SPRING 2022 Littlebigthoughts,emotions stateofmind An GettingADHDkids inthekitchen withSteveBiddulph
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AboutUs IT’S YOUR LIFE Meltdowns turned to closeness PAGE 6 Tips to keep kids safe PAGE 6 Linda’s rough road to Forrest PAGE 5 Gender discimination in private health PAGE 6 Weighted blankets warning PAGE 6 Space to scoot and bike PAGE 7 Fashion to feel like yourself PAGE 8 Make crunchy chocolate granola PAGE 9 FATHER’S DAY Rob’s a dad to everyone PAGE 10 HEALTH Online ADHD community grows PAGE 13 Equine assisted therapy PAGE 13 DENTAL Ever-growing orthodontist PAGE 14 Taking care of teeth PAGE 15 Strong smiles start young PAGE 15 EDUCATION Mental health support in schools PAGE 16 Nurturing, passionate educators PAGE 16 Lime Box Cafe serves PAGE 16 Minaret has plenty to celebrate PAGE 17 Student voice and empowerment PAGE 17 Screens harming young brains PAGE 18 Is your child ready for school? PAGE 18 Preschool and childcare shake-up PAGE 19 Tea with Japanese dignitary PAGE 19 Free webinars for parents, carers, volunteers PAGE 20 Striving for care and excellence PAGE 20 Teacher shortage at crisis point PAGE 21 Going from strength to strength PAGE 21 This Girl Can Week PAGE 22 Support and encouragement PAGE 22 Driven by diversity PAGE 23 ENTERTAINMENT What’s on at Cardinia Cultural Centre PAGE 12 What’s on at Bunjil Place PAGE 24 Pamper without lifting a finger PAGE 24 Experience Walhalla Goldfields Railway PAGE 24 Play for all abilities PAGE 25 Croc and roll at the playcentre PAGE 25 REALITY BITES Sophie Cachia on family life PAGES 26-27 BORN TO PERFORM Studio celebrates 30 years PAGE 28 Quality costumes for dance PAGE 28 PARTY TIME Jumping for castle joy PAGE 29 Paint a pottery piece PAGE 29 ACTIVE KIDS Wilson Botanic’s 30th birthday PAGE 30 Gymnastics teaches life lessons PAGE 30 Beaconsfield’s new play gem PAGE 37 FASHION Billy Lidz fashion PAGES 31-33 HEALTH One year of The Health Barn PAGE 35 The skin cancer experts PAGE 35 BOOKS Arabella’s Alphabet Adventure PAGE 36 Discover new children’s books PAGE 36 KIDS CALENDAR What’s on this spring PAGE 38 CONTENTS caseycardiniakids.com.au facebook.com/caseycardiniakids instagram.com/caseycardiniakids
Take a deep breath, spring is here!
Little thoughts big emotions state mind Getting kids in the kitchen with Steve Biddulph has sprung! Yes, it’s a cliche - writing it made me roll own eyes a little - but indulge me?The transition from our cold and dreary months to this milder season really has put a spring in my step. This time of year is brimming with hope. Warmer days are ahead, flowers and foliage are bursting forth, andfingers crossed! - we’re on the other side of a hectic virus season.
An ADHD
As the mum of a toddler, the prospect of spending more time outdoors is a literal breath of fresh air. Opportunities for her to stretch her legs and use her outside voice have been few and far between this winter, thanks to rain and cold and illness. A little extra sunshine helps us all to get off the couch and away from screens.Ifyou need more reason to put down the iPad, we spoke to Dr Michael C Nagel about how screen time is causing autistic traits in otherwise neurotypical kids.Spring does bring its share of rain, so we’ve found some great new books for your kids to get lost in. And speaking of great reads, our chat with the ever-honest Sophie Cachia about parenting is a refreshing look at modern parenting. Kidsafe has shared some timely reminders to keep our kids safe, and Lucy Stewart has found a healthy chocolate breakfast! So take a deep breath of that fresh spring air and enjoy its calming effects…before the festive season sneaks up on us.
my
Casey Cardinia Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication. Casey Cardinia Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays. Casey Cardinia Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777 Editorial Melissa @starnewsgroup.com.aumelissa.meehanMeehan Photography Rob StewartCarewChambers Group Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Phone:mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.auClark59450608 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 Publisher/Managing108. Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.
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Cover sunshine.WilliamandJoshuaenjoythespringPicture:RobCarew SPRING
THE hardest thing with small children, and sometimes big ones, is that they just dpn’t always do what we ask! Our lives have become busy, and so we want our kids to move quickly and smoothly through the day, eating, dressing, getting in and out of cars, going to and from school or kindy. We want them to co-operate in our busyness, and often the little blighters don’t. Or sometimes, can’t. Our worst moments of the day are often when our kids suddenly have “big feelings” and go into meltdowns of tears, or rage or anxiety, and make a train wreck of our plans, let alone our image of a well run family! What a nuisance! Of course, these worst times might be good times to remember something important. To take a deep breath or two, get our own feet steady on the ground, and remind ourselves that the aim of parenthood isn’t to get it over with. Our goal in life is not, however nice it sounds, to rest at the end of a day when nothing went wrong. Because there is no such day. The aim of parenthood, and of family life, is to nurture a small person into a big one who other people will find trustworthy, loyal, loving, and empathic enough to love, and value as a friend, team member, spouse, or mum or dad themselves. Someone, in short who will have a good life, and be good for other lives. So, dear reader, check before you read on - is that your goal? Am I making this up? If your aim in parenthood is to take good photos for Insta, from their birth to their glamourous wedding, then this is where we part ways. Be off with you. (last two sentences might make a good pull quote M) But if you are still reading, then here is the thing. Kids have meltdowns and big emotions and make our plans fall in a heap, not because they are defective, or want to make our lives hard. They do it because they are busy growing their brains. And they need our help with that. Karen Young, an excellent psychologist who writes about kids emotions, points out that just as you won’t let a five year old cross a busy street, because their brain just isn’t ready, you can’t expect small children to be able to self regulate emotions either. The busy streeet of their own brain is sometimes way too much, and their Youthis.likelooksWell,practice.meandoestheiryouTheysemi-trailer.atemotionsowncomethemlikeaneedtoholdhand.Whatthatinit
2. Check pool barriers for wear and tear When was the last time that you checked your pool barrier and the surrounding area? Pool barriers are exposed to the extremes of weather all year roundthis can lead to rust, damage, missing parts and wear and tear over time.
Loose curtain and blind cords, particularly those with loops, pose a significant strangulation hazard for children as they can place the loop over their head and/or become tangled in the loose cords. Whether you live with children, or might have an unexpected little one visiting one day, here are some steps you can take to help ensure that your curtain and blind cords are safe:
4 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au Little Kids, Big writesFeelings, STEVE BIDDULPH How to turn meltdowns to moments of closeness
There are four main safety issues which are important to regularly check and maintain: ■ Is the gate or door still self-closing and self-latching? ■ Is the gate propped open?
■ Check that items of furniture such as cots, beds and high chairs are kept away from windows where children can reach the curtain or blind cords. For more Kidsafe tips and advice, visit kidsafevic.com.au.
Gradually your child will become better able to ride life’s bumps, and use words to join their heart to yours, or other people’s. How long does this process take? My guess is about 90 years! But you can get much better at it, and having a parent’s help is what makes the difference. Long after you are gone, they will have you inside them saying “its okay, you’ve got this”. They will carry your love in their bones. Steve Biddulph is the author of Fully Human, Raising Boys, and The Raising Girls Workbook. He lives in the Tamar Valley in Tasmania, and is very very old.
■ Are there any climbable objects near the pool barrier eg barbecues, outdoor furniture, trees Poolsetc? are not the only bodies of water that you need to be mindful of. Toddlers can drown in just a few centimetres of water, which means that fishponds, eskies, buckets, laundry tubs and even pet water bowls all pose a drowning hazard.
It’s important to empty any objects that can hold water straight after use, and to restrict access when an adult isn’t able to actively supervise children.
3. Store poisons out of reach, inside and outsideAspart of any spring cleaning, take the time to go through your cupboards and ensure that any potentially poisonous products are stored up high in a locked cupboard, out of the sight and reach of children.
Common poisonous items include medicines (ie prescription medicines and paracetamol), cleaning products, dishwasher powder/liquid, bleaches, fertilisers and pesticides, swimming pool and spa chemicals andYoucosmetics.mighthave a shed or garage which has tins of paint, petrol, weed killer, rat bait, power tools and other gardening supplies lying around. Again, make sure any outdoor poisons or tools are locked up well out of reach of the hands of our little helpers, including unplugging any power tools and/or removing batteries.
■ Are there any gaps, holes or spaces in and under the barrier which a child can get through?
Kidsafe Victoria has launched its new Baby Safety Guide to reduce the overwhelm you might experience as a first time parent. The Baby Safety Guide takes the guesswork out of your parenting journey by providing information and advice on products such as cots, prams and high chairs, including what to look for when purchasing these products and how to use them safely.The second module covers other important information on home, road, water and play safety to help keep your baby safe as they grow. To access the free Baby Safety Guide, visit Kidsafe Victoria’s website.
are on the way to doing something, or going somewhere, and needing (you think) to get a bit of a wriggle on. And suddenly your small person is in tears, or digging their heels in, or has gone all wobbly. You run a quick check. Are we being chased by a bear? Fleeing a volcano or a terrorist attack? If the answer is no, then perhaps you can spare five minutes. This chance might not come again. Breathe a big slow breath, if it comes out sounding like a sigh that’s still alright. Soften your heart, and remember that we are all soft and fragile beings who get out of our depth. And then crouch down or sit down or bend down nearer to your child, and ask them “are you feeling a bit rough right now?” “where in your body are you feeling it?” and perhaps “sounds like something in you is a bit angry now (or scared, or sad)”. Find the words that are most natural to you, as long as they are reaching out to their inner storms with a compassionate energy that says “I understand”. Ask them to telll you about what is going on for them. Perhaps they will need to sob, or shudder, or rant a bit about something that was unfair or mean or unjust when seen through their eyes, and you should make room for that. Don’t try and talk them out of it. Perhaps what they tell you might bring a change of plan. Perhaps you might have to strike a compromise. Perhaps nothing changes except they are calmer and are okay to move on. You will know you got it right when you feel closer to them now, and they to Learningyou. to “regulate” your emotions - to give them space, and make them welcome, and take them on board, even in a harsh and often uncaring world, depends on having a few people around us who can cope with our messy side. Who don’t put us down or go all cold or hard when we aren’t coping.
Little Kids, Big Feelings
4. Secure curtain and blind cords
It’sYourLife
FINALLY, the weather is starting to warm up and we are looking forward to enjoying more outdoor time with the Asfamily.wemove towards the brighter colours and sounds of spring, Kidsafe Victoria has provided its top four tips to help you keep your family safe this 1.season.Signup to Kidsafe Victoria’s Free Baby Safety Guide If you are expecting your first baby, then this one is for you!
Springtime safety from Kidsafe Victoria
■ Check each room of your home for any loose or looped curtain and blind cords and secure them out of reach of children - at least 1.6m above floor level - with cleats or cord tensioning devices. Depending on the type of cords, these can be ordered free through Consumer Affairs Victoria or purchased from your local hardware store or curtain and blind cord retailer.
Linda’s mission to become a mum
“I was very shocked that I had it,” Linda said. “I don’t suffer from bad period pain and have no other symptoms.” Doctors removed the endo and advised the couple to try to conceive naturally for six months.
“Most times the surgery helps, but that wasn’t working for me,” Linda said. “Then the next option was instead of going straight into IVF, we did an IUI.” Intrauterine insemination (IUI) places sperm that have been washed and concentrated directly into your uterus around ovulation.
The doctors “threw more drugs” at her and went in for another retrieval. They again got seven eggs, and again fertilised five. “Then it was the dreaded five-day wait to work out how many of those would make it,” Linda said. Four made it and were top quality. The doctor told Linda “I’m going to get youShepregnant”.snuckin a few at-home tests during the torturous fortnight between implanation and her first blood test. They were positive and the bloods confirmed it. “But we didn’t want to get too ahead of ourselves because of my history,” she said.She was “so relieved and so excited” when her first scan found a heartbeat. “But once you’ve had a miscarriage, that innocence completely goes away,” sheLindasaid. made it to 35 weeks but her struggles weren’t over. Her hands hurt, her feet were swollen, her blood pressure was increasing. She was admitted to hospital with preeclampsia.“IfeltlikeIwasn’t able to complain. I was just really grateful to make it this far,” she said. “It just got really out of control because I didn’t mention anything because I didn’t want to burst the bubble.”
It’sYourLife
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 5
Doctors gave her steroid injections to help with Forrest’s lung development. Blood pressure medication was becoming less effective. Doctors couldn’t wait much longer to deliver Forrest.. Liam was booked in for a shoulder reconstruction, and a reaction to the anesthetic kept him in hospital longer thanHeexpected.wasdischarged, returned home to pack a new bag, and back at the hospital just in time for Forrest’s dramatic birth.“He got stuck behind my placenta, so they had to get through the placenta, pull that out, pull him out,” Linda said. “He wasn’t breathing.” She held her long-awaited son for a few seconds before he was whisked away to the NICU. “I went into recovery. I couldn’t move because of the drugs,” she said.
“He couldn’t come to me because they couldn’t move the isolette. “I had to wait until the next day to seeShehim.”spent five days in hospital then was sent home without her son. “I was expressing to get my milk to come in,” she said. “For three months, I expressed every two to three hours to get him enough milk.”He was able to go home at 13 days old.Linda’s period returned without prodding, so the couple have been trying for a sibling for Forrest knowing they have two frozen embryos up their sleeves.“People say it’s hard being a mum, but no one tells you how hard that hard is,” she said. “But I love being Forrest’s mum.”
