG system ever to be built.

18 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 13

The brain imaging technique measures the magnetic field generated whenever information is processed by the brain – in this case as a child watches and responds to a series of pictures in short sessions, or as they watch a DVD and listen to a series of sounds. The MEG captures measurements every 1/1000 second even though the brain’s magnetic fields are 100 million times smaller than the earth’s and 1 million times smaller than those produced in an urban environment. To guarantee accuracy the MEG system is located in a multi-tonne, shielded room with thick walls specially constructed to block out external magnetic fields. “It’s been likened to trying to pick up the footsteps of an ant at a rock concert,” said Dr. Sowman. “Unlike electroencephalography (EEG) which depends on electrodes placed on the scalp to measure electrical activity produced by the brain, MEG uses a helmet-like device with extremely sensitive sensors. We can see how a child’s brain responds when she or he is looking at pictures or reading.” He adds, “The MEG system is a ‘passive’ device and completely safe and non-invasive. The research proposal was closely scrutinised by the University’s Ethics Committee before we began.”

To make the child MEG experience friendlier from the outset, the researchers have created a “Space Adventure” with the children boarding the “space ship”, wearing a “space helmet” and travelling to another planet. Their mission is to listen to the instructions from ground control through earphones within the space ship while observed at all times by a video camera. Parents are invited to accompany them but many children prefer to “travel” with a substitute teddy after the initial visit. The youngest child to slip into the MEG space helmet to date was aged two years but researchers have found children aged three or more have a better attention span and are more likely to remain still enough for the required data collection over two sessions. Children above age four usually require only one session of about 20 minutes. “The child MEG system allows us to explore language acquisition and auditory processing in children who are too young to participate in behavioural studies. We now have a window of opportunity to learn more about the earlier stages of development when the brain is most plastic.” Data from several studies is still being analysed, but initial results have shown that the amount of activation and the timing is slightly different to those in control groups, said Dr. Sowman.

Learning Innovations & Technology The child MEG system was developed by the Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT) in Japan, which also jointly funded the development of the KIT Macquarie Brain Research Laboratory, and a second MEG system designed for adults. The child MEG system is the first of its kind in the world and the MEG facility at Macquarie University is one of only two in Australia. Now an ARC Research Fellow at Macquarie, Dr. Sowman has an NHMRC grant to fund his work on brain anomalies and the movement control pathways implicated in stuttering in adults. He and his colleagues are investigating how we might potentially use these movement control pathways to overcome stuttering or other movement disorders.

About Dr. Paul Sowman Dr. Sowman and his colleagues are currently seeking children participants between the ages of three and nine. They are mostly seeking boys and girls who stutter, but also need children who have never stuttered to act as controls. Adult family members who stutter are also needed for other studies. Participants are paid a small amount (usually around $40 per visit) and receive free parking. If you are interested or have questions, you may contact Dr. Sowman.

More Information Dr. Paul Sowman P: 02 9850 6732 paul.sowman@mq.edu.au www.facebook.com/pages/ Macquarie-University-StutteringResearch/228858173906140?ref=hl

• Speech • Literacy • Social Skills Kahibah 02 4942 2480 PROMPT Trained & Hanen Certified Clinicians

• Language • Autism • Adults East Maitland 02 4933 7171 Medicare & FaHCSIA Funding

www.leapsandbounds.org.au

treating foot & lower limb conditions for your kids & you

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Getting Your Finances Back on Track after Having a Child By Dr. Steven Enticott What a financial distraction raising children can be! Having said this, I now want to clarify, having children is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life, and financial implications were never considered.

Far from repaying the mortgage, it’s actually going to rise slightly each year with the kids’ future secondary education to pay for on top of all the other demands on a single income.

However, going from two wages to one, having to meet childcare costs, and the additional child related expenses bring significant financial distractions that need to be addressed and put into context so as to avoid spoiling the wonderful experience of raising children.

To top it all off, my superannuation is pathetic, so there’s no way I’ll retire at 55, and with my 70 year old mother’s chronic health issues and associated bills, where’s that going to leave us over the next 20 years?”

The Employee Financial Wellness Survey (PWC – USA) provides a great list of the most common financial distractions. About 49% of respondents found meeting household expenses difficult, 24% use credit cards for monthly necessities, and more than half (53%) consistently carry outstanding credit card balances. Approximately 24% stated that losing a job tops the list, 14% not being able to keep up with debt, 7% fear losing their home, and 6% children’s schooling. Do any of those distractions sound familiar? The number one financial tip I can give is that you need to understand your financial story and how children fit into it. When you understand this, the rest falls into place. One type of situation is: “We just had a child, and I’m financially well behind where I want or need to be. My career has stalled and the marriage is shaky because we’re constantly arguing about money, and my partner won’t return to serious paid work for years to come.

