Kids Voice September 2015

F R E E SEP TEMBER 2 01 5

I NTER N A T I O N A L D A Y OF P EA C E A R E Y O U R K I D S C H E M IC AL FREE?

S C HOOL HO LI D AY ACT I VIT IES B U L L Y ING I N O UR SCHO O LS

YO U R F R E E PARENTING MA GA ZINE FO R THE GEELONG REGION

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- SEPTEMBER 2015

L A D O Y H i School Fun

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WELCOME

COOL FACTS 4 KIDS

BUSINESS MANAGER

1. Melbourne was home to Batman? Melbourne used to be called Batmania, after one of its founders, John Batman.

Michele Mitten EDITORIAL The A Team

2. Australia is the only continent without an active volcano.

ADVERTISING Lucinda Roberts 0497 704 084 lucinda@kidsvoice.com.au

3. Gay and Lesbian radio.

Melbourne started the worlds first gay and lesbian ratio station. It started in 1993 and is called Joy Radio.

GRAPHICS & LAYOUT ARTIST

4. Criminals as police? Australia’s first ever police force was made from the twelve best behaved convicts.

Elise Blach STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Alan Barber COVER MODEL Scarlett Taylor PO BOX 54, OCEAN GROVE VICTORIA, 3226 PHONE: 03 5255 3233 FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com /KidsVoiceGeelong 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.

Minions playing footy - Linc McCall

5. Hollywood. A number of popular Hollywood stars are Australian. They include, but are not limited to, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Errol Flynn, Paul Hogan, Mel Gibson, Hugh Jackman, Heath Ledger, Geoffrey Rush and Eric Bana.

Many Hollywood movies were filmed in Australia, including the Matrix trilogy, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine just to name a few.

6. Russel Crowe. He is not Australian by birth, he was born in New Zealand. He moved to Australia with his parents when he was 4 years old.

SUBMIT YOUR PICS HERE... design@kidsvoice.com.au

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CONTENTS

TH I S I S SU E ’ S

15 Are your kids chemical free?

24 Crafts & Cooking

18 Bullying in schools

25 Reviews

19 Mindfulness in school

26 What’s On

12 Drysdale Primary School’s Book Week

20 SEDA: Hands on education

...AND MUCH MORE

13 Bellarine Secondary College - GARS

22 Music & Arts

9

Why we need to talk about bees

C O VER G I RL. . .

NAME & AGE:

Scarlett Cunningham, age 12

FAVOURITE FOOD? Rice paper rolls

FAVOURITE MOVIE? Hunger Games

FAVOURITE THING TO DO? Climb trees

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International Day of Peace

In today’s world, peace needs to become more than just a word...

PEACE BREATHING

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982 and was set up as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire along with peace-building activities to be celebrated around the world. On Peace Day each year, young people in countries all over the world take a minute of silence at midday to support the United Nations in its mission of world peace. Will your school participate? Simple actions to build peace are ringing a bell, lighting a candle, singing a peace song or having a group meditation. Activities that could be organised include organising a Peace Walk, planting a tree, planting a Peace Pole, volunteering for a litter pick up or other service project such as a visit to a hospital or nursing home. Of course the first steps could be as easy as saying hello to someone you don’t know and making a new friend or as complex as requesting a school conflict resolution program at school.

The Pinwheels for Peace Project In today’s world, peace needs to become more than just a word. Why not take part in an International art and literacy project, Pinwheels for Peace, by “planting” pinwheels with messages of peace at your school or playgroup. A pinwheel is a childhood symbol – it reminds us of a time when things were simple, joyful, peaceful.

A pinwheel is easily made using just about any type of material, from copy paper, to thin plastic, to lightweight metal. The stick of the pinwheel can be as simple as a pencil or as intricate as a carved stick or metal rod.

Pinwheels can be made as small as 2cm in diameter or as large as desired – limited only by the creator’s materials and motivation. Pinwheels can be minimal or very complex – imagination, creativity (and a mild breeze) are the only variables needed.

Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two Art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, of Coconut Creek, Florida, as a way for students to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their lives. In the first year, groups in over 1,325 locations throughout the world were spinning pinwheels on 21 September - there were approximately 500,000 pinwheels spinning throughout the world. Last year (year 10), 2014, over 4.5 million pinwheels were spinning in over 3,500 locations, including the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

This project is non-political – peace doesn’t necessarily have to be associated with the conflict of war, it can be related to violence/intolerance in our daily lives, to peace of mind. To each of us, peace can take on a different meaning, but, in the end, it all comes down to a simple definition: “a state of calm and serenity, with no anxiety, the absence of violence, freedom from conflict or disagreement among people or groups of people.”

You could create pinwheels of all shapes and sizes and write your thoughts about war and peace / tolerance/ living in harmony with others on one side. On the other side, you could draw, paint, collage, etc. to visually express your feelings. Then you assemble these pinwheels and on International Day of Peace “plant” your pinwheels as a public statement and art exhibit/ installation.

If your school, playgroup, or other group are taking part, let Kids Voice know by sending an email to editor@kidsvoice.com.au

Peace Breathing is the ability to calm yourself, improve concentration and think clearly. It all starts with breathing.

Inhale the world, exhale peace. We are always breathing!

But is your breathing shallow, or deep? Create good breathing habits by breathing deeply every day. Anyone can do Peace Breathing. Give it a try.

1. Sit up and begin to notice your breathing. For less distraction, you can close your eyes.

2. Place one hand on your stomach and inhale slowly and quietly through your nose, feeling your stomach move out (this is not a big motion). Pause for a moment.

3. Exhale slowly and quietly through your nose, feeling your stomach move in (this is not a big motion).

Repeat for 3 breaths.

4. Rest both hands on your lap. Inhale slowly and quietly the same way as before, thinking “world.” Pause for a moment.

5. Exhale slowly and quietly the same as before, thinking “peace.” Repeat “World Peace” Breathing for seven breaths or more.

6. Once you are accustomed to Peace Breathing, start from step 4. Make a goal to do at least seven breaths a day.

Practice Peace Breathing regularly to: • Improve your ability to concentrate and think clearly • Calm yourself before a test or presentation • Reduce arguments and negative reactions • Develop good breathing habits for increased energy and better health • Gain a larger perspective by thinking of peace for the world Next Step… Peace Breathe on the move! With your eyes open, try World Peace Breathing when you’re at home, on the street, in the halls, waiting in line, riding the bus, playing sports, etc. With Peace Breathing On the Move you can defuse stressful situations before they escalate.

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Protect your Pelvic Floor Many of us have heard the term pelvic floor before but few of us really know where it is and how important it is to our sexual and urological health. I have met numerous patients who have experienced a level of pelvic floor dysfunction and many people endure this condition for many years. It has become so commonplace to them that they do not realise that there are effective treatment options available so that they do not have to put up with the embarrassing and/or painful symptoms any longer. It is astounding when you realise how many of us experience the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Urinary incontinence is a sign of pelvic floor weakness and affects up to 13 per cent of men and up to 37 per cent of women in Australia.

What Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles that supports the pelvic organs and spans the bottom of the pelvis. The pelvic organs are the bladder and bowel in men, and bladder, bowel and uterus in women. The pelvic floor muscles stretch from the tailbone (coccyx) to the pubic bone (front to back) and from one sitting bone to the other sitting bone (side to side). These muscles are normally firm and thick. Imagine the pelvic floor muscles as a round mini-trampoline made of firm muscle. Just like a trampoline, the pelvic floor is able to move down and up. The bladder, uterus (for women) and bowel lie on the pelvic floor muscle layer. The pelvic floor muscle layer has holes for passages to pass through. There are two passages in men (the urethra and anus) and three passages in women (the urethra, vagina and anus). The pelvic floor muscles normally wrap quite firmly around these holes to help keep the passages shut except when in use. There is also an extra, circular muscle around the anus (the anal sphincter) and around the urethra (the urethral sphincter).

What do Pelvic Floor Muscles Do? Pelvic floor muscles provide support to the organs that lie on it. The sphincters give us conscious control over the bladder and bowel so that we can control the release of urine, faeces and wind, and allow us to delay emptying until it is convenient. When the pelvic floor muscles are contracted, the internal organs are lifted and the sphincters tighten the openings of the vagina, anus and urethra. Relaxing the pelvic floor allows passage of urine, wind and faeces. Pelvic floor muscles are also important for sexual function in both men and women. In men, it is important for erectile function and ejaculation. In women, voluntary contractions (squeezing) of the pelvic floor contribute to sexual sensation and arousal. The pelvic floor muscles in women also provide support for the baby during pregnancy and assist in the birthing process. The muscles of the pelvic floor work with the abdominal and back muscles to stabilise and support the spine (more on this in the next chapter).

Signs that You May Have a Pelvic Floor Problem Common signs that can indicate a pelvic floor problem include: • Accidentally leaking urine when you exercise, laugh, cough or sneeze • Needing to get to the toilet in a hurry or not making it there in time • Constantly needing to go to the toilet • Finding it difficult to empty your bladder or bowel • Accidentally losing control of your bladder or bowel • Accidentally passing wind • A prolapse – in women, this may be felt as a bulge in the vagina or a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, pulling, dragging or dropping. In men this may be felt as a bulge in the rectum or a feeling of needing to use their bowels but not actually needing to go • Pain in your pelvic area • Painful sex.

What Can Cause Pelvic Floor Problems?

Pelvic floor problems can occur when the pelvic floor muscles are stretched, weakened or too tight. Some people have weak pelvic floor muscles from an early age, while others notice problems after certain life stages such as pregnancy, childbirth or menopause. On the other hand, some people have pelvic floor muscles that are too tight and cannot relax. This can be made worse by doing squeezing exercises and overworking the muscles without learning how to relax. Pelvic floor muscle fitness is affected by a number of things, including: • Not keeping your pelvic floor active • Being pregnant and having babies

• A history of back pain • Ongoing constipation and straining to empty the bowels • Carrying too much weight for your frame • Heavy lifting • A chronic cough or sneeze, including those who have asthma, those who smoke or suffer from hay fever • Previous injury to the pelvic region (e.g. a fall or surgery) • Hormone changes in menopause • General ageing process What Can You Do to Protect Your Pelvic Floor?

The following principles will help prevent damage to your pelvic floor: Avoid heavy lifting This can create pressure on the pelvic floor and ultimately lead to prolapse. Men and women in certain professions – such as nursing or courier services, for example – are at particular risk. People performing heavy weight training at a gym can also be at risk of straining the pelvic floor. Whenever you are lifting something heavy, maintain good posture, bend from the knees and not from the hips, and exhale when you lift rather than hold your breath. When exercising adopt supported positions – sitting on a fit ball, lying on a bench, or resting against a wall will help to protect your pelvic floor from overstraining. Try keeping your feet closer together with certain exercises such as squats as this will help to activate your pelvic floor more easily. Avoid exercising when you are tired and try to break between sets for a few minutes to give your pelvic floor a rest.

