Casey Cardinia Kids - Spring 2024

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Sunrise weather man writes

SUDDENLYONE

Berwick mum shares

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About Us

Take time to take stock

IF the return of some sunshine after a long, cold winter doesn’t put a spring in your step, I don’t know what will!

Watching the trees burst back to life and fill with blossoms and new growth feels symbolic - spring is a time of much-needed fresh energy and enthusiasm as the end of the year appears on the horizon.

But as well as looking ahead to the Christmas/New Year rush, spring is a great time to reflect on the year that’s been - a spring clean for your mind, if you will.

We can often wish time away and get caught up focusing on simply putting one foot in front of the other, meeting the next challenge thrown our way.

CONTENTS

IT’S YOUR LIFE

Berwick mum shares suburb switch

success

PAGE 5

Steve Biddulph: Make friends with your ‘wild creature mind’

PAGE 6

Suddenly One: Sam Mac celebrates his first year as a parent

PAGE 7

Kids in the Kitchen: Easy tangy probiotic carrots

PAGE 8

The Baby Food Bible: Mums make starting solids easy to digest

PAGE 9

Renee Heath MP: Advocating for families

PAGE 9

First aid focus on mental health

PAGE 10

Narre Warren South’s Wilbur Machado joins teenage dream team

PAGE 11

Applauding Casey’s freshest writers

PAGE 11

Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre: Local shopping’s free fun for kids

PAGE 12

Author Amanda Lecaude on helping kids to get things done

PAGE 13

Bella playground’s a beauty!

PAGES 14-15

HEALTHY LIVING

Cardinia Paediatric Specialists: Help! My kid can’t sleep!

PAGE 16

It’s valuable to pause for a moment and take stock of what you’ve accomplished not only as a parent, but in your career, friendships, and hobbies.

Did you manage to have dinner with your girlfriends? Or finally finish that garden project? Maybe you aced a work project, or let your hair down at a family celebration.

It’s easy to skim over these little wins when your eyes are always on what’s ahead, or what you haven’t been able to achieve.

Take time, too, to consider how far your little one has come this year - the new skills they’ve mastered, the friendships they’ve made, the adventures you’ve taken together, the times they’ve made you laugh, the times they’ve made you beam with pride.

Fill your cup with these memories and the spring sunshine, take a deep breath, and gear up for the final weeks of the year.

Find us on Instagram or Facebook and let us know what you’ve achieved so far this year.

If you have a story to share or feedback on this edition, hit us up on socials or send us an email. We love to hear from our readers!

Casey Cardinia Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication. Casey Cardinia Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Casey Cardinia Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777

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

Casey Neill casey.neill@starnewsgroup.com.au

Photography Rob Carew Stewart Chambers Louisa Jones

Group Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0608

Royal Children’s Hospital school opens its doors

PAGE 17

Mother’z Yoga: A dedicated yoga experience just for mothers

PAGE 17

DENTAL

Caring for your baby’s oral health

PAGE 18

Facing dental fears PAGE 19

Smiles boost for students PAGE 19

EDUCATION

New focus on phonics PAGE 20

Melbourne Youth Chorale: Every child deserves the gift of music PAGE 20

St Clare’s Primary School ROCKS PAGE 21

St Therese’s Catholic Primary School PAGE 21

Book bags boost reading skills PAGE 22

Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre: Community for all PAGE 22

Creating calm in an anxious world

PAGE 23

Special Care Australia: Where care starts PAGE 24

Marnebek School: A nurturing environment for every child’s growth

PAGE 24

Lauren Munday helps students master their mindset

PAGE 26

ENTERTAINMENT

Halloween at the Old Cheese Factory PAGE 27

Walhalla Goldfields Railway: Experience the goldfields PAGE 27

PARTY TIME

One Playzone: Get in the Zone for adventure

PAGE 28

Reptile Encounters: Wildly unforgettable parties

PAGE 28

BORN TO PERFORM

Dance Legacy keeps growing PAGE 29

uLearn Music: Your musical journey guide

PAGE 29

More at Cathy-Lea Studios in 2024 PAGE 30

REALITY BITES

A Wish for Baby is Caz Goodwin’s wish come true PAGE 31

Podcaster Sam is far from silly PAGES 32-33

Dial into new museum to explore our connections

PAGE 34

Support centre for new mums feels like Homb PAGE 35

FASHION

Spring fashion with Billy Lidz PAGES 36-37

BOOKS

Turning symptoms into super skills PAGE 31

Discover new book releases for all ages PAGE 31

Cover Sisters Kiara, 10, and Bridie, 8, dive into a field of sunflowers. (Damjan Janevski)

IT’S YOUR LIFE

Keys to a smooth move

By Casey Neill

MOVING house is a daunting prospect at the best of times, but throw kids in the mix and you’re in nightmare territory.

So how do you know it’s worth taking the plunge? And how do you smooth the transition for yourself and your children?

Berwick mum Jacqui James recently moved to the suburbs from the Dandenongs with husband Graham and daughters Matilda, 5, and Georgia, 3.

She grew up in the hills and while she loved the natural surrounds, she found winter cold and dark and seeing friends was difficult.

“I never imagined I would have a family in the hills,” she said.

“I always thought I wanted something different for my kids.

“Then I met Graham and he’d never been to the Dandenong Ranges.

“He came up to meet my family and he fell in love with it.

“I love the outdoors and I love nature, and when you’re away from it you forget all the negatives.”

Cut to Jacqui and Graham living in a unit in Ashwood, expecting their first child and unable to afford a bigger place in the area.

“In the hills we could get a proper house, and we’d been cramped in this two-bedroom unit for three years, so we wanted more space,” she said.

“I never intended to stay there forever.

“It was a truth that I had deep down.

“I was hoping that everything would work out and that maybe things would be different.”

But the negatives that saw her move off the mountain as a teen came back into focus: no footpaths, few friends for her girls, wild weather, and a neverending home maintenance list.

“I moved when I was the same age as Matilda.

“I told them that story, how it became my new normal and I hardly remembered my old house.

“We spoke to them about it the whole way along, so it wasn’t suddenly ‘we’re going to move house’.

“The final straw was when a tree fell on our neighbour,” she said.

“We’d had a number of close calls with trees over the years.

“After that I was too nervous to go for a walk.

“Matilda’s asthma was another reason we decided to move.

“The cold air really sets it off.

“She was having a really indoor lifestyle for four months of the year.”

So Jacqui and Graham made a list of what they wanted from their new home and weighed up their options.

“Our number one value was family, which is probably most people’s, and Berwick was going to put us halfway between my parents and Graham’s parents,” she said.

“We asked them what they thought. We brought them along for the ride. They came to all the house inspections.

“We came down to playgrounds and cafes, so they could see what it would be like.”

Step one of the physical moving process was to declutter.

“When you’re selling a house, too, you have to make it look like things are in order,” Jacqui laughed.

They used Facebook Marketplace, a storage locker and op shops, and gifted items to friends.

“A long settlement was good because we had time to do it slowly rather than all in a rush,” she said.

Using removalists was “a lifesaver” with two kids underfoot.

“It put him closer to work so he could be home with us more, and it had really good schools.”

They toured childcare centres, kinders and schools with Matilda and Georgia in tow.

“Where they felt most comfortable helped me make my decision,” Jacqui said.

“Letting them be a part of it helped.

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

The family had been in Berwick for six weeks when we spoke.

“We haven’t met that many people yet, but through kinder Matilda got invited to a birthday party,” Jacqui said.

They’d introduced themselves to neighbours and in the depths of winter, found themselves outdoors much more.

“People are very friendly,” she said.

“It’s also been a lifestyle change for us. We’re doing more.”

Befriend your wild mind

Do you know the single biggest enemy of families every single day?

It’s not just a mailbox full of bills, or climate change, though it is certainly tangled up with those. STEVE BIDDULPH

IT is anxiety.

The horrible feeling that grips your insides, keeps you awake at night, and steals your happiness if you aren’t careful.

And who among us hasn’t had a kiddie anxious about going to school, or having unexplained tummy aches, waking with nightmares, or unable to fall asleep in the first place?

Anxiety is what makes some people (often men) fly off the handle, or be controlling. It makes us shout at our children when we don’t want to.

It is public enemy number one.

I was so concerned at the amount of anxiety in kids around the world that I have just spent three years searching for a powerful answer - and I think I have found it.

Some of the best neuroscientists in the world have discovered something

quite amazing, and I have been working to put it in simple language.

So here it goes…

We have two minds!

Yes, you read that right.

We have our regular mind, which prattles on, gets defensive, goes in circles. This mind is still really great - for planning your shopping list, doing your tax, building bridges and hospitals. But it gets out of control so easily, and it keeps you awake at night or too distracted to enjoy or love your children.

But we also have - in the right side of our heads - a silent wild animal mind, which is super perceptive, amazing at reading faces and knowing who to trust, and holds all our memories, even the ones we can’t consciously remember.

This side of your mind knows where you left your keys! It knows what all animals know - leave tomorrow to tomorrow, enjoy the moment, love your life. And usually a growl is all it takes to get the cubs in line!

But this side has no words, so it talks to you in the way that all animals from the dawn of time have, with signals to your body!

You can test this - think of one of your children and notice what happens inside you when you do. Down in your torso, little stirrings or tightenings or softenings or swirls happen. If you think of another of your children (or your parents, or anyone really) then a different set of sensations happen. These are fresh and changing.

Monday 23/09 to Sunday 29/09

This is your ‘wild creature mind’ giving you an update. If you listen to those signals, they always have something to tell you. Often, it is just ‘let your shoulders drop from around your ears, breathe deeply, and know that you are loved’ (even just by an old psychologist writing for you from down in Tasmania).

So, how does it work?

If you are feeling anxious (or you want to help one of your children), then try this. Instead of saying ‘I am anxious’ (or angry, or any unpleasant feeling) say instead, ‘Something in me is anxious’. Notice that this has a different feeling! It kind of gives you some spaciousness and room to move. It’s not ALL of you, it’s just something going on down there, which you can look at kindly.

Then go down in your body and see where that feeling lives. What are the exact sensations, and how would you describe them if you were telling a friend?

As you do this, notice that the sensations begin to change. They either melt away and you don’t feel as bad, or they begin to alter or even move somewhere else. Perhaps you might feel a tear in your eye, or a little shudder. This is the feeling moving out of you. Perhaps you might feel strong and stirred up to do something.

Your ‘wild creature mind’ is like a panther walking alongside you, fierce and strong; or like a soft little kitten needing to be soothed and settled. You will know which it is.

Children can be helped by sitting with them and asking ‘Where is it in your body?’, ‘What is it like?’, ‘Does it have a colour?’ or the best question, ‘What is it wanting to say to you?’.

When you are listening to your body signals, you shift to the right hemisphere of your brain - the one that does not prattle or rush, but connects deeply with those around you. And if your child listens to their body, they feel loved and safe when they are with you at these times. It is the job of us parents to be less anxious than our children, so they can reregulate their nervous system. They just feel better and calmer around us and then, gradually, out into the world. There are sometimes real things to be stirred up about, and our wild animal side knows which they are and gives us the warning signs plus the energy to act on them.

With both sides of our brain working as a team we can be both sensible and wise; fierce when we need to be, and calm when we don’t.

It is a fantastic thing to be able to transform anxiety using these simple skills.

Wild Creature Mind is in bookshops from 27 August.

You can follow Steve’s posts and videos on some of these methods on his Raising Boys and Raising Girls Facebook pages, or at www. wildcreaturemind.com.

Monday 30/09 to Sunday 06/10

TRICERAPTOPS

IT’S YOUR LIFE

Sam’s suddenly smitten

By Casey Neill

SAM McMillan never thought a poem to celebrate his daughter’s first birthday would land him millions of views and a book deal.

The Sunrise weather man, better known as Sam Mac, shared the “love letter” to Margot in a video on Instagram.

“I needed her to know the magic she’d brought to our lives. Even if it would be a few years before she could fully understand it,” he wrote.

Much to his surprise, the video - born from musings on the back of an Uber Eats bag - took on a life of its own and has since been viewed more than 1.5 million times.

“I think it resonated because the unparalleled joy of new life fascinates us all,” he told Kids.

“It’s a wild ride, with the highest of highs and lowest of lows, but it’s so incredibly precious – a gift.

“My words and video connected with millions of people all over the world and it’s something I’m extremely proud of.

“I had countless messages from new parents thanking me for articulating what they were feeling.

“Milestones like first steps or first words are so universal, they transcend nationality or socio-economic status, and therein lies the beauty and power.

“They deserve to be celebrated and remembered.”

