FOR FAMIL IES ON THE GO
FREE
Vol. 1 • No. 3 • May/Jun 09
Justin Norris Interview
Technology Special 3 - 6 Year Olds & Computers Decoding Teen Technology Digital Pen Gives the Edge to University Students The RoboCup Challenge
BUILDINGS
New classroom? New home? Home addition? Granny flat?
ON THE MOVE
CTB CAN HELP YOU WITH: Material choice Colour matching Design plans Energy assessments Site positioning Construction Interiors & design One-to-one help & advice
CTB ADVANTAGES: Design to your unique specifications Guaranteed competitive prices Wide range of materials & products Save time as project is prefabricated Meet construction deadlines Enjoy quality inclusions Step-by-step individualised guidance & help Eliminate the torment of liaising with the building trades
Custom Transportable Buildings Pty Limited 64 Greenleaf Road Kooragang NSW Australia 2304 Ph: +61 (0)2 4928 2211 | Fx: +61 (0)2 4928 2222 W: www.ctb.net.au | E: info@ctb.net.au
May/Jun 2009
Contents
This Month’s
F O R FA M I LI E S O N T HE G O
Spotlight 6
4
Editorial Your Letters
5
Giveaway Jackie French: Pete the Sheep
An Interview with Justin Norris
6
Spotlight An Interview with Justin Norris Technology
8 Get Ahead Kids™ © MAP Marketing 2009 Publisher MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300 www.getaheadkids.com.au P: 02 4929 7766 Managing Editor Maria Charlton MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300 E: maria@mapmarketing.com.au P: 02 4929 7766 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 E: maria@mapmarketing.com.au P: 02 4929 7766 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.
3 - 6 Year Olds & Computers
10
Hunter & Central Coast Private School Website Ratings
12
Changing Maritime Technology Thrills Modern Families
14
Technology & Child Development… From a Chiropractor’s Perspective
16
Decoding Teen Technology
19
Digital Pen Gives the Edge to University Students
20
The RoboCup Challenge
18
News Local Student Wins at the Australian Rowing Championships
22
Green Issues Families & Schools Benefit from Rainwater Tank Installation Education & Training
24
Doorway Into Practical Literacy Programme
26
Children’s Literature is Not “Mere Kids’ Stuff”
27
Reviews Reviews from the latest publications for 2009. More reviews on pages 30-33.
28
Activity Zone
30
Subscription
34
Advertisers Index
www.getaheadkids.com.au
3
Editorial We live in exciting times!!
Please take special note of our rating of 23 Hunter & Central Coast
Every day we learn of technological
private schools websites. In order
breakthroughs that have the power
to get these ratings we found the
to change education and benefit
best website in each criterion and
students of all ages. In my opinion,
benchmarked other schools against
even 3 - 6 year olds can benefit by
the best. We plan to make this an
early use of computers.
annual benchmarking research.
By using the Pulse Smartpen® (pg19)
If you want your school included,
university students no longer have
please drop me an email!
to worry about missing vital points during lectures.
Maria Charlton Managing Editor
Educational facilities can use their
P: 02 4929 7766
website to disseminate information,
E: maria@mapmarketing.com.au
communicate with students, staff and parents, showcase student achievements and demonstrate innovations.
Dear Maria,
Good morning Maria,
Just wanted to thank you for the
My name is Dorte Bladt, and I am a
opportunity to promote our business
chiropractor in Charlestown.
through “Get Ahead Kids”.
Ahead Kids” and love them. The fact
been exceptional and we look for-
that it has local information, interesting
ward with pleasure to continuing the
themes, and a different lay-out. It is
promotion with “Get Ahead Kids”.
important information in an easy to read
Please send letters and stories with
Tony Le Page
your name and contact details to:
Director
Get Ahead Kids Villa Franca, 2 Scott St
I have read your two editions of “Get
The response we have received has
Free To Be Me www.freetobeme.com.au
format. Congratulations on a job well done! We have your magazine in our reception area for patients to enjoy and the feedback has been great. I have been asked by a couple of
Newcastle NSW 2300 F: (02) 4929 7827
I’ve just read the latest “Get
E: maria@mapmarketing.com.au
Ahead Kids” Magazine. It’s another excellent edition! Our ‘Sign it, Baby!’ editorial looks great - and a full page, too! Thanks so much for all your assistance. Kind Regards, Holly Johnson Sign it, Baby! www.signitbaby.com.au
different people to write something about the alternative health approach and thought it would be of benefit to your readers too. I have attached a short article on kids and technology, focusing on the benefit of movement to the brain and body. (See page 14) Hopefully your readers will find this of some interest. Regards, Dorte Bladt Doctors of Chiropractic Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown www.familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au
4
Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Giveaway
Congratulations
Jackie French! Get Ahead Kids would like to
We have 6 COPIES of “Pete the
congratulate Jackie French for
Sheep” to giveaway.
having her book “Pete the Sheep” selected for reading at public libraries and schools Australia wide 11am Wed 27 May 2009 - National Simultaneous Story time. Jackie French is our “Celebrity in Spotlight” in July/August Get Ahead Kids.
The first 6 people to visit www.getaheadkids.com.au, follow the prompt and enter their details, will receive a FREE copy of this book (Limit of one copy per family). Thank you HarperCollins Publishers Australia and Jackie French for these fantastic giveaways!!!
Pete the Sheep Author: Jackie French Illustrator: Bruce Whatley Age Guide: 4 - 9 years Extent: 32 pages ISBN: 9780207199745 (Paperback) Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia Online Store www.harpercollins.com.au
For a FREE copy of “Pete the Sheep” visit www.getaheadkids.com.au Hurry only 6 available!
www.getaheadkids.com.au
5
Spotlight
An Interview with
Justin Norris
How do you contribute to the
Junction. I think I was about16 or so
education of kids?
and it was only for an hour or two
In general terms we do this by teaching kids to swim, so it is more
and training.
a physical education of children
What are your career/sporting
and obviously something I’m very
highlights?
passionate about having made my career through this sport. Where did you go to school? St. Peter’s Primary at Stockton from K-6. Merewether High School from 7-12. Please tell us about your family. My wife Brooke and I have been married for 6 years this year. We have 3 children, 2 daughters and a son. What are your hobbies? My interests these days are surfing and taking the kids to the beach. I used to be in a band so I still muck
Christmas but you think you won’t
making the Olympic team in 2000
get it and you open your present and
and then swimming at the Sydney
it is unexpectedly there. It was the
Olympics and winning a medal. It
best feeling, just really pure. And of
was all totally unexpected and just
course I have many great memories
felt magic - like a dream.
with my family and kids.
What do you value most in life?
What is your favourite Australian
I guess these days it’s really just
I’ve travelled around enough to
them to be happy and healthy. I
know that I just like spending time at
also value listening to the people
home. I think Newcastle is a great
I respect and look up to whether
place – the best. If we have spare
it’s in family, business or sport. They
time we might drive somewhere for a
say it’s better to learn from other
surf or go out to one of our favourite
people’s mistakes than from your
restaurants, like Restaurant II.
own. What is your most unforgettable personal experience?