If you have pelvic floor problems, you must keep your resistance to a minimum until your pelvic floor muscle condition has improved. Avoid lifting weights from ground level if possible; instead, aim to lift from waist height.

Avoid high impact exercises. This includes running, basketball, netball and aerobics classes. If you enjoy participating in these types of sports try to mix them up with other types of pelvic-floor safe exercises such as swimming, walking, cycling, yoga and Pilates so that you are not putting strain on the pelvic floor all the time.

Be careful with pregnancy. Pelvic floor weakness can begin in pregnancy due to the effects of certain hormones released in pregnancy that loosen ligaments as well as the extra weight that is gained. A prolonged or difficult labour, a large baby, and an instrumental delivery (forceps or vacuum extraction) can further weaken the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor damage can be accelerated, however, if women return to heavy lifting or high impact sport either during pregnancy or too soon after the delivery of their baby. I have even heard it quoted that the pelvic floor remains vulnerable to increased levels of damage up to three months after a woman stops breastfeeding.

The best approach is gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling and gentle stretching.

Deal with chronic coughing. If you have been coughing either consistently or intermittently over the years then this could be gradually weakening your pelvic floor.

Chronic coughing can be caused by asthma, smoking, acid reflux, and other rarer medical conditions. Discuss your chronic cough with your doctor who will be able to help treat the cause.

Avoid constipation. Chronic straining whilst on the toilet can lead to pelvic floor weakness and/or prolapse of the organs into the vagina (for women) or the anus (the rectal lining protrudes from the anus). It is important to address the cause of any constipation and learn correct toilet posture (see point below).

Practise correct toilet posture. When you sit on the toilet have your elbows on knees, lean forward and support your feet with a footstool. This helps to fully relax your pelvic floor and sphincter muscles. Bulge out your tummy, relax your back passage and let go (don’t hold your breath or strain). When you have finished firmly draw up your back passage.

How Can Pelvic Floor Problems Be Diagnosed?

Pelvic floor issues can be diagnosed by a pelvic floor physiotherapist, who may perform an internal examination and/or ultrasound. If your pelvic floor issue is quite severe then you may be referred to a urogynaecologist for further assessment.

Where Can You Go For Further Help?

The best first point of referral for a pelvic floor issue is your local doctor and/or a physiotherapist trained in pelvic floor management. Often pelvic floor issues can be greatly improved by learning how to strengthen your core.

Take Home Points Pelvic floor issues are very common.

• The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles that lie at the base of the pelvis to support the pelvic organs.

• The pelvic floor can be weakened by repeated heavy lifting, high-impact exercises and activities, pregnancy and childbirth, chronic coughing, as well as by the general ageing process.

• When there is weakness of the pelvic floor you can experience problems with urinary and/or faecal incontinence, difficulty going to the toilet, as well as sexual health issues.

• Tightness of the pelvic floor and inability to relax can cause urinary urgency, needing to go to the toilet all the time, as well as painful sex.

• It is important to protect your pelvic floor to prevent further damage.

• A trained pelvic floor physiotherapist can help diagnose the extent of your pelvic floor issues as well as provide exercises to improve your pelvic floor strength.

If you suspect that you may have pelvic floor issues consider seeking further medical advice from your doctor or a physiotherapist trained in pelvic floor management.

Dr Cris Beer is the author of Healthy Habits: 52 ways to better health (Rockpool Publishing $29.99) available at book stores and online at www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au

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Teachers, counselors, parents and specialists then sometimes mislabel these young people as ‘learning disabled’ without understanding the dynamic and taking the time to discover what is truly inspiring to these children, or helping them see the connections between their values and the subject taught in class. The moment the child makes this connection, their focus and attention in this area increases.

Understanding how human behaviour works is key to activating a child’s potential. A human being’s unique hierarchy of values determines what they are inspired by, where they are most masterful, disciplined, ordered and focused. Their highest value is where their genius resides.

Values differ with each person and are as unique as fingerprints. A person’s values determine how they see the world, act upon the world and make decisions in the world.

In order to discover a child’s highest values, all we need to do is observe. Look at what they talk about, what they spend their time doing, where they focus their energy, where they have order and what goals they set themselves.

A Learning Disability can be a Blessing Human behaviourist Dr John Demartini was labeled dyslexic at an early age. He explains why he believes that a learning disability can be a blessing Here’s refreshing news for despairing parents of children who have been labeled as having ADD, ADHD or have been called dyslexic. I have firsthand experience in this regard and relate to the challenges that children face when they have been labeled as ‘learning disabled’. My first grade teacher told my parents I would never read, write or communicate, never amount to anything nor go very far in life.

I left school early as a result, but through life-changing circumstances in my late teens, I conquered the ‘disability’ label and now I communicate for a living. My early learning ‘disability’ was in fact the catalyst for 36-years of in-depth, dedicated research to fully understand human behaviour.

Have you ever wondered how a supposed ADD or ADHD child who enjoys chess or playing video games can sit still, undisturbed, totally immersed and focused for hours?

What I have observed is that where there is Attention Deficit Disorder there is also its opposite, Attention Surplus Order. This means that your child will have an area in his

life that he is totally focused on, where you could say he expresses genius.

We all have varying degrees of attention deficit disorder and attention surplus order that are expressed according to our hierarchy of values. We are focused and disciplined when it comes to those areas of life we are interested in, but when we see no value in something, we lose focus and shut down.

Imagine you are at a dinner party and the people around the table are talking about politics. You have no interest in that area, so you switch off, look bored and stare around the room. Your energy and focus dissipates. However, the minute the conversation turns to a topic that interests you, you immediately become focused, present and participative.

Children in the classroom are no different. When they don’t believe the subject they are learning in class will help them in areas that they see as important, they shut down and lose their focus. When something is low on a child’s values, they need outside motivation to remain focused; without the motivation, they procrastinate, hesitate and become distracted.

Teachers and parents tend to teach children what they think is most important - the art of teaching is also the art of selling. They are not going to ‘sell’ a love of learning unless they honour the child’s individual values. So knowing a child’s values becomes useful in mastering the art of awakening a desire to learn a specific subject.

The trick is to link their highest values, say soccer, to the subjects in the class, making the connection between how understanding a subject like mathematics will improve their game.

I have never met a child or person who didn’t want to learn and grow. It is inherent in the very core of our nature.

Honour every child for who they are as they are. Take the time to look for their unique genius. When you see it, you will be able to help them see it for themselves.

Throughout history there have been many individuals who were labeled as having learning disablilities. They went on to defy the label and excel with extraordinary flair. Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Mozart and Winston Churchill are just a few of the people who transformed their challenges into stepping stones to success.

When you can see the genius, you have the power to awaken it.

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

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Kids’ Ideal Party Themes by the Stars

Ideal themes: Treasure island, nature trails, playing with clay or sand, music and dance.

GEMINI Indulge your little Twin’s mischievous side. Games that involve wits, such as pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs will appeal, but most of all a sense of fun and light-heartedness will suit. Games that encourage interactions will be a hit too, such as two-legged races.

Ideal themes: interactive party games in pairs, and skills such as juggling, circus themes.

CANCER Loving a good story, these toddlers will enjoy a trip to the movies with their friends or a visit with a storyteller.

Base themes around your child’s favourite book to bring the main character alive: for girls, a fairy or angel-themed party; for boys, a magical or pirate theme.

Ideal themes: A storybook character dress-up; a visit from a children’s favourite book author or character.

LEO Little Leos love to shine like stars, so they’ll love a dressup, and themes including favourite movie characters, singers (think Wiggles or Dora) will suit. Leos love drama too, so a visit to a live theatre play or a circus with their friends will be memorable.

Ideal themes: Dress-ups as favourite movie characters or singers. A karaoke or a sing-a-long- for musical toddlers.

Unsure which party theme your youngster will love? If your child is changeable or simply ‘over’ the latest craze, you’ll appreciate astrologer Patsy Bennett’s guide to the perfect party.

ARIES High-energy little Aries will appreciate outdoors activities such as children’s playgrounds or a beach party. And, if the weather is an issue, book a party at an indoor playground with plenty of diverse activities on the menu to keep these active toddlers busy.

Ideal themes: Outdoors activities, such as a beach party; indoor playgrounds with soft landings for active Aries.

TAURUS Activities which engage the senses will appeal to your earthy Taurean. A nature-themed party and keeping hands busy with sand castles or making art will appeal.

A treasure hunt in nature could indulge a taste for the outdoors, or a large playground will suit.

VIRGO Virgos like everything to be just right, and the themed party food and presentation will hold the key to a happy party. Sporty and earthy Virgos love the outdoors, but meticulous little Virgos will prefer a perfect table setting with all the trimmings as the base of operations.

Ideal themes: Games and races in the garden or playground and, for meticulous Virgos, a beautiful table and well-organised fun activities.

LIBRA Little Librans love luxury: large bows, ribbons and balloons all spell party time! Tie party themes to a centrepiece cake and party rewards. A ‘best dressed’ theme, such as a flower or hat theme, and dress-ups to match characters Librans love to love will remind them they’re admired too.

Ideal themes: luxury, ‘best-dressed’, lush colours or materials, ‘candy-stripe’ or ‘polka dot’; characters they admire.

SCORPIO Scorpios enjoy a little drama and theatre, so they’ll love to marvel at life’s wonders. Think: a visit to a wildlife park, or an upbeat theatre play. Dramatic games, such as ‘Cowboys and Indians’ or ‘Cops and Robbers’ will also appeal to their sense of play.

Ideal themes: Role-playing or dramatic themes, such as magic or wildlife theme; a theatre or zoo visit with friends.

SAGITTARIUS An outdoor theme is a must, even if the weather spells indoors. Animal themes, such as ‘the outback’ or ‘owls and pussycats’ will appeal. Ask guests to be prepared for walking and dancing. Competitive games, such as running, egg and spoon races, sack races and musical chairs will suit.

Ideal themes: wildlife, animals, outdoors, picnics, competitive games.

CAPRICORN An earthy atmosphere will appeal, such as a marquee in the garden or flower decorations. Glitz and glamour are a must on the day too, so add sparkles, stars and glitter in silver or gold. Traditional games like pass-the-parcel with a luxurious feel will add to the special occasion.

Ideal themes: A traditional event with family will suit; an earthy theme; an ideal dream, glitz and glamour.

AQUARIUS Bright-spark Aquarians adore funky outfits. Add sizzle by asking parents to dress up too; or hire a professional fairy or clown. Go with the flow a little with Aquarians; let the decorations, fuss and music take them where it will on the day!

Ideal theme: funky outfits; fairies, clowns and decorations that add pizzazz, colour, music, tricks and delights.

