SUMMER 2022 2023
Raising Boys
WITH Steve Biddulph Your YouTube
champions App helps kids
to find courage
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
SUMMER 2022 1
About Us
It’s time to get back outdoors! LIKE so many of you, we sure are excited to leave the wet winter and spring behind for some glorious summer weather. The sound of cicadas, beautiful sunsets and warm nights make some of the best childhood memories, and like all of you we are looking forward to making them with our families. The kids are finishing school for the year and we are busy running around in preparation for Christmas Day and the holiday season.
For many, the summer holidays can’t come fast enough. We have a wonderful edition for you - so many beautiful families have shared their stories with us. We speak to a mum who struggled to breastfeed, another who runs her own interior design business, and medical professionals about what feels like the endless run of viruses many households are experiencing.
Hilton, world-renowned author Steve Biddulph and Lucy Stewart has yet another yummy recipe for us to try. The warmer months are here and it’s time to get outside and explore the world around us and there is no better place to be than where you live. From all of us at Kids Today, have a Merry Christmas and an awesome start to 2023. Happy holidays!
Bayside Glen Eira Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication. Bayside Glen Eira Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays. Bayside Glen Eira Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810
We have our regular special guests as well: Geelong’s very own Angie
Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777 Editorial Melissa Meehan
CONTENTS
melissa.meehan @starnewsgroup.com.au Photography
IT’S YOUR LIFE Kids crush YouTube comp PAGE 3 Raising boys around the world PAGE 4 App building courageous kids
Making learning fun and Kool PAGE 14 Setting the right foundations PAGE 15 Supporting wellbeing in kids PAGE 15
PAGE 5
Bilingual school’s new late-entry program
Places to play in your neighbourhood
PAGE 16
PAGES 6-7
Each Xavier student a unique creation
Gut-loving mango jelly gummies
PAGE 18
PAGE 8
Making kids feel at home
Beaumaris playground’s facelift
PAGE 18
HEALTH
Rob Carew
Helping mums missing connection
Group Advertising Sales Manager
PAGE 20
Mandy Clark
Getting kids into sports early
mandy.clark@ starnewsgroup.com.au
PAGE 20
BOOKS Discover new children’s books PAGE 21 Nazeem Hussein’s hy-larious hi jinx PAGE 21
Phone: 5945 0608 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.
CALENDAR
PAGE 9
What’s on this summer
Check pool barriers to save lives
PAGE 22
SUMMER 2022 2023
PAGE 10 Finding the right formula PAGE 21
EDUCATION
Raising Boys
Educators nurture young voices
Your YouTube
WITH Steve Biddulph champions
PAGE 12
App helps kids
to find courage
Scholarships support Wesley students PAGE 13
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
SUMMER 2022 1
Cover Alice, 5, enjoys a summer stroll along the beach.
baysidegleneirakids.com.au 2 SUMMER 2022
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Picture: Louisa Jones
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It’s Your Life
Brighton brothers win Flick Fest By Melissa Meehan WHO says nothing good can happen when kids are behind a screen? Oliver, 9, and Lucas, 5 from Oliver and Lucas - Educational Videos for Kids, are two charismatic and entertaining brothers who have taken the internet by storm with their educational YouTube show. The two Brighton brothers recently won the SF3 Kids Best Documentary Award.
Early this year they travelled to West Africa to film a series of episodes celebrating the beautiful culture of Liberia. They shared with their little viewers the history of hair braiding in African culture, how to collect water from a well and even attended a traditional Liberian wedding. Upon their return they decided to submit one of their episodes, The Magic in Liberia, as a short film. The rules were simple, the video had to be shot on a smart phone and
needed to be done by kids under the age of 16. They were named as finalists and went to Sydney to discover they had won. Proud mum Genwa Rafeh said the boys had started their own YouTube channel that puts together content for kids, by kids.
schooling and so we were going crazy and I was sick of them watching the Twitch channels,” she said. “So they started their own.” One of their most popular episodes has almost 170,000 views – and it’s about how to prepare your child for your first haircut.
They get around 40,000 views a month from all around world.
They’ve even done one for a medical centre and have many more that you can check out online.
“My husband was stuck overseas for a year and a half year and I was home
https://www.youtube.com/c/ oliverandlucas/
Oliver and Lucas are back from their big win in Sydney. Picture: Rob Carew
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SUMMER 2022 3
It’s Your Life
Raising boys around the world Raising boys around the world, writes STEVE BIDDULPH A COUPLE of months ago, I received some amazing news. The sales of my book Raising Boys in its Chinese translation had just passed a million copies in just one year! This brought my worldwide book total to six million, making me the top selling parenting author - so far - in the 21st Century. For a shy psychologist living in country Tasmania, this was rather hard to take in. The last century’s star performer of parenting books was of course Benjamin Spock, who put me well in the shade with 50 million copies of his book Baby and Child Care sold in his lifetime. Spock is my hero - he was the first writer to really respect parents, telling us that we should trust our own instincts first. And he went in to bat for a generation reared with his books, by opposing the Vietnam War and the nuclear arms race, arguing that as a paediatrician he had to care for the
4 SUMMER 2022
lives of all children everywhere. I’m a natural worrier, and so my first worry was whether the ideas in Raising Boys would help in a Chinese setting. But back at the time of the translation, I had already been talking to many Chinese parents here in Australia who knew the culture back home, and I was much reassured - not only was the message appropriate, but it was very much needed. What are the key messages of Raising Boys? Well the first has to be that boys need to be around their dads a lot, to receive affection from them, and really know them in a deep way as they grow up, so they see that men have feelings too, and can be vulnerable and loving. Single mums can raise boys very well, and they have done for thousands of years, but in my work I talked to thousands of single mums over the years, and found that part of their secret was in making sure their son met good men along the way, to role model what healthy masculinity was like. It might be a school teacher, grandad, the gay man next door, or a guitar or karate teacher - as long as they were safe good men who a boy could get to know well and imitate and learn from. Because of their often greater muscle
strength, and the poisonous messages sent by porn culture and the long history of sexism in our world, boys need to see respect shown to women especially their mother by their father. And as they get a little older, to be explicitly taught never to hurt, exploit or sexually or otherwise misuse girls or women. The book also broke new ground in sharing research that boys’s brains were slower growing. So they might not be ready for school at the same age as girls, especially if they were born later in the year. We began to discover that males in fact are the weaker sex, that their delayed development made them more socially awkward, more prone to separation anxiety, and perhaps because of this, suicide and prison rates were many times higher than for girls. But this could be prevented affection, not rushing them into school, helping them with reading and talking, and allowing their energy to be expressed in lots of activity rather than calling them naughty for just being physical. One astonishing much quoted piece of research was the hormonal change at age 4, when their testicles begin to lay down testosterone making “Leydig” cells, and they often become super
active and drive their quiet loving parents quite crazy. Mums and dads were so relieved that their boys were not naughty, but like having a large dog - you just had to run them around a lot. The great discovery of this century of course is that no two boys are alike, and they are on a testosterone spectrum, some boofy and a bit slow to learn language, and some sensitive and more gentle, that there a many different ways to be a boy. Understanding what you have got is your first job - you can read lots of stories and have lots of quiet chats alongside your boofy boy, while helping your quiet boy to know how to stick his chin out and sound loud when necessary, but otherwise know that he is just a much a boy as any other! The final message which was so taken on around the world was the boys must learn housework - that by age nine they should be making at least one meal a week for the family cleaning their room, helping around the house - brought smiles, and hopefully a generation of far more likeable men in families of the future. Less men in jail, more men happy in their relationships and in their own skin. I couldn’t be happier that this might be the case in China as well!
