AUTUMN 2022
Bayside mums
Online Giving dads
support
Supporting local sports - Vote now!
About Us
Autumn: A time to explore AHHH autumn is here! The air is that little bit crisper, the leaves are turning magnificent yellows and reds and the crunch of the ground underfoot let you know those uncomfortable hot nights are on their way out. It’s the perfect weather to mix and match the kids wardrobes too – it’s not just their “summer” wardrobe to choose from anymore – it’s cute leggings with t-shirts and slacks and tops.
Autumn is also the perfect time to go exploring. There’s nothing like falling leaves, dropping gumnuts and pine cones all around and the chance to see more wildlife as they forage for food before the winter. It brings a chance to change up arts and crafts too – painting with autumn leaves is somewhat a pastime in our home as is setting up our very own pinecone weather station ( they open or close depending on the weather).
We really hope you enjoy reading our Autumn 2022 edition, we’ve spoken to some pretty amazing people with some memorable stories to share. Don’t forget to check out our website for up-to-date stories or follow us on facebook or Instagram. We hope the season leafs a smile on your face.
Bayside Glen Eira Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication. Bayside Glen Eira Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.
Bayside Glen Eira Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777
Editorial Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan @starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666
CONTENTS IT’S YOUR LIFE
EDUCATION
REALITY BITES
New mums unite online
New learning spaces at Xavier
Keeping kids entertained
PAGE 3
PAGE 13
PAGE 19
Helping dads to step up
Brain’s learning barriers
PAGE 4
PAGE 13
BOOKS
Building respect in schools
A bespoke start at Wesley
PAGE 4
PAGE 14
Meet a young cat-loving author PAGE 22
Advertising Clare Vane-Tempest clare.vane-tempest @starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 0404 288 948 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.
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Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.
Educator input at Elles Belles
PAGE 5
PAGE 16
Chances for dads to connect
Early Learning at St Peter’s
KIDS CALENDAR
PAGE 6
PAGE 16
What’s on this autumn
Chadstone loves local
ACTIVITIES
PAGE 23
Explaining cancer to kids
Rob Carew
Discover new children’s books
Sensory toys and tools
PAGE 7
Photography
AUTUMN 2022
Getting the hip hop high PAGE 17
PAGE 8 Play centre with a difference
ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 9
Get creative at Robert Gordon
Ready? Steady? Back to it!
PAGE 18
Bayside mums
Online Giving dads
support
PAGE 9 Get creative at Art Factory PAGE 10 NIDA workshops for kids PAGE 10 Supporting local sports - Vote now!
What’s in a naming day? PAGE 11
HEALTH
Cover:
A mental health care first
Jessica gets carried away climbing a tree. Picture: Rob Carew
PAGE 12 KidSafe advice on poisoning PAGE 17 Big topics with little people PAGE 20 Special cubby for a special kid PAGE 21
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It’s Your Life
New mums connect online By Melissa Meehan
admin work on it,” she said.
FOR many new mums, becoming a parent for the first time can be isolating.
“We only let mums from the local area in the group and it’s been really good found less spam posts and lots of organic stuff which is nice to see.
They love their children and are doing their best, but whether it be because their friends don’t have kids themselves or a tyranny of distance, some feel very alone. That is why the internet has become an important tool for new mums, making connections and asking for help in a non judgmental environment where other women are going through the same things and experiences. Amalie Digby created the Bayside Mothers Group facebook group in 2018. She knew it was going to be a big task to manage, but knew there was a need out there. She was right. The Heatherton mum launched the group at 7pm - and by midnight she already had 1500 members. “When I started the group I wanted to do more about the postnatal space and anxiety,” she said. “I had experienced anxiety myself and knew other mums had to have felt the same way too.” Over the years the group has raised money for charity, held a Mothers Working Group at a local cafe and tried to connect in a number of many ways. She says the groups first rule “don’t be an @$$” was a little bit tongue in cheek - but it’s members have always followed the rules. “I’m very time poor, but I’ve found that I really don’t have to do a lot of www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
“I’m really proud to have created a safe space that is totally local.” She says a sense of community particularly grew during the Covid-19 lockdowns. As many people were stuck at home without the help of family, they turned to the Bayside Mothers Group page and sought advice. There were lots of other things that members joined in on too - some local businesses held wine nights or art nights during lockdown which many attended. With 7000 members, there’s bound to be some that come and go as the page meets their needs or their kids grow up. Amalie says she receives 200-300 requests to join every month. Some of them men. “I understand that they may be local Dad’s, but we do try to keep this as a mum’s only space,” she said. “Some of our members are talking about incontinence, and other things that men may not understand or need to know. And our members may not be comfortable to share if they knew men are part of the group. “But we know that there are a lot of community groups in Bayside support dads and men - there’s even a Dads playgroup so I feel like that is what works for our page.” To join search Bayside Mothers Group on facebook
Amalie Digby with Maddie (6 years). AUTUMN 2022 3
It’s Your Life
Help! My husband is not good with kids By Steve Biddulph FIRST the good news! Twenty first century dads really are stepping up to the mark. Compared with generations before, dads today are so much more affectionate, involved in day to day parenting, and able to team up as an equal partner. But as with all progress, it’s a bit uneven, and some dads still really struggle. If you’ve got a husband who is too harsh, angry and judgy it can be a source of real anguish, as you watch him damage your kids’ mental health right before your eyes. It can even be a marriage breaker. And of course, as often lightly touched on in Bluey cartoons, a dad who is not quite up to being firm and in control when needed is also a bit of a pain, as it leaves mum to be the bad guy. It’s exhausting. When we started working with families in trouble many years ago, it became clear that often helping dad was the key to things going better. But the question was how to do that. One answer lay in looking to a father’s own childhood. It’s a whole lot easier to be a good dad if you had one yourself. But what if you didn’t? Was your partner one of those dads who had a terrible father? Some men somehow turn things around, determined to do better. But some go into denial, and that just doesn’t work… Rick is a dad of a four- year old boy. Cathy, his partner, is really worried because Rick just doesn’t get it right. He is distant, gruff, and quite tense around their son. If he says anything at all, its often a put-down. Rick doesn’t play easily like other dads, and their son is growing to think that he is just not good enough. Kids this age don’t blame their parents, they just think something is wrong with them.
But when we talk to Rick, it turns out he had a nightmare dad. He was fun sometimes, doing recreational things like camping and fishing (Rick is one of five brothers) but when Rick was six, his dad took off with another woman. In fact, he had always been unfaithful, a problem drinker, and a terrible husband. Rick’s mum eventually had to raise all five boys on her own. So Rick never saw fathering done well. And he had quite low self-esteem as a result. With encouragement from us, and being in a dad’s group with other dads finding their way, he learned to be more hands on, and today has a great relationship with his son. I think the turning point was when, after gradually feeling more safe, Rick spoke in tears with the other dads in the group about how alone he felt after his dad had left.
I have seen this sudden wave of grief come out in men who were bashed by their fathers. Or told they were no good. Or whose father never ever spent time with them doing fun things. Or who had successful and rich dads who put impossible expectations on them. Men put on a brave face, a mask to cover their pain, and they soldier on. But they just can’t get it right with their kids. The pain gets passed on to another generation. Only when they can own the pain of their childhoods, and feel it in a safe environment, talking honestly with their partner, or with other men, or with a counsellor, then they become determined and resolved never to be the kind of man their dad was. Or to realize that he too had his struggles, and forgive him, and themselves, and make a fresh start. As a young dad, I used to watch the
dads who were good with their kids, and what they did and how they did it. Gradually I learned fatherhood. Its never too late. If your partner is struggling, he isn’t alone, and he really can change. Ask him about his boyhood, and encourage him to take off his armour and be human. It can make all the difference in the world. Steve Biddulph is the author of Raising Girls, Raising Boys, and The New Manhood, which addresses lots of these questions of men and their struggles. Its in audiobook too. Visit Steve on Facebook at Steve Biddulph’s Raising Boys, and Steve Biddulph’s Raising Girls communities. Steve’s books including Raising Boys, The New Manhood, and Fully Human - are in over a million Australian homes. www.stevebiddulph.com
Emphasising respect in schools students can thrive,” he said.
A concerning rise in incidents of aggression towards school staff from parents and carers has sparked policies and resources to promote respectful behaviours in schools.
The policy and resources are linked to the state government’s recently passed Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) legislation, which strengthens protections for school staff against parent and carer aggression.
The state’s new ‘Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy’ sets out guidelines on the expected standards of behaviour for parents, carers and other adults in the school community.
A School Community Safety Order scheme will be introduced to all schools in mid-2022, allowing school principals to issue safety orders in response to harmful, threatening, abusive or disruptive behaviour at work.
The policy aims to reduce the risk and incidence of work-related violence towards school staff, ensuring all education workers feel safe and supported at work. It includes strategies and resources to help schools prevent and manage unacceptable behaviours from parents and carers. Posters and communication materials are being provided to schools to communicate the new policy – and the 4 AUTUMN 2022
Respect... the state has launched a new policy to foster respectful relationships between parents/carers and school staff.
expectations around adult behaviours. Education Minister James Merlino said school leaders and staff had been incredible throughout the pandemic and deserved to be treated with respect.
“This important work is about keeping schools safe and supporting staff to make sure schools are places where everyone feels safe and respected – creating an environment where
These new laws will also allow schools to prohibit parents and carers from engaging in threatening or abusive communication through social media and other channels. To view the policy, visit education.vic. gov.au/Pages/Respectful-Behaviourswithin-the-School-Community-Policy. aspx www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Caitlin (left) and her Mum Vicki with Lincoln Egerton holding the “ Smoosho Jumbo Crystal Ball “.