I’ll buy the kids anything to do with surfing or music. What was your first job? Teaching swimming and doing odd jobs like gardening while I was still swimming at Arnold’s at The
Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
destination and why?
the health of my kids. We just want
mainly The Wiggles music I play to those rides at shopping centres, but
really want something particular for
Well definitely for me it would be
around a bit on the guitar. Now it’s the kids. I won’t put any money in
6
at a time. So it was easy with school
What is your best overseas experience? The Manchester (UK) Commonwealth
Something I can clearly remember
Games in 2002. It was magic
is being so excited when I won my
moments for me where I won 3
medal at the Olympics, that night I
individual Gold medals. I’ve been to
couldn’t sleep at all and I just stayed
some different places with swimming,
up watching TV and lying in bed
but I’m not usually one for sights. I
with my medal around my neck. To
would really love to go to Bali or the
best describe the feeling would be
Mentawais (Indonesia) for surfing one
like when you are young and you
day.
Career Highlights • Bronze Medalist Sydney 2000 Olympics, 200Fly • Triple Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist, Manchester 2002, 200Fly, 200IM, 400IM
Please describe your swimming academy and what it offers kids. We are a specialised swim school
Nowadays Justin is the Director of
focusing on learning to swim and
the successful Justin Norris Swim
stroke development. Our baby and
Academy, which specializes in Infant
toddler program is very strong and
Aquatics and Stroke Development.
we have many kids in our program that would be the top few for their age in Australia. We teach without floatation aids to ensure children have a better understanding of their limits and achieve correct positioning. We believe in low student to teacher ratios at appropriate levels so your child gets the attention they need. Our pools have been designed to ensure maximum progression for your child. A high performance UV treatment plant provides safe, clean water and special teaching ledges,
Justin and his wife, Brooke, had their first child early in 2005, a girl. In late 2005, Justin and Brooke opened the Justin Norris Swim Academy in Thornton, specialising in Learn-toSwim. The Academy won the Hunter Region BEC Business of the Year
• Australian Swim Team Member 1999 - 2005 • Held Commonwealth Record 200Fly Long Course, 400IM Long Course & Australian 200Fly Short Course • 10 Individual Long Course Australian Titles • Dual Olympian Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 Other Interesting Facts
a finalist in the Austswim Swim School
• Married to Brooke - They have two daughters & a son
of the Year awards and the Hunter Business Awards.
• Played lead guitar & performed in rock band ‘Slingshot’
Between 2007 and early 2009, Justin
• Ran a marathon in 2003
and Brooke welcomed 2 more
• Newcastle Young Citizen of the Year 2001 & Australia Day Ambassador 2003
children. They are very passionate about
water temperature of 32 degrees
infant aquatics and the ‘Justin Norris
all combine for the best possible
Swim Academy’ is regarded as a
aquatic learning environment. We
leading light in the new generation
welcome all ages and are open all
of swim schools. Justin Norris Swim Academy
About Justin
A: 6 Sandringham Ave
When he was swimming at the
Thornton 2322
highest level, Justin Norris was known
P: Po Box 327
as the ‘rock star’ of the Australian
Thornton NSW 2322
swim team. Known for his likeable
Ph: 02 4966 1411
personality and ‘never say die’
F: 02 4966 1458
attitude, Justin was a popular
www.justinnorrisswimacademy.com
member of the 2000 and 2004
• World Short Course Silver Medalist, Moscow 2002, 200Fly
Overall Award in 2008 and has been
ideal learning depths and ideal
year round.
• World Championship Bronze Medalist, Fukuoka 2001, 200IM
• Involved in soccer, surfing, surf lifesaving, & cricket as a child before focusing on swimming • He enjoys surfing, bodysurfing, computers, music & guitar playing • Has featured in a surfing video • Loves junk food - slurpees, thickshakes & frosty fruits • Has a huge appetite - food records (each in single sitting) 10 Big Macs, 40 Weet Bix & 100 Chicken Nuggets • Director of the Justin Norris Swim Academy, Thornton NSW • Ambassador for Swim Australia, RIDBC & Kidsafe
Olympic Teams.
www.getaheadkids.com.au
7
Technology
3 - 6 Year Olds &
Computers When is My Preschool Child Computer Ready?
The academic research on the
experience from computer
impact of pre-school computer
programs as long as they are
use on child development is often
relevant and concrete presentations
conflicting and inconclusive.
of the real world.
Based on Piaget’s theory, Brady
Ainsa (1989) examined the effects
and Hill (1984) and other researchers
of a computer curriculum among
❑❑ Is 3 years old or older
argued that, because of the abstract
children from low-income families
❑❑ Is interested in computer or TV
nature of computer programs and
and found that the computer
computer images, children should
curriculum led to increases in
be about 7 years of age before using
cognitive, motor, and language
computers.
scores.
Vygotsky argued that computers are
Li and Atkins (2004) found that
the physical and cultural tools that
children with access to a home
expand young children’s mental
computer performed significantly
tools. Other researchers concluded
better in preschool concepts, verbal
that children can gain meaningful
tasks and performance tasks relative to children who had less or no access to a computer.
Your child is computer ready when he/she:
❑❑ Focuses on computer or TV for at least 5 minutes ❑❑ Has fine motor skills - can touch, point & hold a pen ❑❑ Can follow verbal instructions ❑❑ Shows interest in exploring computer screens ❑❑ Enjoys sitting on your lap watching you work on the computer ❑❑ Likes playing with the computer mouse
8
Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Technology Checklist for Developmentally Appropriate Software 3-6 Year Olds
SuperKids took an in-depth
❑❑ It is age appropriate - age is
oriented storyline, where the
written on software package ❑❑ Has expanding complexity ❑❑ Includes simple, clear instructions ❑❑ Has high quality graphical features ❑❑ Allows for trial & error ❑❑ Child can control features allowing the child to set pace
look at programs targeted at kindergarteners [3 to 6 year olds]. Reader Rabbit’s Kindergarten [for ages 4 to 6] provides a goaluser must master 4 skill-building activities encompassing numbers, relationships, spatial reasoning, and memory. Dr. Seuss Kindergarten Deluxe [for ages 4 to 6] covers reading from learning the alphabet to sentence building and maths from number recognition to simple addition and
❑❑ Has real world images
subtraction.
❑❑ Objects & situations change &
Fisher-Price Ready for School
transform ❑❑ Program is visually interesting & fun ❑❑ Has a scientific framework ❑❑ Fosters child’s self-esteem ❑❑ Encourages creativity & problem solving
Kindergarten Edition [for ages 3 to 6] provides a loose collection of 10 activities ranging from the alphabet and simple math, to colouring, shape matching, and memorisation. JumpStart Kindergarten 2.0 [for ages 4 to 6] contains 18 activities aimed at fundamental skills including letter and sound recognition, counting and early math concepts, language, arts, time concepts and the calendar. www.superkids.com
SPECIAL OFFER!
30% Off 3Pommes 3Pommes French designer clothing are renowned for style & innovation. Offer expires 30 June 09
Perfect for Fashionable Kids & Mums With labels like Bèbè, Minihaha & Purebaby you will have the coolest tots in town!
JUNIORS for fashionable kids • newborn - twelve
Shop 20 Junction Fair Shopping Centre (Next to the Chemist)• 4969 3235 • www.juniorsfashion.com.au
www.getaheadkids.com.au
9
Technology
Hunter & Central Coast Private School
Websites Ratings As at 31 March 2009
MAP Marketing rated 23 Hunter
These ratings were entered on
Newcastle Grammar Schools came
and Central Coast private school
a spreadsheet, totalled and
fourth with an average score of 4.43
websites along 15 categories. The
averaged. The averaging factor
out of 5. Its website attracted high
basis of the rating was a score
was 15 (the number of categories)
ratings for language and content
systems from 0 - 5 with increments of
and the scores held the same for the
quality, online enquiries, information
0.5. The score of 3 was considered
overall ratings of the website and 3
quality, ease of finding information,
average, 5 was considered
was considered to be the average.
search function, que time, high
excellent.
