get ahead kids magazine vol. 2. no. 1. jan/feb 2010

FREEEDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 2 • No. 1 • Jan/Feb 2 010 ®

An Interview with the

Back to School

Special

Mikey RobinsMikey Robins

Back to School

Special

•Is Your Child Ready for School?

•New School, New Attitude

•Live to Learn - Learn to Live

•Degrees of Importance

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Editorial

Your Letters

News

Cinderella Pantomine

Spotlight

An Interview with Mikey Robins

Back to School

Is Your Child Ready for School?

New School, New Attitude

Live to Learn - Learn to Live

Holiday Activities to Set the Stage for Learning

Degrees of Importance

Health

Help! My Kids Have Nits

Dance Magic

Careers

What is an Engineer?

People in Focus

If Something is Worth Doing, it is Worth Doing Badly...

Rather Than Not at All!

Business

Buying Kids Clothing Online

Reviews

New Laptop & Book Bag

Improved Safety for Car Restraints

News

Camp to Belong

Activity Zone

Reviews

Advertisers Index

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An Interview with Mikey Robins

ContentsJan/Feb 2010

FOR FAMILIES ON THE GO

®

This Month’s

Get Ahead Kids®

© MAP Marketing 2010

PublisherMAP MarketingABN 38 003 493 007Villa Franca, 2 Scott St.Newcastle NSW 2300www.getaheadkids.com.auP: 02 4929 7766

Managing EditorMaria CharltonMAP MarketingABN 38 003 493 007Villa Franca, 2 Scott St.Newcastle NSW 2300E: [email protected]: 02 4929 7766

Graphic DesignKatie HurstMAP MarketingP: 02 4929 7766

AdvertisingMaria CharltonMAP MarketingABN 38 003 493 007Villa Franca, 2 Scott St.Newcastle NSW 2300E: [email protected]: 02 4929 7766

Get Ahead Kids® is published by Marketing Advisers for Professionals Pty Ltd T/A MAP Marketing. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for the opinions, errors or omissions.

Spotlight

Get Ahead Kids® Jan/Feb 104

The seventh edition of ‘Get Ahead

Kids’ has been our most successful

issue in terms of editorial contribution

and advertising takeup.

We plan to grow by increasing

our digital copies. To achieve

this objective we’ve undertaken

an extensive social marketing

campaign and welcomed on

board our readership partners

INParenting, PCYC and I Can Read.

We are taking on board only three

additional reader partners.

Thank you Mikey Robins, for adding

sunshine and joy to our celebrity

interview feature.

Editorial

I enjoyed the article about school

readiness and the importance of

play. Having a four year old whose

birthday is in April, the argument

of sending to school or not has

began and any guidance is helpful.

Reading your articles on this matter

helps out in our decision making.

Thankyou.

S. Rutherford, Mayfield

I found the Get Ahead Kids

Magazine in my local Library and

found the article ‘What Should

My Child Be Doing Before Starting

School?’ to be very informative

providing new ideas for entertaining

and extending my 15 month old

daughters and ideas for the future.

This is an article that I will keep and

revisit at times.

N. Dalziel, Dora Creek Please send letters and stories with

your name and contact details to:

Get Ahead Kids®

Villa Franca, 2 Scott St.

Newcastle NSW 2300

F: 02 4929 7827

[email protected]

I commend to you, our back to school

articles that include issues such as

school readiness, the transition to a

new school and the importance of a

university degree.

To all families who are preparing kids

for a new educational experience,

I wish you success in all your

endeavours.

Maria Charlton

Managing Editor

P: 02 4929 7766

[email protected]

‘Holiday Learning for Preschoolers

3-6 Years Old’ provides heaps of fun

things that i can do with the kids on

the weekends. I often struggle to

find crafty and arty things to involve

the kids in and this list was a great

idea.

S. Bridagrt, Cardiff South

I loved ‘A Kids Healthy Christmas’

article. It’s so easy to give in to what

is easiest rather than what is best

for the health of our children when

we parents are under so much

Christmas stress, rush and pressure.

Thank you for reminding me what is

most important at this time - happy,

HEALTHY children.

K. Willis, Raymond Terrace


Pantomine

News

Coming to Newcastle in January

2010 is the classic fairytale,

Cinderella.

