Peninsula Kids Spring 2023

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At Cornish College we believe education goes hand in hand with exploration. Beginning with our 3 Year Old Early Learning program and continuing through to Year 12, our students are encouraged to identify problems and seek out solutions, cultivating their creativity as well as their entrepreneurial spirit.

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Editor and Publisher

Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au

Design Sam Loverso sam@mpnews.com.au

Advertising Andy Jukes 0431 950 685 andy@mpnews.com.au

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Greetings from the spring 2023 edition of Peninsula Kids magazine.

As defined by dictionary.com, spring is the season of the year following winter and characterised by the budding of trees, growth of plants and the onset of warmer weather.

For many families, this is also the season where their child’s schooling career comes to an end. Over the course of 12 years, carers have lovingly packed 2,300+ lunches, carefully driven back and forth to school 4,700+ times (add a few more to that for forgotten lunches, jumpers, drink bottles, instruments, etc), and vivaciously attended innumerable extracurricular activities. And while these simple, often unthanked (I’m talking to you, teenager) tasks may have felt like a slog at the time, (Wait. Which kid likes green apples, and which likes red???), I’m sure you will look back with a sense of nostalgia and now realise that not only were you filling their buckets, but you were also filling your own. Being only halfway through that timeline, I take my hat off to you.

Congratulations to five-year-old Evie who has won a family whale watching pass valued at $460 from our friends at islandwhales.com.au. Keep sending those entries in – they make our day!

To make your dreams of flight become a reality check out this edition’s colouring comp on page 67 for your chance to win two iFly Kickstart packages!

Love it or hate it, over five million Australians are expected to celebrate Halloween on October 31st this year. Check out the printable on our website to share with your neighbourhood so your little ghouls and gremlins know which houses are participating and who would like to be left alone. Just search ‘Halloween’ on our website to find it!

Creep it real,

Design Sam Loverso

Cover Photo

Advertising Andy Jukes

Digital Anne-Marie Tunks

Editor Melissa McCullough

PS - Don’t forget to turn those clocks forward on Sunday, 1 October 2023 at 2:00am!

2023

AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION AWARDS

10 Return of the Board Game

Many parents are recognising there are viable alternatives such as board games to decrease screen time and encourage more meaningful and fulfilling experiences together.

12 Getting Kids Involved in Gardening

Huw Richards, gardener, author, and 24-year-old leading gardening YouTuber shares his advice for how to encourage green fingers from an early age.

14 The Unbeatable Value of Camping

Camping trips offer families a wonderful opportunity to bond and create lasting memories while delivering exceptional value for money.

18 5 Ways Parents Can Use ChatGPT to Free Up Time

Whenever you are stuck, ChatGPT can become your “phone a friend” and can often spark inspiration for a solution to your problem or situation.

20 Tips to Save on Your Groceries from Savvy Shoppers

With the rising cost of living and rate of inflation, the cost of groceries is increasing. Jo & Carl speak to a group of savvy shoppers who are experts at stretching their dollars at the checkout.

24 How Parents Can Help Keep Their Family Safe Online

A recent study found that a staggering 91% of parents said they were concerned about their child’s safety online and should be paying more attention to cyber security but aren’t sure how to go about it.

28 Happy Place Mindfulness Meditation

Kim Norton walks us through a meditation that helps bring kids to a place where they feel happy, calm and at peace.

30 An Interview with Abby & Elmo

Celebrating Sesame Street’s season 53 launch, Elmo and Abby Cadabby visited Melbourne and hung out with MPK official representatives Charlie, Blair, and Teddy.

Return of the

In Australia, with more than nine out of ten parents expressing concern about the impact of digital media and technology on their own lives, and 83% believing their children are negatively affected by electronic devices, many parents are recognising there are viable alternatives to decrease screen time and encourage social interaction. These alternative activities such as engaging in face-to-face activities like board games, encourage healthier family interactions and provide opportunities to create more meaningful and fulfilling experiences together which can foster stronger connections.

New research by Spin Master and TotallyAwesome explores the role of board games in fostering face-to-face interaction, building emotional intelligence, and counteracting digital overload for better mental health. The 2023 study indicates that in recent years, board games have made a comeback and are now in the top three most popular activities to enjoy on a rainy day, which includes watching movies or TV shows and playing video games.

THE POWER OF FACE-TO-FACE INTERACTION

The Spin Master / TotallyAwesome study reveals that board games are enjoyed by all ages from six years through to 18 years. However, more recently there has been a change with the skew towards older ages. This trend can be attributed to a number of factors, including the desire for more face-to-face interaction and social connection in an increasingly digital world.

Board games provide an excellent and immersive alternative to digital communication, enabling people to reconnect with one another in a more meaningful manner. One of the most notable perks of board games is their ability to serve as a family event, bringing people closer together. The study indicated that a significant majority of children, specifically 95%, prefer it when their parents or caregivers initiate family game time by suggesting board games as an activity. Children who participated in the study expressed that being involved in family board game fun made them feel appreciated and recognised, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. It provided them with an opportunity to engage in friendly competition while also learning about good sportsmanship and the importance of playing by the rules.

Engaging in board games creates a safe space for individuals to connect and nurture relationships. They can be an excellent means of bonding with family members and offer an opportunity for parents to reclaim precious family time. Spin Master's study suggests that most people play board games with their family members, with 57% of parents fitting gameplay into their schedules at least every few weeks, emphasising the significance of this form of entertainment in fostering family togetherness.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMPATHY

Board games offer a chance for individuals of all ages to unplug from screens and engage in conversation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This promotes cognitive and social development, benefiting both children and adults. In fact, the Spin Master / TotallyAwesome study reveals that parents discover new games through a non-linear approach, seamlessly navigating between online and offline sources, highlighting the diverse ways in which these games can be explored and enjoyed.

THE POWER OF FACETO-FACE INTERACTION EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMPATHY

Playing board games also creates lasting memories, as participants share laughter, triumphs, and even setbacks. These memorable moments can be cherished for years to come, and often lead to the formation of new traditions within families and social circles.

ESCAPING DIGITAL FATIGUE

In today's fast-paced digital world, people are constantly bombarded with information, notifications, and screen time. This perpetual state of connectedness can lead to a sense of disconnection from the real world. Board games, on the other hand, offer a refreshing escape from this digital overload. By encouraging interaction, strategic thinking, and teamwork, they provide a unique opportunity to unplug, unwind, and focus on the present moment.

The benefits of board games extend beyond providing a simple break from screens. They also foster social connections and promote emotional well-being. By gathering around a table and engaging with others, players can develop stronger relationships and enjoy a shared sense of camaraderie. Additionally, the strategic and problem-solving aspects of many board games can help sharpen cognitive abilities, while the friendly competition they promote often boosts mood and self-esteem.

In an age where digital devices dominate our lives, the humble board game has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing mental health, strengthening social bonds, and helping people stay grounded in the present moment.

THE POWER OF NOSTALGIA

Fun, gameplay for the whole family, and easy to set up are the top three leading factors parents consider when buying games. The Spin Master / TotallyAwesome study also revealed that almost 10 out of 10 kids play board games, and it evokes positive emotions among them. Family time, love for competition, and the feel-good factor are the top three reasons kids love playing board games.

Nostalgia has long been a powerful force in shaping consumer preferences, and the resurgence of board games is no exception. Many people recall fond memories of playing board games with family and friends, and as a result, they

yearn to recreate those experiences and reconnect with their roots. This desire for nostalgia has driven demand for both classic and modern board games, as players seek to relive the excitement and joy they experienced during childhood.

Board games provide something tangible to play while enjoying the company of friends and family, and they can be a great way to escape from the stresses of daily life. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, board games offer a way to slow down and enjoy the moment.

The Spin Master / TotallyAwesome study noted the continued popularity of classic games across generations. However, the research also indicates a rising trend towards interactive options among game players, suggesting a growing desire for more dynamic and engaging gameplay experiences. As the board game landscape evolves, participants are increasingly seeking immersive and engaging experiences that foster collaboration, communication, and dynamic interaction. Innovative games like Jumanji and Hedbanz are meeting

THE POWER OF NOSTALGIA

Getting kids involved in gardening

By Huw Richards

Close to half of Australian parents with children under 18 enjoy gardening as a way to relax, get some fresh air and physical activity and inspire their children to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Huw Richards, gardener, author and 24-yearold leading gardening YouTuber shares his advice for how to encourage green fingers from an early age.

A survey commissioned by digital reading app Readly has revealed a resurgence in gardening for relaxation, fitness, and food, which in turn encourages a new generation of kids to get outdoors and get in touch with nature.

Up to 76% of Australians enjoy gardening as a leisurely pursuit with a markedly high uptake among Australians over 30. Gardening has many benefits not just for mental health but is also an opportunity for kids to learn where their food comes from.

Huw Richards, Readly gardening spokesperson, gives eight tricks for inspiring kids and families to get into gardening:

1. Begin with a small garden plot or even container gardening. Let children have their own space to plant and care for their chosen plants. Give them ownership of this process to make them feel empowered and have a role in gardening.

2. Create gardening activities that capture children's interest. Consider themed gardens, such as a pizza garden with tomatoes and herbs, or a rainbow garden with plants of different colours.

3. Encourage children to dig in the soil, plant seeds, and water their plants. All children love to dig so give them a space or pot and let them experience the joy of seeing their efforts result in growth and harvest.

4. Get the children to pick a crop that most excites them to grow and give them everything they need to take responsibility for growing and caring for it. From blueberries to mint to lavender or flowers, let them experience the nurturing process!

5. Show children the wonders of nature's diversity and encourage them to try new foods based on what they have grown. They will taste even better if they have grown it!

6. Use gardening as an opportunity to educate children about the importance of nature, ecosystems, and sustainable practices. Discuss concepts such as composting, water conservation, and beneficial insects, and explain how these contribute to a healthier environment.

7. When the plants are ready for harvest, celebrate the achievement by preparing a meal together using the homegrown produce. Involve children in cooking or creating recipes using their harvested vegetables or herbs

8. Suggest easy crops that will yield well to begin with; peas and strawberries are two easy yet incredibly delicious crops to grow for children to snack on in the garden.

Whilst over half the population (54 percent) will be focussing on ‘maintaining’ their garden this year, 50 percent will plant and grow fruit and vegetables and 43 percent will plant 'low cost' plants and flowers.

And it’s not just about large spaces; gardening with kids can be on balconies, shared allotments or indoor plants too. 77% of Australians tend to plant in their gardens though houseplants are also popular with 33% of the population. A little over 1 in 5 Aussies enjoy caring for plants on their balconies as interest in houseplants and tiny gardens surges on social media.

There’s nothing quite like growing your own food; plants, herbs or anything that brings you joy. Your garden is a canvas which you can colour with your passions. With cost on the agenda this year, you may be surprised that salads are perhaps the best money-saving crop out there because they are incredibly productive on a small scale and can be continuously picked and eaten. If you are new to growing this season then now is the perfect time to get your hands dirty. The Readly app is a good place to start with lots of great gardening magazines to harvest your knowledge,. The top fruits and vegetables families will be growing at home this year are:

Strawberries

Tomatoes

Potatoes

Raspberries

Apples

Cucumber

Blueberries

Rhubarb

Runner beans

Blackberries

The Readly app has a magazine or gardening article for every type of gardener. With over 7,000 titles as part of the unlimited digital reading subscription, it has hours of gardening inspiration and information. Visit www.readly.com/gardening.

Camping trips offer families a wonderful opportunity to bond and create lasting memories while delivering exceptional value for money

Despite the fluctuating economic challenges, the caravan and camping industry continues to offer a high-value, low-cost alternative for the everyday Australian family. "We believe that camping trips can be a memorable and affordable experience for families," said Keelan Howard, the General Manager of Marketing and Communications at Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

"By incorporating these money-saving tips into your camping routine, parents can ensure their children have a fantastic time while connecting with nature and each other without breaking the bank,” he said. Domestic caravan and camping holidays remain more affordable than international travel. Consequently, increased financial pressures will continue to support demand for such holidays.

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To help families have a fun-filled experience without breaking the bank, we have compiled a list of moneysaving tips and entertaining activities that will keep kids engaged and entertained during their camping adventures.