20 Get Ahead Kids Jul/Aug 13 ®

This isn’t an unusual situation and represents a life full of financial distractions. But is there a way to respond to what looks like such a bleak outlook? Is the mortgage really a problem? After 20 years, the payments will fall as the balance falls, and even if it doesn’t happen quite that way, inflation will deflate the balance, ‘shrinking’ its real value while inflating the property’s price, and creating a bigger gap between debt and equity, and all by doing absolutely nothing. As for my superannuation, I can start treating it seriously and review the fees and the advisor commissions I’m paying. By taking an entirely new and sensible approach to my investment strategies, and by adding to it from my wages each month, over the next 20 years the balance will increase and compound in plenty of time for retirement. My cost of living over the journey will start to fall as the children finish secondary school and move onto university and eventually out of home. Knowing this means I can stop being distracted by it and plan to maintain a neutral cash flow over that period, after which we’ll have a solid base to once again grow from.

After that and with my partner retrained and back into the work force full time, we’ll return to a positive cash flow again, and start adding to our superannuation. With our property’s value and mortgage gap growing steadily, together with the ability to take on other investments, it’s really looking like we’re on track. While planning to retire earlier may not be an option, reducing my hours to three days a week when I reach 55 certainly may be an option. Finally, what does it matter? A good friend got seriously ill recently, and one of the senior managers at work suffered a major heart attack. When I think about that, I realise that none of these financial distractions really matter. Spending time with my family and friends is what really matters and that is free of costs. So what’s the checklist for the story? It’s simple. Relax. Draw up a plan (with a professional, if you like) that focuses on your story and take the pressure off yourself.

About Dr. Steven Enticott

Dr. Steven Enticott is a finance professional, speaker, author, taxation specialist and senior partner of CIA Tax. He is a Chartered Tax Advisor, Registered Financial Advisor, Fellow of The Institute of Public Accountants, Fellow Member of the Taxation Institute Australia, and a passionate member of the International Positive Psychology Association.

More Information www.financialdistraction.com.au

Learning Innovations & Technology

Dr. Enticott provides strategies for overcoming financial challenges based on unique financial histories. A highly recommended handbook for those interested in achieving financial security.

Financial Distraction Author: Dr. Steven J. Enticott Most families want to be financially secure and independent but are confronted with distractions on this journey. These distractions may include raising children, getting divorced, running a business, illness and debt.

Age Guide: Open Extent: 152 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780646595689 Price: AU $29.95 Publisher: Self Published by Financial Distraction Pty Ltd Distributor: Dennis Jones & Associates www.financialdistraction.com.au

 Quality teaching  Vibrant community  Christ-centred education Now enrolling for 2014 and beyond. Visit our website or call (02) 4933 7633

www.maitlandcs.com

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0 1 0 1 01 0

Learning

1100100100010010101010101

10 1 1 0 10 0 1 1 1 00 Innovations & Technology 101 0 0 0 101 0 00 01 1 1

0 1 0 0 01 0 0 1

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10 1

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 to strengthen branding and communicate to significant stakeholders. 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, and information depth and design quality. Methodology MAP Marketing rated private and boarding school websites using a 16 point criterion. 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. The final internet rating for each school website was derived from the average of the 16 category ratings.

These 16 categories were: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

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 Mobile Website

Research Results Major Hunter & Central Coast Private School Website Rating

2009 (Max 5)

2010 (Max 5)

2011 (Max 5)

2012 (Max 5)

2013 (Max 5)

Central Coast Grammar School

3.47

3.70

4.33

4.67

4.38

3.87

4.55

4.19

3.20

4.40

4.06

2.67

4.03

Central Coast Adventist School Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School