When Penguin approached him about turning his poem into a book, Sam felt excited and grateful.

“I keep envisioning reading the book with Margot for many, many years to come and showing her what her arrival meant to her mum and I,” he said.

“I love that the book will open up connection and conversations for so many other parents to do the same with their little ones.

“But not just parents - grandparents, uncles, aunties, friends and more.”

He hopes readers take his words as a gentle reminder of how precious life is, and how much of a privilege it is to have a newborn baby in your orbit.

“And I hope that it opens up conversations and leads to beautiful moments of nostalgia between families,” he said.

Becoming a parent “instantly” changed the way Sam saw his life.

“Everything I do, every decision I make, now has to be the right one for Margot (and Bec), both consciously and subconsciously,” he said.

“It’s a purpose like no other and it’s crystal clear. I love it.”

It also changed the way he saw his partner.

“I saw how strong Bec really was, and is, throughout the pregnancy and particularly in that birthing suite,” he said.

“The pain she went through to safely welcome our baby girl is something I’m forever grateful for.

“A warrior.

“Further to that, I’ve watched her transform into the most caring, reliable, fun mother.

“Bec is still all of the things I fell in love with when we started dating, but I now see a completely different version of her as a mother, and it’s even better than anything I could’ve ever imagined. “Except when she leaves her hair all over the bathroom. I hate that.”

Sam also has a newfound appreciation for his parents.

“I think as children, we just take our parents for granted,” he said.

“We don’t really consider how hard it might be for them to juggle work, a partner, finances, kids etc.

“Becoming a parent myself has been a wonderful reminder to do more for my parents.

“Spoil them. Make sure they know how loved and appreciated they are.

“I find myself learning more about them through conversations about what parenting was like for them and one of my great joys is seeing Margot laughing and playing with Nanny and Grandad. The best!”

How about those parenting moments that aren’t quite so joyful?

“In the challenging moments (and of course, there’s many), I try my absolute best to stop for a quick moment, take a breath, and remind myself not to apply adult logic to the struggles of a one-yearold,” he said.

“I know I need to get Margot home from the park because it’s time to start dinner.

“But in her mind, I’m prematurely ending the best part of her day, playing at the park.

“Her meltdown is not happening to make my life difficult … it’s happening because playing at the park is making her incredibly happy – as it should be for a one-year-old.

“Just briefly pausing and trying to view things through that lens really helps me understand why she might be behaving in that manner.

“I’m certainly no parenting expert, and I fail multiple times daily, but I find this approach very useful.”

Margot took 21 flights during her first 12 months, following her dad to work around Australia and overseas.

“I’m so lucky to have the support of Seven. They’ve gone above and beyond to enable me to continue in this role AND be a present parent,” he said.

“My advice to others would be if you don’t ask, you don’t receive.

“You need to speak up.

“If your child has a sporting carnival you desperately want to be at, have the conversation with them.

“Pitch your solution on how you can shuffle your work schedule.

“It’s more than likely your boss is juggling work/life balance with their own kids, and you might be surprised how accommodating they are.

“If that fails, use some of your leave.

“The special moments with our little ones should unashamedly be our priority.”

Most parents feel blindsided by the realities of parenthood, but there’s nothing Sam wishes he knew beforehand.

“I feel like it happened exactly the way it was supposed to, and if I knew too much going into it, it may not have been quite as magical,” he said.

Baby number two is now on the way. What will he do differently the second time around?

“Everything!” he said.

“Because it’ll be a totally different person and from all reports, everything we thought we mastered with Margot is now out the window.

“Please send help.”

Suddenly One is available from 17 September.

Easy tangy probiotic carrots

THESE easy tangy probiotic carrots are a simple way to get fermented or cultured foods into our kids.

Fermented foods are rich in probiotics that encourage beneficial bacteria to flourish in their guts, improving digestive health, immune function, and mood.

They’re also a fun way to get the kids in the kitchen, learn a little bit of science, and explore their senses.

Using just two ingredients, they’re made by immersing carrots in a brine (salt and water solution).

The salt kills the bad bacteria, leaving the good bacteria to convert sugars into lactic acid, which creates a safe environment and preserves the carrots.

Unlike pickling, which kills bacteria, ferments have a more distinct tangy flavour.

My son used to call these ‘fizzy carrots’ when he was little because the carbon dioxide generated during the

fermentation process can produce a tickling sensation on your tongue – now we’re making vegetables fun too!

Chop them up and add to salads, use them to scoop up hummus or guacamole, or just eat them raw.

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

Ingredients:

■ 1 tsp sea salt

■ 500g carrots

■ Filtered water

Instructions:

1. Trim the carrots, rinse and peel if not organic. Slice into thin sticks about the same size and thickness.

2. Add salt to your jar along with carrots - it’s easier to stack your carrot sticks with the jar laying on its side - and cover with filtered water.

3. Cover the jar loosely with a lid and place on a small plate to catch the overflow that may happen during fermentation.

4. Leave the jar at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours – slightly longer in the cooler months. Once you start to smell the sourness and see bubbles forming, they’re ready to eat!

5. Transfer to the fridge and store for up to one month.

12562706-MS36-22

Mums serve up easy weaning

By Casey Neill

TWO busy mums have cooked up an easy and nutrition-packed guide to feeding not only your baby but your whole family.

Nutritionist Julia Tellidis and baby nutrition consultant Lauren Skora designed Baby Food Bible for modern, time-poor parents.

“We’ve streamlined the information to make it easy to digest,” the duo said.

“Our mission is to turn what can be daunting into a fun experience, offering parents clear, reliable guidance from the get-go.

“Our philosophy of ‘food is medicine’ is considered in every recipe.”

Lauren studied baby nutrition when the time came to start daughter Frankie on solids, while clinical nutritionist Jules found her knowledge bank overwhelming when introducing food to her son, George.

“We had countless conversations about the conflicting advice around starting solids and did lots of research between us, determined to get it right from the beginning,” they said.

“We quickly realised we were not alone and that lots of other parents also found the journey tricky.

“Together we developed our own recipes, which were not only balanced and nutrient-dense, but also designed to please even the pickiest of eaters, as well as cater to the whole family.”

They started sharing their recipes online and the response was overwhelming.

“We had found our purpose,” they said.

Baby Food Bible covers how to introduce solids, food safety tips, allergen advice, and recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, sweet treats, and condiments.

“Advice we often come across is that your baby needs to start solids at four months old,” they told Kids.

“Four months is really premature to start solids.

“When babies are ready for solids, they will show readiness signs like sitting up well with minimal support, good head, and neck control, and they should start showing an interest in food, usually closer to six months.”

As for starting the feeding journey with rice cereal…

A family advocate

FAMILIES are the very core of our communities.

When families are doing well, the whole community comes to life.

I believe that when governments support families by creating the right environment for them to connect, prosper, and thrive, it is one of the greatest investments that can be made in our society.

Unfortunately, recent years have been tough on families.

Victorian families have been feeling the pressure of persistent rising costs for basic goods and services.

It’s now more expensive to buy or rent a home, to buy your weekly groceries, and to see a doctor.

From 2018 to 2022, childcare fees increased by 22.8 percent.

This all puts tremendous pressure on families and robs them of their quality of life.

I have been speaking in Parliament on behalf of all the parents who worry about their children’s futures – whether they will be able to feed and clothe their children, whether their children will be able to receive a quality education, and someday afford a house and a family of their own.

One of the issues I’ve spoken about the most is improving access to quality education for children.

The latest reports show that nearly 30 percent of Victorian school children are struggling with literacy and numeracy.

I have consistently advocated for an evidence-based phonics program to ensure that our children are getting top-quality education in the basics of

reading and writing.

Recently, our efforts led to an announcement by the State Government that phonics would be taught in Victorian public schools from next year.

I have also made it a priority to speak out against family violence.

Families and children deserve to be safe in their own homes, and there is no place in our community for violence and abuse against the most vulnerable.

That is why I have advocated for stronger sentences and more restrictive bail conditions for violent criminals.

It is my privilege as the Eastern Victoria Region MP to represent and serve thousands of Victorian families through my advocacy in Parliament.

I will continue to be a voice for those who want a better future, fighting to ensure that families and children will not be left behind.

Renee Heath, Eastern Victoria Region MP

“It’s certainly not our approach,” Lauren and Jules said.

“Rice cereal is commonly recommended as a first food as it’s fortified with iron, but synthetic iron is not absorbed in the body the way naturally occurring iron is.

“Secondly, rice cereal is really bland. We don’t want our babies’ first foods to be bland.

“We want to set them up to become adventurous eaters from the get-go.

“We have a small pocket of time from when they’re about six to nine months of age to offer a variety of flavours and textures to positively influence longterm eating habits.

“The first five years of a child’s life are absolutely crucial.

“We want to ensure we’re offering foods rich in the nutrients their growing bodies need.

“Good nutrition supports rapid brain development, helps establish a healthy gut and immune system, and, importantly, sets the stage for lifelong healthy eating habits and behaviours.”

This focus on nutrition can have a positive flow-on effect on the whole family.

“It’s like laying a solid foundation for everyone,” they said.

“Whether you’re feeding your baby or yourself, understanding the nutrients our bodies need, crafting balanced meals, and understanding the importance of food quality is key.

“Many parents prioritise their children’s nutrition and sometimes forget to take care of themselves - it’s understandable!

“Yet, being a role model for healthy eating habits sets the tone for the whole family.”

The Baby Food Bible authors Lauren Skora and Julia Tellidis.

First aid focus on mental health

By Mikayla van Loon

AN Australian-first perinatal first aid program is supporting parents through both physical and mental ill health.

Emergcare co-directors Hendrik Gutwirth and Daniel Parks received the Kidsafe Victoria Program Partner of the Year award at the Gala of Enchantment.

Hendrik said the program started with paediatric first aid classes for parents but grew to include mental health awareness from conception to one year post-birth.

“A lot of women after giving birth they go through the maternal child health nurse and so forth in the journey and get screened for any sort of mental health conditions because they’re quite vulnerable in that period,” he said.

“But what was so unique about what we’ve done is you have the dads or the partners sitting in the course with them learning about what to do for bub, but they also learn how to take care of themselves.”

Hendrik said learning how to care for themselves and their partners during pregnancy and post-birth allowed a better bond with their child, forming great relationships and development outcomes in the long run.

Both Hendrik and Daniel are

Coyote Cabins IT’S YOUR LIFE

registered paramedics and fathers, so they understand the key medical concerns in young children plus the challenges of “parenthood and the juggle and the transitions”.

The perinatal program covers all of the first aid basics like CPR, choking, identifying red flags, respiratory illnesses, fractures, fevers, and bleeding,

Custom Cabins, Work Studios, Granny Flats and Tiny Homes

but also emotional wellbeing, and what anxiety and depression look like.

Hendrik and Daniel partnered with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) to design the program, so it’s informed by the most accurate research and delivery methods.

Kidsafe Victoria is the leading injury prevention agency in the state.

Hendrik said it was quite incredible and unique for Kidsafe to partner with a first aid organisation and to award its program.

“They’ve never really partnered with any first aid provider before,” he said.

“There is that service gap that hasn’t been addressed and it’s another platform to get that message out there about child safety education, which we’re really passionate about as well.

“[Kidsafe’s] whole mission is to reduce injuries and deaths.

“We tell parents ‘we want you to get into your child’s world, get on the floor and crawl around’.

“Grab chemicals out of the cupboard, grab the handle off the kitchen stove, leaving hot drinks on the side of the armchairs and things you don’t even think twice about until you have a little one.

“But the actions can happen fast and can be catastrophic and as a paramedic - and a dad as well - I’ve been on the other end.”

Emergcare plans to expand its program for online access and e-learning, and to launch a course in Mandarin.

Hendrik said it was about reaching as many parents and caregivers as possible.

Emergcare’s Daniel Parks and Hendrik Gutwirth with Kidsafe Victoria CEO Melanie Courtney at the awards gala.

It’sYourLife

Teenage dream team

By Casey Neill

A Narre Warren South teen is making his mark on State Government policy.

Wilbur Machado, 16, is one of the newest Victorian Youth Congress members, inducted by Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman in April.

The advisory body is made up of Victorians aged 12 to 25 who want to share their views and experiences to create meaningful change.

“Young people are the future of this state, and it’s essential that they have a voice in policies and programs that will continue to impact their lives into the future,” she said.

Wilbur was born in India and moved to Australia at age 3.

He developed a passion for leadership and change-making as the president of his high school’s student representative council and a Casey Youth Action Committee member.