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It’s Your Life
Preparing kids for life’s challenges By Casey Neill COURAGEOUS Kids is helping parents to support and prepare their anxious children. Armidale doctor and mum Kathryn Hackman used her first-hand experience to create the app. “I was told by my kid’s kindergarten teacher that he was a bit sensitive,” she said. “My kid is certainly more anxious than most.” Dr Hackman was proactive and took him to a pediatrician, occupational therapist, speech pathologist and psychologist to learn the skills to support him. “The key strategy that they use is preparing for change,” she said. ‘Social stories’ was among the most common technique - and the most labour-intensive. “This isn’t meant to take over from anything else,” she said. “I just feel that I’m in such a privileged position and it’s still bloody hard. “I thought ‘what are other families doing?’. “I want this to be accessible for all families. “A true social story should be personalised to the child.
“You can get some online but they are rubbish. “So I started making stories that were still informative to my child but had a little extra warmth.”
“A lot of parents will know and will resonate with a child who doesn’t want to go to kindergarten or preschool or Prep.
Dr Hackman writes the stories then sends them to a child psychologist for input.
“You just think about them all day and wonder if they’re OK.”
They explain everyday situations and the ‘rules’ adults take for granted in a clear and direct way. From travelling for work to starting preschool, she put in the preparation and watched her kids thrive while others fell to pieces. “All kids thrive when they have a bit of preparation,” she said. “We’re all so time-poor. “The app is something that’s nice to have for neurotypical kids, and a need to have for kids with anxiety or autism. “If you don’t have the language, if you don’t know the words, even by doing a few stories with your child, you will learn how to talk with your child. “It’s an open space for discussion rather than telling the child how they’ll feel.” Dr Hackman’s son would cry and cling to her legs during separations, and struggled with unspoken rules and expectations in social and educational situations. “It’s so stressful and heartbreaking,” she said. “I think we all have seen it at some time or another.
Her day job is about prevention over cure. “You don’t have to wait for it to get to that point to get help,” she said. “Wouldn’t it be good if parents could implement things so that it never gets to that point? “So many of us were parented with that ‘she’ll be right’ mentality. Suck it up and hold it in. “I think we expect a lot from kids. “We expect them to trust and feel safe with a teacher they’ve met once, and trust that you’ll come back. “The point is to familiarise them with their new environment, and meet their teachers and build trust.” The Courageous Kids app is designed for children aged 2 to 6 years, and also contains a visual planner and games. “It makes a world of difference for kids to know what to expect and feel ready for new experiences, and this app is already a game changer for anxious, autistic and highly sensitive kids,” Dr Hackman said.
The app in action, customised with a photograph.
The app in action.
Dr Kathryn Hackman. Pictures: Rob Carew
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
SUMMER 2022 5
It’s Your Life
Addie, Eliza and Zara explore the colourful beach boxes in Brighton. Pictures: Rob Carew
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By Melissa Meehan SUMMER is here! And after the unseasonal wet weather, there is no better time to explore the local beaches. And what is more iconic than Brighton’s beach boxes?
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If the sand between your toes and the fresh air doesn’t get you feeling happy - the bright colours of the brilliant boxes sure will. There are 82 distinctive bathing boxes to check out and make for beautiful photos of the kids you can cherish forever.
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Weekly at Yoga Station, Bay Road, Sandringham Session are 40 mins only $20 Saturdays 9.30-10.10am (3-7yo), 10.15-10.55am (7-12yo), 11.15am (Teens) Sundays 11.15-11.55am (5-10yo), 12.15-12.55pm (11-17yo) MONTHLY parent-child bonding sessions available, please check website for dates Only $30 • www.jemchildrensyoga.com • email: Jemchildrensyoga@gmail.com
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A splash of colour for summer
SUMMER 2022 7
It’s Your Life
Gut-Loving Mango Jelly Gummies Ingredients Picture: Studio 74 Photography
■ 1 cup diced mango ■ 1 cup filtered water ■ 3 Tbsp gelatin powder ■ 1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey *optional, if your mango is tart
in the kitchen
Instructions 1. Combine mango, water and maple syrup in a blender and process in to a puree.
with Lucy Stewart JELLY gummies are a cheap, easy and fun way to include the ancient superfood, gelatin, in our kids diet. They’re just like jelly lollies but without all the sugar, colours and flavours that you’ll find in the store-bought ones – they’re the kind of lollies you’ll be happy for the kids to eat, by the handful! Gelatin is derived from collagen found in animal bones, skin and cartilage that’s been dehydrated and ground in to a flavourless powder. It’s nutritionally the same as collagen, just a more refined version of it. Collagen works from head to toe in our bodies to: help repair and restore the lining of the gut, support muscle, hair & nail growth and repair, keep joints flexible and
2. Pour mango puree in to a saucepan and sprinkle over gelatin 1 Tbsp at a time, allowing it to bloom (turn in to a jelly blob) in between. bones strong – everything kids need to support them during their rapid period of growth and development. Gelatin also promotes healthy liver detoxification, nourishes our adrenals, and is a major component of skin, so don’t think these jelly gummies are for the kids alone to enjoy. Because they’re loaded with protein they also help to balance blood sugars, provide a steady release of energy and keep kids tummies feeling fuller for longer.