2.73

2.43

Singleton Christian College Newcastle Grammar School

4.43

4.57

4.37

4.47

3.97

Maitland Christian School

4.20

3.37

3.57

3.70

3.88

Macquarie College

4.73

4.53

4.13

4.45

3.81

Green Point Christian College

2.90

3.03

3.53

3.50

3.63

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

2.47

2.60

2.93

3.98

3.59

3.67

3.82

3.59

Wyong Christian Community School Avondale School Cooranbong

4.67

4.27

3.70

3.48

3.56

St Philips Christian College

4.93

4.43

4.40

4.15

3.50

Medowie Christian School

3.80

3.92

3.41

Scone Grammar School

2.93

2.53

3.41

The Coast Christian School

3.47

3.17

3.31

Hunter Valley Grammar School

4.00

3.07

4.33

4.02

3.28

Hunter Christian School

3.47

3.80

3.70

3.63

3.28

Charlton Christian College

2.53

3.63

3.80

4.07

2.88

Belmont Christian College

4.27

3.77

3.10

3.63

2.88

Heritage College Cooranbong

3.77

3.33

3.47

3.13

2.28

Brightwaters Christian College

1.13

1.50

1.43

1.62

1.91

22 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 13

0 01

0 00 1 0 01

10 0100 1 1 1 001 1 0 1

0 110 1 0 0 1 101 0 0 0

10 0 00

11 1

10 010 1 0 01

0 Learning Innovations & Technology 00 0 1 1 0 0 01

11 1001 0 1 00

10 1 0 0 1

01 0

0101 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 10 0 0 1

0110

2011 (Max 5)

2012 (Max 5)

2013 (Max 5)

4.03

4.42

4.72

3.30

4.65

4.66

4.13

4.57

4.53

4.20

4.52

4.47

3.73

4.37

4.41

3.90

4.43

4.34

4.00

4.13

4.28

Knox Grammar School

3.77

4.08

4.28

Wenona School

4.10

4.53

4.19

The Scots College Albury

4.43

4.52

4.19

Presbyterian Ladies College

4.47

4.65

4.16

Cranbrook School

3.67

3.95

4.16

Kambala

3.07

2.82

4.16

St Joseph’s College

4.30

4.55

4.09

The Scotts School Sydney

4.10

4.43

4.09

Abbotsleigh Senior Campus

3.30

4.09

Ravenswood School for Girls

3.77

3.90

4.09

Ascham School

2.90

2.95

4.03

Tara Anglican School for Girls

3.57

4.18

4.03

Pymble Ladies College

3.50

3.88

4.00

Snowy Mountains Grammar School

1.87

3.65

4.00

St Ignatius College Riverview

3.80

4.10

3.97

Calrossy School

4.00

4.02

3.91

Trinity Grammar School

3.87

3.80

3.78

Canberra Girls’ Grammar

3.30

3.23

3.66

PLC Armidale

3.17

3.60

3.63

All Saints’ College

3.30

3.35

3.41

Frensham

2.63

3.53

3.31

The Armidale School

3.13

3.67

3.28

St Catherine’s School

3.80

3.92

3.25

St Paul’s College

3.07

3.35

3.22

Mackillop College

2.63

2.73

3.06

New England Girls School

3.20

3.68

2.94

Major NSW Boarding Schools Website Rating

Kinross Wolaroi

00The Kings School 01 01 Church of England Grammar School (Shore) Sydney 01 01 Kincoppal 1 – 0Rose 010 Bay 01 0 Newingtown College 00 1 0 01 Tudor House School 0 10 101 Barker College 010 1

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

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Health

Build Up Your

Immune System Winter heralds lots of little people with runny noses, coughs and colds, and big people as well. Do most of you prefer to stay at home to keep viruses in check?

Chiropractic therapy helps a cold and building up your immune system by finding and removing interference, so your body can work, fight and heal as quickly as possible.

Having a cold means runny, snuffly noses, watery eyes, sore throats, coughs, achy joints and possibly running a fever. These are all signs that you have been infected by a virus a few days ago and now your body is counter attacking.

Dr. Pero has a PhD and is chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York University. He measured the immune systems of people under chiropractic care as compared to those in the general population and those with cancer and other serious diseases.

So these symptoms are not due to the virus, but signs that our bodies are trying to kill it, trapping it in mucus and getting rid of it, and increasing the body temperature to make our immune system – our white blood cells work more efficiently. We don’t want to stop the body’s attempt to fight the virus; we want it to fight better and faster to stop the multiplication of the virus.

24 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 13

Chiropractic patients were found to have a 200% greater immune competence than those people who had not received chiropractic care, and they had 400% greater immune competence than those people with cancer and other serious diseases.

By Dorte Bladt D.C.

