WINTER 2021
Discover the west’s
BEST PLAYGROUNDS
Couple’s amazing
PREGNANCY JOURNEY New chapter for
GRETEL KILLEEN
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About Us
Time for winter fun WELCOME to Kids West Today winter edition! As the blustery wind and chilling cold reminds us winter is officially here, we have a great edition for you to indulge in over a warm cup of tea and a blanket once the kids have gone to bed. While it’s tempting to hibernate, there’s nothing like getting the kids outside in the crisp winter air to remind us there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Check out the upcoming events (page 38) to keep little people busy during the school holidays. We’ve also shared some of our favourite playgrounds on pages 10 and 11 for you to try out, and if your child makes a beeline for the nearest pile of mud, you can’t miss the story on page 13. If winter means footy in your household, our Auskick story on page 4 is for you.
For those of you who have just started the inevitable social media debate with your child, check out our social media junior story on page 12. Media personality and author Gretel Killeen tells us all about her new book on page 4, and little cooks will love trying out the no-bake recipe on page 18. If you’re after some warm and fuzzy reminders about the amazing people we have in the west, meet Elise from Point Cook (page 14) and eight-year-old author Tommy (page 35). Learn about the Aussie mum raising awareness on birth trauma on page 21 and Steve Biddulph, one of the world’s best known parent educators, shares his thoughts on raising girls and inner signals as he introduces his newest book (page 6).
12) and some ideas on how to support teens as they face exams (page 31). We love giving back to our readers, so don’t forget to scan the QR code on page 33 to enter a competition to win flights on Melbourne Star. We’d love to hear from you. If you have any ideas, upcoming events or great stories you’d love to share please email alana.richards@starweekly.com. au Don’t forget to check out our Kids West Today Facebook page, Instagram pages and our website, www.kidswest. com.au Enjoy!
Kids West Today magazine is a Star News Group publication. Kids West Today will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.
Kids West Today Unit 6/1-9 Thomsons Road, Keilor Park Phone: (03) 8318 5777
Get some tips on teen anger (page
CONTENTS
Sales Director Ben Sutton ben.sutton@starweekly.com.au
IT’S YOUR LIFE
PREGNANCY & BABY ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE 4
PAGE 19
PAGE 33
The best is yet to come for Gretel Killeen
Capturing birth on camera
Win a Melbourne Star experience
Footy, fun and fitness for young kids
Dummy allergy link
HEALTH
REALITY BITES
alana.richards@starweekly.com.au
PAGE 5
PAGE 34
Published by Star News Group publication
Community centre is buzzing
Editorial Alana Richards
ACN 99 006 310 498. Publisher/Managing
PAGE 20
The battle to become a parent
Winter sniffles start early for families
PAGE 35
copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd.
Oral health lessons for kids
A talented child with a big heart
All significant errors will be corrected
PAGE 21
The rise of the e-baby
Talking about birth trauma
PAGE 36
PAGE 8
EDUCATION
From tired dad to top author
Smile Squad is back on the road
PAGE 22
BOOKS
Detecting hearing problems in babies
Inspiring girls to choose STEM
PAGE 37
PAGES 10-11
Catching up on learning after Covid chaos
Born ready to face puberty
Little twins are dreaming big PAGE 6 Steve Biddulph on keeping our girls sharp How to make a fairy garden
The west’s best playgrounds
PAGE 23
PAGE 12 Social media junior When teen anger is more than acting out
Mental health help for students
PAGE 38
PAGE 24
What’s on this winter
Samuel Johnson’s collection of mum letters
Help to find your local school
Why mud pies should be on the menu
Cover Wynter, aged 18 months. For her family’s incredible pregnancy journey story, turn to page 34. Picture: Rob Carew
WINTER 2021
CALENDAR
What are you proud of?
as soon as possible.
Children’s books
Childcare fees set for overhaul 3
PAGE 13
Director, Paul Thomas. All material is
Discover the west’s
BEST PLAYGROUNDS
PAGE 25 Student representation focus
Couple’s amazing
PAGE 14
PAGE 26
PREGNANCY JOURNEY
Elise steps up to make wishes come true
Mini schools concept that works
New chapter for
Kids are loving warm-water lessons
PAGE 27
PAGE 15
Wonderfully made young people
Carpet that is ideal for kids
PAGE 28
PAGE 16
Matilda, slime and St Aloysius
Local firie buddies up
PAGE 29
PAGE 17
Building tomorrow’s future
Have a whale of a time on Phillip Island
PAGE 30
PAGE 18
Best chance for early education
Setting the pace for kids’ fun
PAGE 31
Cooking preppy-style
Supporting teens heading into exams
kidswest.com.au www.KidsWest.com.au
GRETEL KILLEEN
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instagram.com/kidswesttoday AUTUMN WINTER 2021 3
It’s Your Life
The best is yet to come By Danielle Galvin LOOKING back at an incredibly diverse career, Gretel Killeen is confident the best is yet to come. She’s known for her books, her TV career, and for her no nonsense approach and comedic flair. She truly is in a league of her own. Here, she answers questions on her new book, My Daughter’s Wedding. I’ve heard you say you’ve been obsessed with the relationship or the love between mothers and daughters - how intense, complex, fraught it is that’s so true! Particularly around weddings and big events. I also really appreciate a book or a show that’s focussed on the relationship between women. It’s more common these days but the relationship between the significant women in our life can often be the most important. Have you had this idea for a long time? Yes, for as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the power of women, their intellectual and emotional strength and their extraordinary capacity to love. I’m intrigued by every facet of the mother daughter relationship as these pillars of strength both collide and support. But, please note, this novel is also a comedy. Tell me about the central characters in the story and how they intersect (without giving too much away, of course!) My Daughter’s Wedding is about mother-daughter love over three generations, but it’s also about the hilarious, safe and sometimes ridiculous support we receive from our friends, and our connection to our extended family. The lead characters are the mother (Nora living with mother guilt and anger), her daughters (Hope and Joy, one has a massive unexplained chip on
her shoulder, the other is far too kind) and the grandmother ( Daphne, who’s living with increasing dementia.) The close friends are Soula (an amateur bikini-line waxer) and Thilma (whom they found in a cab in the 1980’s). I believe you’ve said My Daughter’s Wedding doesn’t draw on your own personal life events particularly, is that right? My Daughter’s Wedding only draws on my personal life in that I am both a mother and a daughter. I’ve found in writing this novel that the frustrating, beautiful and complicated bond that exists between mothers and daughters seems to be universal, so I added my imagination to the theory and focused on the broader picture. Are there more stories/novels in the pipeline? Yes, I’ve written many books in my life. The novel I’m currently writing is about - well, the meaning of life. I remember reading My Life is a Toilet when I was young (and loved it) - you really have had an incredibly diverse career. And of course some will know you for your work as an author, your time on Big Brother. Is there anything you’re most proud of, or a piece of work you look back on, as your best? Thankyou. I’m proud of a great deal of the work I’ve done, but I think my best is yet to come. For mothers of young girls - what do we have to look forward to? I’m often told the teenage years don’t compare to the toddler years. Which I find interesting! Ah, you have some very interesting years ahead of you. In my observation ‘the toddler years’ are largely about a little person who is frustrated by their lack of independence, learning to express themselves as they discover boundaries. The teenage years can be that very same issue- but the teenager
Gretel has a new book out exploring complex relationships between women.
now has words, adult energy and power, and that can be mind-blowingly overwhelming. For the benefit of all of us our children need to develop their independence, but the process can be really painful ( especially for the mothers.) ps. Good luck and have faith, all will be fabulous in the end.
Footy, fun and fitness for young kids By Carole Levy
the first leg of a professional career. Joining Auskick can be simply about learning ball skills and teamwork that they take into the school yard, or lead to playing local social matches as they get older.
DID you know that less than half of Wyndham residents meet physical activity guidelines and that just 10 per cent participate in any sport? It’s these kind of stats – likely similar in other western suburbs – that inspires Hamish MacInnes, community development officer at Werribee Football Club, to get the message out to PrepGrade 3 kids who might be missing out on a chance to be part of a team environment, revolving around having loads of fun while elevating fitness levels. In fact, says Hamish, having fun playing footy as a young kid is the most important facet, far outweighing learning footy skills. “Kids are taught how to kick, handball and mark, and play smallsided ‘matches’, but all the skills are taught with an emphasis on having 4 WINTER 2021
“Kids are taught footy by making the concepts understandable. For example, evasion skills they use in a game of ‘tiggy’ at school, or invasion skills such as found in ‘rob the nest’, translate to the same skills used in football.” Auskick is a great introduction to footy. Picture: Werribee Football Club
fun,” he says. “It’s the number one priority at this stage. “Auskick is the perfect vehicle for introducing girls and boys to the game of footy. If you ask an AFL or AFLW player if they started in Auskick, it’s a high likelihood they did. “But it’s not necessarily about starting
Hamish has been into plenty of schools, touting the benefits of getting into footy. He finds that boys and girls respond in equal measure, with quite a few following through and joining a local Auskick. “Some of the kids might show concern about footy being a rough contact sport, but once they see that Auskick is a gentle introduction they have no qualms. Other kids have had no exposure to footy at all, but when we
break down the game into simple, understandable concepts, they get it because they’re already doing it in general play at school. “Auskick is a win on many levels. It teaches kids teamwork and tactical skills, and importantly they forge new friendships and feel part of a community. And Auskick is one of the cheapest sporting outlets so parents aren’t burdened with a heavy hit to the wallet.” Hamish notes that kids are welcome to come down to a Werribee Football Club (WFC) match and have a kick around at half time. Auskick runs mini matches on the day. And kids can enrol as junior members of WFC and get a free mini membership pack (https:// shop.werribeefc.com.au/2021-juniormembership). To find a centre to register for Auskick, go to www.play.afl/auskick www.KidsWest.com.au
It’s Your Life
Tina Ludvigsen ready to visit the beehive at Laverton Community Children’s Centre. Pictures: Damjan Janevski
Community centre is buzzing By Goya Dmytryshchak
“We are also working closely with our local beekeeper, Carmel, who helps us manage it.
LAVERTON Community Children’s Centre is abuzz with a beehive bringing joy to the children.
“The observatory is located outside the building but close to the window near the entrance where everyone can see it.
Educational leader Tina Ludvigsen said the beehive had provided many new and surprising learning opportunities for the children, their families and the educators.
“Children have been involved by creating artwork for display at the observatory, watching honey be abstracted from the hive, tasting the honey straight from the honeycomb and talking to their parents about how bees make honey.
“It started from children’s conversations and their curiosity about the bees they spotted in the garden,” she said. “We investigated how we could observe bees more closely and provide more learning about how important they are to our natural environment. “This is an area of passion for us as educators at Laverton Community Children’s Centre.” Ms Ludvigsen said after exploring
Children at Laverton Community Children’s Centre can look at the bees behind the glass window.
options, the centre created a bee observatory with a real beehive. “We were very fortunate to receive
an environment grant from Hobsons Bay City Council to support and start the project,” she said.
“By observing the process of honey harvesting the children learn more about the bee colony and how bees live together. It has sparked new awareness and created conversations among our community about bees. “Amazingly, children and staff all find the bee’s observatory to be a calming and relaxing place to be.”
Little twins are dreaming big By Tara Murray JACOB Koutsodimitropoulos loves candy and dreams of a Willy Wonkatype adventure. His twin brother Marcus dreams of meeting and swimming with seals. For the West Sunshine six-year-olds, those dreams just might become a reality because of the Make-a-Wish foundation. The foundation has supported the family in recent years, after both boys went through separate cancer battles. Jacob and Marcus with Bailey Smith and Marcus Bontempelli. Picture: Supplied www.KidsWest.com.au
Jacob was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour, a rare kidney cancer in 2019. His port was finally removed after 30
weeks of chemotherapy. Just a couple of months later, Marcus was diagnosed with the same cancer. Both are now in remission.
a time we thought we were cursed. “They are little miracle workers.”
The family has since had genetic testing, which found Jacob and Marcus had a gene which caused the cancer.
Jacob and Marcus get scans every three months to check whether the cancer has returned. Other than that, Ms Koutsodimitropoulos said the boys were like normal kids.
No one else in the family has the gene.
“They have started to live life,” she said.
Their mum Joanne said Make-aWish, had helped the boys look towards the future.
“They are happy to be back together and so happy to be normal.”
They were meant to have granted their wishes last year, but that was put back due to COVID-19. “It’s amazing the things that Make-aWish is giving us,” she said. “There was
Coinciding with its 35th anniversary, Make-A-Wish Australia has launched its ‘100 Wishes in 100 Days’ campaign. Due to COVID-19, Make-A-Wish Australia has more than 800 wishes in waiting. WINTER 2021 5
It’s Your Life
Listening to inner signals is a powerful weapon that you can encourage your daughter to sharpen, writes Steve Biddulph.
Daughters, dangers and inner signs Girlhood is wonderful, but we need our ‘weapons’ sharp, writes STEVE BIDDULPH. WHEN we first learn that our baby-to-be is a girl, we have a flood of emotions. Joyful ones and, also sometimes, anxious ones. Because you can’t help but be aware that the world can be a very bad place for our daughters. For most of my life as a psychologist, I was campaigning about raising boys. But in the mid 2000s we began to notice something bad happening with the mental health of girls. Some of it was in the way girls’ lives had changed with social media and the huge emphasis on looks and general pressure to grow up too fast. Those were taking an enormous toll, and it started shockingly young. But some of it was the old evils of a world that had always misused girls and women. Sexual predation, sexism and violence often terrify the parents of daughters as they move beyond our protective sphere. In my talks on Raising Girls I tell the story of two girls - Kaycee and Genevieve. Kaycee is only 14 when she attends a party of one of her school friends, which has very poor supervision and lots of alcohol. A 17-year-old boy from her school persuades her to have sex with him in an upstairs bedroom. She then discovers that he has done it for a bet with his friends, and is crushed and
humiliated. She tells no-one for many years. Genevieve is more fortunate. She meets a boy at 16, and for many months has the beautiful time we all would want for our kids, knowing how special young love can be. But he begins to want to have sex, and she is wildly confused. Luckily she is close to her mum, which Kaycee was not. And so she tells her mum all about it. Her mum listens for a long time as she pours out her feelings. Then she does something rather wise and amazing. She says “sometimes our body knows what is right for us, even when our brain is mixed up. Our body sends us signals”. Instantly Genevieve can relate to this - “You’re right - I love being with him, but when he comes on too strong, I feel squashed and uncomfortable. I don’t want to rush into having sex”.