Making these jelly gummies is so easy and a fun way to get kids in to the kitchen and involved in the cooking process. We’ve made the most of the in-season mangoes in this recipe, but you could easily replace the mango with berries. You’ll find gelatin it stocked in most healthfood stores – favour one from pasture-raised Australian or New Zealand cows. Unfortunately, the gelatine at the supermarket doesn’t carry the same health benefits
3. Gently heat the mixture over low and stir until the gelatin has completely dissolved. 4. Pour mixture in to moulds or a baking tray (you can slice in to squares once set), then place in the fridge to set for at least 2-hours. 5. Remove gummies from the moulds and store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5-days – if they last that long!
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. Well Fed Kitchen provides an easy snack alternative to the sugar-laden, healthy pro- cessed options, guaranteed to fill kids tummies, satisfy their hunger, provide a steady release of energy and some essential growing nutrients too. www.wellfedkitchen.com.au @wellfedkitchen_snacks 12562706-MS36-22
8 SUMMER 2022
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It’s Your Life
Surrounded by nature and play Charlie explores bushlands near the playground.
By Melissa Meehan THIS fun and quirky playground is hidden between the trees in Beaumaris. Beaumaris Reserve Playground is a popular park and playground well loved by the local community, but those just out of the area will love this little gem.
It’s been updated recently and is looking fresh, but the favourite would have to be the undercover sandpit with sand tables and the rocking boat.
Picture: Rob Carew
And lets not forget the main wooden structure that has two wave slides, rope ladder, tic-tac-toe, spiral ladder and multiple levels. And our favourite, a small bird’s nest swing, two standard swings and a speed boat on springs are bound to delight all age groups.
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SUMMER 2022 9
It’s Your Life
Kidsafe urges pool checks Kidsafe urges families to check pool barriers and help save a life
KIDSAFE Victoria has joined forces with Olympic champion Matt Welsh to launch its annual ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign, calling on home pool and spa owners to ‘help save a life’ by checking their barriers before the warmer months. The call comes as figures from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s (RLSSA) National Drowning Report show that in 2021/22, 17 Australian toddlers drowned. Swimming pools were the leading location where these incidents occurred, accounting for 35% of all toddler drowning deaths. As an Olympic swimming champion, Matt Welsh knows the benefits that learning to swim and growing up around water can provide for children. As a father of six, he also acknowledges the risks that swimming pools and spas can pose if strategies aren’t put in place to help keep children safe. “With the summer months just around the corner and families spending more time in and around water, it’s important to be prepared. By checking that your pool barriers and
gates are in good working order, you could save a life”, said Mr Welsh. While toddler drowning rates reduced by 29% compared to 2020/21, Jason Chambers, General Manager of Kidsafe Victoria, said that drowning remained one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under five. “Toddlers are attracted to water, however they don’t yet understand the dangers that it can pose. Toddlers can drown quickly and silently - a split second is all it takes for them to gain unsupervised access to the water area and find themselves in trouble.” Josie Costanzo knows just how quickly this can happen - her threeyear-old son Justin drowned in a neighbour’s pool in 2000 after the gate had been propped open with a rock. “Justin died in under 20 seconds with one mouthful of water, 125ml to be precise, in his lungs. I still had his dinner plate in my hand when I heard a call from my daughter and looked out the window to see him in the pool. That’s how quickly it can happen. I was
numb”, said Ms Costanzo.
at all times when in or around water.
While safety barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning incidents, evidence suggests that many drowning deaths involve barriers that are faulty, have not been maintained, or are non-compliant with Australian standards.
■ Water awareness: participating in water awareness and learn to swim classes helps children to become familiar with water, learn about water safety and learn how to swim. ■ CPR/First Aid: Kidsafe encourages all parents and carers to enrol in a CPR/ First Aid course and regularly update their skills. Doing so will equip them with the tools to respond in an emergency.
Chris Samartzis, CEO of the Master Pool Builders Association of Australia (MPBAA), said barrier checks are an important part of a regular routine for all pool and spa owners.
Top 5 issues with pool and spa barriers ■ Gates or doors that are no longer self-closing
“Adding a pool or spa to your home provides endless fun and healthy activity for any family. Pool barriers are constantly exposed to the extremes of weather, so it’s important to regularly check for any rust, loose or missing bolts, and general wear and tear.”
■ Gates or doors that are no longer self-latching ■ Gates that are propped open for convenience – allowing children unsupervised access
In addition to regularly checking and maintaining pool barriers, Mr Chambers highlighted a number of other actions which are vital to help keep children safe in and around water, including:
■ Gaps, holes or spaces in and under the barrier which a child can get through ■ Climbable objects near the pool barrier e.g. BBQ’s, outdoor furniture, eskies, trees etc.
■ Active adult supervision: having an adult within arm’s reach of toddlers
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aussietoysonline.com.au SUMMER 2022 11
Education
Educators nurture young voices By Casey Neill “I BELIEVE every child has a voice, and that voice deserves to be heard.” This belief drew Niño Early Learning Adventures Lalor principal educator Emma Sherring to her role. “I wanted to help give children the best opportunities early in life and give them the chance to flourish and be the best version of themselves,” she said. “I really enjoy when children have been working towards a skill or a goal and they accomplish it. “It’s a constant and tangible reminder that the work we do everyday with the children matters and makes a difference.”
Niño ELA takes great pride in celebrating the wonder of early childhood education and strives to offer an inspiring environment for professional educators who care for children. Ms Sherring found it hard to choose just one moment from her role that most warmed her heart. “I did have a child in my room earlier this year who took sometime to get used to his surroundings,” she said. “I continued interacting with him every day he attended, made time for one-on-one activities and tried my best to understand his needs. “The other day he came running up
Niño ELA’s Debra Smith and Emma Sherring.
to me and gave me a giant hug. “My persistence had really worked with this young child and he felt cared for and safe with me and his surroundings.”
passionate about what they did each day. “They have a positive outlook and want the best for all the children and families in their care,” she said.
For Ms Sherring, Niño ELA is also like a second family.
“A wonderful educator can leave lasting memories on a child.”
“I am greeted every morning with open arms from my co-workers and the families that attend the centre,” she said.
Mrs Smith said educators could grow and extend their career, make a difference to young children, make friendships and be supported by co-workers.