Nature Based Activities

Encouraging kids to explore their surroundings and engage with nature is not only cost-effective but also provides endless entertainment. Nature walks, bug hunts, bird watching, and discovering small animals can captivate their curiosity and foster a love for the natural world.

Scavenger Hunts

Organising scavenger hunts or treasure hunts using items found in nature can provide hours of excitement. Kids can search for specific leaves, rocks, or other natural treasures, fostering a sense of adventure and exploration.

Campfire Activities

Gather around the campfire and engage in classic activities like storytelling, where each family member takes turns adding to a collective narrative. Roasting marshmallows for s’mores is a timeless tradition that kids of all ages enjoy, all while stargazing and identifying constellations under the night sky truly creates a magical experience.

Traditional Games and Sports

Traditional outdoor games like frisbee, catch, and badminton require minimal equipment and provide endless entertainment. Hiking, bike rides, and trail exploration also allow kids to appreciate nature's beauty while staying active.

Creative Activities

Packing art supplies like coloured pencils, markers, and paper allows kids to express their creativity by drawing or painting scenes from the camping trip. They can also collect rocks or pinecones and create crafts with these natural materials. Organising a rock painting session and hiding the painted rocks around the campsite adds an element of adventure the kids will love.

Chores and Responsibilities

Involving kids in campsite chores and responsibilities not only keeps them busy but also teaches valuable life skills. Assigning tasks such as setting up the tent, gathering firewood, or helping with meal preparations gives them a sense of accomplishment and contributes to a teamwork mindset.

For additional money-saving hacks and entertaining suggestions, visit our Facebook page and our website here: https://www.letsgocaravanandcamping.com.au/ news/money-saving-hacks-that-keep-the-kids-entertained-on-a-camping-trip/

Raising baby chicks is a fun family activity that can be enjoyed by kids, parents and grandparents alike. As the chicks grow, they go through different stages before becoming fully mature laying hens.

At Talking Hens, we have always been interested in growing our hens from day-old chicks and now we have the opportunity to do it! My father, Agostino, was a poultry farmer who would always raise his own baby chicks which I used to love watching as a child. It was amazing to see all those little, fluffy chicks grow into laying hens and the weekly changes in feather growth, body size and confidence as they quickly grew.

There are some important things to understand when growing chicks. These include providing them with a heat lamp to keep them warm at 30 degrees Celsius for the first few weeks of their life as they can’t regulate their own body temperature when young. They also need a sturdy, draft-free box or container to live in with a dry layer of wood shavings for insulation. Food and water are also vitally important so good access to the correct water drinker and feeder is needed. They don’t need much food but it must be tailor-made for them to provide all of the nutrients needed.

Talking Hens will be getting in some day-old chicks monthly and will have them available for families. Jump online at TalkingHens.com.au to add yourself to the waiting list or visit us to find out what breeds we have at Talking Hens 3590 Frankston Flinders Rd Merricks.

We are open Everyday 10am to 4pm (Closed Wednesday). We also have all the other equipment and feed needed to keep them happy and healthy and can answer any questions that you might have as they grow. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Come along on Sunday 17 September 2023 at 2pm for the FREE presentation - An Introduction to Backyard Hens

By Donna McGeorge

Asa working parent, juggling the responsibilities of work, parenting, and life admin can often feel overwhelming. The never-ending list of tasks, from scheduling appointments to managing household chores, can leave you feeling like there's never enough time in the day. But fear not! Here are five ways you can use ChatGPT to simplify your busy family life and free up valuable time.

THE VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

ChatGPT can act as your virtual assistant, helping you with various administrative tasks. For example, if you have any day-to-day correspondence that you either don’t have the time to think about, or perhaps are stuck on where to start, ChatGPT is your go-to for support. It can even help you prepare for a tricky phone call.

Example Prompt: A product I have purchased came with a broken part. I have been unable to reach the store by phone. Write me a polite, yet firm, email asking them to contact me about the situation.

THE VIRTUAL MENU PLANNER

Many of us have been faced with, “What’s for dinner?” when we are tired and struggling from decision fatigue; answering that simple question is a challenge. You can ask for meal ideas based on specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegetarian options. If someone

in the family doesn’t like peas or salmon, you can ask it to exclude those ingredients. It can even generate customised shopping lists based on your preferences, helping you stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Example Prompt: I'm trying to cut down on food waste and save money, but I'm not sure how to make the most of my ingredients. Suggest some recipes and cooking techniques that can help me use up [enter what is in your fridge or cupboard]?

THE VIRTUAL TRAVEL AGENT

Planning a vacation that satisfies the needs of all involved, and on a budget that is affordable can be time-consuming, but ChatGPT can serve as your personal travel agent.

By providing information on budget, travel destinations, hotels, and activities based on your interests and preferences, ChatGPT simplifies the process of organising leisure time. It can help you create detailed travel itineraries, suggest transportation options, and even find flights and accommodations through plug-ins like Expedia. With ChatGPT's guidance, planning a well-deserved holiday becomes a breeze.

Example Prompt: Help me plan a budget-friendly, two-week-long caravanning holiday for a family of four with two children aged eight and ten, based on the Australian east coast?

THE VIRTUAL HOMEWORK TUTOR

Homework assistance is a common challenge for parents, but ChatGPT can be an excellent resource to support your child's learning. By asking specific questions related to a subject or concept, ChatGPT can explain steps, provide additional practice problems, or suggest creative ways to approach assignments. It can also engage in conversations about historical events, scientific concepts, or current events, helping your child develop critical thinking skills and broaden their knowledge. ChatGPT becomes a valuable study partner, reinforcing learning and sparking curiosity.

Example prompt: I’m studying the Russian revolution. Ask me a series of questions to test my knowledge.

THE VIRTUAL SHOPPER

Finding gifts for others can be challenging. We are always at risk of buying stuff we would like, rather than thinking about things from the receiver’s perspective. Let ChatGPT be your personal shopping assistant.

It can help find the perfect gift for any occasion, or suggest new products based on the interests and preferences of your friend or family member, saving time and avoiding the frustration of endless online browsing.

Example prompt: I need a gift for my sister-in-law who is 36 years old. She likes cooking, cookbooks and gadgets, and dislikes spending too much time on meal preparation. Gifts she has liked in the past included famous chef cookbooks, Japanese knife sets and cordless appliances. Give me 10 gift ideas

Whenever you are stuck, ChatGPT can become your “phone a friend”. Whilst the advice is not always useful (same with your human friends), it can often spark inspiration for a solution to your problem or situation.

Donna McGeorge is a global authority on productivity, and best-selling author of the "It's About Time" book series. Her latest book, "Join the ChatGPT Revolution” (published by Wiley) was set for release in July 2023. Find out more at www.donnamcgeorge.com

Tips to save on your groceries from Savvy Shoppers

By Jo & Carl Violeta

Have you noticed your supermarket spend skyrocketing?

With the rising cost of living and rate of inflation, the cost of groceries is increasing.

But, with the right strategies and a dash of creativity, you can cut costs while still filling your pantry with wholesome goodies.

We spoke to a group of savvy shoppers who are experts at stretching their dollars at the checkout.

Let's dive into their money-saving secrets!

Tech-Savvy Shopping: The Bring App

Wendy Brown swears by the Bring app, a digital shopping list that doubles as a recipe repository. "It's super easy to use and keeps you on track," she explains. The app's shared functionality allows family and friends to collaborate, ensuring no essential items are left off the list. Wendy's tip? Use Bring to plan your meals and streamline your shopping.

Strategic Shopping for Household Staples

Angela Denly takes advantage of discounts, making sure she never pays full price: "I only ever buy laundry liquid and dishwashing tablets on sale!"

Felicity Anne follows a similar strategy: "I buy three or four huge containers of washing powder at Big W a couple of times a year. It's an effort but worth it for the cost savings."

This strategy works wonders for essentials with a longer shelf life, saving you money in the long run.

Discount Goldmine

For Shannon Morrison, visiting discount stores is a money-saving jackpot: "Buy all your cleaning products from The Reject Shop. They are often 80-90% cheaper than supermarkets." Don't overlook discount stores for everyday necessities.

Master the Art of Portioning

Rachel Amies swears by her Foodsaver vacuum sealer. "I buy meat in 1kg packs, portion it out, vacuum seal it, and freeze it," she shares. Rachel also offers a budget-friendly tip for deli shopping: "It's cheaper to get shredded roast chicken from the deli instead of the fridge area."

The Power of Meal Planning

Anuradha Sawhney emphasizes the importance of meal planning. "Write your meals out for the week so you're not grabbing mindlessly," she advises. Anuradha also advocates for purchasing non-perishable staples in bulk from stores like Costco, focusing on items like lentils, rice, and pasta.

Amber Field agrees: "Preparation is key. Write your meals out for the week so you're not grabbing mindlessly and then having to do an extra shop midweek."

Embrace Online Shopping

Belinda Owen prefers online shopping to avoid distractions and impulsive purchases: "I shop online so I can keep an eye on the cart and take things out I don't need".

Janine Leghissa also shops online: "I do groceries online and check the specials first. It's easy to start the shop and come back to it later."

Calculate Price Per Unit

Ben Minutoli urges shoppers to calculate the price per unit when comparing items. This approach ensures that you get the best value for your money, whether buying in bulk or opting for smaller packages.

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SEE YOUR FAVOURITE, FURRY FRIENDS

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Sustainable Shopping with Farmers Pick

Nell Casey champions sustainability and thriftiness by getting a Farmers Pick box of fruit and vegetables delivered. She crafts her menus based on the contents of each delivery, reducing food waste and supporting environmentally friendly practices.

Stick to the List

Jennifer Gale's advice is very simple and relatively straightforward: "Have a list and go on your own!"

Kristy Wright suggests: "Only buy what you need for the week. I have a yearly sinking fund for items such as cleaning, personal care products and buy these in bulk when they’re on special. It's very rare that I'll buy them in a grocery shop." A focused approach shopping can help you avoid unnecessary purchases.

Choose Fresh, Cook from Scratch

Elisha de Jonge's money-saving mantra is all about freshness and home cooking. Cutting back on processed foods and opting for fresh ingredients can lead to significant savings: "Cut out the packaged junk food and make fresh cakes. Don't buy frozen chips; cut up some potatoes instead. Eating fresh saves a lot."

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Unleash the Power of Discounts

Lyndal Harris leverages the power of discounts through apps and alternate stores. She recommends the Half Price app for weekly specials and smartly combines her shopping between different retailers.

Remember, small changes can lead to significant financial benefits, so go ahead and try these savvy strategies to save big on your next grocery trip. Your wallet—and your taste buds—will thank you!

Jo and Carl Violeta are self-confessed numbers nerds, parents of an energetic toddler and a super switched-on teenager, and cofounders of the award-winning business, Violeta Finance. They are a husband and wife team who are passionate about empowering their community with financial education, love the odd glass of wine, and get a kick out of helping families achieve their homeownership and financial dreams.

Join the most crazy and colourful pirates of the Caribbean on the high seas, battling for booty from passing merchant ships and living the pirate life to the fullest.

This exciting hour-long interactive theatre production has lots of sword fights, songs and plenty of hearty pirate action. So don’t be a landlubber: get yourself ship-side and join in the perfect spring holiday fun for the whole family.

Police Point Shire Park, Portsea

Sunday 17 September, 10.30am and 1.30pm

The Briars, Mount Martha

Monday 18 September, 10.30am and 1.30pm and Tuesday 19 September, 10.30am and 1.30pm

Book tickets

$30 per person/ $110 family pass (four tickets). Children under 12 months free. mornpen.vic.gov.au/pirateparty

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By Harry Tucker

How parents can help keep their family safe

It seems we all have a bit to learn about how to protect ourselves and the ones we love. Here’s some ideas about what you can do.

Almost half of all Australians (47%) think they’ve already been scammed. Just as many (49%) admit that they should be paying more attention to cyber security but aren’t sure how to go about it. And to top it off, 91% of parents said they were concerned about their child’s safety online.

Those are figures from a poll we recently undertook*. So what can Australian parents do to help keep their kids safe?