The production is being staged

by Newcastle Theatre Company

(NTC) and promises plenty of fun

and interaction with lots of music

and dance performed by a highly

experienced cast of local actors,

singers and dancers.

Using the modern facilities of the

Hunter Theatre at the Hunter School

of Performing Arts, this extravaganza

features special effects, dazzling

costumes, a top lighting design

and music to delight all ages. The

production is sure to entertain both

children and adults alike.

NTC (previously Newcastle Repertory

Club) is a well respected company

that has operated since 1957.

NTC normally performs for adult

audiences in their 110 seat theatre in

De Vitre Street Lambton and are

busily building their new theatre next

door to their current site.

This Cinderella will be slightly

different; it is produced in the English

pantomime tradition that originated

in Greece but took off when it

arrived on the English shores.

Pantomimes are almost always

based on traditional children’s stories

and Cinderella is the most popular

pantomime of them all.

The production of Cinderella comes

complete with two very ugly step-

sisters; their equally nasty mother,

the Baroness; and their hen-pecked

father, the Baron. We meet the

beautiful Cinderella and her best

friend Buttons.

Meanwhile the handsome Prince

and his servant Dandini have been

told by his father, the Emperor, to find

a bride and bring the patter of tiny

feet to the palace. A Ball is called

and everyone in the Kingdom is

determined to get a ticket, including

Simple Simon; Mary Quite Contrary;

and Old Mother Hubbard.

The director, Arlene Richards,

originally from England, is an expert

on pantomime and a former Prince

Charming herself! So it is only fitting

that she take on the challenge of

directing this mammoth task.

You will see some local faces in the

show including Tracy Ebbetts, Katie

Wright, Brian Wark, Nicolette Black,

Sandra Monk, Peter Bird, Stewart

McGowan and David Gubbay. The

musical director is student Owen

Elsley. There will be over 50 people

on stage!

More Information

Cinderella Pantomine

8th-23rd January 2010

Hunter Theatre, Cameron St.

Broadmeadow NSW

Bookings: (02) 4952 4958

Left to right: David Grey as Buttons,

Sandra Monk as the Fairy Godmother

and Katie Wright as Cinderella.

Cinderella


What are your thoughts on school

education?

I would say school is the best place

to get an education.

What value do you see in a

University Degree?

There are two main benefits of a

University Degree. Firstly, to achieve

in whatever academic training that

will benefit your future.

Secondly, spending time with like

minded people pursuing the same

goals.

Many of my best friends and

workmates are still people I met in

and around Uni.

What are your hobbies?

Is lunch a hobby? Actually these

days I spend a couple of hours a

week in the gym, which I’ve actually

learnt to enjoy. Also cooking and I

keep threatening to take up fishing.

Whatwasyourfirstjob?

I worked as a dish washer at a really

posh restaurant.

What are your career highlights?

Seven years on Triple J doing

breakfast as well as Good News

Week also bits of writing for

magazines like GQ and Men’s Style

which although not lucrative are

really enjoyable.

What are your thoughts on the

media hype surrounding child

obesity?

It makes me hungry. Look stop

picking on the fat kiddies, I was a fat

kid back before it was an epidemic.

You could say I was ahead of my

time. You could also say I really

didn’t like the gym.

Where did you go to school?

Newcastle High and Newcastle

University.

Please tell us about your family.

I have been married for over ten

years now to my wonderful and long

suffering wife Laura.

Spotlight

Mikey Robins is one of Australia’s best loved,

intelligent, hilarious and most in demand

entertainers. His career in both radio and

TV has led him to become one of the

most recognisable faces and voices in the

Australian entertainment history.

An Interview with

Mikey Robins


What do you value most in life?

Friendships.

What is your most unforgettable

personal experience?

Probably losing over fifty kilos.

What is your favourite Australian

destination and why?

Port Douglas - it’s relaxed, the diving

is fantastic as is the fishing.

Spotlight

What is your best overseas

experience?

Gosh we love to travel but last year

a trip back to Hong Kong was our

best holiday ever.

The place has such an energising

vibe to it much like New York but the

food is much better.

What advice would you give to

young aspiring comedians?

Whatever you do, don’t listen to me.