So when mums call and say their kids are unwell and can’t make it today, we tell them not to worry; to come in straight away, and we will gently and safely give the child a chiropractic adjustment to the spine. This will remove interference to the nervous system, which will help the immune system and help the child to function as well as they can to fight off the viruses. Checklist for Helping the Body Fight a Cold & Get Better Faster ❑❑ Rest! The body heals better when it is not challenged from too many directions. Having a day at home gives the body some energy to do what it is supposed to, and there is really no reason to go and be miserable at school or work and share the bug around.

Health

❑❑ Exercise is not beneficial when you are unwell - you will not recover as fast and tend to be more injury prone. Gentle movement is fine, but save the strenuous program until you are feeling better. ❑❑ Vitamin C is useful as it strengthens the immune response by increasing the number and activity of the white blood cells, neutralises free radicals and killing viruses. It is thought to be the most powerful of all anti-oxidants. Vitamin C strengthens connective tissue thereby increasing the tissue resistance to viral infections. It also has an effect as an antiinflammatory through its effect on the adrenal cortical hormones. Normally families get plenty of Vitamin C through a diet containing fruits and vegetables: citrus, kiwi, broccoli and sprouts. But when cold symptoms set in, a vitamin supplement is recommended. ❑❑ Zinc is an excellent immune enhancer mineral and is essential for the proper functioning of your body and to fight a virus. ❑❑ About 70% of our immune function comes from the gut. If the gut is unhealthy for example due to previous antibiotic use, it is important to build up the normal natural bacterial flora again to be able to break down foods and absorb nutrients properly. There are different strains of probiotics used for different situations and ages: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifid bacteriumlactis. ❑❑ Using a vaporiser or leaving a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the floor of the shower can help relieve the stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe.

❑❑ Keep up the fluids in the form of water, herbal teas and/or lemon/ ginger drinks and avoid caffeine and alcohol as it dehydrates and makes symptoms worse. ❑❑ Honey is a natural antimicrobial and makes a sore throat feel a whole lot better. Make a drink of juice from ½ a lemon, boiling water and 1-2 teaspoons of honey. ❑❑ Garlic and chillies have been shown to be effective in relieving cold symptoms and there is evidence that the old chicken soup is helpful as well.

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

About Dorte Bladt Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown

Our Family Cares for Your Family

Dorte specialises in paediatric spinal and nervous system health. She checks your spine to assess if the bones, muscles or ligaments are working properly and will gently, safely and naturally correct it to allow the body and the nervous system to function better. Dorte also provides advice on which exercises would be beneficial as well as which position to sleep, stand and sit in for the best possible posture.

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

Does Your Child Lack Concentration at School? Glasses or vision therapy may be the answer. Behavioural Optometry Vision Therapy • Ortho-K Contact Lenses

specialeyes OPTOMETRISTS Susan K Walton B Optom FACBO

245 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300 Appointments 02 4926 4799

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Health

Eczema

By Dr. Columba Quigley

Eczema, which is also known as dermatitis, is a skin condition that can occur at any age, but usually starts in childhood. Australia has one of the highest incidences of eczema worldwide, affecting one in three children. Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema, and is associated with allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma, all of which tend to run in families. What happens in eczema? Eczema usually appears before five years of age, when those affected develop itchy, dry patches on their skin, often with little bumps or blisters. The rash usually starts on the cheeks, forehead or scalp, but can spread to the arms, legs and trunk. You can also get scaly patches in skin creases like in the bends of your elbows and behind your knees, as well as on the back of your wrists or ankles. The rash can be very itchy, but scratching makes it worse, which is why the involved areas can become rough and ‘leathery’ from rubbing and scratching. The itchy skin also becomes sore and broken when scratched, and may even bleed. The cracks make infections more likely too. When the rash is itchy and sore, sleeping can be difficult, so you might feel tired during the day.

26 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 13

Eczema tends to come and go, with flare-ups when the rash reappears, and remissions when it goes away for a while. Eczema usually improves with age, but it can persist into adulthood. What causes eczema? Eczema is not an allergic condition itself, and so allergies do not cause the rash, but they can trigger a flare. The common allergies that can do this include house dust, pets, pollen, wool, soaps and detergents. Sometimes stress and anxiety can make the rash worse too. On the other hand, some people have no identifiable triggers at all. Nobody knows what causes eczema, but it may be a defect in the skin that allows allergens to get in, as well as a particularly sensitive immune system.

How can eczema be treated? Most treatments involve topical products that are put straight onto your skin: 1. Emollients These are a mixture of oil and water. They plug the gaps in your skin, keeping bugs out and keeping water in. They can be put straight onto your skin or used as a replacement for soap and bath oils. You usually use them several times a day. They are cooling and soothing for the soreness and the itch. They also give your skin time to repair by easing the need to scratch. 2. Steroids Steroids reduce inflammation, making your skin less red and painful. They come as lotions, creams, ointments, gels, sprays and foams.