PISCES Pisces will adore sea-based themes such as ‘Mermaids’ or ‘Sea creatures’ and fantastical characters like pixies or wizards. A party by the beach or a river would be ideal.

Little Pisces love dreamy decorations, music and light-hearted games such as bobbing for apples and sing-alongs.

Ideal themes: fairies and magic; sea or water-based themes; imaginative play, arts and crafts.

Patsy Bennett is the author of Astrology Secrets of the Moon

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Three Reasons Why We Need to Talk to our Kids about Bees The world is ‘abuzz’ with the plight of bees. From farmers to flower growers, these little creatures are in big demand.

But they are in trouble, and the recent attention of their population decline is for good reason: bees are essential to our world, as we know it.

We need to talk with our children about bees because: 1. Food production relies on bees to spread pollen. This natural pollination is crucial to forests and crops, and two thirds of Australia’s agricultural output is dependent on bees. Their population decline is causing serious problems, and in some countries, such as China, farmers are taking pollination into their own hands, literally, and pollinating crops themselves.

2. As well as producing food, bees are fundamental to food security. Their activity creates biodiversity in food crops as well as native forests, allowing natural ecosystems to adapt and thrive.

3. Some foods rely 100% on bees for survival. Without bees, some of our most popular crops would disappear. Apples, blueberries, onions and pumpkins all need bees to produce food.

So, why is the bee population declining? There is much debate on this topic. Climate change and the use of pesticides are said to be contributors to the problem. And, studies show these small creatures are already too busy to satisfy our demand for food, so bees deserve undivided attention and immediate action.

What action can we take to help our bees? By helping our children understand the critical role bees play in our lives, we can raise awareness of the problem and children can play an active role in helping solve the emergency. We need to engage our children in a positive way, so they feel they can play a role to assist the bees’ plight.

Firstly, we can explain the important role flowers play in attracting bees. The colour of the petals and the pollen on the stamen will fascinate children, and pointing out the different parts of the flower helps them learn something new.

We can show our children budding fruit and vegetables in the veggie patch, and explain how the plants grow food for us to eat. And where there are flowers, there are bees, so they can see first-hand the work that goes on.

Visiting a farmers’ market is another way we can teach

our children about seasonal produce and the different crops that bees help produce. Children will learn direct from the farmers that the freshest produce changes throughout the year, and that bees bring about a large variety of food. And, small-scale farmers are less likely to engage in monoculture production, offering a larger variety of plant species for bees to pollinate.

Visiting your local garden nurseries is a great experience for children and allows them to see and touch the many plant species that rely on bee pollination.

And, if you are a honey connoisseur, you may be able to establish your own hive. Check with local council and consult credible bee keeping associations for more information.

By helping children understand the fundamental role bees play for our food, we assist the survival of these amazing creatures, and that is a sweet thing indeed.

Bianca C. Ross is the author of the children’s book series Herbert Peabody, published by Farinet Pty Ltd. See www.herbertpeabody.com for details.

PAGE 10 - SEPTEMBER 2015

Local school expands to include new teacher training facilities.

From next year, university students will have another option to study primary school teaching in the Geelong region. Christian College is opening the Christian College Institute of Teaching and Learning, a Teaching Centre of Tabor Adelaide. On offer will be a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree and also a Master of Teaching (Primary) program which follows years of preparations, negotiations and submissions to various accreditation bodies. The courses will provide contemporary education theory, research and best practice theory shaped by a Christian Worldview and strong academic standards. The plan is to commence similar degrees with a Secondary focus in 2018. The degrees are fully accredited and recognised.

They have smaller lecture and tutorial class sizes which are held in a supportive learning environment and while there may be teaching from a Christian perspective, the course is non-denominational.

Christian College Institute of Teaching and Learning is operating from tertiary approved facilities on the Reformed Theological College site, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds. Apart from newly refurbished lecture rooms, students will have access to a shared dining hall, common room, library facilities and spacious outdoor areas. There is also the option for on-site accommodation should that be required. Nearby are several Christian College campuses which are well resourced and will provide assistance with specialty staff and support programs. Deakin University, Marcus Oldham College

and the Epworth Training Hospital are also within this education precinct, all of which are easily accessible by the Geelong Ring Road.

Since 2003 Christian College Geelong have been actively involved in supporting the nation of East Timor and has formalised a close relationship with the District of Viqueque. This has proved to be extremely rewarding for both groups. After discussions with the local officials and with the help of a number of work parties, the establishment of a ‘Friendship House’ in the area of Viqueque, proved to be a catalyst for the establishment of ongoing programs with a particular focus on training local teachers, improving educational facilities and delivering a quality curriculum.

As part of the extra curricula program CCITL students have the opportunity to serve the community and enhance their teaching skills through a practical experience program within central Australian Indigenous communities. Year 10 students from Christian College Senior Campus participate in an elective called ‘Our World Central Australia’ and opportunities exist to join with one of these groups to develop a meaningful understanding of what it is to live and work in such communities.

Regular trips are planned each year to both destinations and as a part of the extra curricula program, opportunities exist for Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching

students to be involved in a variety of support and education programs like those noted above.

“Choosing a higher education institution is a critical decision and it is important to consider your life and your career goals as you select the faculty and the course best suited for you. Here at CCITL we challenge students to think critically, excel academically and live ethically. Our core values and commitment to building character spring from a distinctive Christian perspective. As a new institute of higher learning CCITL is unique. We have a small, intimate environment. Low staff-student ratios ensure that you get individual attention and that you will become well acquainted with faculty, staff and your peers” says John Rose PSM, Head of the Christian College Institute of Teaching & Learning.

“Being a Christian institution it is not just about our Christian environment – it is ensuring that our courses are grounded in a Christian worldview. Our aim is not to develop Christian teachers, but to develop teachers who will teach Christianly. We believe Christian College Institute of Teaching and Learning, as a Teaching Centre of Tabor Adelaide, will equip you to successfully meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. This is an exciting time to be part of a new and growing higher education facility in a regional area, and to build relationships with men and women who have a vision for the future.”

Enrolments for the 2016 intake are now available.

SEPTEMBER 2015 - PAGE 11

WIN!!

Geelong City Obstetrics

Geelong’s newest obstetrics and gynaecological practice, Geelong City Obstetrics and Gynaecology, has opened its doors at the St John of God Specialist Centre, opposite St John of God Hospital.

Both a private Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at St John of God Geelong Hospital, Dr Saj Rathnayake says that with his consulting rooms just across the road, he ensures his patients are offered the best possible care along with quick access to the hospital should he be required in the theatre or birthing suite. He also has specialty appointments at Geelong University Hospital as a specialist Obstetrician and a Gynaecologist. “We are a very friendly, welcoming team at Geelong City Obstetrics and Gynaecology including myself, office manager Katrina and receptionist Abbie” says Saj. He has delivered around 4000 babies, since his first delivery back in 2004.

Saj has completed two fellowships – one in Sri Lanka

and the other in Australia – in order to become a gynaecological surgeon and obstetric physician, with a particular interest in obstetrics, including antenatal care, management of labour and birthing, postnatal care and USS. As an Obstetrician Saj believes that pregnancy and labour including birthing of your baby could be a natural process, but at times things would not go as expected and might need interventions. “To me it’s the best career ever” says Saj. “There is nothing like helping a couple to go through their pregnancy and birth.” As a medical professional Saj’s philosophy is to give the maximum possible care with competence and compassion.

In addition to his practice, Saj holds an appointment at University Hospital Geelong and has a senior academic appointment at Deakin University Geelong. In this role Saj regularly teaches and assesses medical students. Outside of work he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Sumu and their two young girls.

He is also an experienced highly trained gynaecologist who diagnoses and treats a wide range of gynaecological conditions. He is experienced in managing menstrual abnormalities, endometriosis and pelvic pain, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic organ prolapse with urinary incontinence and abnormal PAP smears.

For your chance to win either a copy of Guinness World Records 2016 or Guinness World Records 2016 Gamer’s Edition, please email editor@kidsvoice.com.au telling us why you think you should win, before 20 September. Winner to be drawn at random.

Guiness World Records Guinness World Records will publish its latest edition of the world’s most famous book and best-selling copyright title ever in a global launch on 10 September 2015 – sixty years on from the very first edition. Jam packed with thousands of never before seen records, exciting talent and engaging features, GWR continues to illuminate the world of achievement for kids and adults alike and promises to inform, entertain and inspire like only GWR can. They will also publish their best-selling Gamer’s Edition on the same day.

The 2016 Gamer’s Edition brings fifty-six of the world’s most popular videogames together including Batman, The Legend of Zelda, FIFA and LEGO in the most definitive guide to record-breaking gaming to date.

The Guinness World Records 2016 Edition includes: • Thousands of new records: The GWR book once again presents a huge variety of spectacular, never before seen records from across all the latest trends. New records for this year include the highest grossing iOS gaming app, most viewed official movie trailer, as well as two whole pages dedicated to LEGO, and four dedicated to Football!

• In addition, the 2016 edition boasts a plethora of record-breaking personalities supported by fantastic bespoke photography, including fastest tortoise, largest hot dot cart, largest feet on a living person and largest collection of Batman memorabilia.

• 11 fascinating features including Epic Journeys; Awesome Anatomy; Mount Tambora; Blue Whale; The Internet; Sport Stacking; Garden Giants; Highest Earners; Tallest Buildings; The Large Hadron Collider and Backlifting.

• Exclusive Officially Amazing content: Regularly the most popular show on CBBC, Officially Amazing features superlative action from all around the world.

• Free bonus content: Through buying the book, readers gain exclusive access to brilliant footage and pictures shot buy the GWR team as they discover the record holders whom appear in the 2016 edition.

The Guinness World Records 2016 Gamer’s Edition promises to deliver: • A record-breaking tour of the videogaming world: Packed with high scores, speed-runs, technical achievements, gaming talent and much more.

• New records include ‘Fastest completion of Skyward Sword’, ‘Highest score on Super Mario Bros’ and ‘Largest original fictional world’.

• 20 page Minecraft special, bringing the global phenomenon to life.

• Interviews with some of the best recordbreaking talent in the world, 10 in-depth features including ‘Evolution of controllers’, ‘Twin Galaxies’ and ‘e-Sports’, hot gaming tips and lots more!

PAGE 12 - SEPTEMBER 2015

Drysdale Primary School Book Week On Monday morning we launched our Book Week celebrations with the annual Book Week Parade.

It is a great event that is well organised by a team of dedicated teachers who love to promote the value of reading. The parade was compered by the inimitable Rubeus Hagrid (a.k.a Mr Trent Stephens) and starred the fabulous children of Drysdale PS whose amazing costumes showed a great deal of creativity and imagination. A large crowd of parents, grandparents and other family members enjoyed watching the parade and helped to create a very special community atmosphere in the hall.