More Information

www.mikeyrobins.com

Left to right: The hosts of Good

News Week, Claire Hooper,

Paul McDermott and Mikey

Robins.

p: (02) 4929 5811 w: ngs.nsw.edu.au

Newcastle Grammar School

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2011

ACADEMIC, MUSIC, VISUAL ARTSAll scholarships take the form of remission of School fees

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 23 MARCH 2010

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE


Lots of children move into school

apparently ready for the challenges

that learning brings.

But are you aware that up to 30% of

children in our classrooms are not?

I believe that this is because children

are not developmentally ready for

the higher-order cognitive skills that

academic learning demands.

This has been backed up by a

large Western Australia study

that indicates that nearly 26%

of preschool children have

developmental problems that put

them at risk of learning difficulties at

school.

A research study undertaken by

Toddler Kindy GymbaROO, Tim

Mirabella and the Hastings Shire

Council in Victoria (2007) showed

that children with literacy, numeracy

and behaviour difficulties in their

early school years improved in all of

Is Your Child Ready For School?

By Dr. Jane Williams

these areas simply by undertaking

a daily movement and sensory

program.

But you don’t have to wait until

your child is attending school. Give

your baby, toddler and preschooler

lots of opportunity to stimulate

their brain through movement,

sensory stimulation and activities

and they will be one of the 60%

developmentally ready for school

on the day they start. Now wouldn’t

that be great?

Warners Bay(02) 4920 8033

Newcastle(02) 4955 9256

Maitland1300 557 217

Gosford (02) 4339 1894

Central Coast (02) 4353 7765


Back to School

By The Time Your Child Is Of School

Age

❑ Your child’s brain must be able

to sort out and organise the

sensory information coming

into the brain from body - this

enables a child to be able to

visualise. Visualisation is needed

to follow instructions; read,

understand and write stories;

recognise and spell words;

remember words to songs,

follow a rhythm; understand

mathematical concepts. Poor

sensory organisation also affects

behaviour, concentration and

organisational skills.

❑ Your child must be lateralised -

this means your child has

developed a preferred hand,

necessary to know with which

hand they write! It also enables

your child to independently

use both sides of the body, be

able to cross the midline of the

body and have good hand-

eye coordination skills. These

are essential requirements for

reading, writing and playing

sports successfully.

Babies and children often look a little bent over in a jelly bean or banana shape. Sometimes this is the only sign of physical restrictions in the body.

Other babies and children will present with a concern over:

• Diffi cult delivery• Sleeping • Settling

Osteopaths make the body work better with gentle hands on techniques.

Kim Wheeler, Bianca Oehme, Eleanor Fernon University trained, Registered Osteopaths, AOA Members

• Feeding• Ear infections• Persistent tonsilitis

• Slow to crawl or walk• Awkward running style

❑ Your child should have good

conceptual awareness - this is

required for the understanding

of concepts - up/down, in/out,

and space/time awareness -

required for organisational skills

in the classroom, writing letters

and numerals, skipping and

timing events such as catching

or hitting a ball.

❑ Your child should have good

visual skills - focusing, eye

teaming, distance calculations,

near to far and back again,

visual ability, convergence and

peripheral vision. Learning to use

their eyes in these ways enables

reading, word recognition and

many other visual skills in the

classroom.

❑ Your child should have social

and emotional skills that enable

them to cope with busy and

noisy classrooms, to work in

groups and to understand and

follow instructions. Children who

are not emotionally ready for

the challenges of the classroom

may withdraw from activity

or, conversely start to behave

inappropriately.

Dr. Jane Williams is a Director and

General Manager for Research

and Education, Toddler Kindy

GymbaROO and Adjunct Senior

Lecturer at the School of Nursing,

Midwifery & Nutrition, James Cook

University.

More Information

Rob Sasse

Toddler Kindy GymbaROO

P: 03 9817 3544

[email protected]

www.gymbaroo.com.au

BOOK NOW for Jan/Feb 2010

Speech & Language Assessments

Ph: 1300 657 [email protected]

East Maitland | Charlestown | Nelson Bay

Is Your Child Reaching Their Milestones?


❑ Missing old friends. It is always

hard to lose friends, but you can

make an effort to cultivate new

friendships. Something as simple

as being partners in science or

sitting together at lunch can

lead to new friendships.