Pictures: Rob Carew
Covering kids with sensory toys By Melissa Grant WHEN Caitlin Edgerton needed to buy a sensory chew toy for her son she couldn’t find anything locally. She had to resort to giving her son random household items to chew as they waited for the delivery of sensory toys she had ordered online. Around that time, Caitlin was keen to get back to work but wasn’t sure how to make it happen as a mum with two autistic children. It was then that she had her lightbulb moment and Sensory Poodle was born. In February last year, Caitlin and her mum, Vicki Brown, launched the online business which is all about making it easier for parents to find sensory toys and tools for their kids. “The idea of it was to serve the local community so people have somewhere to pick stuff up urgently... and they didn’t have to order online and wait for postage,” Caitlin explained. “But it sort of blew up beyond that pretty quickly.” Last year, Caitlin and Vicki processed more than 3500 orders. Caitlin estimates Sensory Poodle is now getting about 22 orders a day. The most popular items are large jellyfish sensory lamps, emotional regulation tools and ‘chewies’. The business has grown so quickly that Caitlin and Vicki are already looking to get a warehouse. “Hopefully we will get a warehouse base or something soon because we’ve taken over my mother’s five-bedroom www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Lincoln Egerton with a Smoosho Jumbo Crystal Ball.
house - there is stuff everywhere,” Caitlin said. Sensory Poodle caters to the needs of kids who are neurodiverse and those who are gifted. They are needs that Caitlin is familiar with - her son Lincoln, 6, has autism and is also gifted, while her daughter Evie, 4, is autistic. Caitlin is also familiar with the stress parents of special needs kids experience when they can’t quickly get their hands on sensory toys and tools. “With pick-ups I will message people..
if it’s a chewy toy or something I can tell is urgent I will message them and say ‘hey you can come and get it in half an hour if you need it’ and we’ve had people do that,” she said. “A huge goal of ours is to be able to provide that because when I was looking for that for my son it just wasn’t around and I sort of had to find random things around the house or pay for express shipping in the hope it would come in time. “A lot of neurodiverse kids are really struggling, so having that locally we are hoping it can alleviate some of the stress
for the parents.” For Caitlin, Sensory Poodle has also alleviated the stress of trying to earn an income while juggling motherhood. “It was definitely an end goal to be able to work from home and work around the kids because I obviously can’t go into a typical job with my kids’ needs,” Caitlin said. “If I have a typical job it’s not that easy to say ‘hey I’ve got to go home and sort this out’. So it does make life a lot easier and I can work around my kids’ therapies and schools and all that sort of stuff.” Caitlin tries to make herself available to customers as much as possible, often working into the night. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. “We’ve had really good feedback about quality of our stuff and customer service. I do try to go above and beyond because I do know what it’s like for parents of kids with special needs,” she said. AUTUMN 2022 5
After bubs was born he went searching for support for new dads. He discovered there really wasn’t anything available.
It’s Your Life
One day he spent time with a couple of other new dads and their babies. It was then he realised what was missing - a place for dads to feel connected in a way that wasn’t clinical and sterile. DADS GROUP IS GROWING It’s likely you’ll start hearing more about Dads Group. Over the next three years, the organisation is aiming to support at least 10 per cent of new fathers in Dads Groups across Australia - that’s more than 30,000 new fathers! The organisation has also started rolling out programs in hospitals, where they are essentially working with midwives running classes for first-time parents. Adam says this is all about creating change in the health system. He said many slides in parenting classes don’t even mention the word dad. “Part of the project is we review the slides they are providing and ‘dadifying’ them,” he said.
Dads Groups help dads feel connected.
Connecting dads By Melissa Grant JOINING a mothers’ group is pretty much a given for new mums. For years, mums have had the chance to connect with other new mums in their local area. Dads haven’t really had the same opportunity. However, that is finally changing. Dads Groups are popping up all over the country, including the Bayside and Glen Eira areas. An organisation called Dads Group is the driving force behind the groups and a number of other initiatives targeted towards fathers. Their mission is to change the culture of fatherhood for the better, while reducing isolation for new and expectant fathers. WHO CAN JOIN Victorian State Manager Adam Tardif says all fathers and father figures are welcome.
“You don’t have to be the paternal father - you can be a grandfather, uncle, stepfather - anyone who is a father figure.” However, the dad or father figure must bring their child along. The catch-ups are generally just a chat over a coffee at a cafe or a playground. THE BENEFITS Adam says joining a Dads Group allows dad to bond with their child, gives their partner some alone time and makes them ‘learn on the fly’ when it comes to ‘managing situations’.
them going out with the child without them.” Adam said Dads Groups help dads feel connected, while gaining confidence and enhancing competence in their parenting abilities. “We allow mums to come by if need be,” he said. “But they come back and see bub has all their limbs and that baby is okay - they can see that dad can do it.” Adam says the impact of Dads Group is clear to see and in some cases has been quite profound. “We have had dads tell us point blank that it has saved their life, saved their marriage, saved their relationship with their children,” he said.
“It’s common that dads come along with a 3-month-old and it’s the first time they’ve been out alone with their child,” he said.
THE STORY BEHIND DADS GROUP The first Dads Group dad is Tom Docking, who started the organisation with wife Kate in 2014 after realising how little support there was for fathers.
“Some mums don’t trust the dads. I’ve got group leaders who have told me their partners weren’t comfortable with
Kate fell pregnant a few weeks into the couple’s two-year around the world adventure, sending Tom into shock.
DIGITAL DADS GROUPS When Covid hit, Dads Group teamed up with their partner Movember to create Digital Dads Groups. At 10am every day, dads can visit https://www.dadsgroup.org/, click on a Zoom link and connect with any dad across the country. The calls are hosted by an experienced dads group leader and there are usually between four and five dads on each call. HOW TO FIND YOUR DADS GROUP Visit https://www.dadsgroup.org/ and click on Dads Groups. Scroll down and you’ll find a Google Map where you can search for your closest Dads Group. If there’s none in your local area, you can send a message to Dads Group and they will work with you to start one. The following groups are listed in Bayside and Glen Eira: Dads of Brighton, Dads of Glen Eira and Dads of Bayside. You can also follow Dads Group on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/dadsgroupaus
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“Some people have the idea that it’s
for dads that are struggling. It’s not. It’s a place for dads to form friendships with other dads in their local community,” he said.
MAN WITH A PRAM Man With A Pram are local events that bring fathers and families together on Father’s Day for a walk to combat isolation and bring the community together. Anyone can put their hand up to run one - and it doesn’t have to be on Father’s Day. So far, more than 25 of these events have been held across the country.
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www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Chadstone flies local flag CHADSTONE is celebrating junior sports from Thursday 24 February to Sunday 20 March, with the opportunity for participating local sporting groups to win a share in up to $85,000 in prizes. Chadstone’s local community is home to a range of groups that champion junior sports including basketball, cricket, dance, football, lacrosse, netball and soccer. These sporting groups need your votes in-centre to win up to $5000 in prizing each. For every $20 spent at selected fresh food and sporting retailers, department stores, Apple and JB Hi-Fi at Chadstone, you can receive one token to vote for a participating local junior sporting group of your choice. Simply present your receipts at Chadstone’s Concierge Desk, located next to Michael Hill, on the day of purchase to receive one token for every qualifying purchase. The participating sporting groups are Ace Dance Studio, Ashburton United Soccer Club, Ashgrove Calisthenics Club, Camberwell Lacrosse Club, Carnegie Cricket Club, Carnegie
Netball Club, Caulfield Cricket Club, Caulfield Lacrosse Club, East Malvern Junior Football Club, East Oakleigh Cricket Club, Glen Iris School Of Dance, Mount Waverley Cricket Club, Murrumbeena Junior Football Club, Oakleigh Raptors Basketball Club, Ormond Junior Football Club, St Anthony’s Glenhuntly Netball Club and Waverley Blues Football Netball Club.
Chadstone proudly supports local groups.
Terms and conditions apply. Learn more at chadstone.com.au.
chance to win a $250 Chadstone gift card. Chadstone want to see your most creative photo at the Chadstone Loves Local Photo Moment. Every week until Sunday 20 March, the best photo will be chosen to win a $250 gift card. To enter, simply snap a photo in front of the Photo Moment located outside ALDI in the fresh food precinct at Chadstone, share the image on your public Instagram account and hashtag #ChadstoneLovesLocal, follow @chadstone_fashion and keep an eye on your Instagram messages the following Monday to see if you have won.
SNAP AND WIN Visit Chadstone during the campaign period and share a photo for your
Terms and conditions apply. Learn more at chadstone.com.au. @chadstone_fashion
Participating Chadstone retailers are 2XU, Adidas, ALDI, Apple, Arc’teryx, Baker’s Delight, Bloch, Champion, Coles, Colonial Fresh Markets, Columbia, David Jones, Elite Eleven, Fisch, Foot Locker, Foot Locker Kids, JB Hi Fi, JD Sports, Kathmandu, Kmart, Lorna Jane, Lululemon Athletica, Macpac, Merrell, Myer, New Balance, Nike, PUMA, Rebel, Skechers, Shoes and Sox, Speedo, Target, The AFL Store, The Asian Store, The Athlete’s Foot, The Butcher Club, The North Face, Under Armour, Woolworths and Yarra Range Chicken.