The Nossal High School student’s teachers recommended he apply for the congress, and he thought it was an interesting opportunity.

“It’s primarily to advise the Minister for Youth on issues facing young people,” he said.

“While we all have our own specific areas of expertise or passion, we all come together for a common goal, which is the benefit of young people.”

Wilbur explained the congress was working on a one-stop ‘tools for life’ kit for young people.

“They can essentially learn all the skills they need to take on life - like taxes, how to vote, how to get involved in advisory bodies like the youth congress - to ensure young people feel supported,” he said.

“I’ve always had access to these types of things, but I know these types of skills and experiences are difficult, especially for minorities and groups living in regional areas.

“I feel an important thing for young people, regardless of where they come from, is education.

“Not just academics, but financial education, political education.

“School isn’t the be all and end all of someone’s life, but these things are really

important for young people to ensure they can achieve their full potential throughout their life.”

Personally, Wilbur has several different interest areas when it comes to a career path, from policy making to project management.

“It’s important for me right now to keep an open mind and explore as much as possible,” he said.

“There are so many different possible pathways I could go down.

“Ultimately, though, I’d really like to find myself in a place where I’m happy and have a positive impact on people around me and society as a whole.”

Wilbur encouraged other young people to step up and be heard.

“I think it’s really important for young people to really take up these opportunities to share their voice,” he said.

“You might think it’s not really significant or important enough to be shared.

“I didn’t really think I had anything important to contribute, but just getting involved…helped develop my knowledge and experience.

“Visit your local council’s website and find out how you can get involved and make a positive impact on our young people.

“The young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Applauding Casey’s freshest writers

CASEY’S most talented young writers have been celebrated at Fresh Words.

The City of Casey announced the competition’s 18 winners at Bunjil Place in June.

Three categories are open to students from Grade 5 to Year 12 who reside, work, or study in Casey: creative writing; poetry and lyrics; and English as an additional language (EAL).

City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff said Fresh Words aimed to enhance young people’s self-esteem by recognising their creativity.

“The competition also gives young people the opportunity to develop their writing skills and showcase their creativity,” she said.

“This year’s Fresh Words competition saw a surge in participation, with an impressive 190 entries across the creative writing and poetry and lyrics categories.

“Unfortunately, the EAL category did not receive enough entries for awards.

“I would also like to thank the distinguished panel of six judges, who are all highly regarded experts.”

Poetry and Lyrics

Years 7-9

Merit award winner

We Are All Unique

Almira Hafiz

Clyde Secondary College

In this vast world, we each hold a spark, Unique and special, in light and in dark.

With different dreams and paths we seek,

We paint our stories, bold and unique.

In a world where stars dance in the night,

Each one shines with its own special light.

Just as no two snowflakes are the same, In our uniqueness, we find our claim to fame.

Some are loud, while others are shy, Some reach for the stars, while others fly low and high.

With talents and passions, we all possess,

A kaleidoscope of skills, we each express.

From art to science, music to dance, Our uniqueness gives life its chance.

Like flowers in a garden, each with its own hue,

We bloom in different colors, bright and true.

Some may be bold, others soft and sweet,

But together, we create a masterpiece that’s hard to beat.

In the journey of life, we weave our own thread,

With dreams and desires that fill us with dread.

But it’s our differences that make us complete,

Like pieces of a puzzle, each one unique.

Our uniqueness lies in our stories, the tales we have to tell,

In the dreams we dare to chase, in the wishes that propel.

So let’s cherish each moment, cherish each day,

For life is a gift, in every way.

Let’s laugh and love, come what may, And make the most of life, in every single way.

Almira Hafiz with her mum Rozleen, dad Abdul, and brother Ibraheem.

Centre has free fun for kids

THE friendliness and familiarity of your local centre is a great place for all your shopping - and to keep your children entertained!

Bring the kids into Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre for FREE fun Fridays, every Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Check the Pakenham centre’s Facebook page for details on the great activities guaranteed to keep your little ones occupied.

The food options are varied and delicious at Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre, with delivery and takeaway plus dine-in options.

The wonderful team at Sugarcoat Nails and Beauty are well-equipped to help you feel fabulous.

Pizza Fellas has a great range of pizzas that can be ordered online so they are ready for you when you pop in to pick up your dinner.

From their delicious salads to their tasty chicken, Uncle Sam’s Charcoal Chicken is a firm favourite in the neighbourhood for a quick and healthy meal.

Cardinia Lakes Fish and Chippery has delicious burgers, along with crispy chips and tasty fish for a favourite takeaway option.

Wok to Go rounds out the takeaway options with tasty Asian dishes galore to tempt your tastebuds.

Great breakfast and lunch options are on the menu at Urban Hype Cafe.

Meet the friendly staff and grab something for lunch or morning tea.

At Direct Chemist Outlet, the staff are dedicated to their customers’ wellbeing and will help you make the right choices about maintaining good health.

Its gift range is outstanding as well, and you’ll be able to find the perfect present or maybe something extra special for yourself.

Stay up to date by following Cardinia Lakes Shopping Centre on Facebook.

IT’S YOUR LIFE

Tools to tame time, tasks

By Casey Neill

A Moonee Ponds mum is on a mission to teach kids to manage their time and tasks.

Amanda Lecaude is an academic life and executive function coach. Put simply, she’s an organisation and time management whizz who gives others the tools to tame their sloppy ways.

She started a business offering general organising in homes and businesses, but 10 years ago pivoted to helping students from Year 6 to university and hasn’t looked back.

Her top tools for parents who want their children to be more organised?

Analogue clocks.

“In order to manage time, you’ve got to see time passing,” she said.

“If you can’t see time passing you’ve got no awareness.

“You have to see that time has a beginning and a middle and an end to manage it.”

Amanda also recommended family planners and said timers had an important part to play, especially around device use.

“I put a timer in place for my children so they could see that time passing,” she said.

Her sons, now aged 18 and 21, exposed her to bullying, school refusal, and alternative learning pathways.

“My experiences help me to help others,” she said.

“I don’t want to have to have gone through them, but it’s been really useful.”

Amanda has just released her book Life Skills Handbook: Conquering Time Management and Organisation.

It’s aimed at secondary school students but the concepts are applicable across all age groups.

Parents can start helping their children to better manage their time from any age.

“One of the things I also talk a lot about is executive functions,” Amanda said.

“We all have executive functions. We’re not born with them. They develop.

“They’re things that control our planning, our prioritisation, our memory, our time management.

“That part of the brain doesn’t finish forming until the age of 25.

“That doesn’t mean you can’t learn and teach these things along the way.

“It’s trying to educate this younger generation coming up so we can move away from some of the negativity we grew up with - that you were just dumb or just lazy.

“Kids don’t set out to not do well, they don’t set out to fail.

“They don’t set out to be difficult.

“They might not have the right tools or know what it is they need to do.”

So how can parents equip their children with the right tools?

“One of the things we do is we’re

always very busy issuing directions,” Amanda said.

“All the kids are learning is to take directions.

“One of the things I say to parents is to take a step back and change the way you approach it.

“Ask ‘where do we need to be, what time do we need to be there, what do you need to have with you?’.

“This sets a really solid foundation.”

Amanda has identified 15 steps between a teacher issuing homework to a child handing it in.

“For most kids, you get it, you do it, you hand it in. You don’t even think about it,” she said.

“But kids can get stuck in any one of the 15 steps.

“I have kids that will do the homework but not hand it in.

“We need to identify where they struggle so we can provide the tools and strategies to manage it.”

Amanda and her team assess each child they assist and adapt their program to their needs.

“We look at everything from desk setup to eating habits, sleeping habits,” she said.

“What we’re trying to do is make a difference to these kids’ lives.

“You’ll hear parents and teachers say they’re just lazy.

“They’re generally not lazy, it’s just that they don’t have the right tools or

strategies to do what it is they need to do.”

Parents often don’t know how to help because they never learned the necessary skills.

“I don’t think we teach this stuff well enough in schools,” she said.

“We have career people in high schools. I think there should be someone who does what I do, to support students.

“We’re seeing a lot more anxiety, stress, mental health issues, and overwhelm.

“If they can break it down and make things more manageable and easier, it makes a massive difference on that front.

“What I’m seeing more of is perfectionism.

“That is really impacting kids’ ability to function.

“If a child does their best, you can’t ask for more.”

Amanda said the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 was the most pivotal to support kids through.

“Not only is there so much change but kids are going through puberty at the same time so there’s a lot going on,” she said.

“My advice to parents at that stage is just let your kids be engaged and happy and want to go to school.

“Don’t worry about the academics, that will come later.”

Visit www.organisingstudents.com.au for more information.

Bella playground’s a beauty!

KIDS who like to climb will be in their element at this fresh play space in Clyde.

The Bella estate playground opened late last year at Acqua Drive and Pompei Street.

Your children will spot the giant, bright orange tube slides a mile away.

Rope climbing structures provide a bird’s eye view of the park and neighbouring wetlands. Soft fall surfacing will keep bumps and bruises to a minimum and there are safe play

options for a wide range of ages and abilities.

All the playground classics are covered, from swings and spinners to cubbies, a sandpit, and grassed space for ball sports.

There’s a sheltered barbecue area plus the all-important toilets.

We asked four-year-old Zach to put the equipment through its paces, with photographer Rob Carew on hand to capture all the fun.

Zach (4yo). (416906)

Help!

While newborn babies

With the start of kinder or school, the daytime naps fade away and kids go to bed early and rise early.

This is a routine that somehow gets a hit as they become teens and tend to stay up late and then struggle to wake up early - a challenge that often clashes with societal norms and school schedules.

Though it is common for sleep patterns to change as children grow into teenagers, a misalignment between the amount of sleep needed and the actual sleep obtained can lead to problems like anxiety, low mood, and underperformance in school, not to mention the impact it can have on the entire family’s functioning.

Physiologically, as the sun sets and it becomes dark, the body’s homeostatic sleep drive sets in. Melatonin is produced in the brain, which is a chemical that helps a person fall asleep. In younger kids, trouble settling to sleep and waking in the middle of the night are the most frequent sleep problems.

kid

Difficulties in sleep onset can be due to an altered body clock associated with a delayed melatonin peak and/or decreased melatonin output, as seen in some children who are on the autistic spectrum or due to prolonged exposure to blue light from screens.

It can also be due to sleep anxiety or fear of dark/sleeping alone in little kids, while older kids might lie in bed and ruminate over their worries. Others will keep finding excuses to come out of their beds.

Chronic sleep deprivation is reported in 70 percent of Aussie teens. It’s attributed to late sleep onset, primarily due to high screen time, which can delay the body clock and contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Sleep deprivation impacts not only physical health, leading to daytime lethargy and tiredness, but also behaviour; it can lead to anxiety, low mood, and underperformance academically or at work. Furthermore, tired, irritable, emotionally and mentally vulnerable teens are more inclined to opt for unhealthy, high-carb, fatty foods that, coupled with sedentary lifestyle choices - not going out into the daylight, not getting enough physical exercise - puts them at risk of early onset of chronic medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

The low mood and chronic anxiety affect their mental health as well.

There are several strategies that can help improve sleep, thereby physical and mental health, and consequently academic/work performance.

Begin by establishing a consistent sleep routine, limiting technology use before bed, and making the bedroom a conducive environment for sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool.

Aim to avoid stimulating foods and drinks - like caffeinated beverages - or heavy exercise late in the evening. Instead, engage in quiet activities before bedtime. Encourage separation of screens from the bedtime routine - no technology at least one hour before bedtime.

For younger kids, consider behavioural strategies including reward systems for adhering to sleep schedules or staying in bed, visual schedules for understanding sleep routine, and age-appropriate mindfulness or relaxation practices for anxiety.

If sleep problems persist or are associated with daytime behavioural or cognitive (memory/focus/logical thinking) difficulties, it might be necessary to see a healthcare professional.

They can rule out any medical conditions that could be affecting sleep and consider if medication for a short time is appropriate while establishing good sleep habits.

Remember, good sleep is essential for physical and mental health, so it’s important to take steps to address any sleep problems in children and young persons as soon as possible.

I’m optimistic that with these interventions, we can improve both their sleep quality and overall health.

Dr Charanjit Kaur, Paediatrician, Cardinia Paediatric Specialists.

HEALTHY LIVING RCH school

THE Royal Children’s Hospital School, Yalingbu Yirramboi, has officially opened, giving children and young people with chronic and acute health issues the opportunity to stay engaged in their learning.

Delivered through a $3.6 million State Government investment, the school will provide hospital patients with a full education from Prep to Year 12.

