Kids Voice June 2015

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GOOD VALUES & CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES - KIDS HELPLINE IDAHOT DAY - WHEN GOOD PARENTS TURN UGLY - WHAT’S ON YO U R F R E E PARENTING MA GA ZINE FO R THE GEELONG REGION

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WELCOME

COOL FACTS 4 KIDS 1. Opals, opals, and more opals. Australia is the opal capital of the world. It produces 95% of the worlds opal and 99% of the rare black opal. Coober Pedy, a small outback town in South Australia is the main producer of opals, and is a popular tourist destination. Due to the extreme heat out there, many of the buildings are underground for insulation purposes.

2. Did someone say gold? Kargoorlie, a remote town in the state of Western Australia is currently the worlds largest producer of gold.

3. More gold facts. While Kargoorlie may be the

biggest producer of gold, it wasn’t always the case. In Victoria, three towns (Ballarat, Bendigo and Maryborough) make a triangle that is referred to as the Golden Triangle. This area has produced more gold than any other area in the history of the world.

4. Melbourne was once the powerhouse of the world

due to all of this gold. Melbourne was the richest city in the whole world in the 1880s. Investment money was flowing in from rich English investors and rich Australians were spending their money.

However, this all came crashing down a short time later due to a world wide depression.

5. A small population, but big cities! While there are

only approximately 24 million people in Australia, it’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, have populations over 4 million. Sure, they may not be as big as other cities, but it does make them bigger than every city in the US apart from New York.

KV TEAM

BUSINESS MANAGER Michele Mitten

GRAPHICS & LAYOUT ARTIST Elise Blach

EDITORIAL The A Team

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Alan Barber

SALES & MARKETING Toppy Taylor

COVER MODEL Archie Ellingsen

PO Box 54, Ocean Grove Victoria, 3226 Phone: 03 5255 3233 Fax: 03 5255 3255 FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/Kids Voice Geelong www.kidsvoice.com.au

No part of this magazine, including the advertisements, may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

The opinions expressed within Kids’ Voice magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher, but those of individual writers.

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S T N E CONT 7

Nine myths of foster care

8

Caitlin’s Blog

11

Kids Helpline

12

Torquay Kindergarten

15

What’s happening at Mt Duneed Primary School

17

IDAHOT Day

19

St Johns Fete

21

Letterbox Learning

22

Sports: What an opportunity

25

Music & Arts: Natalie Evans

27

Craft & Cooking

30

What’s On: Queenscliffe Bricks

...AND MUCH MORE

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THIS ISSUE’S C OVE R BOY ...

NAME, AGE AND YEAR LEVEL/GRADE? Archie Ellingsen, age 8, grade 3 DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES? Football, video games (minecraft) and scouts!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD? Chocolate, watermelon and cucumber

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SUGAR ONE W ORD ,M

A

NY

MEANING

S

So much has been written lately about “sugar”. But what do we mean by “sugar” and how does “sugar” really affect our health?

When most of us talk about sugar, we are referring to table sugar, the white or brown crystals we add to our tea or porridge. Scientifically, sugar refers to simple, short chained carbohydrate molecules, of many different types, and derived from many different sources.

Carbohydrates can be chemically divided into complex and simple and are the preferred source of fuel for organisms, including humans. All carbohydrates eaten are typically metabolised to glucose, which is the simplest form of sugar, found in human blood.

Sugars can be naturally occurring in food, such as fructose in fruit and lactose in milk, or they can be added to foods, such as sucrose (table sugar) or the sugars included by manufacturers in sweet foods and drinks.

Naturally occurring sugars are part and parcel of a whole, nutritious food. As such, they contribute not only energy(kilojoules), but also bring with them, essential nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Contrast this with “free sugars” or “added sugars”, which have been refined from plant sources. They are energy (kilojoule) dense, but nutrient poor. When they are added to foods and drinks, they increase the energy density significantly, without adding any valuable nutrients.

Historically, humans had very little access to free sugars, with honey and sugar cane being examples of the sweetest natural food sources. Even now, in rural Africa, children access such free sugars with difficulty, either chewing on the fibrous sugar cane or climbing trees to raid wild bee hives. In recent years, access to free or added sugars has

increased exponentially, as they have been added to much of our processed food supply, even savoury foods, such as sauces.

For decades, the Australian Dietary Guidelines (www. eatforhealth.gov.au) have recommended we “limit the intake of food and drink containing added sugars, such as confectionery, sugar sweetened soft drinks and cordials, fruit drinks, vitamin waters, energy and sports drinks.”

Recently, the WHO has released an updated guideline on sugar intake, which “recommends adults and children reduce their daily intake of ‘free sugars’ to less than 10% of their total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day would provide additional health benefits.” Currently, the average adult in Australia eats about 66 grams or 16 teaspoons of added sugar per day.

There are three main reasons for this recommendation to limit added sugars in the diet.

1. They are energy dense i.e. contain a lot of kilojoules in

a small package and so can easily contribute to excess energy intake leading to overweight

2. Foods and drinks containing added sugars are usually

devoid of essential nutrients but can take the place, in the diet, of foods and drinks containing those nutrients essential for healthy growth and development.

3. They play a significant role in the development of

dental diseases, the most prevalent non communicable diseases globally.

So, what does this mean in practice for the average consumer? It is important to understand that the word “sugar” means many different things, and to be able to distinguish between added and natural sugars in foods and drinks. This requires an accurate understanding of the reading of food labels. (http://www.bakeridi.edu.au/ Diabetes_Resources_Fact_Sheets/)

Common misunderstandings include the following: 1. Low fat products always have added sugar.

This may be so in the case of low fat processed snack foods or “discretionary choices” (party foods) but not so in the case of low fat whole foods, for example low fat milk products. Milk is made up of all three main nutrients or building blocks, protein, fat and carbohydrate. If the fat is removed, then the proportion of protein and carbohydrate in a given amount of milk, must naturally increase. No sugar is added.

2. Low fat, flavoured yoghurt is “full of sugar”.

On average, low fat, fruit flavoured yoghurts in Australia

contain less than 15% sugar. Remembering that the ingredients are listed from that present in the largest amount, in descending order, much of this sugar is from the milk products as the main ingredients, i.e. lactose, and some will be from the fruit, i.e. fructose. The added sugar can usually be estimated to be about 1 teaspoon (4g) per 100g.

3. Lots of breakfast cereals are “full of sugar”

Again we need to ask, “Where does the sugar come from?” A careful perusal of the ingredient list will show whether that sugar displayed on the nutrient panel is actually added sugar (in many guises such as glucose, honey, syrups etc.) or whether some of the sugar is actually derived from whole food sources such as fruit.

4. Fruit juice is “full of sugar”.

While the fruit sugar is concentrated in fruit juice, and often lacks the whole fruit’s fibre, it is not the same as sugar rich soft drink, because the juice still contains the valuable micronutrients we find in the whole fruit.

5. There is “so much sugar” in baked beans

All legumes are a cheap and nutritious source of protein, fibre and micronutrients. Tinned baked beans have 3.4% (i.e. 3.4g/100g) sugar, added as part of the tomato sauce. This tiny amount of added sugar in no way disqualifies baked beans as a nutritious food choice.

A great way to learn more about label reading is to attend a supermarket tour. Bellarine Community Health runs several different types of supermarket tours, including a Kids’ Snacks Supermarket Tour, which can help consumers understand exactly what they are putting in their mouths.

Consumers can then distinguish between added and natural sugars and make informed choices about how much sugar they consume.

Hilary Hoevenaars, Dietitian, Child Health and Development Team, Bellarine Community Health.

With five centres around the Bellarine Peninsula, Bellarine Community Health (www.bch.org.au) provides health services to families across the region.

The Child Health and Development Team offers a family-centred service focusing on the well being of children aged 0-12 years. The team includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, physiotherapy and dentistry.

They can be contacted through BCH Intake Telephone: 5258 0812 or Email: intake@bch.org.au

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Werribee Open Range

ZOO REPORT

On Saturday 22nd of May, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo and talk to Kim Polkinghorn, the Communications Manager, about a new program that has been introduced. It is called the Enrichment Program and it is in place to try and stimulate natural thinking and activities of the animals. This includes making them hunt for their food rather than being fed, or placing bedding from other animals in the enclosure so that the smell is as it would be in their natural habitat.

being. This activity would run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am until 10:30am all winter.

Another way for children to learn about the animals is in Ranger Kids. Ranger Kids is a warm environment where children can play games and have fun while learning about the animals. The theme at the moment is monkeys and there are plenty of monkey-related activities to do like puzzles, playing with the plush toy animals and pretending to be monkeys with attachable monkey tails.

Primates (especially the Vervet monkeys and gorillas) are particularly involved in the Enrichment Program as they are so like us humans and we can relate to what they respond to most. Kim showed me the enrichment items from the Ververt monkeys and even helped me to make some. The enrichment items included paper bags with scraps of paper, wood-wool (wood shavings) and seeds, cardboard tubes with paper and popcorn, feeding disks that are smeared with jam then sprinkled with seeds, mashed fruit and pinecones with fruit and vegetables stuck in them. I had a lot of fun making these enrichment items and it was great to have some handson experience.

Kim also showed me the three gorillas and their part in the Enrichment Program. The gorillas have a unique enclosure with hills and large trees because gorillas challenge one another by staring each other down and the hills mean that they can have their own space. A part of their Enrichment Program is catapulting fruit and vegetables from a launcher into their enclosure for them to find. Zoo visitors would also be able to take part in this by pushing the button to catapult the fruit in the air. The three gorillas are a family, two sons and a dad. Recently, one of the sons (Yakini) has replaced the dad (Ganyeka) at the top of the hierarchy. I learnt that gorillas have a strong sense of hierarchy and that they are also critically endangered. Kim explained that coltan, which is an un-extractable mineral, mined to make mobile phones, is a large contributor to the loss of habitat of the gorillas. Thankfully, there is an organisation that is recycling mobile phones to try and

Kim explained that the zoo was going to make the Enrichment Program something that everyone could participate in by running an activity where kids can enjoy making the enrichment items and learn about why the program is vital to the animal’s health and well-

prevent the continuation of the destruction of the gorilla’s habitat. I thought the gorillas were very funny because one of them spent the whole day with a blanket on its head! I have high hopes that the gorillas can repopulate and thrive in their natural habitat.