“Niño ELA has also always presented me with opportunities to better develop my skills, work collaboratively with like-minded people and options for career growth.” Niño ELA mentor and leadership manager Debra Smith said an ideal educator was nurturing, caring and
A unique and nurturing early learning environment, discover a place dedicated to the wonder of early childhood education. Niño Early Learning Adventures has centres across Melbourne. Visit ninoela. com.au for more information.
12571739-ACM48-22
Family-owned and developed, Niño ELA has aesthetically gentle, homelike architectural spaces; child-led learning curriculums; nature playgrounds; and nutritionist-developed seasonal menus.
Working with families, educators create individual learning programs that consider interests; physical, personal, social and emotional wellbeing; and cognitive aspects of learning.
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Education
Scholarships at Wesley College THE Wesley College Scholarship Program supports an open-entry and inclusive community at Wesley. Every year, scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who will benefit from, and contribute to, the incredible academic and co-curricular programs on offer at the College. Applications for students entering 2024 are open now and include Academic Excellence scholarships, for students entering Years 5, 7 and 10 who demonstrate outstanding performance through evaluation of an academic test.
The competitive and highly sought after scholarships are awarded on merit, recognising students’ existing talents, achievements and academic performance, as well as their potential to contribute to the College community. Former scholarship recipient, Sara Pisacane’s family comes from humble beginnings and she was awarded a General Excellence Scholarship and studied at Wesley’s Elsternwick campus. “I was thrilled to achieve the highest possible ATAR of 99.95 in 2021,” Ms Pisacane said.
The Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarships for Girls, awarded to students who demonstrate a strong aptitude for science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) entering Years 7, 9, 10 and 11.
“It shows that determination and drive to succeed really does pay off.”
General Excellence scholarships are awarded to students entering in Years 5-11 who demonstrate excellence in academic and cocurricular endeavours.
“I have immense gratitude for my teachers, the Wesley community and family and friends who have supported me throughout my journey.”
Lastly, Boarding scholarships – for boarders entering Years 9-11 who demonstrate excellence in both academic and cocurricular endeavours.
Wesley College recognises the significant commitment an education with them means and through the generosity of their alumni, parents and
Ms Pisacane has now graduated and is studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, with future dreams to study medicine.
friends, they’re able to offer these scholarships. The consideration of a means component of our scholarship program seeks to provide additional support for families with demonstrated financial need and relevant personal circumstances with the opportunity for a Wesley education. Applications for a Wesley College scholarship can be made online at wesleycollege.edu.au/ scholarships Applications for 2024 entry close on 27 January 2023.
Former Wesley College Scholarship recipient, Sara Pisacane Picture: Supplied
2024 EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
Excellence scholarships for 2024 entry are now open
Apply now
Scholarship opportunities include: •
Academic Excellence Scholarships (for Years 5, 7 and 10 for entry in 2024)
•
General Excellence Scholarships (for Years 5 to 11 entry in 2024)
•
Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarships for Girls (for Years 7, 9, 10 and 11 entry in 2024)
Applications close Friday 27 January 2023
12573782-AV49-22
Scan here to learn more about scholarships
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SUMMER 2022 13
Education
Making learning fun and Kool Kool Kidz Brighton provides a variety of enrichment programs.
LEARNING is fun at Kool Kidz Childcare Brighton. With an abundance of play areas for inquisitive minds, our Brighton service offers a modern purpose-built early learning and kindergarten facility where children can develop their social, physical and creative skills. Classrooms are spacious, safe and filled to the brim with educational resources plus fun toys, art and craft resources.
Kool Kidz Brighton is proud to provide a variety of enrichment programs further to the standard curriculum including music, yoga, sport, bush kinder and a garden-toplate cooking program. Outside, designated play spaces encourage children to play and mingle with others in the same stage of development. With funded three and four-year-old
kinder being offered in 2023, there is no better time to give your child the best start to life. Kindergarten at Kool Kidz includes all meals, long daycare hours, flexibility and is available 52 weeks a year.
family without committing to a full-time enrolment. To see the amazing facility first-hand and meet the team of passionate educators, contact service manager Chelcee Karp for a tour.
Over Christmas, Kool Kidz Brighton will be offering casual sessions of care.
Kool Kidz Childcare Brighton is located at Level 2, 233–239 Nepean Highway, Gardenvale.
This is a fantastic opportunity to see what benefits Kool Kidz can offer your
Visit www.koolkidzchildcare.com.au/ brighton or call 9596 6221.
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Education
Setting the foundation ST Peter’s Early Learning Centre at St Kevin’s College is a coeducational Catholic early learning environment in partnership with the parish of St Peter’s Toorak. We are a small setting with big heart. Working in partnership, we are committed to instilling values of family, community and social justice. At St Peter’s ELC, we believe in setting the right foundations for school readiness through a play-based learning environment. We pay particular attention to the children’s early stage of ‘learning how to learn’ and we guide this through the principles of the Reggio Emilia
Educational Project’s view of 100 languages. Our early learning program considers the interests and curiosities of the children, as well as from Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence, which looks at how different modes of learning can benefit each child. Educators spend time ensuring that the learning stimulus and provocations are meaningful for the children. It’s not a matter of setting up random activities to keep the children busy, it’s about stimulating curiosity, inquiry and learning to further extend each child’s development. We believe the foundations made in the early years strengthen the children’s
social and emotional intelligence and provide confidence so they are ready to learn in the formal settings of school. In 2023, St Peter’s ELC will be offering both a part-time or full-time service for both the three-year-old and four-yearold programs. Please contact me with any inquiries. Kathleen Brohier, Head of St Peter’s ELC
The early learning program considers the interests and curiosities of the children.
Supporting wellbeing in kids IN Bayside, accredited children’s yoga therapy teacher Jayne Munday knows all too well the benefits and healing powers of yoga, not only for the body but the mind. She has practiced yoga for many years, which has taught her to be strong, calm, confident and content - inner and outer. Jayne has taught children for more than 30 years.
Jayne has taught children for more than 30 years and has two children of her own. She feels there is a huge concern for our children of today: How can we support them in their well-being? Jayne believes yoga and mindfulness can be a particularly powerful tool for all children. We need to provide children with tools to help them deal with day-to-day activity in their bodies. Jem children’s yoga can support self-regulation, gut issues, physical and mental health, improve balance, strength, endurance and psychological benefits including reducing depression and anxiety and creating positive body images to power their confidence.