The school will ensure that children and young people who spend extended periods of time in the hospital stay on track with their learning and can achieve their full potential.

Governed by a school council and led by principal Naomi McBride, the new school will initially employ 22 registered teachers and six education support class staff.

Students will receive individual teaching and learning programs aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and VCE via flexible teaching modes, including classroom sessions, small group sessions and individual bedside support.

“No child should miss out on the education they need if they’re unwell,” Acting Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said. “We’re giving Victorian children access to a world-class education, easing the burden on parents to keep their child on track while they are unwell or recovering.”

Yalingbu Yirramboi will also provide remote learning opportunities for students recovering at home but not yet well enough to attend school.

When a child is well enough, it will support students to transition back to their original school once they leave hospital.

Traditional owners were consulted about the permanent name of the school.

Yalingbu Yirramboi means ‘Today and Tomorrow’ in the local languages of the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung peoples.

Establishing a registered school at the Royal Children’s Hospital will create a more consistent approach to operating Victorian hospital schools, aligning it with other models of hospital-based education in Victoria, such as the Monash Children’s Hospital School.

Yoga for mums

THE journey of pregnancy and motherhood is beautiful, but it often comes with its challenges.

Mother’z Yoga is here to help you navigate these moments with strength and confidence through its customised yoga programs.

Based at the Cranbourne West Community Hub, Mother’z Yoga proudly supports mums-to-be and new mothers in Cranbourne, Clyde, Berwick, and surrounding areas.

The yoga program goes beyond physical exercise - it’s about caring for your whole self, both during and after pregnancy.

Each session is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of your changing body.

For expectant mothers, Mother’z Yoga focuses on safe, effective movements that help you stay flexible and strong.

For new mums, the program emphasises recovery, rebuilding strength, and supporting your

TRIDENT

postpartum journey.

But yoga isn’t just about moving your body; it’s also about finding emotional balance.

That’s why Mother’z Yoga incorporates meditation, mindfulness, and breathing practices in every class, helping you unwind and connect more deeply within.

Each week the team explores different themes that provide practical tools and the confidence to manage the ups and downs of pregnancy and early motherhood.

Join Mother’z Yoga every Saturday morning to experience the benefits of prenatal and postnatal yoga.

Whether you’re seeking relief from common discomforts or looking to rebuild strength and energy after childbirth, the program offers a supportive space where you can truly thrive.

Visit www.motherzyoga.com mytrial or email info@motherzyoga.com.

Caring for your baby’s oral health

THE focus with new babies is often on breastfeeding, developmental milestones, and sleep, with new parents left in the dark about dental care for their bub.

So the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is reminding Australian parents of the oral hygiene basics for children: brush twice a day, floss daily, eat a diet low in sugar, and see your dentist regularly.

This might seem obvious, but the stats surrounding children’s oral health are alarming: 34 percent of kids aged 5 to 6 years have had decay in their baby teeth; 70 percent of kids aged 9 to 13 consume too much sugar; and 27 percent of children aged 5 to 10 have untreated tooth decay.

The ADA says a lack of infant oral healthcare information might contribute to these stats, so what are the oral healthcare basics for babies and toddlers?

Before babies get their teeth, parents can wipe their baby’s gums with a clean, damp muslin cloth.

Once the first tooth arrives, they can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to brush.

“Toothpaste doesn’t need to be introduced until 18 months unless otherwise advised by your dentist,” ADA oral health promoter and dentist Dr Mikaela Chinotti said.

“At this age, start using a children’s toothpaste that includes fluoride, an important ingredient that helps to strengthen and protect the teeth from tooth decay.

“After brushing, your child should spit out the toothpaste foam, but they don’t need to rinse their mouth with water.

“Children are likely to swallow more toothpaste by rinsing than by just spitting.

“This also leaves a layer of fluoride toothpaste on the teeth, exposing them to the benefits of fluoride for longer.”

For parents finding the whole brushing routine fraught, there are numerous phone apps with songs to help engage your little one and to help them brush for the recommended two minutes.

Alternatively, play a song your child likes for a two-minute period.

Two minutes of brushing is not yet needed for babies with only a few teeth.

Celebrating Dental l Health W Week 2024

In addition to brushing, flossing is recommended from when your baby has two teeth that touch side by side, which is often around age 2.

Your dentist can show you how to floss your child’s mouth and what to use. Flossettes are great options for little mouths.

The ADA says night-time drinks are an area of confusion for some parents.

The body makes less saliva during sleep, so a bedtime bottle of formula or milk may be left on the teeth longer.

If this occurs repeatedly, it can cause tooth decay.

So if you give your baby - aged over 6 months - or toddler a bottle in bed, only put water in the bottle. Never give juice or soda.

Your baby’s first dental visit should ideally be when their first tooth arrives in the mouth.

It’s best that their first visit is not due to tooth pain, as this may cause anxiety around future dental visits.

For the first few dental appointments, some parents find putting their little one on their lap the most comfortable and calming solution for everyone.

At these early dental appointments, the dentist will look in your child’s mouth to examine the teeth and give you advice on oral hygiene techniques, tooth eruption, habits, and diet.

For more information on this and other oral health topics, visit teeth.org.au.

There are pro-tip videos on caring for your infant’s oral health and teething babies.

Dr Mikaela Chinotti.

Facing dental fears

FEAR of the dentist in children needs to be addressed early or it could continue into adulthood, according to the Australian Dental Association (ADA).

Children learn to be anxious by experience – through a traumatic event or vicariously from their parents, with the parent’s own dental fears being learned by the child.

That’s why first dental visits for a toothache requiring emergency treatment can be traumatising, causing the child to be dentally anxious – and also why dentists always recommend bringing children for their first visit once their first tooth appears, so they get used to the experience, the sight of the dentist, the smells and the sounds.

Setting up the first dental visit as a fun and exciting thing establishes early trust and rapport.

For the first dental visit, parents are encouraged to put the child baby/toddler on their lap and cuddle them to help them feel more safe and secure.

How to help the anxious child:

■ Parents can talk with their child about the dentist at home, and role play can be a great way to help children understand what the dentist does.

■ Listen and talk to the child about their concerns about dental care.

■ Parents are encouraged not to show fear or use words that indicate there is something to be fearful of. For example, avoid the word ‘brave’ –children don’t need to be told to be brave as that indicates that there’s something to be afraid of.

■ If the child has a favourite toy, teddy bear or blanket that elicits a feeling of comfort and security, the child should bring this with them.

■ Positive reinforcements, by rewarding children for good behaviour and following instructions at a dental appointment, are encouraged. These rewards should ideally not be in the form of sugary foods or drinks, as these can increase the risks of dental decay - perhaps a new toy or book. Terrified of the dentist?

If the thought of walking into a dental practice terrifies you as an adult, you’re not alone.

In a recent Australian Dental Association (ADA) survey of 25,000 people, 6 percent of those who’d delayed dental treatment cited a fear of the dentist as the reason.

But the outcome for people plagued with anxiety is poor oral health - they only walk through the practice door when they have severe pain or a serious issue, making their dental fears even worse.

ADA Northern Territory president Dr Kaejenn Tchia’s tools to support patients with dental anxiety

1. Build trust and a sense of empowerment

If it’s your first time to the dentist, the clinician wil laim to establish rapport and trust, as a lack of trust in dentists is one of the main reasons for dental anxiety. Unless you’re in significant pain, the dentist will probably spend the first appointment just doing a consult, and hearing about your previous dental experiences and dental treatment goals.

“I always preface to my patients that they’re always in control of the appointment and if at any point they need me to stop, they simply communicate by putting their right hand up and I will always stop in a safe manner,” Dr Tchia said.

2. Keeping you informed throughout It’s important to let anxious patients know what’s being done next, starting with the chair going back and the bib and goggles going on, right through to the chair coming back and the rinse moment.

For example, when it comes to receiving a local anaesthetic, it’s important patients know when the anaesthesia is coming and what they can expect to feel during and after.

Dentists are all too aware that plenty of patients don’t like to see the needle, so by communicating these steps, there are no surprises and the patient can close their eyes during this step.

3. Guided meditation or dental hypnosis

This is a great non-pharmacological behaviour management tool that aims to get the patient to a more relaxed altered state of consciousness.

In this state, the patient is induced into a state of calm and more receptive to suggestions. Importantly, the responses during this state are elicited by the patient’s own will, not the practitioner’s.

In many cases, dentists already practice some form of hypnosis through using the right language, intonation and words to provide positive reinforcement and a relaxed patient state.

“One exercise I do with patients is to get them focused on their breathing, taking deep slow breaths in and out to bring down their heart rate and induce a state of calm,” Dr Tchia said.

“Then using a calm, slow, almost hypnotic rhythm and tone, I get the patient to visualise a place they normally feel relaxed in, giving prompts to what they can see, hear and feel.

“As they breathe deeper in and out, guide them to slowly relax their shoulders and sink deeper into the chair.

“Importantly, the patient is fully conscious throughout the entire process and they can indicate if they want the procedure to stop at any time.”

4. Stress balls

These can be an effective tool for patients to hold and squeeze as a coping mechanism.

They can normally be bought online and the dentist may make suggestions about when the nervous patient should squeeze it during the appointment.

Also, dental assistants are often trained to hold the patient’s hand or provide a reassuring hand on the shoulder during administration of local anaesthetic or an extraction, which can also be a great support.

Patients can also bring in their own earphones or headphones and listen to music to help calm them.

Other tactics include playing with a bag of beans or coins, watching a TV screen above the chair if available, or going to their ‘happy place’, like a past happy holiday or a favourite location.

5. Pharmacological agents

Despite all these things, there are some patients who still require pharmacological agents to help them reduce their anxiety.

These include relative analgesia (RA) in the form of nitrous oxide or oral anxiolytics, also known as minimal sedation.

Here the person will be very relaxed and still conscious enough to be awake and able to answer questions and follow instructions.

Another option available for moderately anxious patients is the use of conscious or intravenous (IV) sedation, which is usually carried out by an anaesthetist or dentist with relevant qualifications in this area.

At the next level in more severely anxious patients, a general anaesthetic (GA) may be required, in which case treatment is provided in a hospital operating theatre or day surgery setting.

Here, a GA renders the patient unconscious so dental treatment can be conducted in a safe way without patient anxiety influencing treatment.

6. Book extra time

If you let the practice manager or receptionist know that you’re anxious, it’s likely they will book a longer appointment so the dental team will have plenty of time to coach you through the appointment.

This also ensures the dental team has adequate time to look after you.

By dentists intentionally creating a calm, supportive environment, patients can enter a state of relaxation that allows them to have dental procedures stressfree and provide the best outcomes for their dental health.

Smiles boost for students

THE Smile Squad program has delivered free dental care to more than 100,000 Victorian students.

Oral health clinicians travel across the state in bright orange vans to provide free check-ups, x-rays, teeth cleaning, application of fluoride and dental sealants, fillings, and root canals.

Since the State Government program launched in 2019, Smile Squad has delivered 200,000 free initial and

follow-up appointments to kids at government schools and provided more than 600,000 dental health packs, which include a toothbrush and toothpaste.

A survey of students attending Smile Squad found that 36 percent did not brush their teeth twice a day, and 16 percent had never had their teeth checked by a dental professional.

Across Australia, at least a quarter of children have experienced tooth decay.

In Victoria, dental conditions are the highest cause of preventable hospitalisations for children aged under 10 years.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Children Minister and Acting Education Minister Lizzie Blandthorn visited an Oakleigh East primary school, Amsleigh Park, on 18 July to celebrate the program.

They said delivering free dental care to Victorian kids freed up treatment

places for more adults to be seen by public dental services.

The Smile Squad program was first funded in 2019 with an initial $321.9 million investment.

A $16.9 million boost in the 2023/24 State Budget will support Smile Squad to expand into low-fee non-government schools from 2026.

Victorian parents are encouraged to sign their kids up for Smile Squad when the service next visits their school.

Dr Kaejenn Tchia

New classroom focus on phonics

EVIDENCE-BASED teaching and learning will be embedded in Victorian classrooms, including best practice teaching of phonics in the early years.

Education Minister Ben Carroll in June announced the updated Victorian Teaching and Learning Model, to be implemented in all government schools across the state from 2025 with explicit teaching at its core.

All students from Prep to Grade 2 will be taught using a systematic synthetic phonics approach as part of their reading programs, with a minimum of 25 minutes daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness.

This will be a core component of a comprehensive reading program that also includes explicit teaching of oral language, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension.

Systematic synthetic phonics is a structured approach that explicitly teaches the relationship between sounds and letters to read words.