“I started doing acupuncture once a week and taking the craziness of the herbs that they make you drink,” she said.“It tasted like dirt but I was like ‘I want this baby, I don’t really care’.” She was terrified of again waking from the retrieval to one egg - or worse.
“I was absolutely shattered, almost as shattered as if I miscarried,” she said. “I think I would have been less devastated if I’d got a negative pregnancy test. “I went through all that and didn’t even get the chance to transfer.” She thought about what else was missing from her fertility process…and bought crystals online. Linda laughs about it now, and jokes that they made the difference.
Forrest. Linda and her son Forrest.
LINDA and Liam Mallett endured a four and a half year fertility journey to welcome son Forrest into the world. Miscarriages, a failed egg retrieval and lost embyros, topped off with preeclampsia - the Cockatoo couple’s journey to parenthood was rough. They tried to fall pregnant for about a year before going to see a GP, who referred the couple to a fertility specialist. They found nothing abnormal in Liam’s tests, and an anti mullerian hormone test found Linda’s egg reserve on the low side of normal for her age. Then a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy discovered endometriosis.
Pictures: Stewart Chambers
“We waited a couple of months and were about to call up to go again, but we fell pregnant again naturally,” Linda said.Itwas twins. She and Liam were elated, but at nine weeks their world was shattered yet again. Scans found the babies were no longerAgain,growing.itwas an arduous process to get her period back before she could try another IVF cycle.
She needed a cocktail of drugs to lure her period back before starting IVF drugs.Doctors only collected one egg from her first retrieval surgery. A gutted Linda told herself she only needed one. She stayed home from work for five days, laying flat on the couch to encourage her little embryo to stick, but it wasn’t to be.
“I wanted three. Three would give me some kind of hope,” she said. They got seven. “I cried. I felt such relief,” she said. Doctors used intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is given a helping hand to ‘enter’ the egg. They successfully fertilised five of the seven, then waited five days for them to eventuate to blastocysts before implantation.Lindawasin her car at the hospital, ready for the implantation when they told her none of the embryos made it.
“It helps the sperm find the egg easier,” Linda said. It didn’t work, so they tried naturally for a couple more months before deciding to start IVF. But they couldn’t go ahead - a blood test found Linda was pregnant. “Then we went to do my six-week scan and they found no heartbeat,” she said.“Iended up having a miscarriage. It was pretty gutting.”
“Pregnancy is covered in the highest tier because the risk of something going wrong is very costly. The cost of preterm labour and delivery often exceeds $200,000 to $300,000 for example,” a spokesperson told AAP.
Red Nose Australia said online retailers were selling the weighted sleeping sacks, which were like weighted blankets. They are incredibly unsafe for babies - they can compress a baby’s chest, leading to a lack of oxygen. Weighted sleeping sacks can also cause overheating - a well-known risk factor for SIDS.
Almost all policies cover testicular tortion or cancer and prostate issues, but pregnancy and birth were only covered in top-level cover, he said.
A spokesperson for the
FORCING women into top-level private health insurance for birth and pregnancy cover is a form of gender discrimination, the peak group for obstetricians claims. National Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president Gino Pecoraro says it’s the only service excluded from lower-level health insurance based on gender, and he’s taken the matter to the Human Rights Commission.
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PARENTS are being warned to steer clear of weighted baby sleeping bags.
“It is incredibly alarming to see weighted sleeping bags and weighted blankets being marketed directly to parents of infants, who are told these products may help their baby sleep better,” Red Nose Australia research officer Charis Brown said.
AAP
Health
Dr Pecoraro said more needs to be done to lighten the load on public hospitals, and widening access to private care through cheaper insurance policies would help. He said many were shocked to discover women were forced to pay extra to get cover for reproductive health, when men’s reproductive health issues were covered at a lower level.
“These claims are high because often the mother and baby need to be in hospital for a prolonged period. This does not occur in male reproductive health.”Tiering has made health fund products easier for consumers to understand, but much harder for funds to spread this risk across the insured population, which has made gold hospital cover more expensive, they said.Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said gender bias in the health system was an important issue.
“The Albanese government is having a range of discussions about our approach to this issue.”
Health fund hurt
A spokesperson for the commission said it is not able to comment or provide any information about complaints it has received.Private Healthcare Australia says the tiering of health insurance products into gold, silver, bronze and basic was introduced by the previous government.
“The reality is that these products can actually be unsafe for babies and Red Nose is urging every parent to please never use a weighted sleeping product on their baby.
“Other issues go to the nature of research and the nature of clinical trials, including devices that are generally designed around a male body,” he told AAP.
Weight of concern
“It’s criminal in a country that prides itself on trying to eliminate gender discrimination,” Dr Pecoraro told AAP.
basedincludetheypotentialofiscriminatemadeDiscriminationagainstdiscriminationeliminatingcommittedgovernmentDepartmentAttorney-General’ssaidthe“wastowomen”.ThefederalSexActitunlawfultoonthebasispregnancyorpregnancy,said,butexceptionsforinsuranceonreasonabledata.
Dr Pecoraro said the association made a complaint to the Human Rights Commission a year ago but has yet to hear back.
”We also want to ensure families with children, who have weighted blankets for adult use, are mindful of where they are kept and ensure they cannot inadvertently fall on a child or infant leading to catastrophic results.”
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into fresh
Spring open space
It’sYourLife
By Melissa Meehan AS the weather warms up and the flowers bloom, we just know that this is going to be a family favourite. What was once the Casey Safety Village in Cranbourne East has been transformed into an open space that is free for all to enjoy. Now open on the corner of Main Street and Race Drive, the existing road circuit has been kept, giving the opportunity for kids to explore the park and follow the line markings while having fun on their bike or scooter. There are road bumps, a bridge and lots of seating and grassed areas perfect to share a picnic. There are also barbecue facilities and plenty of parking nearby. City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff the new open space is a welcome addition to Cranbourne East as it will provide opportunities for play and social interaction.
Jess was wearing leggings, runners and a jumper when we caught up with her.“It got me out of the house by 8am with three children, off to school and kinder, and off to pilates,” she said. She said mum fashion was about what worked and “that grab-and-go outfit”.“Itdoesn’t have to be anything fancy, it just has to be something that you’re happy to be out and about in,” she said. “Mums are fashionable now. Mums know how it works. “It’s not about what other people are wearing.
To mums who want to break out of the maternity wear, Jess suggested moving the clothes on to another mum-to-be.“ThenIwould find something similar that’s not a maternity or breastfeeding piece,” she said. “If you like a striped oversized T-shirt, go to Decjuba or Country Road and find something similar. “That’s their first step of moving away from that maternity identity.”
It’sYourLife
And the clothes that don’t quite fit your new post-baby shape? “There’s no point holding onto something in your wardrobe taking up space,” Jess said. “Move them on to a friend or the Salvos and look at embracing you now.
The Armadale mum of three boys and fashion blogger was in that familiar “mum“You’rerut”.stuck at home, you haven’t slept, you’ve got this newborn baby and you’re still trying to come to terms with what you’re doing,” she said. So Jess paused and gave herself a moment to think about herself.
“I could be a little bit more confident knowing I’m not just this newborn baby’s mum, I’m me too,” she said. “I had that revelation and looked in my wardrobe and thought ‘right, what fits me? What’s really my style?’ and tried to reconnect with my personal styleJessagain.”searched for items that made her feel good and fit her new body.
FASHION is generally the furthest thing from a new mum’s mind. But Jess Dempsey says feeling comfortable and confident helped her reconnect with herself post-kids.
8 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au 280 CranbourneBerwick-Rd,Clyde www. shoppingonclyde. com.au 12561729-HC36-22
“Maybe those styles suit them. “Maybe they’re concerned that they’ve got a tummy they haven’t had before, and they feel better.”
Jess’s eldest, Aston, is now aged 10. Will is 8 and her youngest, Freddie, is 4. She was 28 and one of Australia’s first fashion bloggers when she had Aston. “I was hesitant to talk about my pregnancy and show my pregnancy, but as time went on my audience was growing with me,” she said. “I started sharing slowly about being a mum and the fact that I could still be fashionable but still be a stay-at-home mum.“People started to feel that connection, people started to jump on to relate to me. “It wasn’t until my third son that I documented my entire pregnancy journey.“Myaudience were hanging out to hearJessit.”said her boys had always loved doing photos with her, but she listened to their opinions and took no for an answer.“Things have evolved. I haven’t blogged about parenting for a long time,” she “Sharingsaid.afew little things on Instagram about my wild little child or the way he’s grown through that - it’s all about the connection.
“They want someone to relate to. “Of course I’m careful with what I say, what I show, what I do. “There’s a lot that I keep private.”
“It’s about you, what makes you feel good, what you feel you look best in, rather than following that trend. “If you feel comfortable, you radiate that.”
Style that makes you shine
Jess Dempsey with her boys Aston, 10, Freddie, 4, and Will, 8. Pictures: Rob Carew Jess Dempsey.
“Life’s too short to worry and stress about ‘I can’t squeeze into these’.” Buy a new pair of jeans in a size that’s comfortable and makes you feel good“Getnow.something that’s fitting and flattering, rather than holding onto something that might not ever be,” she said.“Those ripped skinny leg jeans might not be cool anymore anyway…”
“Before kids I was trend-driven,” she said.“It’s actually not about trends, it’s about what looks good on me.” Still hanging around in your maternity and breastfeeding clothes? “I think it’s OK,” Jess said. “If that’s what makes them feel good, they’re doing it for a reason.
Well Fed Kitchen is a range of healthy snacks for kids that you can make at home.
Created by Nutritionist and mum, Lucy Stewart, they’re made with only real wholefood and plant-based ingredients – no additives, nothing artificial, and without nuts, dairy, soy and wheat.
sugar-laden,
This delicious crunchy chocolate granola is super easy and fun to make with the kids, and it’s a more nutritious way to start the day than anything you’ll find in a box at the supermarket. When it comes to kids, it’s true what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast has the opportunity to provide kids with the fuel they need to be active and play, to be motivated, to concentrate and learn, as well as remember and harness new skills – how our kids start their day can greatly influence their success at school.
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Whilst cereal is the breakfast of choice for many kids, most commercial breakfast cereals are made with refined grains and high amounts of sugardelivering very little in the way of nutrients, causing blood sugar spikes and leaving kids feeling hungry and irritable, not long after. But a breakfast cereal that includes protein, fibre and fats will not only satisfy their hunger, it will keep kids tummies feeling fuller for longer, fuel their brains and sustain their energy throughout the morning. This crunchy chocolate granola is made with a mix of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, coconut and cacao to nourish growing bodies and brains. Raw cacao - commonly referred to as the ‘food of the Gods’ - is not only the highest food source of antioxidants, it also contains tryptophan (a precursor to moodboosting serotonin), a huge amount of phenylethylamine (aka the ‘love chemical’ that increases motivatingdopamine & serotonin) and is one of the most potent food sources of magnesium, a mineral that’s important for kids growth, development and energy production.Butthebest part, is drinking the chocolate milk that’s left at the end. cups rolled oats cup chopped almonds ½ cup flaked coconut ¼ cup sunflower seeds ¼ cup pumpkin seeds Tbsp cacao powder Tbsp pure maple syrup Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp carob powder tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp cinnamon Instructions
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1.Preheat oven to 100°C and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
2.In a large bowl, mix together oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaked coconut and cinnamon. a small bowl whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cacao and carob powder. Pour mixture over dry ingredients and mix together until everything is well mixture evenly over prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-minutes, turning halfway to ensure it cooks cool then store in an airtight container.
www.wellfedkitchen.com.au @wellfedkitchen_snacks 12562706-MS36-22 CHOCOLATE for
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Well Fed Kitchen provides an easy snack alternative to the healthy pro- cessed options, guaranteed to fill kids tummies, satisfy their hunger, provide a steady release of energy and some essential growing nutrients too. breakfast?
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Why not!
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in kitchenthe Lucywith Stewart Crunchy Chocolate Granola Picture: Studio 74 Photography
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 9
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It’sYourLife Ingredients ■ 2
“I honestly thought that I would have 30 or 40 subscribers.
“YOU got this. I love you. I’m proud of you.”It’s easy to see why Rob Kenney has become a father figure to millions of people through his YouTube channel ‘Dad, how do I?’.
“Had I known that my videos would have so many views, I would have paid closer attention while I was filming.
“I have several years’ worth of content that I would like to share on my channel, but I also am keeping track of the many suggestions that I receive,” he said.He said the response was completely unexpected.“Ididn’tstart my channel to switch careers, so I had to grapple with what my new life looked like,” he said.
“Now that we’re two years into it, I finally feel like I am in a good place with it.
Rob Kenney is a dad to millions.
“Anything I can do to help the next generation to be encouraged, empowered, and to be good humans, I am all for it!”
140 Windermere Boulevard, Pakenham Agreatplacetoshop See you soon Friendly&fabulous 12538315-JC11-22
10 SPRING 2022 Father’sDay
By Casey Neill
Rob’s a dad to millions
One reason Rob started the channel was to pass along things he “had to learn the hard way, to save others some of the struggles that I went through”.Fromjump-starting a car to tying a tie, he’s helping people of all ages and walks of life to learn new skills.
“I have no prior experience, I was just trying to talk to the camera like I was talking to my own kids.
The 50-something father of two, based near Seattle in the US, shares how-to videos for many basic tasks, with plenty of dad jokes thrown in with his earnest fatherly advice. When he was a kid, Father’s Day was “a pretty normal celebration” of his own dad.“By the time that I became a dad, my relationship with my dad was pretty distant, because he left the family when I was 14, so it was more my special day,” he said. “It’s a time that I get together with my wife’s family, and we celebrate all of the dads.“Ithink it’s cool to be a dad, and I hope to encourage other dads to see what a great privilege they have (if they don’t already know).”