Chadstone is i celebrating junior o sports with the opportunity o for participating a local sporting g groups to win a share h in up to $85,000 of o prizing at Chadstone s – The Fashion n Capital! Thursday u 24 February to o Sunday 20 March 2022 0 Learn more at chadstone.com.au h
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One e vote, per token, per qualifying fy purchase. Max 50 votes per person, per day. AU re residents 18+ only. Between 9am (AEDT) 24/2/22 & 7pm m (AEDT) 20/3/22 spend $20 or mo in one transaction on any more ny products (excl. liquor/tobacco/weapons/gift cards/layby /la purchases/cash withdrawals/utility bill payments) nt at participating retailers at Chadstone (Qualifying Purchase), e) collect original itemised receipt/s & on same day, vis visit concierge desk during centre hours, present receipt/s pt to be stamped by staff & get 1 token per qualifying purchase. e. T To vote, on same day insert token/s into box of the sporting po club you would like to vote for. Each club receives ve $1 prize value for every token received, capped at $5,000 per er club (to spend on sporting supplies). 17 clubs in total, l, potential prize pool: $85k. Max 1 entry (vote) per Qualifying ali Purchase. Keep original itemised receipt/s. See chadstone.com.au ds for full conditions incl. list of participating tin retailers and clubs. Promoter: Vicinity Centres PM Pty P Ltd (ABN 96 101 504 045).
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
AUTUMN 2022 7
It’s Your Life
Kristy Telford has self-published a children’s book based on her cancer journey and from the perspective of her young daughter.
Explaining cancer to kids TELLING a young child that their parent or a loved one has cancer and what that means is extremely difficult. It’s an overwhelming situation, and one which Victorian mum Kristy Telford faced after being diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her second daughter, Isobel. Her eldest, Anna, was just a toddler when she received the devastating diagnosis. In an instant, life for the young family was turned upside down. Kristy was induced at 37 weeks and after delivering Isobel began undergoing surgery and therapy to treat the aggressive disease. How would she explain it all to her toddler daughter? She pulled out her laptop and started writing a story about her cancer journey from the perspective of her little girl. At the time, the story was purely to help Kristy talk to Anna, and eventually, Isobel, about their life and how cancer was a big part of it. Late last year, Kristy’s story was published as a children’s book called ‘Annabel’s Mum’, a title incorporating
the names of both her daughters, now aged 6 and 4. The story is based on the family’s journey with cancer, which began as Kristy and her husband Scott were preparing for the arrival of their second child. “I would have been about six months pregnant or earlier when I first found the lump in my left breast but I didn’t think a great deal of it,” Kristy explained. “There are a lot of breast changes happening anyway, but also in the back of my mind is the fact that my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was quite young too - she was 31 when she was diagnosed. “Then a couple of months went by and I was noticing lots of different things - mood changes, I just didn’t feel right, the lump began to grow and then my skin became quite red around the lump too and I thought ‘yes it’s time to go see a doctor’. “I think deep down I always knew what it would be but I didn’t want to come to that at that point. “I was 29 years old and 29 weeks pregnant when I was diagnosed.”
Kristy had a lumpectomy and after delivering Isobel underwent surgery to remove more breast tissue and lymph nodes. The young mum had only just started chemotherapy when she received some heartbreaking news. “I had scans, which I couldn’t have when I was pregnant, that showed that the cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes and my liver, so it was now suddenly stage 4,” Kristy said. “I’ve been on many treatments since. I recently started a new oral chemotherapy; hopefully it can do some good things for me.” Kristy says while Annabel’s Mum is largely a positive story, it doesn’t conceal the serious realities of cancer. “At the end it says sometimes in life people will pass away for reasons we don’t always understand - but thankfully we are able to keep memories of those people and fortunately we always have the gift of new life, just like when Annabel’s baby sister is born,” Kristy said. “It mentions the word cancer because we have been open with that word. I think that children need to know that word - it shouldn’t be hidden from them.
“There’s definitely no heavy content. It’s designed to open up conversations with children. “A lot of friends who have read it to their kids said there were so many questions that flowed afterwards… it’s good they are asking these questions and trying to make sense of it all.” Kristy self-published Annabel’s Mum with the help of an organisation called Dreams2Live4, which helps grant dreams for cancer patients. The book, illustrated beautifully by Ada Rovai, is aimed at children in preschool and primary school. Kristy’s aim is to get copies of the book into schools and educational settings, and out to cancer organisations that can distribute it to families who may benefit. Although Annabel’s Mum explains a difficult topic, it is a celebration of family, love, new life and cherished memories. “It’s all about remaining positive, which is what I like about this story - even though it touches on death it tries to keep it in a positive light,” Kristy said. To purchase a copy of Annabel’s Mum, visit Kristy’s Instagram account cancers_grace
Look What I Made! Art Class will be the highlight of your child's Week
Kiddy Art for Kids 2-5 yrs After School Art for 5-12 yrs School Holiday Workshops Art Parties for Kids 4-14 yrs Mention this advert for a free trial class 249A Belmore Rd, Balwyn North, VIC, 3104
1473-1475 Malvern Rd, Glen Iris
439 Nepean Highway, Brighton, 3186
307 Buckley St, Essendon, VIC, 3040
info@theartfactory.com.au www.theartfactory.com.au
0400 468 673
12536659-JW11-22
8 AUTUMN 2022
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Play centre with a difference maximum amount of fun while benefiting their fine and gross motor skills, their balance and their strength.
WE Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym nurtures children’s growth and development and provides an authentically inclusive play experience.
There’s soft padded flooring throughout and parents have a clear view of their children in all areas of the facility.
The Moorabbin play centre with a difference is an ideal space to learn through play, and for children and adults alike to form friendships.
Melissa and Doug Activity Stations lend themselves to some great imaginative play.
And there are opportunities to grow their social skills as they navigate sharing, turn-taking and playing alongside and with other children.
There’s a wall filled with fine motor activities, plus there are puzzles and other age-appropriate toys on hand, and an arts and crafts zone.
We Rock the Spectrum is a great place to gather a mum’s group or tribe and relax while the kids enjoy themselves.
Kids can climb, bounce, swing and zip line into action, having the
Bring along food and drinks and enjoy them in the foyer area, or dine from a
The sensory-safe environment is conducive to exploration and building language skills as it’s not overwhelming or chaotic - but there’s a calming room on-site if a child does become overwhelmed.
Ready to move KIDS’ sports classes are back up and running in full force across Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, with classes fuller than ever. Briony Vince, owner of the Bayside area of preschool sports franchise Ready Steady Go Kids, said it was so rewarding to see kids back doing sport again after such a tough couple of years.
small on-site snack and coffee bar. We Rock the Spectrum is a Covid-safe facility, with eco-friendly sanitising carried out throughout the day and at the end of each day. The gym is at 253 Wickham Road, Moorabbin, and can be contacted on 8394 5215. Regular open play sessions are held Monday to Sunday. Check @ WRTSMoorabbin on Instagram or www. facebook.com/wrtsmoorabbinau for latest sessions.
Multi-sport = Maximum Fun!
Book a FREE trial
“The kids have missed out on two crucial years of motor skill development before they go to primary school,” she said. “Some kids are coming in and they are really shy due to the lack of social interaction, but within two to four weeks, we are seeing them come out of their shells, fully participating in our classes with smiles on their faces.”
Classes run for 30 to 45 minutes. Sign up for a free trial at readysteadygokids.com.au. If you know anyone who would be a great coach, the program is expanding and needs vibrant people to join the team. Know someone? Anyone interested can email their CV and cover letter to briony@readysteadygokids.com. au. www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
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Ready Steady Go Kids teaches kids between 18 months and 6 years old the basics of 10 different sports, including basketball, tennis, athletics, soccer, hockey, golf, AFL, rugby, T-ball and cricket.
We are Australia’s largest multi-sport program for 1.5–6 year olds! ~ ;TPa] cWT QPbXRb ^U VrTPc b_^acb ~ L^f RWX[d /R^PRW rPcX^b ~ ?WhbX^ STbXV]TS FUN! Your locations:
Bentleigh East, GESAC, Springvale, Brighton, Sandringham
readysteadygokids.com.au 1300 766 892
Franchise opportunities available AUTUMN 2022 9
It’s Your Life
Connect with your craft this autumn
Fun with art
AUTUMN school holidays are around the corner and it’s a great time to get inspired with courses that will enable young artists to connect with their craft and reignite that creative spark. Presented by the National Institute of Dramatic Art, NIDA Open holiday courses provide a space for children and young people to step outside of their comfort zone and try something new or build on the foundations of previous skills.
THE Art Factory has a new fabulous location. Melbourne’s longest running, dedicated art school is now in Brighton at 439 Nepean Highway.
From acting and drama to improvisation, filmmaking, writing and more…Not only can students expect to work on skills in performance, designing or making, but they will also develop skills in communication, leadership and collaboration – qualities that can stick with them for life.
Every school holidays the Art Factory comes alive with the buzz of programs and activities for children. It has a dynamic program of arts and craft workshops available for children aged 4 to 14 years, designed to maximise fun. There’ll be Easter-themed art projects over the holidays, workshops and, of course, art and craft parties. Owner Priti Roberts is passionate about art and craft and just wants children to have fun again, with a focus on free play and creativity. Every workshop has a dedicated artist to ensure your child gets the most out of every visit. There are morning toddler art classes for 2 to 5-year-olds, after-school art classes for older children, and even a Thursday night sip and paint evening for the grown-ups. Are your kids eager to get creative and would you like the mess kept out
of your house? Book them in for a workshop or a holiday program this Easter. The Art Factory is Melbourne’s longest running dedicated art school offering art classes, kids parties and school holiday workshops.
