Stonnington Boroondara Kids - Spring 2023

Playtime on track

atWattlePark

Cuylenburg:

Imperfectdad Hugh van

‘Empty and lost’

Dadsseeksupport

AboutUs

A season bursting with opportunities

IT’S always a special feeling, spotting those first few spring blossoms bursting from bare tree branches.

It’s a glimmer of hope - that the year’s coldest, wettest days are behind us and summer is just a stone’s throw away. Nature turns on the charm, sprouting ubiquitous buds and blooms across the suburbs and beyond. The outside world is just beckoning you to get up from the couch, drop the blanket, grab a hat and get outdoors!

Spring is the perfect time to stretch the legs after a long winter and check

CONTENTS

IT’S YOUR LIFE

Steve Biddulph: Where is it in your body?

PAGE 4

Kidsafe’s essential garage safety checklist

PAGE 4

‘He’s not very resilient, is he?’: Hugh van Cuylenburg talks parenting

PAGE 5

Dad urges men to seek postnatal support

PAGE 6

Wattle Park’s taking passengers for play

PAGE 7

Kids in the Kitchen: Probiotic coconut and strawberry panna cotta

PAGE 8

Homebirths to be introduced at Royal Women’s Hospital

PAGE 9

HEALTH

Get set for breastfeeding success in those first few days

PAGE 10

Life with HG: Mum’s battle to leave the bathroom

PAGE 11

Supporting mums on their journey

PAGE 11

DENTAL

Save young teeth from sugar

PAGE 12

Camberwell Dental: Promoting lifelong smiles

PAGE 12

Dentists back vape ban

PAGE 13

out parks and playgrounds before the heat of summer sets in. There’s no better way to tire out the kids while nurturing both their bodies and imaginations.

For a while there, every playground we visited became a cafe. The ‘tanbark as food and money’ phase seems to be a rite of passage for children everywhere.

One of our children is deep in a swing stage currently, but thankfully she’s mastered swinging herself, so sometimes Mumma gets to take a seat and soak up the gentle sunshine and fresh air.

We’d love to hear your go-to park and playground games - we could all do with a little inspiration! Whether it’s an independent play scenario to set the kids up with, or a parent-friendly all-in game, we want to hear it. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to share your tips or pick up an idea, and to find all our latest stories.

Stonnington Boroondara Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Stonnington Boroondara Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Stonnington Boroondara Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810

Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777

Editorial Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan @starnewsgroup.com.au

Casey Neill casey.neill@starnewsgroup.com.au

Photography Rob Carew Group Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Phone: 5945 0608

Modern Orthodontics: Introducing Dr

Gloria

PAGE 13

Wattle Park Dental: Invest in your family’s future smile bank

PAGE 14

ENTERTAINMENT

Family dining with a Mexican spin

PAGE 15

Where elegance meets excellence

PAGE 15

EDUCATION

Navigating the NDIS

PAGE 16

Being the teachable and askable parent

PAGE 17

Bolster skills, strength at Boulder

PAGE 17

St Peter’s: Setting the right foundations

PAGE 18

Scholarship opportunities at Wesley College

PAGE 19

Discover why parents choose De La

Salle

PAGE 20

Selected places available at Genazzano

PAGE 21

Our Holy Redeemer: Skills for the future

PAGE 22

Melbourne Girls Grammar: Gross motor skills key in early learning

PAGE 22

Making mistakes is crucial for kids

PAGE 24

St Catherine’s: Is your child ready for prep?

PAGE 24

PARTY TIME

Slumber parties that dreams are made of

PAGE 26

Bring a mobile zoo directly to you

PAGE 26

Beyond traditional parties

PAGE 26

Unreal Parties make real memories

PAGE 27

Step into a magical celebration at Little Party House

PAGE 27

Bop Till You Drop: Masters of entertainment

PAGE 27

DANCE, DRAMA AND MUSIC

Mini Maestros: Harness the power of music

PAGE 28

Celebrating more than 17 years of artistic excellence

PAGE 28

FASHION

Spring fashion with Minihaha

PAGE 29

BOOKS

Family tragedy inspires teen novel

PAGE 30

Dive into Mim’s world

PAGE 31

Discover new children’s books

PAGE 31

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.

atWattlePark Playtime on track

Imperfectdad Hugh van Cuylenburg:

Dadsseeksupport ‘Empty and lost’

Cover Kai, 3, soaks up the spring sunshine surrounded by blossoms. Picture: Rob Carew

Where is it in your body?

“I hate her! I don’t want to be her brother anymore.”

“OK! Can I ask you Ravi, can you feel the bad feeling in your body?”

He replied, “Yes.”

“Where does that bad feeling live right now?” his mum asked.

There is a pause. “It’s in my throat.”

“OK, just feel it there. What is it like?”

Ravi said, “It’s tight, my whole throat is tight.”

STEVE BIDDULPH

RAVI is eight years old; a sweetnatured boy who adores his older sister Satya.

Despite the four years between them, they have always been the dearest companions.

But this morning, getting ready for school, there was a huge blow-up between the two of them.

Satya ended up yelling at the top of her lungs for Ravi to “stop bugging me!” and stormed off to catch her bus.

Ravi was distraught. He went to his room in tears.

His mum gave him a few minutes and then went in to see if she could comfort him. She worried that he would be late for school but knew that without some calming down, his day would not go very well.

She sat beside him on the bed.

“How are you going?” she asked gently. He didn’t answer.

“Satya was really loud and mean to you back then. It must have been a surprise?”

“Yes,” Ravi snuffled.

“And now it’s left you feeling awful?”

“She hates me!” he said.

“Well, it feels pretty bad to be talked to in that way.”

OK. A pause. “Ravi, what do you think your throat is wanting to say to you?”

He thinks for a bit. “Mum, remember when we went ice skating? And Satya held my hand and we skated around?”

“Yes, it was your birthday,” she replied.

“Satya isn’t the same, Mum. She doesn’t want to play with me anymore.” He starts to cry.

“You’re really sad; you wish it was like it used to be with you two, when we first moved here.”

Ravi is sitting up now, leaning into his mum. “I had better get going to school!”

“Yes, I will help you get going…”

Often when children get upset, it’s hard to know what to do or say.

When I was a kid, parents used to say things like, “Quit crying or I’ll give you something to cry about!”

Even today, we still get it wrong - we try to distract children, or reason with them, or try and talk them out of feeling bad.

Ravi’s mum knew something extra that she could do. She asked Ravi whereabouts in his body the feeling lived and, when he found it, “what does the feeling want to say to you?”.

Are you an Expectant or New Mum?

Motherhood can be an exciting yet challenging time.

Let Caring Mums’ volunteers be part of your ‘village’ by providing you with additional emotional support.

We are a free, confidential and non-judgemental program for new and expecting mums, whether you are entering motherhood for the first time or you already have children. No woman should have to feel alone in her journey of Motherhood.

For more information please visit www.ncjwavic.org.au/caringmums

Our bodies hold unique and “right now” wisdom about our situation, known as “felt sense” and if we follow this it can often uncover hidden truths.

Ravi isn’t angry at his sister, really. He is grieving that she is growing up and not his little friend like she was.

Life has sadness built in sometimes, and all we can do is be there for our kids as they suffer through that.

He came a long way in the three or four minutes they spent, and knows something new: that bugging his sister won’t turn back the clock, but they can still be friends in a growing way as she enters puberty and lives more in the world of her girlfriends.

Ravi’s mum might have a word with her to not forget her little brother and still have some times with him, but she won’t force her to stay a child. She knows her daughter is growing up.

Listening to body feelings is often a wonderful help for kids with their difficult emotions.

It helps them realise that “there is something inside them” which is angry, or sad, or frightened, but that’s not the whole of them.

Perhaps they can draw the bad feeling, choose a colour for it, and this helps to explore it, listen to it, and get it to a more peaceful place.

We can help our kids with strong feelings by teaching them to notice their body sensations, and what they are trying to say, writes

‘He’s not very resilient, is he?’

By Casey Neill

HUGH van Cuylenburg has always wanted to be a dad.

“I never even questioned it,” the Resilience Project founder said.

“It was always something I was definitely going to do.

“From a young age, I remember Mum telling me I’d be a really good dad.

“I wanted to have that unconditional love for my own kids.”

Fast forward to today and the teacher, author and podcaster has three children with wife Penny Moodie - Benji, 6, Elsie, 3, and Patrick, 1.

Hugh thought he had fatherhood in the bag before welcoming his first child. After all, he’s known for championing resilience. Surely being a parent was a role he could weather?

“I felt very confident until the moment we brought him (Benji) home,” Hugh said.

“Until the reality of a screaming baby at 1am then 2am then 3am set in. The realisation that ‘this is it for the next however long’.

“I was 36 when we had Benji. So since leaving school, basically, life was completely on my terms.

“For the first time in a very long time, it absolutely wasn’t about me anymore.”

Spending time with other parents and children in his life hadn’t opened his eyes quite wide enough to see what he was in for.

“People are very keen to put on a front that they’ve got everything sorted and life’s great,” he said.

“I have noticed that pressure among people I hang out with.

“I often think, ‘Surely you’re not flying through this, surely I’m not the only one struggling right now?’”

Early in his parenting journey, Hugh felt huge pressure to live up to his profile as the ‘Resilience Project guy’.

“Especially in public,” he said.

Volunteering in India in 2008, he was blown away by how happy everyone was despite living in poverty.

He learned the value of practicing gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness for a more fulfilling life, so devised a program to share in schools.

The Resilience Project today works with thousands of students, parents, workplaces, and sporting clubs.

Hugh recalled toddler-aged Benji having a meltdown outside a cafe, and a comment from a passer-by: “He’s not very resilient, is he?”

“I kind of laughed but it made me quite angry,” he said.

“From then on, I felt enormous pressure to have everything under control.”

That is until he spoke vulnerably about his parenting journey - and other aspects of his life - on his podcast.

Hugh launched The Imperfects in 2019 with his brother, Josh, and comedian Ryan Shelton.

They chat with well-known Australians and experts in various mental health fields about embracing imperfection.

“It’s very liberating,” he said.

“Now I feel very comfortable. If the kids have a meltdown in public, I don’t care.”

Elsie was two and a half when Penny suggested the family add a third child to the mix.

“I remember saying to her, ‘Are you serious? We’re nearly out of the woods here’,” Hugh laughed.

“I could see light at the end of the tunnel for the first time in six years.

“I thought, ‘I just don’t understand this’.”

He said he’d accepted the reality of parenting three children more often than not, but there were times he caught himself picturing an alternative reality with a little more freedom.

“Last week I got asked last-minute to go to the footy in a corporate box,” he said.

“I couldn’t because I had the three kids with me. It wasn’t fair to Penny. I had to say no.