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 11 12563733-SN36-22
It’sYourLife
Kristina shared a little more about the workshops and some of their benefits. Tell us a little bit about the workshops at Cardinia Cultural Centre? Every week we have different arts and craft activities, as well as interactive toys and books so families can really get the most out of each session. What are the benefits of the workshops? Each activity is designed to build motor skills, encourage creative play and strengthen the bond between child and caregiver.Theworkshops also create an opportunity for children to make friends and socialise, as well as giving parents and guardians the chance to create connections with each other. What inspired Cardinia Cultural Centre and yourself to create the workshops? Being an artist and a community services student, I recognised that this would be a wonderful opportunity to mesh my two passions of art and community together to create a space where kids could learn and express theirThecreativity.lastfewyears have been difficult for many young families with children either being born during lockdown or just beforehand. I really wanted to create a program during my placement that catered for the growing number of families across the shire and give kids a space where they can thrive and play! What do you hope kids and their families take away from the workshops? I hope that kids and families gain a sense of connection, not only with each other but with their community and other children their age. I also hope that kids and families can leave each workshop feeling like they have been enriched in some way…and also had heaps of fun!
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Local artist and qualified community services worker Kristina Kimtia.
CARDINIA Cultural Centre has been helping kids to get crafty with their free arts and crafts workshops. From watercolour painting, to making paper polar bears and rainbow streamers, there has been something for everyone!Ledby local artist and qualified community services worker Kristina Kimtia, the workshops are specifically designed to create growth opportunities for kids aged up to 5 years old.
What classes are coming up and where can people find out more? We’ve added additional Friday sessions over school holidays (23 September and 30 September). Head to www.cardiniaculturalcentre. com.au to find out more about the classes and book your spot.
Freeclassesart
ADHD a tough gig - but you arealonenot
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 13 EquineTherapyAssisted Beneficial EmotionEffectsDepressionAnxietyfor:StressofbullyingLowselfesteem&behaviorregulationTraumaConfidencebuilding Daytime and after school appointments available To book an appointment contact Michelle: Phone: 0452 045 046 Website:Facebook:www.racingheats.com.au@racingheartsintLocation:3215BallartoRd,Pakenham,SouthVictoria 12563196-JW36-22
By Melissa Meehan THERE is so much stigma and confusion around ADHD across the country with little information available to change that.Endeavour Hills mum Jo Muir hung up her corporate cap to build an ADHD community and hasn’t looked back. Her son Austin was diagnosed with ADHD years ago. It was no real surprise, as she felt like she had been judge for his behaviour life. But she found little support for parents and carers. There was so much for the kids who were diagnosed, but nothing for mums or dads.
Find Jo’s page at @our_adhd_journey
“I’ve created a collective online and everyone is so supportive on that, and I also plan to have a place where others can sit down and actually not feel alone – that is the big bit that is missing,” she said.“I’m not claiming to solve problems, I just want to create awareness and say, out loud, that this gig is hard and you are not alone.” Ms Muir says she tries to make the posts relatable and simple, but also create awareness too. And she always refers people to a medical professional.
Health ARE you or someone you know seeking mental health support in the Pakenham area?
Equine assisted therapy has proven success in assisting with a variety of mental health issues, most commonly depression and anxiety, but also includes post-traumatic stress disorder, addictions, major life changes such as death or divorce, and eating disorders. Many programs have been set up aiming to treat at-risk adolescents, ADHD, autism, and also war veterans. Racing Hearts owner and operator Lisa Coffey says, “Horses provide both physical and emotional comfort.” “Our sessions are suitable for all ages, including children and teenagers who may have low self-esteem or mental health issues, and can be tailored for specific groups and requirements.”
“I realised I needed to help people what ADHD actually was, and provide a safe space for those with close connections to someone with a diagnosis,” she said. So Ms Muir decided to become an ADHD coach – despite the course not being available in Australia – overseas. She’s now embracing her role as an ADHD coach, consultant, educator and supporter to the many thousands of people touched by ADHD worldwide.“Myfocus is to work on being a change maker in the world of neurodiversity. I’m determined to make an impact,” Ms Muir told Kids Today. She started a social media page on Instagram @our_adhd_journey and it soon grew to over 36,000 followers.
Clients are offered safe experiences with horses in a meaningful way, to develop awareness, learn life skills, and learn how they experience relationships. By building awareness of behavioural, emotional and thought patterns that no longer serve them well, people learn more positive ways to live their lives. Racing Hearts programs have been developed to assist people to work through stressful times in their lives which can be brought about by emotional, physical, behavioural, or cognitive issues and focus more on somatic experience and behaviour change and less on the counselling process or mental health diagnosis. Individual appointments are available throughout the year and the school programs are exclusively linked to the Victorian Curriculum Personal and Social Capabilities Framework. Racing Hearts is certified by the Equine Psychotherapy Institute (EPI) and its programs are tailored to individual and group requirements from all ages, from primary school to adulthood.Thesuccess of its therapy programs and increased demand has seen Racing Hearts expand to three locations: Moorooduc, Balnarring and now also at Pakenham, where it offers both individual sessions and specialised schools programs throughout the year. Saturday Autism Camp, which also includes art therapy and school holiday programs are also available at Moorooduc and Pakenham. Racing Hearts is at 3215 Ballarto Road, Pakenham South. Call 0452 045 046 or visit www.racinghearts. com.au.
Healing with the help of horses
WHAT IS ADHD? ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects about one in twenty Australians, that’s about 1 million people, but is frequently misunderstood and under-diagnosed.Keyfeaturesare inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and it may also be linked to other co-ocurring mental healthUntreatedconditions.ADHD can cause lifetime impairment; however there are effective ways of managing ADHD.ADHD is diagnosed using criteria outlined in the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition’ (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric ToAssociation.bediagnosed with ADHD the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity: ■ need to be excessive for the developmental age of the individual ■ need to be present before the age of 12 ■ must have persisted for longer than 6 months ■ must contribute to impairment across multiple settings i.e. home, school, childcare, work, ADDetc. or Attention Deficit Disorder is an outdated term that was once used to describe the inattentive form of ADHDADHD.isnow considered to be the correct name of the disorder irrespective of a person’s predominant traits. Jo Muir on the Instagram page.
“As I am sure you are aware. ADHD is a buzzword at the moment but is also a very serious condition that one in ten children will be diagnosed with. Not to mention many adults who are being diagnosed later in life,” she said.
The new Racing Hearts Therapy Centre in Ballarto Road, Pakenham South is now taking appointments with its registered practitioners. Equine assisted therapy is traditional counselling and/or psychotherapy, offered by a qualified mental health practitioner or equine assisted learning practitioner, in a non-traditional way.
And perhaps the best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to have strong, beautiful, pearly whites.
14 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm Suite 5, Level 1/18-24 Clyde Rd, Berwick Phone: (03) 9330 0702 | info@seortho.com.au | www.seortho.com.au DR NISHAN FERNANDO, KIP HOMEWOOD AND DR ADAM WALLACE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances. We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone. Strict hygiene and physical distancing policies in place 12560961-SN36-22 Casey Dental Group is Here! GreavesRd PoundRd RdCranbourneWarrenNarre Orthodontics and Invisalign from $59 per week. Implants from $39 per week • We BULK BILL for the $1000 Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme • HALF PRICE CROWNS* *after first full priced crown. • INSURANCE PATIENTS: We Do Not Charge the Gap on Your Health Insurance Claim for Check Ups, Cleans, X-Rays and Sealants* • 24 months interest free on all treatment services • NON INSURANCE PATIENTS: FREE Check Ups! • Government Emergency/General Dental Vouchers accepted • Whitening take home kit only $295 236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South Phone: 9705 1755 Mon and Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat 8am–1pm, Tues, Wed & Thurs 8am to 9pm Bookings can now be made online through our website: www.caseydentalgroup.com.au Participating Providers and Dr Jayson McNaughton Dr Alina Bratu Dr Harjot Gill Dr Robert Otken Dr Guy Turton Dr Shannon Gune Mr Joseph Hanna Dr Deon Nguyen Dr David Abdel-Malek Dr Rachel Fong Dr Ragy Labib Dr John Tia Dr Melanie Cole Dr Quinn Tao Ms Chrysi Kroone 12472308-JW51-20
to
“Many of our dentists have a particular focus comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children and adults, and we offer family discounts and the options of clear (ceramic) braces,” Dr Jayson McNaughton said. “We offer flexible payment plans and family discounts as well as bulk billing for the new Child Dental Benefits Scheme. We have a special focus on children’s dentistry with our caring clinicians highly experienced in dealing with patients of all ages. We provide free check-ups and quotes for all of our dental services for non-insurance patients and have ongoing specials to help patients afford crown/bridgework, porcelain veneers andCaseyimplants.”Dental Group are preferred providers for all major health funds including BUPA, Medibank Private, HCF, CBHS, MBF and Australian Unity. We bulk bill the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme and accept the Community Health Emergency/General Vouchers.
Casey Dental Group’s opening hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am until 6pm, late nights available on Wednesday’s 8am until 9pm and Saturday 8am until 1pm. Casey Dental Group is located at 236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South. Phone: 9705 1755 Fax: 8790 2327. Website: caseydentalgroup.com.auwww.
Ongoing specials offered by Casey Dental Group: Bulk billing for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits price,atveneerveneersconsultations.ComplimentaryScheme.orthodonticHalfpricecrownsandporcelain(afterfirstfullpricedcrown/subsequentcrownspreparedthesamevisitchargedathalfparticipatingdentistsonly).
can
Dental care service for all DENTAL
Ask us about our implant special. Non-insurance patients: Free check up and quote. Take Home Whitening Kit $295. Insurance patients: We do not charge the gap on your health insurance claim for check ups, cleans, X-rays including OPG’s and sealants.Finance available interest free for 12 months.
GETTING the entire family visit the dentist be like pulling are afraid the check-up will be painful, and parents are worried it will hurt the wallet. But Casey Dental Group are committed to providing the highest standard of dental care at affordable prices, offering many specials to help everyone afford their dental treatment.
teeth. Kids
The trusted group is one of the longest established dental practices in the City of Casey and have recently moved into a new state-of-the-art premise, offering families all their dental needs under one roof.A caring and professional team of 14 dentists and 22 nursing and support staff aim to provide the best ongoing dental care with services including digital X-rays, laser whitening, implants, ceramic crowns/veneers and all other aspects of general dentistry.
South East Orthodontics offers interest-free flexible payment plans to make the process even easier. Clear Aligners can be used by all age groups, so whether you want to improve your own smile or need more information about other orthodontic options, contact the practice on 9330 0702 or visit seortho.com.au for more information.
The Endeavour Smiles Group team strives to help its young patients avoid any damage getting carried into their adult years.
Brushing and flossing Introduce a toothbrush when your baby gets their first tooth, brushing their teeth for them to ensure all surfaces are cleaned.TheADA recommends using a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.Aschildren get older, start brushing with the aim of reaching two minutes. Play a song, use a phone app with a brushing timer, or use a sticker chart.
At South East Orthodontics, the staff have lots of experience using this technology to give patients the straight, beautiful smile they’ve alwaysSouthwanted.EastOrthodontics offer Spark Aligners, which are made with TruGEN - the latest innovation in clear aligner material. Spark’s nearly invisible aligners are clear and comfortable. The proof that Spark really works is in the results. From trial and clinical practice to real patients, many people have experienced amazing results from Spark. This nearly invisible aligner system has created impressive finishes, treating a variety of moderate Class I and II malocclusions. Adam Wallace Adam Wallace has been welcomed to the South East Orthodontics team. He has more than 17 years of experience in the dental profession. He was born and raised near Leongatha, South Gippsland. He has since completed both his dentistry and orthodontic specialist training at the University of Melbourne where he has continued to lecture, demonstrate and examine since graduating in 2005.
Tooth health
You can check your child’s teeth by lifting their top lip and rolling down their bottom lip. If you see white, brown, or black spots on the teeth that do not rub or brush away, make an appointment with your dentist as this can be a sign of toothYoungdecay.children learning to walk and move often experience bumps and falls. If your baby or toddler knocks a tooth from their mouth, do not replace it as this might damage the adult tooth developing under the gum. Take your child and the knocked-out tooth to a dentist as soon as possible. They will review the tooth and check for damage to the surrounding bone, lips, cheeks and any other teeth.
Taking care of teeth from the start
The South East Orthodontics team.
Amber beaded necklaces or bracelets are a potential choking hazard and the ADA says they’re unlikely to provide any pain relief for your teething child.
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 15 1 Joseph Banks Crescent, Endeavour Hills (03) 8772 2053 WE COVER IT ALL DENTAL CARE www.endeavoursmilesgroup.com.au 12563211-HC36-22
Toothpaste should be introduced at 18 months, with low-fluoride toothpaste recommended until age 6. Cleaning between your child’s teeth using floss is also recommended from about age 2. Food and drink
The main difference at the visit would be how younger patients are handled.Thefriendly and family-oriented team at Endeavour Smiles Group do their best to give kids a wonderful experience at the clinic. They take a fun and informative approach with children, and understand that some children need to be accustomed to strangers first, before they can feel comfortableshowing that the dentist’s office is a safeEndeavourplace.
Your best smile
Strong smiles start young Staff take a fun and informative approach with children.
SOUTH East Orthodontics is an ever growing, full-time practice in Berwick and has three orthodontists, including Dr Kip Homewood, Dr Nishan Fernando and Dr Adam Wallace. All have completed an extra three years of full-time study to become registered specialist orthodontists. The orthodontists at the practice are all members of the Australian Society of Orthodontics and offer a wide range of treatment options with Spark Aligners being just one of those options. Clear aligners can be a great option for improving the look of your smile.
The ADA says it’s important to limit your child’s sugary food and drink intake to decrease their risk of developing tooth decay.Breast milk, water and milk are the best drink choices for healthy teeth and are the only liquids that should be placed in a baby’s bottle. If you give your toddler some fruit juice, place it in a cup rather than a bottle and limit the amount provided to half a cup (125ml) per day.