Yoga promotes self-esteem and academic performances in the classroom as it supports good sleep patterns and helps improve concentration, creativity, and imagination. Being mindful is about being in the present and able to self-calm and still the mind; it teaches them to recharge their batteries and to slow down so they can have the best day. Jayne runs Jem children’s yoga classes for all ages above 3 years at Yoga Station in Sandringham, Bayside, every weekend and during school holidays throughout the year. Monthly there are beautiful parent-child bonding sessions.
Yoga therapy teacher Jayne Munday.
St Peter’s Early Learning Centre St Kevin’s College – ELC-Year 12 St Peter’s Early Learning Centre is a Catholic, co-educational setting where children are given the opportunity and time to discover and explore, to question and predict, to wonder and to dream. The wider world becomes the child’s world. We welcome you to visit our website to find out more and arrange a tour. www.stpeterselc.vic.edu.au 12537041-SN11-22
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
SUMMER 2022 15
Education
Deutsche Schule Melbourne has introduced a late-entry program.
New late-entry program at bilingual school IN a good challenge, there’s even greater opportunity. That’s the ethos of principal Jörg Dopfer, who has introduced a late-entry program at Deutsche Schule Melbourne (DSM) – a bilingual primary school in Melbourne’s inner north. Since 2008, the primary school in Fitzroy North has been providing a German-English immersive bilingual education to children who usually start in the school’s Foundation Year. But from next year, DSM will open its doors to students in Years 3 to 5 with no prior German language skills. The newly-appointed Mr Dopfer says he looks forward to seeing students embrace the challenge of the transition, and tap into the benefits of bilingualism. “Students will be keeping up with a new language and new content at the same time – it’s an environment where they’re learning how to solve problems every day,” he says. When Dopfer ran a similar program with refugees in Germany, he was initially sceptical about how easily children could learn the language at a later stage, alongside their regular schooling. “When we started in Germany, I wasn’t sure if it would work out for the kids, if it would be too overwhelming,” he says. But he found the opposite to be true. “The experience was amazing. I saw 16 SUMMER 2022
students manage all the tricky parts of their education while also learning another language – many progressing to the highest levels of academic success in Germany.” Now at DSM, he’s taking on a similar challenge, albeit with a slight twist. “In Germany, we didn’t need to explain to students why it was important to learn German. They understood they needed to learn the language to be part of that society,” he says. For students here, he knows the motivation will be different.
content and language integrated learning (CLIL) classes, and immersion classes with the students’ regular cohort. CLIL classes help students learn a new language by teaching content – such as maths, sciences and humanities – in German, with help in English where needed. To develop the program, DSM enlisted the help of Dr Averil Grieve, an applied linguist at Monash University. “The cognitive, social and academic benefits of a bilingual education are well-established,” she says.
“There needs to be a driver to be doing this – within both the child and the family,” Mr Dopfer says.
“And DSM’s approach of combining intensive language classes with CLIL is best practice for helping children thrive in that environment.”
That could be the desire to be a part of the global community, or simply a natural inclination to push for academic success.
The program has been specifically designed for students in Years 3 to 5, an age Mr Dopfer says naturally lends itself to exploring new ideas.
“Starting out, a bilingual environment can be demanding – that’s something I would always tell parents coming in. But for children who are curious and creative, who love thinking outside the box, it’s incredibly rewarding too,” he says.
“At those ages – 9, 10 and 11 – children start to engage more with the world around them. So it’s an exciting time to introduce them to different languages and cultures,” he says.
“When our students graduate, they speak two languages to a near native speaker level – it develops their intercultural awareness and boosts their self-confidence.” The new program consists of three parts: German language lessons,
To make sure their lessons are consistent with their progress, teachers will develop individualised learning plans for each student. “Our goal is to have children fully integrated into the existing bilingual program within six to 18 months, moving into more immersion classes as they develop the language skills they
Principal Jörg Dopfer.
need to do so,” Mr Dopfer says. He says the benefits of a bilingual education can’t be overstated, that it’s as much about the possibilities it opens later in life as the cognitive abilities you gain along the way. “A bilingual education gives students a global mindset. But our German curriculum also has a strong problemsolving focus – offering children many opportunities to develop competencies rather than just skills,” he says. “These competencies are essential for critical thinking – which is what our young students need to tackle the social and global challenges of tomorrow.” “I’m looking forward to opening that opportunity up to more students with this new program.” The DSM Accelerated Pathway program begins in February 2023. The school invites families who are interested in the program to enquire today. Scholarship opportunities are also available.
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
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SUMMER 2022 17
Education
The chef and children have access to organic produce for their meals and to further their learning.
separate sleep (cot) room, a mindfulness room, an art room, and five modern purpose-built age-appropriate classrooms. Each classroom caters to specific age groups that are no more than a oneyear span. We go above the legislative standards and staff above ratio, plus we ensure all our staff are first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma trained. Zeina with one of the children.
Centre feels like home LOCATED at 730 North Road Ormond, Elles Belles Early Learning has its own curriculum directly linked to the Victorian Early Years Learning Developmental Framework.
all meals, nappies, sunscreen, sun hats, and bedding.
tea, afternoon tea, and a late-night snack.
On a daily basis, we have set routines with flexibility based on the children’s needs and wants.
The Ormond campus has a spacious dining room with a huge built-in servery and fish tank for your children.
We focus on learning through play and allow room for intentional teaching.
Together we create natural play areas inside and outside allowing educators, families, and children’s input into what they like to see and develop with us.
This campus has an interactive fruit and vegetable garden where the chef and children have access to organic produce for their meals and to further their learning.
Our commercial kitchen, run by our chef, provides a nutritionally-balanced breakfast, lunch, progressive morning
The Ormond campus has a huge basement carpark with a lift, bathrooms, nappy change facilities, a
We offer incursions, excursions, extracurricular activities, a three-yearold kinder program, and a four-year-old kinder program at no extra cost to your family. At our Ormond campus, we supply
Greek lessons: At the Elles Belles Ormond campus, we have introduced Greek culture to you and your children through literacy and numeracy as well as music, food, and language. Cooking classes: Our cooking classes are hands-on, teaching children about measuring, stirring, pouring, and assisting in developing early science and mathematical concepts. Outdoor sleeping program: We promote the children’s connection to the natural environment through a voluntary outdoor sleeping program. Fitness and movement: This program enables children to take considered risks in their play through the indoor and outdoor environment, promoting gross motor skills and social interactions. Art lessons: Through our creative art studio, the children learn through a Reggio Emilia-inspired environment. Call now and book a tour.