“I’m trying to practice acceptance.”

That applies to his career, as well.

“I’ve been less able to do the work that I want to do,” he said.

“I feel like every time a child came along I was able to put a bit less effort into it.”

He likened combining work and parenthood to a scene in the movie Gladiator.

Joaquin Phoenix’s character drives a knife into the back of Maximus, played by Russell Crowe.

Maximus fights on, concealing his pain.

“No one knows how exhausted I am,” Hugh said.

Benji and Elsie continue to be “terrible sleepers”, waking multiple times a night.

“It’s affected how much I can put into the Resilience Project,” he said.

“I’m very happy being vulnerable with how much I’m struggling.

“It connects you to the audience, rather than pretending you’re fine and giving a lacklustre performance.”

Hugh wrangles the older kids upstairs at night while Penny handles Patrick.

“I already know he’s just going to be so much more resilient than the other two because he’s already had to fend for himself so often,” he said.

“The amount of times I’ve forgotten where he is…”

He said the hardest part of parenting was seeing his kids struggle.

In his two books and a recent appearance on ABC’s Australian Story, Hugh has shared his sister Georgia’s struggle with an eating disorder and trauma from a man abusing her as a toddler.

“I think my background, with my sister being sick, I’ve always been very finely attuned to unhappiness in the household. I find that extremely difficult,” he said.

The best part of parenting?

“When they smile and laugh, that’s just my favourite thing,” he said.

“It’s just the greatest thing in the world.”

Heading into parenthood, Hugh wanted to be a really fun dad. He said

he’s succeeding - possibly too much so.

“I think I need to be a bit more firm with setting boundaries and sticking to them,” he said.

“Whatever makes them happy is my philosophy. I don’t have the right balance yet.”

Hugh is experiencing parenthood alongside Josh.

“It’s the dream for me,” he said.

“I never thought it would happen because I’m six years older than Josh. I always thought my kids would be much older.

“It just turned out that his first and our second were born five days apart.”

There are only 23 hours between Hugh’s third and Josh’s second. Their wives were put up in the same hotel to recover post-birth - very convenient for grandparent visits.

Hugh loves the idea that the cousins might one day listen to the podcast.

“I hope it finds its way into their life at a time they need it,” he said.

“I just know from the feedback we’re getting that it’s helping so many people.

“I’d love for it to help them one day, too.

“If my dad had done a podcast with his brother, I would be listening to it and I would just love that.”

Guests on The Imperfects have included respected educator and speaker Lael Stone and in-demand developmental paediatrican Billy Garvey.

How does it feel to have parenting experts at his fingertips?

“It’s been great, it’s incredible and I feel very lucky,” Hugh said.

“But not everything works. Every child is so different.

“You can give general advice but there’s no guarantee everything’s going to work for you.”

The Resilience Project is touring kids’ show 3 Happy Tricks around in Victoria this September school holidays.

The high-energy Martin Heppell uses music, storytelling and laughs to provide primary school-aged children and their parents some practical strategies for being happier and more resilient.

Hugh van Cuylenburg with wife Penny Moodie and their children, Patrick, Elsie, and Benji.

Hugh was 36 when he became a dad. “For the first time in a very long time, it absolutely wasn’t about me anymore.”

It’sYourLife

More dads seek support

By Casey Neill

MATT Carter felt ‘empty and quite lost’ when he welcomed his first child.

“I never knew that having postpartum depression was something that men could go through,” he said.

“When we brought baby home I felt really, really empty and quite lost.

“The cries really, really cut through me like a knife.

“I wanted to hold her and I wanted to be nurturing and be a father, but I was so scared that I was going to hurt her in some way or going to break her.

“That would lead to me just having really weird outbursts where I’d just start crying uncontrollably and wouldn’t really know what to do.”

Matt was diagnosed with postnatal depression seven weeks after welcoming his first child and referred to Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA).

“I didn’t know about PANDA until I was already deep in it,” he said.

“If I had of known about PANDA from the get go I may have been able to save myself some weeks where I could have enjoyed parenthood instead of feared it.

“I felt numb a lot and I felt like I was on autopilot a lot, but I also felt a lot of sadness.”

Matt urged other dads struggling with a new baby to talk to friends, family or health professionals.

“Reach out to anyone and everyone,” he said.

The number of new and expecting dads completing PANDA’s Mental Health Checklist more than doubled in the 12 months to December 2022.

One in 10 calls to the PANDA Helpline are made by men.

PANDA CEO Julie Borninkhof said one in 10 dads developed perinatal anxiety and/or depression symptoms during pregnancy or after a baby was born.

“We often set the men of our communities up to feel that they have to be strong and weather the storm,” she said.

“It’s really important to stop and experience what you’re going through.

“Dads have a really big weight on their shoulders and we don’t expect them to carry it alone.

“Even rocks crumble.”

Ms Borninkhof said dads experienced a significant adjustment to their sense of identity when a baby arrived.

“That throws up a whole range of emotions and feelings,” she said.

“Culturally we set people up to think that it’s going to be an amazing golden time.

“We really want dads to feel that that experience is valid and not to push it down and to reach out and have conversations.”

Signs dads might be struggling include disrupted sleep, being unable to eat or eating too much, or turning to drugs or alcohol.

“They’re also the same things that you’d expect to experience as a new parent,” Ms Borninkhof said.

“We also know for dads that they quite often have a tendency to overwork as a way of disengaging from the household and turning to a space where they feel a little bit more functional.

“If people aren’t sure what they are feeling is normal, or if they are seeing signs of mental health distress in loved ones, our website offers 24-hour access to our online mental health checklist.”

PANDA also works closely with free service SMS4dads.

Associate Professor Richard Fletcher, from University of Newcastle’s Fathers and Families Research Program, said SMS4dads came about “because fathers told us that the health system doesn’t provide services that speak directly to dads”.

The service sends brief text messages that support men in their role as fathers and increase awareness of their influence on baby’s brain development.

“It also provides tips on working collaboratively with their partner and checks in on their wellbeing and offers professional support if needed,” Ass Prof Fletcher said.

More than 12,000 dads have enrolled since the service launched.

Anyone needing support during pregnancy or post childbirth can call the PANDA Helpline on 1300 726 306 Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7.30pm. For more information or to access PANDA’s Mental Health Checklist, visit panda.org.au.

Matt Carter struggled with postnatal depression.

Watt a great spot!

THE Wattle Park playground has always been worth a visit, with its calming bushland surrounds in the middle of bustling Surrey Hills.

But with its updated equipment, the play space is now a must-visit for kids of all ages.

Genuine old-school green and yellow trams, retired from the Melbourne CBD, have long featured in the leafy space.

The pair are currently getting a facelift, but the new playground has taken inspiration from the transport gems.

The main play equipment is based

on and around a mock tram, complete with steering wheel - a big tube slide, rope climbing net and observation platform, all in that recognisable green and gold.

There are heaps more climbing spaces for your little monkey, plus water play and sand spaces, swings, instruments and so much more.

Scooters and bikes are catered for, and bushland-inspired spaces will inspire little imaginations.

Siblings Olivia and Rupert joined photographer Rob Carew to put the playground through its paces.

Probiotic coconut and strawberry panna cotta

it’s decedent enough for dessert and nourishing enough for breakfast too.

I love cooking with coconut milk because it’s naturally sweet and high in

in the kitchen with Lucy Stewart

THIS creamy probiotic coconut panna cotta is fresh, light and super easy to make, utilising some of this seasons sweet strawberries. Rich in gut healing compounds, probiotics and healthy fats,

These fats provide a quick source of energy for kids bodies and brains and also have potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory

Coconut kefir is a delicious, tangy drink that contains a much-higher and broader range of probiotics than yoghurt, but this recipe works well with either.

Gelatin is what makes our panna cotta jiggle. It’s great for healing the

gut, supporting healthy joints, bones and skin and promoting restful sleep too. In order to receive all the health benefits, it’s important to choose a good quality gelatin from a health food store as the chemically-treated packs of gelatine powders at the supermarket don’t offer the same health advantages.

Strawberries top the Environmental Working Group’s list of produce that contain pesticide residue, so to reduce this, wash your strawberries by adding 1 tsp of baking soda to 4 cups of water and soak for 5-minutess. Then, rinse with cold running water and pat dry.

Ingredients:

■ 250ml canned coconut milk

■ 250ml coconut kefir (or yoghurt)

■ 250g strawberries

■ 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup

■ 1 tsp vanilla extract

■ 3 tsp gelatin

Instructions:

1. Lightly grease 6 ramekins with a little bit of coconut oil

2. To a small bowl add gelatin and 1 Tbsp water, mix and leave to “bloom”

3. Blitz strawberries in a blender until smooth then press the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds, reserving the liquid

4. In a small saucepan, gently warm coconut milk over low heat

5. Add vanilla, honey and bloomed gelatin stirring to combine then turn off heat

6. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature – this is important as heat will damage the probiotics - then add the coconut kefir and strawberry liquid and whisk to combine

7. Pour mixture into ramekins and place in the fridge for 2-4 hours or until set

8. Once set they can be served as is or turned out. To remove from ramekins, dunk in hot water for a few seconds, then run a sharp knife just around the edge to loosen it from the sides. Place a plate over the top and holding the ramekin and plate together invert the ramekin and the panna cotta should plop out on to the plate – it may need a little jiggle of encouragement.

9. Serve with extra sliced strawberries.

■ Serves: 6

■ Prep time: 10 minutes

■ Cool time: 2+ hours

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

Picture: Lucy Stewart Kids Nutrition

Homebirth program expanding

By Melissa Meehan

A publicly-funded homebirth program is set to be introduced at Victoria’s leading women’s hospital.

While the initiative is only in the planning stages, a Victorian government spokesman confirmed it was expanding its public homebirth program to include three additional hospitals, including the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.

The program already runs at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Sunshine and has previously been available at Casey Hospital in Berwick.

“It’s so important that women have choice in the care they access,” the government spokesman told AAP.

Currently, as many as 80 women give birth through the public program in Victoria each year.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) said it supported the expansion of the program.

“The home birth program is a positive step forward for women and their babies,” a RANZCOG spokesperson said.

“Where it is appropriate and safe, having the choice of a planned home birth program provides women with shared decision making, which is an important factor in pregnancy care.”

After having three homebirths herself, Farrah Panozza, 29, celebrated news that such births would be available to more women.

She welcomed a daughter into the world last week in Bellingen, NSW, unassisted, as her midwife did not make it in time.

Ms Panozza had previously given birth at her homes in Selby and Belgrave in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges.

“Giving birth in hospital was never an option for me,” she told AAP.

“I feel that homebirthing opens more of a space for women and both parents to

be in touch with that organic, innate body-driven process.”

Ms Panozza said the relationship with her midwife was an important part of her homebirthing experience.

