Get Ahead Kids Magazine - Vol 6, No. 6, November/December 2014 by MAP Marketing

EDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 6 • No. 6 • Nov/Dec 2 014

Summer Holiday Fun Non Boring Reading for and by Beaut Blokes A Summer Guide to Preparing for University

An Interview with

r e g u r K Sonia

November/December 2014 Subscription $6.60 AUD INC GST 06

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Nov/Dec 2014

Contents

This Month’s

Spotlight

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

Editorial

Spotlight An Interview with Sonia Kruger Reference

An Interview with Sonia Kruger Photos courtesy of Channel Nine.

Summer Learning 12

Summer Holiday Fun

Non Boring Reading for and by Beaut Blokes

A Summer Guide to Preparing for University

Kids®

Get Ahead © MAP Marketing 2014 Publisher MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St. Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4929 7766 www.getaheadkids.com.au Managing Editor Maria Charlton MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St. Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

Major NSW/ACT Boarding Schools’ Research

Special 18

The Importance of Strong Female Characters for Young Girls

Maintaining a Healthy Marriage during High Stress Court Cases

Why Who Wears the Pants Doesn’t Matter: Modern Relationship Roles Redefined

Why Our Kids Know More about Technology than Us Health

Stand Up Straight!

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis News

Learn Ballet Like Angelina Ballerina at Baby Ballerinas & Co

Graphic Design Katie Hurst MAP Marketing P: 02 4929 7766

Tips for Containing Legal Costs in Family Law Proceedings

After Hours Home Visit Doctor Service Expands

New Caring Touch Dental Practice

Advertising Maria Charlton MAP Marketing ABN 38 003 493 007 Villa Franca, 2 Scott St. Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

Dance Classes in a Friendly Environment

Seriously Professional

Poppy’s Home & Garden Is More Than a Nursery

The Early Years Centre

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.

Giveaways 11

Googly Eyes™ Board Game Facebook Giveaway

Medikidz JIA Book Reader Giveaway

LeapPad3 Reader Giveaway

Reviews

Advertisers Index

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Editorial Sonia Kruger was one of the most enjoyable celebrities I have interviewed for Get Ahead Kids. Families with children who have aspirations for becoming media personalities, need to read Sonia’s advice.

Check out the numerous giveaways that include LeapPads, Googly Eyes Game and Medikidz books on JIA. I am very grateful to all the companies that have provided giveaways both for this issue and past issues.

Enjoy the Summer Learning articles that include fun holiday activities for teenage girls, preparing for university and tips for encouraging boys to read. The Medikidz article on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) provides invaluable information on this condition in an entertaining way.

After 6 years my time with Get Ahead Kids has come to an end. I am grateful for the support of all the advertisers and contributors. I extend a special thanks to you the readers for your interest and great feedback. Maria Charlton Managing Editor P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au www.mapmarketing.com.au

SAT 17 - SUN 18 JANUARY Newcastle Civic Theatre Civic Theatre Box office or 02 4929 1977, 132 849 or ticketek.com.au

For ticketing and event information

livenation.com.au • abc.net.au/abcevents © All characters licensed to their respective brand owners © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2014

Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

ON SALE NOW

Spotlight What did you want to be when you were growing up? My friend in Year 1 wanted to be a nurse, so I thought she would be a nurse and I would have been a doctor. I still have a bit of a fascination of all things medical. I love the medical shows that are on TV now such as Dr. Oz. I am also a bit of a diagnosis queen, I love to “diagnose” my friends’ illnesses. What was your favourite subject at school and why?

Photo courtesy of Channel Nine.

Definitely not maths! Eventually English became my favourite subject. It wasn’t until I was in late primary school, I had a teacher who said that I was very good at storytelling. He suggested to my mother that I become a journalist. At that stage I didn’t know what a journalist was. I was always an avid reader as a child. I read all of the Enid Blyton books; my mother had the whole collection. Please tell us about your family. I have an older sister and a younger brother. My mother is one of 17 reared in a very big, farming family from Queensland. She is the second youngest. As they were quite a poor family, they didn’t really have the opportunity for higher education. It was a privilege to go onto secondary high school, let alone university. So I was the first person in my immediate family, to complete a university degree. It’s interesting to see how times have changed since then. Now we see a university degree as much more common. What has been your most rewarding career experience?

An Interview with

Sonia Kruger

It’s what I do right now. I never expected to have a career in the media that was as far reaching as its become. I thought maybe I could etch out a living somewhere along the line. Once I left the showbiz world (after doing theatre, film and a bit of drama), I moved into TV as a journalist (working for ‘Today Tonight’, ‘11AM’, ‘MORNINGS’), I feel like I’ve found where I belong. I love the immediacy of television, especially live TV. I’m not very good at long term kind of projects. I tend to work well under pressure, which is why TV suits me.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Spotlight What career would you have hated to pursue? Probably accounting as I don’t have that mathematical, analytical mindset. You either have a creative or logical brain. I am definitely lacking whichever the side of the brain relates to mathematics. Who is your biggest inspiration and why? When I was a lot younger I was an avid viewer of ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday’, like most in Australia. I loved it; I watched it every Saturday night. I remember watching Jacki McDonald, I loved her. She was an inspiration because she was such a happy person and loved what she was doing. Now there are other people that I find inspirational, both here in Australia and overseas. I am inspired by female journalists in America who work in their 60s and 70s, even 80s. If you love what you do, there is no need for retirement. What advice would you give someone seeking a career in the media/ television industry? It’s really important to put your hand up to do work experience, once you get to Years 11 and 12 when it’s part of the curriculum. We have work experience people coming through all of the time. Some of them stay long enough to actually be offered a job. You have to be prepared to work for a few years for nothing, but it’s really part time work and you’re learning the ropes as you go. Find your speciality within the media, it may be sports, finance or entertainment. Whatever the genre is, it is always good to have a speciality because it will set you apart from other reporters. We are always looking for experts to talk about certain subjects. It is always good to have a second string to your bow. Finally, most importantly once you do get your foot in door, learn all of the trade. Learn how write, edit, and script a story, time code, write a promo learn every aspects of the business.

Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

Right: Sonia with ‘MORNINGS’ co-host David Campbell.

A lot of school aged kids look at people on television and think ‘I want to be like that person’. Being a presenter is not enough these days. It won’t give you a long term career in the media. You need an diverse skill base. Tell us your most embarrassing on-air moment I’ve had so many! I had one recently with Big Brother. It was getting towards the end of the show and I was feeling a little bit fatigued. I read an autocue instruction out. I was talking to the person who had been evicted and the instruction in the autocue was ‘to the audience’, in other words the next part had to be addressed to the audience. I actually read out ‘to the audience’. I laughed my head off about it. It was such a rookie mistake to make. I have been doing this for a very long time now, and I’ve never done it before. I found it quite hilarious, that even at this point I can still make silly errors. It can be embarrassing, but nobody is perfect! You have just got to be able to laugh it off. What is your favourite holiday destination and why? In Australia, it’s the Gold Coast. It’s just stunning. I left there this morning, sun was shining, a nice 28ºC and the beach was beautiful. I’ve been all over the world and without a doubt the beaches on the Gold Coast are the best beaches in the world. We are very lucky to have the Gold Coast on our doorstep. Internationally, I love a city holiday. I love going to New York in particular. There is such a vibe and buzz about it. I am a huge fan of Sex in the City. Every corner you stand on you feel like you’ve seen it in a movie or in a television series. What is your most unforgettable personable experience? When I was doing a story for Sunday Night, I visited the secret kingdom of Mustang in Tibet.

The only way to get to this village is by horseback. We rode for three days to get to this tiny little village that has a King. Tourists are limited, with a small number of people able to visit the village per year. It is such a fascinating culture and such a trek to get there through the Himalayas. It was amazing to see. I’m very lucky to be able to see such amazing places. Who are your favourite TV entertainers? I have a lot actually. I’m a huge fan of Liz Hayes, Tracy Grimshaw and Lisa Wilkinson. These women are funny, intelligent and entertaining. At the moment, I’m really loving the work of Patrick Brammall, who is in a show called ‘The Moodys’ on the ABC. He’s an Australian actor, funny and clever. It’s very hard to pick a favourite, there are so many talented people on Australian television. I am also a fan of Shawn Micallef, Julia Morris and the past work of Steve Vizard. They are all funny, warm and engaging. What are your future career plans In TV you tend to work year by year, as it’s a project based kind of career. For me, ‘MORNINGS’ is a great show to look at year in year out. It has such a variety - a little bit of news, fashion, food, all the things I like. Next year I will continue with ‘MORNINGS’, ‘Big Brother’ and whatever else may come along. I also have a baby girl arriving early next year. It’s very exciting.

Spotlight About Sonia Kruger Sonia is a talented presenter, actress, dancer, interviewer and entertainer, and one of Australia’s most recognised faces. With co-host David Campbell, Sonia is seen every day on Nine’s ‘MORNINGS’ show. She has been the host of the ‘Big Brother’ journey in 2012 and 2013, as well as in 2014. Sonia has a strong and proven track record of achievements in Ballroom and Latin American dancing. She landed the role of Tina Sparkle in the hugely successful Australian movie, ‘Strictly Ballroom’. In 1997 after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree through University of Technology (Sydney), Sonia joined Seven’s long running morning and news show ‘11AM’ as its entertainment reporter.