St. Philips Christian Education
aesthetics, student portal, map, calendar of events and detailed
In some categories including having
Foundation topped the list with an
a search function, parent portal,
average score of 4.83 out of 5. Their
student portal and map, the school
website had high overall quality,
About 48% of the schools scored 3.0
either received a 5 for having
current information, easy navigation,
or better and 52% scored less than
that particular function or 0 that
high language and content
3.0.
indicated that the category was
information, high quality information,
missing from the website.
high aesthetics, quick loading time,
Categories That the Websites Were Rated 1. Overall Quality
student and parent portal, map, detailed curriculum and a calendar of events.
curriculum.
As websites are considered major sources of stakeholder and public communication, private schools need to undertake ongoing improvements in this area to
Macquarie College was a close
maintain their competitive edge
2. Currency of Information
second with an average score of
and community standing.
3. Image & Photo Quality
4.73 out of 5. Its website scored
4. Language & Content Quality
highly on overall quality, currency of
5. Online Enquiries 6. Information Quality
information, language and content quality, online enquries, ease of finding information, que time, search
7. Ease of Finding Information
function, aesthetics, student and
8. Aesthetics
parent portal, and map.
9. Location Map
Avondale School Cooranbong
10. Search Bar Function
came third with an average score
11. Loading/Que Time
of 4.67 out of 5. Its website scored
12. Student Portal
highly on overall quality, language
13. Parent Portal 14. Calendar of Events 15. Curriculum Outline
and content quality, image and photo quality, information quality, ease of finding information, que time, search function, aesthetics, student and parent portal, map and detailed curriculum.
10 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Schools rated can obtain more information from Maria Charlton MAP Marketing E: maria@mapmarketing.com.au P: 02 4929 7766
Technology
St. Philips Christian Education Foundation Ltd
4.83
What Type of Website Does Your School Have?
Macquarie College
4.73
An increasing number of schools
Avondale School Cooranbong
4.67
Newcastle Grammar School
4.43
stakeholders & the community.
Belmont Christian College
4.27
School websites were grouped
Maitland Christian School
4.20
according to the sophistication of
Hunter Valley Grammar School
4.00
their content & design.
Christadelphian Heritage College
3.77
Types of School Websites
Central Coast Grammar School
3.47
1. Disseminate information on the
Hunter Christian School
3.47
St. Joseph’s Catholic College
3.07
Green Point Christian College
2.90
St. Francis Xavier’s College
2.90
St. Peters’s Catholic College Tuggerah Lakes
2.83
Lakes Grammar
2.73
San Clemente High School
2.60
Charlton Christian College
2.53
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College
2.47
St. Mary’s High School
2.40
web structure & in the structure of
St. Pius X High School
2.57
their educational organisation &
Brightwaters Christian College
1.13
St. Paul’s Booragul
0.67
School Websites Rated N=23
Singleton Christian College
Average Rating (Max 5)
Website could not be accessed for rating
are using websites to promote their school & communicate to school
school’s curriculum & facilities 2. Inform & communicate by Intranet, email, chat rooms, message boards & blogs 3. Inform, communicate & entertain with features such as video, animation, graphics, podcasts, virtual tours & exhibition of students’ work 4. Inform, communicate, entertain & showcase innovation in education,
overall innovative practices Classification by Carmel Maio-Taddeo University of South Australia E: carmelina.maio-taddeo@unisa.edu.au
OPEN MORNING
Tuesday 23 JUNE 9am-12.30pm Visit Hunter Valley Grammar School on our Open Morning and experience for yourself the right learning environment. Classrooms from Preschool to Year 12 will be open for you to visit.
Staff will be on hand to help answer any questions you may have. Norfolk St Ashtonfield NSW 2323 P • 4934 2444 F • 4934 2404 E • registrar@hvgs.nsw.edu.au W • www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au
H U N T E R VA L L E Y G R A M M A R S C H O O L
www.getaheadkids.com.au
11
Technology
Above: One of many Wrecks & Rescues displays at the Maritime Centre
Changing
Maritime Technology Thrills Modern Families
Located in a heritage cargo shed at Lee Wharf, Newcastle, the Maritime Centre is a hub of converging transport technologies. Left: Kids can pretend to be a captain and navigate their way through Newcastle Harbour.
1. Navigation The new state of the art interactive displays at the Maritime Centre, are
Below: The Maritime Centre, Lee
computer driven but housed inside a
Wharf, Newcastle.
historical construction. Kids can pretend to be a ship’s captain, standing at the wheel, navigating their way out the Harbour. The monitor ahead shows the different areas around the harbour as they are today. There are also examples of the navigational technologies before GPS. Sextants and octants are on display with a wall showing the night sky and horizon.
12 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Technology 2. Wrecks & Rescues The stories of the crew’s bravery of the lifeboat “Victoria” are highlighted in an animated film using historic etchings and dramatic sound and light show. The “Victoria” was an example of
Maritime Centre Family Activities ❑❑ Captain Crumb’s Pirate Capers - Tuesday & Fridays 10.30am & 1.30pm ❑❑ Captain Crumb’s Pirate Capers as part of the Forum’s Kids Camp Wednesdays & Thursdays ❑❑ Fishing Clinic for over 5 years old - Thursdays at 10.30am off Lee Wharf
superb technology - just 13.5m long, she had a double skin of diagonal timber planking, with canvas sandwiched in between- making her strong and water tight. Battling mountainous waves, the twelve oarsmen and single coxain risked their lives to rescue the crews of stricken ships like the “Adolphe”. The helicopter rescue of the crew of the Pasha Bulker was indeed brave and spectacular, but it was no more amazing than the Rocket Cart’s rescue of the “Susan Gilmore” as it was washed ashore near Bar Beach. 3. Ship Building Above: One of the many model ships on display at the Maritime Centre.
Newcastle was a major ship building centre. The State Dockyard built 94 ships in 40 years. Some of these ships
Enquiries
such as the “Princess of Tasmania”
Libby Rodgers-McPhee
were of the highest technology of
The Maritime Centre
the time.
A: 3 Honeysuckle Drive Lee Wharf, Newcastle NSW
4. Coal Coal is the major export through Newcastle Port. Nothing demonstrates the changes in technology as well as the changing methods of coal loading. As technology improved, hand shovels were replaced with bulldozers, cranes by coal loaders fed by conveyor belts carrying the coal out over the massive bulk carriers.
P: 02 4929 2588 E: libby@maritimecentrenewcastle.org.au www.maritimecentrenewcastle.org.au xplore and experience the rich maritime history of Newcastle and the Hunter river, and learn about the Ports importance to the development of Australia. This innovative, world class Maritime Centre with the port as its backdrop, will transport you via a series of exciting interactive exhibits into the story of our harbour and the people and events. OPEN: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 10AM TO 4PM P: 02 4929 2588 www.maritimecentrenewcastle.org.au 3 Honeysuckle Drive, Lee Wharf, Newcastle, 2300
www.getaheadkids.com.au
13
Technology
Technology &
It is intriguing that kids now in kindergarten learn to use technologies foreign to many adults
Child Development… From a Chiropractor’s Perspective Dorte Bladt
and in the future will work in jobs that don’t exist today. As a chiropractor, I have been working with kids for the past twenty years. I am both excited and concerned about the impact of technology on child development. Our bodies are designed to move in different ways all the time, and every day. Movement gets our brains working and can circumvent kids becoming part of the national statistics of 40% children being overweight and 25% obese. About 90% of the stimulation to the brain comes from movement. This means that if we don’t move we can’t think as clearly as we need, we may not concentrate properly and we don’t develop our intelligence to our full potential. It can be difficult to balance the needs and the wants of a child that may be very keen on the Playstation, Nintendo, or X-box after a full day of sitting at school. What we need is movement, not necessarily structured exercise. All movements count including kicking a ball against the fence, rumbling with dad on the floor and walking the dog. Try to limit the sedentary child activity, including TV to one hour per day and make the child himself decide how that hour is spent watching one TV show for ½ hour after school - ½ hour X-box after dinner. Related to our lack of movement is the weak trunk and core muscle strength we are developing - we both parents and kids.