She said the midwives were her biggest source of education and spent time getting to know her and partner Joseph, and later their children.

“It allowed me to be left to it (focusing on the birth), because we’d already discussed what I consented to, or if I didn’t want to be touched,” she said.

“Because we’d already discussed what my intentions for the birth were, as well as my previous birth experiences and what I did and didn’t want within my birth space.

“I feel that is really important leading into the experience of birth and is therefore so important to have a midwife who knows you well and can support you to achieve your birth vision.”

National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president Gino Pecoraro said homebirths were uncommon in Australia with less than three per cent of all babies delivered at home.

In the US homebirths are also uncommon, accounting for 1.26 per cent of all births, according to a report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

“At the moment there is no hard evidence to recommend one place of delivery over another for low-risk screened patients,” Associate Professor Pecoraro said.

But he said it was important that hospitals undertaking homebirthing programs stuck to a strict criteria and fully informed patients of both the pros and cons.

He said it was also important to be aware of the availability of ambulances, and ramping at Emergency Departments if something did go wrong.

In Australia, less than three per cent of all babies are delivered at home. Picture: Chapter and Song Photography

One mum said homebirthing opened a space for women to be in touch with the innate body-driven process of birth.

Getting set for breastfeeding

By Epworth Freemasons Maternity

BREASTFEEDING is such a special time to bond with your new baby, and there are wonderful benefits for both of you. Those first days wwith your baby are so precious as you get to know each other and feeding with your breast milk provides natural nutrition for your baby’s growth and development.

Breastfeeding can:

■ Reduce the risk or severity of many illnesses, including diarrhoea, ear infections and respiratory illnesses;

■ Reduce the risk of allergies;

■ Reduce the incidence/occurrence of eczema and asthma;

■ Help reduce postpartum bleeding; and

■ Reduce maternal incidence of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

■ The first hour after birth is an important time for you and your baby, and maximising skin-to-skin contact is so valuable.

■ The time that your baby spends on your chest helps nurture their natural feeding instincts, which see them searching for your breast, latching on, and sucking.

■ Your breast milk is an incredible source of nutrients for your baby and

has so many benefits for their health and growth, whether you feed your baby your milk for three days, four weeks, six months, two years, or longer!

Tips for the first few days of breastfeeding:

■ Position yourself comfortably with your back well supported.

■ Correct positioning, as well as products such as nipple creams and hydrogel, may help relieve sore, hot nipples.

■ Drink plenty of water. This helps your milk production, lifts energy levels, and helps prevent constipation.

■ Look out for your baby’s early feeding cues, signs of hunger. Your baby might make sucking noises or open their mouth and turn their head towards your breast. It’s better to start when you see these early cues rather than later cues like crying.

■ Get rest whenever you can. You’re doing an amazing job, helping your new baby to thrive. Don’t underestimate how much of your energy this demands.

■ Scan the QR code to order your free copy of Bump, Birth, and Bub, a comprehensive guide to what to expect in pregnancy, labour, and the weeks after birth from Epworth Maternity.

perfect

Living with hyperemesis

By Laura Michell

IMAGINE having gastro-like symptoms for nine months, battling to keep down a glass of water and most foods.

Now imagine being pregnant at the same time, because that’s what it is like to suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

Hyperemesis is a “potentially lifethreatening condition that may cause weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and debility due to severe nausea and/ or vomiting, and may cause long-term health issues for mother and baby(ies)”, according to The HER Foundation, a global charity advocating for better HG awareness and treatment.

It’s believed the condition affects between one and three percent of pregnancies and has a recurrence rate of about 80 percent.

I’ve been unfortunate enough to suffer from it in both my pregnancies.

In my first pregnancy, HG lasted until I gave birth to my son at 38 weeks, and it’s showing no signs of going away anytime soon in pregnancy number two.

So, what’s it like to actually suffer from HG?

In my experience, nausea and vomiting are the worst parts of the condition. I take a cocktail of drugs three times a day to keep the nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux under control. Without them, I would never be able to leave my bathroom.

Before I found the right mix of medications in this pregnancy, I would be nauseous 24/7 and everything I ate was just about guaranteed to come back up.

Once I found the right medications, I still had to lock myself in my bedroom at the other end of our house while food was being cooked and eaten until I was well into my second trimester.

The smell of chicken or red meat cooking would have me reaching for a bucket.

Even now, in my eighth month, I’m still overcome by waves of nausea when certain foods are being cooked.

Then there are food aversions.

While other pregnant women carefully follow eating guidelines, giving up soft cheese and sushi for nine months, I struggle to find foods that I can actually keep down.

I can’t eat meat, most vegetables, or anything sweet. Trying to work out what to eat each day is exhausting!

In the early days of this pregnancy, I survived on buttered toast and twominute noodles – hardly a nourishing diet - and some days even those ‘safe foods’ would fail me.

I also can’t keep a glass of water down, which ultimately makes hydration an ongoing battle.

This pregnancy, I’ve tried cordial, orange juice, apple juice, sparkling water, Powerade, and Coke - the saviour of many HG sufferers - in a desperate attempt to stay hydrated.

It’s a constant battle and I often need IV fluids to reverse my dehydration.

As you can imagine, all of these things combined make it difficult to go about your everyday life.

When you are constantly nauseous and on the verge of dehydration, everyday tasks like taking care of your family, cleaning your house, or working become too much to handle.

As a result, I have missed out on a lot this pregnancy. There has been less time to play with my son or take him on outings, less quality family time, and missed family functions, including a wedding and significant birthdays.

While missing out on all those moments hasn’t been ideal, these decisions have been necessary to keep

me out of hospital and well enough to function on a basic level.

I’ve been able to work more this pregnancy than I did the first time around – largely thanks to my GP’s persistence in finding the right combination of medications - but that doesn’t mean that showing up to work each day has been any easier.

Working with HG, especially in weeks nine to 12 – referred to as ‘the death zone’ by sufferers because that is when symptoms are at their worst – can be almost impossible. It is very difficult to concentrate and give your job your all when all you want to do is throw up and sleep.

Showing up to work each day means I spend my evenings and weekends bed-ridden, recovering from the exhaustion of working and relying on my husband, Tim, to look after me and our son, Harrison.

Tim does all the cooking and the majority of the household chores and keeps Harrison entertained, all while trying to work himself.

My parents religiously visit us every Saturday to help clean, entertain Harrison, and cook batches of whatever meals I think I might be able to tolerate that week.

Without all of their support, I would not be able to turn up at work Monday to Friday.

For many HG sufferers, one of the most frustrating parts of the condition is the lack of awareness about hyperemesis.

For the most part, people don’t understand just how debilitating the condition can be unless they have suffered from HG or watched a loved one go through it.

As a result, HG can be a very

Helping mums to find their feet

IT wasn’t until her daughter was 8 months old that ‘Sue’ reached out for help.

“That’s when I was referred to the Caring Mums program,” she said.

“The point of Caring Mums is that they focus on YOU. For once, someone was asking how I was instead of ignoring my needs and focusing on my baby.

“Someone cared about ME, and it was nice to feel important.

“I felt like I faded into the background after having my daughter. I lost my identity as an individual and just became ‘Mum’ which, don’t get me wrong, being a Mum is my greatest blessing but becoming a parent was much harder than I ever imagined, and

I didn’t expect to struggle.”

Sue, like many of the mums in the program, never expected to find becoming a mum filled with so many different, often conflicting emotionsfear, love, loss, resentment, and joy, just to name a few.

Caring Mums developed to fill a huge gap in the community by creating a sense of village for mothers who just want additional emotional support on one of the most pleasurable, but also one of the most challenging journeys in their life.

Caring Mums volunteers are trained to be nonjudgmental in order to create a safe space which focuses on the immeasurable value of emotional connection.

Caring Mums is powered by NCJWA VIC and is a free, nondenominational program offered to all mothers in the Cities of Stonnington, Boroondara, Bayside, Glen Eira, Port Phillip, and Kingston.

If you’re a mother who has experienced the challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood, consider becoming a volunteer. Your empathy, wisdom, and time can make a profound impact on someone’s life.

If you’re a new mother or pregnant woman seeking support, do not hesitate to reach out. Remember, you are not alone on this journey.

isolating condition.

Most people expect you to be overcome with joy that you are expecting, but the intense sickness that HG brings often means joy is the last thing you are feeling.

It can be very hard for people to grasp the extent of the condition and well-meaning friends and family will often tell me to ‘just try and drink some water’ or ‘just try and eat some meat’ without really understanding why I can’t do these things.

It is also widely misunderstood by medical professionals.

I’ve encountered plenty of doctors, pharmacists, and midwives across my two pregnancies who have tried to treat HG like regular morning sickness, reluctant to offer the medication and intervention I need to survive.

There is also a community of HG sufferers past and present who lend their support to one another on Hyperemesis Gravidarum Support Australia Facebook page, helping you feel like you are not going through this alone, while charity Hyperemesis Australia has a wealth of resources to help get you through.

These resources are invaluable and cover everything from the SOMANZ (Society of Obstetric Medicine Australia and New Zealand) guidelines on treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum, to useful tips on staying hydrated, when to seek intervention, and even how to prepare for future HG pregnancies.

As hard as an HG pregnancy can be, I know the months of suffering and sacrifice will all be worth it when the baby is born and my son meets his longed-for sibling.

Until then, I’ll just be taking it one day at a time.

For further information call Caring Mums on 0481 081 242 or visit www. ncjwavic.org.au/caringmums. ‘Sue’ with her mum.

Laura and Tim Michell and their son Harrison, 7.

Picture: Damjan Janevski

Save young teeth from sugar

THERE are lots of ways to reduce sugar hits that cause damage to young teeth.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) shared a few tips to help parents through the celebrations that put extra sugar in front of kids, like birthdays, Easter and Christmas.

Australia’s Oral Health Tracker Children and Young People 2018 revealed that almost 35 percent of children aged 5 to 6 years had experienced decay in their primary teeth.

Just over 23 percent of children aged 6 to 14 years have had tooth decay in their permanent teeth.

The ADA suggested restricting chocolate and sugary treats to mealtimes rather than snacking on them between meals, which reduces the time teeth are exposed to acid attacks.

Pairing chocolate treats with water drinks help rinse the sticky chocolate from the teeth and mouth.

Parents can look for less sugar-dense options, like dark chocolate.

Limit processed snack foods such as muesli bars and baked goods to reduce sugar consumption, and be aware of foods containing hidden sugars, many of which are sold as healthy snacks.

Small toys and inedible treats can also help to limit sugar exposure, plus art and craft activities.

Keep on top of oral health by brushing twice daily, flossing at least once, eating and drinking healthily and seeing your dentist regularly, the ADA saud.