Health

3. Immunomodulators Sometimes, for moderate or severe eczema, you may need stronger medicines, particularly where topical steroids have not helped or are causing problems.

It can be hard having eczema, especially when your friends notice or comment on your rash. But you are not alone! Eczema is very common and many other children have it too.

If bugs get in and you have a skin infection, you may need a course of antibiotics.

References

It is also important to avoid triggers as much as possible.

Remember! ❑❑ Eczema is not anyone’s fault ❑❑ Eczema doesn’t mean your skin is dirty ❑❑ You can’t give eczema to other people ❑❑ It’s important to take your treatments just like your doctor or nurse told you

Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine. Kumar P & Clarke M (eds). 7th edition. Edinburgh, London, New York, Oxford, Philadelphia, St Louis, Sydney, Toronto: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.

About Dr. Columba Quigley Dr. Columba Quigley is a medical writer and managing editor at Medikidz, an organisation that provides children with informative, accessible and fun comics to help them understand health and illness.

More Information www.medikidz.com

What’s Up With Kenzie? ‘Medikidz’ Explain Eczema Authors: Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair & Ian Rimmer Kenzie’s friends are keen for her to join them for a day at the beach. She refuses to go because she struggles to hide the patch of red, scaly skin on her neck. ‘Medikidz’ are on hand to whisk her on an adventure and teach her all about Eczema. ‘Medikidz’ are 5 superheroes who transport Kenzie to Mediland, a planet shaped like the human body, to help her come to terms with her condition.

What’s Up With Kenzie? is a funfilled instructional, comic book that is an invaluable reference to helps families, schools and associated medical professionals gain information about Eczema and its treatments. Age Guide: 9+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781906935122 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: Medikidz Limited P: +44 (0) 2073766630 www.medikidz.com

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

Dr. Helen Cornwell Paediatric Dentist P: 4962 7300 40 Brown Rd Broadmeadow NSW 2292

www.kidssmile.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

vas n a 1C o t ! way a e Giv

A Tribute to Ken Duncan In a 2007 segment on A Current Affair, Ken Duncan was described as “one of Australia’s most iconic image makers”. However, Ken prefers to think of himself as an average photographer with a great God. The Vision Statement for the Ken Duncan Group of Companies is simple: “To show the beauty of God’s creation.” Ken’s love affair with landscape photography dates back more than 20 years. He had left school and had progressed to become a senior technical representative for Australia’s leading photographic supply house. His turning point came when this company imported the ‘Widelux’ camera. Ken realised he had found a vehicle which could translate onto film exactly what he could see in a landscape – a panoramic vision. In 1982 Ken left Sydney to realise his dream of producing a quality book of Australian images. Little did he know that his dream would cost him his house, his cars and everything else he had – and take five years to complete. During these and subsequent travels around Australia, Ken sought out places not previously photographed in order to provide images of the real pioneer of Australia, which exists beyond the coastal fringes.

28 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 13

He became one of the first photographers in Australia to initiate the concept of high quality Limited Edition Photographic Prints, and he has collected more than 100,000 selected images in panoramic format. Unequalled in depth, the library has been hailed as the best collection of Australian landscapes ever seen. Ken retained a very special love for Australia, but his talents led him further afield to the USA, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Widely considered a master in his field of photography, Ken has won numerous awards both nationally and internationally for his images and publications. He has worked for many prestigious magazines, such as National Geographic and Rolling Stone. He has been published in more than fifty books worldwide. Ken has also worked with prominent advertising agencies on international accounts, and directly with major corporations such as Bank of America, American Airlines, Qantas, Fuji Film and many more.

More Information www.kenduncan.com

New Custom Ken Duncan Landscape Giveaway ArtWorldPod.com is the new custom artwork website from Melbourne based Chamton Group, a leading manufacturer in the art and picture framing industry. Launched 17 June 2013, the website provides exclusive photography from iconic landscape photographer Ken Duncan, as well as thousands of other images including AFL team memorabilia, nature and flora, cityscapes and vintage designs. Buyers can customise the size of all artwork to suit their needs, with exquisite image reproduction available on both paper and canvas prints using four colours for image reproduction. Prices range $32-$300, making quality artwork accessible and affordable to all home decorators.