❑ Worried that no one will like

you. Everyone has the same

insecurities. If you make the first

move, the other person will most

likely be relieved and respond

enthusiastically.

❑ Nervous about all the extra

homework. When you are

assigned many projects, it can

be overwhelming. Break it up

into doable tasks. The more

organised you are with your

study habits, the easier it will

become.

New School,

New Attitude By Shaunna Privratsky

The first day of school looms and

your child already feels anxious.

Your family might have moved,

transferred, started at a brand new

school, started high school, or just

moved up a grade. The classes

are different, the rules might have

changed and the homework is

harder. Whatever the reason, you

just know that your child is stressed

out.

Many factors can lead to stress

at school. Here are some of the

common reasons and ways to

overcome them:

❑ Being in an unfamiliar

environment. We are all scared

of the unknown. As things

become familiar, the fear and

stress will disappear.

❑ Not enough energy to get

everything done. Eating regular

meals with lots of nutrition may

not sound like fun, but it will fuel

your body for the day. Avoid too

many sugary snacks that give

you a quick boost, but drain you

later when you get a drop in

blood sugar.

A better snack is one that

mixes up the food pyramid; for

instance, some peanut butter

on crackers with milk, yogurt

and a granola cereal bar, mini

pizzas, tuna melt on a tortilla,

grilled cheese sandwich, or fruit,

crackers and cheese with a

smoothie.

Back to School

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❑ Being bullied or harassed by

other students. This is frightening

and we sometimes think we

should handle it on our own.

The best defenses are; telling

someone, avoid reacting and

standing up for yourself without

becoming physical. Most

schools have lots of coping

strategies for bullying, so don’t

suffer in silence.

Here are some other ways to make

life easier at your new school:

❑ Get involved. Join an activity

that interests you. This is a great

way to make friends, since

they share similar interests. You

could pick sports, music, student

council, speech or debating or

other clubs and activities that

your school offers.

❑ Breaking the ice. Just like

when you make the first move,

interacting with anyone at

school can help you break out

of old cliques and make new

friends. Ignoring broad labels

can help you become a more

likeable person and more open

minded

Back to School

H U N T E R V A L L E Y G R A M M A R S C H O O L

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2011Scholarship applications are available for entry in 2011.

Academic Scholarships Years 5 -11Music Scholarships Years 5-11Visual Arts Scholarships Years 9-11Applications close Friday 9 April, 2010.Academic Scholarship Exams held on Saturday 8 May, 2010.

Apply on-line at www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au or for furtherinformation please contact the school's Registrar.

Norfolk St Ashtonfield NSW 2323 P • 4934 2444 F • 4934 2404 E • [email protected] W • www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au

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❑ Stay in touch with old friends.

You can keep your old friends by

staying in contact and maybe

introduce your new friends.

❑ Plan something to look forward

to. You might make special

plans for the weekend like

seeing a movie with friends or

relaxing at home. Anticipating

something fun can help you get

through a tough week at school.

If you are still struggling with stress

or another problem, it may be

helpful to talk to a trusted friend or

family member. Other times, you

may be more comfortable talking

to someone who is not so close to

the situation. They might be able to

give you a different perspective and

some coping strategies. This could

be your school counsellor, school

nurse, a teacher or other counsellor

trained to help young people cope

with stress.

Give your child time to adjust to

all the changes a new school year

brings. Life will start to get easier as

he or she becomes more familiar

with the school’s routine and makes

new friends. If you have a positive

attitude your child’s school days are

bound to be more pleasurable.

Shaunna Privratsky is a full-time

author with two teenage children.

More Information

Shaunna Privratsky

[email protected]

http://shaunna67.tripod.com/id21.html


Mick came in to see me at my

chiropractic office a few months

back. He had just finished his HSC

trials, and he was a very unhappy

chappie.

“I studied very hard up to my trials,

staying up late and reading well

into the night. I was so stressed, and

I really don’t think I have done very

well. Can you please help me so

I can concentrate better when I

study for the HSC?” This sounds so

familiar doesn’t it? Whether it is trials,

tests or projects at work, we all tend

to procrastinate until we can’t any

longer, and then cram at the end,

knowing we will not perform at our

best.