Schools and teachers will receive high-quality, practical lesson plans, first in English and mathematics and then in

science and design and digital technologies.

“The reforms and the rollout of the lesson plans will reduce teacher workload and equip them with high quality, best practice materials so they can spend more time with their students and less time planning,” Mr Carroll said.

Evidence from Victorian schools and from reviews conducted by research organisations like the Australian Education Research Organisation and the Grattan Institute shows explicit teaching works best for the largest number of students, particularly those who might be struggling.

Studies from the United States, United Kingdom, and across Australia now recommend systematic synthetic phonics as the most effective method to teach children to read.

Every child deserves the gift of music

INTRODUCE your child to music at Melbourne Youth Chorale, the City of Casey’s oldest community choir.

Whether or not your child shows love or talent for music, there’s a place for everyone in MYC’s warm social community.

Music is a universal language that enables people of all cultures and backgrounds to connect and make friends.

At MYC, you don’t need to be good at music before you start. There are no auditions and anyone can join.

The teachers are passionate about

helping kids become the best they can, and it doesn’t matter where they startthey just learn and grow, and it’s really empowering for them to find that if they practice enough they can become better at something.

This is a skill that transfers into any aspect of life.

Joining MYC is worth doing; music benefits kids in so many ways.

Studies show that group music education helps with emotional regulation, mental and physical wellbeing, and social interaction, and helps kids become smarter in other school subjects.

MYC enables 6 to 20-year-olds to build lasting friendships, find their voice, and develop self-confidence.

Since every child should be able to access quality music education, MYC’s programs operate on a ‘donate what you can afford’ basis, so no one needs to worry about whether or not they can pay the fees.

Rehearsals are held in Hampton Park Secondary College on a Wednesday afternoon/evening. As well as choir groups, MYC provides a theory tutoring program, so participants learn the building blocks of music at their own pace in small groups.

The program caters for beginners through to VCE/university level.

There are performance opportunities throughout the year and these are a great opportunity to bring people of all ages together to enjoy music.

Even if kids are nervous about the idea of performances, they love being able to share what they’ve learned and bring joy to others.

For more information about Melbourne Youth Chorale, visit www.melbourneyouthchorale.com.au and make an enquiry today.

EVERY school has a motto or mission statement that outlines how each community member can benefit from being part of the school community.

St Clare’s Primary School in Officer has the following school motto: Faith leads to courage, wisdom and compassion.

To live out this motto, all members of the school community are asked to follow the schoolwide expectations: respect, optimism, courage, kind and safe, or ROCKS.

Students follow these in their daily actions at school by doing their jobs, having a go, making positive choices, seeking help when needed, modelling and practising kindness, and keeping themselves and others safe.

At St Clare’s, these expectations are modelled and explicitly taught and reinforced in an ongoing way.

Student awards are based on living out ROCKS and the St Clare’s team links these expectations to scriptures in the Bible.

Collaboration key Education St Clare’s ROCKS

AT St Therese’s Catholic Primary School, the vision is simple: do all that you do with love.

The team aspires to provide a faith-filled, safe, respectful, and welcoming community where everyone thrives.

St Therese’s is an integral part of the Parish of St Agatha’s.

The school is committed to the spiritual, emotional, and academic growth of its young people and guiding them on their journey of faith and lifelong learning.

St Therese’s follows the Diocese of Sale religious education curriculum, ‘To Live in Christ Jesus’, which nurtures students’ spiritual growth and moral development.

Its commitment to providing a high-quality education is guided by the Victorian curriculum, which informs all aspects of learning and teaching.

The dedicated teachers work within professional learning communities, engaging in collaborative planning to ensure that every student’s education journey is personalised and effective.

Through ongoing assessment and teacher observation, the St Therese’s team monitors student growth, identifies individual learning needs, and tailors planning accordingly.

To guarantee that students receive a well-rounded education, the school offers specialised weekly lessons in Japanese, visual arts, and physical education.

These subjects are taught by staff who bring a wealth of knowledge and

The hope is that all members of the school community will leave St Clare’s with the schoolwide expectations and motto instilled in their minds as they go through life.

The school looks to nurture the holistic development of each child.

Family, numeracy and literacy skills are core elements of education at St Clare’s, but so is religious education –developing empathy, social justice and a strong moral compass.

The school encourages active play and healthy bodies; understanding other cultures through learning languages; and the confidence that comes with developing creativity through the performing and visual arts.

Student achievement is measured not only by academic growth but by each child’s emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.

Being part of a faith-filled community instils students with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging and, above all, a powerful sense of self-worth.

At St Clare’s, the aim is to help each child reach their potential and be a well-rounded individual within a supportive and caring learning environment.

Visit www.stclaresofficer.catholic.edu. au and take a virtual tour to get a real feel for the school. School tours are also

passion to their fields, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore and excel in a variety of disciplines.

The school warmly invites families to get in contact at any time to discuss enroling their child and to book a school tour.

Once an enrolment form has been submitted, the school schedules an interview with the parents/guardians and the student, conducted by the principal.

This interview is a crucial step in understanding the student’s educational needs and ensuring a smooth transition into the school community.

The St Therese’s team looks forward to welcoming new families and embarking on a shared educational journey.

available. Call 5940 6777 to book a time. Contact the school now for 2025 enrolments. Places are limited, with some levels already at capacity. For all enquires or to receive enrolment documentation, call 5940 6777 or email enrolments@stclaresofficer.catholic. edu.au.

St Therese’s Catholic Primary School is a welcoming and happy place where children are nurtured to become independent and responsible learners. Families are welcome to contact the school any time to discuss the enrolment of their child and book a tour.

The catchment area (or zone) for St Therese’s is presently those families within the St Agatha’s Parish boundaries living north of Camms Road and north of Thompsons Road.

Reading skills boost EDUCATION

NEXT year’s Preps will get a head start on their literacy thanks to a library bag full of fun and engaging story books.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Education Minister Ben Carroll revealed the titles of next year’s books in July, which will help about 65,000 students improve their reading skills at home.

Literacy experts, including a Children’s Book Council of Australia judge, Prep teachers and a librarian, selected:

A Crocodile in the Family, written by Kitty Black and illustrated by Daron Parton;

Walk of the Whales, written and illustrated by Nick Bland;

Bernie Thinks in Boxes, written by Jess Horn and illustrated by Zoe Bennett; Koala Ark, written and illustrated by Stephen Michael King; and

No Way Yirrikipayi! by children from Milikapiti School, Melville Island, with Alison Lester.

“Our family loves reading together – and when the kids were younger, books like The Magic Beach and The Very Hungry Caterpillar were on high rotation,” Ms Allan said.

“With a Prep Bag full of books, we’re helping families find some new favourites and encouraging more young Victorians to discover a love of reading.”

The books will also be produced in Braille with tactile illustrations by the Statewide Vision Resource Centre, supporting students who are blind or have low vision.

Research has shown how important it is for parents and carers to regularly read aloud to young children, particularly as they prepare to move from kinder to primary school.

By reading together, families can help kids to expand their vocabulary, make connections between spoken and written words, and strengthen the bond they share with their children.

“This initiative will help parents and carers support their child’s reading skills from the very start of their school journey,” Mr Carroll said.

This initiative has been supporting children’s

literacy since 2019 and ensures Prep students and their families have access to great age-appropriate books. It has delivered more than 1.9 million books so far.

Community for all

CARDINIA Lakes Early Learning Centre offers long day care and funded kindergarten programs for 3 and 4-year-old children, Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 6.30pm.

The dedicated team strives to build strong relationships with children and their families. The team believes that the centre should feel like a community for all.

What’s new?

■ New centre management: Natalie Curmi and Claudia Hands, Pakenham locals.

■ Library program for all ages: Librarian Miss Lisa runs a reading program with children every week, with a lending program offered to the pre-kinder and kinder children.

■ Mini MasterChef classes: Held with centre chef Tiff once a week, this program will teach children a range of cooking skills including meal prep, safety, and healthy eating.

■ Xplor platform for parents: The platform provides families live updates of their children’s days including sleep, meals, and individual development.

■ Weekly community walks: These are for all ages and take place throughout the Cardinia Lakes area.

■ Rooftop 4-year-old old kindergarten: Our service operates the 4-year-old kindergarten on the first floor with a rooftop playground. This space is getting a full renovation and new furniture and resources for the program.

Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre is at 3 Atlantic Drive, Pakenham. Contact centre director Natalie Curmi via manager@cardinialakeselc.com.au or 5940 0647.

EDUCATION

Creating calm in an anxious world

By Matthew Sims

After seeing her own daughter reach boiling point, she had to act.

So she wrote a book to teach young people how to manage or shift their emotional and social understanding of the world.

An Australian Psychological Society national survey released in 2022 showed an increase in mental illness in children as young as 18 months old compared with 2020.

Following the survey, APS president Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe said governments needed to take immediate action.

“Psychologists, parents, and patients are reporting unacceptable levels of suffering and harm amongst young Australians,“ she said.

“We cannot accept living in a country where 18-month-old children are presenting to clinics with serious mental health issues.“

Results showed an increase in separation anxiety, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, peer relationship difficulties, problematic screen use, depression, and self harm.

Ashlea has a 13-year-old daughter and an eight-year-old son. She has seen the mental health crisis unfold over her 20 years in the education sector.

“We have all got a very big job, as the social and emotional issues of children have skyrocketed,“ she said.

“It is a daily thing you have to think about.”

Ashlea’s been driven to increase her

knowledge of social and emotional development ever since she started working in early childhood education.

“I’ve always had a fascination with the brain,“ she said.

“It’s what led me to go down that sort of rabbit hole.“

Working in one class of Grade 1 pupils, five students required some form of social assistance.

“It’s about the relationships that you build with the children and how you overcome issues,“ she said.

“We’re already in a mental health crisis.

“It’s now about educating about what their emotions are.“

Her book My Gatekeeper is a mini toolkit for those with anxiety and she’ll write lesson plans for teachers to implement in the classroom.

She said many children who went through their formative years during the Covid pandemic, enduring lockdowns and social isolation, had social or developmental issues as a result.

“You can see such a huge gap in their emotional development,“ she said.

“There’s no emotional resilience.“

Ashlea said another issue was children’s overexposure to screen time and social media.

“They don’t have time to be bored,“ she said.

She said parents should not be scared to tell their children no.

“It’s okay for them to be bored,“ she said.

“Without stimulation, they start to use their imagination.

“Without them being allowed to do that, they are going to get a big shock.“

Empowering Curious Minds

Ashlea said children were being allowed to go online earlier and earlier so were often exposed to inappropriate material from a young age.

“It can glorify violence,“ she said.

“It can also create a very scared person.

“The general population needs to be a lot more sensitive to what children are exposed to.“

Ashlea said building a child’s mental health and social development started as soon as they were born.

“Use child-friendly language and take

it one step at a time,“ she said.

“We can lay the foundations for good mental health.

“You can do hard things no matter what, you just have to find the strength to do it.

“I just hope that I can help someone.

“If I can just help one parent, then my job’s done.“

To keep up to date on Ashlea’s work, visit www.instagram.com/mrs_ash_r_.

If you or your children are struggling, call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

PAKENHAM mother of two and primary school teacher Ashlea Retallick has seen the deteriorating mental health of children firsthand.

Ashlea Retallick with her new book titled My Gatekeeper. (Gary Sissons: 421201)

Holistic haven Tailored care

SPECIAL Care Australia (SCA) is an NDISregistered company dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs.

It offers a wide range of services tailored to meet diverse needs and provide holistic support.

SCA’s day centres serve as social interaction and skill-building hubs for individuals with special needs. They also provide respite care services for families in need of short-term relief, and specialised kids respite programs for younger age groups. Additionally, SCA offers school holiday programs, weekend activities for kids, and SIL options to ensure continuous engagement and growth. The programs at SCA are thoughtfully designed to foster independence, social connectivity, and personal development in a nurturing environment. SCA takes a holistic approach to disability care and services, providing comprehensive support to individuals with special needs.

SCA understands that one size does not fit all when it comes to supporting people with special needs.

They actively involve individuals and their families in the decision-making process, ensuring that the support programs are tailored to suit their unique requirements and aspirations.

SCA’s goal is to enable individuals to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Community engagement is a crucial aspect of SCA’s approach.

They ensure that the individuals they support are active and valued members of the community. Through various activities, such as participating in local events, volunteering, and recreational pursuits, SCA fosters social interaction, builds relationships, and nurtures a sense of belonging. SCA offers a diverse range of programs to cater to various needs and interests. Their day centre programs provide opportunities for engaging in activities like arts, crafts, music, and games. They also offer respite care services for individuals with special needs, giving their families muchneeded breaks.