For trusted oral health information from dental experts across Australia, visit teeth.org.au.

Promoting lifelong smiles for families

IN the heart of Camberwell, a dedicated dental practice fosters oral health excellence and community care.

Dentist Bob Cvetkovic and his team have been committed to fostering oral health and wellbeing for individuals of all ages.

As Dental Health Week (DHW) arrives, their support for this annual campaign further underscores their dedication to person-centered dental care as part of general health care.

Dr Cvetkovic and his skilled team offer an extensive spectrum of dental services that span a lifetime.

From routine check-ups to urgent care, cosmetic enhancements to preventive measures, and restorative treatments, their expertise encompasses the entirety of oral health needs.

Beyond the eradication of pain and discomfort, their mission is to elevate overall dental health and unveil confident smiles.

Dr Cvetkovic and his team are partners in promoting positive oral health changes.

Their comprehensive guidance includes dietary advice, oral hygiene tips, and lifestyle counseling.

By engaging patients in a collaborative journey, they empower individuals to embrace habits that foster enduring dental well-being.

As DHW takes center stage, the practice’s commitment to education and advocacy is present. This year’s focus on the intricate connection between oral and systemic health resonates deeply with Dr Cvetkovic and his team.

They understand the profound links between diseases in the mouth and those affecting the body.

Through their diligent efforts, they emphasise the importance of maintaining optimal oral health as a means to safeguard overall well-being.

Take this opportunity to schedule a visit, learn about the invaluable links between oral and systemic health, and embark on a journey towards a lifetime of overall well-being.

Together, let’s embrace the power of a healthy mouth to enrich our lives, ensuring that our smiles radiate not only happiness but also the very essence of vibrant health.

To make an enquiry or book an appointment, call the practice on 9882 3366 or send an email to admin@ camberwelldentalassociates.com.au.

Dr Bob Cvetkovic –Camberwell Dentist is at 681 Burke Road, Camberwell.

Dentists back vapes ban

THE nation’s dentists back vaping law changes that would end over-thecounter-sales of non-prescription vapes.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced a major crackdown on flavoured vapes in May.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) said one in four people aged 18 to 24 and one in six aged 14 to 17 had vaped, and some schools were installing vape detectors in bathrooms.

“Apart from the effects on general health, the use of vapes is setting the next generation up for a raft of oral health issues,” ADA president Stephen Liew said, “some of which are shown to be more detrimental to mouth health than years of smoking.”

He said effects on oral health included an increased level of carcinogens in the saliva of e-cig users, as well as

concerning oral lesions, and increased risk of dental decay and gum disease. Vaping and its effects on oral health will be a key topic at the ADA-hosted international World Dental Congress this September.

The American Dental Association’s spokesperson on vaping, Purnima Kumar, has done extensive research into vaping harms and will be presenting her research to the congress.

“Vaping for six months has the equivalent effect on a user as a smoker who has been smoking for five years,” she said.

“Compared to smoking, vaping is the greater of the two evils as changes occur quicker and cause more damage to the mouth.”

Dr Gloria joins the Modern team

MODERN Orthodontics is proud to introduce Annlie Gloria Andrew - an esteemed addition to its exceptional team.

With a remarkable educational background, global experience, and a dedication to advancing orthodontic care, Dr Gloria brings a fresh perspective and extensive expertise to the practice.

Having worked and studied in various countries for more than a decade, Dr Gloria’s journey in dentistry began in 2011 when she completed her dental training in Malaysia.

Seeking further knowledge, she pursued a postgraduate course at the renowned University of Otago in New Zealand in 2015.

In 2019, she concluded her specialised training in orthodontics at the esteemed Eastman Dental Hospital, University College London, United Kingdom.

Dr Gloria’s international experiences have equipped her with a broad skill set and a deep understanding of diverse orthodontic practices.

Her commitment to research is evident in her presentation on growth and its influence on the occlusal plane, which she delivered at the esteemed European Orthodontic Congress in Nice, France, in 2019.

She has a keen interest in early orthodontic treatment in growing children and adolescents, recognising the significance of timely intervention for optimal oral health and lifelong confident smiles.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr Gloria enjoys quality time with her husband and young daughters.

She also actively engages in tennis and running, fostering a balanced lifestyle that positively impacts her patient care.

The Modern Orthodontics team is delighted to announce that Dr Gloria Andrew is available to see patients at its Burwood location on Tuesdays and its Northcote location on Wednesdays.

Her affiliation with esteemed organisations, including the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, and the British Orthodontic Society, among others, highlights her dedication to continuous professional growth and collaboration.

Modern Orthodontics invites individuals seeking exceptional orthodontic treatment to experience the difference that Dr Gloria can make in their lives.

Her expertise, coupled with her compassionate approach, promises outstanding care and remarkable results.

Book your appointment today at Modern Orthodontics to embark on a journey toward

a confident, healthy smile under the guidance of Dr Gloria Andrew. Contact Modern Orthodontics on 1300 367 678 or www.modernorthodontics. com.au.

Dr Annlie Gloria Andrew

Nurturing your family’s smiles

By Dr Reina Yang, Wattle Park Dental

AS a dentist and a fellow parent of a toddler, I understand the joys and challenges of raising a little one.

Amidst the giggles and the tantrums, there’s one aspect of parenting that I’m particularly passionate about –nurturing your family’s dental health.

Just like you, I want the best for my family’s future, and that includes bright and healthy smiles that will carry them through life’s adventures.

When it comes to your family’s dental well-being, the journey begins early.

Those tiny teeth may seem insignificant, but they play a monumental role in shaping your children’s oral health as they grow into adulthood.

That’s why I want to share some insights about what to look out for during dental checkups and how this early care can impact your family’s future dental health.

Firstly, these checkups are more than a quick peek at your children’s teeth.

We’re carefully observing the development and alignment of those little pearly whites. Catching any signs of misalignment or bite issues early can potentially save your children from more extensive treatments down the road.

We’re like the navigators guiding their dental journey, ensuring they’re on the right track from the start.

Cavities and decay are sneaky adversaries, especially in tiny teeth.

Regular dental checkups allow us to spot them in their earliest stages. By addressing these issues promptly, we not only prevent discomfort but also lay the groundwork for strong, healthy teeth that will serve your children well into adulthood.

Think of it as a way of investing in your family’s future smile bank – a lifelong asset.

Now, let’s talk about the long game. Beyond the immediate benefits, these childhood dental checkups set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits.

Just as we teach our children to look both ways before crossing the street, we’re teaching them the importance of regular dental care.

It’s a lesson that will stay with them, guiding them to continue caring for their oral health as they grow older.

Imagine this: a positive experience during these early dental visits, shared as a family.

It’s like planting a seed of comfort and trust in your children’s minds. This seed grows into a resilient tree of confidence, reducing the chances of dental anxiety down the road.

So, dear parents, I, along with our team of dedicated dental professionals at Wattle Park Dental, encourage you to embrace these routine dental checkups.

Make it a family experience – an opportunity to bond, support one another, and prioritise your collective oral health.

Call 9000 0071, visit wattleparkdental.com.au or email reception@wattleparkdental.com.au.

Dr Reina and the team at Wattle Park Dental.

Mexican fiesta! Entertainment

Elegance meets excellence

HEY there, young amigos and amigas! Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico?

Look no further, for your taste buds are in for a treat right in the heart of Hawthorn.

La Cabra, the ultimate modern Mexican restaurant for families, is here to infuse your dining experience with a perfect blend of flavor, fun, and fiesta!

Whether you’re planning to commemorate a special occasion, savor a delectable meal, or simply relish quality time with your loved ones, La Cabra is the ideal destination.

Nestled conveniently across from Rivoli Cinemas, it offers the perfect pre or post-movie haven.

Picture this: cozy booths, a warm and inviting ambiance reminiscent of a Mexican fiesta, and a staff that treats you like an extended family member.

The allure of La Cabra is bound to beckon you back time and again.

But that’s not all – the heart and soul of La Cabra lies in its culinary offerings.

Prepare to have your taste buds tantalised by a plethora of refreshing drinks that will transport you straight to the shores of Cancun or the bustling streets of Mexico City.

Whether you’re a fan of classic margaritas or daring to try innovative concoctions, La Cabra has a libation for every palate.

other special moments that deserve an unforgettable backdrop.

Imagine the joy of savoring mouthwatering Mexican delicacies while surrounded by your nearest and dearest under the open sky.

It’s an experience that’ll create memories to cherish for years to come.

So, what’s stopping you? Round up your clan, bring along your appetite, and make your way to La Cabra for a taste of Mexico that’s authentically unmatched.

It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a haven where kids can revel in their youthful exuberance, families can bond over hearty laughs, and everyone can indulge in the rich, bold flavors of Mexico.

A dedicated team of event professionals stands ready to turn your vision into reality.

NESTLED within the charming embrace of prestigious Melbourne suburb Toorak, lies an enchanting venue that redefines sophistication and sets a new standard for corporate events – The Lincoln of Toorak.

Drawing inspiration from the timeless opulence of the Great Gatsby era, this luxurious establishment stands as a beacon of refinement, offering an exquisite setting for a myriad of occasions, from corporate galas and conferences to school formals and birthdays.

Stepping through the doors of The Lincoln of Toorak is akin to stepping back in time, where grandeur and elegance intertwine seamlessly.

Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, enchanting glow upon plush furnishings, creating an ambiance that is both inviting and awe-inspiring.

The cutting-edge audiovisual equipment ensures that every presentation and seminar held within these walls is nothing short of impeccable.

However, what truly sets The Lincoln of Toorak apart is its unwavering commitment to personalisation.

A dedicated team of event professionals stands ready to turn your vision into reality, guiding you through each step of the planning process with effortless finesse.

From intimate corporate meetings to dazzling school reunions, every event is meticulously crafted to reflect your unique preferences and needs.

Culinary excellence takes centre stage as well. The in-house culinary team offers a world-class dining experience that caters to a diverse range of dietary requirements – be it vegetarian, pescatarian, or coeliac. With meticulous attention to detail, guests can indulge in a gastronomic journey that delights both the palate and the senses.

The Lincoln of Toorak isn’t just a venue; it’s an embodiment of refined taste, personalised luxury, and meticulous planning.

It stands as a testament to Melbourne’s commitment to excellence, offering a space where unforgettable memories are woven into the very fabric of its opulent surroundings.

Whether you seek to host a corporate symposium that leaves a lasting impression or a celebration that captivates hearts, The Lincoln of Toorak is poised to exceed every expectation, solidifying its place as a true gem within Melbourne’s vibrant tapestry.

Contact The Lincoln of Toorak via info@lincolnoftoorak.com.au or 9800 1836, or visit Trak Centre, 445 Toorak Road, Toorak.