Each Xavier student a unique creation XAVIER College is an educational community within the Jesuit network of schools and universities. As a school that enrols boys, Xavier is committed from the commencement of a boy’s education to developing respectful and aspirant learners. The school encourages the boys to speak up and to express themselves; creating such a culture is an important protective factor, especially for young men. There is a strong focus on pastoral care in which Xaviers seek to build a school community in which each student is known and valued as a unique creation, and in which their individual talents and interests are nourished and respected. Extending upon Xavier’s coeducational kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds, the school is moving to a two-year staged model of educational delivery from Prep to Year 12. This will coincide with a 18 SUMMER 2022
comprehensive building program to enhance every aspect of each campus. Xavier’s key entry point of Year 7 will be accommodated in an exceptional, new state-of-the-art Year 7-8 learning precinct on the Senior Campus, opening for the start of 2024. As the school welcomes the new enrolments of Year 7s and 8s onto the Senior Campus, Xavier is highly driven to ensure these new and reimagined facilities enable the continued fostering of the human connections and relationships that have made Xavier the much-loved college that it has become throughout many generations. We live in an increasingly interconnected world; environment, security, economy; in a real sense Xavier graduates become citizens of the world, and a Xavier education provides opportunities for its students to engage with the global context. Indeed, as part of the Jesuit network of schools and universities that educates
A Xavier education provides opportunities for its students to engage with the global context.
some 2 million students worldwide, Xavier is well positioned to take on this international dimension, through international immersions, tours and
exchanges, among others. Xavier welcomes you and your son as the school continues to build the possible. www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
NEED EARLY LEARNING, CHILDCARE AND KINDER IN ORMOND?
A little more about us: We offer incursions, excursions, extracurricular activities, a three-year-old kinder program and a four-year-old kinder program at no extra cost to your family. What makes us special? At Elles Belles Early Learning we are reimagining education to empower children to thrive in and build the world of the future. Our world is changing faster than ever before, and our children will live vastly different lives to the ones we know today. We focus on learning through play and allow room for intentional teaching lead by our fully qualified educators and teachers.
With healthy, organic meals that children are encouraged to watch being prepared. A fantastic outdoor play space and even an aquarium. Your child will love every day at Elles Belles. All meals, snacks, nappies, sunscreen and hats provided. Either book online or call for a tour. Hours of operation: 7.00am – 6.30pm (52 weeks per year)
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730-734 North Road Ormond, VIC 3204, Australia Phone: 03 9056 5477 | www.ellesbellesearlylearning.com ormond@ellesbellesearlylearning.com www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
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Health
Helping mums missing connection Mum Amy with volunteer Rachelle.
Caring Mums volunteer Emily, program manager Michelle Kornberg, and a mum receiving support, Maria, at the Caring Mums 10-year anniversary.
‘NO mother should have to feel alone in their journey of motherhood.’ This year, the Caring Mums program is celebrating its 10-year anniversary! Since the pilot program in 2012, more than 700 mums have been referred to this program. The demand keeps on increasing as families are more mobile than ever, with mums often leaving their networks and families at a time when they most need connection. Our volunteers provide a part of the village that so many of our mums today are missing. They become cheerleaders, mentors, and friends to the mothers with whom they are matched. They are there to support the mum in being the mother she wants to be. Our volunteers have found that issues around isolation, mental health, grief, birth trauma, relationships, confidence and most commonly, adjusting to a new reality are what most mothers need to talk about.
Our volunteers create a safe environment in which this can happen. The Caring Mums program is a Melbourne-based community program providing confidential, home-based, and free of charge emotional support to pregnant women and new mothers. The program is available to women from all cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through weekly home visits by trained Caring Mums volunteers, new mothers and pregnant women receive a much-needed connection, a shoulder to lean on and a non-judgmental ear. One mother said: “She was my guardian angel, my advocate and pretty much became part of the family. “She helped me feel more confident in my new role as a first-time mum and was always there for advice, guidance and support.” To find out more about Caring Mums as a participant, volunteer or referrer, visit ncjwavic.org.au/caringmums.
Reality Bites
Ready to move KIDS’ sports classes are fuller than ever across Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. Briony Vince, owner of the Bayside area of preschool sports franchise
Ready Steady Go Kids, said it was so rewarding to see kids back doing sport again after such a tough couple of years. “The kids have missed out on two crucial years of motor skill development before they go to primary school,” she said. “Some kids are coming in and they are really shy due to the lack of social interaction, but within two to four weeks, we are seeing them come out of their shells, fully participating in our classes with smiles on their faces.” Ready Steady Go Kids teaches kids between 18 months and 6 years old the basics of 10 different sports, including basketball, tennis, athletics, soccer, hockey, golf, AFL, rugby, T-ball and cricket. Classes run for 30 to 45 minutes. Sign up for a free trial at readysteadygokids. com.au. If you know anyone who would be a great coach, the program is expanding and needs vibrant people to join the team. Email briony@readysteady gokids.com.au.