We’ve got some tips you may like to try:

START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT CYBER SAFETY EARLY

It’s really never too early to start talking to your children about cyber safety.

Of the roughly 21% of surveyed parents with children under 18 that had not yet talked to their kids about staying safe, almost all of them said they planned to in the future.

You could begin the talk at a young age by explaining the concept of the internet and its uses. Discuss with your kids the risks that come with being online such as identity theft, cyberbullying, and SMS and phone scams.

Teach them the importance of keeping personal information private and never giving out information to strangers online. Real-life examples can help kids better understand why being safe online is so important, such as stories of people whose identities were stolen online.

You could think about setting some boundaries around what your kids can and cannot do online, such as the websites they can visit and the amount of time they can spend online. Encourage your children to ask questions and clarify any doubts they might have. Additionally, you could use parental controls to monitor online activity and block inappropriate content.

Helping to familiarise them with the risk environment early is always going to help set the scene for a positive relationship with the internet going forward.

USE PARENTAL CONTROLS

Many devices and operating systems come with built-in parental controls that can help you limit your children’s access to inappropriate content and help prevent them from making unauthorised purchases or downloading malicious apps.

Follow the instructions below to set these up!

KEEP YOUR DEVICES UP TO DATE

Software updates are essential for keeping your devices secure. Make sure to install updates as soon as they become available to protect your devices from the latest security threats.

This is also important given one in three Aussie workers surveyed admitted to family members having used their work computers to browse the internet (34%) and even installing software on their work computers for personal use (34%).

Follow Google’s instructions to update your Android devices, and follow Apple’s instructions to update your iOS devices.

USE STRONG PASSWORDS

By teaching your kids to use strong passwords, you’re instilling good cyber security habits that they can carry with them into adulthood. You’re also helping them to protect their personal information and online identity, which is especially important in today’s digital age.

Passwords are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Make sure you and your children use strong passwords that are difficult to guess, and never use the same password for multiple accounts.

Hackers often use automated programs that can quickly guess weak passwords, and children may be especially vulnerable to these attacks due to their tendency to use easily guessable passwords, such as their birthdate, favorite colour, or pet’s name.

One way around this is to make your password a sentence – one that is strong but easy to remember by using a phrase that is unique to you. You could write this as a normal sentence, complete with spaces, and include a number somewhere to make it more difficult for a hacker to decode.

Additionally, it’s important to use a unique password for each account to prevent hackers from accessing multiple accounts if they manage to crack one password.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT PHISHING SCAMS

If you’re one of the 24% of parents with children aged 5-17 who aren’t completely sure where their kids are spending time online, this one is especially important. Phishing scams are one of the most common cyber threats.

They’re designed to trick people into giving away sensitive information such as login credentials or personal information. While adults may be more likely to encounter these types of scams, children are also vulnerable.

Children may be more trusting and less experienced with identifying phishing emails, which can make them more susceptible to these types of scams. Additionally, children may not have the same level of understanding about online security risks as adults, and they may not recognise the potential consequences of giving away personal information.

It’s important for parents and guardians to educate their children about online security and the risks of phishing scams. This includes teaching them how to identify suspicious emails, not to click on links or download attachments from unknown senders, and to verify the legitimacy of emails or requests before providing any sensitive information.

MONITOR YOUR CHILDREN’S ONLINE ACTIVITY

Also if you’re one of those 24% – It might be a good idea to think about monitoring your children’s online activity and keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior. Don’t forget to tell your children that you will be monitoring their online activity and explain that you’re doing it to help keep them safe; there are plenty of tools that help with parental controls.

BE CAREFUL ABOUT SHARING PERSONAL INFORMATION

Make sure your children understand they should never share their personal information online, including their full name, address, phone number, or school. It’s a good reminder to be careful about sharing your own personal information online as well. According to this research, 38% of Gen Z that played games online have been asked for personal details.

Remember, personal information and images you share online of your children could also lead to unwanted attention.

In fact, among parents with children under 18, those that have been scammed (79%) are more than twice as likely than those that have not been scammed (35%) to have a full appreciation of cyber threats and risks, admitting that they have posted photos of their children on a social media account that is not private or on which they have allowed followers they don’t know.

In addition to these tips, in general it also helps to stay up to date on the latest cyber threats and trends.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

* YouGov conducted online between 6-7 February 2023, sample comprised of 1,011 Australians 18 years and older. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1011 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th – 7th February 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).

Harry is a technology writer and editor at Telstra Exchange. Harry joined Telstra at the end of 2020 after a slog in the trenches of the tech and startup space. Previously, he was the Technology Editor at Business Insider, Australian launch editor of telco comparison site Reviews.org and a reporter at News.com.au. He loves breaking down really technical topics and making them digestible and fun to read for everyone. Outside of work, he has an uncanny ability to turn every conversation into something about Formula 1 or the NBA. Come

Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can learn about your baby's development, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents

About Children, Being Children

We are so excited to be offering childcare, kinder and early education throughout Melbourne, to our little learners at FiRST early learning.

Our stunning, early learning centres offer a safe, fun and loving environment for children to enjoy.

FiRST early learning operate five centres across Melbourne and all services are carefully designed and created to provide high quality education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

We understand that the first 5 years of every child’s development and learning is of the utmost importance. We provide enthusiastic, qualified, experienced and loving educators together with Bachelor qualified kindergarten teachers that deliver the steps needed for quality educational

curriculums to build and prepare your child for the next stages in their lives.

At FiRST, we lay the steppingstones to nurture, build, and develop secure and trusting relationships with our little learners and families.

Every change, growth and milestone are celebrated and encouraged. Our environments are safe and stimulating, mixed with natural materials to offer the children exciting play spaces where they can build their creative thoughts and imaginations.

No matter what age and ability your child is when they take their first steps into our classrooms, FiRST ensures that every child and family will feel welcome and happy in our home away from home environment.

Our educators understand each child as an individual with a range of needs, wants, interests, abilities and languages.

FiRST will provide, encourage and further develop your child’s interests, ideas, theories, needs, sense of self and engage with your child in helping them to become the best they can be.

We offer swimming lessons, (bush and beach) kinder, library visits, yoga, music, science, cooking, intergenerational visits with our older friends and much more.

We are excited to offer an excellent service and we look forward to meeting you all.

Please email info@fel.vic.edu.au

EMMA - OWNER MANAGING DIRECTOR

CASS - GRANTS, FUNDING, KINDER AND TRAINEESHIP MANAGER

KYLIE AREA MANAGER

PART OWNER AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

FUTURE PAINTER FUTURE FORMULA ONE DRIVER FUTURE CHEF

By Kim Norton

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Happy place

Ameditation for kids (big and small) that will take them to their “Happy Place”; a place where they feel happy, calm and at peace.

Using the five senses children can envisage a time or place where they felt totally relaxed and can take themselves back to that place whenever they need to, in any environment; at school, home, in the car, during a test, at a dance recital, or at a medical appointment. Here they can focus on the present moment, slow down their breathing and improve their mental clarity so that they can then tackle the problem at hand.

Initially for our younger kids, it is beneficial for you as the parent/ carer to recite this meditation for them so that they only have to concentrate on the visualisations themselves rather than having to remember all the steps (which will only create more stress). Once practised a few times, it will only take a minute or two for them to land in their happy place and return to a state of calm and peace, no matter their age or environment.

To begin the meditation:

I want you to think about a time and a place where you felt really happy. A time where you felt totally calm and completely relaxed. This is your "Happy Place."

With your eyes closed, picture this place in your head. It might be a place that you have visited on holidays, it could be your bedroom or another room in your house, it could be sitting on Mum’s lap, or it could be a magical place that you have imagined in a book or seen in a movie. Picture this place in your head now.

Without speaking aloud, think about what you can see? What does this place look like? Can you see trees or buildings? Can you see animals or people? Look around. What else do you see?

Lock that picture in your head.

Next, think about what you can hear? If you can see animals, can you hear them? Is there water nearby? Can you hear the waves of the beach or music playing? If you are at home, can you hear the TV or other people in the house? Is it quiet, or are there no sounds at all? Lock those sounds in your head.

Now I want you to think about what you can smell. Can you smell any pets that might be with you? If you are at home, can you smell Mum cooking dinner? If you are sitting on Mum’s lap, can you smell her perfume? If you are outside in nature, can you smell the flowers? Take a minute to think about what else you might be able to smell. Lock those smells in your head.

What does it feel like in your “happy place”? Do you feel warm or cold? What can you feel under your feet? Can you feel mud squishing between your toes? Are you floating in air or are you lying down? What do you feel on your body? Do you feel a soft breeze, the warm sun or the touch of Mum’s hand stroking your head? Do you feel safe and happy? -

Lock those feelings into your head now.

Lastly, we visit taste. Think about what you might be able to taste. It might be the last thing you ate or if you are at the beach, you might be able to taste the salt in the air. You might not taste anything at all and that is totally ok. Lock those tastes into your head.

Take a last look around. Remember how it feels to be in your “happy place.” Know that you can come back to this time and place anytime you wish; you just have to remember what it looks and feels like here. Remember what it smells like, what you can hear and what you can taste.

I want you to lock the full picture of your “happy place” into your head now.

(This meditation can also be used as a sleep aide which will allow for some valuable bonding time and help to create a successful bedtime routine. Just start the meditation with a short muscle relaxation exercise to really relax the mind and body and then end the meditation here. If using this meditation as a general stress management tool, then continue).

Got it? Good. I am going to count backwards from 5 and after that you can sit and if you wish, you can draw your “Happy Place”. This will help you to remember it and return to it easily whenever you need to.

5: (pause)

4: wiggle your fingers

3: (pause)

2: wiggle your toes

1: open your eyes and take a big stretch

Kim is a Holistic and Spiritual Counsellor specialising in stress and anxiety management for kids, teens, and adults. Kim provides a unique, intuitive, and individualised therapy approach through individual, small group, and family counselling sessions both online and at her studio in Langwarrin. Please see www.rainbowlighttherapies.com.au for more information.

An audio version of this meditation can be found on www.youtube.com/c/rainbowlighttherapies.

with the Survival Specialists

Regular swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to

We specialise in deep water survival techniques such as treading water. We’re the survival specialists.

By Yvette O'Dowd

Elmo and Abby Cadabby visited Melbourne recently to celebrate the launch of Sesame Street’s season 53 on ABC Kids. Season 53 is devoted to helping children grow up with a healthy self-identity and sense of belonging, in full celebration of our diverse world. With a focus on stories that celebrate our differences and embrace our similarities, children will learn to feel confident and proud of who they are and find joy in connecting with and learning about others. MPK sent their best interviewers: Granny Yvette, Charlie, age 10, Blair, age 6 and Teddy, age 3, to chat with the duo to get the scoop on their time in Australia.

YVETTE: Charlie would like to know, ‘Do you know how to get to Sesame Street?’

ELMO: You have to get on a plane.

ABBY: Actually, you have to get on two planes for us. Cuz’ then you have to go to the States and then you have to. New York. Then once you get off the plane, then you have to take the train and then a train to the station, then to another train, which is called the subway. Or I can just poof you there with my magic wand.

YVETTE: That sounds easier!

ELMO: Yea, it’s a little bit of a long journey.

ABBY: It takes a whole day! Do you know what time it is on Sesame Street, right now? It's yesterday.

ELMO: It's a little confusing.

ABBY: Very confusing.

YVETTE: What’s new on Sesame Street?

ABBY: Soooo much! We’ve been having so much fun learning about what makes us different and the same. One thing that’s the same is we all love to dance.

Our friend Ji-Young even taught a special kind of dance she’s learning in her Korean dance class – the Fan Dance. We used fans and were dancing like butterflies! It was magical.

ELMO: And Elmo even got to ride a horse for the very first time with Elmo’s friend Julia. Elmo was nervous because the horse was really, really big! But Elmo learned how to feed the horsie, brush the horsie and even ride it. Elmo and Sprinkles – that’s the horsie’s name - became best friends.

YVETTE: Teddy’s question is, ‘Have you ever seen any Australian animals?’

ABBY: We saw some kookaburras.

Elmo: And one time Elmo was here before, and Elmo got to pet a kangaroo and a koala.

ABBY: Yeah, I got to hug a koala.