Sonia co-hosted 11 seasons of the Seven Network’s prime time hit show, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (20042011). She has danced with Irish ‘Riverdance’ sensation Michael Flatley and the Flamenco troupe ‘Paco Pena’. Sonia has interviewed famous stars including Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, Beyonce Knowles and Kylie Minogue. In her spare time, Sonia enjoys the cinema, sports, live theatre and dining-out with friends.

More Information www.facebook.com/SoniaKruger00 www.twitter.com/SoniaKruger

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Reference

Major NSW/ACT Boarding Schools’ Research By MAP Marketing

Abbotsleigh Senior School

Canberra Girls Grammar School

Kambala

Infants, Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 170 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Colleen Fenn - Registrar 1666 Pacific Hwy, Wahroonga NSW 2076 P: 02 9473 7777 | F: 02 9473 7680 registrar@abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au www.abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au ------------------------------------------------------

ELC, Primary & Secondary Girls Co-education until year 2 Max. 80 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Barbara Connolly Director of Admissions Melbourne Ave, Deakin ACT 2600 P: 02 6202 6400 | F: 02 6273 1505 enrolments@cggs.act.edu.au www.cggs.act.edu.au

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 100 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Tracy Mulligan Director of Enrolments 794 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029 P: 02 9388 6844 | F: 02 9371 8604 enrolments@kambala.nsw.edu.au www.kambala.nsw.edu.au

All Saints’ College

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Primary & Secondary Co-education Max. 100 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Michael Hissey - Registrar 70 Eglinton Rd, Bathurst NSW 2795 P: 02 6331 3911 | F: 02 6332 2236 michael.hissey@saints.nsw.edu.au www.saints.nsw.edu.au

Calrossy Anglican School

Kincoppal - Rose Bay

Secondary Girls Max. 245 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Secondary Boys Max. 42 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Miriam Knight - Registrar 140 Brisbane St, Tamworth NSW 2340 P: 02 6766 2965 | F: 02 6766 2439 admin@calrossy.nsw.edu.au www.calrossy.nsw.edu.au

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 155 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very high Contact: Rebecca Curran Marketing & Communications New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029 P: 02 9388 6000 | F: 02 9388 6001 admissions@krb.nsw.edu.au www.krb.nsw.edu.au ------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------Ascham School Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 100 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Myfanwy Stanfield - Registrar 188 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff NSW 2027 P: 02 8356 7000 | F: 02 8356 7230 registrar@ascham.nsw.edu.au www.ascham.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Barker College Primary Boys & Secondary Co-education Max. 50 Boarders / 3 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 10 -12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Sarah Onions Director Of Enrolments 91 Pacific Hwy, Hornsby NSW 2077 P: 02 9847 8399 | F: 02 9847 8210 elizabeth_harrison@barker.nsw.edu.au www.barker.nsw.edu.au

Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

-----------------------------------------------------Cranbrook School Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 100 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Deborah Woodward Director of Admissions 5 Victoria Rd, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 P: 02 9327 6864 | F: 02 9327 7619 enrol@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au www.cranbrook.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Frensham Secondary Girls Max. 305 Boarders / 6 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Colleen Relf - Registrar Range Rd, Mittagong NSW 2575 P: 02 4860 2000 | F: 02 4860 2020 registrar@frensham.nsw.edu.au www.frensham.nsw.edu.au

Kinross Wolaroi School Primary & Secondary Co-education Max. 350 Boarders (175 Girls/175 Boys) / 8 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very high Contact: Michelle Pryse Jones - Registrar 59-67 Bathurst Rd, Orange NSW 2800 P: 02 6392 0300 | F: 02 6392 0410 registrar@kws.nsw.edu.au www.kws.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Knox Grammar School Secondary Boys Max. 160 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Martin Gooding Head of Enrolments Pacific Hwy, Wahroonga NSW 2076 P: 02 9487 0122 |F: 02 9487 0186 enrol@knox.nsw.edu.au www.knox.nsw.edu.au

Reference MacKillop College

PLC Sydney (Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney)

St. Catherine’s School

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 65 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Catherine Marvell - Registrar Boundary St, Croydon NSW 2132 P: 02 9704 5666 | F: 02 9744 6614 cmarvell@plc.nsw.edu.au www.plc.nsw.edu.au

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 70 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Trish Wilson - Director of Boarding & Enrolments 26 Albion St, Waverley NSW 2024 P: 02 8305 6200 | F: 02 9369 2470 stcaths@stcaths.nsw.edu.au www.stcaths.nsw.edu.au

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New England Girls School

Pymble Ladies’ College

St. Ignatius’ College, Riverview

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 300 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Alice Schmidt - Enrolments Uralla Rd, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6774 8700 | F: 02 6772 7057 enrolments@negs.nsw.edu.au www.negs.nsw.edu.au

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 120 Boarders / 3 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7 - 12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Vickii Scott - Enrolments Avon Rd, Pymble NSW 2073 P: 02 9855 7799 | F: 02 9855 7766 enrol@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

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Newington College

Ravenswood School for Girls

Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 340 Boarders / 6 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Guy Masters Director of Boarding Tambourine Bay Rd, Lane Cove NSW 2066 P: 02 9882 8222 | F: 02 9882 8588 gkmasters@riverview.nsw.edu.au www.riverview.nsw.edu.au

Secondary Boys Max. 50 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Yvonne Kaloterakis Director of Admissions 200 Stanmore Rd, Stanmore NSW 2048 P: 02 9568 9333 | F: 02 9569 0133 ykaloterakis@newington.nsw.edu.au www.newington.nsw.edu.au

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 32 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 10-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Enrolments Team Henry St, Gordon NSW 2072 P: 02 9498 9908|F: 02 9498 9999 enrol@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au www.ravenswood.nsw.edu.au

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Snowy Mountains Grammar School

PLC Armidale (Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Armidale)

Primary & Secondary Co-education Max. 50 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very high Contact: Joan Herringer - Registrar Kosciuskzo Rd, Jindabyne NSW 2627 P: 02 6457 1022 | F: 02 6457 1023 joan.herringer@smgs.nsw.edu.au www.smgs.nsw.edu.au

Secondary Girls Max. 70 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Vicky Evens - Registrar Tenison Woods Ave, Perthville NSW 2795 P: 02 6337 6900 | F: 02 6337 2424 dob@mkc.nsw.edu.au www.mkc.nsw.edu.au

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 75 Boarders / 3 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Fiona Mullen Director of Enrolments Crest Rd, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6770 1700 | F: 02 6772 5697 enrolments@plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

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St Joseph’s College Secondary Boys Max. 750 Boarders / 6 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Ross Tarlinton - Headmaster Mark St, Hunters Hill NSW 2110 P: 02 9816 0900 | F: 02 9879 6804 sjc@joeys.org www.joeys.org -----------------------------------------------------St. Paul’s College Secondary Co-education Max. 62 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very high Contact: Jennifer Golenberg - Registrar Klemke Ave, Walla Walla NSW 2659 P: 02 6029 2200 | F: 02 6029 2410 admissions@stpaulscollege.nsw.edu.au www.stpaulscollege.nsw.edu.au

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Reference

Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar School) Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 200 Boarders / 4 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Mahdi Deaton - Registrar Blue St, North Sydney NSW 2060 P: 02 9923 2277 | F: 02 9922 2689 registrar@shore.nsw.edu.au www.shore.nsw.edu.au -----------------------------------------------------Tara Anglican School for Girls

The Scots College, Sydney

Tudor House School

Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 60 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 5 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Kath Marshall - Registrar Masons Drv, North Parramatta NSW 2151 P: 02 9630 6655 | F: 02 9683 6297 registrar@tara.nsw.edu.au www.tara.nsw.edu.au ------------------------------------------------------

Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 240 Boarders / 5 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5-12 Boarding Quality: Somewhat High Contact: Melissa Capel Manager of Admissions Victoria Rd, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 P: 02 9391 7624 | F: 02 9327 7584 admissions@tsc.nsw.edu.au www.tsc.nsw.edu.au

Primary & Secondary Co-education Max. 50 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 3-6 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Jock Bidwell - Registrar 6480 Illawarra Hwy, Moss Vale NSW 2577 P: 02 4868 0000 | F: 02 4868 0003 registrar@tudorhouse.nsw.edu.au www.tudorhouse.nsw.edu.au

The Armidale School

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Co-educational to Yr 5, Middle & Senior Boys Max. 250 Boarders / 5 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 6 -12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Pip Warrick - Registrar 87 Douglas St, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6776 5823 | F: 02 6776 5830 info@as.edu.au www.as.edu.au

The Scots School, Albury

Wenona Primary & Secondary Girls Max. 50 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Lynn Siebels - Registrar 176 Walker St, North Sydney NSW 2060 P: 02 9955 3000 | F: 02 9959 4460 registrar@wenona.nsw.edu.au www.wenona.nsw.edu.au

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Junior & Senior Co-educational Max. 100 Boarders / 2 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Robyn Smith Enrolments Officer 393 Perry St, Albury NSW 2640 P: 02 6022 0000 | F: 02 6041 3210 enrolments@scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au www.scotsalbury.nsw.edu.au

The King’s School

-----------------------------------------------------Trinity Grammar School

More Information

Primary & Secondary Boys Max. 575 Boarders / 5 Boarding Houses Boarding Years: 5 -12 Boarding Quality: Very high - Somewhat High Contact: Bruce Hilliard - Registrar PO Box 1, Parramatta NSW 2124 P: 02 9683 8555 | F: 02 9683 8488 enrol@kings.edu.au www.kings.edu.au

Secondary Boys Max. 50 Boarders / 1 Boarding House Boarding Years: 7-12 Boarding Quality: Very High Contact: Craig Sandwell - Registrar 119 Prospect Rd, Summer Hill NSW 2130 P: 02 9581 6000 | F: 02 9799 9449 info@trinity.nsw.edu.au www.trinity.nsw.edu.au

-----------------------------------------------------Maria Charlton MAP Marketing P: 02 4929 7766 maria@mapmarketing.com.au Errors & omissions excepted.

Join our global learning community, educating and empowering young women to serve and shape their world.

Scholarships Visit www.wenona.nsw.edu.au to register online. For further information, please email enrolments@wenona.nsw.edu.au or phone +61 (02) 9409 4440. Wenona School, 176 Walker Street, North Sydney. @Wenona_School

10 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

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First in the Hunter Top non-selective school outside of Sydney Ranked 47th in the State 9th in the State in Geography 9th in the State in Information Processes and Technology 2 students received a mark of 50 out of 50 in Music Extension

Want to be part of our success? Book a tour today by registering on the School website. Newcastle Grammar School PO Box 680, Newcastle NSW 2300 Email. office@ngs.nsw.edu.au www.ngs.nsw.edu.au

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Summer Learning

Summer Holiday Fun By Michelle Mitchell My Tips to Making School Holidays Fun! For me, school holidays are all about creating memories with my kids. I want to sit around a dinner table with them as adults and reminisce about the crazy fun we had together. The last things I want them to remember are fights over the TV remote. There is an art to enjoying school holidays. These tips actually really help me have a great time with my teenagers. Tips ❑❑ Be prepared to get out of the house, away from the television and technology. We create memories by engaging our senses and imagination. A change in environment can make all the difference. ❑❑ Plan ahead, especially if you work full time. That means you need to start thinking now. Don’t go with the same old boring routine. Mix it up a bit. Try something new. A great question you can ask yourself is, “How can I be a fun mum or dad these school holidays?” or “What memories can we create together?”

12 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

❑❑ This tip is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL for me. If I begin the school holidays by investing three days of undivided attention into my kids, I usually overt any disasters and everyone settles into the school holiday routine well. I used to get worried that they would expect the same investment of money and time for the whole holidays (that’s almost a bit too honest isn’t it?). Now I know it actually works in reverse. Don’t wait until they are bored and fighting to get things moving. ❑❑ It’s not just what you do that makes it fun, it’s actually your energy and enthusiasm that makes it fun. Whatever you can afford to do and where ever you go, if your kids are with you they will be having a great time. ❑❑ You don’t always have to ask what they want to do. Teenagers don’t always want to be family orientated. I plan mystery destination days to avoid the “I don’t want to” conversation. Alternatively create a list of things they want to do together, and makes sure you get to add a few of your own in there. It’s not all about them.

Summer Parties – When to Say Yes and When to Say No “My almost 15 year old daughter has been invited to a party. She hasn’t been invited to a ‘party’ since primary school days (about three years ago) and I know parties will be different at this age. She has a nice small group of friends that she does fun things with, like go to the movies, but this party involves a broader group of girls - the invitation isn’t from her smaller group. Whilst I want her to enjoy a wider group of friends, this is her first teenage party and therefore mine as a parent. I’m wondering what questions I should be asking. Should I contact the parent of the party girl to ask more questions and to check it out or am I being paranoid and stepping over the mark? What’s your advice? “ So many parents have been in your shoes, wondering if asking the tough questions is an indication they are paranoid. However, need I remind you that parties (or “gathoes”) are places where teenagers PLAN to have FUN, get up to mischief and express their independence? Parties come with an element of risk, and all teens (even good kids) need to know how to handle themselves in a higher risk environment.

Summer Learning Tips ❑❑ Thank God they have been invited to a party! Celebrate this with them. Acknowledge their excitement. This is really important. ❑❑ Establish a process which happens every time they are invited to a party. They should already know that they DO NOT GO unless there is adequate supervision. This often stops them from asking to go to parties that aren’t supervised. ❑❑ Get the host parents’ phone number. This is no small feat in itself. These days party invites come in the form of text messages, and parents seldom see an invitation. ❑❑ Gather as much information as you can from your teenager before phoning the parent directly. These are the basic questions you want to cover when talking to the parent: • How many people will be at the party? • What will be happening? • How many adults will there be? • Will there be alcohol? • If so, how will you manage consumption? • What will you do if you discover drugs? ❑❑ From this point you can assess the risk. Larger parties and sleepovers often have a higher risk factor. You can minimise the risk by minimising the amount of time they spend at the party.

comes to drugs, alcohol and sex. Use fact rather than emotion. You can never repeat yourself too many times. ❑❑ Some families agree on a key phrase that they can either text or say which signals, “Things are not going well, come and get me”. This key phrase could be “Have you washed my jeans yet?” or “What’s up with you Mum?” Always, always tell them they won’t be in trouble for something someone else has done. ❑❑ This is my word of warning. The fact that parents are supervising doesn’t mean parents will be supervising your child. I have seen some crazy things happen at supervised parties.

Q & A’s about Summer Parties What Rules Should I Put in Place?

What Time Should I Pick them Up? Agree on a drop off and pick up time. Agree to wait out the front of the party for your teenager but tell them you will come in (and possibly embarrass them greatly) if they are late. Don’t negotiate on the pick up time once it is set. Three to four hours at a party is a reasonable amount of time. If your daughter telephones you because she is in trouble agree to pick her up and get her home without having a big argument about it then and there. Bring her home. Bring her home. Bring her home. Don’t ever let your daughter stay the night at the place where the party in being held. There are so many things that can go wrong when a party becomes a sleepover!

Even though you can’t control what your teenager does when they are away from you (don’t you wish they came with a remote control), there should be some clear guidelines of how you expect them to behave. It’s important that you don’t just grab a bunch of regulations that don’t resonate with you. Your rules should represent your family and be important to you. Don’t compare your rules to those of other families - expect them to be different.

❑❑ When you drop them off go into the party to check it out. Always give the host parents your contact details. They need to know where to find you in case of an emergency. ❑❑ Teenagers will usually tolerate you giving them a lecture prior to a party. They expect it. Have a consistent message when it

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Summer Learning

What if They Get Into Trouble? Every teenager needs a ‘stealth parent’ every now and then. For stealth parenting to fly into action, teenagers should use a code word. For example: If your daughter needs to get picked up from a party but doesn’t want to look silly in front of her friend she might ring you and ask, “Have you washed my jeans yet?” “Have you washed my jeans” is the code word. As soon as you hear your daughter use the code word you know that you need to demand that she comes home immediately. You might respond this like, “Washed your jeans? I’m not going to wash your jeans! You need to learn to wash your own jeans young lady. In fact you left tonight without washing anything that you were supposed to and if you don’t get yourself back home this instant I am going to throw those jeans in the rubbish bin. I’m picking you up in 10 mins and you better be waiting out the front or I will be marching in there and picking you up by your heels.” Your daughter may choose to put you on loud speaker to show her friends how much of a lunatic you actually are and why she has the leave the party early! After getting into the car while rolling her eyes and pretending she can’t stand the sight of you, you can both go home and share a cup of hot chocolate together. That is what I call ‘stealth parenting’. How Do I Handle Alcohol? Research is suggesting that there is a great amount of confusion amongst parents as to how best moderate their child’s drinking. You need to assure that each party will have different rules when it comes to alcohol consumption.

I prefer teenagers to not drink alcohol at all. If you are not of this opinion please agree on an amount of alcohol your daughter should drink and supply it for her rather than have her get it from older friends. Please remember that alcohol dramatically increases the risk of unprotected sexual activity, injuring, violence and high risk behaviour. If you suspect your daughter has drunk more alcohol than the agreed upon amount (or taken drugs for that matter) you can breath or drug test your teenager and make it a prerequisite for going to parties. How do I know if a party is safe?

About Michelle Mitchell

Michelle Mitchell is the Founder of Youth Excel and Author of “What Teenage Girls Don’t Tell their Parents”

More Information michelle@youthexcel.com.au www.michellemitchell.org

These are the questions you need to ask the party host before you say ‘yes’ to a party. ❑❑ How many teenagers will be attending? ❑❑ How much adult supervision will be supplied? ❑❑ Will there be alcohol? If so who is supplying it & how much? ❑❑ Do you have a plan if things get out of hand? ❑❑ Can I give you my phone number in case you need to contact me? What do I need to consider as the party host? If you are the one holding the party here are four brief tips from my local police that you can research in more depth before the big day! ❑❑ Plan ahead & have security ❑❑ Manage the alcohol (or better still have a non-alcoholic event) ❑❑ Have a plan in order to diffuse explosive teenagers ❑❑ Don’t confront gate crashers – call the police

What Teenage Girls Don’t Tell their Parents Author: Michelle Mitchell When your little girl becomes a teenager and starts acting up and acting out you may start wondering what went wrong.  Based on numerous interviews with teenage girls, the author reveals what your daughter may not be telling you.   Abundant in advice, case studies, revelations and anecdotes, this is an invaluable guide to parents of teenage girls. Age Guide: Adult Extent: 170 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921513770 Price: AU$24.95 Publisher: Australian Academic Press P: 07 3289 5346 www.australianacademicpress.com.au

14 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

Summer Learning

KidsSmile

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Reading for and by Beaut Blokes By Hazel Edwards

How can you get boys to read? Find a Beaut Bloke who can act as a reading role model.

❑❑ Introduce a few myths & legends with heroes who faced challenges too

Tips

❑❑ Link to writing & reading your own stories about family e.g. What did Grandad do when he was your age?

❑❑ ‘Beaut Bloke’ covers any father, uncle, big brother, stepdad, footballer, hero or grandfather who reads in public ❑❑ Any kind of reading? Yes. Print Screen, Audio, Picture Books, Magazines Newspaper, Sports Reports ❑❑ Vital that it’s the kind of reading the ‘Beaut Bloke’ enjoys too ❑❑ Do it every day/night ❑❑ Share a serial, read around a family

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❑❑ Use funny voices for dialogue ❑❑ Recommend books ❑❑ Read in dual languages (picture books or graphics help here) ❑❑ Experiment with ‘adventurous’ non-fiction e.g. ‘Cycling Solo; Ireland to Istanbul’ or ‘Trail Magic: Going Walkabout for 2184 Miles on the Appalachian Trail’ ❑❑ Try novels with adventurous settings e.g. ‘Outback Ferals’ where eco-warrior hero is active but stands up for ideas

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A Summer Guide to Preparing for University

By Tim Laurence

After completing six years of high school and sitting your final exams, the last thing on your mind is preparing for university. Although the summer holidays are the perfect time to sleep in, travel and relax, you’d also be wise to use your time productively and consider getting prepared for university. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s really important to relax and ‘recover’ from high school or even travel with a group of friends, but doing a few things can make your transition from high school to university a little easier. Get a summer job Working part time before you start university is something everyone should consider. After a long break, it can be hard to get back into a normal routine. If you are working part time, your body will develop a routine and when you suddenly have to start university, this adjustment to your routine is easier to handle. Working part time also allows you to start to manage your time independently; this experience becomes valuable if you decide to study and work at the same time.

16 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

Having worked in the job for a few months, you can decide if you will be able to manage the workload of university and your job. If you know you won’t be able to manage both, you can use the money you have earned over the summer throughout the year. Know your options During the summer holidays you find out if you have been accepted into the degree and university you wanted. Unfortunately not everybody gets an offer for their first or second preference. If this happens to you, it’s important to know your options. Completing a pathway program, such as a diploma at UTS:INSEARCH may a great way to help you get into your dream degree.

will then enable you to visualise your upcoming deadlines and busy periods, allowing you to plan ahead and avoid rushing your assessments. Attend Orientation week Orientation week or O-week, usually occurs during the last weeks of your summer holidays. It’s really important to attend as crucial information about your university and faculty is usually shared. By attending O-week you can start to get your bearings around campus, learn how to get to and from university, hear about the support services that are available to you and join university clubs and societies. If you skip Orientation week, you may miss out on vital information that would help you down the track.

Know your key dates

Let someone know early if you are struggling

All universities publish a calendar that includes when each semester starts and finishes, exam blocks and census dates. Invest in a yearly wall planner and map out your key dates. Once you have received your subject outline, you can then highlight when assessments and projects are due. The yearly planner

If, after the first three weeks of university, you are already behind in your readings, have missed some classes and generally feel like university is too much, talk to someone. The transition from high school to university can be overwhelming and if you are struggling with it, it’s best to talk to

Summer Learning your tutor, an academic counsellor or even a family member. It may just be a matter of studying part time or changing to a pathway program, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important you change your subjects before the census date to avoid fees and a tarnished academic record. No matter what you want to achieve at university, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that you start by feeling prepared and knowing your options. Starting a university degree can be one of the most important milestones in your life, so make sure you use your time effectively and remember to give it your best.

About Tim Laurence

Tim is the Dean of Studies at UTS:INSEARCH, the premium pathway provider to the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). He is responsible for the delivery and quality assurance of all UTS:INSEARCH pathway programs. With over 25 years experience in higher education teaching and management, he is also an Adjunct Professor of Design at UTS.

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Special

The Importance of Strong Female Characters for Young Girls By Lorraine Campbell

In an age of Social Media, the world is saturated with the cult of empty celebrities. Young girls are encouraged to be self-obsessed, materialistic and egotistical. Young teens are pressured into becoming obsessed with their looks, into believing that having a boyfriend is the most important thing a girl can have. Girls are sexualised at such an early age now, they’re no longer allowed to be just kids. The Internet, TV and magazines constantly send out the message that physical appearance is more important than character. The strong message is that it’s better to be famous than smart. Reality television gives socialites like Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton the opportunity to become icons. They’re not famous for a particular talent or achievement. They’re worshipped simply because they’re famous. Is this what we want our young girls to aim for? It has never been more important that now for young girls to have strong female characters in fiction. To show them what they are really capable of. Young readers are particularly impressionable. Something about a particular character you’ve loved as a child will have rubbed off on you, a character that inspired you in some way. Our teenage years are when we experience everything on a much higher emotional level - when we experience our most intense emotions. A time when we are most open to be influenced by what we read in books and see in the movies. It’s great that a lot of popular fiction today features characters like Katniss The Hunger Games, Tris - Divergent (I just wish she had kept the name, Beatrice!) and Tally - Uglies. These girls live in a place where everything is bad - a world of the future.

18 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

They take on the roles usually assigned to male characters. They’re tough, powerful, and proactive. They fight and they even kill. I love that they are defined by their personality rather than their looks, or their relationships with the male characters.

Above all, I wanted to show young people being put into difficult circumstances, how they can become heroic. And how, when needed, we all have the potential for heroism in us. We must remember that inside every young girl there is a hero.

But when I talk about “strong” female characters, I don’t mean strong in sense of physical prowess or power. They don’t have brandish a weapon, or engage in death-defying feats, or be every bit as good as a male.

About Lorraine Campbell

I mean strong as in interesting, or complex, or well-written. I’m talking about characters who exhibit great resilience and courage in the face of adversity. These are girls who are brave, resourceful and complex, without being ruthless killers. Whose depth of convictions is never allowed to be undermined by any romantic involvement. In narrative terms, the capacity of someone to act independently, to make their own free choices, is far more important than “strength.” It’s what determines whether a character is truly believable. The setting for my novel “Resisting the Enemy” is World War II. The main protagonist, Valli, is a young woman who finds herself living in chaotic and dangerous times. Like all those living in German-occupied France, she has three choices - to do nothing and try to stay safe, collaborate or actively resist. She chooses to join the French Resistance. I was interested in exploring what might motivate a young woman to live dangerously, rather than submit to a brutal and oppressive regime. She comes from a rather privileged background, is attractive, and intelligent. Why would such a person choose to live dangerously? To risk her life every day by doing what she does? And how far would she be willing to go for her beliefs?

Lorraine Campbell is the author of the new book, ‘Resisting the Enemy’ - a Young Adult historical fiction novel about the French Resistance during WWII.

More Information www.lorrainecampbell.com.au

Resisting the Enemy Author: Lorraine Campbell The story of Valentine de Vaillant (Valli), extends from Australia to pre-war France, through the German Blitzkrieg and the long dark years of the German occupation of France. As part of the French Resistance in Lyon, Valli takes part in dangerous missions that could have lead to arrest by the dreaded Gestapo. It’s a story of Valli’s awakening passions, family conflict with her diva opera mother, physical attraction to a German officer and keeping true to her beliefs as her world is thrown into turmoil. This is great tale that captivates, thrills and perpetuates reader interest from the first to the very last sentence. Age Guide: Young Adult Extent: 344 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780992549329 | Price: AU$24.95 Publisher: Palmer Higgs P: 03 8720 2424 www.palmerhiggs.com.au

Special

Maintaining

a Healthy Marriage during High Stress Court Cases By Alan Manly

Maintaining a healthy relationship during times of high stress can be testing for many couples. My wife and I found this out ourselves in court when a fraudster took me on a 10 year court battle. After 200 court appearances (including representing myself at the High Court of Australia), I finally won. However keeping the stress out of our relationships during that time was trying.

Tips ❑❑ Maintain your commitment Have a genuine commitment to each other first and foremost. Relationships are fraught with conflict at the best of the times and withstanding shocks from external sources will rock that commitment. Be prepared and preferably have a long history of working through things together. Remain trusting and committed to staying by each other’s side. ❑❑ Provide distractions & have a life During a time of high stress, it’s important to provide a home environment in which there are some escape mechanisms from the day to day problems of the court battle. A weekend away, dinner with friends, quality family time and exercise are ways to keep your mind fresh and focused on what’s important, and what you’re ultimately fighting for. ❑❑ Know that you’re not unique It’s an unfortunate fact that no matter how you think you have protected yourself, anyone can be taken for a legal ride. It really

can happen to you. If you both can understand this then you won’t feel so victimised and have a better chance at keeping your relationship intact. ❑❑ Believe in the cause You have to both believe you are right. During a court case there will be times of doubt as lawyers or your opposition try to prove their case – you must have 100% belief that you are in the right. Potentially no one else will.

Alan Manly

❑❑ Communicate openly During any court battle there will no doubt be times of high stress. Just remember that your partner is by your side helping you through it. Make regular time to talk to each other about the case, your feelings, and any fears as they arise. Listen to each other and know that you’re in this together.

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About Alan Manly Alan Manly represented himself in a 10 year court battle that comprised over 30 cases, over 250 court appearances journeying from the North Sydney Local Court, to the District Court, Supreme Court, Federal Magistrates Court, Federal Court of Australia, and finally before a full bench of the High Court of Australia where he was successful. He is still married and wrote the book ‘When There Are Too Many Lawyers ... There Is No Justice’ (AU$24.95) based on his experiences, which is now available at book stores, Amazon and at

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Special

Why Who Wears the Pants Doesn’t Matter: Modern Relationship Roles Redefined By Stuart Denman

Over the past 50 years roles have changed not only in the parenting space but the overall masculine and feminine dynamic. With the rise of equality and feminism through the 60s and 70s to the ‘metrosexual’ male movement of the 90s and 00s, there are a lot of really confused men out there and to be fair, a lot of confused women too. When I was growing up, one of the biggest insults you could give a man was to infer that his wife/partner ‘wore the pants’ in their relationship. This was challenging his ‘manhood’ and always would get a raucous applause at the pub or BBQ where it was uttered. Growing up as a child of Baby Boomers, my parenting role models were those on TV comedy shows and three of my best friends’ parents separated – my parents also separated when I was six years. Gender or sexist humor was again commonplace and being a man meant parenting little, working long hours and having ‘alone quiet time’. Yet there was one couple, parents of a twin boy and girl to whom I gravitated towards as a young adolescent and secretly wanted to be adopted by. You see, Doug was a teacher so he worked very family friendly hours. He picked the twins up from school, took them to their sporting activities, cooked, cleaned, played and was present in every way. Joy did all of those things too. She was feminine, motherly yet knew that Doug derived so much enjoyment of his ‘role’ in the family that she was empowered to do the things she wanted to, as there was a balance in the relationship. Doug still loves a beer, a punt and his sport and enjoys being in the company of his mates, just like the

20 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

other male role models I had in my life. He just chose to own his passion and I saw how rounded his kids (my friends) were. As many men do, my later teenage years and my twenties were spent experimenting, partying and generally doing what most young men do. When I met my wife, I was ready to begin the next phase of my life. I had come out of a relationship were I was the controlling partner with a very subservient girlfriend that played the role of a ‘good housewife’ perfectly. She cooked, she cleaned while I took everything for granted and in fact became everything I despised in a man. I soon learned very quickly that Natasa, my new partner was in fact the polar opposite of my last partner. She was opinionated, confident and certain in what she wanted and I was challenged more than I ever had been. By the time we had our first child, I immediately tried to assume the role that my role model Doug had unknowingly imprinted on me. I changed nappies, cleaned up vomit, soothed my son back to sleep, cooked and cleaned all the while working in a newly acquired business. I was present, passionate and loved being a dad. One day I turned down a game of golf with my mates as I wanted to give my wife a break from looking after our son while I had been at work, only to hear the words tumble out of my mate’s mouth, “Wow, I can see Natasa wears the pants in your relationship”. It shouldn’t have mattered. I don’t know why I reacted the way I did yet I got defensive and lashed out. Who was he to judge me?

Over the next few years I struggled with other peoples expectations of what a man was meant to be to his children and his partner. My wife was a powerhouse, driven and got her energy from business and significance yet I was nurturing, calm and valued quality time and family very highly. We spent some time fighting against it, yet when we finally took ownership of what really inspired each of us, it worked well if we reversed the ‘traditional’ gender roles and just did what we were great at. When we did, we instantly became in flow and our whole relationship, family life and business success just reached amazing heights. We were both doing what fulfilled our purpose; we excelled at everything we did. Now, two kids later and another soon on the way, things have adjusted slightly as we have moved along with my taking on more of my own business interests and my wife being able to take a break from our other businesses to welcome our new child into the world. We continue to be in flow with ourselves, our family and our businesses, all because we decided it didn’t matter who wore the pants.

About Stuart Denman Stuart Denman is a lifestyle mentor who spends his time working with those craving a better, more balanced life. He is passionate about leadership, empowerment and spending quality time with his two, soon to be three, young children and his beautiful wife Natasa with whom he also runs ‘Ultimate 48 Hour Author’, a book authoring mentoring program.

More Information stuart@ultimatebusinessedge.com.au

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Why Our Kids Know More about Technology than Us By Yvette Adams Today’s kids are intuitively able to use every device, app, game and social network handed to them. Just give a tablet or a smart phone to a toddler and watch what happens. But as life speeds up, and we’re busy than ever being ‘good parents’, the technological gap between parents and kids seems to grow exponentially. We expect the government and the education system to do something about it, but kids desperately need their parents to understand the technology they are using right now, and to embrace the technology. There is no point in fighting technology or ignoring it. It’s not going away, and the sooner parents get to know about it, the better. Yvette states: “Even if you’re not convinced that technology is your thing, I’m hoping that you care as much about your child and their future as I do, and that you’ll give this technology thing your best shot for their sake. You see, for the first time in history, our children know more than us about something: technology! Just stop and think about that for a moment. It’s a crazy phenomenon! Since the dawn of time, cavemen and cavewomen have taught their children everything they needed to know to survive - firstly, to hunt and gather and later to farm. Then, to cook, clean, sew, build and study, and, of course to love and share. Then technology came along and turned every aspect of our lives on its head. Our kids just pick up devices and naturally know what to do with them! Love it or hate it, life is not the same as it once was. And it will keep on changing. So it’s time to get up

to speed with technology and what it means to be a parent in the digital age.”

and 5 trainers, and operates out of a commercial warehouse she owns in Maroochydore, Queensland.

In her book ‘No Kidding! - Why Our Kids Know More about Technology than Us and What We Can Do About It!’, Adams says the challenge before parents and influencers of children today is immense and include information overload, rapid change, safety and privacy issues.

The Creative Collective is a creative services and training agency that helps people achieve online success through the building of websites and digital marketing strategies as well as an extensive array of online and offline training. As well as assisting thousands of small businesses across Australia, she is now looking to help the millions of parents struggling to understand the impact technology is having on their families’ lives, and how to embrace it, not fear it.

The author explains that this book isn’t a negative tirade about the evils of social media or cyber safety issues, her major focus is to introduce readers to the many positive benefits of technology. Yvette adds: “The fact that we are preparing kids for jobs that don’t exist yet. Not to mention the giant digital footprints they are creating.

She has written a book titled ‘No Kidding ! - Why Our Kids Know More about Technology than Us (and What We Can Do About It!)’ to help them.

More Information www.nokidding.com.au

The short of it is, the kids need us to step up. You see, at the moment, we expect the education system and the government to do something about it, but the curriculum can’t keep up with the speed at which the world is changing. So kids desperately need their parents to understand the technology they are using right now and how the future is changing because of it. In the book I also explain the massive skills shortages going on right now in the ICT industry and how you can get your kids into coding and ICT for a guaranteed career.”

About Yvette Adams Yvette is an entrepreneur and proud mother of two children aged 7 and 10 years. As well as being a busy mum, Yvette has built a thriving business from home, and now has several staff, 30 contractors

No Kidding! - Why Our Kids Know More about Technology than Us and What We Can Do about It Author: Yvette Adams Age Guide: 15+ Years Extent: 222 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780975777077 Price: AU$30.00 Publisher: Yummie Mummie Enterprises www.nokidding.com.au

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Health

Stand Up

Straight! By Dorte Bladt

How often did you hear this as a youngster or do you regularly say it to your kids? As parents we innately know that slouching and poor posture is not good for us. It looks bad, projects the impression that we are uncomfortable and lacking in confidence, it puts strain on our necks and lower backs and it compresses our vital organs. In his book “Rejuvenation Strategy”, Rene Cailliet MD, wrote that poor posture with the head on a forward angle can add up to 14 kilos of extra strain on your neck. This can lead to improper spinal function, compress your internal organs and decrease your lung capacity by up to 30%. An Australian study published in the British Journal of Sport Medicine indicates that watching TV (or sitting with the iPad, laptop or phone) for one hour decreases our life expectancy by 22 minutes. Given the average adult spends six hour per day in front of a device, not including your PC at work, this is shaving five years off your life! This is expected to decrease life expectancy at the same rate as being morbidly obese (BMI>30) or smoking.

22 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

Joseph came in for a check-up at my practice as part of getting ready for big school. Mum’s main concern was his ‘fallen’ arches. When I checked Joseph, I found that his little bottom was sticking out behind him causing a big arch in his lower back as well as having his head sitting way forward of his shoulders. Joseph’s passion was his iPad; he would sit in bed with the iPad on his bent knees for hours on end - I am sure you can imagine his posture. When questioned, Joseph’s mum mentioned that he did have some trouble with speech delay and fine motor skills, and that he had seen both the speech therapist and occupational therapist who had helped a bit. When I checked Joseph’s spine I found he had a big misalignment in his pelvis, and I recommended a program of gentle adjustments. He responded well to these adjustments and within weeks Joseph’s mum noticed an improvement in his posture, and with that came an improvement in his coordination, activity levels, confidence and speech. He became much more interested in doing physical activities and interacting with friends. The iPad ceased to be the centre of his universe, just in time for starting big school!

So what to do about it? A very easy thing to do, although not very popular, is making sure your baby and child get a chance to build the core muscles in the first place. Kids love Bumbo™ seats, Jolly Jumpers® and walkers because they allow them to do something they can’t do on their own yet; it gives more freedom to move with less effort and also provides a novel way of seeing the world. Sitting or standing your child propped up is a killer for the core muscles. A child needs to develop the muscles close to the spine first to have the proper strength to build control of the muscles in the peripheral limbs: arms, legs, and hands. So to best encourage core strength means lots and lots of floor time, tummy time, rolling time and crawling time. The stimulation that your child’s brain receives from this will not only increase his/her core muscle strength it will also ensure their brain receives the right stimulation to help develop the brain for emotional development and future academic performance. ‘But my baby hates tummy time!’ I hear this every day. Being left on the floor by herself having to exercise really hard is no fun - just think of how much you enjoy doing push-ups on your own. I would suggest you get on the floor and play with her

Health while she is on her tummy. Letting her lie on your chest, tummy or legs while your talk and sing to her is another way to make tummy time a lot more interesting. We have lots of fun ‘exercises’ you can do together, just ask next time you are in the practice. So the baby should not sit by herself until she can sit by herself unaided. The same thing goes for the walkers and jumpers. Your child should not be in these devices until he/she can confidently stand, get up and down and cruise on her own. Provide lots of active play time such as running, jumping, climbing, fighting, building cubbies, riding, dancing etc. It’s time to move! It is also time for singing, reading, Lego®, building, drawing, interacting with friends and craft activities. It’s important to provide fun alternatives to the screens, because the kids love them, but they are actually addictive. The use of screens releases ‘feel good hormones’ in our brains which makes us want more. We all know what posture is associated with the use of screens, as well as the not getting in the physical movement to enhance muscle development and strength. For parents to say, absentmindedly: “Just do something else!” creates whinging, cranky and upset kids. Doing something fun with your kids helps to stimulate the brain and teach them to communicate, interact, understand non-verbal language, to share and negotiate. The American Association of Pediatricians’ advice for screens is that kids under the age two year should not be exposed to screens. That means no TV, no DVD’s in the car, no Peppa Pig on the phone, no educational games on the iPad, no

screens! Professional advice for kids from two years old to adolescents is less than one-two hours per day. Hard advice I know. However, we want our children to be healthy as they can be and have long productive lives, and the time to set good habits, including their posture, is now.

About Dorte Bladt

ll Adj usted Kids

Safe, gentle and effective chiropractic for optimal functioning and wellbeing for the whole family. P: 02 4942 4842 2 Lincoln Street, Charlestown

www.familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au

Dorte recognises that chiropractic is about optimum connection between the brain and the body. This connection happens through the spinal cord, which lies well protected within in spine. As a paediatric chiropractor Dorte’s main focus is restoring proper nerve flow between the brain and the body, by gently and safely adjusting the areas in the spine that are not functioning well. The adjustments help the nerves and the spine as well as the muscles, ligaments and other support structures of the bones. Adjustments also help the brain perceive where the body is in space better, making it easier to stand straight and think straight and develop straight.

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown

Our Family Cares for Your Family

Get Ahead Kids® Partners

More Information Dorte Bladt Doctor of Chiropractic Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown 2 Lincoln St, Charlestown NSW 2290 P: 02 4942 4842

hey dee ho music runs music programs for 1- 5 year olds. There are franchise opportunities in the inner Sydney suburbs & the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

Franchise Enquiries: (03) 9786 3104 | jenny@heydeehomusic.com.au www.heydeehomusic.com.au

info@familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au www.familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Health

Juvenile Idiopathic

Arthritis

By Dr. Ruth Renfrew (MBChB BSc DTM&H)

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) affects between one and four in every 1000 children in Australia. It can start at any age up to 16. To understand what JIA is, it helps to know what the different words represent: • Juvenile means young • Arthritis means inflammation of the joints • Idiopathic means that we don’t know the cause Joints are the places in your body where bones meet other bones, like your knees, wrists and elbows. Inflammation can make your joints sore, hot, swollen and stiff. So, altogether, JIA is a condition that affects young people, which makes their joints sore, and we don’t know what causes it. What happens in JIA? Normally your joints move smoothly allowing you to walk and run, throw a ball, write with a pencil, and all the other movements that you do every day. There are three main parts in each joint that allow this to happen: the joint capsule, the synovial membrane and cartilage.

24 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

The capsule keeps your bones in the right place within the joint. The synovial membrane produces a small amount of synovial fluid that keeps your joints well-oiled so they can move freely. Cartilage is a smooth material that covers the ends of your bones and cushions them like a shock absorber. The body’s immune system is made up of different cells and chemical messengers. Usually it fights infection, but in JIA the immune system gets confused and thinks that the synovial membrane is a threat to the body. As a result, it attacks the synovial membrane, which becomes thicker than normal and starts to produce too much fluid. Over time, the cartilage can be worn away by the thick synovial membrane, which allows the bones to rub against each other. This is what makes the joints sore, hot, swollen and stiff. JIA can affect different joints in different people. Sometimes JIA can cause problems in other parts of the body too, for example the eyes. When this happens it is called uveitis and can make vision blurry. With all types of JIA, it can feel better or worse at different times. When it’s bad, it’s called a flare. In between times, it’s called remission.

How do you know if you have JIA? Joint pain, swelling and stiffness are the main problems associated with JIA. There might be problems too with fevers, skin rash and dry eyes. Feeling more tired than normal or losing weight are also clues that someone might have JIA. The doctors do some tests to check, for example blood tests and different scans of the joints including bone scans, X-rays, MRI and ultrasound scans. With the results of all these tests, the doctor will know whether it’s JIA and if treatment is needed. What causes JIA? We know that JIA is a problem with the immune system attacking joints. However, do you remember that word ‘idiopathic’? It means that we still don’t know for sure why some people get JIA and others don’t. Doctors and scientists all over the world are working hard to try and find the answers. How can JIA be treated? There are three main types of medicine to treat JIA: NSAIDs, corticosteroids and DMARDS. NSAIDs is short for Non-Steroidal AntiInflammatory Drugs, which means that this medicine fights inflammation.

Reader Giveaway

They work quickly to ease swelling and reduce pain but they don’t fix the underlying mechanism. The most common side effect is an upset stomach.

As well as medicines, physiotherapy is a really good treatment for JIA. Physiotherapists can show us exercises to keep the joints working without hurting them.

Corticosteroids ease swelling and pain but they also relax the immune system, which helps to stop it from attacking the joints. They can be given locally or systemically. Local corticosteroids are injected directly into one joint. Systemic steroids are given as pills or on a drip and treat the whole body.

Occasionally an operation is needed to replace joints that have had a lot of damage from repeated attacks and inflammation.

DMARDs, or Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, work by stopping the signal that tells the immune system to attack in the first place. They can be given as tablets or injections. They stop lots of the attacks but not all of them. As both corticosteroids and DMARDs act by stopping the immune system from working properly, children who take them can be more likely to get infections.

Useful Websites www.arthritisaustralia.com.au www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritisinformation/conditions/juvenileidiopathic-arthritis.aspx www.racgp.org.au/your-practice/ guidelines/musculoskeletal/ juvenileidiopathicarthritis

Having JIA can be tough. It can make children feel tired and they can struggle to keep up with their friends. It’s important to remember that lots of children have JIA and are facing the same problems. Talking to friends and family about it can really help.

About Dr. Ruth Renfrew

Remember

www.medikidz.com

• In JIA, the body’s own immune system attacks the joints • This makes joints hot, swollen, stiff & sore • The doctor will arrange blood tests & scans to check if it’s JIA • The main treatments are medicines & physiotherapy

Dr. Ruth Renfrew is a medical writer at Medikidz, an organisation that provides children with informative, accessible and fun comics to help them understand health and illness.

More Information

3XB

ooks to Give awa y!

Living with JIA can be hard, but there are lots of people who can help.

What’s up with Eleanor? Medikidz – Explain JIA Authors: Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair & Shawn deLoache Eleanor can’t join in with sports at school, as her Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is causing her pain. Her classmates taunt her because she cannot join in at sports. Fortunately, the five Medikidz Superheroes appear to take her on a trip of Mediland, a planet shaped like the human body, to teach her all the basic facts about JIA.

This graphic (cartoon) novel offers an informative, easy to read exploration of JIA and its treatment paths. This is a highly recommended reference book for your home, school and medical library. Age Guide: Open Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781906935771 Price: AU$26.75 Publisher: Medikidz Limited P: +44 203 691 6230 www.medikidz.com

With special thanks to Medikidz Limited, Get Ahead Kids has 3 copies of ‘What’s up with Eleanor? Medikidz Explain JIA’ valued at $26.75 each to giveaway! Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the ‘Giveaway’ link for a chance to win this fantastic prize!

www.getaheadkids.com.au

News

Learn Ballet Like Angelina Ballerina at Baby Ballerinas & Co Baby Ballerinas & Co is Newcastle’s and Lake Macquarie’s own Angelina Ballerina Academy. Angelina Ballerina, star of the best-selling children’s books and popular television show, is a remarkable little mouse who wants to become a prima ballerina. A little star with big dreams, she inspires little girls and boys to go after their big dreams too! At Baby Ballerinas & Co, your child will learn ballet technique in a creative, caring and fun way. Classes include some Angelina themed activities and incentives, combined with the unique Baby Ballerinas teaching program. Students learn and earn ‘little stars’ stickers and rewards for great dancing and ballerina-like behaviour all while a parent watches. All operated at an air-conditioned studios in Oakdale Rd, Gateshead.

More Information Baby Ballerinas Unit 4, 9 Oakdale Rd Gateshead NSW 2290 P: 02 4948 2953 info@babyballerinas.com.au www.babyballerinas.com.au

Baby Ballerinas is a unique pre-school dance program for 3-5 year old girls. Baby Ballerinas is a specialist Pre-School Ballet Studio. Don’t settle for copy programs, start with the creators. Baby Jazz are ideal classes for 3-5 year old boys & girls. Little Cherubs dance class is for 2-3 year olds. Parents join in the class. Central School of Dance is for kids from 6 years old & provides RAD based exams & Eisteddfod. Also classes in Tap, Jazz & Contemporary. Enrol Free Trial Classes • Morning Classes • Parents Able to Observe Classes Online Purpose Built, Air Conditioned Studio • Safe Off-Street Parking Now

Oakdale Studios, Unit 4, 9 Oakdale Rd, Gateshead NSW 2290 Ph/Fx: 02 4948 2953 • www.babyballerinas.com.au

26 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

Photos co

urtesy of Ba

by Ballerin

as & Co.

Tips for Containing Legal Costs in Family Law Proceedings If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur! Almost 70% of divorce applications received by Australian courts have no legal representation, with many people avoiding legal advice, for fear of costs. While some Family Law proceedings can be costly, getting proper legal advice is highly beneficial and can reduce your stress by providing you with clarity about your rights and the legal process. Here are some ways that you can keep legal costs down without forsaking good legal support, recommended by Baker Love Lawyers associate Helen Day McMahon. ❑❑ Get legal advice early from an experienced family law lawyer. ❑❑ When you have made an appointment to see a solicitor, make a note of questions you want answered. ❑❑ Make a complete list of your assets, liabilities and details of financial contributions before you see a lawyer. When you instruct a solicitor, time is money and less time spent by the solicitor extracting this information from you will mean more money kept in your pocket. ❑❑ Avoid preparing complex legal documents on your own. Whilst initially you may save some money by not instructing a solicitor, you can spend a lot more money later, trying to fix the mistakes made in the absence of competent legal advice.

From left: Christine Knoll, Robert Starke, Jasmin Thompson & Helen Day-McMahon.

Jillian Stibbard

❑❑ Avoid using litigation or protracted settlement discussions as a way to punish your Ex. Your Ex’s past behaviour or even their present behaviour might be unpleasant, however it is best ignored - it’s better to concentrate on the bigger picture; that is, reaching agreement as to arrangements for your children and/or property settlement. In the end, if you are using litigation to punish your Ex, you are really only punishing your wallet.

❑❑ Be prepared to compromise to settle your matter early.

❑❑ All the time you spend on your matter by a solicitor is charged to you at an agreed hourly rate. You may be able to save money in legal fees for example by leaving any basic telephone messages with any one of our legal assistants.

If you need to speak to a solicitor about a Financial Agreement or if you are considering divorce proceedings, please contact our specialist family law team on (02) 4944 3322.

❑❑ Whilst Financial Agreements are not 100% water tight, they do come with many benefits, especially when you have entered into a Financial Agreement before or during a relationship/marriage. Seek advice about getting a PreNuptial (Financial Agreement) as soon as possible.

More Information

❑❑ Negotiating a settlement on your behalf and litigating a matter are expensive endeavours. If at all possible, try to reach an agreement with your Ex sooner rather than later. Both parties will need to make concessions - in the long run, it is often better to resolve matters earlier by conceding some issues, which might appear important at the time, but may later assume less importance. ❑❑ Provide full disclosure as to all of your financial interests. A failure to disclose any financial interest can have a devastating effect on any agreement you reach with your Ex.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

News

After Hours Home Visit Doctor Service Expands After the successful launch of the after hours home visit doctor service in May, Doctor To Your Door, founder and GP Dominic Bannerman has made the commitment to expand their services to more suburbs throughout Newcastle. Residents of Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Stockton can now access this service that has proved popular amongst families with young children. Dominic set up the service initially in Townsville in 2012, before relocating to Newcastle to set up this service.

28 Get Ahead KidsÂŽ Nov/Dec 14

Prior to Dominic and his wife Akiko raising two young children, they both enjoyed travelling and working in a voluntary capacity to assist in developing countries, such as Uganda, India and Ecuador. Dominic made the decision to donate 50% of profits from his business in Newcastle to charity. In the future, he would like to set up a foundation to fund a clinic in East Timor or another developing nation and to continue donating to and sponsoring local charities.

Doctor To Your Door is a free bulk billed service, available until midnight. The doctor travels to patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homes and treats them in their own comfortable environment. Each fully qualified and trained doctor is equipped with starter medications to assist where possible. Bookings for this service can be made by calling 1300 YOUR DOOR (1300 968 736). The service takes calls from 4pm weekdays, 10am Saturdays and all Sunday.

More Information www.doctortoyourdoor.com.au

ew Touch NCaring

News

Dental Practice

Located in Charlestown, Caring Touch Dental is a warm, friendly dental practice that offers affordable, quality dental care for the whole family.

More Information

Caring Touch Dental focuses on providing a positive dental experience, creating beautiful, healthy smiles for life. Dr. Kimiko Yoshinaga has considerable training in paediatric/ childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dentistry and experience in orthodontics. Enquiries are most welcome. Feel free to call, email or drop in and speak to the friendly staff!

Caring Touch Dental 73 Dudley Rd Charlestown NSW 2290 P: 02 4943 0600 kim@caringtouchdental.com.au www.caringtouchdental.com.au

Dance Classes in a Friendly Environment Heidiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Dance is a Newcastle based school that offers a friendly and personal approach to the exciting world of dance. It encourages students to appreciate the technical importance of dance, balanced with an enjoyment of creative expression within a supportive and nurturing environment. Teachers acknowledge that students will aspire for a life-long career in dancing and acquire benefits such as developing friendships; self-discipline; selfesteem as well as learning about working as a member of a team, will remain with the students throughout their lifetimes.

This dance studio offers tuition in Classical Ballet; Jazz; Modern and Contemporary Dance and caters for students upwards from three years of age.

More Information www.heidisschoolofdance.com

Dance classes for all ages in the inner-city

www.heidisschoolofdance.com 0403 092 256 - (02) 4929 7172

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News

Seriously Professional Patti Gleeson congratulates the 2014 graduates and wishes them the best of luck as they embark on their professional careers. The Central Ballet School focuses on; ❑❑ Classic Ballet R.A.D. ❑❑ Open Classes & Coaching ❑❑ Contemporary, Jazz, Modern & Character ❑❑ Musical Theatre

Past Central Ballet School students have succeeded in careers Australia wide and internationally.

More Information Patti Gleeson R.A.D Central Ballet School The Seriously Professional School 42A Frederick St East Gosford NSW 2250 P: 02 4332 2091

Poppy’s Home & Garden, Is More Than A Nursery

Poppy’s Home & Garden Centre offers a wide range of eclectic furniture, homewares and garden inspirations!

83 Oakdale Rd, Gateshead | Ph: 49478255

It prides itself on its friendly personal service and guidance. Its staff are fully qualified and trained to inspire and help you, the customer.

It stocks everything from quality plants, bulk landscape supplies, landscape maintenance and design services, unique homewares and gifts, indoor and outdoor furniture. Its Verandah Café, open for breakfast to lunch is a perfect haven to meet friends or rest your weary feet.

More Information www.poppysgc.com.au

30 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

News

The Early Years Centre The Early Years Centre at The Scots College is a long day care facility for boys aged 3-5 years, open from 7:30am - 6:00pm, 48 weeks of the year. Located in Rose Bay, this educational preschool day care program aims to harness boys’ natural curiosity and energy through a play-based learning framework. Progressing to the Early Learning Centre at The Scots College, students are launched into the vibrant and stimulating world of education within a school-based program. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia’s educational philosophy, boys aged 3-6 years, engage in self-discovery and become active discoverers

of their new world. Emphasis is placed on building foundational skills in the social, physical and academic domains. The supportive environment in the Early Learning Centre enriches learning outcomes for the boys in the Cubs and Lions Program. This is where the journey to become a Scots boy begins. The journey continues as the boys in the Early Learning Centre are led along an adventurous learning pathway. The nurturing environment at the Early Learning Centre transitions the young Scots boys to the Junior Preparatory School where they start their journey to manhood. Building upon foundational knowledge and skills, boys in the

Senior Preparatory School at The Scots College undertake a personal quest for mastery. The journey concludes in the Senior School as courageous young men with brave hearts and bold minds have become ready to learn, lead and serve in the community.

More Information www.tsc.nsw.edu.au/explorers

Explore the Early Learning Centre at Scots Commencing his journey to brave hearts and bold minds, each boy is an active explorer of his new world. At The Scots College Early Learning Centre the schoolbased program allows for investigation and the opportunity to build foundational skills. The social, physical, academic, emotional and aesthetic domains for learning are integrated and supported to enrich the best possible learning environment for the boys. Scots’ unique Brave Hearts Bold Minds Education Philosophy and adventurous curriculum awaits each boy. Want to explore more? Visit www.tsc.nsw.edu.au/explorers.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Deck the Shed with Bits of Wattle

John WIlliamson’s Christmas in Australia

The Nights Before Christmas

Author: Colin Buchanan & Greg Champion Illustrator: Glen Singleton

Author: John Williamson Illustrator: Mitch Vane

Compiled & Illustrator: Tony Ross

‘Deck the Sheds with Bits of Wattle’ is based on the 1996 album Aussie Christmas with Bucko & Champs. Splashed with Australian animals, plants and a unique brand of humour that typifies a Christmas down under. This book and CD are highly recommended for the entire family. Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 24 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781743620427 Price: AU$19.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au

It’s Christmas in Australia and Dad wants that perfect Christmas family photo, but someone is always missing! From Australian icon and singer/ songwriter, John Williamson, this popular song, brought to life by talented artist, Mitch Vane. This is a great book, filled with typical Australian Christmas activities and merriment. The illustrations are sensational. Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9780670077724 Price: AU$19.99 Publisher: Penguin Books Australia P: 03 9811 2400 www.penguin.com.au

For more great reviews visit www.getaheadkids.com.au

Illustrated in colour by acclaimed illustrator Tony Ross, ‘The Nights Before Christmas’ has 24 classic festive tales, songs and stories for the family to enjoy during this religious festival. It includes extracts from much-loved books including ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, ‘Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, yuletide poems (‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’) and carols (‘Good King Wenceslas’). ‘The Nights Before Christmas’ is a wellpresented book of favourites that will delight the whole family. Age Guide: 7-9 Years Extent: 240 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781742761404 Price: AU$29.99 Publisher: Koala Books P: 02 4328 3555 www.scholastic.com.au

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes Author: Professor Merlin Thomas Professor Merlin Thomas from the world-renowned Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute offers helpful guidance on how to manage all aspects of the disease that affects over 1.3 million Australians.

Apple Blossom EnviroChill Maxi

This book examines the medical aspects of Type 2 Diabetes, from how it comes about to the best ways to manage and improve your health. Available in both book and audio book format, this is an essential reference for Diabetes sufferers. Age Guide: Open Extent: 288 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781921966200 Price: AU$29.99

32 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

This colourful bag is designed to keep your groceries cold or to take on your next picnic. • Apple blossom print Audio Book Extent: 8 CDs (Run time 8hr 5mins) ISBN: 9781921966620 Price: AU $49.99 Publisher: Exisle Publishing P: 02 4998 3327 www.exislepublishing.com.au

• Part of the Pack & Go Collection • Stylish, practical & lightweight bag Price: AU$15.99 P: 07 3376 4416 EnviroTrend Pty Ltd sales@envirotrend.com.au www.envirotrend.com.au

Ziggy the Zebra Author & Photographer: Jan Latta The author has seen hundreds of endangered Burchell zebras on the African plains. Fewer than 2,500 Grévy zebras and 2,700 Mountain zebras are surviving in the wild. Jan remarks; “I had an amazing adventure while I was in the Maasi Mara creating the book. I was having dinner with the camp manager and we heard a loud thump, then the sound of hooves running. We unzipped the canvas to see a lion chasing a wildebeest right through the middle of the tent. Then I had to walk back to my tent with a pride of lions surrounding the camp. But I was safe, the Maasi men protected me.”

Ziggy the Zebra is an autobiographical story of the life and adventures of this very special Zebra. It’s a great educational tale that will thrill the whole family. The photos are stunning! Age Guide: Open Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780980872736 Price: AU$14.95 Publisher: True to Life Books P: 02 9880 8382 www.truetolifebooks.com.au

Beaming with Health When Mim Beim, already a wellknown practitioner and health writer, had her naturopathy practice in the Strand Arcade, Sydney, she would regularly leave for a quick daily tea break over at the Tea Centre, in the Glasshouse. In 2006, after many shared cuppas, her Tea Centre friends asked, ‘Why don’t you make us some herbal teas?’ Indispensable Wellbeing in Every Cup

I am the Wolf… and Here I Come!

Anzac Ted

Author & Illustrator: Benedicte Guettier

Anzac Ted has been passed down to a little boy by his grandfather. This is no ordinary teddy bear, Anzac Ted has been to war, comforting soldiers and

A wolf is getting dressed, putting on a new item of clothing with each page turn, until finally he is all dressed ready for action. The bold illustrations and simple text makes this a fun book to read with young children. With extra thick pages and strong binding, it is designed to withstand many reads. Age Guide: 0+ Years Extent: 20 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781877579424 Price: AU$16.99 Publisher: Gecko Press P: +64 4 801 9333 www.geckopress.com

Author & Illustrator: Belinda Landsberry

keeping them company. The beautiful watercolour illustrations bring this special story to life. The tattered teddy may look scary but he has such a powerful story to tell. This is a great resource for teaching children about the Anzac legacy. Age Guide: 5+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781921966569 Price: AU$19.99 Publisher: Exisle Publishing P: 02 4998 3327 www.exislepublishing.com.au

A multivitamin in a teacup, ‘Indispensable’ is a combination of traditional ‘tonic’ herbs that help in maintaining and improving functioning of all body systems; kidneys, liver, nervous and immune system, circulation and skin. These herbs have been chosen as the best at their job, additionally they provide a host of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Good for wellbeing, vitality. Taste: Interesting, smooth with the ginger taste Herbs: Licorice, echinacea, ginkgo, St Mary’s thistle, nettle, ginger, oats, withania, lemon grass, sweet orange peel, rooibos, rosemary, spearmint, peppermint, rose petals Price: 50 Tea Bags AU$24.95 More Information & Online Purchases www.beamingwithhealth.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

Index

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34 Get Ahead Kids® Nov/Dec 14

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Reader Giveaway

New LeapPad3 LeapPad3 is a kid-tough tablet that comes in teal, green and pink. Designed and built for kids, it has friendly controls, an ultra-tough frame and a screen designed for a kid’s light touch. LeapPad3 has a high-performance Wi-Fi tablet with fast and powerful quad-core processor and a Kid-safe Web. LeapSearch™ powered by Zui™ serves up only age-appropriate videos and more from the web. Content on LeapSearch has been handpicked by the LeapFrog’s team of learning experts and it comes with parental override settings. There is instant access to 400+ fun apps, games, videos, eBooks, music, and more, all created and approved by LeapFrog learning experts.

™

Kids Review Tom - 9 Years Old “I found the LeapPad entertaining, educational, fun and awesome. My favourite was getting level ups on pet pad.” Connor - 6 Years Old “I found the LeapPad exciting and loved additions. My favourite was washing pets.” Age Specification

Leap 2 X P Give ad3 to awa y!

LeapPad3 is recommended for kids aged 3-9 years.

More Information www.leapfrog.com.au Twitter: @LeapFrogAus Facebook: @ LeapFrog Australia

With thanks from LeapFrog, Get Ahead Kids has 2 LeapPad3s worth $99.99 each to giveaway! Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the ‘Giveaway’ link for a chance to win this fantastic prize!