Smiles Group accepts bulk billing for eligible patients from 2-17 years Medicareold.covers most basic dental procedures under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) clause.Some common dental problems that children experience include cavities, tooth decay, premature tooth loss, incorrect tooth gaps, misalignment, and retained baby teeth.The team addresses these concerns in the safest and most efficient way possible, so that children won’t feel any pain or discomfort during their treatment. Take advantage of your Medicare benefits while your kids are still young.Visit Endeavour Smiles Group to take care of your children’s dental health needs.
HEALTHY adult teeth start from a youngChildrenage. who have untreated dental problems, or don’t receive proper dental care, can face more dental problems in adulthood.
DENTAL
A BABY’S teeth start developing while they’re still in the womb. So setting children up for good oral health starts early, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) says. Baby teeth usually start to appear when babies are about 9 months old, often with the central bottom teeth. But that timing can range from 3 to 12 months and the teeth can arrive in any order. If your child doesn’t have any teeth by 12 months of age, the ADA says it’s best to have a check-up with a dentist. Teething Teething symptoms can include drooling, gum rubbing, biting or mouthing objects or being more irritable thanSymptomsusual. that should not automatically be associated with teething include difficulty sleeping, a loss of appetite, coughing, rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting, seizures, or a very highThefever.ADA says it’s best to see your doctor if your child is experiencing these symptoms to rule out other illnesses. Ways to soothe teething include cuddles, chilled teething rings and washcloths, rubbing a back of a cold spoon over the gums, or using a dummy.Teething gels can provide relief at first, but the ADA warns this might only last for a short time as saliva washes the gelInfantsaway.can swallow the gel and this can cause throat numbness, which is a choking hazard.
Dentist visits Babies should first visit the dentist when their first tooth appears or by about age 1. The ADA says the average Australian child’s first visit to the dentist is at age 4, by which point they might have already developed tooth decay. Attending the dentist regularly from an early age can help to detect tooth decay early, prevent it from occurring, and help your child become comfortable with dental visits.
A children’s dental check-up isn’t very different from an adult’s check-up.Thedoctor or oral health therapist will examine the teeth and gums of your child(ren) to see if there are any budding problems.
At St James, staff strive to continue this work and partner closely with parents to further build on this solid foundation, focusing on the development and promotion of the wholeThischild.yearSt James introduced its whole school cross country event. All children were involved and showed great determination and resilience. Students showed comradery and loudly cheered on their peers! St James Catholic Primary School looks forward to this being an annual event alongside its whole school athletics carnival. Contact 5942 5404 or stjamesnng.catholic.edu.auoffice@to arrange a school tour with principal Bec Kollaris.
THE Mental Health in Primary Schools program is expanding to every government and low-fee nongovernment primary school in Victoria. By 2026, 1800 school campuses will employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader to implement a whole-school approach to wellbeing. The $200 million investment will support individual students, help teachers better identify and support at-risk students, and build relationships and referral pathways to local mental health services.
St CatholicJamesSchool & &
Youth to Youth Kitchen Our youth team works and trains diligently, so that you can enjoy a relaxing and tasty local cafe experience.Weemploy 15 youth apprentices and trainees from our community. Community Mission We are driven by our community purpose to train local young people. We engage our local community in Pakenham and the Cardinia Shire, with excellent service, quality food and community spirit. We fulfill several community missions which include youth workplace traineeships, community food rescue and local farmer support.
The Lime Box Cafe is located at 18 Golden Green Street (next to the Cardinia Road station) Pakenham, 0466 839 944.
The program builds on a successful pilot with 100 schools across Victoria in partnership with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne.Morethan 95 per cent of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders said the model improved their school’s capacity to support students’ mental health and wellbeing needs.
Lime Box Cafe supports youth training and youth employment opportunities in food and catering.
Nurturing staff
THE Lime Box Cafe is an innovative community food-centred initiative of Hopeworks Community Solutions developed in partnership with Cardinia Shire Council and the Cardinia Community Food Hub. The Lime Box Cafe is a purpose-built business dedicated to youth training and youth employment opportunities in Food and Catering, while serving the needs of our local community.
ST James Catholic Primary School is committed not only to students’ academic growth, but their emotional and spiritual development. This is why the school holds its students at the centre of all decisionmaking.Theexperienced and nurturing staff are passionate educators who work towards all children reaching their full potential by providing engaging and individualised learning experiences. They recognise parents as the first and foremost educators of their child, who - before starting school - has learnt to be curious, ask questions and investigate their world. They have learnt from their parents the importance of being responsible, respectful and safe.
Lime Box Cafe serves training and jobs
“We know the earlier in life young Victorians get mental health support, the better their chances of staying happy and healthy throughout adulthood,” he said.
16 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au
Mental health boost in schools
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System found schools played an important role in identifying children with mental health and wellbeing challenges, who could then be referred to treatment, care and support.Every government secondary and specialist school already has a mental health worker, but the Royal Commission encouraged the State Government to expand the primary school pilot.
Education
developmentemotional Where every student is known
“We’re making sure every Victorian child has access to safe, tailored care through their trusted school environment – giving them the care they need, when they need it, close to home,” thenMental Health and Education Minister James Merlino said.
Mr Merlino said half of all cases of anxiety, mood, impulse control and substance use disorders manifested by ageResearch14. suggests students with mental health concerns are behind their peers in Grade 3, falling further behind throughout school.
valued. 60 Nar Nar Goon Rd, Nar Nar Goon SCHOOL TOURS AVAILABLE | 5942 5404 12559023-SN30-2212560865-DL36-22
Committed to your child’s academic, spiritual
Education
Minaret has a lot to celebrate.
“We still have opportunities for improvement, but we’re focused on the right priorities and making transformative changes for the better.”
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 17 12535449-AV11-22 ENROL NOW NARRE WARREN EARLY LEARNING CENTRE IS COMMITTED TO THE EMPOWERMENT OF ALL CHILDREN Our Service: • Open from 7am to 6pm • Children aged 6 weeks to 6 years • Highly educational and fully funded 3 and 4 year-old kinder program • Natural, nurturing and stimulating learning environment • Experienced and passionate educators • Nutritional daily meals • Music, movement, art and sport programs are an integral part of our centre. BOOK A TOUR TODAY 36-38 Victoria Road Narre Warren reception@narrewarrenearlylearning.com.au3805www.narrewarrenearlylearning.com.au(03)87537755 “Striving for excellence and care in education” 12561076-AI36-22
DON Bosco Catholic Primary School takes student voice seriously in many elements of school life. Principal Treasa Barwick has a relentless focus on child safety and the power of student voice within this. Through online surveys and student focus sessions, the staff group are encouraged to reimagine how feedback will improve professional learning relationships amongst students and with their teachers across the school. This empowers the students to speak up for what they believe is important in their education and school community. This coupled with a redesign of student leadership, has given Don Bosco students a purposeful opportunity to become actively involved in the life of theStudentsschool. engage with the school community by coordinating special days, organising fortnightly care groups (focusing on peer connectedness and social skills), planning and leading all school assemblies and giving their feedback on things that impact their schooling (such as school improvement initiatives, child safety and their specialist learning and teaching program).Inaddition to this, Don Bosco is working with its parent community to find ways in which to include their voices on similar topics through online surveys and within the school advisory and parents and friends’ committees. These groups prove to be great opportunities for Don Bosco parents to also be active contributors to their child’s education.
Students engage with the school community by coordinating special days and more.
Minaret College is a school of choice for more than 2500 students across three campuses – Springvale, Officer and Doveton.
THIS year marking its 30-year anniversary, Minaret College has had a lot to celebrate in 2022. Recently the college added the title of national award-winners to one of its many reasons to celebrate. On Saturday 6 August, Minaret College was announced the winner of the Crescent Awards School Innovation and Renewal Award in Sydney. Crescent Awards are Australia-wide and acknowledge, showcase and celebrate educators, teams, leaders and Muslim learners who are achieving success and making an outstanding contribution to the community. With a philosophy of continuous improvement and being studentcentered, since starting his role as executive principal, Mohammed Taksim and his team have been working hard to take the college from good to great. Speaking of the recent win, Mr Taksim shared: “We had strong foundations to build on, but this award, judged independently by prominent educational leaders, validates our directions and efforts.”
Student voice and empowerment
Integrating Islamic values into the Victorian curriculum, including numeracy, literacy, Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies, the vision of Minaret College is to provide an environment where young Muslim students flourish. Parents interested to know more about the college are encouraged to request a tour on 9574 0567. Further information is also available on the school’s Facebook page or www. minaret.vic.edu.au.
MinaretNationalaward-winners:College
Or handing their children a phone in a cafe.“Ifyou’re doing it continually, you’re taking away opportunities for the child to learn,” he said.
He said TVs also contributed, but were much more passive. “It does add to the overall length of screen time,” he said. “If kids are on screens before, during and after school…”
18 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au
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He said he’d come across worrying studies suggesting a rapid rise in the diagnosis of autism in the Western world. “There seems to be a connection between screens and young, developing brains,” Dr Nagel said. “The brain doesn’t fully mature until we’re well into our twenties.
Is your child school ready?
Non-Selective Non-Denominational Small Classes Co-Educational ELC and Junior School Dedicated Senior Girls and Boys Schools StMargarets.vic.edu.au
Dr Rachael Sharman and Dr Michael C Nagel.
Rather, he said, they talked about what children needed for healthy development.
CuriousEmpoweringMinds
For parents, the decision can be overwhelming and difficult to assess, however one of the greatest sources of information regarding your child’s school readiness is their kindergarten teacher.“They have the training and ability to assess your child’s development progress and communication skills,” LouiseParentssaid.can assist the transition to school by helping their child develop independence and resilience at home.
“It may be having an impact we don’t quite understand yet.”
“These foundational communication skills are important tools for ensuring your child thrives rather than survives the transition to Prep.”
“It’s susceptible to all kinds of environmental assault.” He said data showed structural changes to the brain as a result of screen use in children.
“We tried to map out what we think is happening based on evidence, and what you can do about it. “We don’t think we can talk about how much time is too much time. “We can’t create a controlled environment to test that.”
Screen time is shaping minds
ST Margaret’s Berwick Grammar’s head of junior school, Louise Sayar, said “school readiness is more about whether a child is emotionally and socially attuned to learning”.
“If there’s any silver lining in the Covid cloud, it reaffirmed for us that people need to be with people,” he said.
“There are too many missed opportunities when parents are on their phones.”
“Parents can set goals with their child and work on their persistence to finish taskssuchaloneasdressing themselves, putting their own shoes on and going to the bathroom independently are great skills for their child to have mastered by Prep,” Louise said. “Reading to your child daily has also shown to be one of the most effective ways to prepare your child for school.”
“The message to parents is: be mindful of what your children need,” he said.“Having a phone didn’t suddenly become a right. “You have to parent technology. “You have to set up boundaries, and it’s much easier to do when kids are younger.“Withteens, you have to wean them off slowly and create boundaries and borders.“It’snot about saying to kids ‘you can never use screens again’. “It’s not about stepping back into the dark ages.” And it’s not only their own device use impacting kids. “It’s really important for parents to remember your child’s social queues develop when they’re looking at your face,” he said.
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“For example, do they possess basic communication skills to be able to express ideas through play, drawing or singing?,” she said. “Can the child convey a message with purpose and make themselves understood?“Arethey able to sit down and listen to others and follow simple instructions?
“Whether that’s reversible or not is still unknown,” he said.
Decades of research, he said, supported kids being with other children in real time, and able to read other people’s faces.
Find out how our world-class International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and expert ELC and Junior School staff can help your child flourish in their learning through action in our intimate learning spaces and classes.
Education By Casey Neill “IT’S time to think about screen use.” Dr Michael C Nagel has co-authored Becoming Autistic: How Technology Is Altering the Minds of the Next Generation, with Dr Rachael Sharman. The University of the Sunshine Coast academics explored the effects too much screen time and too little social time had on the developing brain. Specifically, autistic traits are showing up in otherwise neurotypical children.“I’vehad concerns about technology and the impact on child development for more than a decade,” Dr Nagel said.
Parents can assist the transition to school by helping their child develop independence and resilience at home.
Equestrian PrimarySecondary 12551027-SG24-22
The Best Start, Best Life program expansion is designed to save families money and help women return to the workforce. Firstly, from next year kinder will be free, saving up to $2500 per child every Secondly,year.over the next decade four-year-old kinder will transition to Pre-Prep – a universal 30-hour a week program of play-based learning for every four-year-old child in Victoria, delivered through kinders and long day care centres.
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 19
Premier Daniel Andrews said it was a year dedicated to growing and learning, new friends and new experiences, giving them the skills they needed for school and life.
Ms Christine Lucas - Head of Hillcrest ChristianCollege 03 9702 www.hillcrest.vic.edu.auregistrar@hillcrest.vic.edu.au2144
“Affordable and accessible childcare is vital to giving women more options –meaning they have more economic power and driving gender equality across every aspect of work and life.” The typical household is spending 20 per cent of its income on childcare fees, and some women who wanted to return to work were staying home because of this cost. Mr Andrews said our economy missed out on their skills and experience.Hesaidbeing a stay-at-home parent was a legitimate choice, but it should be based on what worked for individual families, not forced by the childcare system’s limitations.
“Our childcare system isn’t working for women – in fact, it’s holding them back,” then-Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams said.
Where there is demand, centres will operate extended hours and on weekends so parents working in industries like hospitality and healthcare have more support and more options.
Freechildcaremorekinder, Education
Hillcrest Christian College Year 11 and 12 Japanese students, recently participated in a ‘Japanese Day’.
AN early childhood education and childcare overhaul will roll out in Victoria over the next decade.
Four-year-old kinder will become Pre-Prep.
The Hillcrest VCE students were able to learn about Japan and experience a taste of Japanese culture. The occasion was highlighted by a visit from the wife of the Consulate-General of Japan, who shared a presentation about Japanese pop culture, which was greeted by enthusiasm by all present.