ELMO: Elmo got to feed a wallaby some raisins.

ABBY: Oh, and I saw an echidna. They're hilarious. They have a long, skinny tongue like spaghetti.

YVETTE: Now Blair had a question for you. She wants to know, ‘Do you look like your mummy and daddy?’

ELMO: Um, Elmo looks a little bit like his daddy. Elmo looks like his daddy and his mommy too.

YVETTE: And Abby, do you look like your mommy or your daddy?

ABBY: I think I look most like my mommy, but I have two daddies. And I have a stepbrother Rudy, and he's a monster. And well, we don't look anything alike. He laughs like a potbellied pig.

YVETTE: Now, you’ve met some famous people, and I heard you met the first lady of the USA. That is very exciting!

ELMO: We have. Doctor Jill Biden. She's really wonderful.

ABBY: We have! She was super nice. She gave Elmo's puppy dog, Tango, a little belly rub.

ELMO: And we got invited to the White House. We had breakfast at the White House, and it was really nice

YVETTE: What did you have for breakfast?

ELMO: Elmo just had a little bit of toast.

ABBY: Yeah, I had peanut butter toast.

YVETTE: Have you tried Vegemite on toast? And did you like it?

ELMO: Yeah. Elmo tried it.

ABBY: Yeah. It was interesting.

YVETTE: It's OK to say if you don't like it.

ELMO: It’s just different. We don't have it on Sesame Street.

YVETTE: And have you got any favourite foods that you have tried in Australia?

ABBY: Fairy bread. Definitely.

YVETTE: You don't have fairy bread in America?

ABBY: No, but we can make it now that we know what all the little parts are.

YVETTE: You can take it back to Sesame Street!

ABBY: Absolutely!

Andrea Rowe

Wild wonderous words to help explore the world

Inspiring kids to get outdoors, and be active in the environment through relatable stories is something Mornington Peninsula based, award-winning author Andrea Rowe has always been drawn to.

From her professional copywriting days creating national park interpretation, environmental education resources and junior ranger kids club communications, she has firmly placed children in the centre of narratives set in the great outdoors, and championed their connection with nature and physical activity.

It’s no surprise that her first book, Jetty Jumping, has become an Australian modern classic and a best-seller. The book won the 2022 CBCA Children’s Book of the Year for Early Childhood and was described by the judges as ‘beautifully written and highly relatable’. Jetty Jumping perfectly captures the challenges of childhood – and the joy of letting go – in a homage to summer in a coastal town. The book has since been shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Speech pathology Book of the Year.

Earlier this year, Andrea and illustrator Hannah Somerville released their much-anticipated second picture book, Sunday Skating, which draws children out into the streets and onto their skates to explore their town together. Once again, it’s a story that celebrates the outdoors, this time with messages of self-doubt, courage and friendship.

Both books have been published internationally across the UK, Europe, and in the new year, in the USA. Dubbed the Hardie Grant Children’s Book Dream Team, Andrea and Hannah seem to be onto a winning combination.

“I love working alongside Hannah,” says Andrea, “She creates such stunning images which really move the narrative along. I think we both come at stories from the same place of creative curiosity and celebration, the only difference is we use two different mediums to tell the story. It’s a wonderful partnership and I’m so grateful Hannah keeps saying YES to working on more books with me.”

Readers will be delighted to hear that 'more books' translates into 'many more books' for the duo. Andrea and Hannah have just announced they’re working on a third book in the Jetty Jumping / Sunday Skating series and this November they’ll be launching a very special Little World’s series.

“It’s a collection of early concept board-books that aims to inspire wide-eyed kids to become wild treasuring grown-ups. We start with In the Rockpool, inspired by my own love of rockpool rambling with my children and the intertidal and rockpool coastal discoveries I loved making as a kid too.”

Andrea added that “I wrote In the Rockpool during lockdown where I was fortunate to have rockpools within my five kilometres –I rediscovered the joys of taking our time to peer into miniature watery worlds.”

“It was a small step to combine my love of storytelling for children with my expertise in environmental writing to create books that parents and educators can reach for to ignite conversations and inspire interactions with nature. There’s incredible interest from bush kindergartens, outdoor playgroups and early educators to include books that reinforce respect for and curiosity with the environment. I’m thrilled that my publisher Hardie Grant is equally invested in these messages of environmental care and wild adventuring. I think we’ve created a series that is incredibly special, and recognises our wild places and I can’t wait to share the future titles soon”

Beyond the new board book series, Andrea has just signed two more contracts with Hardie Grant, including her first non-fiction picture book, Dogs with Jobs. And there’s an in-development picture book re-imagining the story of Melbourne’s Skipping Girl with Midnight Sun Publishing.

But it’s Andrea’s lyrical and nostalgic writing style that has gained her a firm following amongst picture book readers, booksellers, reviews and families.

“I get so many pictures and videos sent to me of how our books have become must reads at bedtime, and borrow at library time, or how schools are using them in their literacy circles as relatable books for young readers. There’s no greater joy than knowing that you’ve created a story that kids feel so connected with.”

A respected community contributor and literacy ambassador, Andrea has become the Ardoch Youth Foundation Writer in Resident for the Mornington Peninsula, mentoring children in low literacy rate schools, a mentor for the Mary Jane Lewis Scholarship program and Young Writers workshop facilitator for the Primary English Teaching Association of Australia. She has also been the founding President of the Peninsula Writers’ Club and advocated for, and coordinated judging for, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayors Short Story writing awards.

“Words do more than sit on a page; they encourage us to step forward into community, explore our environments and feel empowered to advocate for ourselves and others,” Andrea says. “I’m just grateful to be writing the words that so many folks of all ages want to reach for, or have had their curiosity and creativity inspired.”

Hooded Cosy

Hooded Cosy’s fluffy PJ bottoms are all the rage! Available in kids’ sizes 12 and 14 and adult sizing up to 2XL in an array of eye-catching prints, they are oversized and made from a fluffy microfibre material that wash and wear fabulously. Get behind this Morn Pen family run business and grab a pair at a special price of $15 (usually $20) for friends of MPK.

Tickle Me Elmo

By bringing Elmo back to the present age, Headstart aims to reminisce the sense of the 90s childhood, capturing the hearts of children and fostering lasting memories. Tickle Me Elmo plushie is an ultimate retro toy that’s regenerating classic playtime for modern playtime with its iconic charm. Available to purchase at

Happy Hair Brush

The Glamour pack, designed for the busy woman incorporates a beautiful Limited-Edition Gold Happy Hair Brush as well as the Pocket Mini. Brush your hair with confidence knowing it’s not going to hurt and the brush will bring up a lovely shine in less than a minute.

RRP: $65.00

happyhairbrush.com.au

Simply Swap Foods New Products!

Eating real food isn’t about restriction, it’s about nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients so you feel your best. We’ve created our new products to make your life even easier – now you’ll always have a quick and easy way to make some rolls or wraps to take on the road plus weekend pancakes can be enjoyed by everyone!

simplyswapfoods.com.au

FUNtainer 290ml

Stainless Steel Vacuum

Insulated Food Jar

RRP: $31.99

RRP: $69.99

Thermos’ vacuum insulation technology keeps your food or drinks hot or cold longer than ever. With their large assortment of beverage bottles and food jars in range of eye-catching colours and designs both kids and adults will love, you are sure to find the product to meet your needs.

Guardian 530ml Stainless Steel Food Jar

Guardian 355ml Stainless Steel Tumbler RRP: $44.99

FUNtainer 355ml Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle RRP: $32.99

Totally You

With Totally You, Headstart aims to empower young girls through play. These dolls are not just pretty faces; they are confident, bubbly, and bursting with personality. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter dolls and embrace a world of inclusivity. These 18" dolls represent the true diversity of our world and are on a mission to encapsulate the lively and distinct personas, tastes, and ethnicities of 8-12 year old girls.

RRP: from $29.99

The Dove Triple Moisturising 1L Body Wash is microbiome gentle designed with mild cleansers that helps provide moisture, protecting and providing long lasting care for your skin & suitable for daily use, and as a sulfate-SLES-free body wash, the formula is kind to your skin’s living protective layer, making it a positive choice for protecting skin resiliency.

Cruelty-free, accredited by PETA, and made out of 70% recycled plastic, you can feel good about making the switch to Dove.

RRP: $17.00

Care Bears

The ever-so-special ‘Share Your Care Day’ is just around the corner, taking place on the 9th of September. The Care Bears have inspired us all to share love, care and kindness with others and now it's our turn to remind the world that a little care goes a long way. To celebrate this heartwarming occasion, we're excited to announce a special Care Bears giveaway that's all about spreading the love. Win 1 of 2 Care Bears plush valued at $29 each. Sending you luck, love and hugs!

Welcare Nurture

Wearable Electric Breast Pump

Convenience and adaptability is critical to working mums and this new hands free breast pump allows new mums to discreetly express milk whilst they are on the go, working etc. A lightweight, hands-free, and portable accessory for breastfeeding mums who need to express milk on the go or while travelling. It is safe, hygienic and can be used discreetly with any well-fitting nursing bra.

The breast pump is available online and from select pharmacies for $99.95 welcare.com.au

Paw Patrol Big Truck Pups

Team up with the pups for some action-packed highway rescues, in their Big Truck Pup - Rescue Truck! Each big rig rescue truck features an exciting vehicle transformation. Simply lift each truck’s cab roof, to get one of the pups in and out of the driver’s seat, then tilt the truck trailer forward and raise the trailer roof to activate command center mode, which converts each truck’s trailer into a 2-story command center and reveals their pup specific items such as the mini rescue vehicle with recycling crane for Rocky.

RRP: $25.00

Yorkshire Tea Gold

This is their finest blend chosen from their three favourite origins – Assam, Kenya and Rwanda – and bought from the top ten tea gardens in the world to make a rich, smooth and incredibly satisfying brew.

RRP: $14.95

yorkshiretea.com.au

Why parents should read out loud

By Chris Couchman

AYouGovpoll commissioned by digital subscription

app Readly revealed only 28% of Aussie parents and grandparents read to their children every day, while roughly 1 in 10 parents and grandparents read to children less than once per month.

By not reading to children regularly, and in failing to read out loud to children, caregivers are depriving them of the valuable opportunity to develop a keen love of reading.

Studies demonstrate that children of all ages continue to benefit enormously from being read to. Reading together strengthens the bond between parent and child and it also nurtures children’s social, emotional, and intellectual development.

For very young children, reading with a caregiver is linked to increased focus and decreased levels of aggression and hyperactivity. According to paediatric experts, reading to children gives them the words to describe their most difficult feelings, which allows them to better regulate their behaviour when they’re feeling sad, angry, or frustrated. Brain scans indicate that hearing stories activates the part of the brain responsible for processing visual imagery, story comprehension, and word meaning. Even babies benefit from being read aloud to and the benefits don’t stop even when children are older and can read for themselves. Research suggests children from 6-12 enjoy a cognitive boost when they are read to for an hour each day.

As reading levels continue to plummet amongst older children, reading aloud has the potential to stem the growing tide of non readers. Sadly, the numbers show parents stop reading to their child by the age of 8, with just 19% of 8 to 10-year-olds read to daily by an adult, across all socio-economic groups.

While the global respondents of the Readly commissioned YouGov survey understood that reading “improves language skills”, “enables children to learn more about various subjects or cultures”, and “gives children time for themselves”, it takes a more hands-on approach to set kids up for life when it comes to reading.

It’s unequivocal that reading out loud is essential, but how do parents engage children of all ages to enjoy reading together on a regular basis?

• Don’t just read at bedtime. Reading before going to bed is a classic ritual but,for some children, it can be associated with having to stop playing. Build a more positive association with reading by switching up times and locations. Parents can try reading under the table or at a picnic outside while eating snacks to make it fun.

• Don’t be afraid to embrace technology to encourage reading. Just because children are turning to devices doesn’t mean they have to switch off from reading. There’s a plethora of easily accessible content on the web and in apps to encourage our children’s literary growth.

• Comic books can be a great place to start.

With an emphasis on reading being fun, easy and above all, essential to establishing a regular reading habit, embracing comic books is a simple way to help more children find reading pleasure. Comics are also an excellent, non-threatening reading option for children to start reading in a non-native language.