I particularly enjoyed learning about the Vervet monkeys. The keeper, Michael told me all about the seventeen monkeys and how each of them has a different personality. Vervet monkeys are widespread through Africa and eat fruit, vegetables, seeds, some insects, popcorn and for a special treat, jam or peanut butter. They, like the gorillas, have a strong sense of hierarchy and when they come in each night to sleep, they are called in a specific order, higher ranking monkeys first and lower rankings last! They are incredibly unique and each of them have their own personality. They love to keep busy so the keepers use this in their enrichment program. The pinecones filled with treats are a great example of this, as it takes time to pick out the food. The keepers also hide the treats around the enclosure and at irregular times so it is much more like what it would be like in the wild.

I had a wonderful time at the zoo and it was a privilege to learn about the animals and the Enrichment Program.

I would definitely recommend going along and taking part in it as it is an essential part of an animal’s life and a great cause to support.

Written by Scarlet Cunningham Year 7

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1. Myth: I can’t be a foster parent because I would get too attached. It would be too hard to see them leave.

Reality: If you think you might get “too attached,” then you could be a perfect fit for foster care. Getting too attached is one of the greatest gifts you could give a child in foster care. It will be painful when children leave, but it’s important to remember that it is about the child, not the foster carer, and the difference you can make in the lives of these children is something you will both always remember. Some of our carers continue to visit their foster children long after they go into other placements or are reunited with birth family.

Nine Myths about Foster Care

2. Myth: I could never be a foster parent because I’m not

married and don’t make a lot of money. I don’t even own my own home.

Reality: All you need to be a successful foster carer is resilience, a sense of humour, and a safe home where a child can be comfortable and feel loved. You can be married or single, a homeowner or a renter. The only financial requirement is that you have enough of an income to support yourself and your family aside from 7. Myth: The birth parents are not involved at all. the money you are reimbursed to care for a child living in Reality: In certain instances, the birth parents need foster care. some time to arrive at a place where they can look after 3. Myth: I have to commit to long-term care. their children, something many of them are desperate Reality: Foster carers are needed in long term, to do. In these cases, it’s important to consider what will short term, respite and emergency cases, which are be the best outcome for the children, and sometimes it sometimes only for one night. You specify which one is for them to return to their birth family’s care. MacKillop works for you, and you are never obligated to say yes to carers work with the care team and the birth parents in a placement. these cases to reach the best possible outcome for the child, like in the heart-warming story later in this article.

4. Myth: I can’t foster if I have a full-time job outside of the home.

8. Myth: Foster children have been abused beyond repair.

I wouldn’t really be making a difference anyway.

Reality: You can work full-time and still foster! If the child requires day care, however, you may be Reality: Children are amazingly resilient. Foster parents responsible for covering that expense. can make the difference by providing a structured, nurturing environment. We need to remember that these 5. Myth: My children are grown and out of the house. I’m children will grow up to be adults in our society. How we too old to be a foster parent. respond to their needs now will largely determine what Reality: There is no age requirement (other than you kind of citizens they will be in the future. must be at least 20). Many “empty nesters” find foster parenting to be a rewarding experience.

6. Myth: I have no control over which children I’m asked to foster.

Reality: You can’t choose the specific children you foster, but you can specify the age and gender that would fit best. The greatest need is currently for carers of children and young people between the ages of 11 and 16, sibling groups and teen mums.

9. Myth: Once I take in a child, I’m on my own without any help.

Reality: Children need stability and MacKillop staff offer foster parents plenty of support to maintain an even keel. For starters, before you even take in your first child, the agency staff works with you to better understand what it means to be a foster carer. We will provide you with thorough training and information to prepare you. And if you care for a child full-time, there is

respite care for those times when you need a break One of MacKillop’s wonderful foster care couples recently had the opportunity to change the course of a young family’s life when they accepted a newborn baby boy into their care.

The birth parents had legally given their child up for adoption, but the story was much more than it first appeared.

The parents were very young, and they had gone to the hospital when the mother was experiencing severe pains, unaware that they were pregnant and their lives were about to change forever. They had only hours to accept that their son was being born, and they were worried about how their extended families would react. They didn’t know how they could cope, and so made the snap decision to give their baby son up for adoption.

The baby was placed with two of MacKillop’s foster carers, who also provide care for a three and a ten-yearold and have children of their own. In the first week, the birth parents continued to visit their baby, and the carers supported the parents during their visits—showing them how to bathe, hold and care for their son. The birth parents were clearly very taken with their little boy, and they continued to make regular visits to see him.

After just one week, the birth parents made the big decision to take on the role as full-time parents, reversing their decision to give their son up for adoption.

The birth parents found they had significant support from their families in helping care for their new child, and a week later, the birth parents were overjoyed to bring their little baby home for the first time.

The MacKillop foster carers continue to be a wonderful source of support in helping to develop the new parents’ confidence. They have given the parents a cot and other baby items to help them with the set-up and have even offered to babysit during the transition into parenthood for the young couple.

MacKillop Senior Case Manager Marita Delic said this is the first time MacKillop has heard of a newborn returning to live with his or her birth parents permanently after having been given up for adoption.

“Everyone at MacKillop has been elated that there has been such a positive outcome for this little baby and truly heartened by the amazing efforts of our foster carers,” said Marita.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, please visit mackillop.org.au

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K R WO

E C N E I R E P EX Helps you choose the rig

h t a p r e e ht car

High School is the first step to earning your complete education and getting the job of your dreams. But when you have no idea what that dream job is, it makes choosing subjects and electives difficult. As a kid you knew what you wanted. “Mum, I’m gonna be a firefighter!” and “Dad, I’m gonna be a doctor!” and there was the occasional kid who said “Hey guys! I’m gonna be a mermaid!”

But in high school you get to a point where you really do need to make a decision. In year 10 most schools offer work experience and it is something students should seriously consider.

A career is still a fair way away but that doesn’t mean you can’t test the water now. Think of it as an elimination game. You should have some idea by now of a career that sounds interesting. For example, you find animals cute and would love to work with them. All you need to do is head to a local vet or animal shelter, either personally talk or call them and enquire about doing some work there. It’s a fantastic way to involve yourself in that area of work and if you end up not enjoying your time there, you’ve just crossed that career off your list.

I recently completed work experience at The Voice Newspaper in Ocean Grove and it was the perfect way for me to really make contact with what responsibilities are involved with Journalism.

Since I did work experience I am now going to be a regular contributor to Kids Voice magazine and Voice on Pako.

If you really put in effort and time to your work experience, great things can come from it such as future employment, placement after university and just the general knowledge about that business and what goes on inside it.

But if your work experience doesn’t go to plan, that’s ok too! You now know that’s definitely something you don’t want to do and you can look to the next career or hobby you enjoy. If you found out you were allergic to dogs at the animal shelter then maybe look at something closely related, like medical work.

For you to be really prepared for the job you want, it’s good to have had a little involvement in it from a younger age. Work experience is a great pathway to your dream job as well. If you have shown that you have a real interest in this career, you will be taken more seriously when it’s time to apply for these kinds of positions. It helps you in both the long and short term.

Being made to choose the course which will then turn into a career at the age of 18 is a crazy decision and it seems crazy that were told making the decision to get a tattoo at 18 is something we will regret. But the chance to make sure we won’t be disappointed about that decision is to choose to gain experience first and then go for it.

If you choose the perfect career for yourself, you will never work another day in your life.

Caitlin Ramsay - Year 10

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Why values matter when raising a child with learning disabilities Values are what we truly feel are most important, essential or valuable to our lives as parents. Our values originate from whatever we perceive to be missing our lives. So if we perceive that we are missing relationships, money, or influence, we will seek, desire and value a partner, cash and social networks. Our perceived voids therefore determine our values.

Since we have more than one void and corresponding value, we actually have a series of voids and values ranging from the most important to the least important.

Our values can occur in any of the seven primary areas of life – Spiritual, Mental, Vocational, Financial, Familial, Social and Physical and they can be concentrated in one or few areas or dispersed through all seven unevenly.

Every perception, decision and action we make is determined by our hierarchy of values. Every decision is based upon what we feel is going to provide us with the most advantage over disadvantage and most reward over risk to our highest values. The more parents understand their own and their children’s hierarchy of values the more they can communicate, educate and empower themselves and their children.

Every family member has a unique hierarchy of values and no two family members have the same set of values.

Whenever either or both parents project their highest values onto their children there will be both benefits and drawbacks. The benefits can initially give them outer direction and can sometimes save them from learning the hard way. The drawbacks can cloud the child’s individual mission. Children spontaneously love learning what is truly highest on their own hierarchy of values, what is most important to them, but not necessarily those values projected by their parents or teachers.

When parents identify, respect and communicate whatever they feel is wise for their children to learn in terms of the child’s highest values, children expand their learning horizons and incorporate these new values and interests. When parents autocratically project their values and learning content onto their children without knowing or honouring their childrens’ highest values, the children can resist.

Many learning difficulties are simply due to parents or teachers not honouring what is truly most important to the child and not communicating information in terms of the

child’s highest values or inspirations.

The child’s identity revolves around their highest value – their purpose. It is what they spontaneously love to learn and fulfill. Children naturally express genius in their highest value and suppress any genius in their lowest.

Many learning abilities are only in certain areas. These same children excel in other areas that are aligned congruently with their highest values. Children could be labeled Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at their school while enduring a class they are not inspired by or engaged in, while at home they could stay focused for six hours straight on their video games and demonstrate Attention Surplus Order (ASO). Before projecting labels, it is wise to first discover children’s highest values.

Authorities projecting labels sometimes undermine the very genius they are claiming to breed.

Dr John Demartini Human Behavior Specialist, Educator, Business Consultant and Internationally Published Author www.DrDemartini.com

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De-mystifying Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition that can affect the normal development of the hip joint in babies and young children. The hip joint is usually known as “a ball and socket” joint. It involves the pelvic bone (acetabulum) as the “socket” and the top of the leg bone (femur) as the “ball”. As the child grows and starts to take weight through their hips through crawling and walking, the hip socket begins to deepen and the ball has increased contact with the socket providing a more stable joint. As bones are still made up of cartilage in babies and younger children it can be easier for the ball to fall out of a shallow socket causing decreased contact which can be known as subluxation or dislocation. Constant repetition of this can lead to different growth patterns of the bones of the hip joint and can lead to hip pain, a waddling walking pattern, weaker leg muscles and early development of osteoarthritis later in life.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip usually affects 1-4 babies in 1000 births and is more frequent in females due to the presence of female hormones oestrogen and relaxin, which allow for ligament laxity during the childbirth process. It is often seen more in first pregnancies, twin and breech births and can affect the left hip more often, due to the space and position of the baby in the womb. It could also be inherited if a parent or an older sibling had issues with their hips at a young age. Often children could present with other bony issues in their legs and feet such as talipes (in-turned and downwards foot deformity) and

knee dislocations if they do present with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Your child may often be checked at different ages by your GP or maternal child health nurse to ensure their hips are in an adequate position. Children are more likely to be monitored closely if they have a history of plagiocephaly (skull flattening) or torticollis (neck tightness). Signs that are looked for in assessments that could indicate developmental dysplasia of the hip are stiffness of the hip, uneven positioning of the hips at rest, one leg appearing shorter, uneven thigh and buttock creases and a “clicky” hip. If the child is under six months of age a hip ultrasound is normally used to diagnose and if a child is older then six months old, an x-ray is used instead.