More Information www.artworldpod.com

tal Digi ibers scr Sub nly! O

With thanks to ArtWorldPod.com Get Ahead Kids has one canvas of the 12 Apostles (shown above) to giveaway valued at $137.33 (100cm x 37cm)!

Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au follow the subscribe link and sign up to the free digital magazine (must be signed up by 16 August 2013 to be eligible). Subscribers will be receive a special link via email for entry to the giveaway.

News

Launch of So Active Actionwear & Dancewear Whenever a new brand is launched there is widespread anticipation and curiosity. The benchmark is set very high especially in the competitive gymwear market. So Active meets and exceeds buyer expectations, as its offerings include renowned international brands So Danca and Trinys. A current So Danca customer, Olivia Williams from Studi-O, praises its products and service: “So Danca gear is the best quality and lasts for a long time. By keeping track of the studio needs, parents are confident that they are buying the correct products. The service is superb and discount campaigns

suit the studio cycles and ease the financial burden on students.” So Active is launching women and girls styles that are competitively priced and ideal for the fashion savvy on the move. Quality is a core value for So Active, from the high-tech fabrics to its design and manufacture. Alex Rosen, CEO of So Active states: “We are excited to locate the first So Active concept store at Westfield Kotara as its shopper demographics align perfectly with the type of person that appreciates the So Active product uniqueness and fashion flair.”

The new So Active store blends the best in unique Brazillian designs, product technology and quality assured manufacturing to offer customers active wear of outstanding quality. Its mission is to help women and young girls to look good whilst achieving the health benefits of an active lifestyle. So Active will be supported by online sales from a new website now being developed and active social media sites. Look out for the new store opening at Westfield Kotara, near Kmart in late August 2013. More Information www.soactive.com.au

Loo ok Good n the Move Feel the joy of movement and the confidence of looking good. Splashed with colour, So Active sets a new high in fashion and quality. Soft and flexible, So Active holds its shape and is so comfortable. Available in a wide range of unique styles, So Active actionwear and dancewear looks good on all bodysizes. Whether you are a professional sports person, dancer, gym member, runner, walker, yoga or Pilates enthusiast, So Active is styled to turn heads.

Opening Mid August 2013 Shop 2005B, Westfield Kotara, near Kmart Cnr Northcott Dr & Park Ave, Kotara NSW 2289

Ladies Actionwear • Ladies & Kids Dancewear

www.soactive.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

News

Newcastle Grammar School Fundraises for In October 2007, Newcastle Grammar School (NGS) committed to a World Vision School to School program where the School embarked on a project to raise $150,000 over three years to build three boarding houses for a School in the Farkwa Community of Tanzania.

Farkwa

Five years on, the school has reached its financial target and so far has assisted in building two boarding houses, which can contain up to fifty girls in each, two twenty thousand litre water tanks, which provide the school and its students with fresh water for drinking, cooking and sanitation, and two solar power systems, allowing students to study well into the night.

The school is continuing in its fundraising efforts with the most recent goal to contribute towards improving the quality of school toilets and animal keeping at Farkwa Secondary School. Sunday, 26 May 2013 NGS held a Champagne Brunch on the deck of the Holland Building with all proceeds going towards this latest project in Farkwa.

Newcastle Grammar School Wins

Sydney Eisteddfod Newcastle Grammar School’s Chamber Choir travelled to Sydney on Wednesday, 22 May 2013 to participate in three sections of the McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod. The competition included a significant number of schools, both Private and Selective Public. With competition strong, the School’s Choir performed extremely well gaining first place in the Open

Sacred Choral Award category, a highly commended in the Youth Sacred Choral Award as well as a Highly Commended in the Youth Mixed Choir.

The School’s Director of Music and Performance, Mr Kevin Young said ‘I was extremely impressed by the Choir’s attention to detail and the way the entire group presented

themselves musically as well as through their encouragement of other groups on the day’. McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod develops and encourages artistic and creative skills in the community. More Information P: 02 4929 5811 www.ngs.nsw.edu.au

PRE-SCHOOL FOR 4 YEAR OLDS Explore, Experiment, Create, Discover, Connect, Contribute and Communicate in a safe, fun and challenging environment

ACCEPTING ENROLMENTS NOW FOR NEXT YEAR Newcastle Grammar School p: (02) 4929 5811

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w: ngs.nsw.edu.au

News

Emily Eyefinger

Comes to the Civic Theatre Emily Eyefinger is the story of a gifted young girl. She was born with an extraordinary gift – an eye at the end of her finger. Although she dislikes being different, she discovers her third eye helps her to solve mysteries, see around corners, rescue friends, and catch dangerous criminals.