• Lead by example.

Children imitate their parents and other adults around them. Set a good example by cultivating your own reading habits. Don’t forget to discuss the latest article, magazine or book you’ve read with your child any time the opportunity arises.

• Ask and answer questions together. On that note, reading widely even if you think the material is too advanced for your child is a great way to introduce new words and concepts. Use this as a way to capitalise on children’s natural curiosity to explore and learn together.

Reading out loud to children is undoubtedly a much-loved ritual between parent and child, one that gifts us with a rare moment of pause to engage more deeply with the world through words and ideas. Parents are the bridge between stories and children’s own lives.

Without their involvement, youngsters have no way of making sense of what they’re reading. From recognising patterns in language to discovering something new about the world we live in, the benefits of reading aloud to children builds by the day. For children’s sake, we must make the time to read.

Chris is head of content at Readly.

Here are some expert tips from Readly to get started

Nurturing Minds, Embracing Values and Cultivating Growth

We are delighted to introduce you to our exceptional primary school, a place where each child's education will be enriched with the treasures of Catholic values, a supportive community, and a commitment to fostering both academic excellence and personal growth.

Catholic Education and Gospel Values

At St Macartan’s Primary School, we embrace the principles of Catholic education, nurturing each child's spiritual and moral development. Gospel values are woven into every aspect of our curriculum, fostering compassion, respect, and kindness. We believe that a strong foundation in faith provides children with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.

Open to All Children

St Macartan’s Primary School is open to children from all backgrounds and walks of life. We celebrate diversity and believe that every child has a unique contribution to make. Our inclusive environment ensures that all children are welcomed, respected, and encouraged to share their individual talents.

Strengthening Sustainability and Award-Winning Outdoor Spaces

We take pride in our commitment to sustainability. St Macartan’s Primary School boasts award-winning outdoor areas and gardens where children not only learn about the environment but also actively engage in caring for it. Through hands-on experiences, students gain

an understanding of the importance of sustainability, encouraging them to become responsible stewards of our planet.

themselves and develop essential life skills, equipping them to face challenges with resilience.

Extensive Sporting Program

Stephanie

Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Our innovative Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is one highlight of our curriculum. This hands-on initiative empowers children to grow, harvest, and prepare their own food, fostering a deep appreciation for healthy eating and the skills needed to make nutritious choices. This program ignites curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for sustainable gardening and cooking.

Celebrating Children's Achievements At St Macartan’s School. Whether it's academic progress, artistic expression, or acts of kindness, each accomplishment is recognized and celebrated. We believe that acknowledging these achievements builds confidence and a sense of pride, motivating children to strive for excellence in all they do.

Comprehensive Student Wellbeing Support

Your child's emotional and social well-being is a top priority for us. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff work closely with students to ensure they feel safe, valued, and understood. We provide a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to express

Physical activity and sports are integral to a well-rounded education. Our school offers an extensive sporting program designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy competition. Through a variety of sports and activities, children learn the importance of discipline, cooperation, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. St Macartan’s School is excited to welcome new families to our school community, where education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. Our primary school is a place where your child's heart, mind, and spirit will flourish. From our strong foundation in gospel values to our commitment to sustainability, we offer a holistic educational experience that prepares children for a bright and purposeful future.

We invite you to visit our school, meet our dedicated educators, and experience the vibrant atmosphere firsthand. Together, let's embark on a journey of academic excellence, personal growth, and shared values that will shape your child's life for years to come.

Colleen McGreal Principal W. smmornington.catholic.edu.au

Embracing the Future

Introducing QUEST - Empowering Year 8 Students for Tomorrow's Challenges

In an ever-changing world, it is crucial for education systems to evolve and prepare students for the challenges they will face in the future. With this goal in mind, Balcombe Grammar School are excited to announce our new Year 8 program called QUEST QUEST stands for Quality Education for Students' Transformation, and it aims to build on our students' understanding of Project-Based Learning (PBL) that they first encountered in Year 7 as part of our Journeys in Learning initiative, while empowering them with greater agency in determining their areas of research. Through this program, students will continue to develop key transferable skills such as Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking, and they will also be introduced to the invaluable skill of developing agency by making choices within their projects.

A team of dedicated staff have commenced development of QUEST and we have identified key focus points for this new Year 8 initiative: Empowering Students through Agency: One of the primary objectives of QUEST is to nurture students' sense of agency. By allowing them to take ownership of their projects and make informed choices, students will develop a deeper sense

of responsibility, autonomy, and selfdirection. With guidance from teachers, they will embark on a journey of self-discovery and explore their interests, passions, and potential.

Building on Project-Based Learning (PBL):

This year we introduced Project Based Learning (PBL) as our educational approach in our new Year 7 Journeys in Learning initiative. This has proven to be an effective educational approach that fosters creativity and critical thinking among students, and we want to capture and expand our students’ skills in this area. QUEST takes PBL to the next level by providing students with the freedom to decide their research areas. By allowing them to delve into topics they are genuinely interested in, the program aims to enhance engagement and motivation, leading to more profound learning experiences.

Addressing Global Challenges: QUEST will utilise the design thinking process to explore current global challenges. Students will have the opportunity to discuss potential future implications and propose innovative solutions. Themes to be explored may include the United Nations Sustainable Goals, Emerging Technologies, and Sustainability. By tackling these big picture global challenges, students will gain a deeper understanding of the world's complexities and the importance of collaborative problem-solving.

The BECOME Program:

In the second phase of QUEST, students will transition to the BECOME program, which will focus on their personal and professional development. They will identify their strengths, interests, and values in relation to future career and educational goals. Setting SMART goals will help them plan their journey effectively, providing a clear direction for their future aspirations.

Culminating Event:

To celebrate the students' hard work and showcase their projects, QUEST will culminate in an exciting event where students will present and exhibit their research outcomes. This event will provide a platform for students to share their ideas with peers, teachers, and parents, encouraging them to become confident communicators and presenters. QUEST marks a significant step forward in our commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the future. By promoting agency, transferable skills, and a global perspective, our Year 8 students will be empowered to become active, informed, and responsible citizens of tomorrow. As we embrace the opportunities and uncertainties that lie ahead, we are confident that QUEST will be a transformative experience for our students and contribute positively to their lifelong learning journey.

W: balcombegrammar.vic.edu.au

MONTESSOR I

The world renowned teaching methods of Maria Montessori – Montessori Cycle 1

Piccolos

Music to inspire

Dedicated hall for music, dance and indoor sports, all weather outdoor sports area and large natural playgrounds

Focus on Holistic Education

Social, emotional, ethical, and academic education. Valuing ‘Respect’ Embracing kindness and caring for others, animals and our environment.

Developing ‘the love of learning’

Self-directed ‘hands on’ activities and collaborative experiences.

Creating confidence

118 Overport Road, Frankston South Phone 03 9787 6730 to visit our school

Email: admin@piccoloschildren.com.au www.piccoloschildren.com.au

Open from 7:30am – 6:30pm, Ages 2.5 - 6 yrs

Montessori

Long day care

Developing concentration

Healthy meals

Incursions & excursions

Family rebates and benefits apply Integrated 3 & 4 year old Kindergarten

Piccolos beautiful natural learning environment

Developing life skills

Lasting friendships

Learning to read while learning to write

Expression through song and dance

Promoting nature and care for its inhabitants

Understanding numeracy

A Week in the life of a Prep Student

At Toorak College, we are passionate about curating exceptional learning journeys for our students, forming fundamental learning habits and fostering a deep love for knowledge.

We welcome you into a glimpse of the extraordinary journey of a Prep student, where each day is a canvas for cultivating essential learning habits that will undoubtedly shape the future of their educational experiences.

“Prep is a pivotal stepping stone for our young children. It is here that they establish themselves as learners and realise their potential for seeking and acquiring knowledge. We take a student’s love and desire for independence and propel our students into an environment where they can see endless possibilities and practise their newly found skills in a supportive and feedback-driven context.” - Mrs Melissa Schoorman, Head of Wardle House, Deputy Principal.

Join us as we step into the world of a Prep Student, navigating the boundless opportunities available to them through our diverse co-curricular program taught by our specialist teachers in our state-of-the-art facilities.

Food & Nutrition: Our Prep Students are currently participating in the study

of food & nutrition. Students learn about honeybees and their role in the ecosystem, giving students an understanding of the interconnectedness between nature and how our actions, such as gardening practices, can positively impact the environment and biodiversity.

Science - In Science, students are learning about the observable features of plants in the Swift Science and Technology Centre. Students are planting their own broad bean seeds in clear containers so that they can observe the changes in a plant’s features over a period of time. Students are learning to observe and record their observations through drawing and labelling their own scientific diagrams.

Mandarin - The AIM approach is introduced to our Prep students through Mandarin. Students have been developing vocabulary and sentences related to the story they will be learning each year. This week they are learning a new sentence structure “I have/have not something.” Student’s learnt how to say “I have a dog” in mandarin or “I do not have a dog”.

Art - Students are currently learning all about the art elements of space, shape, contrast and the proportions of the human face through creating self portraits from layered and cut

cardboard. Rubbings were made from these as well as prints made on a Gelli plate. This artwork just kept on giving as they then covered the cardboard in aluminium foil and stained it with black pigmented ink.

Music - Students are currently working on preparing songs for the Christmas concert. This year we have chosen a ‘Sound of Music’ theme. The students have learned ‘Do-Re-Mi’ and the Solfeggio actions to go with the lyrics. They are also learning ‘Favourite Things’ and are working on brainstorming lyric ideas that describe what their ‘favourite things’ are at Toorak College.

As the sun sets on another day in the life of a Prep student, we are reminded that these early years are about sculpting the architects of tomorrow's triumphs. Our curriculum is more than a syllabus; it's a compass that guides these young explorers on a learning journey from the very moment they step onto the grounds of Toorak College. With each lesson, discovery, and challenge, we are nurturing the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the world's future.

To find out more about our unique curriculum offerings please visit our website

www.toorakcollege.vic.edu.au/ curricular/junior-school

Learning in a Safe Environment

At Woodleigh’s Penbank Campus, we know young learners need a safe environment – one where they can make mistakes, struggle and grow. This is especially true of our littlest students as they transition from home to new and unfamiliar school spaces.

What we also know about children is that they are knowledgeable, caring, and principled learners. We recognise their force as co-contributors to their learning, evidenced by growing interpersonal skills, critical and creative thinking skills, self-management skills – and sheer joy - as they move through our Early Childhood Centre as three and four-year-olds.

Our rigorous Early Childhood programming is inquiry-based, designed to engage and intrigue the curious mind, developing communication, social and problem-solving skills along the way. Woodleigh’s ECC is pedagogically diverse – it is academic, immersive, and, being set in a small-school environment, enables students to develop and test theories in real-life scenarios.

On Thursday mornings – rain, hail, or shine – our four-yearold children wrestle little feet into gumboots and wet-weather gear in front of the woodfire heater. A gumboot lost, another stuck, laughing, sharing, and frustrations abound, and everybody eventually wanders down to Bush Kinder.

Carrying the day’s essentials between themselves to a spot tucked into Penbank’s beautiful 35 acres, students spend a day tree climbing, cubby making, a picnic lunch and games aplenty. Tired and happy, they wander back to the warmth of the indoors to rest, read and play.

Penbank is a special and beautiful place for your child to begin their significant journey through school education. In an evolving world, and attuned to their own natural environment, your child’s voice, confidence and preparedness to grow are fostered here at Woodleigh Penbank Early Childhood.

W: woodleigh.vic.edu.au

BAA BAA BLACK BELT

By Gavin Aung Thang $18.99 Hardback

Hi! Welcome to my farm. It’s where I do my training. I practise martial arts when it’s sunny, cold, or raining! My name is very famous. Do you know how it’s spelt? Here, let me remind you: they call me ... Baa Baa Black Belt!

BOOK WEEK BEAR

By

Rory Mather $18.99 Hardback

Claire’s costume was amazing—she had hair and teeth and claws. Plus, there was the smell of fish coming from her jaws! Claire’s bear costume has a lot of flair ... almost enough to give everyone a scare! But is it enough to win first prize in the Book Week parade?