HILLCREST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 500 Soldiers Rd, Clyde North Enviro Reserve Quality and care are the hallmarks of a Hillcrest education. All that we do centres on having our students become women and men of vibrant faith, sound character, lifelong learners,andactivecitizens.
“The day began with a special tea ceremony, where students were able to make ‘matcha’ tea in both a traditional and modern style, as well as enjoy some Japanese sweets like ‘mochi’,” commented Mrs Kiko Arakawa the Hillcrest Japanese teacher.
HILLCREST Christian College Year 11 and 12 Japanese students, recently participated in a ‘Japanese Day’ on Wednesday, 20 July.
The Hillcrest students were also joined by students from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar in Warragul. The entire class and interactions were conducted in Japanese and the students were able to practise their mastery of the language with each other. The day concluded with the enjoyment of a ‘bento’ meal of their choice.“Itwas a fun-filled day and the students were able to work on their speaking skills in preparation for their VCE exams later in the year,” concluded Mrs Arakaw.
“At the same time, it will benefit hundreds of thousands of working families. Helping more mums and dads return to work on terms that work for them,” he Thirdly,said.theState Government will establish 50 government-owned and affordable integrated childcare centres in areas with the greatest unmet demand, with the first to open in 2025. Where possible, they’ll be co-located with schools to avoid the double-drop off, and alongside hospitals, TAFEs and major employers to create convenient access for working parents.
Hillcrest’s Japanese tea with dignitary
Kool Kidz Narre Warren is a purpose-built Early Learning, Childcare and Kindergarten facility that provides a safe, fun and exciting environment to explore, learn and grow in for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. excellence
Date: Tuesday 15 November.
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Education
Free parenting webinars Join webinars to learn parenting strategies.
Date: Tuesday 11 October.
Striving for care and
20 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au Phone 9705 1532 to speak with Janette or Maria to ENROL NOW 17 Cranbourne Road, Narre www.koolkidznarrewarren.com.auWarren CARING & FAMILY FRIENDLY Taking Enrolments for 2022 and 2023 12518747-NG50-21
Narre Warren early learning centre and kindergarten is a purposebuilt centre, privately owned and operated.It’sopen from 7am and 6pm and cares for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.The centre offers highly educational fully-funded 3 and 4-year-old kinder programs and natural, nurturing and stimulating learning environments. Its experienced and passionate educators provide music and movement, art and sport programs. Nutritional meals are cooked fresh daily on site. Book a tour today on 8753 7755, narrewarrenearlylearning.com.aureception@ or via Road,andNarrecom.au.www.narrewarrenearlylearning.WarrenEarlyLearningCentreKindergartenisat36-38VictoriaNarreWarren. The centreinclusivity.celebrates
NARRE Warren Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten is committed to each individual child in a nurturing way, enabling them to develop through play in a stimulating environment.Opencommunication between management, staff and families is encouraged for a shared vision. The centre is committed to the empowerment of all children and prides itself on the quality and passion of its experienced team - a team dedicated to enriching each child’s social/emotional, physical and cognitive development, through inspirational programs, offered within a safe learning environment. The centre’s goal is to support and nurture a child’s natural desire to be a life-long learner, and it’s committed to providing support and encouragement to its families and the localStrivingcommunity.forcare and excellence in education, Narre Warren Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten is inclusive and embraces other cultures and celebrates special events. This allows children to understand our diverse nation in a positive way.
■ Time: 6.30pm to 8pm. Playful Parenting Explore a fun approach to parenting and strengthen your relationship with your child. Connect with other caregivers and explore ways in which you can include playfulness in your parenting so that you and your child can thrive.
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■ Time: 6.30pm to 8pm. For registration and enquiries, callCFCCardinia@anglicarevic.org.aucontactor0457825076.
Date: Tuesday 13 September. ■ Time: 6.30pm to 8pm. Teaching Children to Emotionally Regulate Through all ages and stages of child development, we deal with complex emotions. It can be overwhelming for children andThisparents!webinar offers strategies to support your child when they are feeling out of sorts.
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ANGLICARE Victoria’s Communities for Children and Parentzone programs are offering webinars requested by parents, carers and volunteers. Dealing with Children’s Aggression As children grow and experience big feelings that they may not have the skills to manage. If your child is struggling with this and seeming aggressive, join this webinar. Connect with other caregivers, feel supported and develop strategies to cope.
ST Clare’s Catholic Primary School continues to grow and now has an enrolment of more than 550 students.
St Clare’s continues to go from strength to strength.
A topic of great current interest in education, and a most concerning one at that, is that of the teacher shortage facing Australia schools. This is not a new problem, nor is one peculiar to Australia alone. This really is a crisis in school education and does not bode well for the educational futures of our children.
Teachers scarce Education
Going from strength to strength
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 21 Enrol now for 2023 Call 5940 6777 to book a school tour St Clare’s Catholic Primary School Officer 95 Majestic Drive (PO Box 362) Phone 03 5940 6777 Email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au 12560963-MS36-22 Pr im a r y School • Award winning school in Robotics, Performing Arts, Environmental Projects and more • Lead School - Respectful Relationships • Innovative STEM program, including Augmented Reality, Coding & Robotics • Radio program & film making • Outstanding Community & Sensory Gardens • Out of zone enrolments welcome • Before & After School Care programs available SCHOOL EXCELLENCEOF 9709 www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.auBerwick.lodge.ps@education.vic.gov.au670012560964-DL36-22
St Clare’s job is to continue these life lessons and nurture the holistic development of each child. For the St Clare’s family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education; but so is religious education – developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass.Theschool encourages active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual communityBeingwellbeing.partoffaith-filledinstilsStClare’s students with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging and above all, a powerful sense of self-worth. Visit www.stclaresofficer.catholic. edu.au and take a ‘virtual tour’ to get a real feel for the school. School tours are also available. Call 5940 6777 to book a time. For all enquiries or to receive enrolment documentation, call 5940 6777 or email stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au.enrolments@
As part of the parish of St Patrick’s in Pakenham, the school is on site with the early learning centre and the Officer campus of St Francis Xavier College. This provides a seamless transition from early childhood to secondary education with state-of-the-art facilities.Eachlearning space has been designed by education awardwinning architects to provide a rich environment conducive to relevant, meaningful learning. Areas are spacious and wellresourced so as to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Before your children even come to school, you, as parents, have taught them so They’vemuch.learned to listen, to ask questions, to be filled with wonder, to say thank-you, to wash their hands, to pick up after themselves and to look out for each other.
acknowledged, there is no easy short-termReasonsfix.often cited by teachers as to why they leave the profession include - a lack of respect for the profession, intolerable work demands, poor career structures and low pay. The lack of respect for the profession is a most interesting one. Simply ‘talking up’ the profession, as has been tried in the past, has failed dismally. Words without action are simply window dressing and don’t fool anyone.Theshift to accountabilityincreasedandcomplianceinschools has certainly impacted on workload and the relatively low pay across the board in the profession remains a significant disincentive to embark on a teachingFurthermore,career.it does nothing to enhance the status of the profession.
One of the school’s current major developments is the substantial landscape works to incorporate further sport fields and playgrounds.
Henry SchoolBerwickPrincipalGrossekLodgePrimary
GIRLS can do anything, especially when it comes to physical activity. And there’s a whole week dedicated to
Every girl can This Girl Can – Victoria is an uplifting, energetic and empowering campaign. It’s designed to overcome the fear of judgement stopping too many girls and women from joining in and being active to improve their health.
We pride ourselves on being a Catholic, welcoming school where everyone is valued and respected. Our committed and professional staff provide a safe, caring environment where we aim to engender a love of learning in every student.
It has a message for all girls and women, no matter their age, background, size or abilities: focus on how physical activity makes you feel, instead of on your fears.
Ambassador Angela Dalla Rosa, from Burnside Heights, is taking a break from football this year, has taken up cricket in the role of captain, and also recently completed a marathon. Angela thought she was too uncoordinated to play sport until she saw her sister run a marathon, and realised she could too.
Chiquita, from Berwick, never thought she would be the kind of person to play sport, but things changed as she approached her forties.
At St Patrick’s, we have a dedicated staff who support and encourage our students and each other. Working as a team, we see the value in combining our talents and efforts to ensure the students are our number one priority and who are developing a passion for learning and a desire to be a responsible and a hard-working member of society.
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Now outrigger canoeing – or ‘waka ama’ – connects her to nature and her Polynesian culture. “It’s calming, you’re just looking towards the horizon, and once we get that stride, that’s when we fly,” she said. Every time she gets active, bodypositive personal trainer Natasha, from Monbulk, is blown away by how great she“Therefeels. are 100 reasons to exercise and trying to look a certain way doesn’t have to be one of them,” she said. Natasha once had doubts about running a fitness class because of how her body looked.
Education
This Girl Can research shows more than half of Victorian women are worried about being judged while exercising and 41 per cent of Victorian women were embarrassed to exercise in public.They worry about being judged for how they look, how good they are or how they prioritise their time.
“I’ve had my moments where I’ve gone, ‘should I really be running a fitness class – do I look fit enough?’” she said.“My body is my business card and it’s a bloody brilliant business card because it’s a real body – it’s not photoshopped, it’s not flawless, but it’s perfect!”
“We hope other women will relate to their struggles and triumphs and think ‘if she can, I can too’,” she said.
During This Girl Can Week, physical activity providers, clubs, gyms, facilities and organisations offer wayspark,beginner-friendlyfun,andcome-and-tryeventstohelpgetmoregirlsandwomenwalkingthroughtheirdoorsandtryingnewwaystogetactive.Whetherit’swalking,hiking,cyclingorchasingthekidsaroundthetherearefuntogetactivethis
22 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN Ph: 5943 9000 or email office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au to book a school tour 136 Princes Highway, Pakenham | www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au | (03) 5943 9000
AT St Patrick’s, we are lucky to have an incredible group of students who come from a wide variety of different cultural backgrounds.FromourSouth Sudanese to our Myanmar and Sikh communities plus many, many more, we are delighted to see the wonderful friendships and lifelong bonds that students make at our school.Weare a community of faith-filled people, who hold dear the values of respect, safety and co-operation. We listen to the Christian story and discuss how these stories can relate to the issues being faced by our students today.
Meg PrincipalEscalante, Support and encouragement
Local ambassadors across the state are leading the way and empowering girls and women to follow their lead.
“I realised it wasn’t like I was bad at sport, it’s just that I never gave myself the chance to be any good.”
Sue, from Murrumbeena, always wanted to play Australian rules football but was repeatedly told she couldn’t –at school, by her dad and even by her daughter.Inspired by the launch of AFLW, at 53 years old Sue finally made her footy debut.Sue has continued to play alongside five of the women she met at the original ‘come and try’ day for AFL Women’s Masters.
VicHealth social marketing and communications executive manager Rebecca Ahren said they were everyday women with real stories and realistic bodies.
St Patrick’s offers STEM, physical education and Japanese as part of our specialist program. The school runs speech programs with qualified speech pathologists and education support officers who are trained as speech therapy assistants in working with children. We run literacy intervention programs and also offer counselling and psychological services free of charge to the parents. There are qualified staff in student wellbeing who are dedicated to the cause of working with children with additional needs as well as supporting the teachers and families in ensuring success for all. Contact the office on 5943 9000 or email edu.auoffice@stppakenham.catholic.toarrangeaschooltour.TakecareandGodBless.
“As I believed in myself more, I thought ‘stuff it, I’ll give that a go’,” she said.
“At the age of 53 I debuted. It’s liberating to be breaking that stereotype that girls can’t do it.” She wished AFLW had been around when she was a kid, “‘cause I’d have been there in a flash”.
“I alternate between absolute exhilaration and fear of making a fool of myself,” she said.
Call for more information: 03 9088
“We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and respect that they are the traditional owners of the land.”
infor@nws.astraearlylearning.com.au 75
“Our educator team is passionate, nurturing and knowledgeable, and strives to form strong relationships with the families and the children from day one,” Vanda said. “Listening and learning from families about who each child is and how they can help them grow and learn.”
Astra Early Learning Narre Warren South is at 75 Shrives Road, Narre Warren South and is open 7am to 6.30pm. Call 9088 8887 or email astraearlylearning.com.auinfo@nws.
Bush kinder is programanotheron offer.
ASTRA Early Learning Narre Warren South provides a caring, loving, fun and friendly place for children and families to come each day. The centre opened in April last year, and offers three and four-year-old kinder programs run by bachelorqualifiedCentreteachers.manager Vanda Naidu is driven by “the diverse community and our unique environment”.
byDrivendiversity
At Astra Early Learning Narre Warren South, believe in providing a caring, loving, fun and friendly place for children and families to come to each day. 8887 Shrives Rd, Narre Warren
we
“We welcome all families, educators, members of the community and children with all abilities, learning styles, cultures, backgrounds and family dynamics,” she said. “We aim to inspire and educate children each day and it is the utmost importance to us to teach and respect the multitude of cultures and backgrounds that make up our Astra Early Learning Centre.
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 23
Astra Early Learning Narre Warren South runs music and sport incursions, clay workshops, a yoga and meditation program in its mindfulness room, bush kinder, and school holiday programs.Anon-site cook prepares nutritious meals and snacks, and the centre has spacious rooms, built-for-purpose amenities, and small class sizes.
South VIC 3805 Register Your Interest Here NARRE WARREN SOUTH Book your tour with us today... 12562416-SN33-22 Education
and
See the amazing track work and bridges and chat to our knowledgeable crew along the way. Make Walhalla Goldfields Railway your next family day out.
“Our trained beauty therapists and party hosts provide a wide range of beauty and spa treatments and amazing customer service.
