Connect Summer
2017
Issue
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Enjoy the outdoors this summer Navigate the
NDIS with us
New kinder teacher brings groundbreaking change windermere.org.au
1300 946 337
What you told us
CEO’s message
Thanks for your feedback! We are very pleased to hear that we are making a positive difference in so many of your lives, we really do try hard to get things right.
95% of you felt your culture, identity, beliefs and abilities were respected.
Spring is here, bringing with it daylight savings, warmer temperatures and the perfect opportunity to grab the family and enjoy the outdoors. Check out page 6 for some fun ideas that won’t break the bank. As usual it’s been a busy time for Windermere and our community. The past few months have seen the NDIS transition phase really start to happen, with many people coming to Windermere to access services which give them the right level of care and support they need to live a more independent life. Our staff have been working tirelessly to ensure transition is smooth and the high quality service you know and expect from us continues. More information about the NDIS and services we offer can be found on pages 4 & 5.
felt we had helped them make positive changes
82%
In the spotlight...
Name Jake Docker Role Senior Victim Assistance Worker – Immediate Response Background: With a degree in psychology I spent almost ten years working in Community Corrections and recently specialised in working with serious violent offenders and high-risk sexual offenders.
Throughout the year we run a number of group programs and activities, giving you or someone you know practical support and assistance in times of need. Check out the back page or visit windermere.org.au for current programs on offer.
In my spare time, I do freelance motivational speaking on parenting, and have been heavily involved as an activist against human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and children in Australia and South-East Asia.
As the festive season and holidays approach it’s important we all look out for each other, and you can be assured that we are committed to continuing to provide you with the highest quality of service and will always put your wellbeing and safety first.
Why Windermere: I appreciate Windermere’s values and thought it was time for a new direction in my career, working with the victims of crime, rather than the perpetrators.
We hope that as we continue to send out this newsletter, our communication with you improves as does your awareness and connection to our services. I hope you enjoy reading all the articles and if you would like to provide any feedback or share your thoughts or story please feel welcome by emailing emailmarketing@windermere.org.au
felt it was easy to contact us
If you’d like to tell us how you think we are going (good or otherwise) email us at info@windermere.org.au we’d love to hear from you.
We are also very excited to be re-launching our Mums n Bubs program, which has been possible thanks to one of our generous donors gifting us the use of a four bedroom house in Pakenham. Find out more about our Mums n Bubs program and how this service can be accessed on page 6.
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89%
I also enjoy the evidence-based approach that Windermere seeks to apply to service delivery.
Jake Outside of Windermere: I’m a total travel nut and enjoy travelling to “off the beaten track” areas. Vietnam is my passion at the moment. I’m also a big movie buff and beach-head in summer.
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Like and follow our pages to stay up-to-date on all things Windermere.
Seasons greetings and best wishes for happy and safe holidays.
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Dr Lynette Buoy Chief Executive Officer
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New Kinder teacher brings groundbreaking change Recently appointed kindergarten teacher Kathryn Rothacker, brings over 23 years’ experience in early childhood education to our Frankston Early Learning Centre, (16 years in a council run kindergarten), and the promise of a “groundbreaking” evidence based educational program designed to help young children reach their full potential. provides a formal assessment of each individual child across the four focus areas, using the ages and stages questionnaire. This immediately highlights areas of strengths in a child’s development and areas that require further support, which would normally take six months alone to identify. The Abecedarian approach is imbedded into the Early Years Framework giving the children at the Centre the added benefit of their learning being tracked and individualised, allowing them to reach their full potential. You may not have heard of it – yet Abecedarian, also known as 3A in Australia, represents the most powerful approach in developing language in young children, which research shows is key to a child’s early learning and school readiness. “Language not only allows children to organise their thoughts and explain their ideas, it gives them the ability to express their feelings and the tools to make strong connections with those around them, and this program builds on that,” says Kathryn.
The 3A areas are absolute key to a child’s development, but most importantly at this point in time to be school ready”, says Kathryn. She acknowledges that children and families are all different, and her experience gives her an uncanny ability to adapt the individual needs of each child in her kindergarten class.