If you are at all concerned about the development of your child’s hip, in particular if you feel or hear a “click” or feel there is a difference in movement or appearance between sides it is important to bring it up with your maternal child health nurse appointments or make an appointment with your GP. Treatment in the majority of cases usually involves some type of brace that aids to keep the legs apart, increasing the pressure of the ball against the socket to assist in deepening the socket to allow the hip to become more stable as the child grows. Surgery is usually used as a last option and often depends more on the severity of the problem and the age of the child.

Children may need to wear the brace for up to twelve weeks, which can be a challenging time for parents managing the child through normal activities of the day i.e. carrying, bathing, playing and sleeping. If your child is diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip, it is important to remember that you should discuss all your concerns and questions with appropriate medical staff, who will be able to assist you with tips and strategies on how to manage a child in a brace. At times your child may be referred to a paediatric physiotherapist prior to or after the brace is taken off, to assist with regaining muscle strength and ensuring that your child continues to progress and reach their gross motor milestones such as rolling, sitting independently, crawling and walking.

Treatment intervention for developmental dysplasia of the hip usually does not interfere with children’s continual physical growth and skill acquisition, with the majority of children continuing to develop typically.

With five centres around the Bellarine Peninsula, Bellarine Community Health (www.bch.org.au) provides health services to families across the region.

The Child Health and Development Team offers a family-centred service focusing on the well being of children aged 0-12 years. The team includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, physiotherapy and dentistry.

They can be contacted through BCH Intake Telephone: 5258 0812 or Email: intake@bch.org.au

JUNE 2015 - PAGE 11

Kids Helpline MEANS YOU’RE NOT ALONE

“I was self-harming and suicidal. Then I called Kids Helpline. They were always supportive and helped me to get through. Today I can smile simply because I’m alive and I made it. Don’t lose hope. It gets better.” 15 year old girl

Not every young person has somewhere to turn when life gets tough. For those who don’t, there’s Kids Helpline.

Who’s there to help?

Counsellors come to KHL with minimum of an undergraduate degree (social work, counselling, psychology) and at least one year of counselling experience. They then undergo further specialised training at KHL. This ensures that each young person who contacts KHL receives the very best of care.

Every 90 seconds a young person contacts Kids Helpline (KHL) – Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24 hour counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by phone, email and real time web.

“Seeking support can be daunting for young people.

Making that decision is one hurdle down and it’s that little bit easier to address the others.” Counsellor What are the top reasons kids contact Kids Helpline?

Top 5 KHL Counselling Concerns 2014

Last year, the service responded to 213,666 contacts over phone, web and email and had 648,343 unique visitors to the website.

1. Mental health 2. Family relationships 3. Emotional wellbeing 4. Suicide-related 5. Dating and partner relationships

In its 24 years, KHL has connected with over eight million children and young people.

1800 55 1800 24/7 Free call Web counselling: www.kidshelp.com.au 12pm to 10pm Mon to Fri 10am to 10pm Sat & Sun

How can KHL help?

No question or problem is too big or too small for KHL.

In 2014, one in four contacts from children and young people were about mental health.

• More than half (52%) of contacts with mental health as a concern asked for support or strategies to manage an established disorder • More than a third (36%) presented with symptoms of an undiagnosed mental health condition

• 6% were concerned about another person’s mental KHL responds to more than 4,000 contacts each week health. about issues ranging from relationship breakdowns and Emergency help for children and young people bullying, to sexual abuse, homelessness, suicidal thoughts, There has been a 121% increase in Duty of Care and drug and alcohol use. interventions since 2012, where KHL contacted emergency Counsellors work with young people to develop strategies and other agencies to protect children and young people. and skills that enable them to more effectively manage More than 1,600 Duty of Care actions were initiated in their own lives. They can chat about anything, including: 2014. Of these, 37% were about child abuse and 36% • Relationships with mum or dad, boyfriend or girlfriend related to a suicide attempt.

• A friend who needs help How else does KHL help?

• School worries The KHL website www.kidshelp.com.au offers a range of • Feelings of sadness, anger or confusion. resources for self-directed help-seeking by children, young Young people with severe, complex and long standing people and adults. issues are able to access regular or ongoing support.

• Hot Topics for kids, teens and grownups aim to provide This usually includes ongoing contact with one or two key information and strategies about topical issues affecting counsellors, who become familiar with their concerns. The children and young people. young person may also be offered external face-to-face • Search for a Service enables website users to look for support and joint or wrap-around case management. services dedicated to specific issues via the KHL referral database.

Supported by Optus, KHL also delivers an early intervention and prevention Kids Helpline @ School program in primary schools.

KHL recognises that ‘kids are not just small adults’ and advocates on behalf of children and young people to policy and decision makers.

Recent advocacy included input into the National Children’s Commissioner’s inquiry into international selfharm and suicidal behaviour in children, and the Australian Government’s mental health and online safety policy reviews.

What’s Kids Helpline @ School?

The Optus sponsored ‘Kids Helpline @ School’ is a national early intervention and prevention program for primary school aged students. Schools can invite Kids Helpline counsellors into their classroom via video link or phone.

The program aims to increase the mental health literacy, digital citizenship and help seeking behaviour of Kids Helpline @ School launch children. Education at Fairhills Prim ary School sessions generate discussion and provide tips and information about the core issues worrying primary school aged young people. Session topics include: bullying, family relationships, staying safe online, friendship and transition to high school.

To find out more about Kids Helpline @ School or to book a session, teachers or school counsellors can go to www.kidshelp.com.au or email: school@kidshelp.com. au or phone 07 3867 1284.

How’s KHL funded?

KHL is a service of BoysTown and is 70% funded by the community through BoysTown Art Union ticket sales, donations and corporate support. Governments fund 30%.

To support KHL please visit www.kidshelp.com.au/ donate or the ‘Support Us’ option at the KHL website. #KHLnotalone 1800 55 1800 24/7 Free call www.kidshelp.com.au

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TORQUAY KINDERGARTEN

Torquay Kindergarten is part of the Torquay Children’s Services Hub. It uses three full time Kindergarten rooms, catering for 150 four year olds. There are six groups, each named after Australian Animals. We offer 15 hours of education, with each child able to access two six hour sessions and one three-hour session. Each group offers a slightly different combination of days and session times to provide flexibility and choice for families.

engagement for children’s learning and teaching within the centre environment. The staff believe that children’s emergent learning and developmental outcomes should foster children to have a strong identity, be connected with and contribute to their world, have a strong sense of wellbeing, be confident and involved learners, effective communicators and to foster the practice principles in all aspects of the program.

The Surf Coast Shire employs three full time Teachers, a part time Teacher who runs the Bush Kinder Program, four Co-Educators and a Resource Officer at the Kindergarten.

All children are able to experience Bush Kinder. They attend a Bush setting each week in their three-hour session. Nature/Bush/Forest/Beach Kindergartens are popping up all over the world. The movement is based on the results of research into children’s sedentary lives and their effect on social, physical and mental health.

Torquay Kindergarten believes that early childhood is a time to foster children’s learning through acknowledging each individual’s characteristics of belonging, being and becoming in a play based and reflective environment.

Educators believe that strong collaborative relationships between children, families, professionals and the community empowers children to construct and further develop their own identity, voice and understanding of the world.

We believe that a holistic approach of implementing reflective practices is crucial to the responsive

A ‘Nature Kindergarten’ provides young children with large blocks of time in natural outdoor settings where they can independently play, explore and experience materials and natural ecosystems. Engaged outside in all types of weather, children and educators investigate natural phenomena and learn about the place in which they live.

Children enjoy ‘climbing trees, looking at the frog pond, making cubby houses, going on bush walks, collecting

LS SCHOO US IN FOC

pine cones and leaves, looking at insects, finding tree blood and watching a spider eating a fly’.

Torquay Kindergarten is also participating in an Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program trial to test the effectiveness of providing preschool children with early exposure to a language other than English through online learning programmes. The children are learning Indonesian and they are enjoying exploring this language through apps on iPads.

Olivia loves ‘learning the new songs’ and Dayne enjoys ‘learning lots of new words’. Zac likes ‘all the games’ and Lexi enjoys ‘playing in the beach with the fishes’.

For more information contact: Charlotte Baldock Team Leader-Kindergarten Cluster Torquay Kindergarten: 27 Grossmans Road, Torquay Ph 5261 2526 Cluster Management, Surf Coast Shire: 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay Ph 5261 0600

JUNE 2015 - PAGE 13

OF

TALK TOWN THE

TORQUAY Located an easy 20km drive from Geelong and Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre and renowned for its beautiful beaches Torquay’s natural beauty has always attracted visitors and it was a popular picnic spot as far back as the 1860s. Torquay was officially named in 1892 and the town was made famous in the 1970s and 80s as the home of the some of the world’s most iconic surf brands; Rip Curl and Quicksilver. Now grown into a bustling town of over 10,000 it hasn’t forgotten it’s roots and surfing culture and a love of sun, sea and sand is intrinsic to Torquay’s makeup.

There are a number of gorgeous parks and playgrounds around Torquay. If you head along The Esplanade you’ll find several playgrounds with stunning views of the ocean.

Most include good shade and barbeques so they’re the perfect place to relax while the kids tire themselves out playing in the sea air. Set right on the beach the Torquay Foreshore Play Park is a particular favourite as it includes the elephant walk and the liberty swing, a specially designed swing for wheelchair users. From the parks it’s just a short hop to Gilbert Street, which is the main shopping precinct. Here you can find a range of boutiques, cafes and restaurants as well as the two supermarkets.

sports at a competitive level. The academy gives those students the opportunity to experience professional training and preparation that can take their sporting talent to the next level. Most of the local primary schools offer beach swimming programs, which ensure that the children learn all they need to be beach-wise and safe while swimming in the ocean. The Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club was founded in 1945 and has an excellent Nippers program as well as running lifesaving training courses for teens and adults. The Torquay Tigers Football and Netball Club competes in the Bellarine League and the cricket club fields eight junior teams and four senior teams in the Geelong Cricket Association. Local golfers are lucky enough to have two courses to choose from, including an 18-hole championship course designed by Stuart Appleby.