Abstract portrait workshops at 10.30am and 1.30pm on Tuesdays 20 and 27 September invite children aged 7 and up to create portraits limited only by their imaginations and what they can do with cardboard. All materials will be provided. Tickets are $15 per child. Kids aged 7 and up can create a three-dimensional hanging portrait at workshops on Wednesdays 21 and 28 September at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets are $15. Clay pot workshops on Thursdays 22 and 29 September invite kids aged 7-plus to make a figurative pot with air dryAnclay.artist educator will guide participants through the process - no experience is required. The workshops will run at 10.30am and 1.30pm, and cost $15. In the hands of Junkyard Beats, ordinary household items are transformed into extraordinary musical instruments, and unwanted junk comes alive in exciting and surprising ways. The Box Show will hit the stage at 6pm on Friday 23 September, designed to excite kids aged 5-plus and adults alike.Tickets are $18 each, or $16 each for groups of four or more. Following on, The Box Show Workshop at 10.30am on Saturday 24 September invites children aged 5-plus and adults to band together and create their own Junkyard Orchestra.
Trains operate 11am, 1pm and 3pm 12562126-ET36-22
Inspirationforartists
24 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au
Come experience
One person’s trash proves another’s treasure as highly energetic music-ineducation performers combine drumming, dance, theatre and comedy to create a unique and captivating experience. Tickets are $5. Visit www.bunjilplace.com.au for tickets.
Trains depart Walhalla at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday weekly, and daily during school holidays. Bookings can be made at www. walhallarail.com.au. Call 5165 6280 for more information.
Walhalla
Walhalla Goldfields Railway
RailwayGoldfields
THE Pamper Party Factory specialises in pamper parties for princesses and princes, right through to queens. The owners said they were excited that the factory was the first of its kind in Australia.Theydescribed it as a magical world of pure indulgence and pampering for adults and a wonderland of excitement and fun for kids who just want to be a princess for a day.From pamper spa and makeover rooms to a high tea lunch lounge, a selfie area and arts and crafts room with virtual multimedia in each room, along with an adult tranquil room for pure relaxation - perfect for ladies nights.“We cater for little girls/boys pamper parties, teen makeup workshops, ladies nights, hens nights, special occasions, birthdays, baby showers, school holiday workshops, and corporate events,” a spokesperson said.“We offer an indulgent and fun-filled party experience where our clients receive five-star treatment and are treated like VIPs!”
The free activity will run 10am to 6pm Saturday to Wednesday, and 10am to 9pm Thursday and Friday, from 3 September to 14 October.
“We can cater for children and adults for large groups,” the spokesperson said.
The Pamper Party Factory is at Factory 6/1441 South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne.
The Pamper Party Factory runs parties every Saturday from its Cranbourne location, along with school holiday workshops and monthly events, including Mum and Me and Ladies Night sessions from its Berwick location.
Pampering without lifting a finger
SPEND an unforgettable day with the family at Walhalla Goldfields Railway. Relax and take in the breathtaking views as the train winds its way through the spectacular Stringers Gorge on what is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys.Departing the historic Walhalla Station on your one-hour journey you will travel through the station yards with the sheer, stunning cliff face on one side and the winding Stringers Creek on the other side. Winding through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station you cross seven bridges which in themselves are a marvel of engineering before reaching the spectacular Thomson RiverUponbridge.arrival at Thomson Station passengers disembark and have the opportunity to peruse the station and surroundings before re-boarding for your return journey. For young train buffs, we also offer a Ride in the Cab Experience for a small extra fee. Get up front and experience a different perspective from the vantage point of the locomotive cab.
OPEN DAILY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
“Let the Pamper Party Factory take the stress away and provide a pampering experience that will not be forgotten!“Youdon’t have to lift a finger!”
A magical world of pure indulgence and pampering.
BUDDING artists will find plenty of inspiration and help to hone their skills at Bunjil Place this school holidays. After a visit to the Archibald Prize, they can spend time exploring their own creativity at the Young Archie Making Hub.
Education
Huddy enjoys a ride.
Leigh, Jasmine and Swati of Croc’s Playcentre in Pakenham.
WITH play facilities designed by specialists to accommodate children of all ages, Croc’s Playcentre Pakenham is the place for kids, parents and family to hang out and have fun.
Croc’s Playcentre hosts special events and social nights for sporting clubs and education providers, and is always open to assisting with fundraising. For more information or to book a party, visit crocsplaycentre.com.auwww.pakenham.orcall 5902 3674.
MY Puzzle House is an all abilities play centre created by a local family. The inspiration for building this centre came from a little boy named Rayne who is Mandi’s son and Robyn’s grandson.Raynewas unable to attend ordinary play centres and participate in group activities, which is why the decision to make My Puzzle House was not a hard one.The weekend social program is a real hit with kids and parents. This program takes place on Saturdays, where parents can drop off their kids with My Puzzle House’s experienced support workers and they will care for them, encourage play with other kids, help to work on the child’s goals, and give parents the muchneeded respite they require. Wednesday morning there is a playgroup for ages zero to pre-school. This is a really fun session for the little ones to engage with peers, but also great for parents and carers to catch up. My Puzzle House has been specifically designed around inclusion regardless of ability. The open play sessions are really popular with families because there is something for everyone to do. There is a flying fox, foam pit, five-point harness disability swing, calming sensory room, a bunch of swings and much more. The goal for My Puzzle House is to become a place where everyone feels included and supported.
The staff at My Puzzle House are here to support parents, carers, and their children.Theywelcome a chat over the counter, and if you require assistance in the play area they are always ready to jump in and help. Contact My Puzzle House, Pakenham on 5611 0404 or mypuzzlehouse.com.au.
The House has recently started speech therapy services and is looking towards starting occupational therapy services in the near future.
Play for all abilities
As a successful party venue and daytime activity for kids, Croc’s Playcentre has a dedicated soft play section for babies as well as a toddler area separate from the big kids’ main playThearea.exciting range of kids’ themed party rooms include exclusive interactive party options, and party packages that can be tailored to your child’s specific hopes and dreams.
“We provide a safe and clean environment for the little ones - our friendly staff are there to ensure that they accommodate your needs and make your visit a joyful one,” owner Swati Siotia said.
It’s croc and roll time!
Entertainment
The onsite Muffin Break cafe will provide parents with that muchneeded caffeinated drink while the kids play, and also provides a large range of freshly made food items, providing wholesome, healthy options for the whole family. Driven by the smiling faces of both big and small customers, the Croc’s Playcentre team strives to make every visit to the centre a happy and memorable experience.
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 25 School holiday activities with Cardinia Cultural Centre Activities include: Victorian State Ballet – The Nutcracker Wednesday 21 September Free kids workshops Tuesdays and Fridays + Kids movies in the theatre For more information and ticket sales, you can visit www.cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au or call our team on 1300 887 624. Fun for everyone! 12561585-SN36-22
Florence was too young to comprehend, so it was Bobby that I had to focus those gentle conversations with more and his emotional maturity is so advanced, he took it on board so well. What did you learn from the experience that other parents might find valuable? That kids certainly notice more than what you give them credit for. Bobby often knew things already before we told him and he would pick up a lot of our conversations in moments where we thought we were talking quietly or out of reach of their ears. Don’t treat them as naive. Be open and transparent with them but always speak about the other person with respect.Inany moments Jaryd and I even became heated, we were always able to put our egos aside and say ‘can we step outside for this conversation?’ or continue it later in order to save the kids from any distress through difficult moments. How did you introduce them to Maddie, and how did they react to seeing you with someone new? Very easily. When she first started coming around, I assume they thought she was just another of Mummy’s friends. They took to her SO well (and even at times when we had broken up and were apart, they continually asked about her and when they could see her again).Asour relationship developed, I asked them how they felt about her living with us and they were so excited. Bobby asked ‘is Maddie now my step-mum?’ and I said ‘Maddie can be whatever you want her to be, darling’. I imagine your kids were less fussed about you having a female partner than many fans and followers werewas that the case? Absolutely! My kids didn’t even bat an eyelid, and that’s simply down to the parenting Jaryd and I provided them with from such a young age. Even as a happily married couple and before I discovered my sexuality, we openly spoke about all types of humans in our home - whether that be gender-based, cultural, identity or sexuality - and the need to accept humans as they are. My kids have been raised to know and accept humans in all forms, and as we both have quite a lot of friends in the LGBTQIA+ community, there was no shock factor when I said ‘Mummy has a girlfriend’.Kidsonly have prejudice and judgment if it’s taught to them, and that didn’t exist within our home. How have you navigated co-parenting with Jaryd, Maddie and Jacinta, both in logistics and being on the same page with discipline? Discipline is difficult, but that’s not because we are separated, that’s simply down to being humans and all being wiredJaryddifferently!andIwould parent and discipline differently at times even when we were married, so that hasn’t changed now we are apart.
SOPHIE Cachia is a Melbourne mum, entrepreneur and author with a huge social media following. Meeting basketballer Maddie Garrick while happily married to former AFL player Jaryd Cachia turned her life upside down, as detailed in her new memoir Then There Was Her. Soph spoke to Casey Neill about navigating her new-look family life with son Bobby, daughter Florence, fiance Maddie, and Jaryd and his partner Jacinta.
Sophie Picture:Cachia.Regina Karon, Karon Photography Sophie and Maddie with Bobby and Florence. Maddie and Sophie with Florence and Bobby.
26 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au
Finding
How and what did you tell Bobby and Floss about the end of your marriage to Jaryd? It was a gentle and slow approach not only for them, but because the reality was it was also something we needed to do softly to ourselves too. I recall having a discussion with Bobby about Daddy possibly having his own house one time, and that Bobby would have not one but TWO bedrooms which he was excited about.We’ve always been very upfront and honest that just because we wouldn’t be ‘married’ anymore, that we are always family and highlighted the different types of ‘families’ that exist.
new family It’sYourLife
I have a more gentle approach, a more ‘sit down and communicate’ style of discussions, feelings and why someone may have behaved in a way.Jaryd is more traditional ‘right from wrong’ and that’s OK - we are allowed to beButdifferent.regardless of our styles, we all have the same end goal and it’s to encourage our children to be the best versions of themselves they can be, knowing that as humans we all make mistakes along the way. What advice would you give other parents navigating ‘unconventional’ family units? I strongly believe the word conventional family is soon going to be a thing of the past. Yes, they will still exist, but all families - no matter how they present - should be accepted. Nothing has changed about the fact I am their mother and Jaryd is their father. We just live separate lives now but we still love and care for our children. What’s your favourite thing about being a mum? That no matter how sh***y, stressed or tired I feel, a cuddle at the end of your day from your children can instantly put everything into perspective and make it all go away. What aspect of motherhood have you found most challenging? Honestly - right now - it’s keeping up with school commitments, homework, excursions, after school sports etc! Bobby’s only 8 and Florence is just 5, and I feel like it’s stepped up a notch and I am hopeless at keeping up-todate with school admin. I know it’s only going to get busier the older they get, so please send help haha!
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Maddie, Florence, Bobby and Sophie.
I don’t really think Florence gets it, but Florence is more often than not in Florence’s world so that doesn’t surprise me haha. Bobby is a super cool, quirky kid who loves gaming and collectables and tells me he wants his own YouTube channel one day.
Florence will most definitely end up on Broadway! Was your kids one day reading your book on your mind as you wrote it, and did that make you change anything? It honestly didn’t cross my mind during the entire process, but if that day comes, it doesn’t bother me. I wouldn’t put things in a book that I was uncomfortable with anyone reading, including my children. I encourage them to own their lives and be proud of who they are regardless, so I act exactly the same and own my story. What do you hope other parents take away from your book? That true love is allowing your children to be whoever they want to be. To know that life can change at any point, even when you didn’t necessarily want it or chose it to. That you can still love someone so deeply, but not romantically. That respectful co-parenting situations can exist - you just have to both make that choice. That there are no rules in life - it is yours to write. Bobby, Florence and Sophie.
Bobby and Floss clearly have a beautiful bond. How do you foster that? The way I love them, I hope, fosters that love amongst each other. They are your typical siblingsbickering and fighting over who gets the blue cup at dinner and who gets the bloody yellow - but in moments of sadness, the way I see the other look after their sibling shows me that I am doing something right. I teach them to love with respect and boundaries, allowing mistakes to be made and forgiveness to be provided; to respect each other’s things and spaces. Words such as ‘fat’, ‘idiot’, ‘loser’ etc are strictly banned in our home and their vocabulary. How do you talk to your kids about your fame, and potentially following in your footsteps? I really don’t talk about it, they just pick up on it. Kids at school regularly tell Bobby that ‘my mum follows your mum on Instagram’ or ‘we have your mum’s pjs at home’ so he’s used to it.
Join the
CATHY-LEA Studios is celebrating 30 years in Casey in 2022 and wants new students to join in. Enrolments are now open for all ages and abilities via cathy-lea.com.
Opening Night Supplies is located at Shop 2/32 Treloar Lane, Pakenham. For more information, visit www. openingnightsupplies.com or call 5941 5713.Opening hours are Monday to Tuesday, 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, and Saturday, 9am to 1.30pm. Melanie, Melinda and Jess.
Class rates are reasonable with family discounts and special unlimited class passes available. All students have opportunities to perform in concerts and soirees. Exams and competitions are optional.Withmore than 150 classes per week in dance, music and drama on offer, Cathy-Lea is sure to have a class to meet each student’s needs.
Contact Cathy on cathy-lea@cathy-lea.com or 9704 7324, or visit cathy-lea.com to book a free trial class.
communityCathy-Lea
With more than 150 classes per week on offer, Cathy-Lea is sure to have a class that meets your needs.
The elite training program at Cathy-Lea offers talented and dedicated students extension training, performance opportunities and preparation for performing arts careers. Teachers are professional performing artists, highly qualified coaches and master educators. All-abilities fun classes develop confidence, co-ordination, fitness and friendships. New 16-plus classes offer young adults with prior dance training the opportunity to dance for fun and Cathy-Leafitness.graduates have studied at the Australian Ballet School, the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Brent Street studios in Sydney, Patrick Studios Australia, Melbourne City Ballet Company, The Ministry of Dance, Kelly Aykers Studios and Dance Spectrum, as well as performing professionally in Australia and overseas.