SCA’s kids’ respite and school holiday programs keep children engaged and learning through fun and educational activities. Weekend activities and supported independent living (SIL) options are available for individuals aiming for greater independence.

SCA also provides life skills development programs, including cooking classes and financial management, to equip individuals with the necessary skills for independent living.

Join SCA in opening doors to a world of possibilities for people with special needs and make a difference one life at a time.

Contact 0410 770 722, info@specialcareaust.com.au or specialcareaust.com.au.

Where Care Starts

AT Marnebek School, every child is welcomed into a vibrant and supportive learning community that prioritises their individual growth and development.

Located in Cranbourne East, Marnebek’s dual-campus school is dedicated to providing an engaging environment where students are empowered to embrace learning and achieve their full potential.

Through a holistic approach, the school builds students’ social, emotional, and physical wellbeing, ensuring they grow into active and valued members of their communities.

Supporting Marnebek students is a dedicated team of professionals, including educators, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, psychologists, and NDIS supports. This extensive network works collaboratively to create a learning environment that not only fosters academic achievement but also prepares students for life beyond the classroom. With the integration of technology and a range of sensory spaces, the school provides the tools and resources necessary for its students to flourish.

One of the exciting developments at Marnebek School is participation in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) navigators initiative.

This program, set to be fully implemented in all Victorian government specialist schools by 2025, is designed to help families navigate the complexities of the NDIS and maximise the benefits available to their children.

The role of the NDIS navigators at Marnebek will include providing information and advice on the NDIS and available supports, assisting with accessing the NDIS, and offering guidance on selecting the best services for your child.

They will also support families in managing NDIS plans and address any questions or concerns that arise.

Additionally, Marnebek navigators will help connect families with NDIS local area coordination partners and early childhood partners for ongoing advice and support. At Marnebek School, the team is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child can succeed.

The team is proud to offer the resources, expertise, and support necessary to help its students reach their full potential.

MARNEBEK SCHOOL

Learning at Marnebek

Marnebek is a dual campus school based in Cranbourne East. Across both campuses, we offer an environment that supports students’ academic, social and personal needs, with Primary, Secondary and Secondary Pathways. We offer a range of support and allied health services, ensuring every student has access to the support they need to excel in their learning and development.

EDUCATION

Thoughts can support success

By Casey Neill

MATERNITY leave gave Lauren Munday the career pause she needed to pivot and find her passion.

The Mordialloc mum of two, teacher, and author helps students to adjust their mindset through her program Think Set Go.

“It’s about understanding how we think and the way that we hold ourselves back sometimes because of our past stories,” she said.

“When we have a goal we need to see it as a fresh thing that we can achieve.”

Lauren aims to help students cope under pressure, presenting them with tools in a fun way.

Both of Lauren’s parents were teachers and she loved sport, so she was drawn to PE teaching - the first piece of the Think Set Go puzzle.

The second was discovering the power of her mind while playing AFL. She took up the game at age 28.

Lauren listened to podcasts, read books, and sought out information to help her get her head in the game and keep it there.

“I was shocked at how the mindset stuff just skyrocketed me,” she said.

Within two years she was playing in the VFLW and became the Carlton side’s vice-captain.

“Then I got injured and reassessed it all,” she said.

“When I was in a good headspace I was excelling. When I was in a negative headspace that’s all I could focus on - all the negatives.

“When I stepped away I thought ‘I don’t want that to happen to anyone else’.”

The Think Set Go picture was coming together. Then Lauren fell pregnant.

“I found maternity leave to be the thing I needed,” she said.

“It’s a forced break from work. Sometimes that’s what you need to reassess.

“I didn’t know how else my days could go.

“I was just so used to going in and teaching in a school.

“If I only focused on going back to work, I would have just gone back to work.”

Instead, Lauren wondered what else she could do.

“It was conscious. I chose,” she said.

“There was this gap in my life.

“This was a crossroads - where do I want to be in 10 to 15 years?”

People ask her how she juggled a career change and motherhood.

“You prioritise when you want to do something,” she said.

“I always made sure I had a list of things I wanted to get done for the Think Set Go, so when I did get a break when I had the baby, it was just there.

“We underestimate what we’re capable of.

“I’m getting the groundwork done while I can’t go all out.

“People think it’s all or nothing. Ease into it.

“Motherhood’s made me do what needs to be done and not dwell on things that aren’t important because there’s no time for that.”

Lauren practices what she preaches. When she feels overwhelmed or stuck or lacks motivation, she asks ‘do I need to think, set or go?’.

Think refers to asking questions like ‘Do I need to regain focus or shift my perspective? What do I want to achieve? What’s holding me back? How can I adapt my mind to support me?’

“I remind myself of what my values and priorities are. I remember what the aim is,” Lauren said.

For set, Lauren asks: ‘Do I need to set myself up better? Do I need to plan or prepare in a different way so that I can stick to this plan and commit? Do I need to adapt a routine or change something to make it easier for me to persist?’

Then it’s go time: ‘Do I need to figure out how to simply do what needs to be done in the moment? How can I take action when I don’t want to? How can I adapt the way I am thinking right now to commit to the plan?’

“I can practise all this stuff when I do my CRT,” she said.

“I go to different schools on purpose.

“It’s like market research.

“I’m becoming better at dealing with different situations and different kids.”

Lauren wrote up workshops in a succinct one-page format, not knowing how valuable his exercise would be.

She had trouble getting hold of a book so reached out to the publisher for a copy.

Soon she was chatting about writing a mindset book. Her workshop summaries formed a makeshift manuscript.

Mindset Handbook: Mastering Your Mind for Success was published in May.

It’s aimed at secondary school students, “but an adult could pick it up as well and learn a lot”.

“What I’m seeing in schools is the way parents are has rubbed off on their kids,” she said.

“If parents can learn to change their mindset, that will filter down.

“Awareness is the first step: we’re thinking that way and we don’t have to.

“We don’t really feel like we’re in control of it.

“We don’t even think ‘Am I thinking in a way that’s helping me here?’.

“We find it easier to go through with ‘This is how I feel so this is how the day will be’.

“You can change that at any time.

“When we have a thought for the first time, neurons talk in our brains.

“The more we think it, the stronger the pathway becomes.

“Then it becomes a priority thought.

“If it’s a negative one we think about often, it’ll be prioritised.

“The only way to change that is to consciously put the positive one in its place.

“Shift the way you naturally think.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Spooky Halloween fun

GATHER your family and friends and get your scariest costumes ready and join in a night of fun and frights at the Old Cheese Factory.

Casey’s heritage listed site will be transformed into a spooky playground for kids and families to enjoy a range of Halloween themed activities including free carnival rides and live entertainment.

Dance under the stars to the DJ’s disco tunes, get your face painted in light up neon colours or watch the princesses and a mad scientist as they take over the stage.

Wander through the Haunted Factory, Witches Lair and Spider Den. Create your own lantern at the craft workshops and take a selfie with the giant Bounce Beasts as they roam the lit-up garden scape around the Old Cheese Factory.

Experience the goldfields

SPEND an unforgettable day with the family at Walhalla Goldfields Railway.

Relax and take in the breathtaking views as the train winds its way through the spectacular Stringers Gorge on what is considered one of the country’s most picturesque rail journeys.

Departing the historic Walhalla Station on your one-hour journey you will travel through the station yards with the sheer, stunning cliff face on one side and the winding Stringers Creek on the other side.

Winding through the gorge past Happy Creek Station on your way towards Thomson Station, you cross seven bridges - which are a marvel of engineering - before reaching the spectacular Thomson River bridge.

Upon arrival at Thomson Station, passengers disembark and have the opportunity to peruse the station and surroundings before re-boarding for their return journey.

For young train buffs, the railway also offers a ‘ride in the cab’ experience for a small extra fee.

Get up front and experience a different perspective from the vantage point of the locomotive cab.

See the amazing track work and bridges and chat to our knowledgeable crew along the way.

Make Walhalla Goldfields Railway your next family day out.

The railway is open daily during the spring school holidays.

Trains operate at 10am, noon and 1.30pm.

■ Bookings can be made at walhallarail.com.au

■ Call 5165 6280 for more information.

There will be various food trucks and a coffee van on site for those wishing to purchase a sweet treat or a bite to eat.

This is a limited ticketed event suitable for kids aged 12 years and under.

Tickets will be available from Thursday 3 October, only from tickets. bunjilplace.com.au/9785.

Be quick as tickets will sell out fast.

Halloween at the Old Cheese Factory will run from 5pm to 9pm on Thursday 31 October at 34 Homestead Road, Berwick.

Tickets are $15 for children and $5 for supervising adults.

Trains Operate Trains Operate 10am, 12 noon and 1.30 pm 10am, 12 noon and pm

PARTY TIME

Wild party experiences

LOOKING for a way to make your child’s next party the talk of the town?

Reptile Encounters has you covered with its thrilling wild animal parties!

Imagine the excitement as they bring a mobile zoo directly to your doorstep, with interactive shows that will leave your little guests amazed.

With four incredible party options to choose from, there’s something for every young wildlife enthusiast.

1. Headquarters party: If you need the perfect venue, Reptile Encounters’ HQ in Burwood is just the spot!

Host your party in one of three exclusive two-hour time slots available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Your guests will get up close and personal with some of Reptile Encounters’ most fascinating creatures in a safe, controlled environment.

2. Wildlife party: For the all-round wildlife lover, this party is a must!

Your child and their friends will meet an array of animals, including birds, marsupials, turtles, lizards, snakes, and an awe-inspiring crocodile.

It’s a party that celebrates the diverse wonders of the animal kingdom.

3. Snake party: Is your child fascinated by slithering critters?

Reptile Encounters’ snake party is designed for them!

Guests will encounter insects, frogs, a turtle, a lizard, three amazing pythons, and, of course, a crocodile.

It’s a thrilling adventure for those who love creatures that slither and slide.

4. Reptile party: If your child is all about reptiles, this is the ultimate party experience.

With a line-up that includes insects, frogs, a turtle, lizards, snakes, and even a crocodile, this party is perfect for the young herpetologist in the making.

Make your child’s next birthday a wild success with Reptile Encounters, where unforgettable memories are made, and the fun is always up close and personal.

Visit www.reptileencounters.com.au for more information or call 1300 427 627.

Get in the Zone for adventure

INTRODUCING Melbourne’s latest indoor play centre, One Playzone, where unforgettable childhood adventures begin!

Designed exclusively for private kids’ parties, family functions, and special celebrations, the venue is now open for bookings.

At One Playzone, the team believes in making every event extraordinary.

The state-of-the-art facility invites children aged up to 11 to run, jump, slide, and climb in a safe, engaging environment.

From multi-tiered play structures to a massive inflatable slide, One Playzone offers endless fun tailored to ignite young imaginations.

What sets One Playzone apart is its commitment to privacy.

As a private hire venue, One Playzone is dedicated solely to your event, ensuring a personalised and exclusive experience with no interruptions, no crowds – just your group enjoying the time of their lives.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a family gathering, or a special occasion, One Playzone Melbourne is the perfect place to create lasting memories.

You bring the people and they’ll bring the party!

Book your event today and let the adventure begin at One Playzone Melbourne, where the fun never stops and every celebration is a special one.

One Playzone is at Unit 14/10 Assembly Drive, Dandenong South, and can be contacted on 9795 5512.

Your musical journey guide BORN TO PERFORM

SINCE 2008, uLearn Music has been a trusted destination for musicians of all ages and skill levels.

Offering lessons in piano, guitar, violin, singing, drums, and more, the school is dedicated to nurturing talent with professional and caring teachers.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, uLearn Music provides a supportive environment where learning

is both fun and rewarding.

With brand-new state-of-the-art studios in Clyde North and additional lesson locations in Lynbrook and Lyndhurst, uLearn Music ensures convenient access to quality music education across the community.

The annual concert is a highlight, offering students the chance to showcase their progress and perform in

front of an audience.

For those aiming for formal qualifications, the school offers thorough examination preparation.

uLearn Music also features recording and rehearsal studios for hire and offers a wide range of student instruments for sale or rent.

Young children can start their musical journey early with the Tiny TuneStars and

Melody Munchkins programs, designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.

Committed to accessibility, uLearn Music offers NDIS programs, competitive rates, flexible payment options, and no lock-in contracts.

Whether you’re looking to pick up a new instrument or refine your skills, uLearn Music is here to guide your musical journey.

A Dance Legacy that keeps growing

DANCE Legacy is a dance studio based in Pakenham offering expert tuition by experienced teachers for students aged 18 months to adult.