14 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Technology Standing and sitting straight is a
I have noticed a change in the
We prescribed specific exercises to
chore. Slouching feels normal and
type of problems facing children in
improve brain function and core
comfortable to us. But try this for a
my consultation rooms.
muscle strength. Within twelve months
moment; sit in the worst slouched position you can. Take a deep breath. Now straighten your spine, keep your head on top of your shoulders. Take a deep breath! You will notice the difference.
Twenty years ago kids were primarily coming in for colic and bedwetting. Now it is concentration difficulties, learning and behaviour issues. When assessing these children I have found a steady
Chris had improved in all areas of his life: His attention was better, his ability to complete tasks improved, his reading age increased, his handwriting became quicker, smaller and neater.
It is hard to fill your lungs properly
decline in their co-ordination and
His balance and coordination were
when slouched over. What effect
balance, which suggests that a
much better, making him run faster,
will that have on your oxygen
certain part of their brain is not
and much better at kicking the ball
intake? And how do you think
functioning as well as it should, and
in soccer. With these changes came
that is going to affect your
a lot of the work I do is focused on
improved self-esteem and confidence
concentration and ability to focus
making that area work better.
which again improved his social life.
and take knowledge in? Movement can help us develop the muscles to keep us upright, from gardening to walking to doing Pilates, playing netball and swimming. A simple, everyday thing we all can do is to get up from the sitting position every thirty minutes and take a walk around the room. Stretch your arms above your head,
Case Study of Eight Year Old Chris Chris came in to see me about a year ago. He was eight years old and had difficulty sitting still and concentrating at school. His handwriting was illegible. He was very smart and loved his computer, and spent hours on it after school every day.
It was a pleasure to see the real Chris emerge! Enquiries Dorte Bladt Doctor of Chiropractic Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown A: 2 Lincoln St, Charlestown NSW P: 02 4942 4842 www.familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au
and take a couple of deep breaths
His parents were at their wits end,
in. While you are up have a glass
having tried everything they could
of water. You will feel vitalised and
think of to help him, but with no
ready to get stuck into it again.
luck. The next step would be
Are you looking for quality education in a caring Christian environment?
medication, which they really did
Limited places available for 2009
new stresses on your eyes. Looking
not want to resort to.
at a screen is two dimensional and
When we assessed Chris we found
always at the same distance - about
that he had misalignments in his
30-50 cm. To develop proper sight
spine and the skull causing pressure
we need to be able to change our
on the nerves, that his gross and
focus from close to far and back,
fine motor skills were two years
look up, down and to the side and
behind for his age, and that his
develop depth perception in three
balance was very poor. He would
dimensions, so we can judge and
get wobbly just standing there
predict speed and end point of
when he closed his eyes. When we
moving objects like cars and balls.
started Chris on gentle Chiropractic
And we need to practice what
adjustments to relieve the pressure
action and movements will work
on the nerves and restore proper
best to for us in different situations.
function he started to improve.
This doesn’t happen in front of a
CALL 4979 8484 Sound learning for each individual in an affordable, natural setting
82468
The computer screen world places
A Year K – 12 Anglican School in the Diocese of Newcastle 256 MINMI ROAD, FLETCHER • PO BOX 294, WALLSEND 2287
www.btac.nsw.edu.au
computer, but roaming around, catching, throwing, running, walking and all movements.
www.getaheadkids.com.au
15
Technology
Decoding
Teen Technology It’s a scary world for teens today!
Teens chat about everything -
activities. Even when teens don’t
At an age when they are risk prone -
hobbies, social activities, school,
list their name and address, often
you as a family have to negotiate
sports, and topical issues. That seems
they provide enough personal
technologies that include Facebook
like innocent fun I can hear you say!
information for a paedophile to
and MySpace.
It can be but there may be many
use, deceiving their way into the
hidden dangers lurking. Parental
unsuspecting teens’ life.
You as a parent may never have heard of MySpace or Facebook but it’s a safe bet your teens have. These are social networking sites a cyber personal diary and social club. The biggest of them MySpace, has more than 50 million members and it’s one of the fastest growing websites. These sites are free, easy to join, and easy to send messages to members. MySpace is popular with teens around the world. Each teen creates his/her own page - a space
controls and lockouts may prevent some Internet perils. Even when you install parental controls on teenagers’ home computers, teens can access their profiles from friends’ computers, internet cafes or libraries.
Ernie Allen, President, the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (USA) states: “We want them to understand... that what they’re doing (when they post information about themselves online) is opening a window to
Past research of these social
people who may not have the best
websites has revealed incidences of
intentions.”
teenage binge drinking, apparent drug use, suicide poetry, teens posing in underwear or naked, simulating sex, and/or having sex.
Facebook and MySpace have a lower age limit (13) years of age or older. Any registration by, use of or access to the Site by anyone under
to express themselves and develop
Some teens have made public
13, is unauthorised, unlicensed and
online relationships.
their names, addresses, cell
in violation of the sites Terms of Use.
phone numbers and after school
16 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Technology
MySpace security monitors sites for
Internet images can never be
discrepancies in the stated age
deleted and may open teenagers to:
and will remove pages of underage members. If parents discover their underage child posts to a MySpace profile, the parent can send an com, and include information on the child’s member name and unique web address. MySpace will remove the profile.
privilege of accessing Facebook, it is wise to reserve the right to access their content and history. You as parents also need to insist that teens: ❑❑ Keep their profiles private and
Teenagers are prone to risky
not open to the public domain
behaviours so parents need to become tech savvy and negotiate the danger of unwise use of the
❑❑ Wisely choose friends they give access to their space confidential access
of public material will negatively impact on the teenagers:
protect all personal information ❑❑ Train teens to scan their friends’ pages for sensitive information ❑❑ Restrict weekly use to eleven hours or less ❑❑ Place a shutdown mechanism after the allocated hours Spytech SentryPC & WebWatcher SentryPC and WebWatcher lets
❑❑ Maintain decorum in the type of
• Potential employment prospects
❑❑ Teach children to password-
❑❑ Install monitoring solutions such as
❑❑ Give only trusted close friends
Internet. Inappropriate uploading
• Private school entry
• Cyber bullying If you allow your young teens the
email to customercare@myspace.
• Scholarship eligibility
• Dangerous liaisons
photography they upload ❑❑ Avoid using their page to gain popularity
you read emails, monitor chats and instant messages, as well as access to block certain web sites. More Information
❑❑ Educate teens to avoid posting
• Future life partners
content they don’t want viewed
• Future political prospects
by parents, principals, teachers,
www.wiredsafety.org
recruiters or predators
Increase TEEN Self Esteem Improve family relationships Create friendships Increase confidence & self esteem Reduce fear & stress Develop skills for tests & exams
Age s 12-1
C day i l o lH choo
Years 6-9
Weekend & S
5
s ourse
www.freetobeme.com.au ftbm@africa900.com 02 4982 1840
www.getaheadkids.com.au
17
News
Left: Matthew Filmer at the 2009 Hydro Tasmania Australian Rowing Championships.