It’s not all about sports though, there’s also a vibrant arts community fostered by some great local arts events like the Surf Coast Arts Trail, which allows artists to connect with the community and promote their work. The Cowrie Market and the Nightjar festival feature amazing local musicians and interesting artisan stalls. The Torquay Theatre Troupe puts on several productions each year, which always sell out. The Danawa Community Garden is set next to the tennis courts by the football oval and Families have access to a number of excellent local schools: Torquay P-6 College, St Therese Catholic Primary since its inception has grown into an important community venue. For special occasions they light up the oven to School, Bellbrae Primary School and Freshwater Creek make incredible wood-fired pizzas. The Connecting to Steiner School, which means there’s an educational environment to suit every student. For older children there Country and Sun Bear festivals, hosted by the community garden are wonderful events that brought together a broad is the brand new Surf Coast Secondary College which spectrum of the community. opened in 2014 with state of the art facilities and local bus services also run to the various Geelong secondary Torquay is a fairly young town in terms of population, schools. nearly half of all households in the town have children under 16 so there is a focus on providing support and Sport and an active lifestyle are a big part of the Torquay facilities for young families. The Children’s Hub, operated culture. Surf Coast Secondary College has started a by the Surf Coast Shire, provides a variety of programs Sports Academy for students who are participating in

including: a kindergarten program, occasional childcare, toy library, maternal and child health service, family day care, play groups, Midwifery Group Practice, and a threeyear-old activity program.

Spring Creek Community House at 14 Price Street, Torquay offers an extensive activity programme and support and referral services. For children there is the Morning Activity Program for parents and preschoolers.

The program is art, music and movement based and allows parents and children to meet and interact in a fun, casual environment. There is also the Young Wolves, a free tutoring service offered by the house to assist grade 5 and 6 students with Maths and English. The free school holiday movie program for kids and teens is also quickly gaining popularity. For anyone wanting to retrain for a new career or thinking of re-entering the workforce there are nationally accredited certificate and diploma courses which qualify participants for a range of careers, including aged care, youth work, medical administration and childcare.

The evening activity programme promotes a healthy worklife balance by offering a range of short courses, exercise classes and wellbeing classes like yoga, meditation and mindfulness. The Community House’s aim is to provide a community hub that fosters a sense of unity across the broadening demographics of the town and encourage and assist people to stay connected and active within the community.

Torquay combines the best of an easy-going coastal town with convenient access to the city, it’s no wonder that Torquay is amongst the fastest growing areas in Victoria.

Palila Opit Publications Officer Spring Creek Community House 14 Price Street, Torquay 5261 2583

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JUNE 2015 - PAGE 15

What’s Happening at Mt Duneed Primary School Mt Duneed Regional Primary was a sea of blue on April 30 as students and teachers showed support for the ‘Go Blue for Autism’ campaign raising awareness of Autism and essential funds for education and therapy for people living with the disorder.

and acceptance of people with Autism.

Coinciding with Autism Awareness Month, Integration Support staff, Junior School Council and teacher Sonja Ballard organised ‘Go Blue for Autism Day’ to enable the entire school community to gain a better understanding of the condition.

“In simple terms, people with ASD have brains that are wired differently to others,” Ms Craig said.

Classroom activities discussed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and encouraged students to embrace diversity. The various grades also contributed to colourful murals depicting the theme, ‘We may all be different fish, but in this school we swim together.’

Integration aide Melissa Craig explained that while most people are familiar with the term ‘Autism’, many have limited knowledge of how it affects people’s personality, communication, social skills and emotions.

“We hope that by providing some facts about Autism that we can encourage acceptance and inclusion of these individuals who have feelings, needs and interests like anyone else.”

According to the official ‘Go Blue for Autism’ website (www.goblueforautism.com.au), ASD now affects more people than cerebral palsy, diabetes, deafness, blindness and Leukaemia put together.

All proceeds from the dress-up day were donated to An information session for parents and friends of the Amaze - a Victorian not-for-profit organisation that school was also arranged to promote understanding supports those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Mt Duneed Regional Primary’s students aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty, so they jumped at the chance to plant flowers to give as Mother’s Day presents and raise funds for new computers.

With generous support from Bunnings Torquay, the school’s pupils got busy filling pots with soil and pansy seedlings back in March to ensure they were sprouting bright petals by May 10 to surprise their mums and grandmothers.

Principal Julie Makin explained that the plant potting was an extension of the school’s popular gardening program that has also received assistance from Bunnings Torquay.

“We have lots of keen gardeners who enjoy watering and nurturing our vegetable patch

– it’s also a great opportunity for the kids to learn about where food comes from and encouraging healthy eating,” she said.

Bunnings Torquay Activities Organiser Debbie Jenkins said she has been delighted by the students’ passion for gardening and sustainability.

“It was a real treat to see the kids’ pride in being able to grow something from seedling which they could take home to give as special Mother’s Day gifts.”

The plants were carefully wrapped and decorated by the school children to be sold for $2.50 each. All proceeds from the Mother’s Day plant sale will go towards the purchase computer equipment for students to learn valuable IT skills.

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JUNE 2015 - PAGE 17

IDAHOT DAY

Following the successful raising of the Rainbow Flag on IDAHOT Day at Geelong City Hall on 12 May, Kids Voice met up with Mykayla Carr and Cameron Hampson who were speakers at the event.

KV: Thanks for meeting up with Kids Voice to discuss issues surrounding GLBT young people. There are so many labels that are placed on GLBT people and I was wondering how you identify.

CH: I identify as queer.

KV: It’s interesting how different words are used and how they change with the times.

MC: I’m pansexual and I go through the stages of using different terms, generally I just say I’m gay. It’s just easier to say I’m gay.

KV: Do you find it hard that people don’t understand the different words or that they say you must be gay, not something else.

MC: Yes, it’s so hard.

CH: It’s easier to just work with people and meet them halfway.

KV: I assume this is tough sometimes, having to meet people halfway and to not just be who you are. How old were you when you came out?

CH: I came out in various stages. I first told someone when I was about sixteen and my parents at probably seventeen and my wider family when I was about nineteen.

KV: What was the reception to this?

CH: Pretty positive, I haven’t had any negative experiences in coming out, so I’m one of the lucky ones.

KV: Were you aware that you were queer from a young age?

CH: No, I wasn’t really aware of it until I was around fourteen. Some people say they were around eight years old and knew immediately. I was a bit slow on the uptake (laughs).

KV: How about you Mykayla?

MC: I was about thirteen but I knew since I was about five or six that I was attracted to girls, but I really like guys as well. I thought, wow, I’m bi-sexual. People told me I couldn’t be both and that I had to either be lesbian or straight or that I’m just going through a stage because I go to a girls school.

KV: Do you find that your lesbian friends get annoyed that you may like a boy as well?

MC: For me sexuality is like this little weaving state, which constantly changes and I tell them you do what you do and I will do my thing.

KV: Cameron, you mentioned that the reactions of your parents and family was pretty positive, how about that of your friends?

CH: I think for me I was reasonably flamboyant so they were not surprised, but mostly positive I suppose. I had a good group of friends who supported me and shielded me away from the more negative peer pressure.

MC: My friends, when I came out to them, told me it was just a school thing but I told them it wasn’t. My more supportive friends told me I was great and then carried on with normal conversation.

KV: Have your schools supported you?

CH: My school wasn’t homophobic, but it wasn’t talked about except for maybe one documentary about gay people during sex-ed class and that was the total of the exposure we got at school. My school probably wasn’t supportive.

KV: Was it an all boys school?

CH: No, it was co-ed.

MC: My school is an all-girls school. The school displays an image of being supportive but individual girls are very

scared. They’re scared you might do something and it’s not like you will. We just celebrated IDAHOT Day and it was a raging success. Everyone was signing pledges saying they wouldn’t use homophobic language and/or they wouldn’t judge people on who they are. It was really good but . . . it’s one of those iffy things that you can’t fix straight away.

KV: Do you feel that you are discriminated against when you are out in public?

MC: I know a lot of gay people who have been holding hands and have had beer cans thrown at them or people have shouted at them from the other side of the street. It’s disgusting, those are just people walking down the street with someone they love.

KV: Cameron, do you find you get hassled at uni or is it more liberal there?

people, but now that they know I am queer, they are much more likely to stand up and be supportive.

MC: My family try to be supportive...

CH: ...but you’re young, they’ll get there. My family started off by asking me if I’d watched Brokeback Mountain...

We then went on to discuss family issues and support off the record...

KV: Do you think they were wary because they were trying to protect you from the negative stuff that you have to deal with as a gay person? Or do you think it was a case of “that’s outside our boundaries and we just can’t cope with it”?

MC: I think it’s a mixture of both. When talking about partners it was always that you’d have a husband and a CH: I wouldn’t say I’ve been hassled at uni. I’ve been wife (although you technically can’t yet in Australia) was more hassled by people yelling slurs at me in the street, never an option. In cartoons you’d always see the two but I suppose that just happens. Uni is pretty liberal. parents were always a man and a woman, I never thought MC: Lots of girls, when they found out I’m gay, have asked of the possibility of being gay. me to leave the dressing room. I’m a decent human being, Below is an extract from Cameron Hampson’s speech at I understand they may feel vulnerable but I’m not going to GASP IDAHOT Day which conveys a powerful message: do anything. Stop kidding yourselves, I don’t even find you “…I’m incredibly proud to… celebrate the raising of the attractive!

Rainbow and Transgender flags here in the City of Greater We went on to talk about how straight males often seem to Geelong.” feel threatened and Cameron came up with the comment “… It is important to remember that this week’s that he had read somewhere that straight men are afraid celebrations are not just in Australia. We stand together that gay men will treat them the way that straight men treat today for those internationally who cannot do so women. themselves, due to fear, discrimination and criminality.

KV: What can Geelong do more to help young LGBT I’d like to thank all of you on behalf of the GASP youth people? You have the Gasp program and IDAHOT Day group for being role models and trailblazers. It is incredibly celebrations, what else can be put out there to raise moving to see so many supportive people here today. awareness?

I know that for many of us who struggled and continue CH: That’s a really difficult question, because if there was to struggle with our sexuality or gender identity that this an obvious solution it would happen. I suppose it just has support is beyond what we ever thought possible. to happen gradually. What is great is that the local council For many of us growing up as lesbian, gay, bisexual, has already shown support of same sex marriage and transgender, queer or anywhere out of the norms of equality for LGBT etc people. It often happens the opposite sexuality and gender identity, acceptance can be a way where the population changes their opinions and challenge. Many of us have experienced bullying as a politicians take a long time to catch up, but having that sort result of our gender or sexual orientation and we are all too of trailblazing helps. familiar with homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

MC: It’s not going to be an easy fix, but I wish there Many of us here know people who have been kicked out of was action taken by the public to prevent hate crime, for their homes, been forced to leave school, been physically example if you were being picked on or people were being or verbally abused and even lost their lives as a result of rude to you in general, people would stand up for you, but being different. it doesn’t always happen with homophobia.