When I tell this story to an audience, the women in the room visibly nod their heads. They know what I mean - our bodies do know what is right for us. Whether that is a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’.
life, and the migraines ended and have never come back. Somewhere inside her ‘knew’.
In a new book I have just finished writing, called Fully Human, I go deeper into this idea, from the latest neuroscience, that we have physical signals - a kind of ‘supersense’ even further down than our emotions, which knows when we are safe or in danger. It is our deepest self, below all the conditioning which girls receive to be polite and agreeable and think of other people’s feelings first. It says ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to everything around us. One friend of mine in her 40s had suffered from a migraine every week since she married, and then one day discovered that her husband had been having an affair all those years. She booted him out of her
Our body knows what is right for us. We have to change the way boys and men treat girls and women but, in the world as it is now, hearing inner signals is a powerful weapon that you can encourage your daughter to sharpen. And you can do it at any age.
Neuroscience shows we all have this ‘intuition’ but mostly don’t listen to it.
Steve Biddulph’s new book is Fully Human - a new way of using your mind, published by Pan Macmillan. www.stevebiddulph.com Steve Biddulph AM Author - 10 Things Girls Need Most, Raising Girls, Raising Boys. Complete Secrets of Happy Children, The New Manhood and Fully Human
How to make a fairy garden By Carole Levy
bedroom or on the kitchen window ledge.
MANY kids discovered the fun of growing things during lockdowns, with families kicking off veggie patches or doing fresh plantings to spruce up their yards.
FAIRY GARDEN IN A POT 1. Lay down newspaper or tarp to create a potting area.
Getting outside and putting hands in soil is always a joyful experience but not so much during winter. When it’s cold and rainy outside, kids can still get into gardening indoors. It can be simple and rewarding and maintains their connection to growing and nature. Here’s one idea that not only will the kids enjoy but it will look great in their 6 WINTER 2021
2. Three-quarters fill a wide bowlshaped pot with potting soil 3. Get cuttings of different types of succulents - just snap a piece off an existing plant and it’s ready to just pop into the soil. Getting the succulent collection is part of the project - browse through gardens of family and friends to snaffle different types. Three to four varieties will be plenty for effect.
4. Collect pebbles in different sizes and shapes to ‘decorate’ on top of soil. This is another part of the project that will keep the kids engaged. 5. They can also ‘paint’ some pebbles with craft glue, then sprinkle with glitter for a bit of drama. 6. Get some tiny fairy figurines - from $2 shops - and any other ornament the kids like, then arrange the garden. 7. Lightly water - succulents don’t need a lot, and are very hardy so not likely to disappoint by keeling over too soon. 8. Job done! Kids proud. Mum or dad supervises the clean-up - the only downside.
When it’s cold and rainy outside, kids can still get into gardening indoors.
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WINTER 2021 7
It’s Your Life
Grade 6 student Sunday with Oral Health Therapist Renae. Picture: Joe Mastroianni
Smile Squad is back on the road By Goya Dmytryshchak PUPILS at Footscray City and Albion North primary schools were among the first beneficiaries of free dental checkups, with Smile Squad vans back on the road after the COVID-19 pandemic. The state government last week announced a major expansion of the free Smile Squad dental program, with 161 more primary and secondary schools invited to take part in term two. Smile Squad vans visit schools providing free check-ups and treatment,
including teeth cleaning, fluoride application, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals and other non-cosmetic treatments. Acting Premier James Merlino said the pandemic had caused the suspension of all non-urgent public dental procedures, including Smile Squad vans, from March last year. “A quarter of children in Victoria have untreated tooth decay,” he said. “Treating it can be expensive. That’s why we’ve brought the dental van back, to give kids free, convenient check-ups at schools across the state.”
The program is delivered by cohealth. Oral health lead Julia McLellan said it was exciting to be taking the Smile Squad vans back to schools after a year on hold.
get the dental care they need.” Dental disease is the leading cause of preventable hospitalisation in Australian children, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
“Access to high quality healthcare and good oral health is central to a person’s overall health and wellbeing and can have a positive impact on their quality of life and social interactions,” she said.
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent health conditions affecting one third of children by the age five or six and 40 per cent of children by age 12-14.
“But due to financial barriers and low health literacy, children from disadvantaged backgrounds often don’t
More than 500 schools and 200,000 students are expected to participate in this year’s program.
Detecting hearing problems in babies By Carole Levy BACK in the day, mums and their newborns remained in hospital for at least a week but nowadays it’s more like two days and they’re sent home. While lots of new mums are dying to take their bubs home, it can mean that the baby’s hearing screening doesn’t happen.
up to six months old is that loud or unexpected noises don’t cause a startled response, or they may appear generally less alert,” Marina says. “After six months, a baby with possible hearing issues won’t turn to a sound source. At 12 months, they won’t be saying “mumma” or “dadda” - a speech delay can be another sign in babies and toddlers.”
The neo-natal hearing screen is generally done in the first days, when electrodes are placed on the baby’s forehead, shoulders and neck and sounds are played through speakers. The technique measures auditory nerve activity and is known as Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR).
Most parents will be questioning their child’s hearing ability well before the three-year-old mark. At this age, children can be examined via Play Audiometry at an audiology clinic. Headphones will be placed on the child, with various noises played through the speakers that correspond to the game being played and elicit a response.”
If the baby ‘fails’ the AABR test, another screening will be carried out within the next two weeks to confirm results.
Marina notes that hearing loss, which may be temporary or permanent, can develop after an initial neo-natal screening.
Experienced audiologist from Active Audiology, Marina Opacak, explains what parents should look for in detecting potential deafness in babies and children up to school age.
“In children older than three, warning signs can include having iPad and TV volume too high, asking often for words to be repeated, and not responding to being called.
“The main thing to notice in a baby 8 WINTER 2021
“By school age, it may be a teacher
who first detects problems, with students unable to hear from the back of the classroom, or certain behavioural issues arise or schoolwork is in decline.” Temporary deafness can be caused by a build-up of wax in the ear or an infection, which can be attended to by a GP. Sometimes, grommets are recommended to drain fluid from the ears; this is a job for an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Babies and children with permanent deafness will be referred to Hearing Australia, with a hearing aid or other amplification system potentially fitted, and supports put in place. Marina concludes with: “It’s important to diagnose hearing loss as early as possible since it can have a big impact on a child’s development, especially in the areas of language, communication and thinking.” www.KidsWest.com.au
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WINTER 2021 9
Romsey Ecotherapy Park
It’s Your Life PLAYGROUNDS have long been a place for children to get outdoors and have some fun, but last year highlighted even more their importance as a community hub. While much of the state was locked down by coronavirus restrictions, local playgrounds were vital for children and their parents to interact, explore and recharge. Here are some of the west’s best finds for kids.
Back in the swing of things
Pictures: Damjan Janevski, Mark Wilson, Joe Mastroianni
BRIMBANK AND MELTON ■ Angelone Playground, Burnside Heights ■ Rocket Park, Buckingham Reserve, Sunshine West ■ Alice’s Playspace, Errington Reserve, St Albans ■ Brimbank Park Play Space, Brimbank Road, Keilor East ■ Apollo Road Playground, Taylors Lakes ■ Banchory Green Playground, Banchory Avenue, Hillside ■ Splendour Circuit Playground, Diggers Rest ■ Hannah Watts Park, Melton ■ Bridge Road Regional Play Space, Melton South ■ Frontier Park, Rockbank ■ Bloomsbury Drive Reserve, Taylors Hill
Woodend Children’s Park.
■ Arbour Boulevard North reserve, Burnside Heights
NORTH
■ Maddingley Park, Melton
■ Golden Sun Moth Park, Craigieburn
■ Masons Lane Reserve, Maddingley
■ Jack Roper Reserve, Broadmeadows
■ Darley Park, Darley
Alice’s Playspace, Errington Reserve, St Albans
■ Mill Park Reserve, Ballan
■ Foundation Park, Mickleham ■ Hume Tennis and Community Centre, Craigieburn ■ Aston Traffic Park, Craigieburn ■ Galaxyland, Sunbury ■ Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground, Donnybrook ■ Mill Park all-abilities play space, Mill Park ■ Lyndarum North Community Park, Wollert ■ Mernda Adventure Park, Mernda ■ Norris Bank Reserve, Bundoora ■ Orchard Road Playground, Doreen ■ Gisborne Adventure Playground, Gisborne ■ Romsey Ecotherapy Park, Romsey
Galaxyland in Sunbury
■ Johnston Street Park, Broadmeadows
Aintree Playground
10 WINTER 2021
www.KidsWest.com.au
WYNDHAM ■ Aeroplane Park, Tarneit ■ Ashcroft Park/Aviator Park, Williams Landing ■ Grandview Dinosaur Park, Truganina ■ Grange Reserve, Hoppers Crossing ■ James D Bellin Reserve, Werribee South ■ Presidents Park, Wyndham Vale ■ Riverwalk Water Park, Werribee ■ Safari Park Cornerstone, Werribee ■ Saltwater Coast Crocodile Park, Point Cook ■ Woodville Park, Hoppers Crossing ■ Wyndham Park, Werribee Saltwater Coast Crocodile Park Braybrook Park
MARIBYRNONG AND HOBSONS BAY ■ Footscray Park, Footscray ■ Yarraville Gardens, Yarraville ■ Pipemakers Park, Maribyrnong ■ Aeroplane Park, Braybrook ■ Quarry Park, Footscray ■ McNish ‘Dinosaur Park’ Reserve, Yarraville ■ Paine Reserve, Newport ■ Curlew Community Park, Laverton ■ Braybrook Park, Braybrook
Caroline Springs Playground
Grandview Dinosaur Park Braybrook Park www.KidsWest.com.au
WINTER 2021 11
It’s Your Life
Social media junior: Do you run and hide? By Danielle Galvin
they can get them into Instagram when they are of age,” she said.
THERE were reports earlier in the year that tech giant Facebook was working on an Instagram for kids platform.
But according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri, children who are under 13 are asking to use Instagram, and perhaps this would be a way to let them use the platform, and have it be a safe space.
It would reportedly allow children under 13 to safely use the platform, with heightened controls. It certainly raises questions about the dilemma for parents: do you let your child have an introduction and a taste of social media, or ban them from it as long as possible in a bid to keep them safe? Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer. Social media expert Meg Coffey has an interesting take on it, and two differing perspectives. “The cynical way is that they are just trying to get children on board early so
“The other side ... if it’s inevitable that they are going to use it, let’s give them a place that we can control it, where we can control as much of it as can be controlled. “(But) I also keep coming back to, again this is the cynicism, all of these tech guys don’t let their kids anywhere near social media or technology. “And I go OK so you’re not letting your kids anywhere near it, but now you’re building a platform for kids? It’s an inner turmoil for I think everyone.” Ms Coffey, who says she is not a
Is social media for kids as bad as we think?
parent but greatly sympathises with the job of raising kids in the digital age, said parents play a role.
Similarly, talk to your younger children about what they know about social media.
Asking kids about who they are following, what are they engaging with, what they’re up to is critical.
Why do they want to be on Instagram or Facebook or YouTube?
She says the social media apps for kids, such as Facebook Messenger Kids, are a positive start. She wants to believe they put the right boundaries in place so that kids can play and be involved, but they’re not bullet proof. “It comes back to parents paying attention and having conversations, an open conversation, if something makes you feel uncomfortable come talk to me about it, don’t hide it from me,” she said. “I think let the kids have access if you are going to be a parent that pays attention.”
What do they know about the platforms and what do they do if they see something strange or scary or that makes them feel icky? In her view, find an age appropriate way to chat about it, and remember each child will be different in terms of their own maturity and understanding of the digital sphere. From time to time, most parents will be guilty of handing their child an iPad and letting them scroll or watch whatever they like. But Ms Coffey said just keep the lines of communication open, constantly talk to them about what they are seeing.
When teen anger is more than acting out By Carole Levy HOW do you cope if your teen becomes aggressive or even violent towards you? It is common to keep this kind of abuse behind closed doors and not confide in anyone. Many parents feel that they have failed to control their child, or that they are responsible for the behaviour in some way. In addition, they may not know where to turn. However, any kind of aggression can be stressful, and can cause an atmosphere of tension and fear for the entire family, not to mention the possibility of physical harm if their teen becomes violent. No parent should feel obliged to put up with an unruly teen, and as with any type of domestic abuse, help and support is available. There are a number of techniques and tips that you might find helpful. DEFUSING HEATED ARGUMENTS It’s useful to remember that your own behaviour can improve or worsen an aggressive situation, so it’s important to be a good role model for your teen. With that in mind, it is worth trying to maintain a calm and peaceful 12 WINTER 2021
presence. You need to be strong without being threatening. Remember that your body language, as well as what you say and how you say it, should also reflect this. Avoid staring them in the eye, and give them personal space. Allow them the opportunity to express their point of view, then respond in a reasoned way. If an argument becomes very heated, take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale. Repeat five times. This technique is very useful in intense situations. If your teen is becoming aggressive during arguments, suggest this technique to them when they’re calm, so they too have a way of controlling their anger. If an argument feels out of control, you can also try explaining to them that you are going to walk away, and that you’ll come back again in half an hour. Given the chance to reflect and calm down, you and your teen will both be more reasonable when you resume your discussion. As with toddlers, if you give in to teenagers because their shouting and screaming intimidates or baffles you, you are in effect encouraging them to repeat the unreasonable behaviour as a way of getting what they want.
If very heated arguments happen frequently, it may be worth suggesting counselling to your teen. They’ll benefit from talking to someone new and unbiased, someone who isn’t in their family and who won’t judge them. Remember they may not know how to handle their anger, and this can leave them frustrated and even frightened. Some guidance from an outsider can be very helpful. DEALING WITH VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR Sometimes, teen aggression can turn into violence. If they lash out at you, or someone or something else, put safety first. Let your teenager know that violence is unacceptable and you will walk away from them until they’ve calmed down. If leaving the room or house isn’t helping, call the police — after all, if you feel threatened or scared, then you have the right to protect yourself.
you set. They need to know that any kind of violence is unacceptable. ■ TALK TO THEIR SCHOOL: Find out if their aggressive behaviour is happening there as well. Some schools offer counselling. ■ ARRANGE COUNSELLING: If your teen admits they have a problem and is willing to get help, book an appointment with a counsellor or psychologist as soon as possible. Sources: Raising Children Network, Women’s and Children’s Health Network GET HELP: ■ Raising Children Network: Australian resource for parenting newborns to teens ■ ReachOut Parents: Online service to help parents help teenagers ■ 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24-hour, national sexual assault and domestic family violence counselling service)
GOOD ADVICE GIVE THEM SPACE: Once they have calmed down, you may want to talk to them about what has happened and suggest that they let you find them some help.