BUSH TURKEY

By Jol Temple $18.99 Hardback

He’s an unusual fellow, really quite quirky. He has many names, but let’s call him ... Bush Turkey! His bald head is red, he’s impeccably dressed. And right now he’s building the world’s best-ever nest! With timber and sticks slapped together with plaster ... will Bush Turkey’s nest be a hit? Or a wonky disaster?!

NO-ONE REALLY KNOWS AN AXOLOTL

By Laura Sieveking $18.99 Hardback

Axolotl ... Snacksalotl ... Groovy jazzy saxolotl ... If you think you know axolotls, then think again! A hilarious book about axolotls, like you’ve never seen them before!

WHAT’S MY NAME? (FARTY PETS #1)

By Adam Wallace $9.99 Paperback

When the kids go to school, their pets get together and play. Clumsy Bum, Princess Pretty, Fluffy and ... Oh No! Parrot doesn’t have a name! Can the other Farty Pets help him find one?

ZOO DAY (FARTY PETS #2)

By Adam Wallace $9.99 Paperback

When the kids go to school, their pets get together and play. The Farty Pets are off to the zoo! Will they see a unicorn? Or will they cause a giant catastrophe?

GAME OVER GIRL

By Naomi Gibson $19.99 Paperback

Lola’s been selected to play a new virtual reality game - Better Than Life. In her game, she’s loved. Is beautiful. Can do whatever she wants. But she quickly breaks the one rule: not to recreate people or places from real life. She recreates her house and a boy she fancies. Soon she’s skipping school to play. But Lola has secrets – dark ones that begin to surface inside her game – and the more she tries to fix her problems, the more she overlooks a much bigger threat …

SAVING CHARLI

By Di Walker $16.99 Paperback

Who are you when your other half is gone? Twelve-year-old Charli knows no other way of being than as a twin. But when her twin sister, Freya, succumbs to a lifelong battle with illness, Charli, consumed by grief, retreats into a tent in her backyard. Closed off from her family and friends, Charli risks losing not only her other half but her whole self. Without her twin, who is left to save Charli?

PART OF YOUR WORLD (DISNEY: A TWISTED TALE GRAPHIC NOVEL)

By Liz Braswell $17.99 Paperback

What if Ariel had never defeated Ursula? It's been five years since the infamous sea witch defeated the little mermaid ... and took King Triton's life in the process. Ariel is now the voiceless queen of Atlantica, while Ursula runs Prince Eric's kingdom on land. But when Ariel discovers that her father might still be alive, she finds herself returning to a world–and a prince–she never imagined she would see again.

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS

By Adam Rubin $16.99 Paperback

Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa...oh, boy. You're in red-hot trouble.

SET IN STONE

(DISNEY: A TWISTED TALE #15)

By Mari Mancusi $17.99 Paperback

What if Arthur wasn't supposed to be king? Having pulled the sword from the stone, scrawny Arthur has gone from washing dishes to sitting on the throne at Camelot Castle. What he doesn't know is that the scheming witch, Madam Mim, used her magic to help Arthur free the sword, believing the boy would be easy to control once he was made king. When Arthur proves more capable than she imagined, Mim sends her foster daughter, Guinevere, to put Arthur back in his right place washing dishes.

PEA-REX ROLLERCOASTER

$14.99 Hardback

Ginger the Tricarrotops and the baby Pea-Rexes, Minty, Wasabi and Split, have found a herd of Broccolisaurus - some of the largest Vegesaurs of all. Will Ginger and the Pea-Rexes be squashed?

WHO LIVES HERE?

By Julia Donaldson & Rebecca Cobb

$26.99 Hardback

One little boy is very excited when he receives an invitation to go and play at his friend Dan's house. But there's just one problem, he doesn't know which house on South Street Dan lives in. Along the way he meets some very interesting neighbours, including a cook, a pirate and ghost. But which door does Dan live behind? A wonderful game of dressing-up awaits. Will he ever be able to find the right house?

DINNER TIME!

$14.99 Hardback

The baby Pea-Rexes are hungry. They usually hunt in pods of Pea-Rexes but this time, Ginger the Tricarrotops is with them. There’s only one problem: Ginger is very, very noisy.

I’M A NIPPER NOW!

By Sally Cordner and Lucy Simms $29.99 Hardback

I’m a Nipper Now! is inspired by a real-life group of six friends, who embark on their first day of Nippers. Unsure, afraid and with many reservations the children witness a real lift surf rescue before their eyes – what an introduction to your first day at Nippers.

GINGER’S BIG DAY OUT

$5.99 Paperback

A 64-page colouring-in book featuring everyone’s favourite Vegesaurs and scenes from the hit series.

WITH A LITTLE SPRINKLE OF COURAGE

By Jackie Case $29.99 Hardback

When Fen was born, her father gave her a special gift, knowing it would help her through any difficult times. However, just when she is about to face her biggest challenge, Fen loses her gift, and can’t find it anywhere.

THE 169-STOREY TREEHOUSE

By Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton $14.99 Paperback

Andy and Terry have built their biggest and most astonishing treehouse yet! It has everything they - and you - could wish for, including an electric pony stable, a Santa Land, a NOISY level, a kangaroo-riding range and much more. The heart-stopping final adventure of the phenomenal Treehouse series.

DEAR GRANDPA

By Jacinta Boyd $19.99 Paperback

‘Where birds are made of rainbows and foxes are furry and shy, we can spy’.

Join Bea as her imagination takes her on a journey to all her favourite places with her grandpa in a hand written letter.

REDISCOVER YOUR ATHLETE WITHIN

By Dr Brett Lillie $34.99 Paperback

Have you lost your exercise mojo, and feel too old or busy to do anything about it? Has exercise become a chore rather than something that gave you joy? It doesn’t have to be that way – but it’s up to you to make the change.

THE 10:10 SIMPLE RECIPE BOOK

By Sarah Di Lorenzo $39.99 Paperback

In her new book, Sarah shares more than 180 quick and simple, super-healthy recipes for the whole family, as well as her sage lifestyle guidelines on mindful eating and meal planning.

Win!

For your chance to take home a prize pack of the reviewed books go to www.peninsulakids.com.au/giveaways

Helping make your switch to a real food diet easy

All our products are:

*Sugar free

*Gluten free

*Low-carb/Keto

*Dairy free

*Nothing artificial

*No seed oils or starches

*Super moist and taste amazing

*Really easy to prepare

*Created with love on the Mornington Peninsula

By Linda Martinucci

With so many health claims on food products these days, it can be challenging to figure out which ones are actually good for us. We get frustrated by misinformation and want to share a few tips, so you know what to look out for.

1. Sugar free claims – many products use other ingredients to replace sugar which still spike your blood sugar. A common scenario is when the sugar is replaced with dates, dried fruit or rice malt syrup. Your body converts all these ingredients to glucose so it’s very similar to eating sugar.

2. Low carb/keto claims– check the ingredient list and if a product has more than 6 ingredients then it’s generally an ultra-processed food and will contribute to inflammation in your body. Ingredients like vegetable oil, maltodextrin, emulsifiers, starches, preservatives, sulphites are not healthy in any food product and should be avoided.

3. Gluten free claims – all low carb real food is naturally gluten free. Many gluten-free products in the supermarket have long ingredient lists with seed oils, artificial ingredients and starches which can lead to poor health outcomes.

Eating a low carb real food diet reduces inflammation and keeps blood sugar levels stable so you have more energy and feel your best.

New products – Bread Rolls, Wraps and Pancakes

Eating real food isn’t about restriction, it’s about nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients so you feel your best. We’ve created our new products to make your life even easier – now you’ll always have a quick and easy way to make some rolls or wraps to take on the road plus weekend pancakes can be enjoyed by everyone!

Deliciously Decadent Mug Cakes are back in stock

We’re excited to have our popular mug cakes back in stock in fresh new packaging. There’s two full mug cakes in each pack, easy instructions to prepare in microwave or oven plus some yummy suggested variations eg. Lemon berry cakes or nutty choc chip.

As always seed the advice of a qualified health professional before making significant changes to your diet.

Easy Cinnamon Roll Ups

Perfect any time of day, this delicious recipe uses our wrap mix and is a lovely fast healthy treat that really fills you up with good nutritious ingredients!

Ingredients

1 pack Simply Swap Foods Wrap Mix

80g cream cheese, softened

1½ tablespoons Lakanto Classic Monkfruit sweetener

1 tsp cinnamon

Butter or ghee for frying

Method

1. Mash cream cheese in a bowl until smooth using a fork or back of a large metal spoon.

2. Make one wrap using directions on the pack (can be made in a sandwich toaster or frypan).

3. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over surface of the warm wrap making sure to cover right to the edges.

4. Mix sweetener and cinnamon together in small bowl then sprinkle evenly over cream cheese mixture, leaving a small amount of cream cheese uncovered on one long side to “stick” the roll.

5. Carefully roll up wrap from the long side then gently press down on uncovered cream cheese at end to stick together.

6. Melt butter/ghee in frypan over medium heat then place cinnamon roll in pan. Cook for a few minutes on one side until lightly browned then use tongs to turn slightly to cook all four sides until golden. Each side should only need 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

7. Remove and rest for five minutes before cutting in half with a sharp knife then cut each half into four even pieces.

8. Place each piece on a plate to serve serve immediately or store in an airtight container in fridge up to five days.

Haloumi Burgers

These burgers are loved by all members of our family. The combo of haloumi with lemon and dill is a real winner! Can be served in a bun with other fillings or on a plate with salad.

Ingredients

1 medium size zucchini, grated (250g)

1 cup white cabbage, finely chopped (100g)

250g haloumi, grated

¼ cup green stalks from spring onions, finely chopped

1 tblsp fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tblsp lemon rind (approx 2 med lemons)

½ cup blanched almond meal

5 eggs, lightly beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

Shortening of preference for frying –butter, coconut oil, ghee, lard.

Method

1. Place all ingredients except eggs in a large mixing bowl and combine well.

2. Add beaten eggs to mixture and fold together until incorporated.

3. Heat frypan with preferred shortening and place large spoonfuls of mixture into pan to make burgers approx 8-9cm diameter.

4. Fry burgers over medium high heat until golden brown on first side then flip to cook other side and flatten slightly with spatula.

5. When browned on both sides, remove from pan and rest on absorbent paper.

6. Continue adding large spoonfuls of mixture to pan, stirring mix each time before scooping out as mixture can separate.

7. Enjoy immediately with green leafy salad and mayonnaise or cool before storing in airtight container in fridge or freezer.

Lemon Cheesecake Balls

These are great to have on hand for when you feel like something small, indulgent and sweet. For ingredients to combine easily, make sure the cream cheese is out of fridge and softened. These store well in the fridge for up to five days or can be frozen in an airtight container for up to six weeks.

Ingredients

150g cream cheese, softened

1½ tblsp Lakanto Classic Monkfruit sweetener

¼ cup desiccated coconut

2 tsp lemon zest, finely grated

2 tsp lemon juice

½ tsp vanilla essence

Shredded coconut for rolling (approx ½ cup)

Shredded coconut and extra chopped walnuts for decorating top

Method

1. Place all ingredients in a medium size bowl and mash together with a fork or back of large metal spoon until combined and smooth.

2. Using wet hands, roll spoonfuls of mixture into balls then roll in shredded coconut.

3. Place in an airtight container in the fridge to firm. Enjoy!

DR. a family’s friend or foe?

By Dr Nirvana Luckraj

We’reall guilty of it – going down an internet rabbit hole trying to find the reason our child has warts or their poo is yellow. But is Dr Google helping, or harming us?

Dr Nirvana Luckraj, chief medical officer of government-funded website Healthdirect, said the internet can be a useful tool when it comes to the health of your family, if you follow a few simple rules.

“If used correctly, seeking health information online can provide users with anonymity and information to increase the possibility for self-care,” she said.

It can also empower users to seek help and increase their understanding of their medical conditions to improve interactions with their GP.

However, if used incorrectly, self-diagnosing through the internet can be bad for your health because it puts you at risk of anxiety and incorrect diagnosis.