It is for this reason that being here today is so important.

CH: As an individual, it would be great to have visible We are all here to see this change. straight allies and I have a lot of friends who happily We strive for a day in which young people like us no longer support LGBT people. But, if people saw someone being feel alone in a crowded room. Where we are allowed to harassed on the street for being gay or whatever, as a be who we are without fear and are loved as much as we general crowd you need to take action to let that person deserve. know it’s not ok.

We strive for a day in which we can walk down the street KV: Do you notice many people taking action? holding hands with our partner, regardless of their gender.

CH: I think it’s a diffusion of responsibility. Everyone thinks Live and work as who we are and as equals in society. that someone else will deal with it.

This day may not be today (or tomorrow) but it is MC: I feel that anyone who is a bystander is also an something we can achieve. Progress happens slowly every offender. If you’re letting this happen and putting someone day, and all of us here can be proud in saying that we are a at risk, you’re part of the problem. A lot of bad things part of that in our own small way. wouldn’t happen if those bystanders decided to do With patience and determination we can make change something about it. happen.

KV: Do you find there are certain age groups that give Finally, on behalf of myself and the other members of the more support or are more vocal to LGBT issues/people?

GASP youth group I’d like to thank Jan Farrell and the MC: I’m young and courageous and will stand up for what other members of the city council for their support today.

I believe, but it does vary. I feel that people in their 30’s Without it none of this would have happened. aren’t that supportive, youth are generally supportive. Of course, there’s always exceptions to this, but I find there is And of course an even bigger thankyou goes out to the GASP team: Suzanne, Jami, Emma & Tracy. They continue less and less support as the age gets older. to make an immeasurable difference to the lives of LGBT CH: I think it also depends on whether those people youth within Geelong and the surrounding area. They are know someone who is LGBT and then how quickly their incredible role models, do indispensable work and are a opinion can change. Once they can put a face to the issue, huge positive force for change in the community. I know they seem to change. My family didn’t really discuss gay without GASP I would not be the person I am today.”

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JUNE 2015 - PAGE 19

St John’s Lutheran School and Kindergarten’s

Annual Mother’s Day Fete

St John’s Lutheran School and Kindergarten once again held their annual Mother’s Day Fete on Saturday 9th May. The rain held off until after the Fete which allowed all the wonderful activities planned for the Fete to proceed unaffected.

Mayor Darryn Lyons officially declared the Fete open and the fun began. There were lots of musical items from St John’s School Choir, singing students, Oxygen Music Students, GSODA, and the Karen Feldman Dancers.

Soul Sister Swing entertained the crowds throughout the

afternoon. The Petting Zoo was a big hit with the younger children.

The classrooms were full with an abundance of cakes at the cake stall, Mother’s Day hampers and fresh fruit and vegetable produce. Pre loved clothing and book stalls were popular too. The children were entertained on the variety of rides. The giant slide, bungee bounce, chair-oplane and teacup ride were busy occupying the children all day. The children also tried their hand at rock climbing on the rock climbing wall.

The silent auction was well attended with local businesses donating some great items. The food court was full of yummy food which was kept busy by the hungry masses.

St John’s Fete is co-ordinated every year by an amazing group of parents. The fete would not be the success it is without the hard work put in by many people. A big thank you to everyone who attended and supported the fete and also to the businesses who support the fete with donations.

PAGE 20 - JUNE 2015

Jack wasn’t the only one who could beat giants!

Meet Ashlie Aparicio – 157cm tall and weighing in at 47 kilos. She started skating at 3 years of age, a little old according to her dad, Raul, who now says he has had several one-year-old skaters and quite a few 2-year-old regular hockey players. Her humble beginnings on plastic strap-on roller skates 18 years ago started her on an exciting inline roller hockey career that would see her travel Australia and the world to take on some of the best male and female players anywhere.

Adept on all types of skates, be they inline, roller or ice, Ashlie now plays inline hockey, or coaches, or manages skating sessions at Rollerway’s skate centre in Newtown, seven days per week. It comes in handy being a third generation skater but all that is forgotten when she jumps on the rink to take on men twice her size who have had just as much experience. Her friends and coaches say she is fearless, despite her diminutive frame, but it seems that hard work and bruiser are all part of any elite sport’s persons repertoire.

“For me inline hockey is so much more than just a game but having played against bigger people all my life I don’t think my size should be seen as anything special. It’s what I do and I try not to hide behind excuses for not been able to stay up there with the big guys.”

Modesty made it difficult for her to list her achievements but after some cajoling she told us that in 2008 she played on the Australian Junior Women’s inline hockey team at the AAU Junior Olympics in Philadelphia USA. “Although we didn’t do very well against the top US and Canadian teams we had so much fun and it was great as a 14-year-old to meet such wonderful people overseas” she said.

Five years later she would return to the US as Captain of the Australian Junior Women’s team but this time managed to walk away with a Bronze Medal in their Division at the World Championships at Anaheim in California. The same year she also played on the Australian Senior Women’s Inline Hockey Team at the Anaheim Duck Pond (you know, the home rink of the NHL Ducks who are currently vying for a chance to play in the Stanley Cup).

When asked about her recent experiences, she mentioned in passing that at last year’s Australian Championships, which were held at the Arena in North Geelong, she was both the Captain of the Victorian Senior Women’s Team, and the Alternate Captain of the Regional Victorian under 21’s team which was otherwise an all-male team. But most rewarding of all she said, “…was being the State Coach for the Victorian under-11’s and watching those little kids playing their hearts out and having the time of their lives.” She also said, “Now I am seeing so many great little boys and girls coming up through the ranks, especially here in Geelong where we seem to have the biggest development program in the country, despite our otherwise limited population.”

In her professional role as operations and session manger at Rollerway Skate Centre she helps run birthday party and group activities, teach kids how to skate, and coordinate all sorts of events, whilst continuing her tertiary studies and keeping up her own hockey training. We should find out what’s in her diet and share it around!

Looking for something fun and different that’s exciting and non-stop for the kids? and a party bag seems like great value.

The deluxe package, for just $3 extra per child adds bottomless drinks, an icy pole, a little gift for all the party children, and includes an ice cream cake, so parents just need to bring the kids and don’t have to worry about anything else.

Looking for something fun and different that’s exciting and non-stop for the kids, and easy to run for mums & dads?

Try a roller skating party at Rollerway Skate Centre in Newtown, five minutes from the Geelong CBD! Great for 5 to 15 year olds. The kids can enjoy the great music and light show, with a nice mix of games to amuse them - and any mums and dads who want to have a skate themselves!

“It was so easy, my husband and I just sat there and had a coffee whilst the kids were out there having a ball” one of the parents was heard to say. “All the kids, even those who had not tried skating before were out there having fun within a few minutes,” said another parent.

Three hours of fun for just $15 each, including entry, hire, party food, drink,

The centre manager, Ashlie Aparicio, said that she grew up skating at the centre and having skating parties there herself, and now enjoys serving over 10,000 party kids every year. “It’s so rewarding seeing young children come in to have a bit of fun and turning them into skaters in almost no time. The positive feedback from the mums & dads is awesome!” The centre has been in Ashlie’s family for over 30 years and still going strong. “We have so many roller skaters and rollerbladers coming back time and again, and it’s great to see how popular skating has remained over the years,” she said.

Rollerway also has a separate indoor skate park at the rear and some kids might also enjoy a scooter or skateboarding party.

So, if you want a fun party for active kids who enjoy great music, and you are after a great value-for-money party that’s easy to run and great for everyone, why not try a roller skating or a rollerblading party at Rollerway in Newtown?

Get more info at www.rollerway.com.au

JUNE 2015 - PAGE 21

Family Ties Learning to Success Reading to our children from an early age is integral to their literacy development and later learning success. Loud and clear – we have all got that message – every well informed parent sits with that pile of board books and turns the pages with their little one following intently. We do it to encourage engagement with text and the knowledge that we are securing their future pathways in language and literacy.

The key to this ritual is parent engagement. It’s the action of sharing this experience with a child, inviting them to be exposed to and soak up knowledge and information that without parent involvement would simply be turning pages and relating to images.

Parents give story books meaning before a child them self can engage in the act of reading.

Albeit, the child independently is developing important pre-reading skills, but add an informed, motivated and nurturing parent, grandparent or early childhood educator and wallah! Through a term known as scaffolding, we see a child reach a level that independently was not viable.

This same notion of parent involvement moves through to all educational platforms. When a parent engages with their child in activities amazing things happen. We see bonding, role modelling of attitudes towards learning and we witness a growth in confidence of the child with the support of a known loving adult present.

In educational settings relationships between educator and parent are invaluable as a strong partnership which leads to more meaningful experiences for the little learner at the centre. Programs gain more of a holistic approach as personal aspects are shared and valued through open communication between adult, child and educator.

When a parent is actively involved in their child’s learning environment there is opportunity to learn from early childhood staff. With a four year teaching degree and practical experience to draw upon, approaches to teaching and concepts of language and literacy can be shared with all involved. This enables parents to enhance their knowledge and further scaffold their child outside of session times. This will ensure that the family’s approach will link with current teaching methods and benefit again as their child enters more formal education.

When it comes time to commence school, parents too will be further equipped in early literacy skills to support their child in the fast pace first year. The knowledge a child brings with them on those very first days can determine their attitude to school, how they measure up in this setting and the level of success as they perceive it. It’s frightening, but true. What parent wouldn’t want their child’s hand to confidentially shoot to the sky and proclaim the first letter sound introduced in front of the class. Not to be the best, not to have the most knowledge, but to simply hold their head high. A confident child with a strong literacy foundation and wonderful attitude toward learning and school.

The years that precede school entry are filled with opportunity for developmental play and are rich in life experiences – invaluable through the eyes of any early childhood educator. Parent involvement and chances to hone in on these years to scaffold skills and knowledge in literacy concepts are abundant. In these pre-school years there’s a possibility to ignite a love for learning and simultaneously blend the act of learning with play. It’s a perfect and meaningful match.

Letter Box Learning offers a unique approach to exploring the concepts of language and literacy. By immersing children in literacy through different senses; sound, tactile touch, rhythm, movement and repetition in a fun, nurturing, play based setting families are able to explore literacy concepts. Specifically the exploration of letter sounds, cued articulation, letter formation and letter recognition.