If you’re in the mood for a celebration that’s larger than life, La Cabra has you covered.

Their fantastic outdoor function space stands ready to host your birthdays, family get-togethers, or any

Let the spirit of ‘Ole’ resonate as you revel in the magic of good times and exceptional food at La Cabra. Call 1300 522 227 or visit lacabramexican.com.au.

Picture cozy booths, and the warm and inviting ambiance reminiscent of a Mexican fiesta.

Education

NDIS here to stay, but government eyes waste

MUMS, dads and carers can breathe a sigh of relief, after NDIS minister Bill Shorten assured them the scheme is here to stay.

His statement comes after the architect of the insurance scheme labelled it as a “magic pudding” with many service providers treating it as

an endless resource.

“We must stop thinking of the NDIS as though it is a limitless magic pudding,” said Professor Bonyhady, who is leading a review of the scheme that is due to report in October.

The NDIS cost $35 billion in the past

St Roch’s

Parish Primary School, Glen Iris

financial year and is on track to exceed $50 billion by 2025/26, overtaking the annual cost of Medicare.

The government has pledged to rein in spending growth of the scheme to eight per cent by July 2026.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the scheme in an address to the summit.

“It is here to stay and it will become more sustainable so that future generations can benefit from the scheme,” he said.

“The eight per cent target is not a cap, but a target to curb growth. The NDIS will remain demand driven.”

Earlier he told Nine’s Today Show he wanted to make sure every dollar got to the people who needed it.

Mr Shorten said reforms were being carried out to ensure money involved in the scheme was not being wasted, with measures already starting.

Melbourne mum Zoe* said without the NDIS funding made available to her family through early intervention, they simply couldn’t afford to pay for the support her daughter so desperately needs.

She said crippling anxiety and other issues only came to light when her five-year-old started school this year, and there was a mad rush to get some funding before she turned six.

If a child applies before they are six years old, they do not need an official diagnosis of autism, or similar.

But after numerous meetings with their NDIS support worker, as well as psychologist and occupational therapist, her daughter was diagnosed with a

“While we were waiting for our application to be approved, which was actually seamless, we were paying more than $1300 a month to see a psychologist fortnightly and a OT

“With rising interest rates and the cost of living – without being able to access the NDIS funding it would be really

She said she understood the need to ensure money wasn’t being wasted –but felt it was important to provide intervention for kids early, in the hope they wouldn’t need support later in life.

- with AAP

Without NDIS funding Zoe* doesn’t know how she would cope financially to provide support to her daughter.

Bill Shorten.

‘It’s never too early’

By Casey Neill

THE word sex is in the title, but Vanessa Hamilton’s new book has little to do with ‘sex’ itself. The mother of three and sexuality educator released Talking Sex in September, following on from her popular online resources and school presentations.

“It’s a conversation guide for parents to speak with their kids about sexuality, respectful relationships, and consent,” she said.

“It also covers typical development and behaviour.

“These topics have hardly anything to do with sex.

“Sex is a very limiting, unhelpful word.

“When you ask parents what sex broadly means, it comes down to heterosexual intercourse.”

Vanessa said many parents had difficulty discussing sexuality with their children.

“They didn’t receive the information as kids. They don’t know the language to use. They carry shame and taboo,” she said.

“Many parents find it difficult to talk to their partner, let alone their kids.

“But they’re getting an education every day, whether we like it or not. Is it the one you want them to receive?

“Who do you want to tell your child about each topic related to sex, human

sexuality, consent, and respect? Hopefully the answer is you.”

Vanessa hopes the book will give parents the confidence to discuss these tricky topics.

“To be the teachable and askable parent their kids need them to be,” she said.

“Our children’s safety and wellbeing is our responsibility.”

As parents, we take our children to swimming lessons and teach them road safety.

“Their sexual well-being is just as important,” Vanessa said.

She encouraged parents to speak openly to their children about sexuality in an age-appropriate way from a very early age. Start with naming body parts in a shame-free way from when they’re a baby, then move on to body safety.

“Consent starts in the playground,” Vanessa said.

Manage their disappointment when a friend says ‘no’ to play.

“Those skills are then embedded for when they have their sexual encounters,” she said.

“They also need to know about puberty before it happens.”

Educating children about their bodies gives them better outcomes, such as the prevention of assault and abuse, Vanessa said.

“It’s never too late or too early to

start,” she said.

“Teenagers might plug their ears with their fingers. It is awkward. You can say that.

“Call out situations on the TV and make comments about it.

“Talking in the car is a good one.

“Just get started.”

Bolster skills, strength at Boulder

EMBARK on an extraordinary bouldering journey at Boulder Project, where strength, flexibility, endurance, problem-solving, and decision-making skills flourish.

Especially beneficial for young minds, bouldering enhances their physical abilities while nurturing their cognitive development.

Boost your confidence, self-esteem, and mind-body connection through the joy of climbing.

Revel in the dynamic environment, with fresh routes every week and a wide range of difficulty levels to suit all climbers.

Don’t miss Tuesday promotions, offering two-for-one entry and discounted early bird climbing from 6.30am to 11.30 am.Plus, indulge in exciting kids’ classes on weekends, complete with free shoe hire and complimentary climbing for the rest of the day after the class.

For newcomers, seize the opportunity to pay for your initial

session and receive a free seven-day climbing pass. This cannot be claimed in conjunction with other offers or specials.

Climbing serves as a remarkable avenue for student engagement, promoting active learning and cultivating virtues such as courage and diligence.

The Boulder school group program offers deals, including a $15 per head rate (with $5 shoe hire) for groups under 25 and an even better deal of $12.50 per head (including free shoe hire) for groups of 25 or more.

Safety induction, coaching, and bouldering skill assistance are provided to all participants.

Unleash your potential and thrive at Boulder Project, where bouldering transcends the boundaries of physical activity, creating a transformative experience for all.

To book your climb or receive further information, visit www. boulderproject.com.au.

Author Vanessa Hamilton.

Setting the right foundations

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, hidden away from the bustling Toorak Road.

Working in partnership, we are committed to instilling values of family, community, and social justice through connection.

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 from our influence of the principals of the Reggio Emilia Educational Project’s view of 100 languages.

Our early learning program considers the interests and curiosities of the children, as well as Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence, focusing on the different modes of learning that can benefit each child. Educators spend time ensuring that the learning stimulus and provocations are meaningful for the

St Peter’s Early Learning Centre St Kevin’s College – ELC-Year 12

children. It’s not a matter of setting up random activities to keep the children busy - we’re about stimulating curiosity, inquiry, and learning to further extend each child’s potential.

We believe the foundations made in the early years strengthen the children’s social and emotional intelligence and provides confidence so they are ready to learn in the formal settings of school.

Our small setting thrives on the sense of community and engagement with

our families through our Parents and Friends Committee, with a focus on ‘friendraising’ and creating connections and relationships with each child’s first teacher – their parent. For further information and to book a tour, we invite you to visit www. stpeterselc.vic.edu.au/ and look forward to welcoming your child to join our early learning community.

Kathleen Brohier, Head of St Peter’s ELC

We welcome you to visit our website to find out more and arrange a tour.

www.stpeterselc.vic.edu.au

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.

The St Peter’s ELC is a small setting with a big heart.

Education

Scholarship support is available

WESLEY College is a leading independent, coeducational, IB World School, catering for both day and boarding students.

Supporting the growth and development of more than 3500 students across three Melbourne campuses, Wesley’s inclusive and diverse community enables every student to become thoughtful, engaged, and contributing citizens of the world.

Through Wesley’s exceptional opportunities and holistic education, students discover their passions and nurture their talents in academia, the arts, music, performance, sport, service, and leadership.

Academic excellence is a hallmark of a Wesley education.

Wesley’s scholarship program provides opportunities for exceptional students who are enthusiastic to learn, reach their potential, and contribute to the Wesley community. Scholarships for 2025 entry will open in September 2023 and include:

Academic Excellence – for students who demonstrate academic excellence across a broad range of disciplines.

General Excellence – for students who demonstrate high academic performance and achievement in one or more of sport, music, performance and creative arts, leadership, and

community; or other skills such as debating, chess, and e-sports.

Boarding Scholarships - for students from rural and regional Victoria entering Years 9, 10 or 11.

Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship for Girls – for girls with a passion and aptitude for STEM.

Scholarships to Wesley College are highly sought-after and recipients are awarded between a 25 to 75 percent reduction in tuition fees.

Wesley scholarships are offered on merit to outstanding students, with the number and value of scholarships offered dependent upon the applicant pool.

Families may also choose to have their application considered in relation to financial need by completing the means-tested component about personal and financial circumstances through the application process.

At Wesley College, students can find their voice, develop their talents, ignite their passions, and inspire meaning in their lives.

If you’re thinking of applying, sign up on the Wesley website to receive a reminder when scholarship applications open.

To find out more about scholarship opportunities, visit www.wesleycollege. edu.au/scholarships.

Wesley scholarships are opening soon.

The De La Salle difference

DE La Salle College Malvern educates more than 1000 students from Years 5 to 12, across three campuses.

Each campus is designed for every stage of your sons’ development to encourage personal excellence and support your sons in becoming respectful young men.

The Primary School has an excellent transition program, as students seamlessly move from Year 6 to Year 7 on the same campus.

De La Salle College provides a Catholic education for boys in the Lasallian tradition.

The school has an open enrolment policy and provides a contemporary learning environment. With transport right to the front door, De La Salle College welcomes students throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area.

The college provides a variety of pathways in secondary school to align with students’ strengths and interests, including VCE, VET, and VCE Vocational Major, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need for success in their future careers, training, and further education.

Students learn in a community of faith and growth, founded on a culture of social justice. The school’s support networks, committed educators, and evolving technologies ensure its students reach their full potential throughout their education.

De La Salle’s innovative curriculum, high-performance sports, rich music and drama programs, and focus on wellbeing and personal development through the GROW (Growing Responsibility for my Own Wellbeing) Program, supports and challenges your sons on their journey to becoming their best while complementing classroom learning.

GROW promotes and develops the qualities of resilience, openness, growth mindset, positivity, and purpose, and ensures that De La Salle students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand themselves, the world

The college provides a variety of pathways in secondary school to align with students’ strengths and interests.

around them, and their place in it.

De La Salle caters for students interested in music and performing arts, with performance opportunities and private tuition available to help build confidence, creativity, and personal expression.

A music theatre production is put on each year with a local girls’ school, as well as a senior play. This year, De La Salle students performed the stage musical School of Rock, which was an outstanding success.

Students have the opportunity to act on stage, play in the orchestra, build sets, make costumes, be part of the hair

and makeup team, or work in the technical production of the show.

The college’s high-performance sport program provides students from Years 5 to 12 the opportunity to experience specialist coaching, skill acquisition, development, strength, and mentoring from industry professionals in a variety of sports such as football, soccer, and basketball.