The Oompa Loompas, Lucy, Tegan & Sophie lead out Drysdale’s Principal, Mr Dunlop-Moore.

Alicia, Curtis, Ciarne, Leisel, Gypsy and Beth

The celebrations will continue throughout Book Week with a number of other activities planned including classroom door displays, reading buddies, a book activity day and a whole class shared reading session on Thursday.

Shane Kennedy Grade 1 Teacher - Drysdale Primary School www.drysdaleps.vic.edu.au

Callan, Owen, Mia & Marley - Grade 1

Hagrid joins the other grade 3 teachers in their Harry Potter costumes.

SEPTEMBER 2015 - PAGE 13

Bellarine Secondary College students helping others and learning leadership skills along the way.

Gnurad Gundidj In term one of this year six students from our school Bellarine Secondary College got the opportunity to experience living away from home for eight weeks at Gnurad Gundidj School for student leadership. Gnurad Gundidj is a government program all about helping young adults gain important leadership skills and how to be independent. Forty-five students from different schools around Victoria got the opportunity to attend.

We got involved in Gnurad Gundidj by getting informed about what it was and then we got asked who wanted to sign up for it. Later on the teachers selected a number of students who they thought would benefit from the experience and interviewed them. After a few days we got notified that we would be attending Gnurad Gundidj school for student leadership which was very exciting.

While being at Gnurad Gundidj we learnt about leadership, public speaking, team work, life skills and even how to do the washing.

At Gnurad we all learnt how to become great leaders and great members of the community.

One of the major tasks we had to do was a Community Learning Project and we chose to raise $3000 for Geelong Animal Rescue because we believe that animals should be treated fairly and it would really benefit them in helping animals by providing them with their basic needs and necessities.

We had such an amazing time at Gnurad Gundidj, every day was better than the last! We participated in a lot of team work and leadership activities like building our own bridge and our own rafts which were quite difficult but we all worked together and got it done. Some other things that we did were canoeing, surfing, hiking, camping, photography and much more…

Gnurad Gundidj was a life changing experience that we will never forget!

By Liam Pohl, Lydia Soltesz, Amy Thomas, Alex Goudge, Janaya Woodley and Damian Miller.

Rescue, Adopt, Donate!

Gnurad Leadership Students Supporting Geelong Animal Rescue save animals like Billy (also known as foster Joseph), featured in the photo, from being put to sleep. Billy was facing a bleak future before he was rescued by GAR. After being fostered for two months, he was adopted by a wonderful family, which absolutely adores him! Just as a coincidence, Billy was fostered by one of our teachers and his adoptive sisters go to our College! We love his story, because it somehow connected all of us and gave meaning and body to what we are trying to achieve.

As part of our project we made food bins and donation boxes to provide GAR with much needed support. We have placed these bins and boxes around the community. Our food bin, which is located at the Springdale Neighbourhood Centre has been doing very well. Thanks to the wonderful people who are working there we managed to collect much needed resources and funds for the rescue animals. If you have any spare cat or dog food at your house or a couple of dollars to spare could you please place them in the food bins and boxes at the Springdale Community Centre?

\We are a group of students from Bellarine Secondary College who recently attended a Leadership School called Gnurad Gandidj. During our stay there, we were asked to work on a Community Learning Project (CLP). For our CLP we decided to support Geelong Animal Rescue, which is a local organisation that saves the lives of unwanted and neglected animals.

Geelong Animal Rescue is a non for profit, volunteer based organisation. It works through a network of dedicated foster carers, who take care of animals in their own homes. They

Additionally, we are supporting GAR with their $2 Tuesday campaign, which will end on 13th October. GAR has many supporters. If each and every one of GAR’s supporters donated only $2 each, GAR would raise enough money to save fifty animals! Donations can be made directly to GAR’s Bendigo Bank Account, BSB 63300, A/C146533237 or by following the prompts through their website; www. geelonganimalrescue.org.au We love supporting and rescuing animals! We are hoping to continue saving animals with our community’s support.

Bellarine Secondary College GAR Team

PAGE 14 - SEPTEMBER 2015

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Are your kids chemical free?

Chemicals in the home, in our food and in our body care products! These topics are becoming more and more of a discussion point in the media and even over coffee with friends. We have seen such an increase in body care products that are “all natural” “chemical free” or “made from plants” but have you really taken time to sit down and think about what this means to you or your kids?

Recently a paper was released in the highly respected scientific journal “Lancet Neurology” that said that the number of everyday chemicals known to be toxic to children’s developing brain have doubled in the last seven years. The review, by researchers Dr. Philip Landrigan at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and Dr. Philippe Grandjean from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, claims that the news is so concerning they are calling for a worldwide overhaul of the regulatory process in order to protect children’s brains. They have called it a “global, silent pandemic of neurodevelopmental toxicity”.

“We know from clinical information on poisoned adult patients that these chemicals can enter the brain through the blood brain barrier and cause neurological symptoms,” said Grandjean. “When this happens in children or during pregnancy, those chemicals are extremely toxic, because we now know that the developing brain is a uniquely vulnerable organ. Also, the effects are permanent.”

While this deeply concerning information is circulating around the scientific communities I worry that the information is being lost on the everyday Australian parent who is unknowingly slathering their children in harmful creams, bathing them in toxic baths and feeding them with genetically modified packaged foods. I don’t mean to scare and alarm and create pandemic, however where there is smoke do we ignore it until there is fire or do we investigate that flame before it gets out of control.

Statistically our rates of Autism, ADHD, asthma, allergies, neurological imbalances, ADD, anxiety, depression, obesity, autoimmune disease and early puberty are going up. Not down. Is this better reporting and screening?

Maybe. There are too many facets to consider in this conversation to speculate and debate but I know personally that I will do what I can with the information that I have to try and reduce the chemical exposure in my children to the best of my ability. I believe that all mothers should appoint themselves CEO’s of their family’s health and really take control and question what goes in our bodies, homes and food. We need to protect them not from mean evil people trying to hurt them, but from businesses and processes that may be inadvertently putting our children’s health at risk. This risk is due to cheap production, high supply needs, lack of controlled methods and profits before people.

Take BPA for example. Almost all our food products are now BPA free. Five years ago you didn’t even know what BPA was. BPA stands for Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that has been used to make and harden certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. It’s used in many water bottles, food containers and coats the inside of some cans. This BPA can leech into the food and water especially in the process of heating. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects on the brain, behaviour and prostate gland of foetuses, infants and children. The FDA in America says that low levels of exposure could possibly be safe but still recommend that you seek out BPA products for the safety of your family.

Forgive me, but if our children drink all day at school from water bottles, we eat from canned foods lined with it, and we heat up left overs in a microwave in it I cannot see how low levels could ever be maintained.

So enough of the doom and gloom! What is more important is what we can do about it? Here are four ways you can reduce chemical exposure in your kids!

1. Optimise their nutrition. Great nutrition does two fantastic things. Eating natural foods with as little packaging, processing and as few additives, preservatives, colourings, pesticides and herbicides as possible reduces chemical exposures in our kids.

Also, good nutrition boosts our bodies natural ability to detoxify environmental toxins. The healthier and stronger our elimination and toxin processing organs are like the liver the better our body can clean out the gunk and keep us healthy.

2. Get educated and reduce exposure. Start researching all the products that you use on yourself or your kids.

This includes shampoo, conditioner, creams, lotions and sunscreens. Read the ingredients. Ignore the marketing that might say it is “free from” and start to consider each item based solely on what you see in

the ingredient list. Sodium laureth sulfate and parabens are an obvious warning sign. However, just to confuse you, further contaminants that are doing the most damage in many products are not even listed on the ingredient label and do not need to be! According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1,4-dioxane is a probable carcinogen. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission states that “the presence of 1,4-dioxane, even as a trace contaminant, is cause for concern”. Formaldehyde is also a probable carcinogen. Unfortunately these two contaminants are by products of the manufacturing process so do not need to be listed on the ingredients. A range of products tested in a report from the EWG found both these contaminants present in 61 % of the products but was not listed! For further information and to read more head to the American based site www.ewg.org For beauty products head also to www.safecosmetics.org 3. Don’t be afraid to say no. Your kids are your kids.

What you put in them, on them, around them is your business. It might not be cool, you might get some strange looks but I am the mother that supplied my own sunscreen. I am the mother that refused the antibacterial hand wash. I am the mother that didn’t wash her baby until she was 4-5 months old in anything other than water and applied coconut oil only for moisturiser. If it causes problems with people don’t talk about it with them. Find those that get it or share some information with others in a safe and non-

judgemental way if they seem a little interested. Cut this article out and give it to them.

4. Make your own products. DIY home care products are easy, inexpensive, generally made with what you already have in the cupboard and SAFE. Coconut oil is our families go to for frizzy hair, body moisturiser, make up remover, cuts and scrapes, eczema, rough patches, grazes, stings and so on. Dr Bronners castile soap from any health food store is a fantastic base for you to make your own shampoos and body washes. Pinterest DIY body recipes and you will have access to 100’s if not 1000’s of recipes. Have fun!

It takes time to transition all your products over to a safe version. Our bodies are amazing things and can withstand and come back from a lot of torture so when we finish something like a bubble bath or a cream we replace it with something clean and non-toxic instead of being overwhelmed with throwing out everything but the kitchen sink! Besides making your own, the safest products can be found on websites like www.myhomepantry.com.au a local Geelong business sourcing the safest products out there! Another great resource is a book called “Chemical Free Kids” from Dr Sarah Lantz.

Happy non-toxic transitioning from one family to another!

Lana Purcell www.lanapurcell.com.

Health Coach, Natural Health Educator, Workshops, Wholefood Catering

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Same but Different

My gorgeous four year old twins cause confusion wherever we go. It is not because they are identical; in fact it is because they are not. Let me explain….

The arrival of the two little ones caused quite a buzz in our small local community as we quickly became a conspicuous part of the landscape on the daily morning walk to drop my eldest at pre-school. I remember feeling as I imagine the Vietnamese street cart merchants might, pushing my gigantic double buggy adorned with bright toys, mobiles and cloth -every spare basket or compartment stuffed to the brim with all sorts of necessities, along with the precious cargo at the front, all threatening to spill over if we were to take the hill too fast!

The short walk should have taken five minutes max, but in those early days I learnt to allow extra time for the ‘stop and chats’ instigated by seemingly genuinely fascinated strangers from all walks of life. Apparently everybody has a ‘twin story’ and loves to share. It was not quite akin to Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington being ‘filmed’, but close! (Side note/ celebrity annoyance at paparazzi may be valid). Following one particularly exhausting attempt to get to Point B on time, I joked to my mum that I was having a T-Shirt designed with the following answers to inevitable questions printed on it: “They are both girls” “No, not IVF” “Not identical” “Born at 36 weeks” “Breastfeeding” “Yes, I do have my hands full”.