The team of Early Childhood Professionals at Letter Box Learning work co-operatively as educators, with children and parents to coconstruct literacy concepts. Parent involvement leads to fuller and more effective educational methods. Letter Box Learning sessions provide a time for parents to commit to building their children’s literacy exposure, with the support and guidance of qualified teaching staff.

The learning environment is meticulously planned and developed to provide open learning opportunities as well as fun and engaging explicit teaching. An adorable puppet monster, Coco, memorises children as well as adding depth to letter sounds being explored.

Experiences are implemented for children to engage in with their parent using a range of tactile materials that may include sand, playdough, chalk, seeds, and fabric. The possibilities are endless, as are the learning outcomes, which are certainly not limited to language and literacy curriculum, but rather encompassed by these concepts. Other attributes of this program include name recognition, speaking and pronunciation cues and experience, listening and communication skills, support in following of instructions, sustained concentration and turn taking and cooperation, to name a few.

Photos by Hails and Shine Photography

To find out more and to give your child the opportunity to explore literacy with quality and qualified guidance of teachers Ainsley Corrigan and Schenoa Costa, contact them at Letter Box Learning.

PAGE 22 - JUNE 2015

What an opportunity

It must be every kid’s dream…running onto the ground with your favourite AFL team. We always thought that those kids that run through the banner where related to the players in some way. That was until my son got the opportunity. It does take some luck, which I seem to have on my side. See I am one of those people who win things all the time - nothing significant, but plenty of meat trays, hampers and memorabilia at raffles, lucky door prizes and random draws. It has got a bit out of control lately where people are opting to not buy tickets if I have already bought my tickets as they think they can never win. Of course this further increases my chances!

We were the lucky winners of a competition run by Adventure Park for anyone with a season’s pass. The prize consisted of being the Cat’s mascot, 4 tickets to the game and a Cat’s jumper. How exciting to receive the call to say that Tom was the lucky winner, and even better that he had just had a birthday!

Tom is one of those kids who love their sport. Ever since he was a little tacker, he would watch any sport (including lawn bowls) and often sleep with his footy. So, you can imagine the excitement when he learnt he would be running out at Simmonds Stadium with the Geelong football players before the game. This was much better than a meat tray!

There has been plenty of training: four years of Auskick, into his third year of local club footy with the Collendina Cobras and countless hours of kick to kick in our street. With plenty of passion for all sports, his loyalty to AFL remains pretty strong. His knowledge for statistics on players is almost as good as Bruce McAvaney, and not only includes their average goals, games and touches, but their ages, weights and heights! How cute that he got to spend time with those players including 26 year old Tom Hawkins, the whole 101kg and 197cm of him! Our eleven year old Tom (35kg and 152cm) has a long way to go in growing, but his dreams are already big enough.

Finally the big day arrived. But first for the warm up - playing for Under 12 Collendina Blue against Modewarre, at their beautiful grounds amongst green paddocks and an audience of cows. Then it was a big jump from the farming district and into ‘the city’ to Simmonds Stadium. What an honour to be allowed into the rooms to watch the Cats boys warm up. Those same rooms where Tom’s great grandfather, Vic Gross warmed up back in 1919 to 1922.

It was the sound of the players psyching each other up that impressed Tom the most and of course the sound that erupts when they first run onto the ground. How touching for Joel Selwood to put his arm around Tom’s shoulders as they ran through the banner. Then Tom’s little legs pumped to keep up with the big boys as they did a quick jog to the other side of the ground. He was so thrilled to be around those players who he has worshipped his whole life.

Unfortunately it was not the Cat’s day as they were defeated by North Melbourne. Tom was hoping that he could have stayed on the ground, and kicked a sneaky goal or two, to help them to victory! But nothing could dampen the excitement of the day, and regardless of the result, it was a day to remember.

JUNE 2015 - PAGE 23

NO WINNERS When good parents turn ugly

Where would junior club sport be without mums and dads? Who would ferry children back and forth between sporting fixtures, hand out half time oranges, wash uniforms and make sure players arrive on time wearing both boots? We all know that, if not for mums and dads, we would struggle to find enough club administrators, referees, coaches, scorers and line markers and the spectator stands would be bare. Without a doubt, they are an invaluable resource and an essential part of any sport.

But what about those parents who turn ugly? You know the type. They scream instructions from the sidelines, admonish the referee (who is often barely a teenager), challenge the coach, sometimes storm onto the playing field or even get into a punch-up with an equally passionate opposing team parent. It happens. So what can we do about it? What role do coaches play? How about club administrators? How can parents successfully tread that line between supportive and aggressive?

Tips for mums and dads • Be a good role model. Children watch and learn from you so make sure you set a good example.

• Avoid a ‘win at all costs’ attitude. Although you may think winning is important, the focus for junior sport should be on fun.

• Be aware that your abusive behaviour may be against the law. Ask yourself ‘Would my mother be upset or offended by what I am saying or doing?’ If the answer is

‘yes’ then it’s best to sit down and be quiet.

• Try not to be critical of coaches, referees or umpires.

Many are volunteers who give their time to make sport possible for all our children and some are just learning.

If you have some constructive advice for them leave it until after the game or have a chat with the head coach or referee.

Tips for coaches • If the abuse is directed at you try to stay calm, maintain your professionalism and explain that you will discuss the issue with them during a break or after the match.

Do not accept or ignore abusive, offensive or foul language.

• If an official is the focus of the parent’s abuse, you should try to defuse the situation. Talk calmly to the parent, acknowledge their frustration and emphasise that the call has been made and that the decision must be respected. You can refer to your club’s Code of Behaviour and explain the penalties if the behaviour continues. Make sure you report the incident to the relevant club administrator, preferably in writing.

If the abuse is directed at children or a child playing in your team or on the opposing team: Don’t ignore a parent who verbally abuses their child on the grounds that ’it’s none of my business’.

Speak to the over-enthusiastic parent privately before their behaviour gets out of hand - this will often prevent

the situation escalating.

Highlight the positives and emphasise the need to identify children’s strengths, not their weaknesses. Emphasise that children are there to have fun, develop skills and build their confidence.

Remind the parent about the club’s Codes of Behaviour.

Explain what may happen if the behaviour continues based on your club’s membership rules and policies.

Report the incident to the club’s administrator if the behaviour continues and you foresee a future problem: • Clubs have a legal responsibility to address behaviour that offends community standards or is against the law (e.g. racial vilification, sexual harassment, common assault). If you witness behaviour that you think may be illegal you should report it to the police. Similarly, if a bad situation escalates and becomes dangerous, play should be suspended and the police may be required to intervene.

• You should be familiar with club policy as it relates to abusive or aggressive parents. Know what you can and can’t do. Are you permitted to issue a warning, withdraw the parent’s child from the team, call a ‘time out’ or ask the parent to leave?

Peter Downs Manager - Play by the Rules www.playbytherules.net.au

PAGE 24 - JUNE 2015

MUSIC ARTS

Hi, I’m Natalie! I’m a young photographer living on the Surf Coast. I mainly shoot food and lifestyle, portraits, and travel and landscapes photographs, and use both digital and analogue cameras.

My interest in photography began when I bought my first digital camera at fourteen. From childhood I’ve always loved art and being creative and when I first started taking photographs I felt like I’d found something that I was really passionate about. At first I just took photos of my friends, family, pets and flowers in my garden, and it just grew from there.

Monash Uni. And that was it! I knew this was the course I wanted because it meant I could major in English, media and photography. I worked extremely hard and really pushed myself in my last year, and graduated with an ATAR score that got me an offer into the course. I graduated from university late last year and still feel very lucky to have been able to study all of my passions.

Earlier this year I was asked to be the photographer for a project in Geelong called “STREETFACE 4”. The project featured photographs of fifteen young people with positive stories which were put up as huge posters around Geelong. The project aimed to challenge the negative stereotypes that young people usually face in Geelong. Overall we interviewed over thirty people from a range of different backgrounds who were all incredible people with amazing stories, and it was really difficult to choose a final fifteen!

My interest in photography grew when I took media in year ten. We were lucky enough to have a darkroom and my media teacher gave everyone a film camera to take home to shoot a roll of film on. We then developed the film with his help, and I remember how exciting it was to see my photo appear on the paper. My teacher would If you love photography and are thinking of taking your also talk about his time as a journalist and his passion for photography, and it was around this time that I started hobby further, I would suggest spending time developing to think about photography as a career. your artistic eye and learning about the technical side of things. Also, volunteer and say yes to every photographic By year twelve, I knew I wanted to go to university, but opportunity that comes your way! It’s a good idea to take going to uni in Geelong meant I would have to choose a camera with you everywhere - even if it’s just the one between my love of books and writing and photography, as the degrees at the time wouldn’t allow me to do both. on your phone! Try and look at things in a different way, In my mind, this just wasn’t an option - I couldn’t give up notice things that other people might walk past without a second look - an interesting shadow or a pattern. on either! Towards the end of year twelve, I still hadn’t Practice is important too! Grab your camera manual decided what to do. One evening I was flicking through and learn a new setting, or go on youtube and watch a a university course guide when I came across a double tutorial. This applies to both your camera and any editing degree - Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Visual Arts at programs you might have at home or at school. It might

JUNE 2015 - PAGE 25

seem daunting to begin with, but breaking things down into smaller steps is a great way to teach yourself. You can also explore different types of photography and include it in interests you already have - if you like art, try light painting, if you play sport, grab your mates and take some photos of you kicking the footy, if you love animals, take photos of your pets! The possibilities are endless and you can be as creative as you want.

Your time at school is also a great time to get involved in photography. Does your school have a yearbook? If it does, ask if you can be involved with taking photos for it.

I was one of the photographers for my school yearbook during my final years at high school. You could also ask to take photos of your school sports team at one of their games, and at any sports or music events. These are great opportunities to practice with your camera and get your name out there.

If you want to be a photographer, you have to work hard at it, and you have to want it! A lot of photographers run their own businesses and work freelance, which means they may not have regular hours or a regular income, at least in the beginning. This seems scary, but if you want it, you’ll do anything to make it happen - most artists work more than one job when they’re starting out because their goal is to have a career in an area they love. Running your own business also means it’s important to have an understanding of the business and accounting side of things too. Photographers can also get jobs at places such as newspapers, magazines and studios.

PAGE 26 - JUNE 2015

Bellarine Kids

FAMILY FUN & MARKET

Bellarine Kids are holding their fourth Family Fun and Market Day at the Bellarine Indoor Aquatic and Sports Centre, Shell Road, Ocean Grove, on Sunday June 28th.