De La Salle offers a wide selection of sports with strong support from coaches and sports coordinators.

The ACC (Associated Catholic Colleges) sports program sees weekly fixtured sports for all year levels along with three major championships –athletics, swimming, and cross country. Find out more about this school by booking a college tour and discover why it is the right choice for your son. Click on the QR code to watch the video “A day in the Life of a De La Salle Student”.

Education

Your partner in learning

GENAZZANO FCJ College, Kew, is a progressive, vibrant community where girls learn to view the world critically, embrace diversity, and celebrate the college’s history.

Its junior school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate School, offering the Primary Years Program (PYP) from Prep to Year 6.

IB schools share a common philosophy: a commitment to a highquality, challenging, international education.

Genazzano’s student-centred teaching practices will gently guide your daughter’s confidence and develop her global-mindedness.

The school promises to nurture your daughter’s lifetime love of learning and prepare her for taking on the world, whether in the local, national, or global community.

It fosters critical thinking and academic potential, where girls are encouraged to lead and inspire.

Genazzano’s best-practice teaching principles, aligned with the Victorian

Curriculum, ensure your daughter’s learning and personal development are grounded in Ignatian pedagogy, whereby students are guided by effective feedback and continuous assessment.

The school’s approach to inquiry learning presents all students with relevant and engaging learning experiences comprising comprehensive co-curricular and specialist classes to engage your daughter’s curiosity and passion to explore.

The junior school curriculum is supported by literacy and numeracy teams, learning enhancement programs, and specialist teachers for languages, and performing and creative arts.

Genazzano offers stimulating cocurricular programs including STEM, the arts, social justice, languages, and global innovation.

The school tailors support to the unique needs of today’s girls. Its commitment to all parents is to optimise your daughter’s potential, social, and personal wellbeing, preparing her to take on tomorrow.

Genazzano develops your daughter’s values and respect for cultural diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Genazzano is located on vast grounds in the heart of Kew.

Students at Grange Hill, its junior school, are introduced to a wide range of sporting facilities. The generous grounds comprise a large oval, indoor heated 25-metre pool, indoor basketball court, tennis courts, netball courts, and an elite physical performance centre.

As a learning community, Genazzano seeks to work together with

families as partners in a learning journey.

The school provides many opportunities to engage with its families throughout the year, and looks forward to welcoming new families.

Open mornings, followed by morning tea, will be held on Wednesday 6 September and Wednesday 25 October. For registration, visit www.genazzano. vic.edu.au/enrolments or contact registrar Karen on 8862 1207 or registrar@genazzano.vic.edu.au.

Genazzano promises to nurture your daughter’s lifetime love of learning and prepare her for taking on the world.

Gross motor skills crucial

IN this digital age, it’s important that we encourage our children to take a break from screens to move their bodies - this is the only way they will develop their gross motor skills.

Gross motor skills impact the ability to control whole-body movements by using large muscles in the arms, legs, and torso.

They also help to increase balance, coordination, physical strength, and muscle endurance.

“The body is a tool for learning, and we know that children acquire knowledge and skills through movement, physical activity, and play,” says Melbourne Girls Grammar’s Artemis Programs executive director, Sally Bailey.

“Freedom of movement is essential for children to meet developmental milestones – physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively – and integral to leading healthy and fulfilling lives.”

So, how can we ensure children develop these skills? By giving our preschoolers multiple opportunities to move in a fun way.

At Melbourne Girls Grammar (MGG), the early learning centre offers a variety of programs and facilities to keep the youngest Grammarians moving their bodies.

Every week, ELC kids visit the Jumpstart room in the school’s Artemis Centre for a gymnastics session.

Here, they develop strength and flexibility while also building focus, self-discipline, perseverance, and courage.

“Our Jumpstart Gymnastics program is an enriching and playful experiential program for our early learners,” Sally says.

“It’s a space in which our learners express their agency to manipulate and orient their bodies in space, while building their confidence, physical capabilities, connection with others, and their character.”

For four-year-olds, MGG holds an additional weekly sport lesson to complement the Jumpstart program.

Ready Steady Go is an introductory platform that teaches the skills needed for ten different sports, preparing kids for ‘big school’.

They might be doing basketball skills one week, cricket the next - they get to try so many things and really work on the skills that can apply to many sports.

Gross motor skills don’t just benefit the physical body, they also improve academic performance by developing functions such as memory and focus.

The school’s ELC physical education program lays the foundations for long-lasting physical literacy, boosting confidence and self-esteem in the process.

Margaret Sellar, head of early learning at Melbourne Girls Grammar, explains how educators are committed to providing opportunities for the girls to exercise their physical muscles and develop a positive attitude to physical play.

“It may be in music, yoga, or creative dance experiences, playing games on the racetrack, exploring in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or in our specialist gymnastic and sport classes,” she says.

“These experiences not only provide endless opportunities to practice co-ordination, balance, flexibility, and motor planning.

“They also encourage children to assess their own risk-taking skills, develop spatial awareness, and enhance sensory motor integration.”

All those elements lead to physical health and forming good habits with our youngest learners.

STEM programs build skills for the future

OUR Holy Redeemer School in Surrey Hills is dedicated to nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in our students, laying a strong foundation for their future success. With this objective in mind, we have introduced the science and STEM specialist programs.

Research consistently highlights the numerous benefits of introducing science and STEM education at the primary school level, indicating that early engagement in these subjects positively influences future career aspirations.

Recent studies have shown that early exposure to science and STEM stimulates cognitive development and enhances creativity. It empowers young minds to think critically, pose questions, and explore solutions.

At Our Holy Redeemer, we value the significance of these findings and have designed our program accordingly. Our program features the following key aspects:

■ Hands-on approach - We employ a hands-on approach that includes

real-world inquiry or problem-based learning to foster curiosity, instill a growth mindset, and develop essential problem-solving skills.

■ Twenty-first century skills development - We fo cus on developing vital 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, and adaptability, which are crucial for success in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

■ Digital literacy enhancement - We prioritise enhancing digital literacy skills to equip our students with the ability to effectively use digital tools and software. Coding, for example, has become an indispensable skill in the digital era. Our students are at the forefront of this revolution, engaging in hands-on activities with Dash robots, Ozobots, and Spheros. Through these experiences, they learn the language of the future, cultivating computational thinking and problem-solving abilities.

■ Creativity and innovation - We foster creativity and innovation through dynamic lessons where students are

encouraged to experiment, investigate, and discover unique solutions to problems. From stop motion animations to MakerSpace projects and 3D printing, students work on a diverse range of projects that capture their imagination and spark their curiosity. These experiences nurture skills that can be applied to any field.

At Our Holy Redeemer, we are committed to nurturing curiosity and inspiring innovation. Discover how your child can embark on this exciting journey of discovery with us, where we shape the leaders, inventors, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

For further information, please visit us at 4 Barton Street, Surrey Hills, call us on 9898 2315, or email ohradmin@ohrsurreyhills.catholic. edu.au.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to Our Holy Redeemer School.

Frank Dame, Principal

Early exposure to science and STEM stimulates cognitive development and enhances creativity.

Every week, ELC kids visit the Jumpstart room in the school’s Artemis Centre for a gymnastics session.

Education

Making mistakes is crucial

IT’S important for children to learn that it’s OK to make mistakes, a parenting expert says.

Dr Justin Coulson is the author of nine parenting books and co-host of Channel Nine TV show Parental Guidance.

“From toddlerhood to teenage years, one thing is certain – we all make mistakes,” he said.

“How we handle mistakes and how we learn from them in childhood can set us up for life.”

Dr Coulson shares his top tips on mistake-making:

Calm the storm

Emotions can start to rise as your child tries a task for the first time, or learns something new.

“They’ll try and try and then – bam – it all ends in tears,” he says.

“The item is thrown, the artwork screwed up and your little one is kicking their legs on the floor.”

Dr Coulson says it’s easy to jump in and try to fix the problem for them.

“But the best option is to wait calmly and quietly for the temper to subside and tears to dry,” he says.

“Then, when they’re calm, encourage them to try again.

“It may take some gentle guidance from you but, in the end, they will feel proud that they achieved their goal and they learned something along the way – if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.

Fear of failure

Parents with school-aged kids often tell Dr Coulson they see their child becoming despondent or disengaged with schoolwork and after-school activities.

“This presents an opportunity to connect with your child and find out what’s really going on,” he says.

“Often it can be a confidence issue down to fear of failure.”

He urges parents to explore the ‘worst case scenario’ with their child - what would happen if they did try and fail?

How bad would it be and what would they learn from it?

“Sometimes, by taking them down the path of failure, they can actually feel empowered to take control and move from fear to acceptance by trying something new,” he says.

Attitude

As with everything in life, having a good attitude can change your perspective.

“Having a ‘never mind, try again’ attitude can really help take the fear out of mistake-making and help children place their mistakes into perspective,” Dr Coulson says.

“Bouncing back from mistakes is a valuable lesson in resilience –something that will stand your children in good stead in life.”

Lighten up Kids learn by example.

“If they see you bounce back from a fail, they are likely to bounce, too,” Dr Coulson says.

“Share with them your success and failure stories.

“Throw in some humour to make them laugh. There’s something about laughter that can really lighten up the ‘heaviness’ and fear of mistake-making.”

Share the outcomes and learnings, too, so kids know that mistakes can lead to understanding and new beginnings or different ways of doing things. Practice again and again

Researchers have found that our kids feel pressure when we ask them to do something perfectly.

“But when we ask them to do something over and over again, the pressure comes off - and they improve,” Dr Coulson says.

“The mistakes don’t matter because it’s about quantity rather than quality… but with quantity comes the expertise that practice promotes, which ultimately drives quality.

“This builds competence for kids, which is incredible for their resilience.”

Is your child ready for prep?

THE first year of school is a significant milestone.

A positive start to the school experience sets the foundation for how a child sees themselves as a learner and how they perceive their schooling journey.

Miss Annie Taylor, Prep teacher at Melbourne girls’ school St Catherine’s, says the best preparation for starting school comes from providing your child with enough time to learn the skills necessary for a positive and successful school experience.

Below are some top tips for you and your child to enjoy together over the next six months to ensure the best start to Prep in 2024:

1. Independence – Get your child to start dressing themselves in the mornings and at night and packing a bag for outings.

2. Responsibility – Give your child achievable and age-appropriate jobs around the house like putting their clothes away, or unpacking their lunchbox and water bottle.

3. Socialisation - Organise play dates with class members at local parks and playgrounds to familiarise your child with the names and faces of their classmates.

4. Promote having a go – Encourage your child to try new foods, activities, or talking to their peers at playgrounds to develop their confidence and resilience.