Cut forward to 4 years later and it’s a quite a different story. I am out shopping with the girls who are pestering me for this and that, as kids do. I notice the sales assistant paying close attention to us, and it finally becomes too much for her, “I’m sorry. I can’t work it out – there is no way they can be sisters but they are both calling you ‘mum’” I tell her they are twins. She laughs, thinking I am joking, and says, “No, really…” I go home, phone mum and tell her I need a new T-Shirt: “Yes, they are twins” I don’t know if I would go so far as to say I have disappointed strangers by having twins so far apart from each other in every conceivable way, but their difference does cause others real consternation. The thinking seems to be that if

they are not identical, they should at least be‘a bit the same’. They are just not how it should be, and this brings me the most perverse delight!

One of my girls is tall, strong and solid with red hair and freckles; her sister is petite, soft, olive skinned and brunette, as rapid and active as her sister is cautious and steady. I quietly laugh with family and friends and liken it to having a ‘dog’ and a ‘cat’. One is as loyal and affectionate as a Labrador puppy, the other you work to earn her fierce love. I joyfully watch as one downs her vegies while the other only eats meat; take pleasure that while one is a talker, her twin is the listener, that one wears dresses while it’s strictly pants for the other. Wherever there is a strong preference, stance or feeling on an issue, the other, naturally takes the opposite view.

Preferring to take advantage of their older sisters hand-me-down wardrobe, I rarely dress them the same. Last birthday however, nana gifted them with matching jumpers. Trying them on for size produced squeals of glee, “Look mum, we’re twins!” Umm, yes girls, and not just figuratively.

I have read a lot about identical twins raised apart and the uncanny similarities their lives have taken, so much so that they seem to be like one person. In our family, the twins are usually no more than 100 metres apart from each other physically, but are so completely different in so many ways, I am only half joking when I wonder aloud if there was a ‘switched at birth’ hospital error.

All the information around parenting multiples warns of the dangers of comparison. It takes great effort to avoid highlighting one child’s struggle against the others ease at achieving a milestone or acquiring a new skill, andI find myself clandestinely whispering “well done” or “I know you’ll get the hang of it soon” out of earshot of the other when those occasions present.

It is an absolute blessing to have these two little girls who can offer such an extreme perspective on almost everything, but to remain so close together with that mysterious bond that is so unique to twins. Just like the characters played

by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, they are twins that only their mother can tell apart……

SEPTEMBER 2015 - PAGE 17

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Bullying in our Schools Bullying is a huge problem in our schools, and it seems like it’s only getting worse. Teachers and administrators try various approaches, but often end up feeling frustrating in their inability to make things change. I think there is a powerful solution for school bullying right in front of our faces, but it will take great courage to look at it, and to implement it.

As adults, parents and teachers, each and every day presents us with unlimited opportunities for role modeling.

Young people are watching us, and learning from what we DO, far more than from what we SAY. If we treat others with kindness and respect, our children will learn to do the same thing.

A few months ago I arrived early for a workshop I was presenting, and while I was waiting for the workshop to start, I wandered behind the building and looked out at a school playground. There was a class out there that looked like perhaps a group of Prep or Year One students.

They were running, and I heard the teacher yell out, “Everyone stay in line, or you will lose your stickers”. I went back inside for a minute, and when I returned I heard the same teacher yell “OK, Billy, you didn’t do what you were told and I am taking away your sticker”.

I could not stop thinking about what I had witnessed. As a psychologist, I try to understand things by breaking them down to their essential elements. The teacher is in a position of power in relation to the students. She wanted them to do something; in this case, to stay in the lines when they were running. In order to get them to do what she wanted, she threatened them. She had the power to do something to hurt them (take away their stickers) and when they did not do what she wanted, she exercised her power to hurt them.

What I realized is that I had witnessed bullying! What is the essential nature of bullying? It is someone exercising his or her power to get someone else to do something (or to feel a certain way). The big kid on the playground tells the little kid to move because he has the threat, overt or not, that he will use his physical power to get his way.

The teacher was not physical with these students, but she

used her power to threaten them, in order to get them to do what she wanted.

Over the years I have met countless amazing, dedicated and terrific teachers. I love teachers, and I admire their skill and their dedication. But the more I thought about what I had witnessed on the playground, I realized that bullying is a customary and traditional way that the adults at school get the children to comply. I thought about all the things I’ve personally observed, and even what my own experience of being in school was like many years ago. I thought about all the countless stories I have heard from young people in my office about the ways they are treated at school.

beginning of my career, and I know, in retrospect, that I bullied the children and used my power over them to get them to act the way I wanted. No one is doing anything “bad”; we are just following scripts that we have adopted since we were children. But we have an opportunity to think outside of this box and do something different.

Once we can accept responsibility, we have the power to change. Staff can call an assembly, and tell the students that they recognize they have been acting as bullies, apologize, and commit to not using threats and coercion to get compliance in the future. And then staff can work with young people collaboratively to deal with issues that (inevitably) arise when a big group of people are working together. Adults can role model, and truly teach children, We may not like to admit this, but the reality is that the traditional way that schools try to get children to comply is that we don’t want to control people by using our power, by threatening them, and they can do it because they have and that when we have greater power it makes it even more important to not abuse it. Instead of telling a bully greater power. Children are told that if they don’t do what what he or she did wrong, we can SHOW children every the teacher wants they will be punished – they may be called names, they may be shamed in front of their peers, day how NOT to be bullies. That’s the opportunity on the table for schools that are really willing to look at this they may have to go to detention when the other children problem from a different perspective, accept responsibility are playing, or they may “lose their stickers”. All of those and seize the opportunity to provide an awesome lesson techniques are examples of using power and threats to through role modeling. control another person. That’s bullying.

There is a huge opportunity here, and it is a meaningful and effective anti-bullying program that would extend beyond school in its power. The adults at school have an opportunity to STOP role modeling being bullies, and instead to teach children how to resolve conflict and enhance cooperation without threats and abusing power.

So what would this look like? As with any change, it has to start with the courageous act of self-reflection and accepting responsibility. I taught for several years at the

Dr. Bob Jacobs runs The Parenting Centre, based in Maleny. He is a clinical psychologist, family mediator and solicitor. Dr. Bob is the author of “Perfect Parents, Perfect Children: Changing the World by Celebrating our Perfection”.

The Parenting Centre web site can be found at theparentingcentre.com and we can be reached at 07 5435 2504

Caring for your Child’s Teeth • Baby teeth are just as important as the adult teeth.

Good oral hygiene practice can begin even before your baby’s first teeth erupt. Wiping his/her gums gently with a gauze/wet clean washcloth on a regular basis gets your baby into a daily routine and may make toothbrushing an easier process at a later stage. Once your child’s first teeth start to erupt (approximately at 6 months, but could be much earlier or later on), start brushing them with a soft bristled toothbrush. Encourage brushing twice a day for at least two minutes.

Toothbrushing timers can be a fun way to achieve this.

Also remember to teach them how to floss • Supervise your child’s brushing at least up to about 8 years of age.

• Avoid using a bottle with any drink other than water at sleeptime/naptime as this increases the chances of developing tooth decay.

• Eating healthy: Avoid any food that has a lot of sugar in them. Fruits and vegetables are a good alternative to candies and sweets. Stress the importance of consuming calcium rich food like milk, cheese, yoghurt.

It is important to have meals and snacks at regular scheduled times as continuous snacking on unhealthy food can increase the likelihood of decay.

• When your child is at school, get them to rinse their mouth after every meal.

• If you notice any stains or dark spots on your child’s teeth, it could be indicating decay. It is time to seek professional help. Consult your dentist.

• Take your child to see a dentist for regular preventative treatment. This can start as early as your child’s first birthday just so they can get familiar with the environment. This helps create a confidence to visit the dentist and makes your child’s dental experience a less stressful one. Any problem areas can be detected early on thereby minimising the need for more invasive treatments.

Teething in toddlers A child’s baby teeth can erupt anywhere between 6 months upto 3 years. Some toddlers may be irritable when the teeth cut through their gums. Provide symptomatic relief including gently rubbing the gums with your finger, using frozen teething rings, pain relief gels and medicines that may be prescribed by your dentist or physician.

Thumbsucking/fingersucking in children Sucking is an inborn reflex and is normal for babies to suck their thumbs/fingers as a form of soothing themselves. This reflex gradually starts to decrease around 6 months and usually lessens or stops on its own around 12 months of age. If the habit continues upto the point when the permanent teeth starts to erupt, it may affect the alignment of his/her teeth Ideally, the child is

best to be weaned off before any permanent tooth can erupt (around 6 years of age).

Avoid pressurising your child to stop the habit.

Be supportive and encouraging.

Reward a child’s successful attempt to stop the habit.

Seek professional advice if necessary.

It may take a few attempts before the child is completely habit free. Being patient and monitoring the tell-tale signs of dental problems is the key.

For further information please contact the author Dr Mamatha - Smile Care Dentists Suite 1, 180 Moorabool street, Geelong Ph: 0451198835 or 5223 3255 www.smilecaredentists.com.au info@smilecaredentists.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2015 - PAGE 19

Mindfulness in Schools I remember teaching a year 12 literature class at an all boys’ school in Melbourne many years ago. One of the boys, Mark, came in with a small cheap flowerpot, one of the little black ones you can pick up from a supermarket.

He put it on his desk as class begun. It struck me as a little odd but I made no mention of it. It appeared he was carrying it around to all his classes. During that particular lesson we had a full class discussion of the themes portrayed in a novel they were studying. The themes were decidedly bleak, dark and somewhat depressing. The class mulled over this for a while, generally agreeing with the book! Then Mark spoke for the first time. “Ah, c’mon guys. You are not seeing right. You are not seeing clearly.

Life isn’t like that. This is a book- but it’s not necessarily how it is. For me, every day is beautiful. I wake up every morning and I put on my spiritual eyes. I walk to school and notice everything. And everything is amazing and beautiful. You have to see right, see clearly and, you know, ‘just be.’”

I was blown away.

Every day Mark chose to see things, notice things and pay attention to things in a certain way. To me, this has become a great example of mindfulness and living in the present moment. Mark did not let distractions or negative feelings stay around but chose to stay open to the experience of what was happening now.

Mindfulness has become the new, non-drug, healthy and creative answer to the stressors of everyday adult life.

Psychologists, clinicians and medical experts are now training in and teaching the ancient skills of mindfulness and meditation as a health and wellbeing strategy.

However until recently mindfulness programs were mostly seen as responses to already ill or suffering patients in clinical settings.Mindfulness is now recognised as a major wellbeing strategy for young and older people which can promote increased resilience, mental strength, focus and the ability to better deal with stressful situations when the stormy times and hardships of life arise. And it is now increasingly being taught in schools.

So what exactly is mindfulness?

Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn, one of the founding fathers and creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Centre for Mindfulness in Medicine in America says:

skills. Additionally, mindfulness can have physiological benefits like improved immunity and cellular health.

These research findings are profound and have caused Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on excitement in the fields of science, psychology and education around the world. purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.

It is from this growing body of research that academics, Or perhaps, as Mark would say, it is about seeing clearly, professors and teachers have come to believe that noticing things and being present –to “just be”, with mindfulness should be taught in schools and in the wider awareness and nonjudgement. When you’re mindful, community as a skill, perspective and tool that students you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, can build and have for the rest of their lives. without judging them good or bad. When an individual starts practising mindfulness they can come to understand that these thoughts and emotions can be out of touch with what is happening in the present moment. Often the mind can worry and play movie-like scenarios which are anchored in past experiences. These ‘movies’ can take us off on a chain of distracting thoughts that reduce our awareness of what is really happening ‘in the now’.

The mind often has the habit of casting itself deep into future planning, strategising or worrying about situations that have not happened yet. These habits of thinking can take us away from what is truly happening in the present moment and can often create negative emotional states.

They can also affect our behaviour and the way we relate to others. Having awareness and the ability to observe our thoughts, without being our thoughts, is the first step to a more productive, content and alert way of being.

Research now shows that mindfulness can help with many issues, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, behavioural disorders and many other psychological and relational issues. It has also shown that mindfulness practice helps individuals to concentrate more when engaged in things like sport, study, exams and can enhance relationships, communication and listening

It is indeed an exciting time for students and families.

Technological developments and highly advanced brain imaging techniques reveal that we have more potential to shape and care for our brain and mind than we ever thought possible.

As someone who now works teaching mindfulness with both students and adults, and as a long term meditator and mindfulness practitioner, I have found these benefits can be taught and shared with anyone who is interested.

The teaching and learning of mindfulness is growing causing a global shift towards a society of more conscious, focused and happy individuals. I believe the potentials of such a movement are nothing short of amazing.

I will be regularly contributing to Kid’s Voice to share some of the recently discovered information, the benefits, and the strategies for mindfulness practice and look forward to bringing this information to the families, schools and people of our neighbourhood.

Anneliese Hallam Mindfulness educator and consultant Facilitator ‘.b Mindfulness in Schools’ Project Founder of Create the Space www.createthespace.com.au

PAGE 20 - SEPTEMBER 2015

SEDA: Hands-on Education

SEDA is an education provider that exists to engage, educate and empower young people as they transition from school to employment or further study. SEDA provides Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to complete their full time education within the sport, recreation and community settings!

Students apply for the SEDA program online via the SEDA website: www.sedagroup.com. au. Selection is not based on sporting skill and students of all abilities are welcome to apply. Once students submit an application, they are invited to attend an information session followed by an interview.

SEDA engages students in their education by connecting their passion to a hands-on learning environment. Students complete their senior secondary qualification and gain nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.

SEDA’s programs begin at Year 11 level. Students apply when they are in Year 10 to commence the following year. We also welcome applications from students who have completed Year 11 or Year 12 and are born between 1st January 1997 and 1st April 2000 to commence in the second year of the program.

SEDA works with the strengths of each young person to develop their self-confidence and self-worth through positive learning experiences.

This provides all students with the opportunity to develop key life skills, including organisation, independence and teamwork, which sees them prepared for the real world. The result is mature, resilient and capable young men and women who, on completing their secondary education, are empowered with a range of pathway choices, be it further study or employment.

Students who have completed their studies with SEDA have accessed positive pathways into further education, training and employment in a variety of industries. 59% of SEDA’s 2014 graduates transitioned into university, while other students went on to secure a range of employment opportunities, traineeships and apprenticeships at the completion of the program.

Current SEDA student, Lachlan Edwards said “SEDA will help me get my Year 12 pass as well as earns credits towards university studies. SEDA offers great opportunities if you pass your Diploma, there is guaranteed acceptance into a range of different courses at partnered universities”.

SEDA has partnerships with Victoria University, Federation University, Latrobe University and Federation Training which offer students a guaranteed pathway upon meeting all requirements in their final year in the program.

In Geelong the programs offered are: AFL VIC, Cricket Australia, Netball Victoria, Basketball Victoria and Melbourne Victory F.C and Surfing Victoria.

Past graduate, Kristi Page completed her Program 1 and 2 in the Surfing Victoria Sports Development and then went on to to graduate from her Diploma in 2014.

Prior to joining SEDA, Kristi was a very attentive yet quiet student. While she was very good at school, she didn’t really enjoy it. For the first three years of high school, Kristi won Academic Excellence Awards but it all came back to the fact that she didn’t love school. It was for this reason she decided to enrol at SEDA. Kristi told us, “Some of the highlights of my years in the SEDA program included teaching my peers to surf. This had a huge effect on my public speaking and confidence levels. Also, working with the students at an all abilities school. This experience really changed my perspective on life and was one of the main reasons I applied for primary teaching at university.”

Upon completion of her Diploma Program, Kristi was accepted into Deakin in the Bachelor of Primary Teaching but chose to defer until 2016.

She is currently working two jobs in the hospitality industry, travelling and also running her own stand up paddleboard instruction business.

The key skills that Kristi believes she developed in the program were self-confidence, public speaking, time and self-management and resilience.

Looking into her future, Kristi said, “In five years time, I see myself completing my degree in primary teaching and running a small business.”

To find out more about SEDA’s Programs visit sedagroup.com.au or call 1300 11 7332.

SEPTEMBER 2015 - PAGE 21

RACISM - Be Part of the Solution

All over Australia there are individuals and clubs doing wonderful things to stamp out racism in sport. Yet, despite all the programs, policies and education, incidents still occur on a regular basis from the elite to grassroots level.

RACISM. IT STOPS WITH ME is a campaign which invests all Australians to reflect on what they can do to counter racism wherever it happens. The Racism It Stops With Me/Play by the Rules community service announcement video, which was recently released as part of the campaign, features, among others, Adam Goodes, the AFL player who took a stand and pointed out a spectator who made a racial slur against him.

We can all learn from Goodes and his actions. It’s not okay to stand by and do nothing in the face of racism. Racism diminishes us all.

So, what can we do to help eradicate racism?

1. Sign up to and endorse the RACISM. IT STOPS WITH ME campaign by featuring the campaign logo on your website and promoting the campaign and its messages via your club’s social media channels. Read the campaign prospectus and then sign up using the supporter agreement, both on this page.

2. Develop an anti-vilification policy for your club and talk to members about it. Ensure that the club’s Code of Behaviour and Member Protection Policy also deal with the issue.

3. Run an anti-racism workshop and open the lines of communication between club members.

4. Invite people who have experienced racism to talk to members and players about how hurtful it is.

5. Develop some anti-racism initiatives of your own or team up with other community organisations to run an event.

6. Don’t ignore racist language or behaviour when you see or hear it. Talk to those concerned and explain why it’s wrong and how it is hurtful. Be a role model for those around you.

7. Don’t accept humour as an excuse for racist comments. Racism isn’t funny.

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

Walk 4 William Geelong Saturday 12th September 10.30am Steampacket Gardens to Swimming Pool Enclosure and back

William Tyrrell went missing from his grandma’s backyard, at around 10.30am, at Kendall on the NSW mid-north coast in Australia, on September 12th 2014, at age just 3. William’s story has touched the hearts of many, in Australia and around the world, who all have one common goal and that is to see this little boy brought back home. Since Williams disappearance there has been many news releases, each reminding us that there is a little boy out there who is without his family and in the hands of someone, a someone that is alleged part of an Australian Paedophile ring. The thought of William being at harm and without his family is heartbreaking.

The thought of another child going missing for so many of us creates many emotions, one of those emotions was not being able to do something, not being able to help find William.

From these emotions came a vision, the National Walk4WilliamTyrrell Day. That vision was to involve every Australian.

Every Australian taking to the streets in every state, territory, town, suburb, across Australia. Every Australian walking out of their homes on the anniversary of little Williams disappearance: 12/09/2015 at 10.30am (time William was taken), to join a walk or do their own walk wearing Spiderman suits or dressed in red and blue. (Spiderman was Williams favourite Superhero and at the time of his disappearance he was wearing a Spiderman suit).

In the hope we could bring him home.

In the hope that a memory is jogged, someone who knows something comes

forward and contacts Crime Stoppers on; 1800 333 000 no matter how big or small that memory is.

In the hope that those person/s somewhere who know something, may be protecting someone who has not yet contacted Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 come forward.

In the hope that all Australians are educated in the truth of what is happening in our country and around the world.

In the hope that Williams story serves as a reminder to families on how important it is to educate our children on both stranger danger and situations that are certainly not acceptable.

In the hope it sends a clear message to these predators who live in our communities, who think it is acceptable to harm our children, we will not accept it not now, not ever!!!!

This vision wasn’t about asking Australians to dig deep into their pockets but to dig deep into their hearts and in the true Aussie spirit they have done this. There is no fundraising; selling of merchandise or the exchange of any money at all.

Disclaimer* Participation in this event/walk is at your own risk. If you have children participating in this event/walk the safety of these children are your responsibility and not the responsibility of Walk 4 William Organisers. Any personal injury or damaged incurred to property whilst participating in event/walk is at your own risk.

Walk 4 William Organisers are not responsible at all for the Health & Safety of you or any children you may have brought with you to participate in walk/event.

PAGE 22 - SEPTEMBER 2015

MUSIC ARTS Geelong Schools Music and Movement Festival

How the Festival works, is that the schools choose to attend a morning or afternoon session and then the students move from the audience, to the wings, to onstage and then back into the audience watching and supporting each other. Once the session is finished, the students, teachers and parents all leave, as another lot arrive. For many students the Festival ignites an ongoing love of the performing arts and for many schools, it is a demonstration of the creativity and passion which exists within their school community.

The success of the day is reflected in the positive feedback received from parents and teachers: Congratulations Kelly on a great day. Everything and everyone was informed and professional and the day went beautifully. Our students had� the best day of their life� they said. Thank you!

Rebecca Slaven Highton Primary School

Photos by Brad Wilson

The Geelong Schools Music and Movement Festival took place between the 3rd and the 7th of August 2015 celebrating 69 years of creativity in the Geelong region. The Festival is an opportunity for primary and secondary students to take centre stage on the Playhouse Stage at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre as they present; school choirs, concert bands, string ensembles, drumming circles, rock bands, song and dance items and circus tricks. The Festival attracts over 5000 people across the week including students, teachers and parents from schools as diverse as; Mount Duneed Regional Primary School, Lara Lake Primary, Barwon Valley School, Little River Primary School, Geelong Lutheran College, Christina College, Surfside Primary and Moolap Primary school just to name a few. In total 83 separate items are presented across the week incorporating elements of music and movement.

SEPTEMBER 2015 - PAGE 23

The Bellarine Railway Heritage Train Service • Enjoy a scenic journey between Queenscliff-Drysdale or QueenscliffLakers Siding.

• Steam train trips depart from Queenscliff and Drysdale stations, on Sundays during the year, as well as Tuesday and Thursday in school holidays. Extra running days during January.

• Private carriage hire is ideal for children’s birthdays and groups of 20+ - bookings essential.

• Cycle or walk beside an operating railway and return on-board the train bookings advised.

School Holiday Special: Benito’s Pirate Trains - 22 & 29 September 2015 Join Benito the Pirate and his side kick Ruby on a journey of a lifetime! His treasure was buried years ago and now

he is taking the train back to re-discover it. Circus stunts, singing, games and serious fun will be had by all on this jolly ride! A treasure will be hidden on the train for one lucky pirate to find, and all new recruits will leave with their own balloon sword! Don’t miss out on this fantastic pirate adventure.

Day out with Thomas - 10 & 11 October Spend the day with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as Douglas, Oliver, Henry, those Troublesome Trucks and Sir Topham Hatt. Tickets include a 40 minute train ride, unlimited activities, displays, photo opportunities, plus new activities planned for the October event, including a carousel.

Gift Voucher Ideas Heritage Train Trips, Day out with Thomas Steam, Easter Bunny Train or Santa Trains.

5258 2069 www.bellarinerailway.com.au

PAGE 24 - SEPTEMBER 2015

CONFETTI BOWL

CRAFTS COOKING

CHEESE ROLL UPS

DIRECTIONS 1. Blow up balloon and place in container to hold it in place. Make sure the tied part of the balloon is in the bottom of the container.

2. Coat the top half of the balloon with PVA glue. A paintbrush isn’t the best for this project as you don’t want to get confetti stuck in the bristles. You may also want to take the ballooon out of the container and hold the base to cover the sides better.

3. Sprinkle confetti onto the glued part of the balloon. Try to get as best coverage as you can. Pat down any bits that are sticking up.

4. Allow to dry and repeat process until you have thick coat. Leave to dry over night.

5. Once dry pop balloon and remove any excess bit and pieces of balloon and confetti.

6. You can either leave bowl as it is with a rough edge or simply trip it up a bit with scissors. Wha-la!

TIP: This may seem like a slow process, so it could be a good activity to do gradually over the school holidays.

WHAT YOU NEED BALLOON CONFETTI PVA GLUE SPONGE BRUSH/ PAINTBRUSH CONTAINER TO PROP UP BALLOON

METHOD 1. Grab a slice of bread and cut off crust.

2. Cover piece of bread with cheese.

TIP: These cheese roll ups can be modified to your liking, maybe add a bit of tomato sauce or ham? They are also great dippers for soup!

3. Roll up piece with cheese.

4. Melt a bit of butter in frying pan and place roll up in pan. If using sandwich press, lightly spread butter on the outside of bread and place in press.

5. Leave roll up in the pan/press until golden brown and cheese is melted. If cooking in pan lip roll up to cook evenly.

6. Once they are golden and melted you have your cheese roll ups!

WHAT YOU NEED BREAD CHEESE BUTTER KNIFE TONGS FRYING PAN/ SANDWICH PRESS

*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.”

SEPTEMBER 2015 - PAGE 25

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HEALTHY HABITS

Dr Cris Beer – Rockpool Publishing

Have you ever longed to be healthy, have lots opf energy, and be comfortable with your body weight?

Healthy Habits – 52 Ways to Better Health is an easy-to-read book offering an effective ‘habit-aweek’ approach. Incorporate one new habit per week into your lifestyle across an entire year (52 weeks). Simple habits lead to good health, energy, and optimum body weight. The simpler we keep things, the more likely we are to stick with any changes we make. By following the week-by-week advice within these pages you will see you have the health that you and your body deserve. You will start to regain the energy and vitality you thought you’d lost or never previously attained. Your appetite and body weight will come into alignment with what is healthy for your frame. In essence, you will regain your health back and with it your life. Dr Cris Beer is an expert in holistic medicine.

She’s a registered medical doctor who has also trained in nutritional and integrative medicine, and health and fitness coaching. Cris specialises not just in the prevention and treatment of illnesses, but in the attaining of optimum health. Healthy Habits is written for every busy person who thinks they do not have time to look after their health.

2

PREHISTORIC MARINE LIFE IN AUSTRALIA’S INLAND SEA

Danielle Clode – Museum Victoria Publishing Step back to a time when Australia’s red centre was flooded by a vast shallow ocean, the Eromanga Sea. While dinosaurs stalked the scattered islands that made up the Australian continent, giant marine reptiles ruled the waves.

Plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs swam in an inland sea filled with schools of ammonites, pterosaurs flew overhead and giant carnivorous amphibians lurked in the rivers. Prehistoric Marine, the third in the Museum Victoria Nature series, is a guide to the fauna of the Eromanga Sea and its coasts during the Cretaceous period. This richly illustrated book brings to life yet another aspect of the fascinating world of Australia’s prehistoric past and provides an accessible introduction to some of the amazing fauna, geology and fossils found in this part of the world.

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MAKE ME

5

Crown & Andrews

Gather your family and friends together and challenge them to a game of Test Match, from Crown & Andrews. It’s the ultimate table-top cricket experience! This renowned and popular game can be found in homes around Australia and provides hours of enjoyment for families across the nation. Test Match now comes with rules for both the limited over game and the new Twenty20™ version. The latest Test Match incorporates some very exciting new features. The overarm bowling can be fast or slow. A heavier ball is now standard to enable easier and more accurate batting. The batsman works with a trigger action for faster response and the fielders can “catch” the ball between their feet. It’s easy, fun and great entertainment for all the family, proving hours of excitement for two to twenty tow children or adults.

6

MACMILLAN AUSTRALIAN DICTIONARIES

PROVIDED BY

LEGO SORT & STORE

Sort and store all your Lego bricks in this attractive and fun Lego head Sort and Store. The perfect container for sorting and storing Lego pieces and a great display for any playroom. Dump assorted bricks into the top of container and shake to sort bricks into three different size categories. The trays inside are great for storing bricks until your next building project and can hold over 1000 bricks.

A fast and easy way to Sort & Store your Lego bricks! Tip your Lego Bricks into the sorter, shake gently and Lego bricks will sort into small, medium, and large sections. Lift each section to reveal sorted Lego Bricks inside. Includes a Lego Grid Plate, but doesn’t include Lego bricks.

Macmillan Australian Dictionary and Thesaurus range provides a comprehensive and up-to-date reference of Australian English. With dictionaries suitable for primary students through to adults this range is the perfect reference for school, home and office. The Macmillan Australian Dictionary

7

MOVIES ODDBALL

2

1 4

3

5

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In cinemas: 17th September

The story of Allan “Swampy” Marsh and his Maremma dog Oddball. Swampy convinced local authorities to allow Oddball to protect a colony of Little Penguins on Middle Island from wild cats and dogs. Oddball succeeds in his campaign and becomes a front runner for Maremma dogs being used to protect other endangered Australian wildlife.

8

REVIEWS

TEST MATCH

Lee Child – Randomhouse (adult fiction)

Jack Reacher has no place to go, and all the time in the world to get there, so a remote railroad stop on the prairie with the curious name of Mother’s Rest seems perfect for an aimless one-day stopover. He expects to find a lonely pioneer tombstone in a sea of nearly-ripe wheat ... but instead there is a woman waiting for a missing colleague, a cryptic note about two hundred deaths, and a small town full of silent, watchful people. Reacher’s one-day stopover becomes an open-ended quest...into the heart of darkness.

Prepare to be nailed to your seat by another hairraising, heart-pounding adventure from the kick ass master of the thriller genre.

4

contains more than 60 000 words and phrases, new words and definitions, regionalisms specific to different parts of Australia, example phrases to demonstrate how a word is used in context, usage notes and word origins. The Macmillan Student Dictionary contains more than 20 000 words and phrases, it’s updated with new words and definitions, has example sentences and phrases, usage notes, vocabulary extension, similar and opposite words, spelling tips, easy-touse pronunciation guide as well as a grammar and punctuation guide.

8

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS In cinemas: 10th September

After having escaped the Maze, the Gladers now face a new set of challenges on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. The second book in The Maze Runner trilogy.

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PAGE 26 - SEPTEMBER 2015

Bravehearts Birthday Soiree Friday 9th October a “Bravehearts Birthday Soiree” to be held at Lyndon Grove in Grovedale.

All money raised on the night will help Bravehearts to continue their education program in Geelong. This will assist them to continue their valuable work with children, parents and teachers, all being educated together to protect the little people of our community. If you would like to be involved in this event by way of sponsorship, donation or by purchasing tickets to attend, that would be fantastic.

The Soiree promises to be a great night with plenty of party food, drinks, music, dancing, fund raising activities and lots of fun. The special guest for the evening will be our local TV celebrity and wonder woman, Nicky Buckley.

Bravehearts is a children’s charity, an organisation dedicated to educating, empowering and protecting Australian children against sexual assault. Sadly, research shows one in five Australian children will be sexually assaulted in some way before their 18th birthday and 90% of the time it is by someone who is known to them.

On Friday, October 9th, the Education Team of Bravehearts in Geelong, will be celebrating four years of their personal safety, education program being taught to kindergarten and primary school children in our community. Being a children’s charity, with no State Government funding, they will be celebrating their achievements while raising funds, with

Bravehearts Mission is to stop child sexual assault in our society and their vision is to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child. They are passionate about child protection and they want this major fundraising event to increase the awareness of the issue of child sexual assault. This event will raise vital funds to allow the great work of the Bravehearts Education team to continue in Geelong schools and kindergartens, educating, empowering and protecting the most vulnerable members of our Community.

Giggle and Hoot visit Geelong Sunday 11th October

Jimmy Giggle made a flying visit to Geelong to help promote his upcoming show at GPAC in October. He took time out to visit the preppies at Newtown Primary School and was met with a collective look of amazement. They had just been watching one of the Giggle and Hoot episodes and couldn’t quite relate to the fact that someone who had been on their TV screen a few minutes previously was suddenly appearing in person in their classroom. The kids had great fun interacting with Jimmy, asking him questions and watching him perform.

Following their summer and Easter sold out shows, Jimmy Giggle, Hoot and Hootabelle are setting off again on another live stage adventure, with their friends the Bananas in Pyjamas and at long last the Giggle-mobile will make its way to Geelong! Starring in the live children’s show of the year, ‘Giggle and Hoot and Friends’ will be at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre on Sunday October 11 and is a 55-minute stage spectacular with everyone’s favourite songs, dancing and of course fun and laughter. Performance times are 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm.

Giggle and Hoot, the multi award winning and much loved ABC Kids preschool program, focuses on preschoolers’ lives and routines through songs, stories, friendship, laughter and imagination. The live show, incorporating these themes, is one of the most anticipated and hottest tickets for families this year. But every adventure needs some friends, so joining Jimmy Giggle and the owls onstage is everyone’s favourite twins, the Bananas in Pyjamas, B1 and B2 who are now in their 22nd year and continue to be loved by children and parents globally.

We all have a choice – to do something, or to do nothing.

We hope you will support this event and choose to do something

Bethany Infant Program The Infant Program: Supporting parents to promote healthy eating and active play right from the start The early years of life provide a one-off opportunity to establish healthy lifestyle behaviours. Starting children out with these behaviours rather than trying to change them later on is easier for all- prevention simply makes good sense. These early years are a time when parents are remarkably receptive and engaged in doing the best for their children.

Promoting healthy eating and activity behaviours in children has never been more important. By 18 months of age most Australian children are consuming energy dense foods and drinks daily.

These replace fruits, vegetables, water, milk and other essential foods and are known to contribute to excessive weight gain and other health issues. Further, one in ten 18 month olds watch more than two hours television a day, despite government recommendations that children aged under two, spend no time watching television.

Eating and physical activity behaviours developed in early life influence these behaviours for the rest of life; and a child’s dietary behaviours track across early childhood, into adolescence and adulthood. This has significant implications for health across the lifecourse.

We know parents find the early years a challenge and describe it as a time when they need more support regarding how to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours in their children.

We also know parents become less confident to influence their child’s lifestyle behaviours as their children move through the toddler years, and this is associated with less desirable child eating and activity behaviours.

Naturally parents want to give their children the best start in life and research conducted by Deakin University has shown that many are keen to meet with other parents to get peer- support, advice and strategies about how to feed and play with their babies and toddlers.

To support parents during this critical time, Deakin University developed the Infant Program which is a six session lifestyle program delivered to parents over the first 18 months of life.

Bethany Early Connections Program in partnership with City of Greater Geelong, Healthy Together Geelong and Maternal Child Health, have over the past three months welcomed over one hundred new parents across the Geelong region to the first of the six Infant Program sessions.

Working with parents across many months creates the opportunity to engage with them in an anticipatory way by providing information before it is needed, therefore supporting parents to engage in preferable behaviours such as healthy food and drink preferences as well as promoting active play.

If you are a new parent or carer of an infant and interested in The Infant Program please contact Bethany Early Connections phone 52788122

SEPTEMBER 2015 - PAGE 27

1 September: Bringing up Great Kids Parenting Program, Leopold Child & Family Centre, 31-39 Kensington Rd, Leopold. Bringing up Great Kids is a parenting program devised by the Australian Childhood Foundation, which aims to promote positive, respectful parent/ child relationships. How is this program different from other parenting programs?

This program enables parents to ‘walk in the child’s shoes’ and provides practical help in understanding children’s emotional development, assists parents to develop attentive communication skills with their children and enjoy parenting as a two-way learning journey. Parents are encouraged to reflect upon and understand the meaning of their children’s behaviour, while gaining insights into the triggers that cause strong emotional responses from parents. The insights gained enable parents to develop the ability to contain these reactions and respond more thoughtfully to children’s behaviour. The program is open to parents of children aged 5-11 years. 7 - 9pm. Costs

5 September: Saturday Night Skate, Barwon Valley Activity Centre, 1 Barwon Heads Rd Belmont. Run on alternate Saturday nights during school terms, this session offers indoor skating, roller blading and skateboarding. Running for over 20 years, this event takes place at Barwon Valley Activity Centre.

Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades welcome. This event is not suitable for bikes or BMX. Ramps and rails will be set up however, your own skate equipment is necessary.

8 September: Child Protection Week Forum - Trauma Informed Practice with children and young people affected by family violence. City Hall, Little Malop Street, Geelong. Presented by Beth Guy from the Australian Childhood Foundation. Abuse related trauma has a significant impact on the developing brain. It results in children experiencing significant difficulties regulating their emotions, adapting their behaviour and being attuned to social exchanges.

Without a focus on the traumagenic impact 1 - 30 September: PomPom Sheep on of abuse on children’s development, Parade featuring Shaun the Sheep, protective intervention, family support and National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool placement in out of home care often fail to St, Geelong. Help us break a Guinness assist children restore a sense of safety World Record: build the world’s largest and control. The experience of family flock of hand-made pompom sheep violence is a significant source of trauma for #10000pompoms. The goal is 10,000+ children and young people. In this two hour PomPom sheep and the museum is workshop we will explore recent research working with program partners artist Melissa and knowledge that provides insight into Peacock Pyrenees Presents volunteers, how trauma shapes children’s and young Shaun the Sheep and Aardman Rights, people’s development and how we can Snowball Effect and Stella Projects. You can better respond to children, young people Pom-A-Pault your PomPom Sheep and take and their families in a trauma informed a selfie with Shaun the Sheep as part of the practical way. 3.30 - 5.30pm. Free exhibition.

9 September: Grandparenting 1st time

near drowning, falls, poisoning, choking and suffocation, dog bites and pet safety and nursery furniture and equipment safety.

Places limited and bookings essential. 10 11am. Free 10 September: Arthouse at Lara Library, Lara Library, Walker Ave, Lara.

Arthouse - is a social art class running every Thursday of the school term at the Lara Library for young people 12 years old and up. Try and experiment with various art methods mediums to make a new art piece each week. 3.30-5.30pm. Free 11 September: Aerosol Art Workshop, South Youth Drop In, Youth Space- Grovedale Neighbourhood Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. Regular drop in activities for 12 to 25 year olds include X-box, foosball, table tennis, art activities, sports, Wii, free food!

3.30 - 5.30pm. Free 11 & 12 September: Peggy the Pint Sized Pirate, Potato Shed, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale. Peggy always dreamed ofbecoming a pirate and going on adventures but was always too little. All that changed the day a sea monster captured all the pirates and took them to a remote island. With Scummy the cheeky pirate as her first mate Peggy travels to the depths of the sea to save the pirates. Will she find them in time? Presented by the Bellarine Juniors. Times vary. Costs 12 September: Walk 4 William Geelong, Steampacket Gardens to Swimming Pool Enclosure and back (Eastern Beach Road, Geelong). 10.30am. Free

13 September: Point Lonsdale Primary School Market, Point Lonsdale Primary School, Point Lonsdale. The Point Lonsdale Primary School Market is held 1 - 30 September: Wildlife of Gondwana around, Maternal & Child Health, 29-31 on the second Sunday every month, Monash University, National Wool Museum, Reynolds Rd, Highton. Are you about to Easter Saturday and the first Saturday in 26-32 Moorabool St, Geelong. Beasts of become or have just become a Grandparent December. 9am - 2pm. Free the Great Southern Supercontinent. The for the first time? Would you like to know 13 September: Memory Walk & Jog, National Wool Museum welcomes some of what has changed since you were a Eastern Park, 1-45 Garden Street, Geelong. the most unusual dinosaurs to have ever parent? The Grandparenting for the 1st roamed the planet and they are all from time program looks at what has changed in 8am-12pm. Costs our own backyard. Surrounded by lifecaring for infants since your own child was a 16 September: Grandparenting 1st time like environmental murals, the exhibition baby, reminders about safety and explores around, Maternal & Child Health, 29-31 features real fossils, skeletons and 20 the role of grandparenting. 9.30 - 1.30am.

Reynolds Rd, Highton. Are you about to full-scale skeletal casts, many of which have 9 September: KidSafe Child Injury become or have just become a Grandparent never been on public display in Australia for the first time? Would you like to know Prevention Information Session, Corio before. From PrimeSCI! what has changed since you were a Library, Cox Road, Corio. Did you know and the Monash University Collection. that the home is the most common location parent? The Grandparenting for the 1st time program looks at what has changed in 4 September: Community Night Market, 37 where children are injured? The City Of - 61 Vines Road, Hamlyn Heights.

Greater Geelong, in partnership with Kidsafe caring for infants since your own child was a baby, reminders about safety and explores CELEBRATING DADS! There will be 2 door Victoria, are running a free child injury prizes just for dads. Enter at reception and prevention information session. The session the role of grandparenting. 9.30 - 1.30am. you must be in attendance at 7.45pm when will provide information, advice and practical 17 September: Arthouse at Lara Library, the prizes will be drawn. 5pm - 8pm. Free solutions that can be used in the home to Lara Library, Walker Ave, Lara.

4 September: Aerosol Art Workshop, South help reduce the risk of injury to children. The Arthouse - is a social art class running session will contain information on common every Thursday of the school term at the Youth Drop In, Youth Space- Grovedale injury hazards for children and how these Lara Library for young people 12 years old Neighbourhood Centre, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale. Regular drop in activities for 12 hazards can be addressed, including safely and up. Try and experiment with various art methods mediums to make a new art piece to 25 year olds include X-box, foosball, table transporting children (including information on choosing and using a suitable child car each week. 3.30-5.30pm. Free tennis, art activities, sports, Wii, free food! restraint), burns and scalds, drowning and 3.30 - 5.30pm. Free

19 September: Saturday Night Skate, Barwon Valley Activity Centre, 1 Barwon Heads Rd Belmont. Run on alternate Saturday nights during school terms, this session offers indoor skating, roller blading and skateboarding. Running for over 20 years, this event takes place at Barwon Valley Activity Centre.

Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades welcome. This event is not suitable for bikes or BMX. Ramps and rails will be set up however, your own skate equipment is necessary.

19 September: The Kazoos ‘What’s UP Croc?’, Potato Shed, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale. As seen on ABC 3, the kids will go crazy for one of Australia’s most loved children’s acts. Based on early-childhood education principles, The Kazoos deliver a show that is wholesome, educational, interactive and highly entertaining. Includes a post-show meet and greet with Chomper the Friendly Crocodile. 11am and 1pm.

Costs 21 September: Lah Lah Live in Concert, South Barwon Civic Centre, Colac Road, Belmont. Playgroup Victoria is proud to host, Lah-Lah, live in concert. Lah-Lah is Australia’s premier band for children and their families. A band like no other in Australia! The stars of ABC KIDS and CBeebies will have the whole family up singing and dancing along with the band!

10am. Costs 22 September: Bellarine Railway, 20 Symonds Street (bottom of Hesse Street), Queenscliff. Ahoy, join Benito in his search for his lost treasure believed to be buried in a cave close to the railway line! 11am - 1pm Costs 29 September: Octonauts Live! Operation Reef Shield, The Playhouse, GPAC, 50 Little Malop St. See your beloved animated heroes from one of Australia’s most watched TV shows re-imagined for the stage and transformed into impressive life-sized characters. In this fun, musical adventure, Valiant polar bear Captain Barnacle, daring cat Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso the big-hearted penguin join forces with a host of colourful Australian reef dwellers on a mission to save the Great Barrier Reef.

11am Costs

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