It offers classes for not only the serious dancer but also those who purely want enjoyment and recreation.

The team at Dance Legacy prides itself on having an experienced faculty that promises to provide excellent training coupled with fun, fitness, and endless laughter.

Dance Legacy offers a wide variety of classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, acro, and stretch/conditioning.

Studio owners and teachers Miss Danielle and Miss Loren have a

combined 30-plus years of dance teaching experience.

Over the years they have not only produced award-winning choreography but fostered a love of dance in hundreds of students and celebrated many achievements, no matter how big or small.

Dance Legacy is into its fourth year in 2024, has already grown to well over 200 students, and is growing every week.

The team has welcomed many new faces through the door and seen students skip and wing for the first time, and achieve personal goals.

The faculty has lots of opportunities for the students in 2024, including two whole school performances where every

student gets their time to shine on the stage and perform for their friends and family.

Students have also undergone their Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet examinations and Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) tap and jazz examinations, and represented Dance Legacy at local performances and competitions.

They have had a 100 percent success rate in their examinations and have seen students achieve top marks: 100 percent honours with distinction.

But what Miss Loren and Miss Danielle love to see the most and are the proudest of is students gaining or re-discovering a love and true enjoyment of dance.

Everybody who walks through the Dance Legacy doors mentions the awesome energy and vibe that the studio exudes and always walks out of class with a smile on their face.

The school owns three purpose-built studio spaces for more than 60 classes throughout each week.

Dance Legacy promises to provide an inclusive and safe environment to help develop the person as well as the dancer.

The team pledges to nurture and further a dance legacy for every student who dances through the studio door. Enrolments for season 2024 are open. Call 0422 774 665 or email admin@dancelegacy.com.au to book a free trial.

There’s more at Cathy-Lea BORN TO PERFORM

CATHY-LEA Studios has been training students in dance, music, and drama since 1990 and is proud to offer students more in 2024.

■ More styles: Classes in classical ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, acrobatics, drama, musical theatre, production class, singing, drum, piano, guitar, and bass guitar.

■ More levels: From pre-school to professional, recreational, and vocational.

■ More ages and abilities: From 18 months to adult, boys and girls, all abilities, and special needs classes.

■ More programs: Ready Set Dance, Ready Set Ballet, Cecchetti International Ballet, ATOD jazz and tap, Progressing Ballet Technique, AMEB Music, Rock School Music, VCE VET Dance, Musical Production, and Elite Training Program.

■ More classes: Offering more than 150 classes per week in dance, music, and drama.

■ More teachers: Cathy-Lea Studios can

engage teachers who are specialists in their fields, so students benefit from expert training in a range of disciplines.

■ More qualifications: Cathy-Lea has exceptional qualifications including a master in education and licentiate qualifications in several dance styles. Her staff are highly trained professionals and educators trained in first aid and child safety.

■ More opportunities: Students perform in concerts, soirees, cabarets, competitions, showcases, and community events such as the Berwick Show and Relay for Life.

■ More achievements: CathyLea students win many awards and scholarships each year, including local, state, and national championships.

■ More value for money: Reduced hourly rates, family fees, and

unlimited class passes ensure you can do more for less cost.

■ More experience: This year is CathyLea’s 35th year. The team knows its programs work, so you can be assured that your children can train safely to professional levels.

Why would you go elsewhere when Cathy-Lea Studios offers so much more? Contact Cathy-Lea Studios today to book a FREE TRIAL CLASS via office@ cathy-lea.com, 9704 7324, or www. cathy-lea.com.

REALITY BITES

Author’s wish come true

By Casey Neill

THE timing of Caz Goodwin’s tenth book was beautifully serendipitous.

The award-winning Hawthorn author had just penned A Wish for Baby when her son, Tom, revealed Caz was about to become a grandmother.

“It’s like a love letter to a baby,” she said.

“I didn’t write this with a particular baby in mind.

“I channelled my memories of my own children and how when they were born, I’d just stare down and look at them and imagine ‘what are the adventures you’re going to have?’ and ‘I hope you have wonderful friends that support you’ and ‘I hope you enjoy nature’ and ‘I hope you are healthy’ and ‘I hope you’re happy’ - all those natural feelings that come when you’re a new parent.

“All those feelings are coming up again as a grandmother.”

The illustrations by Sara Acton show a child and their father having fun with dress-ups, baking, reading, and giggling with friends.

Tom was thrilled with the book’s timing.

“I remember when I first showed him the manuscript,” Caz said.

“He might have wiped away a tear.

“As a parent there’s nothing quite like your first baby.

“The joy that this little baby has brought has been wonderful.”

Tom confirmed he was very emotional when he first read the book. Little Isla was four weeks old when we met. He felt like Caz was writing to her before even knowing she existed.

“It was very special,” he said.

He was eagerly awaiting a copy, fresh from the printer, so he could read it to Isla.

“We read to her every night,” he said.

“It will be really special when she knows it’s written by Caz Ma.”

Caz started her writing career when her husband’s job took the family to Singapore.

“I was told I wouldn’t be able to work there. I thought I’d do what I’d always wanted to - writing books,” she said.

“I set a goal of writing one within the first year.

“I’d always written and I loved rhyming books in particular.

“I was brought up on AA Milne and Dr Seuss.

“When I was a bit older I loved Jane Eyre’s rhyming poems.

“I would write rhyming invitations to family but never really thought about going about it more seriously and having it published.”

She joined a writer’s group, put pen to paper, and her first book was published soon after.

“That was a book called Dragon’s Egg, which is still in print in Singapore,” Caz said.

“It was a children’s picture book about

a child who finds an egg and a dragon hatches out.

“It won a competition so that was a good way to get into the industry.

“When I came back to Melbourne I kept writing and haven’t stopped.”

Caz’s books generally start with a character, and then she asks questions about them.

“I’m not a plotter; I just start writing and the story seems to evolve organically,” she said.

“I don’t set out with a particular theme in mind or a particular moral I want to tell.

“What if it was a little girl and she was best friend’s with the old man next door, and what if their favourite goat died?

“And what if he was depressed and didn’t want to come out of the house and she had to help him out?

“That’s how my last book developed.

“I do a lot of re-writing, which most writers do.

“I keep exploring until I find a way to make a story work and the characters work.

“The narrative arc has to be appropriate and the conclusion has to have some hope.”

Caz is also a literacy advocate. She runs the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in Victoria and is on the Young Australian Best Book Awards (YABBA) council.

“I really encourage all parents and grandparents to start reading from the

moment they’re born,” she said.

“The research shows that reading to babies is really important and that you can’t start too early.

“There’s nothing you can do to really give your child the best educational outcome before they start formal school other than reading.

“It’s just vitamins for the brain.

“It’s so good for them in so many ways.

“It also helps you feel closer to them when you’re reading to a baby.

“There was some research done that showed reading to babies in utero, their heart rate slowed reading one story versus another story.

“I thought that was some really amazing research.”

Caz recommended rhyming books in particular.

“The children relate to them and do really engage,” she said.

“As they get older they can anticipate the words because they rhyme with the line before.

“There’s something about the rhythm that is calming and almost meditative.”

A Wish for Baby fits the bill.

“This is the sort of book that I think would be a lovely gift to give to a newborn or the parents of a newborn,” Caz said.

“It really contains those universal feelings of joy but also wonder and hope and the dreams for a new little one.”

Silly Sam wins fans worldwide REALITY BITES

By Casey Neill

NOW, do you know what will happen to Sam Ramsden on his Silly Stories podcast adventure?

Neither does Sam. There’s only one way to find out…

The Kilsyth electrician and father of four girls - Zahli, 9 months, Brinley, 3, Aubree, 5, and Holly, 7 - entered the podcast scene late last year.

By May, Silly Stories for Kids was topping the worldwide charts.

“It wasn’t my idea. I didn’t even conceptualise it or anything,” he told Kids, clearly still bewildered by his sudden success.

“When Holly, our oldest, was 2 and transitioning from a cot to her own bed, I used to just lay on the floor and started making up stories.”

Fast forward four years, and his father-in-law, Russell Dixon, pitched Sam an idea.

“He said ‘I’ve listened to you tell these stories for a long time now, I think you should turn it into a podcast’,” Sam said.

Russell said he’d been researching the medium for months and wanted to back the project.

“I literally just thought ‘I’ll make a little catalog of stories for my kids to show their kids one day, maybe a few friends will listen to it’,” Sam said.

He and Russell held weekly meetings and learned the ropes of podcasting.

They settled on a name - searchable, catchy - and a logo, and Sam selected a release date…which fell two and a half weeks after his fourth child was born.

“I was just too excited, I didn’t want to keep waiting,” he laughed.

“The first place I started recording was literally a supply cupboard at church.

“I taped blankets up, put up LED lighting.”

He upgraded to a recording studio he built in his back yard using a photo booth he’d bought on Facebook Marketplace.

Then an electrical job for missionary organisation Reach Beyond led to an offer to use its professional broadcast setup.

Each Silly Stories episode begins with, ‘Do you know what’s going to happen in today’s adventure? Me either.’

“That’s genuine,” Sam said.

Listeners send their names to Sam, who embeds them in a wacky story he makes up on the spot.

“I write their name on the tablet in front of me. I might start with a word or a place or the tiniest piece of an idea, and then I’ll press record,” he said.

“I love being creative. I love thinking outside the box.

“Telling stories and being silly is the most authentic version of me there is.

“My brain is exciting, to put it politely.

“When we go on a drive, me and the girls, they’ll often request a character.

“I’ll be driving as (Silly Stories favourite) Pim Pim, making jokes about seeing people on the side of the road.

“We’ll take wrong turns and things.

“To still try and be the fun and the joy in your own family, that’s what my dad did for us.

“I wanted to do that too.”

Sam explained that he has ADHD.

“So much of what I do day-to-day is trying to keep my brain on task,” he said.

“Telling stories is just sitting down, pressing record, and enjoying where my brain goes and really just having fun with it.”

Fans can rest assured that Sam’s story supply is endless.

“I’ve been doing it for five years,” he said.

“There’s never been a time I’ve sat down to tell a story and something hasn’t come out.

“I can’t actually explain how this works.

“If I tell a story, it’s almost like I’m experiencing it like the kids are.

“It flows that quickly.

“When I’m editing it, it’s like listening to it for the first time.”

His life experiences often bleed into the stories, like a story about a girl entering Food Land through an oven that emerged after Sam installed a large oven at work.

“I’m learning that the way I tell stories is fun and I think so many things are dark at the moment and so many things are so complicated,” he said.

“I think there’s a real desire amongst parents to just really help their kids have fun.”

Parents tell him they put on a Silly Stories episode when “everything is really hard”. It gives their kids a few minutes of fun and gives them a chance to reset.

Parents of children on the autism spectrum regularly tell Sam that his stories help their kids to regulate.

“My real hope is that this podcast can strengthen family relationships,” he said.

Sam’s also a church youth group leader.

“I’ve been doing that since I was 17,” he said.

“So much of what I get to do there is just be silly, be fun.”

But doesn’t he ever feel self-conscious about being silly as a grown-up? Nope.

“I think I’ve just had so much opportunity in my life to be that silly, and to be that silly in front of lots of people,” he said.

“My dad was in a band when we were little. They did fun, silly, stupid things.

“I saw people in front of large groups being silly, and people loving it.”

And doing youth ministry reinforced this.

“I’m used to being the dad in a group of dads who is mucking around and doing stupid stuff,” he said.

“I think those kinds of nerves come from putting what other people see of you higher than what should be higher - the joy and the fun and bringing some good to people’s lives is the most important thing.

“If someone thinks I’m weird or strange, I’m OK with that.

“I don’t find self-worth in what other people think.

“I’m created by God, this is what he’s created me to be.

“I love that I’m different.

“We actually need different people to be able to meet the needs of different people.

“You need diversity, you need different people with different ways of thinking.”

Sam never planned to start an electrical business.

“I literally said through my apprenticeship that you’d never find me running my own business,” he laughed.

But the company he was working for liquidated just before he was due to marry wife Olivia, who was then studying full time.

Sam had to find more work, and was soon eating his words and working for himself.

“My business journey has been terrible,” he said with his trademark broad smile, which reaches his eyes and never seems to leave his face.

“I wouldn’t be half the person that I am now if not for all the trials and troubles.”

Olivia is now on maternity leave from her role as a physiotherapist in the Austin Hospital ICU.

“She’s gifted in that kind of stuff,” Sam said, his pride obvious.

“In crazy situations, she’s comfortable and logical.

“I am incredibly blessed with the wife that I have.