■ Police Assistance Line: 131 444 (24-hour)
■ BE CLEAR: Teenagers need to know that you will stand by the boundaries
■ Child Youth Health: Parenting and child health information
■ Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 (24hour)
www.KidsWest.com.au
It’s Your Life
Some letters to mum HE’S unconventional, disarmingly genuine and charming. Samuel Johnson, who created Love Your Sister, a “million strong village” of Australians committed to vanquishing cancer, has brought together 90 celebrities and well-known Australians for ‘Dear Mum’. He invited them to write a letter to their mums and it’s emotional, funny, brilliant. Samuel answered some questions with Danielle Galvin at the end of his promotional tour for the book, which raises funds for cancer research. Firstly congratulations on the new book. I really love the idea of asking people what they’d tell their mums. Everyone’s relationship with their mums is so unique/complicated isn’t it? Is this a call to action that we all need to go and have a chat to our mums if we still can? We know that we love people. We throw around “I love you“ without a second
thought. But how often do we take the time to really explore why we love someone? Exactly why. Or precisely how? Writing a letter, honestly and from the heart, inevitably opens a can of worms. You discover feelings you didn’t know you had. Stuff that’s been bottled up for years. You gain appreciation and insight. And the recipient is invariably left richer, and the letter invariably has a great impact. We like to be valued or the right reasons, especially by those closest to us. It’s been a truly cathartic experience for each and every contributor. Even if your mum is lost, like mine, and will never read the letter, it still helps to express it all. I’m immensely touched that many of our readers have given this book to their mums with their own letter inserted. The proverbial bus might hit us tomorrow. I’d rather die knowing my loved ones knew exactly how I felt about them. And letters just mean more. It’s like having a poem or a song written about you.
Recently you visited the Mornington Peninsula, and I saw a good friend’s mum got a photo with you! I went on to the LYS Facebook page and there were dozens of other people who you happily posed for photos with, and you look genuinely happy to meet people and hear their stories. Has this been a part of the Love Your Sister journey you love? I’ve visited over 1200 towns during my tenure as Head of Cancer Vanquishment at ’Love Your Sister’ and it’s my face time with other families that fuels my work and provides a sense of belonging that I never felt in showbiz. People think it must weigh heavy, given the horrific effects of cancer on families, but sharing our stories is never a tax, always an honour and energises me in ways that are hard to explain. Is there a story/letter in the book that will particularly surprise/touch readers do you think? Guy Pearce’s letter to his mum, lost to
dementia for 22 years now, is the letter that will never leave me. They all leave their mark, but Guy’s letter is indelibly etched into my soul. That letter isn’t going anywhere. I’ve heard you describe the book as a wonderful montage for all kinds of mums. Even though we know mums can be flawed, complicated. I thought was so beautifully said. I can imagine collating the book was incredibly difficult at times too - such an emotionally charged topic? Thankfully, our contributors respected my request for complete honesty, which, delightfully, means this collection of letters is an intricate of real mums, as opposed to some Hallmark tribute to the idea of mums. It’s what I’m most proud of about this book. It’s a true tribute.
Why mud pies should be on the menu By Alana Richards GIVE a child a pile of toys and a pile of mud and it’s not hard to guess which one they’ll go for first. And why not? It’s a kid’s rite of passage to enjoy getting covered in all things messy and fun and winter is the perfect time to let them get their hands dirty. There’s no better time to get into a muddy mess than winter, so here are some good reasons from Early Childhood Australia to just let them go and worry about the washing later… Teaches kids to engage with nature Mud provides a wonderful opportunity for children to discover and experiment. From drawing with it to moulding it into shapes, creative play is endless with all of the different thingss it can ‘make’. Supports physical development Manipulating mud helps to develop fine motor skills for little hands, and the ever-popular mud slip and slide move is a great one for developing large motor skills. Imaginative play is inspired by mud inventions and social skills are built as children cooperate and play together. www.KidsWest.com.au
Creates happy smiles The smile on the face of a muddy child speaks for itself, but a study from the University of Bristol found that bacteria in soil can activate a group of neurons that produce the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin.
Builds immunity It’s not new news that research tells us how good it is for a child’s immune system to play outside and get dirty from a young age. Exposing kids to mud, living creatures and germs as they explore the natural environment around them strengthens the immune system and this can lead to less allergies and a body that can fight off bugs as they grow.
Jack has some muddy fun.
So, let them create happy mud memories, smiling and free playing in their natural environment and tell them about the hidden developmental benefits later. Mud pies anyone? WINTER 2021 13
It’s Your Life
Elise steps up to make wishes come true Elise, 12, is a finalist for the title of Miss Australia International Pre-Teen. Picture: Damjan Janevski
By Alesha Capone POINT Cook youngster Elise Gitau hopes to raise $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the lead-up to a pageant final she will be participating in next year. Elise, 12, has been named the state finalist for the title of Miss Australia International Pre-Teen, to be held in February next year. Elise said she has been working on fundraising activities for Make-A-Wish Foundation, with the help of her mother Gladys. “I have started my Kids Walk for Wishes campaign and am currently working with my community to help with the fundraising,” she said. The Kids walk for wishes campaign will require Elise to walk 1000 steps on 13 June. She is encouraging other children to join in her fundraising efforts by also doing this, in a location of their choosing.
Elise said wanted to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation because one of her school friends sustained a neurological impairment after an accident. “On day we had a party with Make-A-Wish in our class and my friend was so happy and just lit up,” Elise said. “I want to make many more children just as happy.” Elise said she hopes to become an actor when she grows up. “Some TV shows and movies have put a smile on my face when I really needed it,” she said. “Then I realised, I could do that too.” Elise is also part of a drama specialism program at her school and a talented gymnast. She has represented her school at the Aerobics Gymnastics State and Nationals Championships three years in a row, as part of a team. See bit.ly/3s0I367 to donate to Elise’s Kids walk for wishes campaign.
Kids are loving warm-water lessons AS Shona Pallas, parent/child program leader at Paul Sadler Swimland notes, often the only exposure to the water that children have during winter is via their regular swimming lessons. She says that these months are vitally important to enabling safer swimmers during the summer. “While many parents and carers believe that swimming during the cold months can make their children sick, the reality is that a virus makes children sick as opposed to swimming,” says Shona. “Our pools are heated to 32 degrees year-round and our decks are 27 degrees, making the water and the environment on deck toasty warm for winter swimming. “We regularly see that in children who stop swimming during the cold months - their skills do not stand still most often they regress. This means when they start lessons again it’s from a lower base than where they previously finished lessons.” 14 WINTER 2021
According to the American Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, participation in formal swimming lessons is associated with an 88 per cent reduction in the risk of drowning. “With drowning still the leading cause of accidental death of children aged under five years, teaching children skills to swim safer and build on these skills year round is incredibly important.” Paul Sadler Swimland gives yearround swimming lessons with a focus on survival skills at every level. Lessons start from four months old and go all the way through to adults. IMPORTANT NOTE: Four- and fivemonth-old babies swim free in the Paul Sadler program. Paul Sadler Swimland operates in Melbourne’s west in Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Braybrook, Essendon, Parkwood Green, Melton and Bacchus Marsh. For more information visit www.paulsadlerswimland.com www.KidsWest.com.au
It’s Your Life
Carpet that is ideal for kids DO you have a child with asthma or allergies? If so, there’s a carpet named Brease that is well worth exploring, and it’s available exclusively at Choice Flooring, in this case the Sunbury store.
prevent growth of bacteria, mould, mildew and fungi. Made of solution-dyed nylon that doesn’t shed fibres into the air, 15-yearguaranteed Brease has synthetic carpet backing that won’t support mould and mildew growth or rot like some other backings. Its shorter pile height means less potential for dust mite colonies, and ActiveCare treatment that absorbs and breaks down common odours like cigarette smoke, pets and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde.
More about the Brease difference later ... for now it’s worth noting that Choices Flooring Sunbury has been under new management since January, with its new managing director Matthew Payne a familiar face in store and around town. Locally born-and-bred Matthew has notched up 10 years’ overall experience in the industry, bringing a passion to home decorating advice and positive customer experience.
Check out RoomView Simply bring in a mobile phone/iPad photo of your room (showing two-thirds of clear floor space) to the showroom. RoomView will automatically apply your selected floor or rug to your room, giving you a realistic big-screen preview.
Matthew’s skills are fully harnessed in the oversight of Choices Flooring Sunbury’s new showroom where an extensive range of floor coverings puts on a mighty fine display. “We have flooring in carpet, timber, laminate and luxury vinyl, as well as our new hybrid range, Rigid,” says Matthew. “Rigid is the next-generation flooring technology, a waterproof hybrid of wood laminate and luxury vinyl in beautiful shades and grain patterns - perfect for rental properties and stylish homes alike. “Carrying this type of flooring is a good example of how Choices Flooring stays ahead of the trends, exposing our
N E P O W NO
7 DAYS
Brease carpet is asthma and allergy-friendly, making it ideal for kids.
customers to exceptional variety and quality.” The store also offers a range of shutters and blinds, with the superfriendly team able to guide customers to the right choice for their home decor. And installation? Matthew says that this is the most important stage in
choosing the perfect flooring, so it’s good to know that the store has qualified installers ready to make everything go smoothly. ABOUT BREASE CARPET Specially developed to be asthma-and allergy-friendly, Brease carpet has been treated with innovative technology to
RoomView can also be easily used on Choices Flooring website, but choosing to go to the showroom in person allows you to view and feel the product and receive valuable advice from the team. Choices Flooring, 71-73 Vineyard Road, Sunbury. Open 9am-5pm MondayFriday; and 10am-3pm SaturdaySunday. For more information or to book your free measure and quote, call 9744 2364 or visit www.choicesflooring. com.au
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Jamie www.KidsWest.com.au
Matt
Nicole
Steve
9744 2364 www.choicesflooring.com.au
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71-73 Vineyard Rd, Sunbury
WINTER 2021 15
It’s Your Life
Local firie buddies up DISCOVERING the joy he brought to a young boy by becoming a pen pal, Tarneit firefighter Jack was looking for a regular volunteering role when he discovered Gateways Support Services. By writing letters to a local child about his life as a firie at Station 57, Jack discovered his occupation put him in an excellent position to spread happiness. “There was a family struggling with lockdown; and their young autistic boy, in particular. He is obsessed with fire trucks, and my wife mentioned to them that I was a firefighter. So, I started sending him letters during Covid, and it grew from that,” says Jack. “I was interested in doing something more. I Googled and found Gateways in Werribee, around the corner from the station, and they told me about the Host Volunteer program.” Gateways Interchange Host Buddy program carefully matches a child or young person with a disability with an individual or host family to share their time with that child on a regular basis. At the beginning of the year, Jack buddied up with William, 11, and Julian, 8, who are both autistic. It didn’t
take long for them to forge a friendship. “It’s a bit daunting at the start because you’re just two strangers, but you really do find a good personal connection. I enjoy seeing the boys and the whole family,” says Jack. For Jack, it didn’t take long to feel like a part of the family. Their time together is spent hanging out at home or getting out in the community, doing activities including a trip to Scienceworks. Jack takes Julian to Gateways’ weekly Ride On program, run by occupational therapists, where he’s been having fun outdoors and learning bike skills. “I thought that was fantastic. I could see Julian from where he was at the start, then building his confidence and making friends with other kids. That program is fantastic,” says Jack. He adds that Interchange Buddy volunteers needed to be enthusiastic, patient, understanding, and good at listening. “There’s no blanket or steadfast rule. Everyone is so different. And being able to have fun with the kids is
Julian and Jack. Jack
important, of course.” Jack hopes his story will encourage other people in the community who are in a position to help make a difference to get involved in the Host Buddy program. Gateways Support Services is an NDIS-registered and quality-accredited
not-for-profit organisation supporting children, teenagers and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities and complex behaviours and their families. Gateways Support Services, 77 Droop Street, Footscray. Enquiries: 9396 1111 or visit www.gateways.com.au
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16 WINTER 2021
www.KidsWest.com.au
It’s Your Life
WHAT’S so special about being on Phillip Island during winter? Witnessing the arrival of Humpback and Southern Right whales into the coastal waters. Pack up the family and explore the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail, featuring some of the finest vantage points in the region. Grab some warm clothing and a pair of binoculars, head out to one of the fantastic lookouts and trails from Phillip Island to Inverloch, and marvel at the area’s stunning landscapes along the way. Those wanting to get closer to the marine giants can join one of the Wildlife Coast Cruises whale and dolphin boat tours that circumnavigate
Have a whale of a time on Phillip Island
the island in search of whales. Join in the local celebrations of the arrival of these majestic creatures with a range of special events from 11 June and the Island Whale Festival weekend 2-4 July. Local community and visitors alike have the opportunity to engage with a range of activities that will not only entertain but also allow you to appreciate the wildlife and natural habitats of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region. During the festival, choose from various activities and events, including talks, workshops, whale spotting, whale cruises, comedy dinners and more! Stay up to date with the latest
Join one of the Wildlife Coast Cruises whale and dolphin boat tours.
announcements, including program and booking information at islandwhales.com.au Follow the action on Facebook and Instagram at @islandwhales. Book your winter whale escape and
explore more things to see and do at visitphillipisland.com.au Remember to look after the coastal environment by watching out for wildlife on the roads and by keeping to the designated tracks.
Explore the WHALE DISCOVERY TRAIL, iconic bays, headlands and beaches as you go in search for whales from spectacular coastal viewing points or join a Winter Whale Cruise. Discover special events from June 11 and the Island Whale Festival weekend July 2-4.
