Get Ahead Kids

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

)

)

Email

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