Interestingly, this type of studying

and working will result in very poor

long term memory of the material

you are cramming. Research has

shown that to convert the studied

information from short term memory

to usable long term memory, we

need to have ‘down time’.

Amazing things happen when we

rest and sleep; our bodies heal and

renew and our brains sort and filter

the sensory input, as in what we

hear, see, read, feel, do and then

store it appropriately for future use.

So to be able to recall and use

information in the right context we

have to have more time to digest it.

Sometimes it is very helpful to do

a repetitive movement while you

are trying to remember something,

because the movement activates

other pathways in the brain, which

basically means that you will

remember information both as a

kinesthetic memory and a recall.

For example, if you have to do

times tables, spelling words, French

irregular verbs or other rote memory,

try skipping while you say them

out loud. When you then have to

remember them in class or at a test

and find it difficult, if you visualise

you skipping, you will access your

memory from a different perspective

and the information will come back

to you.

Back to School

Methods Are Safe, Natural & They Work!

P: 02 4942 4842 2 Lincoln Street, Charlestown

[email protected]

Family Chiropractic CentreCharlestown

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Exam stress & relaxation •

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Variety of organic & systemic• problems

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There are a couple of issues in this

scenario. One is to make the best for

Mick in the short run, since the HSC

was only a few weeks away. The

other is to try to prevent ending up in

that same predicament again.

As the school year is about to start,

let’s begin with the big picture first:

Life is so busy! There are so many

things which need to be done, that

we want to do, that we have to

get done; school assessments, tests,

quizzes, homework.

On top of that are all the other

important things in life such as family,

friends, work, exercise, relaxation,

rest, spirituality... So the start of the

year, before the routine sets in is a

great time to sit down and ponder

how we best fulfil all our needs

and wants. Try to make a schedule

where all these aspects are figured

in.

If you work Monday and Tuesday

after school and have maths on

Wednesday, you will need to

schedule in some time to study

maths maybe on the weekend,

because Wednesday morning will

probably not be an option.

If you have a big project due in

week 7, schedule in some time to

work on it for weeks prior to the due

date, otherwise something else will

have to give as you feverishly try to

get it done at the last moment.

Live to Learn - Learn to Live By Dorte Bladt


Regular exercise helps increase the

blood flow and therefore oxygen

to the brain, which will help you

study more effectively. Exercise

has also been shown to increase

the hormone BDNF (brain derived

neurotropin factor) which makes

new nerve tissue. So if you can’t

concentrate, prioritise your time;

go for a brisk 15 minute walk, then

return to the desk and get the work

done.

The food you consume is also very

important. Studying can be hard

and boring, and we often feel the

need for a ‘wake up’ nibble. We

generally will go for a sugar hit

because it gives us a short burst

of energy. Unfortunately, after 15

minutes, we get a sugar low, where

we will feel tired and lethargic, so

this is totally counterproductive.

Standing up and walking to the

sink for a glass of water is the way

to go; both will stimulate the brain

into a more productive brain wave

pattern.

Let’s return to Mick, who obviously

had a very short term pressing

issue. When we examined him

chiropractically, we found that he

had misalignments in his spine which

were affecting his concentration,

attention and memory. The same

misalignment was responsible for

the headaches he had suffered

occasionally since a young child.

Misalignments in the spine can

affect the way the nerve system is

working, and since the brain and

nerve system control the function of

all cells, organs and systems in the

body, it is not hard to understand

how Mick had not performed at his

best.

So Mick received some specific,

very gentle and comfortable

chiropractic care, to which he

responded very well. We helped

him draw up a study plan, where

he included time for exercise, work

and fun as well. We discussed how

to include some better choices for

study foods: water, nuts and fruit,

and lastly, we showed Mick how to

do some brain stimulating exercises,

which he should do every day and

especially if he felt he struggled with

concentration.

Mick has done very well for these

past few months. He felt much more

prepared for his HSC than for the

trials and he felt he performed so

much better.

We both look forward to seeing how

it all went. However, what would

have been a lot better, would have

been to have started this journey at

the start of the year, which is what I

am going to urge you to do today!

More Information

Dorte Bladt

Doctor of Chiropractic

Family Chiropractic Charlestown

2 Lincoln St., Charlestown

P: 02 4942 4842

Back to School

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Thanks to Australian Reptile Park,

Get Ahead Kids have 10 Family

Passes to The Australian Reptile

Park to give away (Valued at

$60 each).