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See islandwhales.com.au
www.KidsWest.com.au
WINTER 2021 17
It’s Your Life
Setting the pace for kids’ fun VICTORIA’S home of harness racing, Tabcorp Park, is the perfect place to spend some time with family, including the kids. A unique and modern event and entertainment complex, Tabcorp Park is a multifaceted venue featuring a spacious bistro, indoor playground, function centre, Mantra Hotel and lush lawns overlooking the picturesque harness racing track. Kids will be thrilled with how close they can get to the horses on a race night. With the track adjacent to the bistro, they can watch as the horses race past with dedicated male and female drivers guiding the sulkies around the track. Tabcorp Park’s free Kids Club is an unmissable way for kids to feel included. The club has regular updates about the very popular kids’ free activities at racing events, school holiday shows, giveaways and meal specials in the bistro. When you next visit, ask the friendly staff how kids can join. And the Pony Trots Program,
designed for children aged 6-16 years old, is a great way for them to get involved with their pony and to have some fun out on the track. This is a fabulous platform for the future drivers of the industry where they can learn about the sport and better their skills. For more information about how to be involved in Pony Trots or when they will be racing, visit www.ponytrotsvic. com.au Keeping with the racing theme, each area of the venue has been named after a famous harness racing horse, with the bistro named after Popular Alm who raced in the early 1980s. The Popu-lar Alm Bistro offers a chefprepared a la carte menu featuring pub favourites, specials, deca-dent desserts and kids’ meals. For news and special offers, ask the team about how to become a member of the free Golden Reign Rewards program. For upcoming race meetings, visit the website below. Entry into the races is free. Tabcorp Park, 2 Ferris Road, Melton. Enquiries: 8746 0600, Facebook or www.tabcorppark.com.au
There’s plenty to keep the kids busy at Tabcorp Park.
THERE comes a time when every littlie wants to ‘cook something all by themselves’. IT’S almost a rite of passage that parents either welcome as a bonding experience and a chance to teach; or dread, because of the mess, danger or time/effort involved. So it’s mighty handy to have a recipe at hand that doesn’t need an oven, cooktop or sharp knives, is easily supervised, and is a treat in school lunch box or as a healthy snack. Here’s such a beast: No-bake cookies ■ 12 Marie biscuits ■ ½ cup muesli ■ 2 tbsp wheat bran
Cooking, preppy-style
■ Desiccated coconut METHOD: 1. Place broken up biscuits in a large sandwich bag and crush fine. 2. Add muesli, wheat bran, flax seeds, peanut butter and chocolate chips. Mix well. 3. Knead mixture well into a dough using your hands. 4. Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions and roll out each into a ball 5. Flatten each ball between your palms to form a thick disc
INGREDIENTS: Kids love autonomy in the kitchen.
■ 2 tbsps chocolate chips
■ 1 tsp powdered flax seeds ■ ½ cup smooth peanut butter ■ A few drops of vanilla essence
6. Roll the prepared cookies evenly in desiccated coconut 7. Store in an air-tight container Happy kid, happy parent, happy munching…
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OVERLOOKING OUR PICTURESQUE SQUE K HARNESS RACING TRACK Indoor Playground A La Carté & Kids Menu Open 7 Days - Lunch & Dinner ner
2 Ferris Road, Cobblebank. T: 03 8746 0600 www.tabcorppark.com.au 18 WINTER 2021
www.KidsWest.com.au
Pregnancy + Baby
Capturing birth on camera
She’s also a newborn and family photographer. Picture: Veronika Sanderson
By Danielle Galvin
conversations happening in the room in the minutes after the baby has been born.
IT’S hard for birth photographer Veronika Sanderson to not shed a few tears, when she documents a new life.
One of her favourite things to do is watch the reaction of the new parents, when they see her photos for the first time.
A mother of three herself, Veronika is often moved by what she witnesses in a birth suite or at home, and she always leaves “on a high”, buzzing from the birthing experience. “It is a momentous experience, not only for the parents, but for everyone involved in the room,” she explained. “And you are there with the person, you see the journey, you see the labour, you see the power, and the pain the mother is going through. And then at the end, it’s a new life. “There’s always tears. The high lasts for me for at least a day.” In recent years, birth photography has grown significantly in popularity. There are more photographers on the scene than ever before, and more expectant parents inviting in a photographer to capture the intimate, incredible moment of welcoming their child earthside. Veronika also works as a newborn and family photographer. “When I started tapping into the birth photography, when I saw it I thought ‘oh my gosh this is something I want to be doing’.” Veronika sees her role as capturing the “bird’s eye view” of the environment as the silent observer. “Choosing a birth photographer is not an easy task. I meet the client and they need to be OK with me, and I need to be OK with them.
It’s the dads who often have the biggest reaction. “It’s the fathers who go ‘oh my gosh, thank you so much, I am so glad you were there’.
“You’re in that space with them, it’s a pretty intimate environment. “I don’t want to disturb the energy and the environment of the room, my job is making sure I document as much in the room as possible.” Each photographer has a different style. Veronika explained that she thinks of herself as a documentarist. “You are in a haze once you’ve given birth, so imagine there is someone there who can document it for you,” she said. “I don’t interfere with the mother or anyone. “You are there to be the documentarist, you are there through the early stages to the labour, up until the end, and I usually stay up to 2 hours after the baby is earthside, so I can capture the skin on skin, clamping the cord.” One of her favourite things to do is capture the details that the birthing mother may not remember: what they were drinking, the song playing in that moment, how the room is set up. While some women might be hesitant at the thought of someone taking photos
Veronika Sanderson loves her job and sees it as a huge privilege. Picture: Rob Carew
during labour, the nitty gritty or the intensity of the pain, Veronika aims to capture the different stages. In some ways, she says, having a snapshot of the different phases can help the birthing mother later in her recovery, if something doesn’t go to plan. “With the birth, I feel if you have trauma you can carry it on, sometimes for weeks months with you. “If I was with you for 10 hours, and say the trauma happens at the end, you don’t remember the 9 hours before that. “So if I give you the gallery and you can look at you, look at what you’ve done to get here, that healing process is much quicker, because you see yourself as the goddess. “You powered through, and in your brain it shifts from the trauma.” She also tries to capture that first cry with a short video, and the
“It’s un-posed, it’s raw, and they see themselves holding the baby, because no one is there to do this for them and they don’t have the time to take a picture of the mum.” Within 24 hours Veronika aims to send the parents a picture of just the baby, and within a week or two the full gallery. “And they say it brings back memories, and even I get emotional editing it.” For Veronika, she sees it as a real honour and a privilege to be there to witness a child being born, and to play a role in capturing that moment. She says it’s hard to describe how it feels. “Every birth is beautiful, different and I wish for all mothers to have a good experience. “I think to have it documented is something you can carry for the generations and you can show it to your daughters, to your children.” To find out more about her work, visit https://www.veronikasandersonphoto. com/ or find Veronika on Instagram or Facebook
Dummy allergy link The Barwon Infant Study compared dummy use and cleaning methods among six-month-old infants and those with a confirmed food allergy at one-year-old in more than 700 participants. The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found infants whose dummies were sterilised with an antiseptic solution were more likely to www.KidsWest.com.au
have a diagnosed food allergy. Centre of Food and Allergy Research investigator and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute PhD candidate Victoria Soriano said the findings warranted further investigation. The research found no increase in risk of food allergy at one year of age among dummy users when the pacifier was washed in tap water, boiling water, put in the parent’s own mouth or not washed at all before being given to infants at six months of age.
LEARN WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK, INJURED OR IN AN EMERGENCY Baby + Child First Aid Education from the comfort of your own home for as little as 2 people. Learn about CPR, choking, fevers, rashes and so much more... êêêƅË}Î ºØ¹ ¤ é¤ ƅ À N¢ƅ őŕŖŒ őŕő őŔő
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A GEELONG study linking sterilised pacifiers with an increased risk of food allergies in babies has gained international recognition.
WINTER 2021 19
Health
Winter sniffles start early for families By Danielle Galvin IN early 2021, doctors warned they were seeing a nasty resurgence of respiratory illnesses, starting earlier in the season and impacting younger children. Health professionals were seeing an increasing presence of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among young children. Royal Children’s Hospital paediatrician, Dr Lexi Frydenberg, said it was a significant increase. “At the hospital we have had a 10-20 per cent increase in presentations to emergency compared to winter,” she explained. “February and March has been worse than most winters. “There’s been a significant increase in the hospital emergency department and the wards have been incredibly busy, predominantly viruses and common bugs.”
parents in an online community called Mama You’ve Got This, said she was hearing anecdotally how rough it had been. “What happens with your immune system, the more you face bugs, the more your immune system is primed; it develops anti bodies so you can fight infection better,” she explained. “What happened last year, particularly in the younger kids who haven’t faced many bugs before, they are what we call immunologically naive, which means their bodies haven’t had to develop anti bodies and other techniques to fight acquired infection. “So what’s happening now, their body is getting hit and they are having to work really hard to fight the infection.” But she said the positive out of the COVID-19 experience is how much more aware parents and children are about spreading bugs and infection control.
Younger children have copped an earlier resurgence of the RSV this year.
She hopes parents don’t take their child out of childcare, even if the bugs and constant sickness is hard to manage.
“You actually only need a small amount of minerals and vitamins to function well and have good adequate nutrition.”
“You need to be exposed to bugs,” she said.
Dr Frydenberg does recommend getting a blood test and seeing your GP if you are concerned, particularly if your child is showing signs of an iron deficiency.
“My take on it with childcare in general your child is going to be exposed, the immune system needs to learn to build up.
“If they have just got low iron stores, you might not notice,” she said.
“The hope and the positive out of this whole COVID nightmare is that all of us know techniques to decrease the prevalence of viruses an viral infections and I think as a society we are much better.
“Sending them to childcare it can be onerous to parents who are working when it feels like your child is always sick, but it’s not a bad thing and it usually means by the time your child goes to school they are much less likely to develop infections because they have built up their system.”
“What’s happened [is] we have had a late resurgence.”
“Previously you would send your child to school with a sniffle give them a Panadol.
Another common question she fields from parents is about the need to give your child supplements.
In 2020, with schools shut down and kids at home for months on end, there wasn’t a notable cold and flu season.
“I think we probably underestimate what iron is for brain development and behaviour.
“Whereas now we are much more aware and conscious and cautious and school will send them home.”
With social distancing, extra hand washing, and all of the COVID-19 precautions, health professionals noticed fewer viruses around.
While some might be getting complacent, Dr Frydenberg said Melburnians had shown how they can step up and wear masks, and other measures.
“People always ask do their kids need supplements, and really the take is that if your child has a varied and generally good diet they will get all the vitamins and minerals they need,” she explained.
“If we have a child who is lethargic, behaviourally difficult, pale or if say they are a really fussy eater ... if you take a dietary history and they don’t have many iron rich foods, but they do have a lot of milk which decreases iron absorption, I will often recommend doing the blood test.”
For some children, RSV presents as a mild cold, a runny nose, sore throat, but in others it can cause bronchiolitis. “We didn’t see it last year which was incredible and we thought maybe we would have a great year ahead.
Dr Frydenberg, who has spoken to
“Even picky eaters are usually not vitamin deficient.”
“When they become iron deficient and anaemic, the signs are usually they might become more pale particularly under the eyes, tiredness so they might sleep more, in younger kids they become more irritable and grumpy the behaviour might change.
Important oral health lessons for young kids ORAL health lessons are being launched in early learning centres and schools as research shows little more than half of Australian adults brush their teeth twice a day.
large part of that.”
The Australian Dental Association and SugarByHalf are behind the new suite of lessons that integrate oral health into mainstream learning.
The lessons will be used by teachers to integrate oral health into everyday maths and science lessons, aiming to help kids make nutritional food and drink choices for early learning through to Year 2.
An ADA survey conducted late last year found only 53 per cent of Australian people were brushing their teeth twice a day. ADA Oral Health promoter Dr Mikaela Chinotti said the research uncovered some concerning trends. “Worryingly, of those respondents who only brushed once a day, 12 per cent thought brushing more often wasn’t good for the teeth, while 37 per cent said they didn’t need to,” Dr Chinotti said. 20 WINTER 2021
The suite of lessons use the purposebuilt storybook Guardians of the Gums, which has been produced in collaboration with Cool Australia.
New lessons launched by the ADA allow for oral health to be taught in schools Australia-wide.
“And 29 per cent of those who didn’t brush twice a day said this was because it caused pain and discomfort - which points to a very real need for these people to see their dentist. “These results show there’s still some way to go, and education forms a
reporting to ‘never’ clean between their teeth. ■ Two-thirds of adults aren’t aware that medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease can impact on, or be impacted by, their oral health
These lessons allow for oral health to be taught in schools Australia-wide, in alignment with the national curriculum.
■ 13 per cent of parents reported their children drank soft drink daily, while 39 per cent consumed soft drink 2-5 times per week. Just one can of soft drink takes people above the recommended daily sugar intake and can contribute to tooth decay and weight gain
Other findings from the 2020 ADA Adult Oral Health Tracker which demonstrate the need for greater education include:
■ 10 per cent of parents report taking their child to the dentist only when they have a problem, and 60 per cent do so every 12-24 months
■ Only a quarter of adults floss at least once a day, with 31 per cent
■ 32 per cent of people aged above 15 have untreated tooth decay www.KidsWest.com.au
women who had suffered similar birth-related injuries but were further along in their healing journey.
Health
“I got to connect with other women going through the same thing,” Amy said. “When I got through the initial shock of the diagnosis and worked towards getting mentally better, I wanted to help other women.” One of the main things the ABTA provides is peer support. There are more than 2500 women in the association’s private support group, where birth trauma stories are shared. “The group supports women who have had babies weeks ago, months ago, years ago and even decades ago,” Amy explained. Amy Dawes and first-born Eliya.
In a recent episode of Insight on SBS, a mother of three explained how she had never heard of prolapse until she had one. “This wasn’t to be expected, I didn’t expect it, I didn’t know about it,” she said. Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of the organs in the pelvis - the uterus, bladder or bowel - slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. It can be severe but not uncommon - more than half of all women who have given birth experience some level of prolapse, according to the Continence Foundation of Australia. Yet too many women suffer in silence. However, the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA) is working hard to change that.
Amy Dawes and her daughters Eliya and Indi.