20 SUMMER 2022
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It’s Your Life
The right formula By Casey Neill ALY Backman’s anxiety around breastfeeding started soon after her daughter Daisy was born. The Lilydale mum’s milk came in on day two and her breasts “just exploded”. Daisy was struggling to latch and Aly was in pain. “I was told ‘it will calm down, it will calm down’,” she said. “It never calmed down.” She experienced her first blocked duct about a month in, and frequently thereafter. Daisy just didn’t need all the milk Aly’s body was producing. “I was so disconnected from Daisy, with the birth trauma and then the breastfeeding trauma on top,” she said. Aly saw a local lactation consultant, describing the visit as “useless”. She saw a breastfeeding guru that her GP recommended, and a women’s physio who performed an ultrasound on her breasts. She tried different latches. She tried feeding more frequently, but Daisy just wasn’t hungry. She tried cabbage leaves, heat packs, ice packs… “I spent upwards of $1000 on intervention. Nothing worked,” she said. “I wanted to fix it so badly but nothing ever fixed it. “It was awful. I really didn’t even want to leave the house. “I always had a pump with me to try and take off a bit of milk. “I very rarely had that feeling of deflated boobs. My boobs were always full. “I slept on my back for nine months because I was terrified to sleep on my side. “I didn’t wear a bra for nine months, I wore those crop singlets. “Something that should have been so natural was so s***.” Nine months in, Aly had blockages in both breasts and decided it had to end. She sought advice from her maternal and child health nurse. “She made me feel confident enough to go ‘we have to go cold turkey here’,” she said. A doctor prescribed medication to help dry up her milk. Scared of mastitis and suffered three weeks of rock-hard, lumpy breasts, using a manual pump for some relief, plus ice packs and cabbage leaves. “I didn’t shower for days because I didn’t want them to get warm,” she said. Daisy was hysterical on day one, and it took all Aly’s strength - and stern words from her partner, Tom - to resist breastfeeding her. They bought “every single bottle” to find one Daisy would accept formula from, and ended up finally succeeding with a baby drink bottle. And then it was over. “I felt the biggest relief and weight taken off my shoulders,” Aly said. “I wish it had been different, but there was never a solution.” Aly finally felt like herself again. “It was a very long time, a really www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
lonely time,” she said. “Tom found it really hard because I don’t think he knew how to help. “But he was so supportive the whole way through, and so supportive of the decision to bottle feed Billy.” Breastfeeding was immediately off the table when she fell pregnant with her son. “But the further we got along in the pregnancy, the more I started to question my decision and feel really guilty,” she said. “I thought ‘what if he gets sick and I can’t give him antibodies from breastfeeding?’.” Midwives could see how traumatised Aly was, and referred her to a clinical midwife consultant in the Perinatal Emotional Health Service. “I had a couple of appointments and explained everything,” she said. “She was going to play devil’s advocate, but said ‘after hearing your story, you are 100 per cent making the right decision not to breastfeed’.” Aly was told she’d receive medication to stop her milk from coming in, but shortly after welcoming Billy she was told her body would actually still produce some milk. “I had a massive panic attack in the hospital. I freaked out,” she said. “This was on day two. Day two was where it all happened with Daisy.” So the consultant advocated for her to stay in hospital another night. “My milk did come in but it did go away pretty quickly. It wasn’t anywhere near as crazy. “I just felt guilty, and I still hold onto that guilt, even though I know it was the right decision for our family, and for me - if I had got a blocked duct, I would have lost it.”
Aly found formula feeding overwhelming. “How many bottles do I need? What formula do I buy? Breastfeeding would be so much simpler,” she said. “But I found I was way more connected to Billy than I ever was with Daisy. “He would gaze into my eyes and I would gaze into his. “Even though there was a bottle in his mouth and not a boob, it was beautiful.” The trauma hasn’t affected the relationship she has with Daisy today. “But the experience that I had with Billy was just so much nicer and natural - which sounds so stupid because it was formula in a bottle - but it felt like the experience I should have had with Daisy. “Don’t feel guilty about deciding if it’s best for you to use formula. “Breast milk is best, but it’s hard work.”
Aly with Daisy and Billy. Pictures: Rob Carew
Lilydale mum Aly Backman. SUMMER 2022 21
Books
Hy-larious hi jinx By Melissa Meehan COMEDIAN Nazeem Hussain has written a childrens book and takes no responsibility for your children’s behaviour after you read it. The Melbourne-based comedian has just released his first book Hy-larious Hyena, and is still pinching himself to have the opportunity to do so. “It about a very cheeky hyena who is a bit naughty and likes to prank his friends and family, but doesn’t really know the responsible boundaries of joke telling and pranks,” Hussain told Kids Today. “In a way its semiautobiographical… he comes from a pretty large family. He lives with his cousin (who is his best friend) and his mum and aunties. “ Harry’s family is not well off, and struggle to make ends meet – but they do, and have a good time doing so. Hussain says the story is based on lots of experiences he had growing up. “We lived in a family where we didn’t really have everything but we had a lot
of fun and we always made awkward situations funny. Because we all had a good sense of humour,” he said. The father of two said he had an idea of writing a childrens book with characters he had played out with his son. He was approached by Scholastic Publishing but was too busy. And then the Covod-19 lockdown happened and he had time to write. So Harry, his family and nemesis Larry came to life. “One of the themes is that the grass is always greener and we see that with Harry and also his, his nemesis, Larry, the lion,” Hussain explains. “Harry wants to live like lions like Larry, the lion comes from an affluent neighbourhood. They’ve got everything made for that, like it’s all they live in the light. “But we find that maybe Larry thinks the same way about Harry you know, he’s cool. And so really, it’s important to like hear stories that better reflect on things and, you know, growing up.” Since becoming a dad, Hussain says
he’s taken a different approach to life. “When you’re when your dad get to know the highs and the lows and the nuances of your child’s personality,” he says. “Your worldview sort of broadens, so I feel so having thinking about my time before being a parent, you feel like you know it all. And I feel like I’ve just learned so much more about myself but also about the world and how they view the world and all that sort of thing.” Hussain says his words would mean nothing without the amazing illusrations by Heath McKenzie. “In my view, he’s the best illustrator in the country,” he said. Hussain is already working on his second book. Hy-larious Hyena is available from 1st October 2022.
Comedian Nazeem Hussain is excited to release his first children’s book.
Children’s books...
GRACE NOTES Karen Comer A debut YA verse novel about what happens when the paths of a young busking violinist and an aspiring street artist collide during a pandemic. Set in one of the most locked-down cities in the world – Melbourne, 2020. Grace Dalfinch is a talented violinist who longs to play contemporary music in bars, but her mum forbids her. James Crux is an aspiring street artist who promised his dad he wouldn’t paint in public until he’s finished school. When Crux witnesses Grace’s impromptu performance on a deserted tram, he’s inspired to paint her and her violin; and when Grace stumbles across her portrait in a Melbourne alley by an anonymous street artist, she sets out to find its creator. Lothian Children’s Books $19.99
THE GREAT AUSSIE EASTER EGG-AND-SPOON RACE Sophie Sayle & Daron Parton A heartwarming Easter picture book featuring Australian bush baby animals, which will appeal to fans of Little Bilby’s Aussie Easter Egg Hunt. Slow, sleepy Echidna is always trailing behind the other bush babies. And now it’s time for their great Easter egg-and-spoon race. Can Echidna keep up with her friends and enjoy all the fun on this special day? Lothian Children’s Books $19.99
MY FEELINGS BINGO
BUSY BETTY
Emily Midouhas & Bee Grandinetti Help children understand and express their emotions while playing a game! A fun and engaging way for kids and adults to talk about their emotions. The gameboard features 48 emotions, ranging from happiness and sadness to anger, apathy and anxiety, as characters illustrated by Bee Grandinetti whose warm and sensitive illustrations have been featured by Headspace and Airbnb. Each player gets a card with sixteen emotions – be the first to get all sixteen emotions on your card to win BINGO! The accompanying booklet by developmental psychologist Dr Emily Midouhas explains each emotion in child-friendly language and gives tips on learning to express emotions and allow them to be felt in healthy ways. Dr Emily Midouhas, a developmental psychologist and associate professor at UCL, specialises in the effects of social and built environment on the emotional and behavioural problems of children and the mental health of children with special educational needs, particularly children with ADHD and autism.