After experiencing NIDA Open for the first time this year, one parent said: “After hearing my girls excitedly explain in detail particular games and exercises involving their own creation and improv, it was clear NIDA provided a real, substantial drama class, which pleased me immensely as I start to introduce them to an activity I enjoyed so much as a kid.” NIDA’s teaching methods are based on ‘learning-by-doing’, which means all children receive specialist tuition with a practical focus. All courses are led by industry experts with a focus on personal and creative development. These classes are based on the same training that has helped NIDA graduates achieve
success on the stage, on-screen and behind-the-scenes. A time for learning and personal development, each class also gives children and young people a chance to socialise and meet like-minded peers, build relationships and learn to work together. A participant in NIDA course Auditions and Screentests for Grades 7 to 10 said: “I loved meeting all the lovely people in the course. My favourite part was learning to be on-screen and learning where to look depending on what you’re doing. I loved learning new skills in a safe, positive and extremely supportive space.” So, whether your child is a six-yearold attending their very first drama class, a 12-year-old wanting to try acting on-screen, or a budding filmmaker wanting to sharpen their camera skills, NIDA Open provides an environment where every student is nurtured. Enrolments are now open for the NIDA Open autumn holiday program starting soon in Melbourne. Try a one-day taster or a five-day intensive – there’s a course to suit everyone. Book four weeks before the course start date for children and young people to receive a 10 per cent early bird discount. For more information and to book, all NIDA Open on 1300 450 417 or visit nida.edu.au/autumn.
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*What is involved in a baby naming ceremony?* ■ Welcome
It’s Your Life
The Celebrant will say a few words about the arrival of the child, how happy they are and welcome their guests. ■ Talk about the child The celebrant will then talk about the child, their emerging personality, likes and dislikes, favourite activities, hopes and dreams the parents have for them and how much they mean to the family. ■ Reading or Poem A reading or a poem, can be offered by an older sibling, family member or close friend. For example, ‘Oh the places you’ll go’ by Dr. Seuss. www.sophisticated-ceremonies.com ■ Ceremony/Ritual
Sophie with her son James and partner David.
Picture: Rob Carew
Why parents are choosing naming days By Melissa Meehan
even made eye contact.
WHEN you first thing of a celebrant - a wedding is what probably first springs to mind.
“I’ve spoken to many other mothers about the effects COVID restrictions have had on their growing children, and I hear the same story,” she said.
But for Bentleigh East mum Sophie Cooper - it’s a chance to engage with families starting their lives together, bidding farewell to loved ones or celebrating new life. Her favourite? A baby naming ceremony. “Welcoming a baby or child into a family, is something special. It’s tangibly heartwarming, feeling the love surrounding a brand-new addition to a family,” Ms Cooper told Kids Today. It’s even more special because of her special bond with 18-month-old son James. She’s noticed how Covid-19 restrictions have influenced the socialisation of babies and toddlers - even her own. When restricitons eased, Ms Cooper said she noticed her son getting upset if a fmaily member approached him or
*What are naming ceremonies?* A naming ceremony is an official way of welcoming a baby or child into the family circle.
“That their children are finding it difficult in social situations, getting used to the presence of others and making friends, as they’ve been in an enclosed household bubble of just a few people for so long,” she said. Having a naming ceremony can be a gentle way of easing a child into a social situation, as you call the shots.
“Some family members may not have had a chance to meet the newest edition to the family, so this can be a great excuse to gather the family together,” she said. “We all need that family connection, and especially after the last two years, I think it has really highlighted how important family is to us and to our growing children.”
Try acting, audition preparation, drama, public speaking and more for Prep–grade 12.
It recognises the child’s arrival and addition to the family. Traditionally parents and extended family have chosen to celebrate a naming ceremony on the child’s first birthday. *Who writes the ceremony?* The naming ceremony is written by the celebrant and tailored to the family’s requests.
It can be a quiet private ceremony, dressed up (or down) with the child’s favourite things.
School holiday courses start this April in Melbourne!
Naming ceremonies usually take place, a few days, months or even years after the birth of a child.
The celebrant will write about the child and their personality, the hopes, and dreams of the parents for their child, and the promises they, and supporting adults will make to their child. The celebrant will also talk about the meaning behind the name chosen and why the parents decided to call them their name.
The family may choose the addition of a ritual, for example, they might choose to have a memory box, to which all guests can contribute by placing gifts or writing personal notes consisting of reflections and fondest memories of the child. The box is sealed, safely stored, and then opened on the child’s 18th or 21st birthday. A wishing tree is also popular, where guests are asked to write a ‘wish’ for the baby/child and put on the tree as a keepsake. ■ Guide Parent Promises Guide parents will then pledge promises to the child, for example, ‘I promise to be a good role model, to help guide you through life, to treat you with kindness and respect, and pledge to help shape you into a good member of society’. A guide parent can be a family member (Grandparent or sibling) or close friends of the parents, very similar to ‘God Parents’ (without making promises in front of God). ■ The Official Naming This is the part, where the baby or child’s name is officially given to them. The celebrant will address why the parents chose their name and the meaning behind it. ■ Final Declarations This is where the celebrant will talk about the future of the child and what their parents want for them, which is usually for them to be happy, safe, and well. ■ Presentation of the Naming Certificate The celebrant will present the child and family with an official certificate as a keepsake of the day. A celebrant may also present the child with a gift, one that has meaning behind it, for example a plant or tree that will grow with the child.
CONNECT WITH YOUR CRAFT THIS AUTUMN
Visit nida.edu.au/autumn 12536091-SG11-22
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AUTUMN 2022 11
HEALTH
Australian-first mental health care LISA Thurin Women’s Health Centre at Cabrini Elsternwick is Australia’s first private, voluntary women’s-only mental health hospital offering specialised treatments designed to improve women’s mental health.
with mental ill health.
The Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre, which opened in September last year, is an innovative new approach to psychiatric care for women with mental ill health.
Comprehensive assessment and treatments are provided for women with mood disorders, anxiety, complex trauma including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction.
Cabrini Elsternwick is a contemporary women’s mental health facility - the first of its kind in Australia and most of the western world - and hopes to become a prototype for subsequent services for women. The clinic offers targeted treatments for improving women’s mental health, including a short-stay program supported with intensive day programs, telehealth services and community support. Cabrini Women’s Mental Health service team includes specialist psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nurses, allied health staff and special therapists – all with expertise and experience in providing world-class tailored health care for women living
Cabrini has also developed an innovative biopsychosocial package of care that provides holistic treatments specially designed to optimise outcomes for women seeking treatment.
At the centre, women stay seven to 10 days as an inpatient and are then supported by Cabrini staff in transitioning to their home setting. Women who stay at the facility have their own private, modern room with an ensuite, access to an integrated open plan living and dining area, and receive a personalised, intensive program of therapies.
transcranial magnetic stimulation and individually tailored medications combined with state-of-the-art therapies. Inpatient programs consist of several core programs that all women attend, as well as specific specialised programs, which are tailored to women within each diagnostic illness. Group therapy programs include empowerment feminist therapy, sensory therapeutic engagement, art, music and pet therapy, SMART recovery and mindfulness.
The facility provides specialised inpatient psychosocial treatment programs and individualised treatment strategies in a private, secure, sensitive and empowering setting.
Individualised one-on-one therapy includes psychoeducation to learn about symptoms, stress-vulnerability and treatment options, interpersonal psychotherapy, brief dynamic psychotherapy, and marital and family therapy, which is based on each patient’s needs.
Innovative treatments include hormone strategies where appropriate,
Psychoeducation groups provide general principles about the
understanding of mental ill health in women using a biopsychosocial framework, which is delivered on mood disorders, PTSD and SUD. These sessions also permit attendance by family members and other nominated support people for inpatients. The focus of Cabrini’s community support program is to assist women to continue working on their recovery, where they are taught to develop and utilise coping strategies to maintain their mental wellbeing after their inpatient stay. Clients receive home visits from staff and have the option to receive visits and support from volunteers for social activities. To learn more about the services on offer at Cabrini Elsternwick’s Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre (located at 2-6 Hopetoun Street, Elsternwick), call 9508 5100 or visit cabrini.com.au/wmh.
Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre The newly opened Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre at Cabrini Elsternwick is home to Australia’s first private, women’s-only mental health facility. Located in the heart of Elsternwick, the Cabrini Women’s Mental Health service focuses on treatment for a number of mental health conditions, including mood disorders, addiction, anxiety and complex trauma. Our service is underpinned by compassion and kindness.
To find out more, take a virtual tour of the facility, or download the Cabrini Women’s Mental Health Information Guide, visit cabrini.com.au/wmh Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre 2-6 Hopetoun Street, Elsternwick VIC 3185 T: (03) 9508 5100 | E: wmh@cabrini.com.au
A safe haven for women to thrive. 12534566-CG11-22
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Education
Xavier College plan.
Picture: Supplied
accommodated in an exceptional, new state-of-the-art Year 7-8 learning precinct on the Senior Campus, opening for the start of 2024. The building plan connects the centre of the College with a safe, generous and accessible walk along the northern edge of the campus, creating a gentle backdrop to the College’s Memorial Chapel, which remains at the heart of the school for students, staff and visitors alike. A new boarding house is to be established at the western edge of the campus, neighbouring a reimagined Sports Centre, and a brand-new underground Transport Hub will provide a newfound ease and safety in supporting car-parking and student drop-off.