Talking about birth trauma By Melissa Grant WELCOMING a child into the world is meant to be one of life’s most joyous events. However, for many women and families childbirth is an upsetting experience that leaves lasting physical or mental scars - or both. In fact, one in three Australian women describe their birth experience as traumatic. It’s also estimated that between 10 and 20 per cent of first-time mothers sustain a long-term physical injury from childbirth. It’s not uncommon for women to
Do you have birth trauma? What links you to birth trauma is that, at some point during the process, you felt severely threatened and unsafe or you felt that your baby was unsafe and you experienced the helplessness and fear that goes along with that. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA The shock of what actually happened during birth can impact mental health and result in conditions such as; anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Some people experience severe emotional distress after a traumatic birth even though there was no physical trauma. It is also important to note that trauma can continue long www.KidsWest.com.au
experience incontinence, constant lower back pain, sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor injuries and pelvic organ prolapse. Some suffer from psychological birth trauma, including anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. If the prevalence of birth trauma sounds shocking or surprising that’s because it is somewhat of a taboo topic. There’s a strong narrative that women should be grateful for delivering a healthy baby, which often stops them from sharing their traumatic birth experiences or getting help. Antenatal classes don’t tend to discuss the possibility of birth trauma most focus on the pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding.
after the birth, with distinct psychological symptoms. Psychological trauma can present as: ■ Postnatal depression and/or anxiety (PNDA)
The charity is dedicated to supporting women, partners and families after birth-related trauma. It provides peer-led support for those affected, while raising awareness about the types of trauma and the help available. The association was co-founded four years ago by Amy Dawes, an Australian mother who suffered a birth injury from the forceps delivery of her first daughter, Eliya. Amy sustained a third-degree tear but thought things would get better on their own. She had no idea of the extent of the damage until her daughter was 16 months old. Her pelvic floor muscle had been pulled off the bone and she was diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, a condition she’d never heard of. “I was a qualified personal trainer and I knew nothing of how crucial the pelvic floor is to how the body should work,” she said. “When I was diagnosed I hadn’t heard of prolapse.” There were also indications Amy was suffering from acute stress disorder as a result of her diagnosis. She sought support from a psychiatrist and, crucially, was introduced to other
separate the vaginal opening and the anus. Tears are usually graded by ‘degrees’ and you may hear the terms first, second, third or fourth degree tear.
■ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (For example obsessive thoughts that can affect our behaviour such as checking on baby constantly or recurring thoughts that impact your enjoyment of daily life).
Pelvic floor muscle damage: Occurs when the muscles and connective tissue no longer provide the support they once did. Injury to the pelvic floor is very deep and cannot be seen, so is difficult to identify at the time of birth. It is often much later, when women have bladder or bowel problems, or the vaginal bulge feeling of prolapse, that the injury is recognised.
PHYSICAL TRAUMA Perineal tears: A laceration of the skin, muscles and other soft tissues that
Pelvic organ prolapse: When an organ (or organs) such as the bladder, uterus or bowel loses some of its
■ Post-partum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
“We support women who have had vaginal births, vaginal birth with interventions, emergency C-section, planned C-section, epidural or not... no matter how ‘normal’ it looks from the outside, you can still feel affected by it. “Incontinence, for example, can impact women regardless of the mode of delivery. Many women think ‘this must be my new normal’ or when they do seek help they are told ‘you’ve just had a baby, what do you expect?’ “Many parents are so busy caring for their kids that they just think they should put up with it or don’t even realise that they can seek support.” Then there are others, according to Amy, who seek support but have their concerns dismissed. Amy says while birth-related trauma is often minimised by medical professionals, many women feel like they haven’t been given adequate information to prepare for birth. The majority of mums who have sought support from the association said their antenatal classes didn’t discuss what happens when birth doesn’t go to plan and possible interventions, such as forceps or cesareans. “The attitude that we can’t scare women, it’s not working,” Amy said. “Statistically, one in five Australian women need an emergency cesarean, and one in three require assisted delivery. They are really big stats - we need to be informing women.” The ATBA runs an annual awareness week dedicated to shining a light on birth-related trauma. The theme of this year’s awareness week, from July 19-25, is Better Healing. People are invited to take part in the annual ‘walk n talk’ event to start the conversation and fundraise for the ATBA, which relies solely on the donations of generous supporters. The social media hashtags are #starttheconversation #saferbirthsbetterhealing #walkntalk. “There is power in sharing the stories and reducing the stigma,” Amy said. “The more we raise our voice the harder it is to ignore.” To donate, or for more information, visit https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/
support and moves downwards through the vagina. symptoms can impact the enjoyment of daily life and adversely impact mental health. Pelvic fractures: (public bone, coccyx, sacrum) Cesarean wounds: Pain from cesarean wounds usually subside by 3-6 months, but for approximately 11 per cent of women, incision wound pain persists for at least 12 months. Women can also experience pain elsewhere such as back pain and chronic pelvic pain; including pain with sexual function and using tampons 12 months after a C-section. Source: Australasian Birth Trauma Association WINTER 2021 21
Education
Hallie Owers and Zara Plummer explore the Future You website, which is part of a campaign to smash gender stereotypes around STEM.
Inspiring girls to choose STEM By Melissa Grant GIRLS are less likely than boys to pursue a career using science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). That’s why a nationwide campaign has been launched to inspire more female students to choose STEM subjects and open their eyes to careers that use these skills. Even in primary school, girls are less interested in STEM subjects, with gender stereotypes having a major impact. Studies, for instance, have shown that most children perceive science as a male profession. When asked to draw a scientist, children draw nearly twice as many male scientists than female ones. Furthermore, girls are perceived as not naturally suited to STEM subjects boys are seen as better at numeracy, while girls are seen as better at humanities. It’s concerning given that STEM is a
big part of many new jobs and jobs of the future. To tackle the issue, the federal government has launched Future You, an initiative that aims to smash gender stereotypes around STEM. Since launching in October, more than 2.3 million young Australians and their parents and carers have explored Future You, an online platform aimed at children aged 8 to 12. The platform features 12 diverse and relatable characters, including a builder, miner, game designer, farmer, nurse, ecologist and a Moon to Mars Mission Director. It also includes video animations, skill-based games and information about STEM. Children’s perceptions of STEM jobs as being for women, or women and men equally, improved after engaging with the platform. Before the campaign, only 20 per cent of girls aged 8-12 said they were ‘very interested’ in STEM but after seeing the Future You online platform, that
increased to 68 per cent. Boys have also benefited, with strong interest in STEM increasing from 43 per cent to 60 per cent after interacting with the career videos, games and quizzes. The Future You Initiative is led by Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Lisa HarveySmith. She says the statistics are “extremely encouraging” given that two years ago, 27 per cent of Year 11 and 12 girls considered STEM-related subjects compared to 48 per cent of boys. “Future You is showing the power of engaging with our younger generation to ensure women study, enter and stay in STEM careers down the track,” she said. Prof Harvey-Smith said STEM skills would be needed in areas where there would be massive skills shortages, including digital, cyber security, green energy, manufacturing and the space industry. “When you say STEM, people think of
scientists in a lab coat. But it’s environmental scientists, creating solar power in solar cars, digital skills we need in the internet age. Really, STEM is everywhere in every industry,” she explained. Prof Harvey-Smith says there is a real need to smash gender stereotypes around STEM. Children as young as six years old, she says, are influenced by gender stereotypes which can impact their interest in STEM. By the age of 10-14 years, the STEM gap between girls and boys widens. “We know the 8-12 year age group is critical to longer term interest in STEM careers,” Prof Harvey-Smith said. “The Future You platform was designed to engage these children and excite them with the many career options that require STEM skills and more importantly, to show that these jobs are for everyone.” https://www.womeninstem.org.au/ futureyou/
Catching up on learning after Covid chaos By Carole Levy MANY parents are worrying about their kids falling behind in their school work because of what may have been missed during Covid’s remote learning period. A solution that many are turning to is private tutoring, but does the money invested actually help? The short answer is yes, tutoring can be very effective in remedying learning shortfalls, as well as extending students beyond what they learn in the classroom. Tutoring can also build confidence, and gives focus to children who may be distracted in a busy classroom situation. A study conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation found that students who receive one-to-one tutoring 22 WINTER 2021
can make five months’ extra progress over a school year, while one Melbourne tutoring company’s internal research showed that 82 per cent of parents saw their child’s grades improve and 85 per cent noted an increase in confidence. According to Melbourne’s Cluey Learning, measuring a valuable tutoring experience comes down to more than just exam marks. Cluey co-founder Michael Allara says that at the end of the day, the learning program is the biggest indicator of tutoring success.
program, revision of the methodology, and whether you can see a shift in your child’s attitude towards learning.
■ Friendly and supportive nature, with an ability to communicate to someone who is struggling
“Quality tutoring requires relevant content developed by experts; it necessitates constant feedback from students, tutors and parents; and it demands tutoring in the context of the child.
■ A broad range of experience dealing with a variety of students/learning challenges
“A tutor should always pursue quality teaching, but they also need to be matched to the needs of your child. There’s no point in assigning a disciplinarian if your child responds best to a softly-softly approach. Similarly, your playful child might learn best from someone with a more exuberant nature who can turn learning into a game.”
“The mode - online or in-person, private or group sessions - can enhance or detract from that but it doesn’t determine effectiveness,” he says.
QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN A TUTOR
“All of the component parts need to be considered, including the tutor, content
■ In-depth understanding of their subject area
■ Offers content that’s relevant and up to date ■ Provides consistent feedback and analysis A tutor’s resources need to be as useful as possible to each student, which means they must be aligned with what a student is actually covering in class. Group and one-to-one tutoring is available, but busy parents (and children tired after a long day at school) may prefer online tutoring (such as Cluey provides) - with real-time face-toface interaction. www.KidsWest.com.au
Education
Childcare fees set for overhaul By Melissa Grant FAMILIES with two or more children in childcare are set to save thousands of dollars in fees each year. Childcare subsidies for second and subsequent children will be increased to as high as 95 per cent and the subsidy cap removed for high income earners as part of a $1.7m spend on childcare included in the federal budget. The changes aren’t due to begin until July 2022, however Prime Minister Scott Morrison says they could be implemented earlier “if possible”. The fee overhaul means families with two children aged five and under in childcare four days a week, for example, would save between $41 and $125 each week. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the policy is designed to make childcare more affordable and give parents the choice to work extra hours. Currently, parents are given the same subsidy for their second child, which means the cost of childcare doubles. Childcare subsidies are also capped at $10,560 per child, with families earning more than $189,390 having to pay full fees once the subsidy runs out. Under the new subsidy system,
childcare fees would be subsidised between 80 per cent and 95 per cent for second and subsequent children. The subsidy cap would also be scrapped. For example, a family earning $110,000 a year will have the subsidy for their second child increase from 72 to 95 per cent, and would be $95 per week better off for four days of childcare. Education Minister Alan Tudge said the measures would further ease the cost of childcare and encourage workforce participation, particularly for larger families. “These measures will help remove the barriers for parents, particularly mothers, to return to the workforce or to increase their hours, as their family grows,” he said. Minister for Women Marise Payne said the investment in the Child Care Subsidy would deliver greater choice for Australian women and men as they balance their family and work responsibilities. “For women in particular, it opens the door for those choosing to work or to work more, which is critical to their own economic security and a prosperous Australian economy,” she said. “These changes strengthen our economy and at the same time provide greater choice to parents who want to
Childcare will Child ill b be cheaper h for f many families f ili from f July J l 2022. 2022
Benefit for families with two children in childcare for four days Family income
Current out of pocket childcare cost per week
Current subsidy
$40,000
$124.80
$80,000
New 2nd child subsidy
Future out of cost pocket childcare per week
Total better off per week
85%
95%
$83.20
$41.60
$149.18
82%
95%
$95.39
$53.79
$110,000
$232.38
72%
95%
$136.99
$95.39
$140,000
$315.58
62%
92%
$190.78
$124.80
$180,000
$416.00
50%
80%
$291.20
$124.80
work an extra day or two a week.” However, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says the federal government has “missed an opportunity” to reform childcare and boost women’s workforce participation. Mr Albanese said “Labor’s cheaper childcare plan” lifts the subsidy and “smooths” the taper rate across the board, regardless of how many children a family has and how old they are. He also claimed Labor’s childcare plan would assist 1 million families instead of 250,000. “The many Australian families
struggling under the cost of out of school hours and vacation care will not benefit at all from the Morrison government’s lift in subsidy,” he said . “Families desperately need immediate relief from soaring childcare costs, yet these changes are not even set to come in for over a year.” Mr Morrison said the changes required to the current system were quite complex, while giving some hope fee relief could come sooner. “If it’s possible to do these things earlier then we will certainly look at that,” he told Sunrise.
Mental health action program for students The Monash research team involved in the project is seeking expressions of interest from schools across Victoria to take part. The program was first developed by Professor Joanne Riebschleger in the United States. Now, it has been adapted for Australian schools as a preventative approach to increase knowledge of mental health in the classroom and develop coping mechanisms for students, such as help seeking skills and resilience. The research team, including Alexandra Marinucci, a PhD candidate who is leading the program evaluation as part of her doctoral dissertation, will work alongside other provisional psychologists to deliver the program. During the peak of the Covid pandemic last year, a headspace report found one in three young people experienced a high level of distress. This compares with data from before the pandemic that found one in seven young people were affected by a mental illness. www.KidsWest.com.au
Along with these alarming figures, young people are five times less likely to seek help when distressed.
their mental health that could benefit them now and into the future,” Alexandra said.
“Not only are we in a global pandemic, we are in a mental health pandemic. It is critical we shift our focus to preventative approaches to mental health care and support through early intervention and increasing mental health literacy of our population,” Alexandra said.
“Given the increased levels of distress experienced by young people exacerbated by Covid-19, we are in a critical moment to shift our focus to a preventative approach that directly promotes positive youth mental health.
“We want to introduce a structured program and collaborate with schools to focus on mental health literacy and action. We want to make this program feasible, relevant and sustainable so it can be implemented widely in the future.” Stigma or a lack of knowledge are common barriers to young people getting the help they need or helping others. This program seeks to improve young people’s mental health, coping and resilience through an evidenced-based 10-session prevention program at school. Research has shown young people prefer to go to informal methods for help, such as family, friends or the internet. “Sometimes the internet does not provide accurate or age-appropriate information and so we want to give young people correct and practical information, also strategies to support
● Care from 6 weeks to school age ● Freshly cooked nutritious meals ● Funded Kinder Program ● Opening hours 6.30am to 6.00pm ● Fun and exciting programs guided by children’s interests ● Full Day and Casual Care ● Experienced educators with a passion for working with children ● Government Approved Rebates ● $2000 off yearly fee for 4 year old kinder
“Evidence-based school programs surrounding mental health for youth are lacking and this project seeks to change that.” Schools wishing to take part in this program can contact Alexandra (alexandra.marinucci@monash.edu) or Christine (christine.grove@monash.edu) directly.