PartyTime
28 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au We doubledhavein size Shop contact details: ph: 03 5941 5713 Shop 2, 32 Treloar Lane, Pakenham 3810 online: www.openingnightsupplies.com NEW Pointe shoe fitting area NOW OPEN Personalised Pointe fitting service 12537295-BL11-22 12536348-JC11-22 Opening Night has all your costume needs ARE you Maybeexam-ready?youneedribbons sewn on your ballet shoes? Do you have your next costume organised?Areyou getting excited for your upcoming concerts? It is a very exciting time within the community with many performers preparing for exams and upcoming competition and concert performances. Opening Night Supplies works closely with studio owners near and far to ensure it stocks all your studio’s preferences, priding themselves on a high quality of service and offering a wide range of products and brands. Costuming is in high demand and the team is always working on ready-towear options that are available to purchase in-store only. You do need to get in quick as these pieces are snapped up quickly. Staff are also happy to suggest options to further enhance costumes you might already have. Visit them in-store to see their huge range of fabrics, applique lace pieces, AAA quality crystals and rhinestones.
Offering tuition in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary dance, hip hop, lyrical, acrobatics, drama, singing, musical theatre and instrumental music, Cathy-Lea has been a leader in performing arts training in Melbourne’s south-east since 1991. Scores of graduates have pursued careers in performance and thousands have gained confidence, co-ordination, fitness, friendships and a love of performing arts from their training at Cathy-LeaRenownedStudios.for its high standards, disciplined classes, and friendly, expert staff, Cathy-Lea encourages students of all abilities to shine using recognised syllabi and affiliations with professional associations including Cecchetti International Ballet, The Australian Teachers of Dancing, Ausdance VIC and AMEB. Cathy-Lea is also a provider of VCE and VET Dance.Thehighly awarded Ready Set Dance and Ready Set Ballet pre-school programs teach confidence, co-ordination and creativity to boys and girls aged two to five. Classes are jam-packed with engaging music, bright props and fun routines. New pre-school acro classes teach basic tumbling and co-ordination skills.
PAINT a Pot Art Studio is bringing people together for the shared purpose of being creative. With a great soft play area and hundreds of shapes to choose from, Paint a Pot has the piece of pottery to make your child’s next birthday a memorable one. Paint a Pot caters to kids of all ages - big and small, young and old - with a wide selection of pottery options. The on-site cafe allows the grownups and spectators to relax, and enjoy a coffee while the kids are in their creative element.
Paint and party
Bounce in for party fun
Also on offer are kid’s art classes and the keepsake casting of hands, feet and even little paws. There are ready-to-paint ceramics for all ages.
At the end of the party, guests can choose to take their piece home straight away, or leave it overnight to be fired for collection the next day. There are ready-to-paint ceramics for all ages from pots, plates, bowls and mugs to animal figurines.
PartyTime
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 29 12562862-MS36-22 Pamper Party Factory Pamper Parties for princesses big and small! pampermeprettyparties.com or 1300 711 072 Minis Teens Juniors Hens Bridal OUR CHILD FRIENDLY VENUE O FFERS A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS: - a large range of CERAMICS animals/ characters to cater for all children to paint as they wish! - a SOFT PLAY area for kids of all ages - a full CAFE with lots of variety for kids and adults to get through a busy art filled day! - art classes for kids from ages 5-12. - choose from one of our amazing PARTY PACKAGES and let us do all the work so you and your guests can enjoy yourselves! Paint a Pot KIDS Paint a 12562087-MS36-22 4/1 Vesper Drive, Narre Warren Ph: 8794 9997 • www.paintapot.com.au Follow us on @paint.a.pot and Paint a Pot Narre Warren 12561319-JW31-22 12561320-JC36-22 GREAT OFFERS AVAILABLE NOW PAKENHAM Unit 10, 99 Bald Hill Road, Pakenham • Ph: 5902 3674 FREE $50 Food Platter With party bookings* $100 PrivateOFFHire* *Conditions Apply valid until December 2022 BOOK OUR PARTY NOW AT www.crocsplaycentre.com.au 12562983-ET36-22 All Abilities Play Centre • Open Play • Parties • Excursions (kinders, schools, day programs) • Disability Support Workers (in home, community and at My Puzzle House) • Weekend Social Program (drop off) • Wednesday Play Group • School Holiday Program (drop off) • Speech Therapy 2/5 Embrey Ct, Pakenham (03) 5611 0404 www.mypuzzlehouse.com.au 12562426-SN36-22
The studio can also be hired for adult art social events. Teachers conduct a range of classes such as resin art, resin jewellery, acrylic pouring and chalk masterpieces.
AARDY’S Jumping Castles has been in operation since 2000 and delivers quality inflatables at affordable rates. Cutting edge jumping castles and amusement rides are available for private parties, corporate events, fetes, festivals and markets. The company has industry-leading safety procedures, fully compliant equipment and top staff. Aardy’s jumping castles are perfect to help celebrate any occasion and will entertain the young and young at heart for hours on end. Online bookings are available. Check www.bouncebookings.com.au for Calldetails.0402 131 609 or email CastleYouaardysjumpingcastles.com.info@cannotgopastAardy’sJumpingSpecialists,locatedinHallam.
And after they have explored their creativity, they can run off the last of their energy in the soft play area.
The club uses gymnastics-based activities as a tool for kids to learn how to move their body and develop physical, social and emotional competence to thrive now and in the future.
Melbourne Acrobatic Gymnastics Academy’s team of staff and coaches have been hand-picked to come together to cultivate a nurturing and positive environment for all members and families.
The park’s future was outlined in a Casey Council master plan released in July.Short-term concepts included replacing and relocating the visitor centre, upgrading and expanding the car park, and adding a water canal garden from the front entrance to lead visitors to Lilypad Lake and Anniversary Lake.Accessible ramps, renovating the lily pad lake and upgrades to sewerage, electricity and utilities were also included in phase one plans, along with WiFi and lighting. A new cafe/restaurant, kitchen, alfresco dining area, toilets and a changing area, plus indoor and outdoor multipurpose spaces, as a mid-term proposal.Akitchen garden, fern garden, seasonal garden, perennial garden and Hoo Hoo tower garden were also included in phase two plans. Looking toward the long-term future, elevated walkways give visitors a dynamic ‘treetop’ experience and a geoheritage walkway would give them closer access to the historical basalt rock face and Educationfossils.was another vital element in the masterplan, with a series of ’learning pods’ and education program expansion proposed.
30 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au (03) 9789 9697 6 Furlong CranbourneSt,West 3977 MELBOURNE ACROBATICS AND ACADEMYGYMNASTICS 12561711-JC36-22
OLD and new friends of Berwick’s hidden gem - Wilson Botanic Parkunited to celebrate its 30th birthday on 8 July.Council staff and dedicated locals known as the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park transformed the old basalt quarry site into a 39-hectare park in the late 1980s.Today it welcomes more than 600,000 visitors each year and is home to more than 1000 native and exotic plant species. A place of refuge for many local families throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Friends member David Pearce said the park was, “one of the few places left where people smile and say hello when they pass you”. Local pioneers George and Faye Wilson donated the park’s northern section to the then-Berwick Council in 1973.The council bought the southern section in 1985, planning for the park began, and the Friends formed in 1989.
Casey Council CEO Glenn Patterson said David Wilson, George and Faye’s son, told him it was “wonderful to see the vision my parents have come to life in such a transformative way”.
Park marks a milestone
Kirsty Lottkowitz was Mayor when the park opened and sent a message from Cairo, Egypt. “I love that it continues to be a refuge in suburbia and a place with a strong community heart,” she said. City of Casey team leader Janet Reid has worked at the park for five years, connecting and activating the community in the park. “This became the place they could go,” she said about the Covid lockdowns.“Wehave heard stories after stories ‘if it wasn’t for this place I wouldn’t have made“Peopleit’. could get outside and walk with a friend. All of that was their saving grace.”
Josh and Lachie from Berwick.
The academy caters for ages 1 and up.
The academy holds its core values as incredibly important and knows this makes all the difference.
Dane, Abbey and Oscar.
MELBOURNE Acrobatic Gymnastics Academy is a privately-owned acrobatics and gymnastics club in Melbourne’s South East, established in 2018.Itis a registered club in Cranbourne West, affiliated with Gymnastics Australia.Eachof its passionate coaches holds a national accreditation to ensure all of its members are in the best hands.
The club uses gymnastics to teach kids to move their body.
It believes in a holistic approach to movement, and has created both recreational and competitive programs for boys and girls of all abilities from the age of 1, with the intentions of being totally inclusive, engaging and fun.
Gymnastics teaches lessons for life
Janet Reid has watched the park’s use change.
ActiveKids
REFRESH your child’s wardrobe for spring with trendy threads from Billy Lidz.The leading Berwick boutique is filled to the brim with clothing, accessories, shoes, toys and great gifts. Billy Lidz stocks leading Australian designer children’s and baby clothing brands and overseas favourites, including Mnster Kids and Quincy Mae.
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 31 Fashion
Spring fashion fix The store also stocks hand-knitted dolls from cuddle + kind, a brand that gives 10 meals to children in need for every doll sold. Visit the boutique at Blackburne Square, Berwick, or check out the range via the online www.lovemybillylidz.com.au.store,
32 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 33 OPEN Mon - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm Shop 6, Blackburne Square, Berwick Phone: 9707 5593 SPRING SEASON IN STORE NOW PLUS GREAT GIFT IDEAS 12561040-ET36-22
34 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au DINING OUT 12562836-AI36-22 Come in and grab a delicious pie and hot coffee or choose from our great range of cakes and pastries 145 Main street, Pakenham The AustralianGreatBakehouse,Pakenham P: 5941 3262 Open 7 days early until 3pm 12563749-JW36-22 Café now open Wed Sun for all day breakfast & lunch, plus dinner every second Friday. 12562584-AV36-22 YourDestinationCommunity 18 Golden Green St. www.thelimeboxcafe.com.auPakenhamPh:0466839944 Our youth trainee team serve gourmet roasted coffee, specialty teas, cakes, slices, salads, pies and more. Table service, takeaway and catering. Gluten free, dairy free and vegan. Our boutique providore offers a small selection of corporate gifts and specialty local produce. Open for breakfast and lunchMonday to Friday 12552357-HC24-22 AHA 2021 HEAD CHEF OF THE YEAR AWARD LUNCH: 11:45AM - 2PM DINNER: 5.30PM - 8PM BOTTLE SHOP OPEN: 10AM - 8PM Cardinia Park Hotel would like to thank all our customers for their continued support & invite any new customers to give us a try. P: 9707 1188 For menu and specials go to www.cardiniaparkhotel.com.au or Cardinia Park Hotel 200 Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd, Beaconsfield 12537363-SG11-22 Saturday, 3 December,2022 SAVE THE DATE 12562839-DL36-22 WHAT’S ON AT CLUB OFFICER WWW.CLUBOFFICER.COM.AU Scan the QR code with your smart phone to see what’s happening at your favourite local! Some offers are exclusive to PRC Rewards Members. If you are not currently a member, you can sign up for FREE in venue today! See our friendly staff for more information! 12563718-MS36-22 12563145-JW36-22
Experienced doctor Icarus Skin Cancer Clinic’s highly skilled skin cancer doctor, Dr Bruce Lim, has a understandingcomprehensiveofskincancer and treatment, acquired from years of additional study beyond a medical degree.Hisexperience gives you confidence that he will accurately diagnose and treat skin concerns in a safe medical environment. His breadth of knowledge and treatment of patients, and expertise ensure the highest standards of professionalism and safety.
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au SPRING 2022 35 ICARUS SKINCLINICCANCER Suite 4, Ground Floor, Hollander House, 352 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup To make an appointment please call 1800 422 787 or book online at icarusskincancerclinic.com.au NO REFERRAL REQUIRED INTRODUCING OUR NEW DOCTOR Dr. Bruce Lim 12562772-RC33-22 Join our 20% OFF VIP Club EVERYTHING FOR YOUR FAMILIES WELL BEING Now stocking a large range of children’s supplements and baby care products. All your daily organic needs from toothpaste to cosmetics. Allergy needs and gluten free options. Resident practitioner available by appointment at both Pakenham and Drouin. Coffee window for your daily coffee hit. 12562324-MS36-22 128 Main Street, Pakenham | Ph: 5940 1233 49 Princes Way, Drouin | Ph: 5625 4344
Health
Bruce has undertaken significant further training in the field of skin cancer medicine and is accredited by the Skin Cancer College of Australasia.Hehasdeveloped skills in skin cancer surgery including facial surgery, skin flaps (including nose, ears and lower leg repairs) and skin grafting.Heisalso passionate about promoting sun awareness and skin cancer prevention with his patients.
Technology Using dermatology software powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Icarus Skin Cancer Clinic can capture high quality digital images of your skin and record exact detail for future comparison monitoring suspicious lesions for any changes, resulting in earlier diagnoses so you can avoid unnecessary procedures. Need a skin check?
Anyone with changing spots, or spots that look very different to others on their body, should have them assessed by an accredited skin cancer doctor as soon as possible. Even if you are unsure if your spots have changed, it’s worth having a doctor check your skin to ensure nothing is amiss. If you have a history of sunburn, multiple spots, previous skin cancer, or a family history of melanoma, you are at risk of skin cancer. The same is true if your family has light-coloured skin, even if you yourself have darker skin. Remember that the damage might have been done when you were young, so just because you don’t get sunburnt any more, it doesn’t mean you’re safe from skin cancer.Early detection and treatment is essentialMelanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia, and more people are being diagnosed with skin cancer every year. The good news is that, if detected early, there is about a 99 per cent chance of survival as the melanoma can be confined to the skin.