Wins
Local Student at the Australian Rowing Championships Local Student Matthew Filmer, from Newcastle Grammar School won the
Matthew won his heat competing
Under 17 Men’s Single Scull final at the 2009 Hydro Tasmania Australian
in the largest event at the
Rowing Championships and Interstate Regatta held at Lake Barrington,
championships made up of 49
Tasmania!
entries. His time was the second fastest of the nine heats. The champion rower then progressed directly to the semi-finals on Wednesday where he won his semi-final but only in the 4th fastest time. The finals saw Matthew race against five other competitor schools round Australia including Kinross Wolaroi, Adelaide High School, North Esk School, Hutchins School and Mercantile School. The race was extremely close over the 2000m with Matthew coming second over the first 1500m to then row through to win by 0.69 seconds. Michelle O’Toole
Above: Matthew Filmer (middle) celebrating his win in the Under 17 Men’s Single Scull.
Communications Manager E: otom@ngs.nsw.edu.au www.ngs.nsw.edu.au
18 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Technology
101
110
000 1 0 1 0 1 010
011
010
100 001 0 1 0 11 011 010000 0 0 0 1 0 101 110010
Digital Pen Gives the Edge to
University Students
University students each have their own unique way of learning and retaining new information - be it through visual means, listening, writing or reading. Students, who learn best through listening, greatly benefit from the release of a new digital pen, the Pulse Smartpen® from Livescribe. Pulse Smartpen® is a pen, recording device and a computer, which records everything you hear and links it to what you write on a specifically designed Livescribe dot paper notebook. Using this devise to take notes in lectures or meetings, means that you are actually recording the conversation at the same time, giving you a full and detailed record that can be referred back to at any time.
To go back and review a lecture or a conversation, you simply tap on your notes to replay the recording of exactly what was said at the time of writing, so you never miss a word you hear, write or speak. Both the text and audio can be transferred to a computer, saving a detailed record of the lecture, conversation or meeting. It’s easy to search for words within the notes, and both the written data and audio can be converted into files and shared with others online.
Each Pulse Smartpen® pack includes the digital pen, software, a 3D recording headset, memory, 100 sheet paper notebook, a USB mobile charging cradle, the Smartpen® case, two black fine point ink cartridges, and easy to understand instructions on how to get started. The Pulse Smartpen® is available with 1GB (about $249) and 2GB (about $329) of memory. Buy Online at www.officeworks.com.au
Using a Pulse Smartpen® means that you can always go back to your notes to check exactly what was said, giving students that extra edge when it comes to revising for their exams.
www.getaheadkids.com.au
19
Technology
The RoboCup
Challenge The University of Newcastle’s
Only the 16 most experienced teams
NUManoids are the first world
from around the world were invited
champions of the new Nao
to compete in the new league.
Standard Platform League at the
Newcastle was one of two Australian
2008 RoboCup competition, held in
teams.
Suzhou China.
In the new Nao Standard Platform
The NUManoids beat a combined
League (SPL), the soccer game is
American team from Carnegie
played in 10 minute halves. Each
Mellon University and Georgia Tech
team has three robots on the
in a penalty shootout to take out the
field including the goalkeeper.
final.
A substitute is available on the
The University of Newcastle teamed up with the National University of Ireland to form the NUManoids
sidelines in case of injury. Two of the robots are currently in Newcastle, with the other two are in Ireland.
and program the recently released
These new robots have presented
Aldebaran Nao robot.
a number of challenging research
The Standard Platform League replaced the Four-Legged League, in which the University of Newcastle reached international fame for its
tasks and given us an indication of the direction this type of robotics research will take in the next two to five years.
success with the soccer playing robotic dogs.
Above: The 2008 Nao SPL finalists - the NUManoid team (left) and GTCMUnited’08 (right).
20 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Technology
Nao is a medium sized, autonomous,
The aim of the Nao League
programmable humanoid robot,
research is to develop software
developed by the French company
which will improve team play for
Aldebaran Robotics, a start-up
humanoid robots. There are still
headquartered in Paris.
massive challenges ahead such as
On August 15, 2007, Nao replaced the robot dog as the standard platform for the RoboCup, an international robotics competition.
controlling a stable bi-ped walk, reliable ball detection, localisation, and team behaviour. The ultimate aim of the NUManoids is to develop and program robots that can
The Naos are humanoids, that is,
support humans with routine, as well
bi-pedal robots with a bodyshape
as dangerous and expert tasks.
inspired by the human body. The competition in the SPL is about software development in order to control fully autonomously playing robots.
Amazing Performances For All Ages Parties & Occasions Schools & Preschools
Enquiries Jenny Taylor University of Newcastle P: 02 4921 6163 www.newcastle.edu.au Call Now 4942 3593 www.jd4magic.com Professional, Affordable & Fun
www.getaheadkids.com.au
21
Green Issues
Families & Schools Benefit from
Rainwater Tank Installation Rainwater Tanks & Collection
• Householder / Plumber Checklist
Hunter Valley Grammar School
Systems
• Measures to ensure child safety
(HVGS) has installed two
Rainwater storage tanks have been a highly successful source of harvesting water supplies for isolated properties, small communities and in rural areas of Australia for over 200 years. However, in city areas there are other factors that need to be considered to ensure that the
to reduce the risk of accidental
underground 120,000 litre tanks for
drinking & drowning
the irrigation of grounds/sporting
• Ensure that rainwater tanks are correctly installed • Roofing & plumbing systems are suitable for rainwater harvesting • Enough regional rainfall needs to
ovals. This school estimates that it will save 5 million litres of town water per annum. This is expected to reduce run off into external drainage systems and improve water recycling. The project demonstrates
be available to warrant rainwater
to students environmental
tank installation
responsibilities. The project valued at in excess of $200k of which $90k was
rainwater you harvest can be used
During the past 9 months in the
to its full potential. Water quality is a
Hunter and Sydney regions, a family
potential problem if the roofing and
of four would have had enough
guttering systems are not correctly
Metroll Newcastle assisted St James
rainwater harvested in to complete
installed due to:
Primary to install two rainwater tanks
all the laundry washing and toilet
under their Cola and provided
flushing uses.
the correct roofing and guttering
• Atmospheric pollution
financed from grants.
infrastructure to catch the rainwater.
• Bird & possum droppings
Families and schools can gain
• Insects & other small animals
access to Rainwater Tank incentives
www.greenplumbers.com.au
the State, Federal Governments
www.environment.nsw.gov.au
• Toxic roofing materials & paints Deciding Whether to Install Rainwater Tanks?
and Local Government grants and allowances. With assistance of the Australian
A roofing specialist can advise how
Government’s community water
a rainwater tank can:
grants, Newcastle Grammar School
• Save you money on water bills
has launched an environmental project to save 3 million litres of
• Help the environment
water per year. Four large rainwater
• Collect & conserve water supplies
tanks have been installed on the
from the rain • Help in fighting fire
school’s park campus site to capture and retain rainwater that will then be harvested and used to flush school toilets.
22 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Green Issues
Above: With the help of Metroll Newcastle, St James Primary installed two rainwater tanks under their cola.