Small Steps, Big Adventures
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AUSTRALIA’S first mental health literacy and action program is on its way.The program seeks to address the mental health and wellbeing needs of young people at school and is set to be delivered by researchers at Monash University.
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
89 Lady Nelson way, Keilor Downs email: office@smallstepselc.net.au
9367 1114 WINTER 2021 23
Education
Thomas Carr College is working in partnership to foster a culture of learning.
education. It could also be daunting when considering the unknown of starting at a new school. For most, it may be a combination of both. “When children are making the move to secondary school, research indicates that parents have the biggest influence on how smooth the transition is. In addition to the information and advice parents may receive on how to best support their child during this time, I would suggest - as a parent of children myself - instead of asking, ‘How was school today?’, the most powerful questions we can ask are: ■ What did you learn today? ■ How did you do? ■ What did you do if you did not understand? ■ How can you improve on your learning? ■ What else do you want to know about what you are learning? ■ What are you most proud of?
What are you proud of? AS a school leader and teacher for many years, Andrew Bryson, Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching at Thomas Carr College, has developed a strong belief in the role education can play in a young person’s life. Drawing upon his experiences teaching across both primary and secondary schools, Mr Bryson says that it is important to create an environment that provides the opportunities for all students to excel and achieve their very best.
“This extends to working in partnership with families to support their child in fulfilling and, at times, exceeding their potential,” he says. “This couples with nurturing their development as they progress from Year 7 to Year 12 and beyond. “Parents are our learners’ first teachers, with the impact of extended periods of remote learning throughout 2020, also highlighting the important partnership schools and families play in supporting the learning and wellbeing
needs of students. “It was evident that the ability of teachers and families to work in partnership during this time was powerful in fostering a strong culture of learning, both at school and at home. This is equally important as students transition from primary school to secondary school. “For students preparing to start secondary school, the transition from primary school may be exciting as they look forward to the next chapter of their
“These questions create an opportunity for children to reflect on what they are learning. Parents have found using these questions have created authentic opportunities for rich and informative conversations with their children about school. “Such questions also maintain a sense of wonder through questioning and hopefully instils a strong sense of curiosity in wanting to learn more.” Mr Bryson wishes parents and children every success as they share this journey together. “I hope parents find the same joy I do when I ask my son, ‘What are you most proud of?’” Thomas Carr College, 36 Thomas Carr Road, Tarneit. Enquiries: 8734 2444 or visit www.thomascarr.vic.edu.au
Help to find your local school THE government’s Findmyschool website has been updated to provide parents with the latest information to find the school zone they live in. The website allows families to find their closest, and other nearby, government schools, giving clarity on what their options are. Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name. Findmyschool will show the zone for the current enrolment year and the 2022 enrolment year. Every child has the right to enrol at their designated neighbourhood government school or, if there is capacity, at another government school of their choice. No student currently enrolled in a school will be required to change schools. When the site was launched in 2019, it was the first time school zones were easily accessible in one place. Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino said the updated website includes school zones for the 14 new schools and campuses opening in 2022. “We will deliver 100 new government schools by 2026 and when a new school opens, the zones around nearby schools have to change to accommodate it,” Mr Merlino said.
Now accepting Year 7 2023 enrolments Visit cccc.vic.edu.au
“The website takes the guesswork
Families can look up their school zone online at the state government’s Findmyschool website.
out of identifying their closest government school, giving families the clarity they need when deciding which school to enrol their child in.” In the past five years, the government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1600 school upgrades - creating more than 10,000 construction jobs - and is now ahead of schedule on its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022. Families can look up their school zone online at: findmyschool.vic.gov.au
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Education
Student representation focus COREY Jewell, Principal of Lalor Secondary College, believes that students need to be the critical agents in their learning, and to feel empowered to build stronger communities for themselves, their families and their friends. “At Lalor, the Student Representative Council (SRC) exists to provide opportunities for students to address interests and concerns and to develop leadership skills,” Mr Jewell says. “An Assistant Principal works with the leadership coordinator to guide and empower students to self-manage their procedures and raised issues. Training in proper meeting procedure is provided and motions are put forward, debated and voted on. “As well, students seek to participate in the broader Whittlesea and local communities to foster connection for all. “And expansion of the leadership capacity of students within the school allows the activities organised throughout the year to be shared amongst all students.” The SRC works closely with the VicSRC, with past activities including the ‘Kids teaching Kids’ program that saw secondary school students involved with the cluster, running activities with the local primary schools, and a cluster breakfast with
more than 100 guests to celebrate Youth Week. Moving forward, the SRC will work to continually raise its profile around the school. This will include a variety of initiatives, including looking at establishing additional numbers of student-led clubs and running a number of student-led forums around topics chosen by them – such as a
cultural diversity and respectful relationships group. Student leadership at Lalor has taken a further bold step to ensure democratic student participation throughout the school. Sarah Moore, Student Leadership Coordinator, says that Students Making A Difference (SMAD) is a movement open to every student.
“This enables all those with leadership aspirations to get involved to continue to build a great school and a better world,” she says. “I’ve never seen so many excited and motivated students so eager to work for their community.” Lalor Secondary College, 118 David Street, Lalor. Enquiries: 9463 7300 or visit www.lalorsc.vic.edu.au
Lalor Secondary College warmly welcomes families of prospective year 7 students in 2022 to witness first hand our student-centred teaching and learning program. As students return to a system of learning they are more familiar with, we commit to ensuring the safety of our students is our primary focus,while delivering an engaging and memorable school year for all students within the college.
Lalor Secondary College PH 9463 7300, 118 David St, Lalor www.lalorsc.vic.edu.au
www.KidsWest.com.au
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Please call the school on 9463 7300 and speak to Timothy Cottrell, Assistant Principal, to book a tour.
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Education
Mini schools concept that works A Year 7-12 co-educational school, ever-growing Sunbury Downs College now has 650 students who belong to one of two ‘mini schools’: Middle Years (7-9); and Later Years (10-12, with year-level coordinators working with home group and classroom teachers. Principal Warwick Beynon says that the college values of respect, resilience, ambition and community underpin and guide all interactions between students, parents/carers and staff. He notes that the college has consistently achieved outstanding VCE results - at or above the state average. “Recently, we completed two major capital works building programs, which have upgraded and modernised the Science, Physical Education and Student Hub areas of the College. “The new state-of-the-art Dulap Wilim Hub (shared community facility) encompasses two commercial teaching kitchens for use by our students. “Our curriculum program has a strong emphasis on each of the eight domain areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Arts (Visual and Performing), Technology, Physical Education/Health and Languages (Italian). “And we offer a wide range of VCE subjects, including Vocational Education and Training (VET), a structured and rigorous Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning program (VCAL), and have
introduced the Headstart program.” The college is the only secondary school in the area that offers an Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) program for academically able students; extending students through a challenging curriculum including early commencement of VCE. It also has a well-established student leadership program, including student voice and captains, and a house system with whole-school sporting carnivals for athletics and swimming. Students are allocated to one of the four houses (Aitken, Evans, Jackson, Mitchell) on enrolment, with an inter-school sporting program offering students the opportunity to represent the school at the local level. Instrumental music tuition is offered as well, and a highly acclaimed musical production enables students to excel in the Performing Arts in an environment that fosters participation, responsibility and teamwork outside the classroom. “I recommend contact with the school to obtain further information - and I look forward to many more joining our community,” Mr Beynon concludes. Sunbury Downs College, 148-174 Mitchells Lane, Sunbury. Enquiries: 9744 0500 or www.sunburydowns.vic. edu.au
Principal Mr Warwick Beynon with College Captains Chelsea Hatfield, Eloise Burton, Serena O’Rorke.
Sunbury Downs College ‘Confidence to Achieve’ • VCE results consistently at or above state average • A safe, inclusive and secure learning environment • Supporting student’s wellbeing by understanding the needs of each child
• Recently modernised & upgraded facilities • Accelerated Curriculum & Enrichment (ACE) program • Students are known and cared for as individuals
Our work is underpinned by our College values:
Respect | Resilience | Ambition | Community A co-educational school with dedicated teachers who implement innovative ideas to stimulate learning Contact 9744 0500 or sunbury.downs.sc@education.vic.gov.au
148-174 Mitchells Lane, Sunbury VIC 3429 12496215-DL24-21
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www.KidsWest.com.au
Principal David Gleeson with Melton Christian College students. Picture: Supplied
Education
Wonderfully made young people DAVID Gleeson, principal of Melton Christian College, says that some young people struggle to see themselves as worthwhile – and that this is a tragedy. “Melton Christian College is committed to changing such wrong thinking because every young person is priceless,” he says. “A Christian school looks to the Christian Bible for its values. “Among the Bible’s ancient wisdom is a marvellous prayer, written hundreds of years ago by a desert dwelling warrior-poet: “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my
mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” “These stirring words are so true. People, including young people, are indeed, “fearfully and wonderfully made”. “Even Shakespeare confirms the same idea: “What a piece of work is a person! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an Angel, in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world.”
VISIT MCC.VIC.EDU.AU FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit us in 2021
www.KidsWest.com.au
“We are wonderfully constructed. It is right to be astounded at this breathtaking, breath-giving quintessence of molecules.”
enough, their bodies are not beautiful enough, their words not clever enough.”
Mr Gleeson poses the question, “So why do some teenagers fall into the trap of seeing themselves as worthless?
“This school’s message to teenagers is that their Creator has made them, and that they are loved, just as they are. Parents and teachers at this school invest quality time and quality talk to reinforce the truth that children are “wonderfully made”.”
“Sadly, teenagers hear all sorts of rotten messages from social and mainstream media. Kids are bombarded with lies. Truth is shouted down and children can drown in untruth. False messages abound, telling precious teens they are not perfect
Melton Christian College, he notes, has a different message.
Melton Christian College, 152-156 Brooklyn Road, Brookfield. Enquiries: 9732 3000 or www.mcc.vic.edu.au
Celebrating 35 years of Christian Education in Melton Years Prep - 12
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WINTER 2021 27
Education
Matilda, slime and St Aloysius By Carole Levy
WAS it launching rockets into space that had the kids so excited about St Aloysius College’s two-day ‘Space Cadets’ event? Maybe it was producing alien slime or building electrical circuits … or learning coding with robots … or 3D printing. A STEMies School Holiday Program, run by College STEM Leader Andy Lonsdale, ‘Space Cadets’ attracted a crowd of 80 boys and girls aged 9-13, who signed up for two days of madcap fun and hands-on learning around STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) topics over the Easter break. The next STEMies program swings to forensics, with ‘CSI: Curran Street Investigation’. The kids will use STEM skills to become sleuths and technicians to arrive at answers. The highly engaging program will run at the College over two days, at 10am-3pm on 28 and 29th June. The cost is $100, it’s bring your own lunch and tickets are available via trybooking.com/BRJCM
Making alien slime at Space Cadets.
another important focus of the all-girls Year 7-12 school, which was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1887.
MATILDA JR STAGE PRODUCTION Consistently stepping it up in stage productions, the College this year offers the extraordinary “Matilda Jr”. which will thrill audiences over four performances on 22-24 July.
crew is involved in set design, lighting and other aspects - they’re essentially getting industry experience.
The College, with more than 50 nationalities among students, has strong links with the workforce and provides quality education through a fully integrated curriculum.
Tickets will be hot, so it’s recommended bookings be made now via trybooking.com/BRAYI
Extracurricular activities are wide ranging, and there’s an Outdoor Education Campus at Torquay.
Run by a committed team of College teachers, who collaborate with professional voice coaches, music teachers and choreographers, the “Matilda JR” production will be the culmination of the exceptionally hard work of shining talent, both on and off the stage.
Tickets cost $20 per adult, $10 student/concession and $5 for under 12s.
The College attracts students from Melbourne’s CBD, and western and northern suburbs, with excellent transit links including a bus from Footscray station.
Rehearsals for Matilda Jr are underway.
While 35 students will be strutting the boards, behind the scenes the student
Be Curious. Become Brilliant.
ABOUT ST ALOYSIUS An emphasis on Mercy Education values and respect for each individual combine with a long tradition of excellence in Catholic education at St Aloysius College. Building confidence and leadership is
St Aloysius College, 31 Curran Street, North Melbourne. Enquiries: 9325 9200 or www.aloysius.vic.edu.au
St Aloysius College PRODUCTION OF
St Aloysius College students enter the world knowing that curiosity is the key to a brilliant life. We invite you to join us to discover our inspirational environment, meet our leadership team and learn about the journeys of our students.
Future peek: St Aloysius is going co-ed in 2023.