From Academy Award–winning actress, founder, and bestselling author, Reese Witherspoon, comes Busy Betty, a story about a creative, curious, and exuberant young girl who has big plans and an even bigger heart. Busy Betty has always been busy . . . even when she was just a baby! When Betty gives Frank a big hug, she realizes he needs a bath, PRONTO! Her best friend, Mae, is coming over, and Betty can’t have the smelliest dog in the whole world! But giving Frank a bath is harder than she thought and just when everything seems impossible, with Mae’s help, Betty learns she can accomplish anything with perseverance, teamwork, and one great idea. From Reese Witherspoon comes a smart and larger-than-life character who encourages young readers to celebrate what makes them unique and realize that anything is possible! Puffin $19.99
Laurence King Publishing $45 22 SUMMER 2022
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Kids Calendar
What's on this summer UNTIL FRIDAY 6 JANUARY
SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER
SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER
TUESDAY 10-FRIDAY 13 JANUARY
MYER CHRISTMAS WINDOWS
MONTROSE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLS
FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVENING ON SOUTH WHARF
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Enjoy a relaxed carols event presented by Montrose Church of Christ, from 5.30pm to 8pm at Montrose Community Centre.
Head riverside to South Wharf for a very Christmas afternoon and evening for the whole family - and it’s all free, 5pm to 8pm.
Bring your picnic gear and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, performances by local schools, a visit from Santa, and gifts for all the children.
Enjoy a 60-minute outdoor carol concert by the Australian Girls Choir on the Dukes Walk stage, then make your way to the Common Lawn on the riverfront to watch a family Christmas movie on the big screen.
The Walt Disney Company’s renowned classics have been brought to life in the 67th year of Myer’s iconic Christmas Windows. Windows include Mary Poppins, Bert and the Banks children; Mickey and Minnie soaking up the sun, sea and sand on their Hawaiian Holiday; the coronation of Elsa from Disney’s Frozen; Peter Pan taking Wendy and her brothers on a magical flight across the London night sky; the Lion King’s Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumba, Zazu and Rafiki on Pride Rock; and the famous Disney Studios’ opening sequence featuring Tinker Bell. Visit Bourke Street 7.30am to midnigh
UNTIL MONDAY 10 APRIL JULIAN OPIE: STUDIO FOR KIDS This interactive exhibition for children and families was developed with Julian Opie, one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists. Visitors are invited to create portraits in an inspiring studio setting featuring displays of the artist’s artworks. Sessions run 10am to 5pm at National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER KNOX CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
MELBOURNE CHRISTMAS TREASURE HUNTS From 9.30am to 3pm, follow the clues to discover hidden places and iconic landmarks around the city, with the chance to win prizes. Dress in your best Christmas themed get-up for bonus fun. Plus, every child gets a prize.
The event kicks off at 3pm, with the concert starting at 8pm.
MONDAY 12-FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS EVE CIRCUS SPECTACULAR
SANTA’S LAB
The circus comes to town in this special Christmas Eve matinee performance at Melbourne Town Hall, at 11am.
Visit Santa’s Lab for all kinds of science fun these holidays, 3pm to 4pm at Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Habour Promenade, Docklands. Curious kids will love learning through Christmas-themed experiments in these free workshops run by STEM Sisters.
SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER
Visitors are invited to create portraits in an inspiring studio setting featuring displays of the artist’s artworks.
Head riverside to South Wharf for a very Christmas afternoon and evening for the whole family - and it’s all free, 5pm to 8pm.
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
This free evening for the whole family will include a traditional carols program with some of Geelong’s best artists and choirs, plus a concert band, and Christmas market stalls.
Visit the Royal Society of Melbourne to pick up your treasure map. Locations are accessible by walking, cycling or public transport within the free tram zone.
This free event celebrates the spirit of Christmas, 4pm to 10pm at Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully.
Sessions run 10am to 5pm at National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT GEELONG
FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVENING ON SOUTH WHARF
Enjoy a 60-minute outdoor carol concert by the Australian Girls Choir on the Dukes Walk stage, then make your way to the Common Lawn on the riverfront to watch a family Christmas movie on the big screen.
Grab a picnic rug, food and hamper, friends and family and head to Johnstone Park.
Children and families will delight in this hilarious circus comedy adventure. Plus everyone goes home with a treat.
Watch the story of the three little pigs, with catchy tunes, colourful costumes and audience participation, at 10.30am and 1.30pm at the Potato Shed, Drysdale. Tickets are $10.50, or $35 for a family of four.
THURSDAY 26-SUNDAY 29 JANUARY FESTIVAL OF SAILS The Festival of Sails combines history with tradition, heritage with technology, tactics with teamwork and is a free event to view. First held in 1844, Festival of Sails is held at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) and along Geelong’s waterfront. Festival of Sails is particularly famous for its Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race – the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere – which will be celebrating its 180th birthday in 2023.
SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY GEELONG BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET More than 70 stalls of new and preloved baby and children’s clothing, toys and accessories will be available from 9am to 1pm at Barwon Valley Activity Centre, Belmont.
The performances will be highly interactive. A quiet room and family room will be available. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Kids enter free. Entry for adults is $3.
All proceeds from ticket sales go to Make Room, a project assisting people out of homelessness. Tickets are $5.
PAKO FESTA RETURNS
SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY Victoria’s largest free celebration of cultural diversity returns home to Pakington Street for the 41st edition of City of Greater Geelong’s biggest outdoor street party. The theme will be ‘Sharing and Connecting Cultures: The Reunion’ and is about human reconnection.
SUNDAY 4 MARCH KNOX FESTIVAL This free community event will run 10am to 10pm at Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully. SUMMER 2022 23
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