Multiuse Rainwater Tanks Metroll Rainwater Tanks Are Made From AQUAPLATE® Steel: Are long lasting & easy to maintain Come in a variety of Colorbond ® colours Have fire & UV resistant qualities Provide superior corrosion resistance Come with matching rainwater accessories Can be warranted for up to 20 years Built to rigorous Australian Standard AS 2070
FREE Quote Use Online Enquiry Form www.metrollnewcastle.com.au email@newcastle.metroll.com.au
P 02 4954 5799
The Traditional, Slimline & Modular Shape Tanks Can Be Used For: Family drinking water Family washing Livestock & animal drinking water Bushfire protection Gardening Commercial uses Community water supplies Newcastle
Metroll
Rainwater Tank Rebates: Federal Govt Rebates of up to $500 NSW Govt Rebates up to $1500 Schools Rebates of up to $2,500
www.getaheadkids.com.au
23
Education & Training
Doorway Into Practical Literacy
Programme
Later Stage 1 for Year 2
The Later Stage 1 DIPL Program
Why the DIPL program stands out
[ Ages 7 - 8 Years ]
includes:
from other literacy systems:
The DIPL system focuses on
• Instruction Manual
• It has been designed to help
developing and using good
• Teacher’s Reference Folders A,
processing skills and rules in a logical, sequential manner. This outcome based literacy program includes workbooks, answer teacher
B&C • Resource Folder - Photocopying Material • Compact Discs
reference books and audio tapes.
the child develop & use good listening & auditory processing skills • It focuses on improving the child’s use of out loud verbalising • It develops good spelling,
The program is complex and is
grammar, writing skills &
The Later Stage 1 DIPL Program
challenging for any review to
comprehension skills
develops & improves:
do it justice. It is a program that
• Sound processing
educators and students need to use
The methods used to achieve these
to evaluate its tremendous impact.
are rich in variety and scope. For
• Use of knowledge & rules to read/ spell unknown words • Recognition & use of good sentence structures
example an auditory activity used Edgeworth Heights Public School
to reinforce describing words has
principal stated: “Students enjoy the
been reprinted opposite, with the
structured activities... (they) ask if
permission of DIPL.
• Recognition & use of punctuation
they can do DIPL work when finished
• Recognition & use of grammatical
other activities.”
Doorway Into Practical Literacy P: +61 (0)2 4957 8992
structures • Editing for spelling & punctuation
Caves Beach Public School states:
F: +61 (0)2 4952 1539
• Concept grouping
“Year 3... 80% of class in top 2 bands
E: dipl@dipl.com.au
• Opportunity to acquire & use sight
in Basic Skills Test.”
www.dipl.com.au
words
24 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Education & Training
This auditory activity allows students to complete a fun dot-to-dot by teachers referring to their resource booklet. The activities include finding describing words, rhyming words and identifying words as well as sounds. Š 2000 Doorway To Learning
www.getaheadkids.com.au
25
Education & Training
Children’s Literature is
Not “Mere Kids’ Stuff” Sarah Gregg Minslow
I’d like to encourage parents to read! It might seem silly to say “parents” rather than children, but one of the best ways to get kids to read is to read with them. Whatever attitude you display towards reading your child is likely to adopt. Too often parents make reading with their children a task to be dreaded as much as homework or bedtime. I have encountered numerous children who would rather eat broccoli or go to the dentist than read a book aloud with an adult. What’s the big deal?
Reading out loud with your kids can
Pick books with characters your
Children’s books are not “mere
help build their confidence in their
child can identify with or about
kids’ stuff.” They can be powerful
own abilities to recognise sounds
subjects they are interested in; from
purveyors of information and are
and pronounce words correctly. It
spiders to superstars you are bound
important for revealing cultural
can also alert you to any potential
to find something relevant. If you
ideologies and stereotypes. For this
literacy problems your child may
don’t know what to read with your
reason, it is important that you do
face.
children, ask a librarian or teacher
not approach children’s books as if
for recommendations or have a
they are simple stories. Most of the
look online for best-selling children’s
time, if you read children’s books
books. You could even think of
critically, you will find that they can
books you enjoyed reading as a kid.
be rich in irony and humour and
If your kid brings home Dr. Suess’s Green Eggs and Ham for the fifteenth time, put on a happy face, and relish in playing with phonetics and word repetition. If you make reading an enjoyable experience, your kids will most likely
It’s a good idea to set aside a special time for reading so your child comes to expect it, and then
that they explore issues from climate change and the Holocaust to sexuality and corporate control.
make the experience of reading
There is a rich world of books out
a game. Let your child guess what
there waiting for parents to share an
The key is to select a good book.
will happen next or explain who
enjoyable reading experience with
It is doubtful that a child will like a
their favourite characters are and
their children.
book that reads, “If you are mean
why. Take turns reading pages or
to the other kids at school, you will
let your child “read” the pictures
be punished. If you are nice, you will
and make up a story of their own.
be rewarded.” Kids know that this
When the book concludes discuss
sort of poetic justice does not always
any important themes or questions
eventuate.
from the book. Even after reading
enjoy reading time.
time is over, refer back to books your children particularly enjoyed so your kids become used to talking about books with others.
26 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Sarah Gregg Minslow PhD Candidate University of Newcastle Callaghan, Australia
Reviews
Aussie Animals
Five in the Bed This is a great first book for 0-2 year olds. With the help of five velvet finger puppets, the Velcro attached book tells the story of Koala, Cockatoo, Emu and Wombat falling out of the bed leaving Roo alone and lonely. The animals then join Roo back in bed to keep him company. Great experiential read! Author & Illustrator: Clare Dowe Age Guide: 0 - 2 years Extent: 6 pages (Board back + Hand puppet) ISBN: 9781741693119 Release Date: April 2009 Price: AUD$19.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au
If you see a hole, don’t think you’re a mole, walk in the opposite direction and report your detection.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE PHONE 1800 248 083 www.minesub.nsw.gov.au
82507
MOLE MAURIE A HAS
Putting service and the needs of people first.
www.getaheadkids.com.au
27
Activity Zone
Technology
Scramble Unscramble each of the clues below. Then copy the letters in the numbered cells to the cells with the same number at the bottom to reveal the answer to the question.
MORNTOI 6
1
16
MOPURECT 8
13
ALIEM 14
ETINTERN
For all the activity answers visit www.getaheadkids.com.au
3
RUVIS 11
BEWEIST 10
WOODLAND 4
7
OMSUE 5
12
TACH MOOR 9
2
17
15
YEBT 18
Q: What does RAM stand for in computer terms? 1
2
3
4
5
6
28 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Activity Zone
Spot the
Difference
Can you find 10 differences in the pictures below?
www.getaheadkids.com.au
29
SUBSCRIBE Receive a Hunter Food & Wine Book Free
Reviews
RRP $55.00 It’s easy to order! Go to our website www.getaheadkids.com.au or Complete the form below and attach payment (if applicable) and post to Get Ahead Kids, Villa Franca, 2 Scott Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 of fax to (02) 4929 7827.
Scrimshaw Author: Nazam Anhar
Yes, please register or renew my subscription of Get Ahead Kids starting with the NEXT AVAILABLE ISSUE: Me
Illustrations: Blueboat Before beginning University, 16 year
Gift
old Nathan Whitford embarks on his
RATE 1yr - 6 Issues:
$27.00
2yrs - 12 issues:
$47.00
first ever sea voyage with his father, surgeon and amateur botanist, on board the ship ‘Pioneer’.