PERFORMANCES
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FRIDAY
JULY 23 AT 7PM
SATURDAY
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Campus tours are run fortnightly, book at
www.aloysius.vic.edu.au 31 Curran Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 I P 03 9325 9200
TICKETS ON SALE NOW HTTPS://WWW.TRYBOOKING.COM/BRAYI ST ALOYSIUS COLLEGE HALL 31 Curran St, North Melbourne 12496264-LB23-21
28 WINTER 2021
www.KidsWest.com.au
Education
Building tomorrow’s future THE Australian International Academy of Education is dedicated to the provision of high-quality education for students from Foundation to Year 12. Australian International Academy (AIA) is an International Baccalaureate school offering the programmes at all three campuses in Melbourne as well as the local Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The programmes allow AIA to enhance its local curriculum and to achieve its mission of developing productive Australian Muslim citizens who will help to create a better and more humane world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The Australian International Academy of Education works on the belief that each child is a unique individual. It strives to deliver a quality education to students in a nurturing, enriching, comfortable and safe learning environment in pursuit of academic and spiritual excellence. The Academy offers a broad and a well-balanced curriculum with global perspectives to students in primary, secondary and post-secondary schooling. AIA’s vision is one that focuses on students being well-prepared and self-motivated to help create a better and more humane world and to be active lifelong learners. Its programs,
including sporting and extracurricular activities, focus on changing students’ attitudes, building motivation, and inspiring a culture of creative thinkers. The goal is to prepare our students for the challenging future ahead. As a school, it encourages positive relationships, and staff, students, and parents, work tirelessly together in partnership to continually improve the school in all aspects of learning. AIA promotes intercultural understanding and a vision to inspire character and leadership where its values are central to the students’ learning experiences. Students are encouraged to cultivate a global perspective and outlook on their life;
constantly seeking to broaden their horizons in a spirit of tolerance, compassion, and co-operation with one another – and with others outside of the school environment. The Academy’s caring and experienced teachers are committed to providing a high standard of work and quality education. They embrace a forward looking and supportive teaching methodology that differentiates instruction so that all students can achieve their best educational outcome. Australian International Academy, 56 Bakers Road, North Coburg. Enquiries: 9350 4533 or www.aia.vic. edu.au
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WINTER 2021 29
Education
Best chance for early education IT’S known that for children to thrive, they need access to quality education and care from early on in life. To achieve this, however, communities need passionate and skilled educators to facilitate early learning. This is why non-profit organisation, bestchance, not only provides family support, kindergarten, day-care, and children’s therapy services but is also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). By delivering nationally accredited qualifications in early childhood education and care and education support, bestchance achieves two things: firstly, it provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to enter a
growing industry with strong employment outcomes; and secondly, it supplies communities with the passionate education professionals needed to inspire children. With small class sizes to ensure students receive the attention they need, industry expert trainers, and additional support programs, the training organisation is known for their high record of employment outcomes for students. What really makes bestchance training stand out from other training organisations is its vast network of Early Years services. The wider organisation operates 36 kindergartens, three
now is the time to study for a futureproof career. Anyone ready to kick-start a career in early childhood education and care or education support - or simply looking to upskill in order to progress their career - should note that bestchance training is currently offering $0 tuition fees for eligible students* ( the same as the free TAFE initiative). Call 1300 224 644 or visit www. bestchance.org.au for more information. *Training is delivered by Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding and is subject to eligibility. Eligibility is assessed prior to enrolment. Material fees apply. RTO Code 3695.
children’s centres, four children’s therapy clinics, one specialist primary school, and more than 90 family day care homes around Victoria. Bestchance knows the industry because it is the industry. As a non-profit, bestchance also provides vital support services for families at risk, whether due to anxiety and depression, social isolation, domestic violence or simply a struggle to adjust to the demands of parenthood. With increasing demand for early childhood educators, teachers and teacher’s aides, bestchance believes
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30 WINTER 2021
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www.KidsWest.com.au
Education
Supporting teens heading into exams
AS the end of the year creeps up and Year 12 students begin to prepare for their final exams, many parents worry about how best to support their teenagers. Australian parenting website Raising Children Network has some simple tips to look after the wellbeing of the whole family in what can often be a stressful period. Executive Director of Raising Children Network, Associate Professor Julie Green, says parents of teenagers can support their children through exams by encouraging the following good habits: Sleep Good quality sleep helps your child to concentrate and remember things vital for exams and exam prep. Conversely, poor sleep or not enough sleep affects concentration, memory and behaviour, making it harder for your child to learn. Encourage a regular bedtime routine in a dark room and electronic devices switched off.
Exercise Physical activity has lots of benefits, including assisting with stress and helping sleep patterns in the evening. Encourage your teenager to keep up with their normal sporting/exercise activities, where possible, during the study and exam period. Even a walk around the block in the fresh air can help. Nutrition One of the most nurturing ways you can help your teenager through the study and exam period is to provide nutritious meals and healthy snacks during the day. A healthy diet includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, nuts and grains and proteins such as eggs, meat, legumes and fish. Try to avoid processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Bedtime Turn off electronic devices an hour before bedtime. This includes loud music, mobile phones, computer screens and TV. Switching off mobiles can be
Sleep is super important.
hard for young people, but late night phone calls and text messages can lead to broken sleep. Caffeine Ensure your teenager avoids caffeine (found in energy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate and cola) in the late afternoon and evening as this can disrupt their sleep cycles, causing insomnia. Wind-down time Encourage ‘wind-down’ time to provide
Your teenager still needs a strong relationship with you to feel confident as they meet the challenges of studying and exams.
a relaxing buffer between studying and bedtime. Relaxing activities might include a warm shower, writing in a journal, reading a book or magazine or listening to quiet music. Support Your teenager still needs a strong relationship with you to feel confident as they meet the challenges of studying and exams. You can build this strong relationship by working on open communication and staying connected.
Diversity and fairness rule at centre FOLLOWING a lengthy period of our lives significantly impacted by Covid, Evet Beshara believes it’s time to get back to the important things in life. One of these important things, the Centre Director of Caroline Springs Child Care and Kindergarten, says, is the education of children. “During the past year, our community has dealt with many issues of cultural disrespect, gender disrespect and lack of self-respect,” Ms Beshara says. “At Caroline Springs Child Care and Kindergarten, we recognise the importance of teaching our children respect, self-worth and understanding of themselves - as individuals and members of the Caroline Springs community alike. “We provide an environment where it’s safe for a child to express themselves, their interests, thoughts and needs. Our educators encourage children to initiate conversations about their many experiences, express their ideas and www.KidsWest.com.au
feelings, share humour with their teachers, educators, and peers and seek assistance as they take on new challenges and try to do things for themselves.” Principles of equity, diversity and fairness are valued within the centre’s curriculum, and inclusive practices and family values are central to how it operates. The educators’ own cultural and ethnic backgrounds combine a wealth of culture, helping children to understand themselves in relation to their family, community and other cultures. “Indeed, between us,” Ms Beshara says, “we can communicate in more than a dozen languages and many dialects. We seek to celebrate cultural events throughout the year, from St Patrick’s Day to Holi, from Easter to Ramadan. “Even our seasonal menu - endorsed by Nutrition Australia - seeks to
reference dishes from across the globe. As well, we have a comprehensive vegetarian menu and get our meat from a Halal-certified butcher.” Ms Beshara has much confidence that the Centre is perfect for the education of children, and a place to understand and respect themselves,
and to recognise and respect differences in others. “Every child is celebrated for their uniqueness.” Caroline Springs Child Care and Kindergarten, 1, The Crossing, Caroline Springs. Opens 6.30am-6.30pm Monday-Friday. Enquiries: 9363 7622 or www.littleflyers.vic.edu.au WINTER 2021 31
Feel good about your choice of child care and kindergarten. We know you want the best for your child. A place where every child is recognised and celebrated for their uniqueness. We are proud to offer: • Passionate, experienced and qualified staff • A nurturing and stimulating environment for children to thrive • Seasonal halal certified menu endorsed by Nutrition Australia • Reggio Emilia inspired learning • Convenience of long day care including school holidays Child Care 3 Year Old Kindergarten 4 Year Old Kindergarten 32 WINTER 2021
1 The Crossing 9363 7622
Places currently available. Contact us to organise a tour. littleflyers.vic.edu.au
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Entertainment
WIN a Melbourne Star experience Scan the QR code to enter
KIDS West Today magazine is giving readers the opportunity to win passes to fly on Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, courtesy of Melbourne Star. Up for grabs is one annual family pass, which gives two adults and two children unlimited flights for 12 months (value $232), and five Private Cabins, each for up to six guests and valued at $350 each. Enter at www.starweekly.com.au/ competitions or scan the QR code for your chance to win these great prizes! Star Weekly competition T&C’s apply. Prepare for take-off on Melbourne Star Take a flight on Melbourne Star – one of the largest giant observation wheels in the world – and experience the everchanging skyline in one of its fully enclosed warm temperature-controlled
glass cabins offering a 360-degree view of the city and beyond. Standing at a staggering 120-metres tall, this is Melbourne like you have never seen it before. Melbourne Star offers a range of experiences to choose from: connect with your inner self and meditate in peace above the city with Yoga In the Sky; savour a glass of bubbles on a Sparkling Flight or indulge yourself with delectable bites sky high with one of the Private Catered Cabin packages crafted by Peter Rowland - starting at $184 per couple. Looking to pop the question or tie the knot? Melbourne Star has got you covered with proposal packages and intimate weddings in cabins. For families, Melbourne Star offers a
unique way to bring the whole family together during school holidays and celebrate a well-deserved break with a Kids Fly FREE!* Have some family fun and make a day of it, exploring The District and all it has to offer in the heart of the Docklands. And if you are looking for something bespoke for your child’s birthday party, Melbourne Star hosts the cutest soirees in a Private Cabin setting, complete with yummy treats for the little ones to enjoy. Prepare for take-off and get ready to create new family moments with Melbourne Star! Kids Fly FREE offer valid during school holiday period only. Receive a complimentary child ticket with every full price general admission ticket, limited to one child ticket per one full
price ticket purchased. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Companion card holders exempt. All other Melbourne Star terms and conditions apply. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands. ■ September to April, 11am-9.30pm daily ■ 26 April to 31 August, 11am-6.30pm Thursday - Monday ■ Christmas Day and ANZAC Day1pm9:30pm During winter school holidays between June 26 and July 11 Melbourne Star will be open daily from 11am to 6.30pm. For more information and to book, visit www.melbournestar.com
Enjoy a flight of discovery on Melbourne Star! Use the promo code online at melbournestar.com to enjoy 25% off our Star experiences*
at melbournestar.com *Offer valid until 31 December 2021 on general admission child & adult, Sparkling Flights, Private Cabins and Sights, Lights & Delights tickets purchased online. All other Melbourne Star terms and conditions apply. See melbournestar.com for details. 12482820-SN13-21
www.KidsWest.com.au
WINTER 2021 33
Reality Bites
The battle of becoming a parent By Melissa Meehan FOR the majority of our formative years, women are told how not to get pregnant. But the reality is, society never tells us how hard getting and staying pregnant can be in the first place. Ally De Iulio is a perfect example of this. She was 27 when she and her husband Simon decided to try for a family. They got pregnant after about three months of trying. Everything was going fine. Until she miscarried. They tried again. She had another miscarriage. Then another. Then another. Doctors didn’t say much at the start, but they did wonder what was happening by her fourth miscarriage. She tried again, got pregnant but at her first ultrasound at eight weeks they couldn’t find a heartbeat. They waited for her to miscarriage naturally. She didn’t. And at 10 weeks had a D&C. It was then the doctors agreed some testing needed to occur. They did a full chromosome test, so they could fully analyse Ally and her husband. It took three months to come back. But it found Ally has reciprocal balanced translocation. In simple terms it’s a chromosome complication. To go through the emotional rollercoaster of getting pregnant and then losing the baby each time was understandably disheartening for Ally and Simon. Initially the gynaecologist at Box Hill said that IVF wasn’t an option for the couple. “So that’s when it really hit me,” she said.
Wynter, 18 months and Isaac, 4 with mum Ally and dad Simon.
She can’t remember how many eggs she retrieved. But each egg required genetic screening, an expensive step that isn’t usually required during the IVF process.
Four-year-old Isaac.
But they had one egg that was classified as a normal, which they were pretty excited about.
His funeral was on the day she was to be induced.
And so they organised the transfer, and it fell on the day of her birthday. “I thought that’s really exciting and they said just come in at the time we told you. We won’t call unless something goes wrong,” she said. At 7am on her birthday, Ally got a phone call. The egg didn’t survive. Still understandably emotional, Ally says she didn’t deal very well with the news and went into hiding for a short while.
The toll on her mental health was too much to bear.
“I thought I know how this ends.”
And she was pregnant in August.
FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS
LIVING ON THE EDGE
Simon had the same feeling. They decided to let it play out and were prepared for the worst. But Wynter wasn’t going anywhere. It was a very different pregnancy compared to that she experience with Isaac. Ally had a lot of anxiety.
Despite all of her heartbreak in the past, once she was pregnant - Ally felt strangely confident that she wouldn’t miscarry again.
Every time she went to the toilet she expected to see blood.
She knew that the eggs had no chromosome issues and was sure that was the reason for her past miscarriages.
“I kind of lived every day on the edge.”
That they would travel and find other things to do.
It wasn’t an easy birth, but holding him in her arms was what she had longed for so many times.
34 WINTER 2021
There were some complications that ended with Ally haemorrhaging and becoming quite unwell after the birth.
“It was an emotional rollercoaster, not to mention the financial cost.”
She gave birth to their son Isaac on April 27, 2017.
The first round of IVF, Ally took time off work and the couple kept it to themselves.
She would come home from work and fall asleep around 7pm.
“It was kind of nothing, it wasn’t happy or sad ... just a strange kind of emptiness.
The couple had discussed early in their relationship that if they couldn’t have children that would be okay.
But once the option was taken away from Ally - it all changed.
Wynter, their beautiful daughter, wars born.
“I was getting to the point of thinking how many times do we go through this,” she said.
But it was third time lucky.
He’s now four.
It was already an emotional time for them, after Simon’s dad had passed away when she was 38 weeks pregnant.
Wynter and Isaac.
In between Isaac’s arrival and Simon’s surgery, Ally started to feel increasingly tired.
“It was a really interesting feeling,” she said.
Ally didn’t hold too much hope. But they transferred the egg.
But Simon said he couldn’t watch Ally go through the pain of another natural miscarriage or pregnancy.
But the universe had other plans.
Disheartened, they decided to give it another go.
They went and saw a genetic counsellor, who was able to explain that IVF was an option.
It’s an expensive, physically and emotionally gruelling process.
The pair decided not to use the second embryo until he had surgery and recovered.
They did a pregnancy test and it was positive.
They had two eggs come back as normal.
IVF JOURNEY BEGINS
Not long after Isaac was born, Simon developed a back issue and dealt with the pain for two years and needed surgery.
A few months later they decided to try again. But the genetic testing found that none of them were normal.
“I thought how many miscarriages I can go through.”
“So we went for it”.
Pictures: Rob Carew
She expected something bad to happen.
By the time she reached half way, Ally allowed herself to enjoy the pregnancy. But tragedy struck the family again... Just days before she was due to give birth, Simon’s niece Jocelyn passed away. She was 12. And while sick with a terminal illness, her death was unexpected.
She was so sick she couldn’t even hold Wynter. After all that, Ally and Simon have one embryo left, and the storage runs out in June next year. “We have to make a decision, but I don’t know if I could carry another baby. I don’t know if my body could do it,” she said. “But it’s nice to have the option.”
What are chromosomal translocations? Balanced reciprocal translocations are caused by a two-way exchange of genetic material between two chromosomes. As there is no net loss or gain of genetic material this exchange usually has no effect on the phenotype of the carrier. However, carriers of balanced translocations are at risk of passing on an unbalanced form of the chromosomal rearrangement at conception, resulting in genetic material being lost and/or gained. This can lead to subfertility, recurrent miscarriages, or more rarely the birth of a child with an intellectual disability and congenital malformations. SOURCE: Victorian Clinical Genetics Services
Ally went into labour three days later. www.KidsWest.com.au
Reality Bites
A talented young child with a big heart By Alesha Capone
money to help lots of poor people.”