You might end up believing you have a life-threatening condition when it might actually be harmless, or you might dismiss a condition as non-threatening when it actually deserves urgent medical attention.

To remedy this, Healthdirect created a Symptom Checker that guides users through a set of easy questions to help them understand symptoms and provide advice on what to do, and when to do it.

Instead of providing a diagnosis, the Symptom Checker advises users what to do next and provides information for the patient to give their treating physician – should they need one.

You may be advised to ‘see GP within three days’, to manage the condition at home, or to call an ambulance.

“Even with all the positive outcomes that the internet offers, searching for specific information can cause many difficulties and disadvantages in relation to the reliability and quality of health websites,” says Dr Luckraj. Healthdirect has been created to give people easy access to trusted advice in 15 languages, with information on everything from medications to surgical procedures, and additional functions including the Service Finder to help people locate providers and book appointments.

Dr Luckraj said while Healthdirect is Australia’s trusted source for health information, when people wanted to look further afield, there were some common mistakes that could be avoided:

Problem: Wrong keyword or phrase selection

The accuracy of the results you get while searching for medical information online varies based on your search query. If your keyword or medical phrase is not exact, you may be directed to unnecessary or irrelevant topics.

Solution: Keep it simple, but specific.

It’s better to search using the basic keywords of your symptoms – rather than put in the ‘worst-case scenario’ which can give you biased results. Use a medical term if you know it - for example, instead of ‘tummy ache’ search for ‘abdominal pain’ - this way you are more likely to get authenticated results from medical websites.

Good keyword selection is as much about excluding the irrelevant as it is about including the relevant. Being as specific as possible will yield the best results. Since no single search tool will supply all your needs, use at least two or three different tools regularly.

Problem: Relying on a single source for information

People tend to draw conclusions after reading one link. Even if you find a website that gives a reasonable explanation of your symptoms, it’s worth reading through several others to balance the information.

Solution: Find more sources.

Refer to at least five to seven websites before you draw a conclusion. Even if you find a website that gives a reasonable explanation of your symptoms, it’s worth reading through several other websites to corroborate the information.

Problem: Not authenticating the source

While some information is provided by reputable authorities, others are marketed by unscrupulous people wanting to draw traffic, using click bait to lure unsuspecting online consumers.

Solution: Do your due diligence.

Make sure to read about the source and research behind the information. Get to know the website or the source by clicking on ‘About Us’ and reading the ‘reviews’ section.

Always seek and refer to the government or health associationapproved sources, such as Healthdirect, where information is collected and updated through reliable sources with the credentials to back up their capabilities.

• Providing Specialist Orthodontic Services to the Mornington Peninsula with three locations in Rosebud, Mount Eliza and Hastings.

• The very best in Orthodontic care and technology

- clear braces, Invisalign, lingual (hidden) braces.

• Treatment provided in a relaxed environment.

• Highest quality care provided by our Orthodontist.

www.healthdirect.gov.au

“Lighten

By Danny Williams

Running. Pulling on the trainers. Finding the motivation. Knowing there will be pain to push through. Knowing it will be hard. Why do I do it? Because I do it, and at least three to four times a week, if not more. Some days when I’m pounding the pavement, sucking breath into my lungs, counting down the lactic acid surge, I ask myself ‘why?’.

Running Sucks

The truth is I really, truly, don’t know. Here’s the sucker punch. I have always hated running and on more than one occasion, I have told patients it’s no good for them, as it places too much strain on the body. Yet, here I am, surprise surprise, I now run four times a week and have no plans to stop. What the heck is going on?

I never liked running and used to hate cross country at school. I would even cheat just to get to the end quicker. I hated everything about it. Now, I prefer trail runs and pushing myself until my lungs burn I’m getting madder in my old age!

A Life Changing Moment

I grew up playing county rugby, capoeira and practising yoga. Four years ago, I went skiing and, on the first day, my wife and I hit the slopes hard. The next day I couldn’t stand, I couldn’t walk and getting out of a ski lift was nearly impossible; they had to slow it down for me. I swore that I would never let this happen again.

At the same time, I was still dealing with my Crohn’s diagnosis. I was doing extensive research into how to help myself and I came across Ari Meisel who had severe Crohn’s and, through diet and then physical/endurance exercise, was able to go into remission. Running was one of those endurance exercises. My belief is that I created Crohn’s by not listening to my body. It was my own behaviours that created this autoimmune disease. Now, I had to manage the stress response to allow my body to adapt. This is what we all need to understand, to deal with all these autoimmune diseases and late-onset illnesses if we can.

Immune Up

It is all about the immune system in overdrive as we live our type A personality lives, or we just can’t be bothered and fall into the pit of depression. Pulling myself out of bed every day or slowing down to help the body and mind rest are the hardest things to do.

Nobody likes changing habits. The nervous system needs to adapt and develop to allow us to function optimally. Pushing yourself to exhaustion or eating a poor diet will eventually cause an autoimmune disorder. The body had nowhere to go.

Giddy - up

Running as well as improving muscle tone and strength, also pumps the blood away from the gut to the muscles and allows the gut to rest, thus allowing healing. But running every day is also not respecting your health if you’re not used to it. Some patients I see walk into my clinic in a lot of pain due to suddenly commencing exercise after a long break.

I’ve had patients suddenly start doing 5 HIT classes a week! Forgive me but … what idiots! We need to adapt the exercise we do to help us rest, recover and flourish.

Wise Words

My great aunt, the ultimate Yogi, talked about the three S’s: strength stamina and suppleness. This is what you need to maintain a good healthy body. Plus, it also allows all levels of exercise. Low, medium and high intensity. All work the cardiovascular system well and the other systems are encouraged to move and be optimal.

Like any exercise, doing the same thing repeatedly is utterly dull. Doing the same 10 or 15 kilometres daily will become mundane. Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little. However, by doing regular runs, you will also develop discipline and truly feel as though you are looking after yourself. This is why I stick with my great aunt’s three S system, strictly structuring my week. Plus I eat a balanced diet to ensure my mind and body are on an equal plane.

why the @#$! DO I RUN

Life Goals - Getting Zen

Getting fit and wanting to continue exercising is not just physical. It becomes meditation and a tonic to what ails you. The ‘in the zone’ feeling you get whilst exercising eventually turns you into a meditative state that allows your body to come together.

Running is not the only form of endurance exercise that helped me. It’s taken years to learn and if, like me, you started in your 40s', then I understand that it can be hard to keep going if you don’t see immediate results. I never believed in the ‘runners high’ until recently. I thought it was just a myth until I found my own zen zone pounding the pavement. In essence, exercise must become a habit and a ‘good addiction’ to enable yourself to enjoy it. Just be careful not to push your body too hard too soon. Give yourself rest days and know when you need to see someone for help with the adaptation of the body and getting used to the new physical requests. Keep going and you will get there. Health and exercise are a journey that you will love and hate but will eventually enjoy. Well, at least afterwards! And that, my friends, is the reason why the @#$! I run.

Small steps and eventually, you’ll be there … in the zen zone with me.

Expat Brit, Curious By Nature founder, Super Soups author, and media spokesperson for health and well-being related to osteopathy. www.southyarraosteopathy.com.au.com

Dr Peter Scott and Associates are specialist orthodontists offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in both the Mornington Peninsula and inner Melbourne.

Dr Peter Scott is also a consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Specialist Orthodontists

Creating Beautiful Smiles on the Peninsula for over 30 years

Ask The Experts!

My daughter seems to have relatively straight teeth but my general dentist recommended seeing an orthodontist. Why?

Orthodontists deal with both the appearance and function of teeth. While your daughter’s teeth may be straight, your dentist may be concerned with their function both in the short and long term.

The upper and lower teeth need to bite in a certain way to provide optimal function. If functional alignment is not achieved, your daughter could have ongoing issues such as:

• Compromised chewing and speech

• Excessive and uneven tooth wear that can lead to cracks requiring fillings, crowns or extractions

• Jaw joint pain

• Tenderness of the head and neck muscles and associated headaches

• Asymmetrical growth of the face

Your dentist may also be concerned about issues such as crossbites, missing permanent teeth or impacted teeth that all require specialist attention. An orthodontic assessment could assist in the prevention of these issues by treating functional problems whilst maintaining your daughter’s straight teeth.

Health

What is the Apgar score?

The Apgar score is a test used by doctors, midwives and nurses to assess your baby’s health at birth. It helps medical staff decide if your baby needs emergency care. The Apgar score is used to check a newborn baby at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth and measures skin colour, heart rate, reflexes and responsiveness, muscle tone, and breathing rate. Each feature is scored from 0 to 2, with 2 being the best score. The scores for each feature are added up to give a total Apgar score out of 10.

Why is vitamin K important for my baby?

Vitamin K helps your baby’s blood clot and prevents serious bleeding. Babies do not get enough vitamin K naturally from their mother during pregnancy. Breast milk also does not provide babies with enough levels of vitamin K. This can result in vitamin K deficiency in newborns. Vitamin K is usually given as a single injection in your baby’s leg muscle shortly after birth. If you prefer that your baby does not get an injection, they can have liquid vitamin K drops into their mouth.

Why do children get hiccups?

It’s understood the mechanism for hiccupping is the same for people of all ages — from babies to adults. The involuntary, sharp contraction of the diaphragm causes a sharp intake of air into the throat. As the epiglottis (a flap at the top of the airway) closes, it makes the ‘hic’ sound. In adults, hiccups can be caused by eating hot, spicy foods, drinking fizzy drinks, smoking or chewing gum.

Granny’s Guide

Infant sleep

sleep Understanding

By Yvette O'Dowd

Your baby is not going to sleep through the night and that’s because they aren’t supposed to!

It's a hard fact to process in a society which values infant sleep and makes parents feel they have failed when their babies continue to wake in the night. But you can no more train a baby to sleep all night than you can train them to walk or ride a bike. It is developmentally normal for babies to repeatedly wake at night to breastfeed and to need parental contact and support to return to sleep.

By the time babies are 3 months old, some (but not all) begin to start settling By the time they are 5 months old, half of them may have started to sleep for an eight-hour stretch on some nights. Generally, though, babies do not sleep all night, every night, until they are more than a year old. One study investigating infant sleep duration found that 27% of babies had not regularly slept from 10pm to 6am by the age of 1 year. 13% of babies had not regularly slept through for 5 hours or more by the age of 1 year

Research using infrared video recording has provided evidence that, although sleep periods lengthen with age, infants continued to wake up during the night during the first year of life. Researchers used video and parental questionnaire data to examine one hundred infants’ sleep patterns at 5 weeks and 3 months of age. They found that a quarter of infants woke and resettled themselves at night, most often without parental awareness.

Circadian rhythm and the newborn human

It is normal and natural then for your newborn to have no discernible day/night pattern to feeding and sleeping. They lack the hormonal control to establish one. And it is not something they can be taught, no matter how much parents try and self-styled "sleep trainers" promise. Sleep duration is not a learned behaviour.

Breastfeeding is a relationship between a baby and their mother. But it is also a relationship between a baby and the breasts. A complex system of hormones guides your baby in many ways which might surprise you.

Nighttime milk is different to daytime

Your baby is born without an independent circadian rhythm, the day/ night clock which regulates our sleep/wake cycle in sync with the sun. While the maternal body clock supports the infant in the womb, their own system only begins to function from around 3 months.

Melatonin, cortisol, body temperature, movement, blood pressure, digestion, and consolidated sleep are all part of the circadian rhythm. The newborn infant develops the components of circadian rhythm postnatally. A rhythm of cortisol develops at 8 weeks of age, melatonin and sleep efficiency develop at approximately 9 weeks, and body temperature rhythm and that of circadian genes develop at 11 weeks.

Cortisol is a hormone our bodies increase as the sun rises and our brains respond to light. It wakes us up and keeps us alert. Breastmilk levels of cortisol are higher in the morning than at night. This signals to your baby that it is time to wake up and start the day.

Morning levels are approximately 4 times higher than levels present in breast milk produced in the evening (around 6pm). And they are about twice as high as levels present in milk expressed during the night (Pundir et al 2017; Italianer et al 2020).

Melatonin is the hormone our body relies on to wind down for sleep at the end of the day, as the sun sets and darkness sets in. In breastmilk it begins to rise in the evening and peaks at midnight.