The Bellarine Kids Family Fun and Market will be a celebration of Bellarine’s child friendly services and businesses, with a day of great activities planned for the whole family to enjoy.

Showcasing many of the best the Bellarine has to offer for children and families, the day will be filled with free children’s activities, demonstrations and stalls. The entry cost is $4 per child and includes face painting, jumping castles, craft, bike demonstrations, giant games, music, dance, hand drumming and sport sessions. As well as activities from within exhibitors stall spaces and

information from health and well being professionals, support services and businesses, and a lovely range of items and services to purchase.

Every family that visits also goes in the draw to win a ‘Day out with Thomas’ ticket!

The event is guaranteed to be a fun, educational and exciting day! The event will interest anyone with children who would like to find anything and everything local for their kids to explore.

Event oganiser Stacey O’Keefe said families coming along to the BK Fun Day will be treated to having many of Bellarine’s best children’s services and activities in the one place. “The BK Fun Day will be a great day of entertainment for children and will also help link parents in with services and businesses which are in the community,” said O’Keefe.

“There’s so much out there that parents may not know about. The BK Fun Day and Market will expose them to many of the wonderful child orientated opportunities on the Bellarine, from chiropractic care to family fitness, sport, drumming, dance and music sessions, services and programs including school holiday programs, daycare, family services, as well as information from local

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to the website since it launched, meaning it was something that was much needed in the community. We are also preparing to launch Great Ocean Road Kids” said O’Keefe.

“The BK Family Fun Day is an extension of the connections which are already happening online at the Bellarine Kids website, it will showcase the businesses and services affiliated with both Greater Geelong and Bellarine Kids. People are excited to be able to see in person all the great things that are happening for kids and families within the Bellarine region.” www.bellarinekids.com.au www.greatergeelongkids.com.au www.greatoceanroadkids.com.au

interested in the power of a fictional story to interest children in science and nature,” she said.

Emma’s book, ‘The Vanishing Frogs Of Cascade Creek’ is a fictional chapter book starring a ten-year-old girl, Ruthie, who helps her wildlife scientist parents to investigate why the waterfall frogs of northern Australia have suddenly disappeared.

Lyndon Schneiders, Wilderness Society National Director, said literature has a role in shaping future generations.

Dr Berger is now based in Queensland, but continues her research work on the deadly chytrid fungus.

Past winners include such well-known authors as Tim

Bellarine Kids and Greater Geelong Kids are an online resource, linking child friendly services to families in the Bellarine and the Geelong region. Bellarine Kids and Greater Geelong Kids started in 2011, and is proving the go to place to find out what’s happening and what’s available in the community.

Winton, Colin Thiele, Paul Jennings, Jeannie Baker and Graeme Base.

Emma first moved to Geelong over fifteen years ago to work in her “dream” job, as communications officer with CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory. It was here that she met Dr Lee Berger, an unassuming scientist who quietly completed her PhD, and along the way discovered the cause of the global decline of amphibians.

A kid’s ebook by Geelong first-time author Emma J. Homes has been shortlisted for the Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature.

community groups including The Ocean Grove Scout Group, Toy Library and Playgroup….” said O’Keefe.

“Lee was great in helping me get the facts about frogs and the fungus right, and she didn’t mind that I completely made up a story about a young girl and her family investigating a frog die-off,” said Emma.

“I’ve always wanted to write for children, and was

“We recognise that the future protection of nature and our wild places rests in the hands of our children. Awards like the Environmental Award for Children’s play an important role in raising awareness of the issues our world faces,” he said.

‘The Vanishing Frogs Of Cascade Creek’ and the next in the series, ‘Saving Wombats’ were published last year.

Since then Emma has published a fantasy story also for children aged 8 – 12, and is researching the third in the ‘Ruthie’s wildlife’ series.

The books are available in ebook format only, and can be found via www.amazon.com/author/emmajhomes They are priced at around $4.

The winners of the Environment Award for Children’s Literature will be announced in July.

For more information see www.eacl.org.au

JUNE 2015 - PAGE 27

SLIME SNOW

CRAFTS COOKING

DOMINO COOKIES

METHOD

1. Mix butter and sugar with mixer.

Gradually add the egg to the mixture. Then add other ingredients to mixture. Be sure to sift flour and hand mix if the mixture is to thick for beaters.

METHOD

WHAT YOU NEED

1. Combine glue, glitter and peppermint (optional) in to a bowl.

2 CUPS OF PVA GLUE

2. Combine borax and warm water in a seperate bowl.

IRIDESCENT GLITTER

3. Combine both bowls of mixture together. Mix the ingredients with your hands for a few minutes until the ingredients forms the right consistancy of slime!

1 1/3 CUPS VERY WARM WATER

1 1/2 CUPS WATER 3/4 TEASPOONS OF BORAX OPTIONAL: A FEW DROPS OF PEPPERMINT EXTRACT TO GIVE THE SNOW SLIME A FRESH SCENT

2. Roll the dough between two sheets of baking paper about 5mm thick.

Without unwrapping it, put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 180 ° C and take the dough out of the refrigerator.

4. Cut it using a square cookie cutter then half each square with a knife to make rectangle shapes.

5. Transfer cookies onto tray covered with baking paper.

6. With the back of a knife or toothpick, make an indent in the middle of each cookie. With chocolate chips form the numbers of the dominoes.

7. Cook for approximately 12 minutes.

8. Once cooked, allow to completely cool on tray.

9. Melt dark chocolate and coat bottom of cookies for extra goodness.

Once chocolate is set enjoy a wintery afternoon with a game of dominoes and a nice hot chocolate.

INGREDIENTS 90G SOFT BUTTER 1/2 CUP BROWN SUGAR 1 LARGE EGG 1/4 CUP DESICCATED COCONUT 1/4 CUP WHEAT GERM 3/4 CUP WHOLEMEAL FLOUR 1/3 CUP SELF-RISING FLOUR CHOCOLATE CHIPS TO FORM DOMINO NUMBERS 150G DARK CHOCOLATE

*PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN USING SHARP OR HOT OBJECTS. ACCORDING TO kidsafevic.com.au “THE HOME IS THE MOST COMMON LOCATION FOR CHILDHOOD INJURY. THEREFORE IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE MAKE OUR HOMES AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.”

PAGE 28 - JUNE 2015

1

CLEMENTINE ROSE AND THE MOVIE MAGIC 9 Jacqueline Harvey - Randomhouse

It’s lights, camera, action at Penberthy House! Clementine Rose is going to be on the big screen! Her neighbour, Basil Hobbs, is making a documentary about Penberthy House and has given her a starring role. Clementine can’t wait to uncover the magic of motion picture.

And when a surprise present comes her way, Clemmie’s interest in filmmaking grows. While Aunt Violet is thrilled at the prospect of fame and fortune, Lady Clarissa has other things on her mind. There have been some troubling incidents of late, leaving the hotel guests very annoyed. Can Clementine Rose use her new skills to expose the truth and restore the reputation of Penberthy House?

2

1

2

SAMURAI VS NINJA 2: THE RACE FOR THE SHOGUN’S TREASURE Nick Falk - Randomhouse

When the Great Bear is stolen from Edo Castle, the samurai and the ninja face battle once again! The shogun has promised that whoever finds his most prized possession will be named ruler of the Hidden Valley. The race is on and the samurai and ninja will do anything to find it first! Nab your nunchucks and shine your shuriken - another great Samurai vs Ninja battle is about to begin!

3

THE PAUSE

John Larkin - Randomhouse

Declan seems to have it all: a family that loves him, friends he’s known for years, a beautiful girlfriend he would go to the ends of the earth for. But there’s something in Declan’s past that just won’t go away, that pokes and scratches at his thoughts when he’s at his most vulnerable. Declan feels as if nothing will take away that pain that he has buried deep inside for so long. So he makes the only decision he thinks he has left: the decision to end it all. Or does he? As the train approaches and Declan teeters at the edge of the platform, two versions of his life are revealed. In one, Declan watches as his body is destroyed and the lives of those who loved him unravel. In the other, Declan pauses before he jumps. And this makes all the difference.

4

DOWN OUTBACK ROADS Alissa Callen - Randomhouse

Down Outback Roads is an enthralling rural love story, about family, community and allowing yourself a second chance. Kree Garrett’s younger brother Seth is all the family she has left, so when he goes missing while working in the Australian outback, she races from America to join in the search. To everyone’s relief, Seth is rescued by local volunteers and Kree finds, in an abandoned historic Cobb & Co Coach House, the opportunity to thank the community she’s fallen in love with. But it isn’t only the town she’s fallen for. Ewan Mackenzie has given up everything for his brother’s family, but he can never give enough to assuage his guilt at what happened one dark night, years ago . . . Ewan knows he doesn’t deserve happiness, however with Kree he finds it hard to keep his distance.

3

4

JUNE 2015 - PAGE 29

5

5

6

SKWOOSHI Irwin Toy

Great for sensory play, Skwooshi is a new gluten free clay/dough that doesn’t contain any wheat that is like stretchable dough, but it never dries out which means you can use it over and over again. You can mould it into whatever shape you like and it will retain its shape.

You can stretch it and pull it, mould different shapes, make bricks, rainbows, multi-coloured bricks and more. It doesn’t leave a mess on carpet, clothing or hands and is suitable for age 3+

PROVIDED BY

6

DINO MEAL

Crown & Andrews and Goliath Games

Get the eggs before the Dino gets you! This hungry Dino has an eggstraordinary appetite. Roll the die to choose which stolen dinosaur egg to rescue first. Then carefully reach in and take out the egg, but watch out! You never know when this intimidating Dino might leap out at you for his next Dino Meal. Win the game by getting the eggs before the Dino gets you. Suitable for ages 4 and up with 2-4 players.

7 8

MOVIE REVIEWS 7 MINIONS

In cinemas: Thursday 18th June

Evolving from single-celled yellow organisms at the dawn of time, Minions live to serve, but find themselves working for a continual series of unsuccessful masters, from T. Rex to Napoleon. Without a master to grovel for, the Minions fall into a deep depression. But one minion, Kevin, has a plan; accompanied by his pals Stuart and Bob, Kevin sets forth to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. Their search leads them to Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first-ever supervillainess.

8

JURASSIC WORLD In cinemas: Thursday 11th June

The story unfolds 22 years after the events of “Jurassic Park,” in a fully functional resort on Isla Nublar that sees more than 20,000 visitors a day. Guests arrive by boat from Costa Rica, and the new park includes a biological preserve, a safari, a zoo, and a theme park type setting. The island also contains a luxury resort with hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and golf. And, of course, unprecedented upclose access to real, living dinosaurs - the full execution of John Hammond’s dream. But humanity’s continuing efforts to dominate nature generate unexpected, and dangerous, results.