She balances the program by incorporating theories of learning through play, experimentation and discovery, making learning fun. Evidence based approach supports the learning outcomes of individual children through intentional and deliberate planning, so that children develop improved language and literacy skills.
Abecedarian has four core areas of focus •
Learning Games – making sure children are getting the right concepts at the right time
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Enriched Caregiving – using language in children’s play
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Conversational Reading – where a book is used like a conversation, this practice is not currently readily applied throughout kindergartens and childcare centres.
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Language Priority – this places a strong emphasis on developing the children’s oral language - through talking, playing learning games and sharing stories. Oral language is so important in helping children to not only communicate with others but think and solve problems too.
Whilst the Centre’s overall kindergarten program still focuses on play based learning, the added element of the Abecedarian evidence based approach
“It is important to make sure we are sending our children to school ready, so they are not experiencing failure before they even begin. Learning can be really challenging when a child loses their selfesteem, and the Abecedarian approach is key to ensuring that any learning or developmental gaps are picked up and worked on immediately,”says Kathryn.
Windermere’s Early Learning Centre in Frankston is the only long day care centre and kindergarten in the South East offering the innovative Abecedarian approach.
Want to know more? Call the Centre on 9784 5300 or visit windermere.org.au 3
We are NDIS ready, registered and delivering services – Let us help you Getting ready for your planning meeting with NDIA can be overwhelming and it’s important to be well prepared so you get the best results. There is a lot to think about, so here are some helpful tips to help you get prepping straight away: (1) Start Now!
(6) Gather all your paperwork early
Your NDIS planning meeting is crucial and could be just around the corner, so start preparing today.
Before your planning meeting make sure you have all your paperwork with you, including:
(2) Think big picture
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Evidence of yours or your child’s disability or developmental delay (eg. letter from your doctor)
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Assessments
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Reports
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Disability Support Register Application (if applicable)
The NDIS isn’t going anywhere, so try not to focus on the current challenges or barriers you might face. Think about the opportunities the future holds. What do you want to achieve? How to you want to live? What are your dreams and aspirations?
(3) Make notes/write it down Write things down when they pop into your head or even take photos as this will help you remember everything you want to ask/know/tell the NDIA during your planning meeting. Think about what your everyday life is like now. What challenges do you face? What type of supports/ services would make life easier for you?
(4) Be clear and specific Be really clear and specific about what you need and want. Itemise everything, get quotes, and ask for everything you think you might need.
(5) Research and read There is a lot of information about the NDIS available and yes it can sometimes be a bit confusing, but it is important you start getting your head around some of the language that is used. Check out our website windermere.org.au/NDIS for some common NDIS terms and their meanings.
Let us help your child get the most out of their every day.
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Check out the handy checklist we have developed to help you get started. windermere.org.au/NDIS or give one of the team a call on 1300 946 337 and let us help you prepare.
(7) Don’t accept a plan you are not happy with You don’t have to accept your first plan. If it doesn’t feel right or you don’t feel it covers reasonable and necessary costs give your planner a call and chat to them about it.
(8) Have someone with you Remember you don’t have to go through the process alone, so take someone you know well with you. This could be family, friends or support workers. They can help make sure you tell your planner everything that is necessary for your plan.
NDIS Planning and Beyond Information Sessions Join our information sessions for the most up to date news on NDIS, preparation for your first NDIS plan, the low down on the planning process and what happens next. Over the coming months a number of sessions will take place across South Eastern Melbourne and West Gippsland. Don’t miss you chance to ensure you understand how to read and implement your plan. For details, phone 1300 946 337 or visit windermere.org.au/NDIS
Stay up to date with all the latest NDIS information by subscribing online or visit windermere.org.au/ndis Our Occupational Therapists work with you and your child to help your child build greater independence in their day to day activities. We offer fun and practical strategies to increase your child’s skills, confidence and self esteem. We will work with you and your child at your home, school, pre-school or on site at our clinic.