WRITING a book at the age of eight is an impressive feat.
Tommy’s children’s book, Book About Dragons, has been published by Greenhill Publishers.
Deciding to donate profits from the sales of the book to a good cause is even more remarkable. But Point Cook author Tommy Shen says that a simple desire to help other youngsters sparked his generous act. Tommy said he decided to donate profits from his book to the Lighthouse Foundation, after hearing about its good works from his mother’s friend Beverley. The charity, which was founded by former Melburnian of the Year Susan Barton, provides housing, care and counselling for young people at risk of homelessness. “Beverley, who does a lot of charity work, said that the Lighthouse Foundation looks after young children so I was very happy about this as it is all about kids helping kids,” Tommy said. “The pandemic has made people lose their jobs and now there are many unfortunate families whom I would like to help. “I want rich people to help the poor people, so when I grow up I will become an illustrator and earn lots of
It is about 88 types of dragons and the relationships between them all. The book includes English and Mandarin text and illustrations provided by a Mexican illustrator. With a Chinese mother and an Indonesian father, Tommy said that he developed a love of dragons from a young age. “I was born in the Year of the Dragon and I think sometimes that this is why I love dragons so much,” he said. Helping others is also something which runs in Tommy’s family. His great-great grandfather founded an orphanage in Hong Kong in the 19th-20th century. Tommy said his great-great grandfather “was a great teacher and he was really kind”. “He taught children who didn’t have a home - he was a real good hero,” Tommy said. Book About Dragons is available at www.lamoneta.org.au, $8.88 for an e-copy and $29.99 for a hardcover copy.
Tommy has written a book about dragons.
“Kyle was with some older mates who wanted to know how this online dating stuff worked. “So with them egging him on and a few drinks under his belt, he got up the courage to send me a message and we set up a date a few days later.”
Casey and Kyle, pictured with daughter Molly, met online. Picture: Rob Carew
Online dating was already pretty popular back then, but Tinder didn’t have the daggy and desperate stigma some of the older websites had, she said. But she still wasn’t keen to let people know how they’d met.
The rise of the e-baby By Melissa Meehan IT was once the topic discussed in hushed tones. But internet dating has become so popular, and successful, that by 2038 more babies will be born to parents who met online than offline. And while 2038 seems a lifetime away, that’s when a Monash University report finds the so-called ‘e-baby’ generation will be in the majority. Over the next 10 years they will www.KidsWest.com.au
make up 34 per cent of all newborns. Using a nationally representative survey of over 2000 Australians and projections from current trends in online dating, the authors of the report pinpoint 2038 as the year when more than half of babies born will be born to online couples. They are amazing figures, especially given few couples openly admitted they met online in recent years. Casey Neill met her husband Kyle on Tinder back in 2015. “We both swiped right,” she said.
“I’m not sure I ever actually told my parents we’d met online - they might have found out in our wedding vows,” she said. They moved out together within five months. “For our first date we went out for dumplings and Kyle reckons that was it - after he saw me scoff noodles and dumplings he was sold,” she said. “I wouldn’t say I thought I’d found my husband that night, and I definitely didn’t peg him as the father of my future child! I’d had a fair bit of bad luck with dating, so I just took it one day at a time.” He proposed on a holiday to America in September 2017. They got married in October 2018 and their daughter Molly was born October 2019.
She’s 18 months old now. It’s quite the love story, and it’s not unusual. The report also found that couples who met online in more recent years (2014-2020), on average have 2.3 per cent more babies than those who met face-to-face (1.38 vs 1.35). This suggests a key group of singles use technology to seek family-inclined commitments. The report then considered current trends, finding that based on the share of births that are e-babies, an estimated 20 per cent of all babies born in this millennium are e-babies. Further, the report reveals that 21 per cent of online couples that had a baby did so within a year of meeting. Aussie couples who meet online most commonly have one child (21 per cent), with over one in eight (13 per cent) welcoming two children. Men are also slightly more likely than women to have children with a partner they met online (38.9 per cent v 35.4 per cent). VP International at eHarmony, Romain Bertrand said the results of the report were good news. “In our first ‘Future of Dating’ report with Monash University, we’re delighted to see that online dating has created so many Australian families, and that it will continue to increase this wonderful legacy.” WINTER 2021 35
Reality Bites
From tired dad to top author Laura and Philip Bunting reading with their three children.
By Melissa Grant CARING for a sleep-troubled baby put Philip Bunting on the path to becoming one of Australia’s most popular children’s picture book authors. Philip and wife Laura would read picture book after picture book to their son Leo in a seemingly never-ending battle to get him to nod off. “When our son Leo was born, he was a terrible sleeper,” the father of three explained. “For the first year and a half of his life he didn’t sleep for more than two consecutive hours. “But the thing that always got him was reading. “We read heaps of picture books to Leo when he was little - we were probably reading about 20 a day.” Philip is now a prolific children’s author, having published 23 picture books in just four years.
moved to Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast in 2017. Philip says simply being a parent has taught him what works when writing children’s books. “A good book always has to work on two levels. You are writing for the adult and the child at the same time,” he explained. Good humour is a must, and it’s good to have a simple message although sometimes a book can just be a platform for fun between parent and child, he added. Philip has co-authored books with his wife Laura, who was a journalist before she became a mum, and has also collaborated with others, including comedian Dave Hughes. Philip and Laura usually only read their books once to their children Leo, 8, Florence, 6 and Arthur, 3. “It’s probably because Laura and I have seen the book so many times that we don’t want to read it to the kids,” he said.
It’s an exciting year for Philip. Apart from publishing four books and another three due for release, one of his titles is in the running for a coveted award and another has been read from space. Not Cute is on the shortlist for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book, a highly sought after award. Give Me Some Space! was selected as the book for National Simultaneous Storytime. The book was read by astronaut Shannon Walker from the International Space Station on 19 May. But there’s another book he holds close to his heart. “The one that means the most to me is Mopoke as it represented the biggest change in my life. As soon as that book was done and signed I knew I wasn’t pursuing the dreams of my 20s any more - I was on a different path.” You can check out Philip Bunting on Instagram and at philipbunting.com
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He writes and illustrates the books. His
illustrations are distinctive, although he jokes this is because he can’t actually draw. His first book, Mopoke, actually started out as a self-printed first birthday gift for his daughter, Florence. “A couple of people said to me, you should send some copies off to the printers,” he recalled. “I remember thinking ‘oh yeah, I’ll see what happens’. “I sent them off to eight publishers. I had eight offers in two weeks - they all wanted it!” Mopoke, a cute story about a little owl’s struggle to find peace, was the first of four books Philip had published in 2017. The father-of-three is now averaging seven to eight books a year after becoming a full-time author in mid-2019. Beforehand, the English native was in magazine publishing. He worked for Time Out Magazine in the UK, Dubai and Sydney before moving to Brisbane to be closer to Laura’s family. They
Picture: Bridget Wood
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Books
Born ready to face puberty By Melissa Meehan IN an online centric world, our kids are growing up quicker. They have access to so much information, so much more than generations past. So talks about the birds and the bees, puberty and other things our parents used to teach us by leaving a book on the end of the bed (and running in the other direction) need to happen earlier. That’s where Michelle Mitchell comes in. The author of A Guy’s Guide to Puberty and A girls Guide to Puberty says it’s completely normal to grapple with when those conversations need to happen. “The good news is that they were born ready,” she said.
Michelle shares that she was recently giving a talk to a group of 10 year olds, one of whom was contacted by a modelling agency via social media and asked to give them her contact details. “That kind of thing brings some urgency to those conversations,” she said. “Because these young kids can be making really critical decisions for themselves. “It is a much more sexualised world.”
Some signs they are ready: ■ Become embarrassed about being naked in front of others
Michelle, a former teacher, has spent the last 20 years working with disengaged young people and speaking at scools about puberty.
■ Start gravitating towards same sex friends
And she says it’s increasingly evident that parents are needing to have these conversations with younger kids.
■ Begin to discuss sexual concept without any degree of accuracy
“But between the ages of eight and 10 is the perfect time to make a start.
Previously they’d say 12 is a good time to talk about sexuality, but Michelle says between the age of eight and 10 is often the sweet spot.
“And they are important conversations to have, because they are being exposed to many things earlier than we were, because they are online.”
Each of child has their own special needs which may include trauma, birth order, disabilities, learning challenges or emotional maturity.
■ Curious about gender differences, pregnancy, sex
■ Interested in knowing more about their bodies ■ Ask questions ■ Look at parent’s bodies differently Michelle’s books act as a starting point which will open up the conversations at home. The books, each aimed at either sex,
explains how to care for your body, emotions and brain. “If we want open hearted conversations with our kids about tough topics we have to be prepared to initiative them in an open-hearted way,” she said. “I personally think that they should never have to be the one who initiates difficult conversations, so always assume they need you and step into that space. Let’s be prepared to go to them, and in doing so grow with them.” Her book isn’t a tough read either, it very cleverly includes cartoons that simplify some of the bigger issues and break it down so that younger kids can understand without being overwhelmed.
Children’s books...
Winner Winner Bin Chicken Dinner
Harmony
Kate & Jol Temple, illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh Our favourite bin chicken is back! In this sequel to the popular picture book Bin Chicken, Ibis is looking for dinner but isn’t having much luck until she spies the most wonderful food wonderland of all ... the school playground. Winner winner! There are a few hiccups along the way, but in the end the Ibis gets the last party pie. This is yet another hilarious read about the pesky bird that everyone loves to hate! Perfect for kids aged 3+ Scholastic, RRP $17.99
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The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife: Book 1
Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics
Set in 1914, this young adult novel is a gripping love story that plays out against a backdrop of the First World War. Tom is in the blood-soaked landings of Gallipoli, while Gracie marries another.
Maz Evans, illustrated by Chris Jeavons
Trixie Whitmore
It’s not until American teen Noah joins his mum Deborah, grandfather Will and greatgrandmother Gracie in Australia that the secrets of the past are revealed - secrets that will take them back to the beaches of Gallipoli.
In this laugh out loud tale, Scarlett is in big trouble after her big feelings lead to a hamster getting into the vicar’s trousers at her aunt’s engagement party.
Richard Yaxley
A compelling multigenerational story about connectedness, family and the power of truth. For readers aged 12+ Scholastic, RRP $18.99
Scarlett Fife has big feelings. Unfortunately, every time she pushes her feelings down something explodes.
If she loses her temper again she will miss out on her trip to the best theme park on the planet.
This classic children’s adventure book is being republished just in time for the Tokyo Olympics. Originally launched to coincide with the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics is about a cute koala who participates in a series of Bush Olympics sports with the hope of winning a gold medal. Kids will love exploring the book’s beautiful hand-painted illustrations that detail Australia’s native fauna and flora.
A fun book for parents and children who have, at one time or another, lost control of their feelings
The ‘find and discover experience’ is complemented by rhyming poems throughout.
Hodder Children’s Books, $14.99
Ocean Reeve Publishing, RRP $24.99 (hard cover) and $19.99 (soft cover)
A fun and educational book.
Bedtime is Boring David Campbell, illustrated by Daron Parton A hilarious sequel to Stupid Carrots, Bedtime is Boring features a funny bunny called Billy who just doesn’t want to go to bed. He’s had his bunny bath, he’s read his bunny book but (you guessed it) he just doesn’t want to go to bed. Billy is too busy for bed. And bedtime is boring! Oh, and he needs to pee. But guess what happens when Billy Bunny finally hits the hay? A relatable story for many families! For kids aged 3+ Scholastic, RRP $17.99
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Kids Calendar
What's on this winter
JUNE 13
JUNE 28-29
ENJOY LOCAL SUNSHINE FAMILY FUN SUNDAY
ENJOY SUNSHINE SCHOOL HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
Family fun is at Sunshine Town Centre with live music, a roving magician and craft activities for children of all ages. 2pm-5pm. at Pollard Gardens, Sunshine.
UNTIL JUNE 27
Meet Pirate Pete as he entertains with singalongs, story-telling and balloon animals. 11am June 28 and 1pm June 29 at 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine.
MINI MADDERN: POP-UP PLAYGROUND
JULY 1
Built by kids for kids under the guidance of Public Realm Lab, this pop-up playground has drop-in craft and exercise sessions on every week run by Victoria University and a closing party is planned for June 26 and 27.
SUPER HERO TRAINING FOR KIDS
Maddern Square, Footscray.
Kids ages 4-12 can learn how to move like an acrobat, roll like a ninja and pose like a hero and watch some big superheroes show off some super moves.
EYNESBURY WINTER FESTIVAL
10.30am-11.30am at Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub, 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs.
Rug up and head out to enjoy ice skating, fire pits, markets, DJ’s, igloos an outdoor cinema and all things wonderfully wintery.
2pm-3pm at Melton Library & Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton.
An exhibition presented by ACMI & the Walt Disney Animation Research library showcasing the creativity and innovation of Disney Animation.
SEPTEMBER 12
12pm-5pm weekdays and 10am6pm weekends at ACMI, Fed Square.
PET & ANIMAL EXPO
www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/ disney-the-magic-of-animationexhibition/
JUNE 11 - JULY 11
JUNE 17 ENJOY DEER PARK - LANEWAY LEARNING Celebrate the start of the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival with live kids entertainment, face painting, craft activities and musical storytime. 10am-1pm near 813 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/ writersfestival 38 WINTER 2021
A fun expo the whole family can enjoy, featuring dog agility and obedience, an animal farm, exhibitors, stalls food trucks and more. 10am-3pm at Wyndham Park
UNTIL OCTOBER 17
OCTOBER 24
DISNEY: THE MAGIC OF ANIMATION
CHILDREN’S WEEK PICNIC Featuring a range of interactive activities with on education and learning. Includes family entertainment, music, games, sport, stalls, food trucks and more. 10am-4pm at Werribee Park
UNTIL JANUARY 2022 BORN OR BUILT? OUR ROBOTIC FUTURE Developed by Questacon, this robotics exhibition explores how the line between humans and technology is blurring with fun, interactive programs. Scienceworks, www. museumsvictoria.com.au www.KidsWest.com.au
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