Each family pass allows entry

for 2 adults and 2 children

(3-15 years).

For your chance to win visit

www.getaheadkids.com.au

follow the giveaway link and fill

in your details.

10 to Giveaway!

Holiday Activities to Set the Stage for

Back to School

The long Christmas holidays mean

additional investments for childcare,

time and cost of keeping young

children entertained in a meaningful

way.

Holiday activities planned on the run

and under pressure can be taxing

on your nerves and expensive on

your purse.

These same holiday activities can

be less expensive if purchased in

advance or as part of a group.

Planned holiday activities are

also more likely to be fun and

educational.

Many activities may have a nil cost,

for example a picnic in the park, trek

in the bush or day at the beach.

Daily holiday routine needs to be

planned to prevent boredom and

create an air of excitement for

parents and kids.

For holiday activities to be

educational, they need to be

experiential and involve children on

an emotional level to develop:

• Literacy skills

• Physical strength

• Fine motor skills

• Social skills

• Music & movement

Checklist

❑ Play Pretend Games

Pretend games help to develop

kids’ social skills, emotional

stamina, creativity and discipline.

Let them dress up as a favourite

character! Let them pretend they

are mum or dad, a pirate, a zoo

animal, their favourite superhero,

an astronaut, a train driver,

school teacher or doctor.

L E AR N NI G


Back to School

2656

8

❑ EnjoyCraftActivities

School readiness skills can easily

be fostered with colouring

in, spot the difference, word

searches, drawing, join the dot

and counting activities. There

are numerous craft books in

supermarkets to make this task

easier.

❑ Use Rhymes, Song & Music

Young children love nursery

rhymes and songs, so make sure

you plan for these. Singing helps

kids to develop better awareness

of rhythm, rhyme, words and

sounds.

❑ Cook with Children

Children of all ages love to cook

and recipes are great resources

for following instructions, science,

fractions, and a sense of

accomplishment. Mixing, stirring,

and pouring are enjoyable

ways to develop the agility and

strength that are prerequisites for

writing.

xplore and experience the rich maritime history of Newcastle and the Hunter river, and learn about the Ports importance to the development of Australia. This innovative, world class Maritime Centre with the port as its backdrop, will transport you via a series of exciting interactive exhibits into the story of our harbour and the people and events.

❑ Outdoor Activities

It is important to build up

physical stamina by keeping kids

healthy and active with outdoor

activities. There are numerous

options including swimming

and surfing, martial arts, tennis,

throwing frisbees, shoveling dirt,

building sandcastles, racing,

water play, planting seeds and

plants, blowing bubbles, making

a bird feeder, skateboarding and

bike riding.

❑ Keep a Scrapbook of Holiday

Activities

Buy a scrapbook and fill this up

with memories such as tickets,

brochures, leaves, flowers,

sea shells, photos and other

memento of the daily holiday

activities.

More Information

www.raisingchildren.net.au


This is a time of unparalleled growth

of students in Australian higher

education. University applications

2009 have grown by 5.6% per cent -

the largest increase since 2002.

The number of students in higher

education grew to 1,066,095 in 2008.

Despite these escalating student

numbers, some argue that most

university degrees are totally

irrelevant to the job environment

and may be a futile exercise in

memorising facts. This viewpoint

is supported by the large number

of students graduating in subjects

totally unrelated to their job

aspirations.

Others argue that a university

degree is a piece of paper that may

help students get a job because

it demonstrates the effort and

determination required to get the

paper degree.

When he retired from the Wharton

School in 1986, Professor Russell

Ackoff was cynical about the

contributions of a university

business education. Amongst other

things, he alleged that a business

education gave students the

vocabulary to help them speak

with authority on things they did not

understand.

A degree improves occupational

status and income only if students

choose the right courses. Research

indicates that graduates in arts and

humanities subjects had among

the lowest earnings upon gaining

employment.

On the other hand accountancy

graduates were earning about 40%

more than them over the course of

their lifetime.

According to results from a new

study of student engagement

released by the Australian Council

for Educational Research (ACER), a

third of Australian and New Zealand

university students seriously consider

leaving their institutions before

graduation.