Xavier master-plans XAVIER College is justifiably proud of the opportunities that lie ahead of us as we reimagine inspiring new learning spaces for our students.
values, whereby our future graduates are formed with an intentional mindset to be authentic, spiritual, positive, inspiring, resilient and empathetic.
As a school that enrols boys, Xavier is committed from the commencement of a boys education to developing respectful and aspirant learners.
These ASPIRE qualities are infused through each age and stage, where our educators deliver a holistic curriculum designed to encourage students to be curious, ask questions, make discoveries, collaborate, reflect
Our distinctive Jesuit character underscores these learning and life
and think independently. Extending upon our co-educational Kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds, Xavier is moving to a 2-year staged model of educational delivery from Prep to Year 12. This will coincide with a comprehensive building program to enhance every aspect of each campus. Our key entry point of Year 7 will be
The perimeter of the campus will be reimagined as a mile long biodiversity walking and running track, which has quickly become known as the “Xavier Tan”. As well as encouraging physical health and opportunities for informal exercise, the Tan will support mental wellbeing, offering spaces for reflection, mindfulness, and prayer along its length. The inclusion of Years 7 and 8 on the Senior Campus, accommodated in these new and exceptional facilities, will produce a further and quite profound uplift through the entire Xavier experience. We welcome you and your son as we continue to build the possible.
Using brain science to explain learning barriers Dr Michael Nagel.
By Melissa Grant
teachers to get better learning outcomes for boys and girls.
when they are unable to do something in class.
DO boys and girls really have different learning needs?
Dr Nagel says the books aren’t about suggesting one gender is better than another.
“One of the things that boys are exceedingly bad at is being able to explain why they are struggling or why they are having problems, because for boys not being able to do something is not good.”
Child development expert Dr Michael Nagel believes so, and has written two new books to give teachers and parents greater insights into why that’s the case. Drawing on the latest brain science, the books focus on the neurological differences between the sexes and what they can teach us about educating and raising boys and girls. Released late last year, Oh Boy … Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Educating and Raising Boys explains what is really going on inside the head of a boy. It explores aggression, learning difficulties, behaviour, emotional problems, toxic masculinity and the challenges of technology. It’s A Girl Thing … Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Educating and Raising Girls explores female aggression, self-esteem, relationships, emotional problems, peer-contagion and the challenges of technology. Both Oh Boy and It’s A Girl Thing offer solutions and ideas for parents and www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Rather, they are about helping those involved in educating children understand that there are some behaviours that happen for a reason. “Males and females share more similarities than differences,” he told Kids Today. “But the differences that do exist are very pronounced and can have a huge impact, particularly on individuals at a young age.” According to Dr Nagel, boys often get in trouble for fidgeting and being impulsive in the classroom when they aren’t wired to sit for long periods of time. “We know that movement actually stimulates the mind for males and females alike. For boys, it’s almost a biological imperative. The irony is a lot of boys come into class and are often asked to sit for long periods of time in ways that just don’t feel natural for them.” He said boys can also get frustrated
Dr Nagel says that while girls tend to do well on most measures academically, there is a point where social and emotional development can impact their learning. “As girls hit puberty and adolescence they tend to form very close relationships with one or two individuals and when things go wrong, they can really go wrong,” he said. “So social and emotional development (in girls) is probably more of a concern for parents and teachers than anything else rather than academic and scholastic.” According to Dr Nagel, when puberty kicks in girls tend to jump into areas of relational aggression or ‘aggression in pink’. He believes that how girls and boys express aggression is important for learning outcomes.
And while boys are more likely to express aggression physically, girls tend to show more relational aggression. This aggression can be in the form of spreading rumours or causing others to be isolated from their peers. “There were a lot of girls that were doing very poorly at school and who identified that they had been bullied, but no-one had picked up on that because they would go to class and just be quiet,” Dr Nagel said. Dr Nagel said there were strategies teachers could use to accommodate for gender differences in learning, citing an example of a teacher who had students do exercises for 5-10 minutes at the start of classes to help the boys settle down and be ready to learn. “She found if she did that, when they got into class, they weren’t as restless,” he said. Oh Boy … Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Educating and Raising Boys and It’s A Girl Thing … Understanding the Neuroscience Behind Educating and Raising Girls – have been published by AMBA Press and are available in bookshops and online. AUTUMN 2022 13
Education
Prep at Wesley: ‘It’s all in our approach!’ By Sabeena De Bono, Head of Junior School Wesley College, St Kilda Road Campus IT is always wonderful to welcome our students back to school at the start of a new school year. It is a joy to hear their laughter as they move through our purpose-built learning spaces and see them engage with their peers and teachers in their classrooms. There is certainly great excitement and appreciation in being back, face-to-face, as a community. The challenges experienced in the last 24 months have presented wonderful opportunities to reconsider what is important when it comes to the learning
Sabeena De Bono, Head of Junior School (St Kilda Road campus) with Preps 2021
and wellbeing of young people.
needs of our young learners.
At Wesley, we seized the opportunity to reflect on the effectiveness of our learning and wellbeing practices to best meet the social, emotional and academic needs of our community.
With increased staffing in each classroom, we ensure that our students first year of formal schooling draws on the best practice of early childhood education. Establishing and nurturing respectful relationships is at the heart of what we do. Increasing the educator to child ratio in the classroom allows for greater opportunity for positive interactions and the delivery of teachable moments throughout the day.
The implementation of our bespoke Prep Program is one of many initiatives introduced at the start of this year to ensure our students have the best start to their educational journey. At our St Kilda Road campus, our young people start each day by making their way through the Prep tunnel to their very own learning hub, which overlooks the newly renovated playground. The classrooms, playground and breakout spaces are designed specifically to meet the developmental
We deliver explicit literacy and numeracy lessons each day, followed by instructional sessions with smaller groups of students, led by an educator with a targeted focus. As an International Baccalaureate
Help your child discover who they are. Discover the Wesley difference.
(IB) School, we offer the Primary Years Program from Early Childhood Learning to Year 6. Through carefully crafted units of inquiry, we present our students will countless opportunities to gain a strong understanding of the world they live in, as well as their individual and collective responsibility. The classroom program is complemented by our rich specialist offerings in Visual Arts, Dance and Drama, Music, Chinese and Physical Education. We believe our Prep Program provides the best start for our students! If you wish to learn more about our intentional approach, we encourage you to register and join us for a tour.
Our customised Prep program provides young learners with the best start to their educational journey. • • • • •
• •
High teacher to student ratios Purpose-built learning spaces Newly renovated playground Chinese language program Specialist offerings in Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music and Physical Education Strong focus on student wellbeing Leading VCE and IB World School
Limited places in Prep available for 2023. Book a tour or enquire today.
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NEED EARLY LEARNING, CHILDCARE AND KINDER IN ORMOND?
A little more about us: We offer incursions, excursions, extracurricular activities, a three-year-old kinder program and a four-year-old kinder program at no extra cost to your family. What makes us special? At Elles Belles Early Learning we are reimagining education to empower children to thrive in and build the world of the future. Our world is changing faster than ever before, and our children will live vastly different lives to the ones we know today. We focus on learning through play and allow room for intentional teaching lead by our fully qualified educators and teachers.
With healthy, organic meals that children are encouraged to watch being prepared. A fantastic outdoor play space and even an aquarium. Your child will love every day at Elles Belles. All meals, snacks, nappies, sunscreen and hats provided. Either book online or call for a tour. Hours of operation: 7.00am – 6.30pm (52 weeks per year)
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730-734 North Road Ormond, VIC 3204, Australia Phone: 03 9056 5477 | www.ellesbellesearlylearning.com ormond@ellesbellesearlylearning.com www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
AUTUMN 2022 15
Education
Early Learning at Elles Belles.
Explore Elles Belles LOCATED at 730 North Road Ormond, Elles Belles Early Learning has its own curriculum directly linked to the Early Years Learning Framework that allows our educators to have input into the children’s learning and development. We focus on learning through play and allow room for intentional teaching led by our fully qualified educators and teachers. We offer incursions, excursions, extracurricular activities, a three-year-old kinder program, and a four-year-old kinder program at no extra cost to your family. At our Ormond campus, we supply all meals, nappies, sunscreen, sun hats, and bedding. On a daily basis, we have set routines with flexibility based on the children’s needs and wants. Together we create natural play areas inside and outside allowing educators, families, and children’s input into what they like to see and develop with us. We encourage feedback both positive and negative from all our families, children, and
educators to ensure we have open communication and are on the same page when it comes to our number one priority your children. Our commercial kitchen run by our fully qualified chef provides a nutritionally balanced breakfast, lunch, progressive morning tea, afternoon tea, and a late-night snack. Ormond campus has a spacious dining room with a huge built-in servery and fish tank for your children. This campus has an interactive fruit and vegetable garden where the chef and children have access to organic produce for their meals and to further their learning. The Ormond campus is of the highest quality and consists of a huge basement carpark with a lift, beautiful bathrooms, nappy change facilities, a separate sleep (cot) room, a mindfulness room, an art room, and five modern purpose-built age-appropriate classrooms. Each classroom caters to specific age groups that are no more than a one-year span. Supervision and safety are so
important when it comes to your child and to assist with this we go above the legislative standards and staff above ratio plus we ensure all our staff are first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma trained. Our goal is to provide the community with a five-star service that meets all families’ needs and wants, a service where the children’s needs always come first and where the children feel at home with loving supporting positive educators teaching them on a daily basis. Families feel the loving caring environment we offer from the minute they walk in the door and feel they can communicate with us at all times. We provide multicultural experiences and have an open-door policy to the families during our operating hours. All the children, families, and staff feel safe, secure, and welcome in our service. Call now and book a tour if you require early learning or childcare in Ormond. Greek lessons: At the Elles Belles Ormond campus, we have introduced the Greek culture to you
and your children through literacy and numeracy as well as music, food, and language. These lessons will take place in the classrooms to support the children’s awareness of this historical culture. Cooking classes: Our cooking classes are hands-on, teaching children about measuring, stirring, pouring, and assisting in developing early science and mathematical concepts. To promote health and nutrition our organic fruit and vegetable garden is used in conjunction with these experiences. Teaching children the cycle of life. The best part is the sense of achievement when they get to eat their delicious creation. Outdoor sleeping program: At Elles Belles, we promote the children’s connection to the natural environment through a voluntary outdoor sleeping program. This is a great opportunity that focuses on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of each child as well as improved immunity through exposure to fresh air. Fitness and movement: At the Elles Belles Ormond campus, we have a fitness and movement program that enables the children to take considered risks in their play through the indoor and outdoor environment. This is a fun and enthusiastic extracurricular activity that promotes the children’s gross motor skills and social interactions through laughter and team experiences. We will incorporate a variety of music and movement opportunities enabling the children to develop conscious awareness of their body positioning and explore a range of motions, flexibility, strength, and coordination. Art Lessons: Through our creative art studio, the children learn through a Reggio Emiliainspired environment. We conduct open-ended art lessons that promote children’s imagination and creativity through the expression of art. We believe children are the founders of their own learning and are encouraged to construct their own learning through play and creativity, which is a respected pathway of learning.