It is possible the infant brain is guided to develop their own circadian rhythm through natural cycles of these hormones. Researchers in China have documented dramatic changes across a 24-hour period.

They tested the breast milk of 98 lactating mothers, and compared milk melatonin levels at 3pm, 9pm., and 3am.

On average, melatonin levels at 9pm were nearly 3 times as high as melatonin levels at 3pm. And the breast milk pumped in the middle of the night? At 3am?That’s when melatonin concentrations were at their peak — nearly 10 times higher than melatonin levels in milk collected during the afternoon.”

Nighttime breastmilk is a bedtime drink

Tryptophan, an amino acid which helps us fall to sleep for the night, is found in breastmilk. Adults and children benefit from tryptophan in foods which help make us sleepy and breastfed babies are just the same. Tryptophan is also necessary to synthesise melatonin and serotonin. Ingestion of tryptophan in infancy leads to more serotonin development, creating the potential for life-long well-being.

“Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a vital hormone for brain function and development. In early life, tryptophan ingestion leads to more serotonin receptor development (Hibberd, Brooke, Carter, Haug, & Harzer, 1981). Nighttime breastmilk also has amino acids that promote serotonin synthesis (Delgado, 2006; Goldman, 1983; Lien, 2003). Serotonin makes the brain work better, keeps one in a good mood, and helps with sleep-wake cycles (Somer, 2009). So it may be especially important for children to have evening or night breastmilk because it has tryptophan in it, for reasons beyond getting them to sleep.”

— University of Notre Dame early-childhood researcher, Darcia Narvaez, PhD

Nighttime breastfeeding matters

In the 20th century, feeding babies during the night was treated like a behavioural problem. An inconvenient habit needing to be stopped by parents refusing to attend to their infant’s feeding cues and signals. “Sleeping through the night” was seen as a desirable milestone. It is surprising to discover that not only is breastfeeding through the night normal and natural but babies actually rely on those feeds for around 20% of their daily milk intake. continued next page...

Night time breastmilk is naturally higher in fat, important for growth and development. Denying babies the breastfeeds they need during the night might lead to low milk supply and poor weight gains. When babies are left to cry their cortisol levels increase and remain high even when they cease calling for their mother. Cortisol is also a stress hormone.

Night feeding is important for milk production

Not only are the hormones important for circadian rhythm different at night but the hormone prolactin which drives milk production is too. Prolactin peaks in the early morning hours around 2-5 a.m., while the lowest prolactin levels happen in the late afternoon to early evening. Just in time to be boosted by that cluster feeding. By morning, your breasts might feel fuller and you notice a higher volume of milk if you express, though this milk is lower in fat than it was 12 hours before.

Breast feeding helps babies and mothers return to sleep quickly.

Breastmilk contains a wonderful hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK). CCK induces sleepiness, both in the baby and the mother. When the baby sucks, CCK is released within the mother to help her rest and relax. While mothers sometimes describe breastfeeding as making them tired, what they are experiencing during a feed is sleepiness. This is why lying down to breastfeed and breastsleeping work so well to help mothers get the sleep they need. Mothers who breastfeed during the night get more overall sleep than formula feeding mothers, who can take up to an hour to fall back to sleep after getting up to prepare and give their baby a bottle.

Breastfeeding to sleep is a natural part of an infant's sleep behaviour. CCK release is caused by sucking and when food, especially fat, enters the stomach. There are actually two CCK peaks, one at the end of a feed, and the other higher peak between 30 and 60 minutes after the feed. This is why babies often wake after the first 40 minute cycle of sleep and return to the breast before having a longer sleep period.

Breastsleeping is nature's way of packaging all this so that mothers and babies maximise milk production and sleep during the dark hours. The baby feeds most frequently around sunset and in the hours mother and baby would naturally spend lying together in the night. Frequent removal of milk from the breast stimulates production and the baby takes nearly a quarter of their daily nourishment while the baby sleeps.

Nighttime breastfeeding helps suppress fertility and aids natural child spacing.

Raising a human infant takes dedicated care around the clock. Conceiving another pregnancy while still tending a dependent infant is risky for all involved. Babies born too close together compete with each other for care and put a high demand on the mother both physically and emotionally. So nature put some protective barriers in place against premature conception by suppressing fertility.

When an infant has unrestricted access to the breast day and night, a woman’s return to ovulation and menstruation typically occurs after her baby begins eating family foods in the second six months. Some families practise The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) for postpartum contraception. This is not infallible and mothers can conceive while exclusively breastfeeding.

Typical child spacing in humans is 3-4 years, allowing the infant to wean before a new pregnancy. Similar age gaps are also seen in gorillas and chimpanzees, who parent in communities like humans. Orang-utan mothers, who live solitary lives with their young, breastfeed each for around 8 years before they separate and she is ready to breed again.

Babies and breasts work together around the clock to maximise infant growth and brain development. Night waking is normal in the first years of life and nighttime breastfeeding helps babies AND mothers.

Being the parents of infants who wake often at night is demanding. If you have other children, paid work or study, chronic health issues or little practical support it can be overwhelming. If you feel like everyone else has babies who sleep all night, it might help to know that as many as 50% of parents admit to lying about how much sleep they get - to avoid judgement from others!

Yvette O’Dowd is not your typical grandmother! This mother of three and 'Granny' of three has been a breastfeeding counsellor since 1992. In 2014, Yvette established the Southern Natural Parenting Network, incorporating South Eastern Babywearing Group. With 11,000 members world-wide, the group supports parents interested in breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, baby-led weaning and modern cloth nappies and other aspects of gentle, natural parenting. www.facebook.com/SouthernNaturalParentingNetwork

The Ultimate Maternity

Microbiome Myths

Weare well aware of the perils of antibiotic use during pregnancy, labour and post-birth – especially in recovery from a C-section impacting both mum and bub. But the good news is there are actions parents can take and a longer window of time to make them, to replenish the microbiome and good bacteria for both mum, breastmilk and babies developing microbiome.

So, what’s the research telling us?

1. Nearly 60% of a baby’s microbiome in their first 30 days of life is inherited from their mum, according to a new study of 120 mothers and their babies. Breastfeeding continues the important transfer of beneficial bacteria that begins during labour and birth. A mother’s gut and breastmilk microbiome significantly contribute to the overall health of both mother and baby. So for mums - your baby's immunity starts with taking care of yourself!

2. The gut microbiota undergoes most of its development very early in life and major changes in the composition of the gut microbiota have been observed until a child is 2 to 3 years of age. However, an adult level gut microbial diversity might not be reached even at 5 years of age in new research. For parents: this extends the window of opportunity you have to positively impact your child’s gut health - and that’s good news!

3. Do caesarean-born babies miss out on essential microbes? New evidence suggests that the answer may be "No." Researchers report that mothers are able to transfer microbes to their babies via alternative, compensatory routes. While caesarean-born babies do receive less of their mother's gut microbiome during birth, they make up for this by drinking their mother's microbes in breastmilk. For mums - breastfeeding really is an effective way to help compensate for C-section and antibiotic impacts on bubs developing tummy bugs.

4. A study concluded that regardless of birth mode - a mothers’ vaginal microbiome composition does not predict the composition of babies’ stool microbiome, even at 10 days after birth, or 3 months later. Although they found significant differences in microbiome composition by mode of delivery – vaginal vs. C-section – differences were primarily attributed to antibiotic exposure at the time of birth. Other maternal sources like breast milk and exposure to the environment likely play a much larger role in establishing gut flora than previously believed. For mums: another vote for breastmilk's superpowers and replenishing the good bacteria after antibiotic use.

5. Your microbiome is almost entirely shaped by how you live. In one of the largest studies to date, scientists analyzed the gut microbiomes of participants from 2,700 families over three generations, to uncover environmental and inheritable factors that explain what shaped the participants’ microbiomes. They discovered only 7% of our microbiome can be explained by inheritance. This means it is almost entirely shaped by external factors like our environment and lifestyle. Interestingly, 50% of the microbes we harbour are influenced by cohabitation (who we live and have contact with, including pets). Air pollution and medications were also top influencers of our microbial makeup. For parents: improving gut health is achievable and impacted by the families health, the family pet and a healthy environment!

Qiara probiotics isolated from breastmilk have been twice awarded best supplement for Mum by TellMeBaby and recently were a finalist in The Memo awards, enjoying a reputation as the "game changer" for breastfeeding mums with our mastitis relief claims and antibiotic recovery particularly for new mums, babies and infants. www.Qiara.com.au.

to celebrate...

Sept 5 Be Late for Something Day

In today's world, most people spend their lives rushing and hurrying, always fighting against the clock. Today, you can be late to something on purpose. But be considerate to the people who are waiting for you - call them ahead and let them know you are running late

Did You Know…

…that the use of the term, late, to refer to a deceased person, dates back to the late 15th century?

Oct 1 Card Making Day

Let out your creativity and make a card for your loved ones. Making a card by yourself for your kind of person will surely bring a smile on their face. This day celebrates those creative artists who make handmade cards.

Did You Know…

…the history of greeting cards dates back to the ancient Chinese who exchanged messages of goodwill to celebrate a New Year, and to early Egyptians who used papyrus scrolls to send greetings.

Oct 17

Wear Something Gaudy Day

The word gaudy is used to refer to things that are bright and flashy and usually tasteless and tacky. So go ahead, wear something gaudy. Have a neon pink shirt? Pair it with bright neon green pants.

Did You Know…

…the word Gaudy evolved from the Middle English gaud “deception, trick” in the 1520's.

Nov 15

Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

Do you notice an odd smell every time you open the fridge door? That may be your fridge crying out for a clean! Throw away expired foods and other food items that you haven’t eaten for a while. Make space for healthier, and more nutritious food.

Did You Know...

...that in Pennsylvania, United States, it is illegal to sleep on top of a refrigerator outdoors?

Source: www.timeanddate.com

partyPLANNING

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Kidzshed

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The Science Shed

BOUNCE

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Book your next kids themed party with us!

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Venue also available for private hire.

Venue also available for private hire.

A: 222 Marine pde Hastings

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P: 5906 5900

The Science Shed comes to your home for your next birthday party! Children can dress up in real lab coats and safety glasses and experience their own hands on experiments. Science, slime and much more.

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M: 0409 875 944 E: kidzshed@gmail.com

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M: 0409 875 944

E: info@thescienceshed.com.au

M: 0419 882 765

W: thescienceshed.com.au

A: 1 Fiveways Boulevard, Keysborough P: 9131 5099

W: bounceinc.com.au

Mad Scientist Escape Room

An escape room experience for kids. Can you help Alex the laboratory assistant stop the evil Professor Prism from destroying the world? Perfect for birthdays.

2/2a Carbine Way Mornington

W: lockedinescaperooms.com.au

Kidztown

The biggest and most exciting themed kids party venue to hit the Mornington Peninsula.

FB: facebook.com/kidztownpartyvenues

P: 8759 1431

M: 0403 795 562

Charlie SillyPants Parties

The ultimate kids’ show! Come on an adventure full of magic and laughter with Charlie SillyPants and friends. Parties, preschool and childcare. M. 0411 957 185

W: melbournemadness.net

Have a “Very Silly Christmas” by having the silliest magician in Magicland Charlie SillyPants at the kids’ next party!

You receive $50 off a 1 hour party/show or it’s

COLOUR ME IN FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Winning entry will receive two iFly Kickstart packages valued at $179.90 (Subject to fly off peak times.)

Email entries to info@peninsulakids.com.au or PM your artwork to facebook.com/MorningtonPeninsulaKids.

Drawn on 17/11/2023. Winner notified by email. Prize must be collected from Peninsula Kids offices during office hours, 9am-5pm located at 63 Watt Road, Mornington VIC.

At Woodleigh’s Penbank Campus, every student is known and valued. Led by expert teachers, our focus on individual attention and personalised learning provides the guidance every child needs to thrive at school.

ENROL NOW FOR 3 YEAR-OLD EARLY CHILDHOOD IN 2024 – enrol@woodleigh.vic.edu.au

Book your place at one of our regular Information Sessions or Campus Tours www.woodleigh.school/enrol