Delayed diagnosis, however, may result in the melanoma spreading to other parts of the body. Once this occurs, it becomes a highly aggressive cancer which makes it difficult to treat. Unfortunately, melanomas don’t present symptoms so the only way to find them is to examine your skin.
To make an appointment, call 5925 2000 or book online Kooweerup.352HollanderGroundClinicIcarusHotDoc/DrBruceLim.atSkinCancerisatSuite4,Floor,House,RossiterRoad,
Early skin treatmentdetectioncancerandessential
All the store needs is a name and number and you’ll receive a text reminder the day before. The store is open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. Call The Health Barn with any enquiries or to book your appointments with Sabine on 5940 1233. Keep up to date on Instagram at the. health.barn or Facebook at The Health Barn.
The Health Barn’s resident practitioner? Sabine Flenady is available by appointment at both Pakenham and Drouin. She has more than 20 years’ experience in immunology, herbology, homeopathy and iridology. She works with adults, kids and even animals to help improve a huge variety of health concerns.Comeand grab a coffee at The Health Barn’s coffee window, open 8am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays. It’s the perfect pre or post-school drop-off treat.
Dr Bruce Lim.
A full-body skin check by an accredited skin cancer doctor is the best aid in early diagnosis.
CELEBRATING one year of trading this month, The Health Barn Pakenham has seen some significant changes these past 12 months. If you are yet to check out the store’s new look it’s time to head down and see how its friendly staff can help you. With its sister store located in Drouin, no matter where you live The Health Barn has a store close to you. Since launching The Health Barn Pakenham in August last year, the store has recruited hundreds of new brands andHaveproducts.youmet
Health Barn Pakenham owner Ebony Ankers.
One year of The Health Barn
The coffee window caters for all of your allergy needs with alternative milks, keto snacks, gluten-free options and much more. It’s time for a coffee and snack.AtThe Health Barn, it’s a real family affair.Father and daughter-owned, the store understands families and what they need.Itnow stocks a large range of kids supplements, baby care products and everything in between. Check out the grocery section, snacks, skincare, natural cleaning products, eco alternatives and more.Get amongst the excitement of The Health Barn’s twice monthly sale days, with 20 per cent off storewide every first Wednesday of the month, plus a pop-up Saturday sale once a month (excluding cafe and breads).
By Casey Neill
$14.99 Hachette Australia
ARABELLA’S Alphabet Adventure features a book taking a daring adventure and learning she’s perfect just the way she is.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
“I also loved the challenge of whittling my words down to the ones that really counted and conveying big ideas in just a few hundred words. “It’s harder than it looks because picture books are read over and over and out loud.“Read anything that often and you’ll see every flaw.”
$24.99 Penguin
Chippy Chasers: Chippy Jackpot Who loves a delicious, hot, salty chippy? Seagull mates Steve-O, Stanley and Stacey do . . . A hilarious graphic novel for readers aged 6+ from actor, animator and Tiktok sensation Sam Cotton. On a sunny Sydney wharf, Stacey and Stanley watch enviously as customers feed on as many hot salty chippies as they want. Fed up with having to scab for scraps with all the other seagulls, they seek out legendary chippy thief Steve-O to help them pull off the ultimate heist . . . But first they’ll have to get past a seagull-hating chippy chef, deal with some bully bin chickens, and convince the World’s Best Chippy Chaser to overcome his dark past and join the team.
A beautifully illustrated title chock- full of fascinating animal facts from our bestselling, CBCA awardwinning Tasmanian children’s author/illustrator, Jennifer Cossins, that focuses on 25 animal species from Australia and around the world with intriguing migration Didjourneys.youknow that Arctic terns have the longest migration of all birds, flying from the Arctic to Antarctica and back each year? Or that the wildebeest migration in east Africa is so vast it can be seen from outer space? Come along on these amazing animal journeys! Perfect for readers aged 7+ who delight in learning about the animal kingdom and the world around them.
Children’s books...
$14.99 Penguin
$15.99 Penguin
Books A
withinbookabook
Thank You, Teacher from The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show your teachers how much you appreciate them in this colorful book of thanks featuring The Very Hungry ShowCaterpillar.friends and family how much you appreciate them with the Very Hungry Caterpillar’s colorful book of Perfectthanks.for any day of the year, this charming book of pictures is the colorful way to tell loved ones “thanks!” Featuring art from the World of Eric Carle, this joyful book follows The Very Hungry Caterpillar and celebrates all that makes us most thankful.
“I’m an ABC book and that’s all I’ll ever be,” Arabella complained to her capital C. Hers is the most beautiful and most borrowed book in the library - but only ever by children, often those with sticky fingers.“Arabella forgets she is special. She longs for words and paragraphs,” Melbourne author Suzy Zail said. “She wants to be adored by adults so she travels to Africa as a stowaway in search of a better life, only to learn that she is perfect - and loved - just the way she is.
“We so often forget to be grateful for what we have, especially with the pervasiveness of social media and the constant pull to compare ourselves to people whose lives look shinier.
“Arabella’s Alphabet Adventure is a gentle reminder to love ourselves and those around us; to learn to live in the moment and find happiness in the things we already have, and to recognise that we all have value.”
When she wrote Arabella, Suzy had small children who devoured books. “I’d read them stories and we’d all escape for a while, so the library was our happy place and the perfect setting for my first picture book,” she said. “Books had always kept me company, even as a small child, so it wasn’t a stretch to make my main character an ABC book who longs for adventure.”
The third children’s book by bestselling mindset author and two-time Olympian, Matthew Syed, will help readers to find their voice, flex their social superpowers, and speak up with kindness and confidence. What if you could disagree with someone without it turning into the argument of the century? I’m here to tell you that it can be done. What Do YOU Think? will help young readers to discover what is influencing their ideas, from peer pressure to fake news. They’ll learn how to form and change opinions, and how to debate their views with empathy.
Author Suzy Zail.
“I’d only ever written books for adults and teens and was grateful for the opportunity to work with an illustrator (Christopher Nielsen) and engage with young children,” she said.
Suzy is quite happy for her book to land on the kids’ shelf, susceptible to sticky fingers.
$12.99 Hachette Australia AMAZING JOURNEYSANIMAL
Dirt by Sea Explore our wonderful coastline and the joy of a family roadtrip with Dad and Daisy! Featuring 40 pages of extraordinary comic-style illustrations, this unique picture book will have you dreaming of a holiday around Australia or maybe even planning a van life with the help of the journey map in the endpapers.
36 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au
The hugely popular creators of Why I Love Footy and Why I Love Summer are back together with a moving family story that is also a true celebration of what we love most about the Australian landscape, family holidays and classic Kombi vans. Daisy lives in inland Australia with her dad and her grandparents. It’s home, and she loves the red dirt land around her.
SPRING 2022 37
“It has play areas for children of all ages and features a slide, money cars, climbing frames and swings,” Cr Owen said.The reserve is in Kathleen Court, Beaconsfield.
New Beacy play space
At its official opening, Kath’s grandchildren Elizabeth Markham and Andrew Downey planted a tree in her honour, with then-Cardinia Shire Mayor BrettKath’sOwen.family owned and operated the local post office and store in the 1930s and ‘40s and lived in a house on the corner of Woods Street and Beaconsfield Avenue.
Kath Roberts’s grandchildren Elizabeth Markham and Andrew Downey plant a tree in her honour with then-Mayor Brett Owen.
140 PakenhamBoulevard,
12553275-AI24-22 Three Locations: Ballan, Cockatoo, Coldstream Ph: 1800 813 395 Book online at www.paintballgames.com.au 12433523-SG50-19 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm 9330 0702 www.seortho.com.au Suite 5, Level 1/18-24 Clyde Rd, Berwick12486258-SN13-21 12563997-JW36-22 280 Berwick- Cranbourne Rd, Clyde www.shoppingonclyde.com.au 12563541-JW36-22 Call for more information: 03 9088 8887 info@nws.astraearlylearning.com.au 75 Shrives Rd, Narre Warren South VIC 3805 NARRE WARREN SOUTH 12563802-AI36-22 WHAT’S ON FOR THE FAMILY THIS SPRING Roll down the road to Bunjil Place for the most unreal family entertainment in the south east! For bookings and more information, jump onto bunjilplace.com.au or phone 9709 9700 Information is correct at the time of printing. For current details please check our website. 12563995-SN36-22 12563797-HC36-22 36-38 Victoria Road, Narre Warren Ph: 8753 7755 www.narrewarrenearlylearning.com.au CuriousEmpoweringMinds StMargarets.vic.edu.au 12509547-CG37-21
By Gabriella Payne
ActiveKids
Windermere
AN upgraded playground featuring Cardinia Shire Council’s first double climbing cube is in Beaconsfield. The Kath Roberts Reserve playground now also features shelters, seating, landscaping and connecting concrete pathways. The colourful playground features the double climbing cube with a basket swing in the centre, plus a monkey bar and turn-over bar unit.
www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au
27 SEPTEMBER
23 OCTOBER ELWOOD CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Elwood Toy Library will present this event from 10am to noon at Chicken Park, 87 Tennyson Street, Elwood. There will be a crepe van and coffee cart, face painting, Play Doh, interactive art, clay and nature crafts, a bubble show, garden games and Indigenous culturalTicketslearning.goonsale on 1 October at www.elwoodtoylibrary.org. All proceeds will support the not-for-profit Elwood Toy Library.
This free all-ages exhibition invites kids and their families to experiment with innovative ways of making their own works of art. It runs 10am to 5pm daily at National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
Tickets are only available from royalshow.com.au. Melbourne Showgrounds is on Epsom Road, Ascot Vale.
18 OCTOBER PEVAN AND SARAH IN CONCERT After two years of being beamed into classrooms and homes for remote learning, Pevan and Sarah are bringing the joy of their Cub Club music to Bunjil Place.Students can sing, learn and laugh their way through a 50-minute adventure on a ‘typical’ day in the classroom, with shows at 10.30am and 12.30pm.Alltickets are $17 from www. bunjilplace.com.au.
UNTIL 9 OCTOBER MAKING ART: IMAGINE EVERYTHING IS REAL
In this workshop at Hawthorn Arts Centre, kids aged 5 to 12 years will use collage techniques and colourful materials to create their own stickers. The cost is $25 and all materials are provided.Theevent runs 10.30am to noon. Visit boroondara.vic.gov.au.
ESCAPE FROM TRASH MOUNTAIN
21 SEPTEMBER DJIRRI DJIRRI DANCE WORKSHOP
Kids aged under 13 years can join the Djirri Djirri Dancers to learn traditional Wurundjeri dances and how to sing in the Woiwurrung language. The show starts at 11am at The Memo, Healesville, 235 Maroondah Highway, Healesville. Tickets are $12 for children and not required for accompanying adults. Call 1300 368 333.
20 SEPTEMBER YARNBOMBING WORKSHOP
Enjoy a fun day out with your furry four-legged friend at Wilson Botanic ParkExploreBerwick.the park, participate in workshops, watch live demonstrations and chat with stallholders from the pet industry, from 11am to 2pm.
3 SEPTEMBER CASEY PET EXPO
38 SPRING 2022 www.CaseyCardiniaKids.com.au KidsCalendar What's on this Spring
STICKER FACTORY
This free two-day event features cultural performances, food, and drinks, at Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge Street, Southbank.
30 SEPTEMBER THE PLANETS WITH LAURA THE ASTRONAUT Inventi Ensemble plays The Planets against an animated backdrop in this narrated concert about cosmic adventurer Laura the astronaut. The show starts at 11am at Montrose Town Centre, 935 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road,TicketsMontrose.are$20. Call 1300 368 333.
A significant Bayside landmark is going to be yarnbombed next winter, thanks to Bayside City Council and GLAD Rappers - and the Contributecommunity.atthisschool holiday activity for the whole family at Brighton Town Hall, 2pm to 4pm.
Professor Lexi Con has curated her favourite words - one for every letter of the alphabet - and Professor Noel Edge uses each one to inspire 26 quirky scientificRecommendeddemonstrations.forchildren aged 5 and above. The 21 September shows start at 10am and 1pm at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren. Tickets are $18 from bunjilplace.com.au.The22September show starts at 11am at Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and $45 for a family of four fromTheeventbrite.com.au.28Octobershowis on at 5pm at Costa Hall, Deakin University Geelong Waterfront, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong.Tickets are $12. Call 1300 251 200 or visit www.geelongartscentre.org.au.
This school holiday feature show is an epic tale of trashy proportions, featuring puppets and a message of sustainability. Recommended for ages 4 and above, the show starts at 11am at Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and $45 for a family of four from eventbrite.com.au.
This event returns after two years off promising new attractions, more fun, bigger smiles and greater value.= Children aged 14 years and under attend free, entry after 5pm is $25, save 25 per cent on rides by purchasing a ride pass with an admission ticket, and more. Gates are open 9.30am to 9pm.
Two silly guys are continually distracted from the serious work at hand and use puppetry and silent comedy to create a theatrical universe, steeped in imagination and creativity. Bunk Puppets performances bring a focus on DIY puppet making using simple materials, and household items. The show starts at 11am at Arts Centre, Warburton, 3409 Warburton Highway, Warburton. Tickets are $20. Call 1300 368 333.
BUNKASAURUS BY BUNK PUPPETS
19 SEPTEMBER SPRINGTIME BOTANICALS
21 & 22 SEPTEMBER, 28 OCTOBER THE ALPHABET OF AWESOME SCIENCE
The Doveton Show runs 10am to 4pm at Myuna Farm and features rides, animals, stalls, show bags and other attractions - all for a donation. Visit dovetonshow.org.au for more.
Hawthorn Arts Centre is hosting this ink painting workshop for kids aged 5 to 12 years from 10.30am to noon. The cost is $25, including materials. Visit boroondara.vic.gov.au.
22 SEPTEMBER TO 2 OCTOBER MELBOURNE ROYAL SHOW
10 & 11 SEPTEMBER MOON LANTERN FESTIVAL
18 SEPTEMBER DOVETON SHOW
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