A division of Bright Print Group

Newcastle’s only Award-winning

Emily Eyefinger is 55 minutes of pure enjoyment, silly antics and great fun for the whole family. Children 5-10 years will fall in love with Emily, with her best friend Malcolm, Great Aunt Olympia and other chums who go on an adventurous journey, solving the mystery of the Tomb of Tutenkamouse! Adapted for the stage from the popular series of books written by Duncan Ball.

More Information

commercial and digital

print solutions provider

Emily Eyefinger and the Secret from the Sea Author: Duncan Ball Illustrator: Craig Smith Age Guide: 7+ Years Extent: 102 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780732293154 Price: AU $12.99 Publisher: HarperCollins P: 02 9952 5020 www.harpercollins.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

www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

PRESENTS

Emily Eyeﬁnger Take a theatrical journey, with an adventurous heroine, Emily & discover her extraordinary gift to see things diﬀerently! Civic Theatre Newcastle Mon 9 Sept 6:30pm Tue 10 Sept 10:30am Wed 11 Sept 12:30pm

Box Oﬃce: 4929 1977 www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

For ages 4-10 yrs adapted for the stage from the popular series by Duncan Ball.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

The Happiness Trap Pocketbook Authors: Dr. Russ Harris & Bev Aisbett This book offers workable action plans on how to escape from “the happiness trap” through a powerful change model known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). By applying the suggestions of this book readers can increase selfawareness, enhance relationships to create more meaning and purposeful life. As most readers are time poor, this is an ideal book because of its cartoon format, exercises and text summaries. Age Guide: Open Extent: 166 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921966187 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: Exisle Publishing P: 02 4998 3327 www.exislepublishing.com.au

Quick & Easy Toddler Recipes: Simple, healthy, fun meals that take the pressure off you!

Raising Angel: A Novel Filled with Love and the Wisdom of Angels

Author: Annabel Karmel

Raising Angels is a novel set amongst challenges and love of everyday family life. It illustrates how angels can be messengers for peace and love. Raphael begins his quest to bring an angel he finds dead by the side of the road back to life.

This book offers parents healthy and easy recipes for toddlers and young children. Featuring 130 recipes suited to both fussy and adventurous eaters, Annabel Karmel makes mealtime easy!

Author: Paul Morris Segal

The pictures and graphics in the book are appealing, and many recipes are easy enough to get the kids involved in preparation. This book is ideal for time poor parents seeking quick but healthy recipes for young kids.

This allegorical novel explores life questions such as love, hope, dreams, death and the role of angels in family life.

Age Guide: Open Extent: 144 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9780091941529 Price: AU $24.95 Publisher: Random House P: 1800 222 444 www.randomhouse.com.au

Extent: 160 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921878497 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: Rockpool Publishing P: 02 9327 7150 www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au

Raising Angels is an uplifting novel with enduring messages.

10 Hooting Owls Hoot, Snore & Splash Author: Alison Lester The simple rhyming language and large illustrations will engage very young children as they learn the sounds different animals make. These robust board books are ideal for small hands and carrying around in bags and prams.

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Age Guide: 2+ Years Extent: 8 Pages each (Hardback) Hoot ISBN: 9780733330438 Snore ISBN: 9780733330445 Splash ISBN: 9780733330452 Price: AU $12.99 each Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers P: 1300 551 721 www.harpercollins.com.au

Author: Ed Allen Illustrator: Simon Williams This is a creative book, helping to teach children how to count backwards from ten. The integration between the rhyming story and illustrations will help kids understand the concept of the story. Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 24 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781742836980 Price: AU $13.99 Publisher: Scholastic Press P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au

Reviews emotions that are being masked by the anger like grief, fear and uncertainty.

I Just Get So Angry! Dealing With Anger and Other Strong Emotions For Teenagers Authors: Timothy Bowden & Sandra Bowden Illustrator: Sandra Bowden Andy gets upset and angry very easily; at his mum, his teachers, his mates and his girlfriend. Andy struggles to deal with his emotions until he has an interesting and enlightening experience with a sea eagle that helps him to understand why he gets angry and the other

Throughout the book, Andy identifies different life events and reasons for his behaviour and with the sea eagle, devises strategies to help him deal with his emotions.