MY DETAILS Mrs/Ms/Miss/Mr (Name)
The educational expedition through
Address
the unknown exotic wilderness of the Amazon, was meant to broaden
State Phone ( Fax (
his worldly wisdom and experiences.
Post Code
My Extraordinary Life & Death
)
)
Author: Doug MacLeod
AND/OR SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO:
Illustrator: Grant Gittus Graphics
Mrs/Ms/Miss/Mr (Name) Address
This book illustrates the quirky youth, education, married life and ultimate death of Doug MacLeod. Written by
State
Post Code
PAYMENT DETAILS Cheque/Money Order Please make cheque payable to MAP Marketing. Send to: MAP Marketing, Villa Franca, 2 Scott St, Newcastle NSW 2300 Direct Deposit
a deceased author, it is only fitting that the illustrations are in sepia. The people and the life events are left
Instead Nathan is ambushed and kidnapped by the infamous Captain Graham and his bloodthirsty crew. Aboard Captain Graham’s pirate ship, he learns the art of navigation and shows courage in resisting temptations and staying true to his beliefs. Spurred on by his father’s wise words “Where there’s life, there’s hope”, Nathan carefully plots a plan to escape execution.
field. This is an entertaining book with
‘Scrimshaw’ is a fast paced novel,
poignant photographic mementos.
full of adventure and frightening
Very entertaining!!!
encounters with pirates. It will keep
Age Guide: 6+ years Extent: 144 pages
you interested and entertained with its many unexpected twists and turns, right to the very end.
Please use name/company as reference.
(Gatefold Softback)
Account Name: MAP Marketing BSB: 804050 Account Number: 101 20 992
ISBN: 9781876462796
Age Guide: 9+ years
Price: AUD$19.95
Extent: 313 pages (Paperback)
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing
ISBN: 9781741693386
P: 03 9481 1120
Release Date: March 2009
www.fordstreetpublishing.com
Price: AUD$17.99
Please photocopy coupon for additional gift subscriptions. Offer ends 31.12.09 Please tick if you do not wish to receive marketing offers from Get Ahead Kids and its sponsors.
30 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Publisher: Scholastic Press P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au
Motorbike Bob Author: Darrel & Sally Odgers Illustrator: Janine Dawson This animal hospital story is told by Trump, a Jack Russell Terrier that is a major assistant to Dr Jeanie, a vet at Pet Vet Clinic. Trump calls herself the vet’s Animal Liaison Officer (A.L.O) and explains the day to day routine
The book has an adventurous story line with educational slant and it aims at teaching children how to look after their pets, especially dogs. Definitions down the side of the pages make it easier for kids to understand new words and improve their vocabulary e.g Clowder (CLOUD-er) - a group of cats.
of helping sick animals both in the
The black & white illustrations and
Age Guide: 6 - 9 years
clinic and out on the farms.
maps help to portray the characters
Extent: 91 pages (Paperback)
and paint a clearer picture.
ISBN: 9781741693553
Trump meets new animals’ everyday. When she meets
Best features of this book were how
Motorbike Bob, a border collie that
savvy Trump is portrayed to be and
becomes involved in a motorbike
her caring relationships with other
accident with his owner, Trump
animals especially Motorbike Bob.
needs to step up and become the
The happy ending will touch every
best A.L.O she can be!
reader’s heart.
Zen Tails: The Know It All Author: Peter Whitfield Illustrations: Nancy Bevington
Release Date: February 2009 Price: AUD$9.99 Publisher: Scholastic Press for Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au
“It does not cost any more to help our environment at NCP Printing.”
This book is a story with a moral about people who know it all, end up having a disaster. The main character is the lazy ginger cat ‘Furball’ that avoids activities and experiences because she knows Age Guide: 5 - 10 years Extent: 28 pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781921042331 Release Date: March 2009 Price: AUD$19.95 Publisher: New Frontier Publishing
it all. Beautifully illustrated this story will appeal to children as well as adults. It is an excellent book for parents to read aloud to their children.
P: 02 9453 1525
This book is one in the series of Zen
www.newfrontier.com.au
Tails philosophical stories that are adapted and illustrated for children.
17 Arnott Street Newcastle West NSW 2302 Tel: 02 4926 1300 Fax: 02 4926 5557 Email: sales@ncp.com.au Web: www.ncp.com.au
Cert no. SCS-COC-001371
These books cover basic questions that each of us face in the journey through life.
www.getaheadkids.com.au
31
Reviews Oliver Nocturne Series Author: Kevin Emerson
Book 1 - The Vampire’s Photograph Beneath a deserted house on
As the story continues, Oliver is
Twilight Lane live the Nocturnes, a
drawn further into the human world.
normal vampire family consisting
The friendship between Emalie, her
of a father, mother and two sons.
cousin Dean (who reluctantly trusts
The youngest son, Oliver, is a typical
Oliver) and Oliver grows stronger,
teenage vampire who has been
and leads them on a dangerous
suffering from insomnia. One day he
quest to uncover the mystery of
wakes up to discover a human girl,
Oliver’s existence and find his life’s
Emalie, sneaking around upstairs
purpose.
photographing the abandoned
It seems that Oliver is a little more
‘The Vampire’s Photograph’ is
human than he first realises. His story
the first of five books in the Oliver
has only just begun. This book will
The adventure begins when Emalie
Nocturne adventure series. This is
leave you hanging and wanting
unknowingly takes a photo of Oliver.
not your typical vampire novel; it’s
more.
Once it’s developed, a grey blur
a bizarre modern interpretation
appears where he should have
mixed with traditional vampiric
been. Oliver wonders if this is the
values. Vampires are still affected
reason why his parents warned him
by sunlight and wooden stakes,
that cameras were dangerous…
however they are not ‘born’ by
although it seemed they were only
being bitten on the neck and as
to him and if it had anything to do
the young vampires mature they
with his “routine” visits to the doctor.
connect with their vampire ‘demon’
rooms.
spirits allowing them access to other
Age Guide: 9+ years Extent: 209 pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781741693843 Release Date: March 2009 Price: AUD$14.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au
worlds and supernatural powers.
Book 2 - The Sunlight Slayings In the second half of the Nocturne adventure, Oliver finds himself reunited with Emalie and Dean, who after being murdered has been summoned as a zombie. The trio set out to uncover not only who is behind the mysterious return of Dean, but also who is responsible for the unusual slayings of vampire children using sunlight, which is rocking the vampire community. Full of the same action and adventure displayed in the first, ‘The Sunlight Slayings’ takes you through a mystifying supernatural journey, complete with powerful magic, smoky black wraiths and secret human organisations Age Guide: 9+ years
that fight against the Vampires. This book is a great sequel to ‘The Vampire’s
Extent: 218 pages (Paperback)
Photograph’ and due to the same release date as the first, readers are lucky
ISBN: 9781741693850
not to be kept in suspense for long.
Release Date: March 2009 Price: AUD$14.99
Unfortunately, readers who are now caught up in the excitement of Oliver’s
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
adventure in discovering about his past and what’s outlined in his destiny, will
P: 02 9416 4000
have to wait for the next installment.
www.scholastic.com.au
32 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
Our Pick
The Wrong Book Author & Illustrator: Nick Bland Nicholas Ickle tells an elephant, a monster, queen, rats and a pirate to go away because they are in the wrong book. This leaves Nicholas with the dilemma of being left alone not knowing what the book is about. The illustrations in this book are splashed with colour. The story and expressive characters are bound to appeal to 4+ year olds. Age Guide: 4+ years Extent: 32 pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781741693409 Release Date: March 2009 Price: AUD$26.99 Publisher: Scholastic Press P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au
My Aussie Mum Author: Yvonne Morrison Illustrator: Nicola Bright A rhyming story of the life of an Aussie Mum told with humour and sprinkled with Australian colloquialism. The colourful illustrations are funny and action packed. This is a highly recommended gift for reading to your 2-5 year old. Age Guide: 3 - 8 years Extent: 22 pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781741692297 Release Date: April 2009 Price: AUD$15.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000
Each rhyming couplet begins with the great qualities of the Aussie Mum but the illustrations in the story show funny contradictions. The book ends with the truism that this Mum is great.