To find out more visit windermere.org.au/NDIS or give the team a call 1300 946 337 Other early childhood intervention services include: Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Early Intervention and Plan Management.
Rick’s Story
Rick with his young son Archer
Rick was left a complete quadriplegic after fracturing his neck in a freak camping accident back in 2012. After months of rehab, Rick received disability funding equating to a mere 26.5 hrs of care per week. This inadequate level of care left Rick with little support and independence and vulnerable to bowel accidents throughout the day. After hearing about the option for early application for NDIS, Rick made it his goal to join. After six months of persistent phone calls and emails, sourcing additional out-of-pocket carer support, he had exhausted every avenue. In July 2016, Rick’s effort paid off - he was finally accepted for early NDIS transition; though planning was still going to be months away. While he waited, Rick used the time to do as much research as possible, speaking to friends who had already transitioned from the Geelong area and undertaking considerable online research. Based on his research, Rick identified the support relevant to him “My plan arrived a few days later in the mail, outlining the support services and financial support provided. One of the great things was the control; I was able to negotiate wages for my carers and rates for myself,” he said. When it came to finding the right service provider, Rick found that although a number of providers were registered, few were actually ready to provide NDIS funded services. Enter Windermere.
“Within 24 hours Kate came to visit me and we instantly struck up a rapport. I have now been with Windermere for four months and loving it”.
Rick on stage
and estimated costs based on his personal goals and NDIS price rates. Six months later, NDIA called Rick to commence planning. “It was all pretty quick and easy. I really believe that it was straightforward because of my preparation,” said Rick.
Kate has been fantastic, she is always there when I need her, and answering any questions I have. Having her manage my plan has made a real difference.” Rick’s advice to others is to ensure they are well prepared. Understand their short and long-term goals, and identify the support services needed to achieve them. “Itemise everything and get quotes – but most importantly tell your story. It’s really a case of…if you don’t ask you don’t get.”
How do you think your life might change under the NDIS? We would love to hear your story about what the NDIS will mean for you and your family. If you’d like to be part of our NDIS journey and share your story to inspire others, drop us an email at emailmarketing@windermere.org.au
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Get outdoors this Summer!
As the weather gets warmer there are many simple ways to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with your family . To help we have created a list of some of our favourite things to do outdoors, most of them are free and you don’t even have to plan ahead. So go ahead, grab the kids and get outside today. Don’t forget to be sunsmart!
1. Picnic: You don’t even have to leave home if you don’t want to. Simply lay down a picnic mat or blanket in the backyard and eat whatever you had planned.
2. Sidewalk Chalk
5. Potato Sack Race
Fun for both little and big kids! Play hopscotch or lay down and draw an outline around your childs entire body, then let them colour it in. Even more fun if you make silly poses!
The easiest way to enjoy an oldfashioned “potato sack” race is to use a pillowcase. Get hopping.
6. Backyard camping Kids love to play and sleep in tents. Set up your tent outside in the backyard and let the kids play in there during the day, or better yet enjoy a family night out under the stars.
3. Blow Bubbles Kids loving blowing bubbles and surprisingly there is something calming about it. You can even make your own bubble mixture with washing detergent and water.
7. Go for a walk
4. Nature scavenger hunt Make a list of natural things to look for outside. For example, clouds, a birds nest, flowers, a lake, leaves. Go for a walk and see what you can find!
Walking is a great way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Take a relaxing stroll around the block after dinner and watch the sun set.
There’s no place like home
Do you know any young mums on the brink of homelessness that might need our support? Mums n Bubs is a program for young and single mothers aged 18-25 years with a baby, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. As well as a roof over their heads the program teaches the young mums life skills to get back on their feet and support their children long term. As a young mum with almost no family support life became harder and harder for Laura resulting in homelessness (with a six month old son), anxiety, depression, and her son’s father stepping in and out of her life making promises that only resulted in more and progressively worse abuse.
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Enter Windermere and the Mums n Bubs program. Laura worked hard during her time in the house to improve the physical Sarah Truscott, Carl Strahan and Dr Lyne tte Buoy and emotional wellbeing of both herself and her son, and since moving out she has secured long term accommodation giving them a stable and hopeful future.
To find out more phone one of the team today on 1300 946 337 or visit windermere.org.au
In case of an emergency please ring Lifeline: 13 11 14
Windermere in the community The team have been busy out and about in the community the last few months, here’s a snap shot of some of what they have been up to:
Woodlands Walk This years Woodlands Walk for Nature Play Week with the City of Casey was held at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Cranbourne on the 17th March. Following the path of the migratory birds, children took part in exploring concepts of early literacy with fun interactions, creativity and playing in nature. The children and staff involved had a great day and we are always proud to participate in such a positive community event.
Clapping sticks at NAIDOC (2- 9 July) Thanks to the staff who volunteered their time at this year’s event, we had so much fun decortating clap sticks and knowledge sticks. The beautiful branches were sourced locally at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, giving us the opportunity to chat with the children about nature. This years theme” Our Languages Matter” emphasised and celebrated the unique and essential role Indigenous languages play in cultural identity, linking people to their land and water and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song. What a great opportunity to celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and contribute to our community.
Useful Contacts Windermere:
1300 946 337 Counselling Intake: 9705 3296 For enquiries about service, referral pathways and support. Victims Assistance Program (Gippsland): (03) 5135 1500 or (Southern): (03) 9705 3200
Hanging Hope – Clothesline Project Update: Our Communities for Children Cranbourne program continue to make a stand against family violence. Working in partnership with a number of other local community organisations the team continue running workshops with families affected by family violence. Over the last four months shirts have been displayed at Bunnings, Balla Balla, Monash Health and Casey RACE.
Wicked Issues!
The Clothesline Project aims to give women and children affected by violence a voice and safe way of expressing their emotions by decorating a t-shirt, this is then hung on a public clothesline to be viewed by others as a testimony to the problem of violence again women.
The Journey to Evidence Base for programs with Wicked Issues Forum was held last month at the Cardinia Cultural Centre. We were very excited to celebrate the hard work of our community partners (Relationships Australia (Victoria) Inc, Casey Cardinia Libraries, Anglicare, Connections UnitingCare and Cranbourne Information & Support Services Inc) in ensuring our programs are making a difference to you and your family, through evidence based practice.
Find out more:
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Other agencies: SECADA (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Support) 1800 142 536 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) Family violence and sexual assault counselling services. Disability Services Commissioner Complaints: 1800 677 342 (free call) General Enquiries: 1300 728 187 (local call) TTY 1300 726 563 Fax 03 8608 5765 www.odsc.vic.gov.au Department of Health & Human Services Intake & Response Team 1300 131 079 For people with disabilities & their carers.
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Alfred Health 1800 052 222 www.carersouth.org.au Carer’s support (business hours) and emergency respite (24 hours)
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What’s On
Windermere offers a range of programs and initiatives to support the wellbeing and development of you and your family.
For dates contact the Group Programs Coordinator 9705 3200 or check out the website windermere.org.au/group-programs Little Rays Spend time with your child in a supportive, friendly and welcoming environment, as they learn and play.
Women Managing Anger Need help managing your anger? This six week program for women offers you practical strategies and support to take control of your emotions.
Healthy Women Healthy Relationships Identify and understand the dynamics and impact of family violence during this seven week program.
Family Day Care gives your child the best start in life.
Enrol now!
Managing ADHD
Resilience for Life
Need help managing your anger? This six week program for women offers you practical strategies and support to take control of your emotions.
One two-hour session each week for four weeks, our Resilience for Life program is designed to help you learn positive ways of dealing with day to day problems, life stresses and changes.
Head Office Christmas Closure Hours
Holiday care available
Closing 4pm Friday 22nd December 2017
1300 946 337
Opening 9am Tuesday 2nd January 2018
ECECSenquiries@windermere.org.au windermere.org.au/childcare
In case of an emergency, please ring: 8
Lifeline: 13 11 14 Child Protection: 131 278
Parentline: 132 289 All other emergencies: 000