PAGE 30 - JUNE 2015

Queenscliffe Bricks

This year’s ‘Queenscliffe Bricks’ event, organised by the Rotary Club of Queenscliffe, will be held at the Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June. Attracting some 3,000 people to the two-day event, Queenscliffe Bricks’ LEGO displays will be complemented by a LEGO free play area, a retail zone and chances to win boxes of LEGO. The President of the Rotary Club of Queenscliffe, Kevin Carey, is excited about this year’s event “as well as new exhibits, for the first time a LEGO building competition will be held. Organised by Ocean

Grove SuperToys/Dizzy Toys, the children’s creations to be built at the free play area will be photographed and go on display at their Ocean Grove shop for two weeks with prizes to be awarded.” ‘Queenscliffe Bricks’ has been so popular that many of the viewing sessions have been booked out in advance. Accordingly visitors are encouraged to book online prior to the event.

For more information and bookings, go to www.queensclifferotary.org.au Prices: Adults $10, children 5-14 $6 and under 5 years free.

Food and Fun! The Central Geelong Kids Fun Guide lists free activities happening in Central Geelong during each school holidays. There are special discounts and offers from Central Geelong businesses, including discount meals at eateries and special offers to attractions like the National Wool Museum and The Carousel.

Win a family pass to see the gruffalo’s child CDP presents Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of The Gruffalo’s Child. Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler and published

by Macmillan Children’s Books. Returning to the National Theatre from 14-19 July, the team behind The Gruffalo return with more songs, laughs & scary fun for children aged 4+ and their adults.

To win a family pass (4 tickets) to see The Gruffalo’s Child email editor@kidsvoice.com.au and finish this sentence: THE GRUFFALO SAID THAT NO GRUFFALO SHOULD…

The winter Central Geelong Kids Fun Guide theme is Food and Fun. Free activities include; Gingerbread Man story themed activities, edible crafts, kids cooking classes, a live show by The Mik Maks, singing classes, and much more…

If families want to be the first to know about the free activities and special offers, they can register to automatically receive a copy of the Central Geelong Kids Fun Guide prior to each school holidays.

Register at www.centralgeelong.com.au, call 5272 4297 or email centralgeelong@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

JUNE 2015 - PAGE 31

5 June - National Celtic Festival, Portarlington. Australia’s largest and most diverse celebration of Celtic music and culture is held over the June long week-end in beautiful Portarlington, on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria. From Friday night to Monday afternoon, festival-goers can enjoy Celtic music of the highest quality, from traditional to contemporary styles and everything in between. Enjoy music in large concert venues, wine bars and intimate acoustic venues. So whether you want to sit back with a glass of wine or dance to energetic Celtic Rock, there is something for everyone.

If dancing is your passion, you will love what is on offer. Experienced tutors from across the nation will get your feet moving in the various Celtic styles - Irish, Welsh, Cornich, Breton, Scottish... and then bring your skills to the Ceili and dance to the best Ceili band in Australia! If you want to play an instrument, listen to poetry, read dramatic verse, sing or simply just join in and see where it takes you, check out the range of workshops on offer for adults and kids.

Road, Breakwater. Have a fun day out at the races in aid of local charity Kids Plus Foundation. Your tickets includes a two course lunch with drinks and an afternoon of excitement and entertainment, including fashion show, beer tastings, pamper corner, neck and shoulder massages, magic show, raffle and auctions as well as horse races.

12 - 4.30pm. Costs 12 June - South Youth Drop In, Youth Space- Grovedale Neighbourhood Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. A ‘drop-in’ for 12-19 year olds. All free, plenty of activities and fun including fuseball, table tennis and video games. 3.30 - 5.30pm. Free

12 June - Street Requiem - Geelong, Geelong Grammar School, “SPACE” Biddlecombe Avenue, Geelong Grammar School, Corio. Street Requiem : For those who have died on the street. Street Requiem is a new choral work that aims to bring a sense of peace, remembrance and hope to many communities struggling to come to terms with street violence and a loss of safety on our streets. Conducted

by Dr Jonathon Welch AM & Dr Kathleen 5 June - South Youth Drop In, Youth Space- McGuire, Geelong Grammar School is proud Grovedale Neighbourhood Centre, 45 to present Street Requiem, in conjunction Heyers Road, Grovedale. A ‘drop-in’ for 12- with members of THECHO!R, local school 19 year olds. All free, plenty of activities and and community choirs, featuring the Street fun including fuseball, table tennis and video Requiem String Quartet. 7pm Costs games. 3.30 - 5.30pm. Free 13 June - Crafty Kids: Pre-School Art 6 June - Crafty Kids: Pre-School Art Classes, National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool St, Geelong. Got a preschooler who enjoys messy play? At a loose end on a Saturday morning? Come on down to the National Wool Museum for our art classes for kids up to 5 years old. Our friendly and fun Saturday morning art and craft classes are led by our qualified art teacher and we’ll even clear up after you! Bookings are not required, however, class size is limited to 12 children.

You are welcome to attend every class or pick-and-choose sessions to participate in.

Children will need to be accompanied by their parent/guardian for the duration of the art class. 10 - 11am. Costs

Classes, National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool St, Geelong. Got a preschooler who enjoys messy play? At a loose end on a Saturday morning? Come on down to the National Wool Museum for our art classes for kids up to 5 years old. Our friendly and fun Saturday morning art and craft classes are led by our qualified art teacher and we’ll even clear up after you! Bookings are not required, however, class size is limited to 12 children. You are welcome to attend every class or pick-and-choose sessions to participate in. Children will need to be accompanied by their parent/guardian for the duration of the art class. 10 - 11am.

Costs

10 - 27 June - Early Learning Program: Where is the green sheep? National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool St, Geelong.

Join the flock and help us find our missing sheep as we go on an adventure through Mem Fox and Judy Horacek’s Where is the Green Sheep? We’ll play with and build simple machines, share songs and stories, and discover new places and spaces.

Where is that green sheep? This program has been designed to be both educational and fun, and can be modified to suit the ages of the children. Every weekday from 11am - 12midday. Costs

14 June - Point Lonsdale Primary School Market, Point Lonsdale Primary School, Point Lonsdale. The Point Lonsdale Primary School Market is held on the second Sunday every month, Easter Saturday and the first Saturday in December. 9am - 2pm. Free

12 June - Kid Plus Race Day, Geelong Racing Club, Silks Room, 99 Breakwater

game use, including mental health links, inappropriate content and identifying links to gambling. 96% of young people play video games and many of them provide great benefits and opportunities.

But there is also a dark side to video games. 10% of gamers play excessively, the gambling industry has moved into the video game space, many popular games feature inappropriate content and virtual competitive environments often trash talk and cyber-bullying. Whilst engaging hundreds of gamers into safe and social youth development groups, Manningham YMCA turns their attention to parents and professionals. The widening gap between young people and adults in the video game space can lead to unsafe practices and concerning behaviours. Manningham YMCA developed an interactive online platform providing education and advocacy about video games and young people. www. videogames.org.au is a resource website for parents and professionals about the impact of video games on children and young people.

It features safe game suggestions, parenting advice, helpful resources and the latest research. At the completion of this workshop, participants will be resourced with an assessment tool for identifying video game addiction or excessive video game playing. Participants can be expected to increase their knowledge on: Co-morbidity of excessive video game playing with mental health issues; Prevalence of gambling in video games targeting children and young people; Benefits and opportunities of using video games in youth empowerment and education; Practical parenting tips to manage children’s video game playing behaviour. Session times: Professionals and teachers: 1 - 4pm; Parents: 6 - 8pm. Costs 19 June - South Youth Drop In, Youth Space- Grovedale Neighbourhood Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. A ‘drop-in’ for 12-19 year olds. All free, plenty of activities and fun including fuseball, table tennis and video games. 3.30 - 5.30pm. Free

20 June - Crafty Kids: Pre-School Art Classes, National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool St, Geelong. Got a preschooler who enjoys messy play? At a loose end on a Saturday morning? Come on down to the 18 June - Impact of Video Gaming Seminar/ National Wool Museum for our art classes for kids up to 5 years old. Our friendly and Workshop, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Little Malop St Geelong. The Impact fun Saturday morning art and craft classes are led by our qualified art teacher and of Video Games workshop is targeted we’ll even clear up after you! Bookings are to youth practitioners, teachers, social not required, however, class size is limited workers, health promotion professionals, to 12 children. You are welcome to attend school nurses, parents and gambling every class or pick-and-choose sessions support services. It will build the capacity of professionals working with young people to participate in. Children will need to be accompanied by their parent/guardian for to better deal with issues related to video the duration of the art class. 10 - 11am.

Costs 21 June - Queenscliffe Bricks, Bowen Road, Point Lonsdale. Queenscliffe Bricks is a display of Lego models provided by the Melbourne Lego User Group and organised by the Rotary Club of Queenscliffe. 2015 is the fourth year of the event and will feature all new exhibits in the Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall and in the main school precinct, Lego free-play areas and a retail zone. Costs 26 June - South Youth Drop In, Youth Space- Grovedale Neighbourhood Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. A ‘drop-in’ for 12-19 year olds. All free, plenty of activities and fun including fuseball, table tennis and video games. 3.30 - 5.30pm. Free 26 June - Little Rockers Red Nose Disco, various locations. Child Care Centres across Australia will be rocking this Red Nose Day with the inaugural Little Rockers Red Nose Disco. A first of its kind, this fundraising event encourages Child Care Centres across the country to not only put on their dancing shoes, but their red noses as well and host your own discos event within your centre on Red Nose Day. The event will run from 10 - 11am with Little Rockers Radio providing your child care centre with a fun filled hour of children’s dance music for your little red nosed rockers to dance their hearts out in support of Red Nose Day. Make your event a fundraiser by asking Mum or Dad to make a gold coin donation in support of the day.

28 June - Bellarine Kids Expo, Bellarine Indoor Aquatic and Sports Centre, Shell Road, Ocean Grove. Showcasing many of the best the Bellarine has to offer for children and families, the day will be filled with free children’s activities, demonstrations and stalls. The entry cost is $4 per child and includes face painting, jumping castles, craft, bike demonstrations, giant games, music, dance, hand drumming and sport sessions. As well as activities from within exhibitors stall spaces and information from health and well-being professionals, support services and businesses, and a lovely range of items and services to purchase. Every family that visits also goes in the draw to win a ‘Day out with Thomas’ ticket!

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