EU R FIR YO S S O B • Gain Financial Freedom • Work Your Own Hours • Improve Your Lifestyle • Nurture Your Growing Family
ARE YOU READY FOR A CHANGE? Phone 044 888 3838 Now! aprec8@unifiedwealthsolutions.com
www.scholastic.com.au
www.getaheadkids.com.au
33
Index
Get Ahead Kids
Advertisers Index
2009
Aprec8 Pty Ltd 33
Feature Article Themes
January/February Back to School
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College
15
Custom Transportable Buildings
2
Free To Be Me
17
Get Ahead Learning
36
Hunter Valley Grammar School
11
Languages
JD’s World of Magic
21
Ad booking Deadline Feb 20 Editorial Deadline Feb 27
Juniors For Fashionable Kids
9
The Maritime Centre - Lee Wharf
13
May/June
Metroll Pty Ltd (Newcastle)
23
Technology
Mine Subsidence Board
27
Ad booking Deadline Mar 30 Editorial Deadline Apr 6
NCP Printing 31
Ad booking Deadline Dec 12 Editorial Deadline Dec 19
March/April
For more advertising information contact Maria Charlton MAP Marketing maria@mapmarketing.com.au P: 02 4929 7766 Media kit also available from www.getaheadkids.com.au
Edu cat iona
l Mag azin e
Vol. 1 • No. 4 • Jul/A ug 09
July/August
Learning Innovations Ad booking Deadline Jun 1 Editorial Deadline Jun 8
September/October Exams
Ad booking Deadline Jul 27 Editorial Deadline Aug 3
Next
Issue
November/December Summer Learning
Ad booking Deadline Sep 28 Editorial Deadline Oct 5
Features: Learning Innovations Spotlight: Jackie French
To contribute an article email maria@mapmarketing.com.au
Award winning Australian Author.
Next Issue Out July 2009 34 Get Ahead Kids May/Jun 09
0011100010 101
011 0 01
001
000 101 010
01 0
High Impact Websites
1 10
0 10
10 1
01 0
00
11
00 1 0 0 10
0 0 01 1101
1000
01 01 0 0
00 101 1 1 001
11 1001 0 0 0 1 0 101
011 1 0 101 000
0 0 00 00 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 01 10 101001010100 01001110001010101 101001111
0 1 0 001 0 1
0011110100101010
0010
01110001
1 00 1 00
10 10 10
010101100100100010010101
• Online marketing consultation • Web design & development • Practical, functional & aesthetic websites • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) • New business or existing website updates
MAP Marketing Villa Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300 P +61 2 4929 7766 | F +61 2 4929 7827 E maria@mapmarketing.com.au
www.mapmarketing.com.au
00
101
0
01010
BEST VALUE SPEECH THERAPY SERVICES IN TOWN - GET AHEAD SPEECH THERAPY NOW AT PORT STEPHENS
Have you noticed your child...
Get Ahead Speech Therapy can help you in many ways: Speech sounds Has trouble expressing their needs Language - expressive & and thoughts? receptive Is not speaking like other children Social Skills of the same age? Phonological awareness Does not appear to listen carefully? Attention & memory Is struggling to keep up with Literacy literacy skills at school? Processing & comprehension Uses different sounds in place of Oral muscle exercises the correct ones? Apraxia of speech Has not yet developed appropriate social skills? Ask about Stumbles or repeats sounds in Health Care Rebates words? Helping children with Autism Family discounts No referral & no waiting list Part of a multidisciplinary team WINNER participating in the Medicare HUNTER REGION Allied Health Initiative BUSINESS Formal Assessments EXCELLENCE Report at no extra cost AWARDS 2008 Individual or group therapy School/preschool visits Community visits
Our friendly and experienced Speech Pathologists provide high quality, award winning Get Ahead Speech Therapy services to our new clinic at Nelson Bay, located at 91 Stockton St (with the Skin Cancer Clinic and Hunter Hearing).
Testimonial “We are happy with the progress Gabby has made this year and this reflects on her improvement both at school and socially. She is a more confident and happy little girl.” Kathy & Glenn Taylor Ashtonfield 19/1/09
Proven Results Programs are positive and skillsorientated. Use of accelerated and multi-sensory techniques maximise student attention and motivation.
Professional Tutors The tutors are qualified and experienced to help your child learn what is relevant and current. We follow the current NSW Curriculum guidelines.
Personal Attention Every student gets ahead in learning from personalised tuition programs that are individualised.
SPEECH ASSESSMENTS JULY 6 - 25 Get Ahead Speech Therapy will be conducting half price assessments between July 6 - 25. These sessions will be held at ALL OF OUR CLINICS, minimising the impact of testing on school and preschool timetables. A full assessment report is included in the cost. DON’T DELAY! POSITIONS ARE LIMITED
MORE INFO PHONE 1300 657 220 | speech@getaheadlearning.com.au Port Stephens • East Maitland • Charlestown • Lake Macquarie • Newcastle School Readiness
HALF PRICE
Phone 1300 657 220 before 27 June 2009 (quote code ‘HALF JULY’ for offer)
Designed to assist Preschool children make the best transition from Preschool to Kindergarten, Mrs Penn’s School Readiness programs are based on proven educational research and support current NSW Kindergarten curriculum.
With Mrs Penn’s School Readiness Tuition you give your child the best start in: Reading Writing Concentration Confidence Science Phonics Literature Appreciation Mathematics
K to Adult Programs
Languages
Bilingual Dolls
You are never too old to learn a language for pleasure, business or travel. Italian Japanese German Mandarin Spanish French Others on request 4 Years to Adults All Levels HSC Travellers Parent/Child Lessons Fun and Rewarding Gain a skill for life
This is a great way to teach your child (3yrs+) a second language using the comfort of a bilingual doll (40cm). With the press of a palm, the doll says an English word or phrase followed by the selected second language. The timing is perfect for saying out loud with your child both language versions. A written translation booklet that helps your child become familiar with the written words accompanies each doll.
English Years 7-12 All Levels Mathematics Years 7-12 Junior Science Years 7-10 Physics Biology Chemistry Languages History Business Studies Reading Programs Phonics Programs Selective High School Exams Scholarship Preparation University Entrance Workforce Exams Study Skills Essay Writing ADD, ADHD, LD special attention & support Holiday Lessons HSC Workshops Exam Supervision / Invigilation
Readiness Activities aims to prepare your child for more formal school learning. Designed to cater for the individual needs of the child, lessons are structured to include 1-2 students per session.
Enrol now
Order online
FREE INFO PACK PHONE 4946 7277 enquiries@getaheadlearning.com.au | www.getaheadlearning.com.au East Maitland Centre - Suite 18C, 121 Lawes Street | Charlestown Centre - 53 Dickinson Street - Opposite Council Pool Eleebana Centre - 20 Anglers Place | Port Stephens Centre - 91 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay