Get Ahead Kids

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Vol. 1 • No. 5 • Sep/Oct 09

A n In te rv ie w w it h

Exams Special

Prime Possum

• Reflections on Learning & Exams • Increase Your Concentration & Retention • National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

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Sep/Oct 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

News & Giveaway John Marsden Storyline to be Filmed in the Hunter

An Interview with Prime Possum

6

Spotlight An Interview with Prime Possum Exams

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

10

Reflections on Learning & Exams

12

Increase Your Concentration & Retention Education & Training

14

Essential Movements for Brain Development 0-6 Year Olds

16

Cool Boys Read

18

Health Going to The Beach

20

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.

People in Focus The Story That Built Itself

22

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

National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Green Issues Eco-Friendly Stationery News

24

The ‘Walk of Pride’

24

St Philip’s Student Wins ABC Junior Einstein Factor

25

NSW Farmer of the Year Runners Up

26

Giveaways

28

Activity Zone

29

Reviews

32

Subscribe to Get Ahead Kids

34

Advertisers Index

www.getaheadkids.com.au

3

Editorial I was touched by the last 5

How I wish I had the exam

celebrities we have interviewed.

stress management techniques

During the current Prime Possum

documented in this issue throughout

interview, I laughed at how bazaar

my schooling and the 12 years of

some of the situations were.

part-time university studies!

I jumped with joy when I heard that

In this issue, I am privileged to

the Hunter has been chosen as the

offer you 5 fantastic giveaways.

location for a new movie based on

Thank you to all the Get Ahead

the John Marsden novel ‘Tomorrow,

Kids supporters who made these

When the War Began’.

giveaways possible.

He was our celebrity in spotlight for

Maria Charlton

March/April edition and you can

Managing Editor

read the interview with John on our

P: 02 4929 7766

website.

maria@mapmarketing.com.au

A truly superb magazine. Read it

It’s a warm, happy book even

from cover to cover. Many thanks

though dealing with this issue. I had

indeed again,

breast cancer twice which is the

Jackie French

driver in this book.

I love the cover of Jackie French.

Get Ahead Kids Magazine is a

Susanne Gervay

fantastic concept and exudes an aura of positivity. I was impressed with the professionalism, design and layout and the print quality of the magazine.

Please send letters and stories with your name and contact details to: Get Ahead Kids Villa Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300 F: 02 4929 7827

Better Outcomes for Boys is a great article. I have a class where the ratio is 2:1 with boys the minority. The article gave insight into strategies

I enjoyed the Outcomes for Boys

and/or factors for success which are

article, as initiatives to push boys’

important in any classroom. The tips

education is often demeaned in

to achieve successful outcomes for

social commentary and it needs to

boys will certainly be utilised in my

be a pressing issue.

classroom.

Kim Miller

K. Rooney

maria@mapmarketing.com.au

Wangi Wangi Dear Maria I have a JACK 3 coming out for Breast Cancer Awareness Week in October 2010.

It’s a JACK book and deals with the mother getting breast cancer and the impact on the kids - in terms of carer, feelings of fear and courage.

4

Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

Great information and pictures, easy to read layout. Our school will soon start planning for a new playground and the Toxic Playground information is perfect.

A. McGrail Wundowie WA

News + Giveaway

John Marsden

Storyline to be Filmed in the Hunter The Hunter has been chosen as the

During this interview we asked his

location for a new $60 million movie

career highlights, John replied;

based on the John Marsden novel

“Taking the manuscript of the next

’Tomorrow, When the War Began’.

book in the Tomorrow series, to a

This teen adventure book is one of eight in the ‘Tomorrow’ Series which follows the lives of a group of

Pre-production of the film was planned to begin July 2009 and the

and conquest of their country by a

filming will start later in 2009. The

foreign power.

production will be based at Fox

the War Began’ (RRP $16.99 each) to give away.

Thank you John Marsden and Pan Macmillan Australia for these fantastic giveaways.

For your chance to win visit www.getaheadkids.com.au follow the giveaway link and fill in your details.

Studios and filmed extensively in the Hunter Valley.

popular Australian book series for

The movie has not been cast yet, so

young adults. His first book in this

it is too early to know whether there

series, ‘Tomorrow, When the War

will be any famous actors involved.

Began’, has been reprinted 26 times

John Marsdens’ ‘Tomorrow, When

to read it before she died.”

to respond to a surprise invasion

recognised as one of the most

Get Ahead Kids have 5 copies of

cystic fibrosis, because she wanted

Australian teenagers as they struggle

John’s ‘Tomorrow’ series is

Giveaway!

young woman who was dying of

in Australia.

More Information www.candlebark.info

Over a million copies of these books have been sold and ‘Tomorrow, When The War Began’ has been translated in German, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Italian, Swedish and French.

The movie ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’ follows the journey of Ellie and her friends who band together when their country is invaded and their families are taken. Renowned screenwriter Stuart Beattie, whose credits include the Pirates of the Caribbean films, has written the screenplay and will direct the movie.

We were honoured to interview, John Marsden in the March/April Get Ahead Kids.

A transcript of John’s interview can be accessed at:

Enrol NOW FOR 2010

Considering your child’s future? Contact us for a tour and meet our dedicated staff.

Enquire today!

LI M IT ED PL AC ES

Ph: 4954 6222

Pre-School, Kindergarten to Year 12 www.macquariecollege.nsw.edu.au 182-222 Lake Road, Wallsend, 2287

www.getaheadkids.com.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

5

How do you contribute to the education of kids?

Along with my best mate Maddie, we have an awesome TV show on PRIME every Saturday at 9am called The Saturday Club! Each week, we check out fun things and take kids on amazing adventures of discovery exploring areas such as science, books, sports, health and all kinds of cool stuff! We get to meet some really interesting people too!

Please tell us about your family.

When I’m not hanging out in the attic with my best friend Maddie, I live with my mum and dad in a forest near Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast.

What do you do when you’re not on PRIME? I really love sleeping, eating and playing with my friends.

An Interview with

Prime Possum

6

Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

Spotlight

What did you have to do to get your

What is your most unforgettable

job with PRIME?

personal experience?

I was discovered at a shopping

I get to do so many great things

centre! I went from an unknown

with Maddie on The Saturday Club,

marsupial to an overnight megastar

but swimming with dolphins in Coffs

when I became the host of my very

Harbour was unforgettable.

own television show in 1993.

What is your favourite Australian

What are your career highlights?

destination and why?

Being PRIME’s mascot is so much

I love exploring! Travelling is sooooo

fun, I get to meet so many awesome

cool. I’ve got up close and personal

kids!

with sharks at Seaworld on the Gold

One of the coolest things I have done was when I got to be a trainee lifeguard as a part of the Newcastle City Council Community Water Safety Education Program.

We went to heaps of schools to educate children on the importance of water safety, it was a blast!

What do you value most in life?

That’s easy - my friends and family.

Coast, learnt how to play soccer with the Newcastle Jets, hit the ski slopes at the Snowy Mountains and travelled back in time at Sovereign Hill in Victoria. I can’t wait for my

Trainee Lifeguard Prime Possum on duty as part of the Newcastle City Council Community Water Safety Education Program.

next trip!

What is your best overseas

Please tell us more about

experience?

The Saturday Club on PRIME.

I haven’t been overseas yet but I’m

Maddie and I have so much fun

really keen to get out there and see

putting The Saturday Club together!

the world! Maddie tells me that I

Most of our time is spent hanging out

would love France, so I think I would

in attic making each other laugh.

like to make that my first stop.

There is always heaps of exciting guests dropping by for chats, plus we have great movies for everyone to watch, DVD and book reviews, jokes, competitions and awesome prizes! You can hang out with Maddie and I every Saturday from 9am on PRIME.

Prime Possum hanging out with the dolphins in Coffs Harbour.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

7

1

Exams

National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

During 12-14 May 2009, more than

The data from the NAPLAN test results

A result at the national minimum

one million Australian students were

gave schools and systems the ability

standard indicates that the student

tested on their reading, writing and

to compare student achievements

demonstrated the basic skills of

numeracy ability as part of a national

against national standards and with

literacy and numeracy needed to

assessment program.

student achievement in other states

participate in that particular level.

and territories. These results also allow

These national tests provided students, parents, teachers and governments with information on how students Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are progressing. This also has pinpointed areas of improvements in teaching and learning.Â

for monitoring of progress over time.

What Are the Standards?

National and international standards describe the level of skills and understanding needed by students to participate in our society.

Parents and carers of these students received individual reports that showed the results for their child in relation to the national average and national minimum standard in

NAPLAN results are reported using five National Achievement Scales:

A result in the lowest band for the year level indicates that the student has not achieved the basic skills of literacy and numeracy for that level and may need focused intervention and additional support to help develop these skills further.

The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy

reading, writing, spelling, grammar

All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9

and punctuation, and numeracy.

are expected to participate in the national literacy and numeracy tests.

reading, writing, spelling, grammar

Higher scores on the NAPLAN scale

and punctuation, and numeracy.

indicate increasing understanding of

The national sample assessments test

challenging skills.

students’ skills and understanding in science literacy, civics and

YEAr

citizenship and ICT literacy. These will

7 rea DING

Sample from 2009 Year 7 National

Assessment Program Literacy and read Helpin go Numeracy - Reading Test. and an swer q ur waterwa ys on uestio page 2 ns 1 to of the 6. magaz What ine is the Land c

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Why d oes Po ster 1 nly wh say yo en the u shou weathe ld app r is fine? Kids ly fert09 Get Ahead Sep/Oct 8 Sunsh ilisers ine ma and pe kes th sticid

students in Years 6 and 10 and held on a rolling three-yearly basis.

Year 6 children were notified in mid2009 if they were randomly selected to participate in science literacy assessments.

e post

d. w aterwa We sh ys. ould s pray p e sts and We sh mow la ould w wns. ear ha ts whe n work ing ou tside. we do

be carried out on selected groups of

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In October 2009, there will be a trial of civics and citizenship items for a small number of students in Years 6 and 10, in preparation for the main assessment in 2010.

Exams The National Assessment Program International Assessments The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a system of international assessments that focus on 15-year-olds’ capabilities in reading literacy, mathematics literacy and science literacy.

Information about schools never before published will be available on

review programs and support

a new national website before the

offered to schools

end of 2009.

How are NAPLAN Test Results Being Used?

Students and parents may use individual results to discuss

PISA will facilitate the comparison of

achievements and progress with

Australian student achievements with

teachers

national and international standards.

❑❑ Teachers use results to help them

School Results Will Be Published April 18 2009, the Federal government pledged that parents will be able

❑❑ School systems use results to

❑❑ School leaders use results to monitor the school’s improvement and benchmark the school’s performance against other comparable schools

More Information MCEETYA Secretariat P: (03) 9639 0588

better identify students who may

enquiries@mceecdya.edu.au

require additional support

www.mceecdya.edu.au

❑❑ Schools use results to identify

to compare schools and track

strengths and weaknesses in

their performance after an historic

teaching programs and to set

agreement between the Australian

goals in literacy and numeracy

www.naplan.edu.au

education ministers.

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www.getaheadkids.com.au

9

Exams

s n o i t c e l Ref

on Learning & Exams

Are the stresses generated by

• Motivate students to study

Students need to be guided and

exams having an adverse affect on

• Help teachers & lecturers to

motivated to learn in a healthy

teacher and student motivation? In

monitor the progress of their

environment and to perceive exams

real life exams are stressful and they

instructions

as ‘learning benchmarks’ not as

take a toll on students and teachers in a variety of ways.

But some level of stress is an integral part of daily life. The ability to withstand and conquer the negative effects of stress gives students an advantage as they enter the world of adult responsibilities such as work and family.

Examinations can be used to: • Assess student learning as it relates to curriculum material

• Provide feedback on course areas that need improved tuition/

Educators need to focus on

training

developing enthusiastic and

Some educators have raised many compelling reasons to change the way exams are viewed and conducted.

Ideally exams should be an ongoing stocktaking process of skills not a ‘do or die’ event.

To achieve this, exams may need to be shorter in length and given at more regular intervals.

10 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

‘point scoring’.

self-assured students who look forward to learning and being assessed on knowledge and skills retention.

Often discussions on examinations are made in vacuum and do not take into account assessments of the intrinsic quality of education process.

Exams Formal education is a continuum of curriculum design, curriculum implementation and curriculum

❑❑ Get Informed Get informed on exam details:

evaluation. Hence the first stage is to

• Exact exam dates

evaluate the quality the curriculum

• Topic of tests

processes. Education cannot begin

• Format of the tests

to be improved if it is built on a

• Potential use of the tests

sandy foundation.

Education is very much a people process and at the heart of this process is the teacher. It is important to develop a more responsive and responsible school culture. Change in the way schools perform can be greatly affected by empowering the teacher.

❑❑ Get in Touch Be aware of what you can achieve. Sit quietly and identify your emotions - fear or failure, fear of not meeting parental expectations. Ask yourself what is the worst case scenario and take steps one at the time to improve on this situation. Seek

Governments at all levels need to

help from friends, parents,

provide the best teacher rewards

counsellors and websites.

and best school environments for learning. Also, schools need to be

❑❑ Keep Calm

physically designed and renovated

Although exams are increasing

into aesthetic havens for learning.

in importance they are only one benchmark of your

Tips To Lessen Exam Stresses ❑❑ Set Learning Standards

progress. Maintain an attitude

❑❑ Research & Prepare Prepare for exams throughout the year, know the subject matter, summarise your topics throughout the year and complete sample questions that can help you get acquainted with exam format. ❑❑ Manage the Details Organise your study area and ensure it is free of distractions.

Ensure you schedule play and exercise time to sharpen the mind and boost your energy.

Get a good night’s sleep especially the night before the exam. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as well as proteins and take regular nutritious snacks to help your mind combat anxiety. Learn and practice relaxation techniques.

More Information

of confident expectation and reassure yourself you are a great

Be prepared throughout the

person regardless of the exam

year. Learning is an ongoing

outcome.

www.schools.nsw.edu.au P: 02 9561 8000

task and exams are ongoing benchmarks of learned material.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

11

Increase

Your Concentration & Retention Dorte Bladt

Who doesn’t know the feeling of

Not something you want to sit and

As a priority, make up a schedule

frantically studying, cramming in the

ponder for long.

where you realistically put in what

information, while your brain is busy worrying about why you didn’t start before, how hard the material is and how hopeless it seems to try to remember it all.

Most of you who are doing the HSC this year will have been studying for ages. Actually for about 13 years.

And I expect most of you will have mastered the art of studying.

However, as it comes closer to crunch time, the pressure seems to be rising. It is worth remembering that this test, important as it is for future studying choices, is still only a test, one of many that you will have to face in the years to come.

Remember too, as your parents will say, “stressing does not help”.

Stress activates the most primitive centres in your brain, in the brain stem, which is an area that deals with survival, safety and sex.

When we are under stress we produce adrenalin and cortisol, which increase heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure.

the effectiveness of our immune response, making us more susceptible to colds and flus and more likely to suffer with hayfever, asthma and allergies.

More importantly, activation of the brainstem interferes with the access to the midbrain where memories are formed, so we may be studying

So it is important to keep things

The reason for this is that the purpose

in perspective and decrease the

of stress is to prepare us for possible

stresses on the system.

12 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

strengths are and build on these.

And remember that a solid foundation will be much more useful than a cursory idea of the material.

Your schedule needs to include the social activities, exercise, work etc.

remember what we have learned.

hide?

to be reviewed. Decide what your

stress hormones will decrease

intensively but will be unable to

to try to outrun it, or is it better to

assess the material which needs

rest of your life as well, as in family,

severely interferes with your ability to

danger: if the tiger attacks is it better

days and hours available and

Chronic production of these

As a matter of fact, being stressed take in information and remember it.

you want to achieve. Look at the

Exams

Tips To Make Your Study Time Productive ❑❑ Aerobic exercise will help

Turn your head slowly from side

decrease the amount of the

to side, feeling the stretch in

stress hormones in your brain

the muscles of the opposite

and body, so schedule in a daily

side of the neck. Tip your ear

walk, run or swim. The increased

towards your shoulder and hold

blood flow will stimulate and

for 10 seconds. Again enjoy the

clear your brain, increase

stretching feeling of the muscles

oxygen to your brain and help

on the other side of the neck.

your body eliminate toxins. This will refresh you and help you focus. ❑❑ Light, as in daylight and sun,

Methods Are Safe, Natural & They Work!

• Exam stress & relaxation • Neck & back problems • Variety of organic & systemic problems

❑❑ Consider your sustenance; snacking on chips and lollies,

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even though that is what you feel like, will make you feel

frontdesk@familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au

will increase your melatonin

sluggish and concentrate poorly

levels. Melatonin is a hormone

as your digestive system tries

which will make you feel awake

to cope with the load. There is

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown

and alert. This doesn’t mean

such a thing as brain food. Try

Perform at your Peak

spending the day at the beach,

nibbling on bite-sized pieces of

but choose a well-lit study room

fresh fruit, nuts and even cut up

and again, go outside for a

veggies such as carrots, cherry

walk wearing your hat and

tomatoes, cucumbers or other

sunscreen.

favourites. Protein provides

❑❑ There are specific brain exercises which will help you settle the stress area in your brain and activate the long-term memory centres. For example, try marching on the spot with your knees lifted high and touching your opposite hand

slow release energy, so maybe

down with copious amounts of fresh water. This will give you an excuse to get up and stretch your legs regularly as you visit the bathroom.

minutes. This exercise will help

the test of your life; you can only do

you activate the higher centres

your best, and your best is always

in the brain, and it stimulates

good enough.

making it easier to think clearly

K-12 Co-educational School

of tuna handy. And wash it all

And finally, remember that this is not

the right brain hemispheres,

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the connectivity of the left and

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Happy studying and good luck!

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from both the creative and the logical side of the brain.

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❑❑ When you have been studying

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attentively in front of your

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computer or books for a while,

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roll and shrug your shoulders

www.familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au

to release the built-up tension.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

13

Education & Training

Essential M ovements

for Brain Development 0-6 Year Olds Cate Larke

School readiness is about being

We often hear the word milestones,

They start to coordinate the left and

ready to learn - and the first 6 years

but why are they important?

right side of their bodies, develop

are about getting the brain ready!

If babies are given plenty of time

The first 6 years of life could be

on their tummies from an early

considered the ‘physical stage’ -

age, they will start to achieve gross

getting control of their bodies, ready

motor milestones, these and other

for sitting, listening, reading and

sensory experiences help the brain

writing at school.

to mature, which in turn develop the

To be successful at school a child needs to be able to concentrate on

brain for later learning (Greenough & Black, 1992, Shatz, 1992).

more complicated cortical activities.

Rolling develops muscle tone and

Their balance & basic fine motor skills

helps integrate primitive reflexes,

of the eyes, ears and hands need to

followed in a few months by

be fully mastered.

commando or soldier crawling.

amazing muscle tone and strength, fine tune their hand grasping and reaching and their vision starts to develop. They are learning to adjust their focus and getting many messages, about their body size and position, important for later sporting skills, coordination and self awareness.

After a few months, the baby starts to push up into a crawling position. This extremely important stage fires up the brain for later learning, integrates primitive reflexes, develops timing and rhythm for maths tasks at school, and builds muscle tone in arms for fine motor skills such as cutting, beading and later, writing. Lots of vision development happens at this age!

It is an important time for brain and body development and should not be interfered with by restricting movements or placing baby in walkers or holding in a standing position.

14 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

Education & Training 1 Term to Giveaway!

Thanks to Essential Moves Children’s Centre, Get Ahead Kids has One Whole Term (Term 4) of Essential Play to give away (Valued at $175).

For your chance to win visit www.getaheadkids.com.au follow the giveaway link and fill in your details.

Let the baby learn to balance but

Finally by the age of 6 the child starts

go back to a crawling position. The

to skip (not with a rope). This takes

next few months will be a time of

lots of motor planning, coordination

intermittent crawling and walking

and body awareness. They should be

as your baby finds their way. Don’t

starting to try to ride a bike without

rush this stage and don’t hold on

training wheels, which really helps

to baby to encourage walking! Let

with balance.

baby crawl, find balance and stand on his/her own. Soon they will be running!

The next stage is jumping. Give the

Gross Motor Check List ❑❑ By six weeks - on tummy lift head and push up

child opportunities for jumping,

❑❑ Rolling - 4-6mths,

climbing and exploring in a safe

❑❑ Commando crawling - 6-8mths,

environment. Jumping helps

❑❑ Crawling - 8-12mths,

develop balance and coordination.

Important for eye tracking and reading! At this stage the child will

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❑❑ Cruising - 11-13mths, ❑❑ Walking -12-16mths,

ride a push along bike and then

❑❑ Jumping - 18mths- 2½yrs,

by the age of 2½ moved to a trike,

❑❑ Hopping - 4 -4½yrs,

which requires the movement of

❑❑ Skipping - 4½-6yrs

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feet in opposite directions. Let them scooter.

More Information & Free Development Checklists

Around the age of 4½ yrs the child

Cate Larke

will start balancing on one leg -

Director

hopefully their dominant leg. This

Essential Moves Children’s Centre &

is a good time to give the child an

Essential Play

opportunity to ride a two wheeled

P: 02 4968 2246

scooter and encourage balancing.

info@essentialmoves.com.au

Eventually, the child will try to hop.

www.essentialplay.com.au

try monkey bars and a 3-wheel

Encourage games that need this skill, such as hopscotch. They should be riding a bike with trainers by this age - and they need plenty of opportunities to practise!

www.getaheadkids.com.au

15

Education & Training

d a e R s y o ool B

C

da Gwen

rson

Sande

Paul Jennings, one of Australia’s best

The reality is that boys don’t read as

These activities represent what

selling children’s authors, once had

much as they should. An average

boys and men do. It is part of their

a grandmother come to him at a

10-12 year old boy reads a half to

gender identity. Reading is seen in

book-signing and she said, “Can you

one novel a week. Of course there

opposition or in competition. These

write something that will make my

are the boys who read two to six

activities bolster the boys’ gender

grandson read this?” Paul signed the

novels a week, depending on their

identity and often negatively impact

book and wrote “When you have

commitments, but these are the

on making time for reading.

read this book your granny will give

exception.

you $10.” Of course, it was tongue in cheek humour, but this anecdote reflects the whole issue about getting boys to read.

I am constantly asked, “How can I get my boy to read?” Like so many parenting concerns, there are no quick or easy answers.

Interestingly, the passivity of the

Many boys are inexperienced

sometimes excessive time spent

readers. They are no less capable

playing computer games or in front

or intelligent, but they are under-

the TV screen is acceptable! Parents

performing academically in

have to deal with this additional

comparison to girls.

competing force on a daily basis!

How much a boy reads affects

So what can you do to get your boy

every area of their school

reading without having to pay him?

performance. Readers are the 1. Find books that boys will read

But first let’s look at the problem, and

winners. Reading also enhances

then I will mention some research

boy’s lives in terms of developing

I have done on why boys resist

creativity and understanding

Find the ‘cream’ of the books,

reading, and give four suggestions

themselves, their relationships and

the “in” books – the ones that

that I’ve found work.

their world.

his peers are reading, books that make him laugh, books

Yrs 5&6

Reading Ro cks!

Selective School Preparation 83% Student Success for 2010 Intake

My past research showed that boys

on gross subjects, books about

resistance to reading had to do with

his interests and books with lots

their perceptions that reading is

of action. Books that capture

“uncool” because it is passive and

the “boyishness”’ of his own

more likely to be a feminine pursuit.

experience – the ones that he

Boys describe participating (and watching sport) and other active outside activities as “cool” and reading as “uncool” or “nerdy.”

These perceptions are often supported by female peers and

P: 4942 3000 | M: 0431 739 400 www.arrendell.com.au

unwittingly by other significant males in their lives, who they see making the same choices with their free time.

wants to read.

Currently some favourite books beginning with easier ones are the Too Cool, Boyz Rule, and Zac series, and the Dragon Blood and Beast Quest series.

Andy Griffiths, Paul Jennings and Morris Gleitzman’s books are all very popular and accessible for reluctant readers. Roald Dahl is still a favourite and his risqué

16 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

humour appeals to boys.

Education & Training

As boys look for books with

you can listen without constantly

Finally it’s about boys seeing

more substance, look for books

being “helpful”. Boys hate this.

reading as “cool” because they

such as the Alex Rider series

You job is to encourage them

no longer see it as contradicting

by Anthony Horowitz, Robert

to hang in with the book, not

their concept of what males

Muchamore’s Cherub series,

to show them where they are

do, and they find books that

the Lemony Snicket series, Emily

making mistakes.

absolutely hook them in.

Rodda’s Deltora series, John Marsden’s Tomorrow series. I

3. Arrange time for reading

can’t leave out the Harry Potter books or the Twilight series.

The reality is that we all

In my own work with boys I know

lead busy lives with many

I have to provide the latest and

commitments after school and

best to tempt them to get into

on the weekends. Time for

reading. It’s all about the books!

reading won’t happen unless there is dedicated time. Last

2. Walk into the books with your boy

thing at night doesn’t work for reluctant readers.

Read the first few chapters

About Gwenda Sanderson During her thirty year teaching career Gwenda has worked mainly with primary and secondary boys, and is committed to finding ways to help them become confident lifelong readers, who are able to read for academic achievement, as well as pleasure. Gwenda has shared her work with teachers

4. Get significant males in your

and enjoy the book together.

boy’s life involved in getting

If you ask, “Can I read it after

reading happening

and parents locally, nationally and internationally in workshops, conferences, presentations and various writings.

you?” often a boy will finish the book more quickly. Then you

Suggest they share reading

Gwenda Sanderson

can chat about the book and

material that is important to

Arrendell Education

build their enthusiasm with your

them and take an interest in

P: 02 4942 3000

interest in the book. Boys can

the boy’s reading life. This male

M: 0431739400

handle the book as the focus,

influence can change a boy’s

arrendell@iprimus.com.au

not their reading of it! Don’t

whole attitude towards books

www.arrendell.com.au

make your boy read aloud to

and reading.

you, unless they want to, and

THE IDEAL

FOUNDATION

A Newcastle Grammar School education is not an indulgence; it is a gift and lifelong investment.

A quality education not only opens young eyes to a world of exciting possibilities, it brings them within reach.

Education is one of the greatest gifts your child can receive. A quality, all-round education provides an ideal foundation for a richly rewarding and fulfilling life.

At Newcastle Grammar School, education is our top priority with a focus on a holistic approach which enables students to form a balanced and successful life.

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE Newcastle Grammar School ENROL NOW p: (02) 4929 5811

w: ngs.nsw.edu.au

www.getaheadkids.com.au

17

Health

Going To The

Beach?

Leonie Forsyth

As the weather warms, our thoughts

be adhered to in order to save lives

turn to going to the beach!

and bring your family home intact.

But how safe is it at the beach?

Setting out with the family, towels,

to the beach.

umbrellas, sunscreen, water and

Parents need to always supervise

food packed ready for a great

children on the beach or near water

family day. Everyone in the car,

anywhere. They can disappear in

children in their restraints, adults in

a second and drown in an inch

their seat belts and away we go.

of water. With large crowds in the

In the distance we see the hills bathed in warm sun then the water

water and on the sand a little person can go missing in an instant.

comes into view, waves rolling onto

Always make sure there is a lookout

the sand and making their way out

for your family. Change the lookout

to sea again. Looks like a great day

every half hour and make the

ahead!

lookout aware of where your group

Injuries can easily happen to anyone

is on the beach and in the water.

at the beach. The most common

It is a good idea to have a bright

injuries relate to surfing incidents

shirt or a recognisable hat so that

such as surfboards, body boards

every member of the family can

and surf skis. The next most common

spot the lookout easily just by looking

cause of injury is the natural

for the colour or the shape.

environment: waves, the sea, rocks and rock pools, the sun and not to forget the dreaded blue bottle.

Types of injuries that occur are sunburn, heat stroke, sprains, lacerations, fractures, eye injuries, insect and blue bottle stings. The beach is a common near drowning or drowning venue and rules must

18 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

Below is a safety checklist for a visit

Many children have drowned because someone thought someone else was supervising.

Teach your child to swim. Water familiarisation for babies and learn to swim for older children is a great way to help your child in and around water.

Health Learn Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as a matter of priority, because the life you save may be someone you love.

Checklist for Planning the Day ❑❑ Don’t go to the beach in summer between the hours of 11:00am & 3:00pm ❑❑ Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going out into the sun and every 2 hours thereafter ❑❑ Sunscreen protects against UV radiation, sunburn and in the long term, skin cancer including melanoma ❑❑ Pack plenty of water ❑❑ Wear clothing that covers the arms and legs ❑❑ Always wear sandals or thongs to prevent injuries from broken glass buried in the sand or crustations on the rocks ❑❑ Take plenty of shade such as an umbrella or beach tent

Checklist When You Reach the Beach

More Information

❑❑ Choose not to sun bake in the

Regional Executive Officer

Leonie Forsyth

middle of the day, you risk heat

Kidsafe Hunter

stroke and/or third-degree burns

leonie@kidsafehunter.com

from the sun

www.kidsafehunter.com

❑❑ Apply sunscreen every 2 hours ❑❑ Make sure the family is well hydrated all day ❑❑ Stay under shade whilst not swimming ❑❑ Don’t enter the water within 30 minutes of eating ❑❑ Wear a hat at all times unless body surfing or riding a board ❑❑ Swim on beaches that are patrolled by surf life savers ❑❑ Swim between the red and yellow flags, they are there for your safety ❑❑ Obey the directions of the life savers ❑❑ If you get into difficulty remain calm and raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance to arrive

BE Inspired BE Yourself BE Happy!

Dare to BE You with the Just BE You Workshops & Clubs • Find natural beauty • Increase self-esteem • Present yourself with confidence • Enhance well-being • Prepare your future Girls from 13-18 Years Next Newcastle workshops start August. Limited Places.

BE

BE

Just You Enrol: www.just-be-you.com Enquire: info@just-be-you.com

www.getaheadkids.com.au

19

People in Focus

The Story

That Built Itself Rev Dr Kim Miller

Although I was good with words,

A motorbike accident at the age of

The idea, themes and characters

school was not a happy place for

21 put me out of action for an entire

for the book came after a sleepless

me.

year.

night of drifting in and out of

Raised in Western NSW, I came

I married at 25, went back to what

from a difficult family environment

is now TAFE and trained in structural

and significant childhood trauma.

engineering.

The after affect of these was that it was difficult for me to engage with people.

Later, I trained for the ministry and have been an Anglican priest for 25 years. I spent 9 years as the Anglican

consciousness where the book built itself in my head. The next day I started writing.

During the next 2 years, events and people refined and enriched the storyline.

Whilst at primary school, I remember

Chaplain at Bathurst Correctional

For example, author Hazel Edwards

everyone was outside playing and

Centre before taking on the ‘Home

read the manuscript, mentored me

I was sitting inside writing an entry

for Good’ project in Newcastle.

through some of its development,

for a Kokoda Trail competition.

I remember looking out of the window thinking how unfair it was.

My teacher recognised the writing potential within me, but it took a long time to mature.

I just made it through primary school on memory and intelligence rather than application. By high school I failed exams because I was not working to my ability.

Although I won a provisional place at university, I failed engineering and wandered through lots of jobs.

I started to achieve academic success in my late 20’s. By 40 I had a doctorate.

This project aims to reduce reoffending. My clients are those leaving a custodial sentence, or those on a community service order or suspended sentence.

Attending school is such a difficult experience for a lot of kids! I was unhappy at school and in my book ‘They Told Me I Had to Write This’, I wrote about my ideal school.

and later suggested Ford Street Publishing, who accepted the book for publication. Hazel is best known for her ‘There’s a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake’ series that is 30 years old, and read by millions of children in many languages.

In the future there will be more stories and more books. I’m writing another novel, a murder story set in the early Australian settlement,

It took me 5 days to write the

and I’m planning another young

first draft of this book but 2 years

adult novel based on one of the

to make it edgy enough for

characters in ‘They Told Me I Had To

publication.

Write This’.

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

20 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

People in Focus

Our Senior Pick

They Told Me I Had To Write This Author: Kim Miller

‘They Told Me I Had To Write This’ is an emotional collection of letters written by Clem, a teenage boy who attends a school for troubled teenagers.

The school provides a positive learning environment with teachers that are more friends and role models rather than authority figures.

His motorbike enthusiast school counsellor, Rev asks Clem to begin writing letters to express his feelings and help him overcome life issues.

Extent: 204 pages (Paperback)

boys and how to open up the

ISBN: 978187646840

communication channel between

Price: AUD$17.95

teenagers and adults.

Publisher: Ford Street Publishing

a troubled teen, who overcomes

dealing with school, feelings of being unwanted by his father, falling in love, a friend’s death, fights and abuse of his past.

Age Guide: 13+ years

problems faced by teenage

It provides a glimpse into the life of

Clem grows through the story,

especially conquering the sexual

This book recants the numerous

P: 03 9481 1120 www.fordstreetpublishing.com

his past and embarks on a path that leads him to a more rewarding future.

This is a truly captivating book!

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

21

Green Issues The good news is that there are

Eco-Friendly

many new businesses springing

Stationery

By Nora Jones

up that can provide you with environmentally-friendly productsanything from water tanks to electric scooters to solar power for your mobile phone or your entire house.

These initiatives are important as they: • Protect forests, watersheds, ecosystems • Reduce waste going to landfill • Offer environmental savings many times over

Eco-Office, School & Home Stationery (ECOSH) There is a huge mass of plastic litter thought to be twice the size of Texas in the North Pacific Ocean known as the “Pacific Trash Vortex”. This huge concentration of suspended plastic and other rubbish has been carried

office, school and/or home “green” by providing environmentally friendly stationery.

Most plastic products and

of the North Pacific Gyre.

packaging still end up in landfill

landfill waste and is regularly eaten by numerous marine and land animals resulting in traumatic and fatal outcomes. The production of

once they have fulfilled their first use. This wastes the oil used to manufacture the items and pollutes the environment with long-lived waste.

plastic, as well as its destruction by

ECOSH products are made of

incineration, pollutes air, land and

recycled resources that are

water and exposes workers to toxic

biodegradable, sustainable,

chemicals, including carcinogens

organic, and reusable, or have

In Australia alone, over 140 million pens are sold annually, with the majority discarded after minimal use and ending up as long-term problematic waste. About 700 tonnes or 1,100 cubic metres of

minimal impact on the environment.

The range includes eco-friendly pens, pencils, rulers and erasers made from recycled plastic and paper, cornstarch and purpose grown timber.

plastic waste is dumped in landfill

The recycled paper, pencils and

sites across Australia every year!

pens are kind to the environment

Small plastic items can have a bigger impact than we imagine.

Every year, over 10 billion plastic pens worldwide are thrown out and end up in landfill.

22 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

initiative that aims to make your

there and is trapped by the currents

Plastic makes up the bulk of all

FSC-Certified wooden pen set.

ECOSH is a Newcastle-based online

and also a pleasure to write with.

Only recycled paper made with post-consumer waste (PCW) can make real claims to fight deforestation and reduce waste going to landfill.

Green Issues The ECOSH pens are manufactured from cornstarch, not petroleum, like normal plastic pens. Under the correct conditions, these pens can biodegrade completely within as little as three months. This company provides refills so that you need

❑❑ When printing is unavoidable use recycled paper ❑❑ Buy photocopiers & printers with automatic double-sided copy capabilities ❑❑ Buy pens, pencils, & erasers

never send your pens’ outer casings

made from recycled or

to landfill.

recyclable materials

The timber products are encased

❑❑ Replace paper diaries,

in untreated purpose-grown timber

calendars & telephone

from sustainable-managed forests.

directories with electronic

No paint or lacquer has been used

equivalents

Full-colour translucent body click pens, made from cornstarch.

Biodegradable & compostable.

on the wooden body of the pencils.

Colours are high quality, smooth and safe (non-toxic), conforming to stringent European standards. The erasers are made from synthetic rubber which is PVC-free and a much safer alternative to the traditional eraser.

ECOSH is committed to providing truly recycled paper and products with real green credentials, not products that make false claims.

Checklist for Eco-Friendly Stationery ❑❑ Ensure publications meet environmentally responsible

❑❑ Reuse each piece of paper on both sides ❑❑ Use electronic mail instead of sending paper letters ❑❑ Use electronic magazines &

• Ski Racing

newsletters

• Tug Boat Ballet

More Information

• RAAF Roulettes

Nora Jones Eco-Office, School & Home Stationery (ECOSH) P: 02 4948 1010

• Wine Makers Expo • Rides, Market & Food Stalls • Tall Ship; James Craig • HMAS Parramatta • Port Tours

M: 0418 402 150 sales@ecosh.net www.ecosh.net

26568

printing standards

www.getaheadkids.com.au

23

News

The

‘Walk of Pride’

ARAFMI Hunter has organised this

professionals and other interested

event for the past 5 years. It attracts

local people. The services offered

families, service providers and

by ARAFMI Hunter were developed

people of compassion.

to assist the relatives and carers of

Mental Health Week

All Welcome!

people who have a mental illness.

The walk grew out of a need to ‘Step out of Stigma’ for many

The ‘Walk of Pride’ is one of the

people with mental illness and their

many services offered by ARAFMI

families. As one in five people have

Hunter, others include a counselling

a mental illness then we are all

service, the Eight Stage Healing

touched by this to some extent.

program, Telephone support,

This event offers the community the opportunity to come together and find acceptance and understanding

Information and Education services, family and carer support groups,

Sat 10 October 2009 10am Pacific Park to Civic Park Community BBQ, Entertainment & Speakers at Civic Park!

ARAFMI Hunter P: 4961 6717 / 4961 2842 www.arafmihunter.org

young carer workshops and carer retreats.

More Information

Pride’ aims to promote compassion,

The walk starts at 10 am at Pacific

Joanne Sinclair

hope and pride.

Park and ends at Civic Park where

ARAFMI Hunter

participants enjoy guest speakers

P: 02 4961 6717

from various backgrounds,

arafmihunter@exemail.com.au

entertainment, activities for children

www.arafmihunter.org

about mental illness. The ‘Walk of

The organiser ARAFMI Hunter is a voluntary organisation managed by a committee of family members, carers, mental health care

and a BBQ lunch. Everybody is welcome to participate!

Wins

St Philip’s Student ABC Junior Einstein Factor A keen interest in the scientist and

interest, has been a participant

In addition to his considerable

philosopher Albert Einstein has

in the college’s Gifted Education

academic achievements,

been enough to propel 13 year

Program since Kinder.

MacKenzie also plays keyboard in

old St Philip’s Christian College student, MacKenzie Pickering, to win the ABC Junior Einstein Factor’s championship aired last Sunday

MacKenzie’s response to winning the Junior Einstein Factor is typically humble;

the College Jazz Band is completing Grade 7 piano, plays cricket and swims competitively.

More Information

evening. Mackenzie chose ‘The

“It’s taken a while to sink in. I knew

Life and Times of Albert Einstein’

back in April that I had won, and not

Helen Lee

as his special topic in the national

letting on has been difficult. Being

St Philip’s Christian College

television quiz.

on the show was good, especially

Coordinator of Gifted and Talented

seeing the production side of things.

Education

It’s been great seeing how the

P: 02 4960 6649

school community has reacted to

www.spcc.nsw.edu.au

A resident of Lakelands, and a student at St Philip’s since 2002, Mackenzie, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the philosopher in whom he has shown such an

24 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

me being on the show and winning.

Everyone’s been really supportive.”

News

NSW Farmer of the Year

Runners Up

Two Tocal College ex-students,

David Gibson - NSW Young

Megan Mosley and David Gibson

Farmer of the Year Runner Up

were runner ups in the NSW Farmer of the Year 2009 Awards.

David Gibson is the manager of both ‘Kelvin Park’ and ‘Rainbow

Andrew & Megan Mosely - NSW

Valley’ near Dorrigo, NSW north

Farmer of the Year Runners Up

coast.

Andrew and Megan Mosely are

He runs a leading, mixed farming

passionate about farming. They run

operation of breeding stud Angus

‘Etiwanda’ and ‘Manuka’ Stations

cattle, forward fodder production

that span about 26,500 hectares

and a fodder conservation business.

A

near Cobar, west NSW.

ar NSW.

seley, Cob

egan Mo ndrew & M

His foray into farming came at age Both Stations support a diverse

22, when an opportunity arose

livestock mix, including a white

for him to purchase a hay-baling

Dorper sheep stud, Santa Gertrudis

contracting business.

Shorthorn Cross cattle and Boer Cross does.

Under his management, the business grew by 80% in 5 years, and in 2008

Andrew and Megan strive to

he was able to use the proceeds to

achieve an environmentally

purchase ‘Kelvin Park’.

regenerative, low input, red-meat production enterprise.

Ultimately, David aims to operate a long-term economically and

They take a holistic farm business management approach to ensure the business balances social, environmental and economic variables.

environmentally sustainable business.

More Information

David Gibson, Do

rrigo NSW.

Tocal College P: 1800 025 520 www.tocal.com

Leader in Agricultural Training Courses in Agriculture & Horse Husbandry Large number of scholarships available Open Days 9 & 16 October, 10:20am - 3:00pm

P: 1800 025 520 | www.tocal.com

www.getaheadkids.com.au

25

Giveaways 2 BIG Packs to Giveaway!

Get Ahead Kids have 2 BIG family Wiggles prize packs to giveaway (Valued at $230 each).

Each pack consists of: 1 x Family pass to see (4 people) The Wiggles Big Big Show Live Newcastle Entertainment Centre 16 December 2009

The Wiggles Big Big Show - In The Round Tour Dates 30 November

PERTH

Burswood Dome

1 x Wiggles hat

1 December

PERTH

Burswood Dome

1 x Anthony costume

4 December

ADELAIDE

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

6 December

MELBOURNE

Rod Laver Arena

7 December

MELBOURNE

Rod Laver Arena

9 December

CANBERRA

AIS Arena

11 December

WOLLONGONG WIN Entertainment Centre

13 December

BRISBANE

Brisbane Entertainment Centre

14 December

BRISBANE

Brisbane Entertainment Centre

1 x Wiggles CD

Special thanks to The Wiggles for these fantastic giveaways.

Ticket Information Ticketek - P: 132849 www.ticketek.com.au

16 December

NEWCASTLE

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

*Sydney Entertainment Centre tickets

18 December

SYDNEY

Sydney Entertainment Centre*

Ticketmaster P: 1300 883 622

19 December

SYDNEY

Sydney Entertainment Centre*

www.ticketmaster.com.au

20 December

SYDNEY

Acer Arena

Giveaway to Celebrate 60th Birthday Throughout October 2009, The Australian Reptile Park will be celebrating its 60th Birthday.

The Australian Reptile Park and

This park has a variety of

Wildlife Sanctuary was established

educational programs that include:

in 1948 - by the late and great Eric Worrell, Australia’s first naturalist - and is now regarded as an Australian premier attraction.

The Australian Reptile Park is the sole Australian supplier of a variety of venoms, which is used for all snake and funnel-web anti-venom.

It is committed to saving lives with a Venom-Milking Program in place for the past 50+ years, saving over 300

• Tasmanian Devil - learn how the Reptile Park is helping to save the Tasmanian Devil

10 to Giveaway!

• Frogs - learn about frogs, their lifecycle and the dangers they

Thanks to Australian Reptile Park,

face from the environment

Get Ahead Kids have 10 Family

• The Nicer Side of Spiders - learn all about our eight-legged friends

More Information Australian Reptile Park

lives each year.

Pacific Hwy, Somersby NSW 2250

Animals at the Park are birds,

F: +61 2 4340 2990

reptiles, mammals, spiders and

admin@reptilepark.com.au

amphibians.

www.reptilepark.com.au

P: +61 2 4340 1022

Passes to The Australian Reptile Park to give away (Valued at $60 each).

Each family pass allows entry for 2 adults and 2 children (3-15 years).

For your chance to win visit www.getaheadkids.com.au follow the giveaway link and fill in your details.

26 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

Giveaways ‘Ten Minutes a Day’ ‘Ten Minutes a Day’ is a Newcastle

Libraries. Each pack includes

Region Library literacy initiative that

nursery rhymes, board books

targets parents with children aged

and other materials suited to the

two years and under. It is designed

developmental needs of babies two

to educate parents and carers on

years and under.

importance of reading aloud to babies and toddlers.

Regularly engaging babies and toddlers with reading activities

This campaign incorporates; parent

is the best way to give them an

brochures, a set of classroom and

understanding of basic literacy

library posters, book packs for loan,

and build a firm foundation for later

and a series of ‘Baby Book Time

literacy education.

Workshops” for parents and their babies.

The design and implementation of the ‘Ten Minutes a Day’ program

The literacy benefits of reading

was made possible by a donation

aloud to children are recognised

from Newcastle Permanent Building

and widely promoted. But,

Society’s Charitable Foundation.

‘Ten Minutes a Day’ is unique program because it is a practical, multifaceted and has follow-up procedures to encourage reading out loud to babies.

The four-week “Baby Book Time” workshops are time effective as they only take half an hour per week.

Whilst the main purpose of these workshops is to provide parents with the skills to help their babies develop early literacy, there is an opportunity for parents to network at the end of each session.

Book packs are also available for loan from the Newcastle Region

This corporate and community partnership has delivered farreaching literacy benefits to the Hunter community and far beyond.

In 2002, the Newcastle Region Library commissioned one of Australia’s foremost illustrators, Julie

10 Sets to Giveaway!

Get Ahead Kids have 10 ‘Ten Minutes a Day’ Newcastle Region Library literacy initiative Posters sets to giveaway (3 different designs).

Special thanks to the Newcastle Regional Library for these great giveaways.

Vivas, to produce illustrations for the

For your chance to win visit

literacy brochure and associated

www.getaheadkids.com.au

promotional material. Her distinctive

follow the giveaway link and fill in

watercolour style and mischievous

your details.

bunyips became perfect icons for the campaign.

More Information

Launched at Newcastle Region

Carol Edmonds

Libraries, the program was recently

Newcastle Region Library

extended to Tamworth, Armidale,

P: 02 4974 5300

Lismore and Ballina.

www.getaheadkids.com.au

27

Activity Zone Happy Father’s Day

Who’s their

to all Dads!

Daddy?

6 September 2009

Can you draw a line from the name of the baby animal to the picture of its father? e.g. Child - Man (Human)

Cygnet

Stallion (Horse)

Tom (Cat)

Kitten Cob (Swan)

Lamb

Joey

Ram

Foal

Jack (Wombat)

Flower Power

How many flowers can you find?

Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au for all the activity answers.

28 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

(Sheep)

Reviews

No More Aching Feet When you buy new shoes, buy a pair that are comfortable and reduce the incidence of blisters.

Blisters caused by new shoes are very painful and cause shoe discoloration if the blisters burst.

‘Lady’s Secret’ insoles can increase the comfort of new shoes by decreasing rubbing, burning, sliding and blistering.

Anti-Skid Insoles

Anti-Shock Heel pad • Avoids overheating of heels

• Prevents feet slipping forward in open shoes

• Improves comfort

More Information

• Prevents toe spillage

• Avoids overheating of feet

ana@handbagbutler.com.au

• Protects socks &

• Improves comfort

info@lady-secret.fr

• Acts as a shock

tights

www.lady-secret.fr

absorber

Heel Protector

Anti-Skid Mini Insoles

• Provides relief from

• Reduces forward slip in open

pain of new shoes

shoes

• Protects against blisters

• Helps to lower overheating of foot

• Prevents heel from slipping off shoe

arch • Prevents unsightly toe spillage

• Protects socks & tights

• Acts as a shock absorber

y that’s wh LE O MAURIE M HAS A

Putting service and the needs of people first.

82524

Old mines and potholes can be dangerous!

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 www.getaheadkids.com.au

29

Reviews The Odd Egg Written & Illustrated: Emily Gravett All the birds have an egg, but there’s something odd about the green and white egg that Duck has found. All the other birds think it is odd but Duck thinks it is the most beautiful egg in the world.

Duck has to wait longer for it to hatch but after much creaking and cracking, everyone’s in for a big surprise.

Age Guide: 3-5 Years Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780230531352 Price: AUD$14.99

Oliver Nocturne #3 Blood Ties Author: Kevin Emerson

Publisher: PanMacmillan

School is finished for summer

Illustrated in pencil and water-

P: 02 9285 9100

vacation, so to escape the harsh

colours, The Odd Egg is a visual

www.panmacmillan.com.au

summer sun, the Nocturnes and Dean (Oliver’s Zombie servant)

delight.

are heading for the Isla Necrata.

However, before relaxing at the various worlds and also replacing officials who had anything to do with the old days. Everyone seems to be expendable.

As Quentaris travels through a vortex into a gloomy waterworld, Tab, Verris, Danda and Torby, are forced to go on a mission by Florian. Tab and her friends realise there is something fishy going on.

resort Oliver and his family visit Phlox’s (Oliver’s mother) old world vampire family in the Underworld City of Morosia.