Get Ahead Kids速 Partners

The cartoon style format makes this book easy to understand and would make an excellent classroom or school counseling resource. Age Guide: 13+ Years Extent: 112 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921966217 Price: AU $24.99 Publisher: Exisle Publishing P: 02 4998 3327 www.exislepublishing.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

Whose Bottom? Author: Jeanette Rowe This is a colourful book with large and simple illustrations and text. Each page flips out for the reader to discover the full animal illustration making it an ideal interactive baby book. Age Guide: 2+ Years Extent: 10 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9780733332074 Price: AU $14.99 Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers P: 1300 551 721 www.harpercollins.com.au

Creativity, Inspired by Nature & Freedom, Inspired by Nature Author: Steve Parish These two books are a visual feast of photos and inspirational thoughts that will lift your spirit and tantalise your senses. Age Guide: Open Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) Creativity ISBN: 9781922123763 Freedom ISBN: 9781922225016 Price: AU $9.95 each Publisher: Pascal Press P: 02 8778 9999 www.pascalpress.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Index

Article Themes 2013 January/February Back to School - Jessica Watson Ad Booking Deadline Nov 9, 2012 Editorial Deadline Nov 16, 2012

March/April Physical Education - Tiffiny Hall Ad Booking Deadline Feb 8, 2013 Editorial Deadline Feb 15, 2013

Advertisers Index AIE Optical Alan Stevens - The Face Profiler

17 9

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd

Charlton Christian College

Civic Theatre Newcastle

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown

Go 4 Fun

hey dee ho music 33

May/June Language & Communication -

Hunter Development Corporation

Hunter Wetlands Centre 31

David Koch

I Can Read System

Ad Booking Deadline Apr 5, 2013

INParenting 33

Editorial Deadline Apr 12, 2013

Interrelate Family Centre

Irlen Diagnostic Clinic

July/August

KidsSmile 27

Learning Innovations & Technology -

Leaps & Bounds Speech Pathology

Ian Thorpe

Lifestyle Solutions

Ad Booking Deadline Jun 7, 2013

Maitland Christian School

Editorial Deadline Jun 14, 2013

NCP Printing 31

September/October

Newcastle Driving School

Newcastle Family and Sports Podiatry

Study & Assessment - Kate Ceberano

Newcastle Grammar School

Ad Booking Deadline Aug 9, 2013

Schoolchoice.com.au 33

Editorial Deadline Aug 16, 2013

specialeyes OPTOMETRISTS 25

November/December Summer Learning - Shannon Noll

So Active Actionwear & Dancewear

Sporty Kids 17 UpnAway Career & Life Coaching

Ad Booking Deadline Sep 27, 2013 Editorial Deadline Oct 11, 2013

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

Vol. 5 • No. 5

• Sep/Oct 2

2013 September/October GST $6.60 AUD INC Subscription 01

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

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013

Celebrity Spotlight Kate Ceberano Australian Singer

Learning Study & Assessment Issue out

September 2013 34 Get Ahead Kids® Jul/Aug 13

G Re ive ad aw er ay

NEW LeapFrog LeapReader For nearly 20 years, LeapFrog has been creating educational toys designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in kids - the new LeapReader continues this pursuit, with the first ever ‘learning to read and write’ device. The new LeapFrog LeapReader is designed to enhance vocabulary and reading comprehension to help children become confident, independent readers and writers. LeapReader helps your child learn to build reading fundamentals, sound out words, read sentences and trace letters. The LeapFrog education experts explain that literacy is an all-round learning experience where reading is not an isolated experience – it happens at the same time as writing, listening and speaking. Hence the development of LeapReader, incorporating all these things into one device, offering a complete literacy solution.

LeapReader has enhanced sound quality and features a miniature camera built into the tip which recognises over 500 interactive touch points in each specially designed LeapFrog book. As the child writes on the ‘Learn to Write’ pressure paper, special ‘ink’ bubbles burst creating pencil-like marks on the page. With 256MB of memory, the LeapReader can hold the entire catalogue of LeapReader books. It’s also USB rechargeable, so you don’t need any batteries. The LeapReader comes with two audio books and five songs pre-loaded and opens the door to a library full of engaging and educational content which is backward compatible with the existing LeapFrog Tag titles.

r ade ! e R p y Lea veawa i to G

With special thanks to LeapFrog, Get Ahead Kids has 1 LeapReader valued at approx. $99.99 to giveaway! Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win this fantastic giveaway.

This library features favourite characters and themes reinforcing LeapFrog’s prominence in providing educational multimedia content.

More Information www.leapfrog.com.au.