“She is so supportive and encouraging of me.

“She’s my biggest supporter.

“We manage the chaos of life together.

“I wouldn’t be able to do any of this on my own.”

Sam and his family were invited onto the field with the Melbourne Football Club cheer squad a few weeks before our chat, after Sam mentioned the club in one of his stories.

“That’s mind-blowing, to think that some idiot sitting in a cupboard talking to himself could lead to these kinds of experiences,” he said.

It was the girls’ first AFL match so the bar was set high - Aubree asked if they’d get to go onto the court if they went to a netball match.

“I was trying to communicate to our kids how abnormal that experience was,” he laughed, shaking his head in disbelief.

Sam’s made connections with other podcasters, who’ve been generous with advice, and now has a manager - “which sounds ridiculous to say” - after performing an electrical safety check at his home.

He is also now working with children’s audio player company Yoto.

“We’re the kids’ podcast they’re partnering with in Australia,” he said.

Silly Stories is mentioned in the company’s press release alongside the likes of Roald Dahl, Sir Paul McCartney, Zoe Foster Blake, and Emma Memma.

“I never would have imagined this stuff in a million years,” Sam said.

“I’m just excited to see where it does go.

“I’m quite the pessimist when it comes to myself.

“There was no glimmer of a thought in my head that it would progress past my family and friends.

“I would love to be known in houses around the world and have a really positive effect, and generate income for my family.

“I’ve got no idea where it could go.”

Dial into new museum to explore our connections

THE National Communication Museum in Hawthorn will house a raft of programs for children of all ages.

The not-for-profit will open its doors in the old Telstra Exchange Building on Burwood Road on Saturday 21 September.

It brings to life the nostalgia of communication in Australia and showcases the cutting-edge technologies that will connect us in the future.

It spans two levels of dynamic and changing gallery spaces, with a working historical telephone exchange, immersive rooms, interactive experiences, and a dedicated kids hub.

NCM co-CEO Anna Prenc said the museum was a fun destination for children, teens, and their families.

“It really has something for everyone – from curious children and teens to nostalgic young and older adults, from primary and secondary students through to tertiary students and researchers,” she said.

“Through its extensive collection of artefacts and the innovative use of technology - including robotics and responsive artificial intelligence - NCM connects audiences young and old with past and current technologies.”

In NCM kids hub, children follow overhead cables to discover some of the weird and wonderful ways messages are sent and received around the world and beyond.

It also features hands-on interactive experiences to unlock and decode messages throughout the space.

The museum’s remix zone is aimed at teens and tweens, with two large authentic switchboards reimagined by Mosster Studio as interactive instruments, where visitors can build their own unique, telephony-inspired soundscape.

NCM co-CEO Emily Siddons said the museum was also a trip down memory lane for older visitors who remember retro tech like MSN messenger, rotary phones, the talking clock, the iconic burger phone, and the first internet cafes.

“The museum features a rotating collection of technologies and contextual artefacts and exciting temporary exhibitions, as well as a STEM-focused schools program, research and industry programs,” she said.

“NCM answers the questions you have about technology but were too afraid to ask: Is my fridge listening to me? Where exactly is the Cloud? What is the difference between 4G and 5G?

“It invites visitors to engage with the everyday technologies they don’t understand, with experiences that are driven by technology and activated by visitors themselves, letting them direct their own unique experience through the museum.”

Visit ncm.org.au for more information.

REALITY BITES

There’s no place like Homb

By Casey Neill

HOMB nurtures and empowers new mothers, striving to prevent postnatal depression and anxiety.

Founder Larissa Leone is also working to change the ubiquitous baby-first narrative and make mums the priority.

Speaking to Kids, Larissa pointed to baby expos as an example.

“There’s no postpartum stands,” she said.

“Everything is for the baby. Everything is still for the baby.

“All they want is your love and your attention. Spend your money on yourself being able to provide that wholeheartedly.

“It’s really difficult to convey that knowledge and information because (pregnant) women don’t want to know. They are focused on the fluffy stuff.

“The system or society doesn’t value that. What it now seems is indulgent.

“Homb has been referred to as a postpartum hotel.

“For the most part, sure, that’s what it is. But it sounds so transactional.

“There’s so much more depth to what we offer and what we provide.

“This is a solution.

“The healthcare system has to get on board.

“The spend on the recovery and the response to postnatal depression is huge compared to the spend on preventative care.

“We’ve got stats staring us in the face, on postnatal depression and anxiety. One in five.

“We seemingly have all of this help but the stats are still increasing.

“Is it that we’re talking about it more and women are coming forward more, or is it that the money raised isn’t going to the right areas?”

Homb was born from Larissa’s experience after welcoming her first child.

“I had a very successful business, I had all my ducks in a row, I was very in control of everything in my life,” she said.

“I had a great pregnancy, no complications. Even my birth was great, there was nothing overly stressful or traumatic about that.

“But from that first moment, I just felt very out of control and very ‘this person now is relying on me and I don’t know if I can do this, am I going to do this well enough?’.

“There was already a lot of selfjudgement.

“I was reading every book that I could possibly get my hands on to tell me how it was all going to work out.

“When it didn’t, it really catapulted me into a world of anxiety and really deep worry.

“It just continued to spiral, the more I tried to cover all those feelings up and tried to integrate into society.”

She reached out to her husband for help when her daughter was about six months old.

“I was having very dark thoughts. I was thinking about self-harm,” she said.

“I thought ‘if I hurt myself enough but not too much then I can go to hospital and have a couple of nights where I’m not with the baby and I can have some sleep and some rest’.

“I knew somewhere in me that that wasn’t normal.”

They contacted a mothercraft nurse - who cares for newborns and provides advice and training to parents - and waited four weeks to see her.

“At that point it was still not help for me, it was help for the situation,” Larissa said.

“With the benefit of hindsight, I should have been straight to a psychologist.

“It’s interesting that the go-to was still not caring for me as the mother.

“I said to my husband, ‘why is there nowhere that I can go that I can be helped through this without it being a hospital?’.

“I was just astounded that there was nowhere I could go that was a more homely environment.”

Larissa was retrospectively diagnosed with postpartum depression after having her son two years later, and her desire to affect change intensified.

“I just didn’t want any other woman to experience what I had experienced,” she said.

“The health care system has pulled us away from our innate knowing of how to birth.

“Largely I think we’ve overmedicalised something that is innately natural.

“It’s just become a huge marketing thing and women don’t trust themselves anymore.

“The essence of Homb is really trying to bring back that confidence and trust within a woman to have the confidence to make those decisions for herself, with the guidance and support of people who are intrinsically involved in maternal health.”

Homb’s team includes registered nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, naturopaths, nutritionists, doulas, birth trauma practitioners, gentle sleep consultants, and more.

“We are mother-led,” Larissa said.

“If a mother has a way she wants to do things we follow that.”

Women who need support have the opportunity to access the service at low or no cost.

“Starting the charity arm was a huge part of it for me, because I understood the costs - having midwives and incredible staff doesn’t come cheaply,” Larissa said.

“I knew it was not accessible for the majority of women.”

The feedback has surpassed her expectations.

“It’s been quite extraordinary and certainly the most fulfilling thing I will ever do in my lifetime,” she said.

“Just to know we’re affecting change and helping women is certainly enough for me.

“Consistently, they feel like they can breathe again.”

Floaty, soft spring fabrics

PUT a spring in your child’s step with the latest fashion arrivals at Billy Lidz.

The Billy Lidz team has been doing the hard work for shoppers since 2009, selecting the best high-quality designer baby and kids wear from Australia, Europe, and America.

Shop your local baby and kids store for all your baby needs, from change mats to Charlie Crane Rockers, clothing, and nappy bags from local Australian brands like Illoura and Ziggy Lou, plus

international brands like Moonie bears, Silly Silas tights, and the ever-popular Crywolf, Quincy Mae, Rylee and Cru, and Banwood bikes, scooters, and trikes.

Visit the boutique at 6 Blackburne Square, Berwick, or check out the range at www. lovemybillylidz.com.au.

FASHION

‘Symptoms’ are super skills BOOKS

By Casey Neill

AN Aussie mum is encouraging kids to see ADHD as a superpower rather than a hindrance, following her own diagnosis with the disorder.

Elly Both uses A Kids Book about ADHD! to celebrate the unique skills that come with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.

Growing up, Elly often thought there was something wrong with her.

“I was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago now at the ripe old age of 44,” she told Kids.

“I started to look back at my childhood and how I would have loved to have a handbook of how my mind worked at that time.”

It was only once she received her diagnosis that her ‘character flaws’ became symptoms and her world started to make sense.

“I was a pretty anxious kid,” Elly said.

“I spent a lot of my time daydreaming.”

Her school reports said she was smart but could do a little less talking, stop bothering her classmates, and be a little more conscientious.

“So I just wanted to make kids feel OK,” she said.

“They’ve got this brain, it’s not always easy to cope with.

“Even as an adult I’m still dealing with the challenges of ADHD every day.”

Eleanor Jones Can’t

Keep a Secret

Amy Doak

Things have settled down in Cooinda and Eleanor Jones is getting used to her new normal – spending time with her friends, going to school, and working on a project at the local old age home.

But just as things start to feel calm, a series of events once again rock Eleanor’s world: Troy’s ex-girlfriend is back in town and, during a visit to the old age home, Eleanor’s buddy Nance admits to witnessing a murder, swearing Eleanor to secrecy.

Eleanor throws herself into solving the mystery of the murder with help from new friend, genealogy expert Jem, and finds digging into old secrets can be incredibly dangerous.

Penguin

$19.99

Elly said it could knock your self esteem and confidence.

“There are challenges, I’m never going to sugarcoat it,” she said.

“But how do we discover what our superpower is, and how do we harness it?”

ADHD comes with an immense sense of energy, creativity, and a hyperfocus state, she explained.

“I think that’s how I do a lot of my written work,” she said.

“How do we foster that in our kids or help them harness that?

“I’ve had so many parents message me in tears saying they saw themselves on the pages or that it helped them understand their own kid.

“It’s designed to be co-read with a grownup.

“I’ve also included in the book a number of questions that I think adults can speak to their kids about as well.”

Elly said the book could help kids to better understand and empathise with their peers.

“Everyone has a unique brain, we are all unique,” she said.

“We can’t understand unless we talk to people about those differences.”

Elly’s book is part of the A Kids Co series ‘A Kids Book About…’.

“I’ve always wanted to write something. I had this inspiration one day to ask them ‘can I write a book in your series?’,” she said.

The Space Between

Jess McGeachin

The Space Between celebrates those special friendships that last, no matter what. Max and Milo do everything together, every day, and in their rocket ship, even the stars and planets don’t seem too far to reach.

But when Milo has to move away, the space between them seems too great, and Max must find another way to navigate the galaxy.

Penguin

$24.99

She’s a sustainability consultant by trade.

“A lot of what I do is the written side of things, so the communications side,” she said.

“It’s my happy place.”

Elly has other children’s books in the pipeline.

“I’ve got a few on the go. I’m not sure which one will eventuate,” she said.

Find A Kids Book about ADHD! on Amazon or at ellyboth.com.

How Do I Know If I’m Upside Down?

Idan Ben-Barak and Zahra Zainal

This is me. My body can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. But it also knows if it is hot or cold, if I am sideways or upside down.

Explore the human (and other) senses!

Scholastic

$19.99

You Are Brave: A Book about Trying New Things

Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez

Nobody is born brave. There is no magic wand to make you brave, either. You have to learn to be brave – just like you have to learn how to do everything else. This book helps readers learn their self-worth and encourages kids to overcome obstacles by sticking up for themselves and others, trying new things, and showing the world how brave they are!

Scholastic

$26.99

Newspaper Hats

Phil Cummings

Grandpa has a world of memories he likes to share, from tadpoles to summer rain, and his mum making warm, crusty bread.

But he has trouble remembering his granddaughter, Georgie. Georgie’s efforts to trigger Grandpa’s memory of her lead them to the remembered joy of making newspaper hats. Newspaper Hats will have you thinking about how we make, record and recall memories

Scholastic

$24.99

ENROL NOW FOR 2025 LIMITED VACANCIES AVAILABLE

Our faith leads to wisdom and courage. This motto is the energising source of all that happens at St Clare's and is embedded in the ethos of the school, the curriculum we offer and the relationships we develop within our school and wider communities.

If you are reading this as a prospective student, parent, guardian or family, I invite you to visit us at St Clare's and discover this dynamic learning environment and start the beginning of, what I hope will be, a life-long learning partnership.

Helen Staindl School Principal