Set the right foundation at St Peter’s ELC ST Peter’s Early Learning Centre at St Kevin’s College is a coeducational Catholic early learning environment in partnership with the parish of St Peter’s Toorak. We are a small setting with big heart. Working in partnership, we are committed to instilling values of family, community and social justice. At St Peter’s ELC, we believe in setting
the right foundations for school readiness through a play based learning environment. We pay particular attention to the children’s early stage of ‘learning how to learn’, and we guide this through the principals of the Reggio Emilia Educational Project’s view of 100 languages. Our early learning program considers the interests and curiosities of the
children, as well as from Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence, which looks at how different modes of learning can benefit each child. Educators spend time ensuring that the learning stimulus and provocations are meaningful for the children. It’s not a matter of setting up random activities to keep the children busy, it’s about stimulating curiosity, inquiry and
learning to further extend each child’s development. We believe the foundations made in the early years strengthen the children’s social and emotional intelligence and provides confidence so they are ready to learn in the formal settings of school. Head of St Peter’s ELC – Mrs Kathleen Brohier
St Peter’s Early Learning Centre St Kevin’s College – ELC-Year 12 St Peter’s Early Learning Centre is a Catholic, co-educational setting where children are given the opportunity and time to discover and explore, to question and predict, to wonder and to dream. The wider world becomes the child’s world. We welcome you to visit our website to find out more and arrange a tour. www.stpeterselc.vic.edu.au 12537036-JW08-22
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It’s Your Life
Take the product container with you to the phone – the poisons information centre will want to know what ingredients are in the product
How to keep your kids safe from poisoning HAVE you ever noticed that toddlers love to place everything that they find in their mouths, no matter what the object is or how hygienic it may be? This behaviour can start anywhere from as early as 2 months of age and is your little one’s way of exploring and learning about the environment around them.
commonly involved in childhood poisoning incidents?
packaging. However, it’s important to remember that these are not child proof. They are made to be difficult for children to get into, but not impossible – you may even find that some kids can open them easier than adults can.
Most incidents occur in children under the age of 5, with those aged 1-3 at greatest risk.
The most common cause of poisoning lives in many homes and bags The majority of child hospitalisations due to poisoning involve pharmaceuticals. This can include over the counter medications such as paracetamol or cough and cold remedies, as well as prescription medications such as those used to treat blood pressure. Poisoning incidents often occur due to unsupervised access, including when items such as medications are left out after being used or when they are stored in easily accessible locations such as handbags. To children, medications can look like lollies, so they may think that they have just found Mum’s, Dad’s, or their grandparent’s secret stash of treats, not realising the dangers that these items can pose.
When the word poison is mentioned, many people think of dishwashing detergents, bleach and household cleaners – however, did you know that there is another substance that is more
Don’t most of these products have child resistant packaging? Many medications - along with other poisons such as household cleaners come with child resistant lids or
Aside from the inconvenience of every item in your home being covered in drool, this natural curiosity and eagerness to explore can also lead them into danger, particularly if they come into contact with poisonous substances. How common is childhood poisoning? Every year in Australia over 1,800 children aged 0-14 years are admitted to hospital due to unintentional poisoning – that’s around 34 children every week.
What can I do to reduce the risk? The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning from medications: ■ Store all poisonous products out of sight and reach of children, at least 1.5 metres off the ground in a lockable cupboard ■ If medicines need to be kept in the fridge, use a small, lockable container for them ■ Always read instructions carefully and return all poisonous products to their safe storage area immediately after use ■ Administer medication in a well-lit room and keep a record of the time and amount of each dose, to reduce the risk of accidental overdose ■ Never refer to medicines as ‘lollies’ as this can confuse children
■ Keep handbags, including visitor’s bags, out of reach of children e.g. on a hook up high ■ Dispose of expired or unwanted medications. You can contact your local pharmacy for advice on how and where you can do this safely What should I do if I think my child has ingested a poisonous substance? If you think your child may have ingested a poisonous substance: ■ Call the Poisons Information Centre straight away on 13 11 26 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Australia wide). They will be able to provide you with expert advice and guide you what to do next ■ Never try to induce vomiting ■ Take the product container with you to the phone – the poisons information centre will want to know what ingredients are in the product ■ If they have collapsed, stopped breathing, or are having a seizure or anaphylactic reaction, call 000 for an ambulance For more information and advice on poisoning or other unintentional injury topics, please visit kidsafevic.com.au
ACTIVITIES
The hip hop high
Hip hop brings a level of ‘cool’ to dance class.
By Jenan Taylor
Hip hop is a kaleidoscope of acrobatic and jazz steps that promotes cardiovascular and muscle strength, agility and fast reflexes, and it has taken off in dance schools across Australia over the past decade. The style hails from the streets of New York and San Francisco where it emerged in the 1970s as a less troublesome way to settle differences between rivals.
Like many other students, Freya loves the creative side. “I like that I can take out all my emotions in my dancing and show off my personality,” she says, but of course, there are also the social thrills. “I like entertaining the audience. Hip hop dance leaves the audience on a high.” While hip hop can seem amazingly complicated, it really is just a variety of steps joined together, and for new students, it all begins by understanding
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POPPING, locking and breaking are just some of the hip hop dance moves keeping scores of students enthralled, whether they’re performing them, or just cheering from the sidelines.
Those original dance-offs and the moves themselves have since gone on to be popularised, if not mythologised, in movies such as Save the Last Dance, Breakdance and Street Beat.
some of the basics. Locking involves freezing or suddenly pausing a movement. Popping is about isolating parts of the body by tensing and releasing the muscles. Breaking usually involves floor spinning (including on your back) and a range of other body twists and turns. So if cruisy creativity is your style, have some fun and give hip hop a go.
SPORT FOR KIDS S Early Introduction to Sports Skills for 2-6 year olds
Music video clips featuring dancers performing alongside rap artists from Eminem to Salt-N-Pepa, added an extra level of cool and helped make hip hop accessible to anyone from just about any background.
Freya Stills-Blott chose hip hop because it always looked like it would be fun and because she preferred it over more fluid styles of dance. “Then I discovered I was good at it,” she says, and soon became hooked. Now the 14-year-old has a swag of medals and trophies from her performances at local and state hip hop competitions. www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Dreamy White Bouncy Castles, Luxe Ball Pits & Balloon Garlands for your next special Event! E: Hello@alaskaswhitecastles.com.au M: 0422 204 611 W: alaskaswhitecastles.com.au
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The genre’s laid-back aspect is also what makes it so appealing, with comfortable clothes and runners being just about all a student needs to be prepped for class. FREE TRIAL SESSION
✓ Confident, active play in a healthy fun environment ✓ Sportzbuzz aims to promote School Readiness ✓ Weekly classes, birthday parties & holiday programs ✓ Locations: • Highett • Hampton • GESAC
Baseball • Basketball • Cricket • Footy • Hockey Netball • Soccer • Tennis • Volleyball
www.sportzbuzz.com.au
0407 006 885 AUTUMN 2022 17
Entertainment
Get creative at Robert Gordon ANYONE can get creative at Robert Gordon, with workshops for all ages. If you’ve never worked with ceramics before you needn’t worry. Friendly staff are on-hand to show you how. Robert Gordon offers workshops in wheel throwing, hand building and painting your own pottery. The paint your own pottery workshop is popular with families. All you have to do is choose your pot, decorate with paint and collect your masterpiece 14 days later. If you’re after something more extensive, you should check out Robert Gordon’s six-week pottery course. The course covers hand building, wheel throwing, moulding, sculpture and painting in a friendly atmosphere. The workshops take place in a new studio space at Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet.
Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road, Pakenham and is open
Located in the heart of Pakenham, the outlet is a great place to visit with the family.
seven days, 9am to 5pm.
They have a large selection of homewares, baskets and textiles. There’s also the Nancy Eatery, which serves up relaxed, homestyle meals with coffee.
pottery and workshops are essential.