The third installment of the action filled Nocturne adventure sees Oliver and his friends work together to overcome many obstacles. Oliver, Dean and Emalie, who came to Morosia to find out more about her mother’s

The Gimlet Eye: Quentaris - Quest of the Lost City #3

It is highly recommended that the

disappearance, plan a secret

other titles in the Quentaris series

rendezvous with the elusive

be read, especially if this book,

oracle Selene to learn more of

which is enhanced with delightful

Oliver’s destiny.

Author: James Roy

black and white illustrations is

Illustrator: Louise Prout

anything to go by. They are sure

‘The Gimlet Eye’ is a fun and exciting fantasy tale about a magical floating sky-city called Quentaris.

Following the death of the Archon, Florian has become new ruler of Quentaris. Together with his supposed friend Janus, Florian begins sending out a number of scouting parties to explore the

to be packed full of the same mysterious adventure and also help readers fully understand what’s going on.

Age Guide: 9+ years Extent: 226 pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781876462772 Price: AUD$16.95 Publisher: Ford Street Publishing P: 03 9481 1120 www.fordstreetpublishing.com

Emerson cleverly answers pending questions described in the first two books and reveals more of Oliver’s future fate.

It is engaging and still makes imaginations run wild. Bring on the final books!

Age Guide: 9+ Years Extent: 203 pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781741693867 Price: AUD$14.99 Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au

30 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

Reviews Our Junior Pick

I’m A Little Chef Authors: Anita Cross & Michelle Hamilton This is a great first recipe book for

Age Guide: 3-10 years

young children. It contains colourful,

Extent: 26 pages (Hardback)

easy to follow, healthy mouth-

ISBN: 9781921042867

watering recipes. The protective

Price: AUD$24.95

finish ensures the book does not get

Publisher: Little Steps Publishing

grubby through usage.

P: 02 9453 1230 www.littlesteps.com.au

Rascal and the Hot Air Balloon Author: Paul Jennings

“It does not cost any more to help our environment at NCP Printing.”

Illustrator: Bob Lea This is another great book in the Rascal series that combines fantasy characters with real objects. The story and moral are much bigger than a dragon chasing planes.

It will fascinate young children!

Age Guide: 2-6 years Extent: 32 pages (Paperback) 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

ISBN: 9780143502425 Price: AUD$14.95 Publisher: Penguin Australia P: 03 9811 2400

Cert no. SCS-COC-001371

www.penguin.com.au

A great read for the whole family.

Read your digital edition of The Post Online at newcastlepost.com.au Phone 49 610 310 854 • Hunter Street, Newcastle West 2302

www.getaheadkids.com.au

31

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I Love My Mum & I Love My Dad Author: Anna Walker In these two small books, a little

I Love My Mum

zebra, Ollie, takes young readers on

Age Guide: 0-5 years

activities with Mum and Dad - normal

Extent: 24 pages (Hardback)

activities that are made magical

ISBN: 9781741693331

because they involve Mum & Dad.

Price: AUD$12.99

These rhyming books are ideal for reading aloud.

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Publisher: Scholastic Australia P: 02 9416 4000 www.scholastic.com.au

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I Love My Dad Age Guide: 0-5 years Extent: 24 pages (Hardback) ISBN: 9781741693324 Price: AUD$12.99

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Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

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Fairy is an enchanting tale of candy, gluttony and magic. The illustrations are large and colourful.

The characters are interesting, expressive and captured in motion.

The audio read by Antonia Kidman is against the background

Age Guide: 5-10 years

music of Tchaikovsky’s ‘The

Extent: 32 pages (Hardback + CD)

Account Name: MAP Marketing BSB: 804050 Account Number: 101 20 992

Nutcracker’. The Music Box series

ISBN: 97819221042621

gets full marks for combining the

Price: AUD$27.95

magic of storytelling with the

Publisher: New Frontier

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beauty of classical music.

P: 02 9453 1525

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32 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

www.newfrontier.com.au

Reviews Colin the Cranky Kookaburra & Poor Little Dino Spark Both these books have magnificent illustrations of animals with big eyes, expressive faces and splashes of colour to delight all readers.

Colin the Kookaburra is funny, tickly and fun.

Little Dino Spark is a great rhyming tale of the magic of friendship and teamwork.

Publisher: Little Steps Publishing P: 02 9453 1230 www.littlesteps.com.au

Colin the Cranky Kookaburra Author: Murray Forbes

Poor Little Dino Spark Author: Robert Vescio

Illustrator: Dean Jacobs

Illustrator: Dean Jacobs

Age Guide: 3-6 years

Age Guide: 3-6 years

Extent: 32 pages (Paperback)

Extent: 32 pages (Paperback)

ISBN: 9781921042928

ISBN: 9781921042874

Price: AUD$16.95

Price: AUD$16.95

Aliens and UFOs Authors: C Evans & M Knight This is an excellent book that extends the realms of reader possibilities.

Amazing Performances For All Ages Parties & Occasions Schools & Preschools

It is essential reading for young Age Guide: 7-12 years

people who like science fiction and

Extent: 32 pages (Hardback)

detective books.

ISBN: 9780733323744 Price: AUD$35.00 Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers P: 02 9952 5000 www.harpercollins.com.au

The cards, posters, historic accounts, popups and FBI case files stimulate the imagination, feed the curiosity and give credence to the possibility of extraterrestrial life in our galaxy!

Call Now 4942 3593 www.jd4magic.com Professional, Affordable & Fun

www.getaheadkids.com.au

33

Index

Get Ahead Kids

Advertisers Index

2009

ARAFMI Hunter 24

Feature Article Themes

January/February

Arrendell Primary Education Centre

16

Charlton Christian College

9

Custom Transportable Buildings

36

Back to School

Essential Play 15

Ad booking Deadline Dec 12 Editorial Deadline Dec 19

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown 13 Free to be Me

21

Get Ahead Learning

35

Hunter Development Corporation

23

Languages

JD’s World of Magic

33

Ad booking Deadline Feb 20 Editorial Deadline Feb 27

Just BE You 19

March/April

May/June

Technology Ad booking Deadline Mar 30 Editorial Deadline Apr 6

July/August

Learning Innovations Ad booking Deadline Jun 1 Editorial Deadline Jun 8

September/October Exams

Lakes Grammar- An Anglican School

13

Macquarie College

5

Metroll Newcastle

2

Mine Subsidence Board

29

National Maritime Festival 2009

23

For more advertising information please contact Maria Charlton MAP Marketing maria@mapmarketing.com.au P: 02 4929 7766 Advertisers media kit and booking form also available www.getaheadkids.com.au

NCP Printing 31 Newcastle Grammar School Years 5-12 17 Newcastle Region Library

27

Post Group of Newspapers

31

PrimeTV 19 Smallprint 15

FREE

Vol . 1 • No. 6 • Nov /De c

09

St Philips Christian Education Foundation 11 Tocal College 25

Ad booking Deadline Aug 3 Editorial Deadline Aug 10

November/December Summer Learning

Ad booking Deadline Oct 5 Editorial Deadline Oct 12

Issue 6 Features: Summer Learning Spotlight: The Wiggles

To contribute an article email maria@mapmarketing.com.au

34 Get Ahead Kids Sep/Oct 09

Popular Children’s Entertainment Group

Next Issue Out Nov 2009

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