5. Let them be bored - Providing time to entertain themselves helps to develop creative and critical thinking skills and extends their abilities to concentrate.

The month before school starts:

■ Create a countdown calendar using a paper chain with the number of

links matching the number of days until school.

■ Involve your child in preparations like trying on the school uniform, and purchasing and looking through their books and stationery.

■ Attend the school’s orientation and transition days.

■ With a trusting partnership between school and families, children can benefit from a smooth and positive transition to school.

■ St Catherine’s School offers an extensive transition program for early learners progressing into Prep and is now accepting enrolments for Prep 2025 entry.

Bouncing back from mistakes is a valuable lesson in resilience.

Dr Justin Coulson says it’s easy to jump in and try to fix the problem for your children.

Join the party tribe PartyTime

IN the heart of Melbourne, I am filled with immense pride as Slumber Tribe celebrates its 8th year of bringing magic and wonder to children’s slumber parties.

As the founder and director behind this extraordinary venture, I have poured my heart and soul into creating the original and ultimate kids’ slumber party experience.

Every detail matters to me, and that’s why I offer a full styling setup and delivery on all bookings, completely free within a 10-kilometer radius of our Hawthorn headquarters.

Your convenience is paramount, which is why our hire packages are available from Friday to Monday, accompanied by pack-down instructions for effortless collection.

With a range of 10 teepee themes and our breathtaking boho luxe canopy theme, the possibilities for creating an enchanting atmosphere are endless.

However, there is more to come!

I am developing a brand new theme, in the larger luxe canopy style.

Slumber Tribe is not just a business; it’s a passion project.

It brings me immense joy to provide everything you need for a stress-free and unforgettable kids’ slumber party experience.

From cozy bedding options to captivating decorations, I have carefully curated each element to ensure every child’s dreams are brought to life.

Breaking tradition

FIZZ Kidz, Australia’s premier party business, is renowned for creating hands-on party experiences that bring immeasurable joy to children.

With an array of interactive activities and themed parties, Fizz Kidz engages young imaginations and leaves a lasting impact.

Fizz Kidz goes beyond traditional parties by offering hands-on experiences that ignite children’s curiosity and excitement.

Whether it’s creating bubbling potions, making glam products, designing crafts, or participating in interactive games, Fizz Kidz ensures that each child is actively engaged,

fostering a sense of wonder and leaving them with cherished memories.

Their expert planning services ensure a seamless and stress-free celebration, allowing parents to relax and witness the delight on their children’s faces.

With a commitment to safety and a dedication to personalized touches, Fizz Kidz are experts in kids entertainment.

Whether that be kids’ birthday parties, corporate or council events, holiday programs or school workshops, they can’t wait to bring your event to life.

To book a party or for further information, visit fizzkidz.com.au.

I created Slumber Tribe to provide Melbourne kids with amazing slumber party experiences and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my love and dedication with you and your children. Contact me today for all of your kids’ slumber party and sleepover party hire needs via info@slumbertribe.com. au or 0491 916 533.

Millar, Slumber Tribe founder and director

THE Reptile Encounters mission is simple: to be a voice for those that don’t have one.

The team is passionate about inspiring and educating the next generation on conservation, because it believes that together we can make a difference.

For more than 16 years, the Reptile Encounters team has been bringing wildlife up close, providing unforgettable experiences for its guests.

Its headquarters houses a diverse range of Australian animals that its team cares for every day of the year.

Reptile Encounters specialises in educational programs for kinder to Year 12, engaging students in interactive learning experiences that foster a deep appreciation for our environment. Furthermore, the team takes pride in making kids’ parties extra special by bringing a touch of wildlife wonder.

The aim is to have fun, create memories, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Make your child’s party memorable with a selection of wild animal parties

from Reptile Encounters!

The experienced team will bring a mobile zoo directly to you.

Your guests will be dazzled by interactive shows, ensuring your party is a huge success.

With every encounter, Reptile Encounters strives to create lifelong memories and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Its team of experts are committed to providing engaging and informative experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Whether it’s meeting a python, holding a lizard, or observing a crocodile, Reptile Encounters aims to spark curiosity and cultivate a sense of wonder.

Join Reptile Encounters as it embarks on an exciting journey of education, exploration, and conservation. Have fun, create memories, and make a difference for the planet we call home.

For bookings or more information, visit www.reptileencounters.com.au or call 1300 427 627.

Fiona

PartyTime

Making unreal memories

SEARCHING for the perfect blend of convenience, creativity, and enchantment for your child’s birthday celebration?

Look no further than Unreal Parties in Ashburton. Its all-inclusive party packages start from $450 for 10 children, with a $20 fee per additional child.

The Unreal Parties commitment to providing a hassle-free experience for parents, combined with an array of captivating features, sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration.

Imagine a venue where every detail

is taken care of, leaving you free to relish the joyous moments.

With a generous capacity of up to 36 children, and an adjoining room for adults, there is ample space for your child’s friends and family to share in the excitement.

The party rooms, designed to transport young minds to magical realms, offer a choice between the whimsical Enchanted room and the lively Disco room, each brimming with a diverse selection of themes suitable for boys and girls aged 3 to 11.

Magic celebrations

IN the heart of Melbourne lies a haven of enchantment and elegance, where celebrations come to life in a symphony of style and joy.

Welcome to the Little Party House –an exclusive and captivating venue that weaves dreams into reality, offering an unparalleled experience for both the young and young-atheart.

Nestled within 300 square metres of bespoke design, Little Party House stands as a testament to founder Miss Mascia’s exceptional vision, drawing inspiration from her Italian heritage and her deep passion for both fashion and the art of creating treasured moments.

With meticulous attention to detail, the venue boasts opulent features like crystal chandeliers, baroque-inspired walls, and gold sequin backdrops that effortlessly blend timeless sophistication with contemporary flair.

Little Party House caters to a spectrum of celebrations, embracing the full spectrum of life’s cherished moments.

From milestone birthdays to intimate baby and bridal showers, the venue transforms into a canvas for your aspirations.

The hallmark of this venue lies not only in its exquisite decor, but also in its commitment to creating bespoke experiences.

With a dedication to personalisation, The Little Party House offers a range of themes and the option to include favorite characters as extras, ensuring that each celebration is a reflection of the guest of honor.

Founder and event planner, Miss Mascia personally orchestrates each celebration, ensuring that every facet is

Miss Mascia personally orchestrates each celebration.

tailored to perfection, bringing your visions to life.

Whether you’re envisioning a children’s wonderland with playful entertainers, a cozy gathering for new mothers, or an elegant affair to mark life’s significant moments, Little Party House is poised to exceed your expectations.

The fusion of opulence and warmth, innovation and tradition, comes together to create a symphony of celebration that resonates in the hearts of all who walk through its doors.

Unlock the doors to your dream celebration at Little Party House.

Contact the team today to embark on a journey of enchantment, and let Little Party House turn your cherished occasion into an unforgettable masterpiece.

Contact info@littlepartyhouse.com.au or 0425 238 400.

From the moment the party begins, dedicated hosts captivate the children with music, dancing games, stories, and even a sprinkle of magic.

Unreal Parties’ meticulously-crafted party programs ensure that each child is engaged, entertained, and enchanted throughout the 1.5-hour celebration.

As part of its comprehensive package, themed birthday cupcakes, party food, and even lolly bags are all thoughtfully provided, leaving parents free to enjoy the festivities without the stress of catering or cleanup.

For parents seeking to indulge in Unreal Parties’ delectable offerings, optional catering platters are available at an additional cost.

At all-inclusive parties, Unreal Parties doesn’t just create events - it creates cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Let the team help you turn your child’s birthday into a magical experience that they and their friends will forever hold close to their hearts.

Call 9885 7902 or email parties@realtoys.com.au.

The bop masters

IN a world that constantly evolves, few things stand the test of time.

Bop Till You Drop, Melbourne’s premier disco and karaoke party experts, have not only stood the test of time but carved a niche for themselves as masters of entertainment.

For a remarkable 15 years, Bop Till You Drop has been the go-to destination for all things party and celebration, and their journey is one worth applauding.

One of the most endearing aspects of Bop Till You Drop is its commitment to age-appropriate entertainment.

By customising their offerings, they ensure that each attendee is fully immersed in the joy of the celebration.

Adding a personal touch, Bop Till You Drop welcomes song requests, making every party a harmonious blend of crowd favorites.

As the years have rolled on, Bop Till You Drop hasn’t rested on its laurels. Instead, the team has expanded its party range, adding a kaleidoscope of themed experiences that cater to a myriad of interests.

The introduction of glow UV discos, science parties, sports parties, frozen discos, Barbie discos, slime parties, pamper parties, plaster parties, and mystery parties showcases their unwavering commitment to innovation and adaptability.

Their school holiday programs are a testament to their popularity and ingenuity. These programs, featuring erforming arts workshops encompassing dance, singing, and drama, as well as science and craft activities, keep young minds engaged and enriched.

The highlight is the performance on day two, a chance for the children to showcase their newfound talents to proud parents.

So, if you’re looking to infuse your next event with the magic of disco and karaoke, rest assured that Bop Till You Drop has the experience, creativity, and passion to make your dreams come true.

Call 1300 13 03 13 or visit www.boptillyoudrop.com.au.

Harness the power of music

WANT to unlock your child’s potential and give them the best start in life?

Try Mini Maestros music and movement classes for babies to 5-year-olds.

Mini Maestros says its age-specific classes provide the perfect environment for your child to explore their creativity, build confidence and develop essential skills.

By harnessing the power of music and movement, Mini Maestros can help your child become

more capable, creative, resilient, and aware - setting them up for a bright future.

Because making music involves multiple brain functions, Mini Maestros says making music is ‘superfood’ for a child’s developing brain.

Neural activity is at its highest and fastest before the age of 6 and so babies and toddlers who actively learn music are in a much better position to achieve their learning and developmental milestones.

ACT, SING, DANCE, ENJOY!

•Weeklytermclasses •PrivateSingingTuition

•HolidayWorkshops •Ages4-16

Venues: GlenIris,Camberwell,MalvernEast, Hampton&Rowville

‘Perform better in life, not just on the stage’

1300 369 443

www.stageleft.com.au

Mini Maestros harnesses the impact of music on the brain to develop the whole child, from language and listening to physical, social and emotional skills.

What’s more, the social interaction and classroom environment pave the way for kindergarten and school.

Want to have fun and learning at home as well? Mini Maestros also has online courses for babies to 5-year-olds which you and your child can enjoy at home.

In the past two years alone, Mini Maestros has received 1000-plus excellent reviews from parents. Get ready to watch your child or grandchild thrive!

You can enrol in Mini Maestros music and movement classes or find out further information at minimaestros.com.au or call 9850 5566.