Online bookings for the paint your own
Call 5941 3302 or visit www. Robert Gordon is a great place to visit with the family.
12508748-CG38-21
robertgordonaustralia.com.
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www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Reality Bites
Jodie Kist has worked as an early childhood teacher for more than 20 years.
Pictures: Rob Carew
Ways to keep the kids busy By Melissa Meehan WHETHER the weather outside isn’t great, the dreaded pandemic has caught up with you or you’re scambling to keep the kids entertained while you work from home over the school holidays - we’ve got you covered. Yarra Ranges early childhood teacher Jodie Kist has more than 20 years in the industry and was more than happy to share her knowledge and guidance with Kids Today on how to engage with your children when they are at home with you. As summer winds down and the cooler, wetter days are upon us, a visit to the playground can’t always be on the cards - but Jodie says the great outdoors should be an option rain, hail or shine. “As a mum of two older boys, I get it, you want to find a balance between doing things with them but also giving them the independence to do some things on their own,” she said.
watching them fill with rain, she says. And then in turn let the kids use items they find outside to mix in with that water and scoop, mix and create. Another favourite is going exploring on a nature hunt, Jodie says. “Mud, gum leaves, gum nuts, bark, feathers - you name it,” she said. “They can all be brought home and added to something else - you might make a funny face out of the items you find, or make a potion in the puddles. Anything goes.” But if outside isn’t an option, there are many ways to keep the kids entertained and engaged inside without touching the remote. “Science experiments are great fun and can be created using common household items like bicarb soda, dishwashing detergent and water,” she said. “Even adding food colouring to jars filled with water and creating a rainbow on paper towel... there are so many things you can do.”
“But spending time outdoors is important and the weather shouldn’t affect that as long as you are dressed appropriately.”
Her favourite, and a bonus for parents with fussy eaters, is getting kids involved in cooking treats and every day meals.
Jodie says getting out in the rain is beneficial to children young and old as it allows them to explore their senses, as well as take part in activities that link back to maths and science.
Giving them a sense of ownership often helps those kids who are fussy try new things - plus reading the recipe counts as literacy, and measuring the ingredients as numeracy.
It’s as easy as getting some containers from the kitchen and
Give Jodie’s suggestions a go, and tag us in your photos on social media.
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
literacy Getting the kids to take part in cooking helps with numeracy and literacy. AUTUMN 2022 19
It’s Your Life
Author Jayneen Sanders.
Having big chats with little people By Melissa Grant
parents, caregivers and educators.
SOME chats are difficult but necessary to have with little ones.
Jayneen passionately feels that we can do more to keep our children safe by teaching them age-appropriate and empowering prevention education.
It’s important to talk about issues such as consent and body safety, but where and when do you start? These discussions can take place relatively early on, provided they are age-appropriate. That’s the view of body safety advocate and award-winning author Jayneen Sanders, who has launched a new book series to assist parents with crucial yet sometimes ‘tough’ topics for early learners. The series, called Little BIG Chats, features 12 books suitable for children aged 2-6 years. The titles include Consent, Secrets and Surprises, Private Parts are Private, My Safety Network, Feelings, Everyone is Equal and Empathy. They feature interactive questions designed to bring a child’s own experiences and understandings into the conversation, and inside the back cover there are discussion questions for
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A decade ago she wrote ‘Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept’ to help protect children from unsafe touch by teaching them to speak up. “I’m not a survivor of sexual abuse but I am a mother of three daughters and I’m a teacher,” Jayneen explained. “I’ve had a number of friends who were sexually abused as children. They said to me we need to do something before they (children) are in the perpetrator’s web because once they are in the web it’s very complex. “I went to the children’s school council and I said, ‘you know we should be doing some protective behaviours on body safety’ and everyone was really uncomfortable. “That was really like a red flag to a bull for me. I thought OK, we need to do this. That’s when I wrote Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept.” Jayneen went back to teaching but soon felt the need to write more books.
“Instances came up… particularly where young girls couldn’t say no to the boys around them all the time wanting to hold onto their hands,” she recalled. “I thought, wow we have to do more about empowering kids about consent. From there, gender equality comes into it as well and then social intelligence and empathy. The whole gambit began.” Jayneen says her book My Body! What I Say Goes! is a must-read for children aged 4-10 years, with the title covering personal body safety, feelings, safe and unsafe touch, private parts, secrets and surprises, consent and respect. Last year, Jayneen decided to break down body safety and consent for kids aged 2-6 year-olds and Little BIG Chats was born. She says parents can start teaching consent and body safety from a young age by asking to dress their child and calling genitals by the correct names. “If kids are educated (to say) ‘that’s my vagina, don’t touch it’, the perpetrator will run a mile,” she explained. Jayneen likens teaching body safety
and consent to putting your child’s seatbelt on. “You put it in place, you hope you never have to use it but it’s there just in case,” she said. “We are not with them 24/7 and and believe me, predators groom families and they groom kids. “Look at the news cycle. It’s always there and it’s the person you least expect. “We are seeing a lot more child on child abuse too. The average age for a boy is 11 to see pornography. Once they see it they can’t unsee it, and it’s very traumatic and sometimes they will outplay that trauma on younger siblings and children.” However, she says the positive is that prevention through education is really empowering. “An empowered child is an empowered teenager - it’s very powerful,” she said. The Little BIG Chats books are available individually in hard back or can be purchased as a complete soft cover set. For more information, visit https:// e2epublishing.info
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Marley enjoying his new cubby house.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation gifted the cubby house and organised a fun reveal.
The cubby house offers Marley a safe place to play.
Cubby house a special gift By Melissa Grant WHEN Marley Reddington was born at 24 weeks, doctors didn’t know whether he would survive. He spent the first 180 days of his life in hospital and has been diagnosed with multiple complications from extreme prematurity, including chronic lung disease. But after a rocky start to life, Marley is now a happy, engaging and determined five-year- old who loves George from Peppa Pig, collecting rocks, playing ‘floor is lava’ and Duplo. The energetic boy also loves pretend play, however going to parks is really difficult as he requires oxygen. But late last year, he was gifted a safe place to play outdoors when the Starlight Children’s Foundation granted his wish for a new cubby house. The cubby - which features a wellstocked kitchen, seating area, Avengers pillows and a barista machine - was a complete surprise for Marley, as Starlight had installed it while he was out at appointments. He was blown away by the cubby reveal where he was greeted by Captain Starlight, confetti and cupcakes as he walked down a red carpet. Mum Kellie and Dad Steve say the cubby has given Marley a special place of his own to share fun, smiles and laughter with his friends and brother. “At first he was overwhelmed, then couldn’t stop smiling and got straight to work role-playing,” Kellie said. “Ever since, he has wanted to play in it every day from the moment he woke up.” Kellie said the cubby house provided a safe play space for Marley, who was often not well enough to venture too far from home. “Marley has a complex range of conditions, arising from his extreme premature birth at 24 weeks. Every system in his body is impacted in some way,” she explained. “He requires oxygen, tube-feeds and www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Marley at the wish reveal.
Marley Reddington.
The Reddington family.
also has a tube for bowel washouts.
Mercy Hospital from early on in her pregnancy as she was at high risk of delivering prematurely as her first son was born at 30 weeks.
“Parks are risky not only from a health perspective - illnesses such as colds, Covid, but also from a safety perspective - risk of tubes getting caught/pulled out; risk of falling from heights. “Marley’s cubby house provides a place for him to simply and safely enjoy independent play, whenever it suits him.” Marley weighed just 687g and was 29cm long when he was born at 24 weeks. Kellie had been under the care of the
After showing signs of labour at 23 weeks, Kellie was put on bed rest at the Mercy. “A few days later my waters broke, so we knew we weren’t going to make it to our goal of 32 weeks,” she recalled. “After a few more days of bed rest I got an infection, at which point it was safer for the baby ‘to be out rather than in’.”
Marley was delivered via emergency caesarean. “Doctors didn’t know if Marley would survive and his journey in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (SCN) was rocky and not straightforward,” Kellie said. “Marley ended up spending 180 days across Mercy Hospital for Women, Royal Children’s Hospital and Geelong Hospital before he came home for the first time.” However Marley was only home for two days before being readmitted to hospital where he spent the next two months. Marley continues to have multiple stints between Geelong and the Royal Children’s hospital, with visits ranging from an overnight stay to weeks or months. He also has regular appointments at both hospitals and weekly sessions with his therapists at Kids Plus Foundation, and undergoes multiple surgery visits each year. The Starlight Children’s Foundation has had a long involvement with the Reddington Family, with Captain Starlight often visiting Marley’s hospital room. Kellie said Starlight had been a blessing for Marley, who often becomes upset in hospital while separated from family and friends. “Captain Starlight is seen as a friend and puts a smile on his face,” she said. Kellie said the visits also provided Marley with a much-needed break from the ongoing medical treatments and monitoring that make up most of his days in hospital. She encourages people to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which makes a difference to the lives of sick kids like her son. “They support kids who don’t get to enjoy the same freedoms as others the same age,” she said. “Starlight’s contribution is not just about putting a smile on a child’s face, but also the warm fuzzy feeling their parents and guardians get when they see their child happy.” To donate or for more information, visit https://www.starlight.org.au/ AUTUMN 2022 21
Books
Girl shares a ‘pawsome’ story By Melissa Grant WRITING doesn’t come easily for Melbourne girl Adelaide Hogan, but her adoration for a neighbourhood cat has led to her authoring a children’s book. Adelaide’s book, simply titled A Cat’s Story, is based on one of four cats that regularly visits her garden, a feline she calls Coco. The 11-year-old’s story is told from Coco’s perspective and follows the challenges the cat faces as she transitions from street-cat to shelter cat, to the beloved companion of a young woman. Adelaide wrote the story after her mum Amy saw the Cat Protection Society of Victoria advertise its Furry Tales Children’s Story Competition last year.