Making music involves multiple brain functions.

Kids take centre stage

FOR nearly two decades, Stage Left Performing Arts School has been a shining beacon of artistic expression and creativity, providing a nurturing haven for aspiring performers to flourish.

Founded and led by industry stalwarts Ana Mitsikas and Martin Lane, whose combined experience spans more than three decades, Stage Left stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the performing arts.

Ana and Martin, distinguished professional performers and educators, bring a wealth of expertise to their roles as mentors and leaders.

Their recent appearances in notable productions like Titanic the Musical and the National tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory exemplify their dedication to their craft, inspiring students to reach new heights.

At Stage Left, students aged 4 to 16 are immersed in a holistic artistic experience where acting, singing, and dancing converge under a single roof.

The results speak for themselves: Stage Left students have graced professional productions including Mary Poppins, School of Rock, and Sound of Music.

Notably, graduates have achieved exceptional VCE marks in performing arts and secured spots in top music theatre courses across Australia.

What sets Stage Left apart is its all-encompassing embrace of talent.

The absence of entrance auditions fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming students of all abilities to explore their artistic potential. While some alumni have ascended to illustrious careers in film, TV, and theatre, Stage Left prides itself on nurturing confidence and creativity that transcend career paths.

Beyond honing performing skills, Stage Left strives to cultivate a lifelong love for theatre both on and off the stage. Ana, Martin, and their team foster an atmosphere that thrives on fun, inclusivity, and creativity, nurturing not only talented performers but also passionate audience members.

As they mark this remarkable milestone, Stage Left Performing Arts continues to shape the future of performing arts, illuminating the path for countless young people to discover their artistic passions.

To learn more, visit www.stageleft.com.au and embark on a journey of creativity, expression, and excellence.

Contact Stage Left Performing Arts School via info@stageleft.com.au or 1300 369 443.

Stage Left strives to cultivate a lifelong love for theatre both on and off the stage.

Fashion Beauty meets functionality

AS a 100 percent Australian-owned and operated brand, Minihaha embodies the essence of creativity, quality, and sustainability.

Through a blend of artistic vision, dedication, and eco-conscious practices, Minihaha has carved a unique niche in the industry, capturing hearts and dressing the dreams of little ones from infancy to their tenth year.

At the core of Minihaha’s success lies a team of talented designers and technicians who infuse their passion into every intricate detail.

With hand-illustrated playful signature prints, each collection becomes a canvas of storytelling, a journey of childhood wonderment.

But Minihaha is not just about aesthetics; it’s a commitment to practicality and comfort that speaks to parents who cherish both beauty and functionality.

You can be assured you are purchasing quality when shopping at Minihaha, due to a portion of the range being produced in organic cotton, ensuring softness and purity for our littlest members of society.

The Minihaha umbrella encompasses three distinct brands – Bebe, Fox and Finch, and Minihaha – each representing a spectrum of children’s needs.

From baby essentials to fashionable ensembles, special occasion wear to swimwear and accessories, the brand’s offerings cater to a range of occasions and styles, allowing children to express their individuality from an early age.

Beyond the enchanting designs, Minihaha’s ethos echoes through its sustainability efforts.

In a world grappling with environmental concerns, Minihaha strides forward with initiatives that weave ethics seamlessly into its fabric.

By employing recycled materials, including pre and post-consumer sources like repurposed plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets, Minihaha bridges the gap between fashion and responsibility.

The commitment to sustainability extends even to the minutiae, with the introduction of OEKO-TEX Standard 100 compliant swimwear fabrics and a thoughtful shift towards eco-friendly packaging.

By replacing single-use plastic hangers with cardboard alternatives, Minihaha sets a commendable example for reducing waste in the retail cycle.

Minihaha’s footprint stretches far and wide, gracing the shelves of esteemed department stores such as David Jones and Myer, alongside boutique gems across Australia and New Zealand. This widespread adulation stands as a testament to the brand’s enduring appeal, its ability to captivate hearts while upholding unwavering standards. Visit www.minihaha.com.au for more.

We offer our customers a wonderful selection of styles & looks with each collection telling a story & catering to newborn babies, girls & boys up to 10 years of age.

Our brands have been long term favourites found in major Department Stores; David Jones, Myer & The Iconic as well as many independent boutiques across Australia and New Zealand.

Book to build resilience

By Casey Neill

SUZY Zail’s young adult novel Inkflower is a work of fiction.

“But it’s the truest thing I’ve ever written,” she said.

Readers immediately learn that Emil has motor neurone disease and six months to live.

He gathers his family, including 16-year-old daughter Lisa, to reveal the truth about his past.

“Like Lisa’s dad, my father was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and given six months to live,” Suzy said.

“Like Lisa’s dad, mine sat us down and told us his story.

“The challenge was revisiting the feelings my dad’s death stirred in me 20 years ago.

“This book was my chance to dig deeper and truly grieve.”

Inkflower is about a Holocaust survivor who buried the horror of his teen years to build a new life in Australia.

“My dad, when he came out of the war, he didn’t just survive - he thrived,” Suzy said.

“Everything was possibility and hope.

“He never spoke about what he went through. He put walls up.

“I grew up doing the same thing.

“Even when he died, I just took his lead and put the walls up.”

The Brighton author tore them down to imagine how a teen would have lived her experience.

“I just started bawling,” she said.

“It was the first time I’d really properly let myself.

“Lisa is younger, angrier, and more unsure of herself than I was ... but she’s me.”

Suzy wrote down her father’s life story when he became ill and let down his walls.

“It was a beautiful project we could do together,” she said.

Inkflower features the tales he shared with her, along with details from a video memoir he made for the Melbourne Holocaust Museum.

“Telling it to a stranger, it was different to him telling us,” Suzy said of discovering the tape.

“He was still protecting his kids. He was cushioning us.

“He spoke about being hungry, not starving. He told us about death, not murder.

“He didn’t want to be the one to introduce us to hate.”

Suzy contrasts his story with chapters told by Lisa, set in the 1980s.

Her schoolmates and boyfriend don’t know that she’s Jewish or that her father is dying.

“When my father was sick I took a good three or four weeks to tell my best friend,” Suzy said.

Lisa at first listens to her father’s story because she’s forced to, “Later because she wants to understand who she is and where she comes from.”

“Maybe, in Inkflower, I’ve created something healing; something kids can

take forward into their lives when they encounter someone who’s sick or someone in the schoolyard who’s being bullied.

“A book that lets them hold onto hope and build resilience.”

Suzy’s three children are now aged in their twenties.

“They were all toddlers and young children when my father was sick,” she said.

“They didn’t have all these ideas in their mind about what it means to be sick.

“He was just their grandpa.”

She fondly remembers her dad giving them rides around the garden in his wheelchair, and them helping to feed him.

“I think it was an incredible lesson for them, too,” she said.

“To be patient, to listen, and to just love him for what he could give them.

“He lived his illness so beautifully and bravely.

“It can be a time of learning and growth and connection.

“It can be a beautiful, rewarding experience.”

Suzy started her working life as a lawyer. Recording her father’s story changed her path.

“After I’d written about my father’s tragic, brave life in The Tattooed Flower, I couldn’t go back to being a lawyer,” she said.

She quit her job, wrote for local papers and magazines, went back to university, and wrote several more books.

Author Suzy Zail.

Diving into Mim’s world of disguise

By Melissa Meehan

MEET Mim is the perfect bed time book to read with your kids after a long day. It’s got some beautiful pictures, it’s informative and it’s not too long. The images immerse young readers in the wonders under water, taking them on a deep dive under the waves for a cheeky guessing game and sharing the wonders of little-known mimic octopus.

A master of disguise, the mimic

octopus can change colour, shape and skin texture in all kinds of amazing ways.

Sandra Severgnini shows how the mimic octopus deters predators by shapeshifting into creatures that are known to be poisonous, such as the spiked lionfish and the banded sea snake.

It can even imitate jellyfish and sea stars.Sandra, a talented author and illustrator, is well-known and loved for her books that bring children closer to nature.

Children’s books...

Her 2022 release Grub was named a Notable Book by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, while Tree Beings, written by Raymond Huber and Illustrated by Sandra, won the Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature Award.

This book is for everyone from inquisitive little people who love nature

to adults who can still be fascinated. Budding marine biologists will delight in the wealth of accurate detail presented in the illustrations. Adult and child readers alike will be left with a new appreciation for the life in our precious yet threatened marine environments.

If I Was a Horse

Sophie Blackall

From two-time Caldecott Medallist Sophie Blackall, a joyful picture book that captures, with exuberant illustrations, the astonishing spectacle of a child imagining life as a horse.

Gallop along with two-time Caldecott Medallist Sophie Blackall through this riotous day in the life of a child who imagines their life as a horse. Sophie’s delightful text and resonant illustrations that feature a giant horse in familiar settings offer a visual feast, a grand dose of joy and a celebration of the real power of imagination to help us navigate the world.

Lothian Childrens Books

$24.99

Gnome Alone at Christmas

Nick Pine

A perfect stocking filler for readers aged 5+!

Fans of The Christmasaurus will love this funny and festive story about a magical, mischievous gnome that’s ideal for sharing aloud or reading independently.

Noah can’t believe his eyes - or his luck - when a magical gnome called Tommy turns up on the 24th of December.

He’s sure it’s going to be AWESOME! But Tommy’s spells keep going WRONG...

Hachette $14.99

Bluey: Where’s Bluey?

At Christmas

Cheese and crackers, it’s Christmas! The countdown is on, but can you find Bluey and Bingo? There’s lots of hidden surprises too, so join the festive fun in this search-and-find book.

A gorgeous Christmasthemed search-and-find book for kids of all ages.

Bluey is an award-winning preschool show about Bluey, a blue heeler pup, and her family. Airing on ABC KIDS, the show has amassed legions of dedicated fans and hugely popular ranges of books, toys, clothes, games and more.

Puffin

$16.99

Just Because

Matthew McConaughey

Renee Kurilla

Filled with his trademark humour and wisdom, Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey has crafted a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empowers readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.

Why? Just because.

Puffin

$24.99

Not Here to Make You Comfortable

50 Women Who Stand Up, Speak Out, Inspire Change A collection celebrating boldness, bravery and brilliance.

Here are fifty times a woman did something brave. Something disruptive. Something exceptional. We saw them. And we were inspired to be more confident and maybe a little bold.

It’s time to stop saying yes all the time.

It’s time to stop apologising all the time.

It’s time to stop avoiding conflict all the time.

It’s time to be true to our emotions, whatever they are Puffin

$22.99

Education that exceeds expectations.

In our Early Learning Centre children learn with an expert and passionate community of adults whose approach is based on care and compassion. We value our children as capable and curious individuals who are respected for their ideas and opinions. Our programs are approved for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).