Adelaide Hogan, 11, has just had her story based on a neighbourhood cat turned into a children’s book.
Her story was judged the winner of the junior category from over 260 entries - a significant achievement.
win a cat cuddle session with my friends, I wanted to win because they love cats, too!
“Winning a story award is very special to us given that Adelaide has dyslexia and writing is not always easy for her,” Amy explained.
“I like cats because they are soft and cuddly. My friend’s cat, Jasmine, is super friendly and lets me pat her any time I visit.”
“She can really identify with cats which is why she wrote the cat from Coco’s perspective.”
Adelaide’s story has been turned into a Children’s Book professionally illustrated by Leah Lux Artist and Photographer.
Adelaide wrote the story over three or four days. Her goal was to show how the Cat Protection Society of Victoria helps injured cats go from living on the street to finding their forever home. She was also particularly excited about one of the prizes on offer. “I love cats, and write most of my school creative writing stories about cats and kittens,” Adelaide said. “When I saw there was a chance to
Stories entered in the Society’s competition were judged on how they help educate the community on responsible cat ownership or raise the profile of cats as companion pets. Annie Bell, primary school teacher and judge of the Junior Category said Adelaide’s story was very heartwarming. “I found this story particularly moving
which is a testament to how well it is written,” she said. “It reinforces the importance of cat adoption so there are less vulnerable cats roaming the streets. It also reminds the reader of the love, companionship, and utter joy that cats can provide for us.” A Cat’s Story can be purchased for $25.00 at www.catprotection.com.au/ furry-tales/ or at the Cat Protection Society of Victoria’s retail store located at 200 Elder Street, Greensborough. The hard cover book is a ‘flip book’ that also features ‘The Very Best of Friends’ written by Sue Moossajee, the open-age winner of the Society’s competition. Proceeds from the book will go towards continuing to provide care for and rehoming of cats and kittens in need at the Society.
Children’s books...
The First Book of Bush Sounds Fred Van Gessel A fun book that teaches children about animals that live in the Aussie bush, including the sounds they make. From growling Koalas to stridulating crickets, kids will love learning these characteristic animal noises. This beautifully illustrated sound guide covers Koala, Common Brushtail Possum, Sugar Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider, Red Fox, Dingo, Greyheaded Flying-fox, Asian House Gecko, Bush Thick-knee, Southern Boobook, Australian Mole Cricket and Black Field Cricket. The book also features a heap of cool facts about Aussie bush animals.
Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup Andy Sagar Yesterday Crumb is no ordinary girl. She was born with fox ears that have cursed her to a lonely life working in the circus and her origins are a complete mystery. When she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, she learns she is a strangeling who has lost her magic. She finds herself in a magical, walking teashop filled with fantastical customers, a flying teapot turtle and spells in every teacup. As she begins to rediscover her magic, a mysterious figure tries to send her new life crashing down. Hachette Australia, RRP $16.99
A - Z of Australian Animals
Dare to be Different
A Far Wilder Magic
Ben Brooks
Allison Saft
Jennifer Cossins
Words can have great power.
Children will enjoy discovering 26 fascinating animals on this illustrated journey through Australia’s unique wildlife with Tasmanian artist Jennifer Cossins.
Ben Brooks, the global bestselling author of Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different, has brought together 100 people who have all in some way or another used words to do wonderful things. Some may have changed a life, while others have changed the course of history for almost everyone on earth. But whether their effects were big or small, these individuals’ speeches, letters, poems, songs, stories and advice prove one thing: words can make the world a better place. An inspiring and comforting read for kids.
In the gothic town of Wickdon, Maggie Welty lives in an old creaking manor. Maggie’s mother recently left town, leaving her with just her bloodhound for company.
This stunning picture book is full of interesting facts and is perfect for young conservationists and students with a keen interest in the world. On an expedition through the alphabet, kids encounter some of Australia’s rare and enchanting animals, from the gorgeous azure kingfisher and the sleepy koala, to the shy numbat and the friendly zebra finch. A fun and educational read for young ones.
Hachette Australia, RRP $39.99
But when Maggie spots a legendary ancient fox-creature on her porch, everything changes. Whoever tracks down and kills the hala in the Halfmoon Hunt will earn fame and riches – and if Maggie wins, she knows her mother will want to celebrate her. This is her chance to bring her home. But she will need help. A fantasy love story for young adults, and perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Finbar Hawkins. Hachette Australia, $17.99
Hachette Australia, RRP $18.99
A fun read for the entire family. New Holland Publishers, RRP $24.99 22 AUTUMN 2022
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Kids Calendar
What's on this Autumn
2, 9 & 23 MARCH, 6 APRIL
11–14 MARCH
20 MARCH
8 MAY
Kew Traffic School
Moomba Festival
Children’s Week Picnic
Mother’s Day run
These sessions require full adult supervision as children learn traffic rules and play in the miniature village houses on their scooter or bike.
Set on the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River, Moomba is an annual free festival held over the Labour Day long weekend in March.
This free event will feature interactive activities with a focus on education and learning, from 10am to 4pm at Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee.
Tens of thousands of people will unite for the Mother’s Day Classic to celebrate and honour those affected by breast cancer and raise vital funds for research.
A pre-booked ticket is required, from www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ childrensweekpicnic.
Feel free to bring a picnic rug and snacks to feed the hungry riders. Kids aged up to 6 years ride 9am to 10.30am, and ages 2 to 10 years ride 11am to 12.30pm. $10 per child.
3 & 4 APRIL
Kew Traffic School is at 374 Cotham Road, Kew.
12-13 MARCH Curbside Carnies Join the crew for a FREE and fun circus program at Menzies Creek Hall then Park Road and Yarra Junction Community Playground on Saturday, then Belgrave Big Dreams Market on Sunday. Learn new skills in mini workshops, play with circus props and see roving entertainment - even mums and dads can get involved!
Knox Festival
Register at tix.yt/ curbsidecarniesartattacklongweekend.
Andy and Terry are going to bring their stories to life in their first EVER play – except they forgot to write it! Where will they find flying cats, a mermaid, a sea monster, an invasion of monkeys, and a giant gorilla? Perfect for children aged 6 to 12, the 60-minute show will hit the stage at Bunjil Place Theatre, 2 Patrick NE Drive, Narre Warren, at 2.30pm on 3 April and 10.30am on 4 April. Tickets are $16. Visit www.bunjilplace. com.au.
6-10 APRIL Gluttony Festival
This free all-ages, family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free event will run 10am to 10pm.
The Victorian premiere of Gluttony On Tour will celebrate music, circus, burlesque and the best food and wine the region has to offer.
Visit stages and food stalls, participate in craft and sports activities for kids, enjoy live music and amusement rides and watch fireworks.
The Adelaide Fringe Festival favourite will feature something for everyone. Croydon Park is at 213-215 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon.
Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully.
16 & 17 APRIL 19 & 26 MARCH, 2 APRIL Easter Egg hunts Boronia Big Flix Festival Enjoy three weekends of free outdoor cinema events featuring a food truck park, kid’s activities, local traders and family friendly movie selection. From 6.30pm to 10.30pm at 257 Dorset Road, Boronia.
6 MARCH National Umbrella Day Duldig Studio will honour one of the world’s most useful inventions - the umbrella - with fun activities in its sculpture garden. Attend between 2pm and 4.30pm at 92 Burke Road, Malvern East. www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Visit mothersdayclassic.com.au for more information or to register.
The 13-Storey Treehouse
Visit www.boroondara.vic.gov.au for more information.
5 MARCH
There will be up to 70 event locations nationwide where supporters can walk, run or jog for the cause on Mother’s Day.
Luna Park will host a scramble for chocolate eggs from 11am to 10pm. The St Kilda icon is also open Good Friday (15 April) and Easter Monday (18 April) from 11am to 10pm.
28-29 MAY Blacksmiths Festival The Blacksmithing and Metal Art Festival (Blacksmiths Festival) returns to from 10am to 4pm with metal forging classes and displays, live music, food and drinks. There are ‘taster’ sessions for beginners and a special fire-free kids zone for ages 5-12 to cold forge small items under the guidance of experienced blacksmiths. Waterside Metal Art Studio and Maribyrnong riverfront, 60 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray.
YEAR-ROUND
UNTIL 25 APRIL
Shrine Kids
19 MARCH
The Gecko and the Mermaid: Djerrk’u Yunupi’u and her Sister
Shrine Kids is a free self-guided program for families with primary school-aged children.
Live at Warrawee!
Geckos, turtles, lizards and mermaids! This summer’s NGV Kids exhibition introduces two significant contemporary Yol’u artists from Northeast Arnhem Land to the youngest of visitors.
Four different activity cards provide a starting point for fresh perspectives as children are asked to consider and conjure their creative responses to a range of questions related to different aspects of the Shrine.
The National Gallery of Victoria is at 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne.
Get your family and friends, bring a chair or picnic rug, and watch the sun set over Warrawee Park while enjoying live music, food trucks and a pop-up bar. The festival runs 4pm to 9pm at Warrawee Park, 95 Drummond Street, Oakleigh.
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www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au