The Australasian Survey of Student

Engagement (AUSSE) reports that

this figure is underestimated as it

excludes students who have already

discontinued their studies.

Science and agriculture students are

the most likely to remain engaged

through to graduation. Architecture,

education and creative arts

students reported that they are

most likely to depart prior to degree

completion.

Back to School

Degrees of Importance


The Graduate Pathways Survey,

conducted by ACER for the

Department of Education,

Employment and Workplace

Relations, canvassed more than

9,000 bachelor degree graduates

five years into their careers and

highlighted some key relationships

between degrees and employment.

This study highlighted that most

bachelor degree graduates (about

90%) are in employment five years

after completing their studies. Three

quarters of graduates are in full-time

work.

Undertaking paid work whilst

studying for a degree has a positive

impact in developing graduate

capabilities and vocational

outcomes.

Men were more likely than women

to participate in the workforce after

five years of completing a degree.

About 84% of males had full-time

work compared with 69% of females.

According to this research, males

earn around $7,800 more per year

than females in the fifth year after

graduation. Likely reasons for this

gender gap include the higher

proportions of young women in part

time work and gender differences in

types of jobs.

Research conducted by ACER

backs up anecdotal evidence,

revealing that the average university

graduate earns 30% more than to

someone with no tertiary education

or training.

Tertiary education has a stronger

effect on graduate incomes than

socioeconomic background or

ethnicity.

The benefits of completing a

degree are likely to be greater

during an economic downturn,

as employers are more inclined to

use educational attainments as a

way of screening potential staff in a

competitive labour market.

And all these go to indicate

there are numerous degrees of

importance in gaining a university

degree!

More Information

www.acer.edu.au

Back to School

ENROL TODAY1300 00 7722 www.spcc.nsw.edu.au

Campuses at Newcastle, Port Stephens, Cessnock and Gosford.

Leaders in Whole of Life Education

Don’t educate half your child!St Philip’s Christian College gives your child the best start for the whole of their life. We help uncover their God-given potential by providing a quality education in a supportive and truly caring Christian environment.

www.spcc.nsw.edu.au

P: 4942 3000 | M: 0431 739 400 [email protected]

Success Rocks!Selective School Preparation83% Student Success for 2010 Intake

Yrs 5 & 6


The holidays have been great...

no broken arms or illness. It has

been weeks and weeks of fun

and mayhem. Finally, the kids are

back at school. I barely get to the

office when the call arrives “This is

the school nurse. I’m very sorry to

inform you, but you need to pick

up your kids. They have a head lice

infestation”

I reel in horror. My kids? Head lice?

I’m a clean mother! My house is

spotless! We’ve all been there...

Here are some facts that may

help you understand, prevent and

deal with the ever dramatic and

persistent issue of nits.

Although these sound revolting;

tiny little parasitic insects that crawl

around on human heads, feed on

small amounts of blood that they

draw from the scalp.

They are truly a very common

problem for kids of all ages, but are

especially prevalent for 3-12 year

olds.

Some Facts

• Lice are wingless, light to dark

brown, with 6 hairy legs & all they

can do is crawl

• Head lice only live on human hair

• They live happily in clean or dirty

hair

• They love everyone regardless of

income level

• They pose no health risk but can

cause bacterial infections

• Head lice transfer comes mainly

from head to head contact

• Head lice treatments may not kill

all of the head lice

• Lice lay eggs called nits, which

are tiny brown/white flecks that

can be mistaken for dandruff

• Lice cannot be combed out as

they stick to the hair shaft close

to the scalp

• Nymphs are juvenile lice & it only

takes two weeks for them to

mature & lay their own eggs

By Marzia Bettini, Full-time Working Mum.

My Kids Have Nits

Help!

FREEDIGITAL

EDITIONVol. 2 • No. 1 • Jan/Feb 10

FREE


Health

Putting service and the needs of people fi rst.

If you see a hole, don’t think you’re a mole, walk in the opposite direction and report your

detection.

Old mines and potholes can be dangerous!

that’s why

MAURIE MOLE

HAS A

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE PHONE 1800 248 083

www.minesub.nsw.gov.au

8252

4

Treatment Methods

• Chemical treatment use

pesticides that kill the head lice.

Over the counter preparations

that you can purchase from

chemists contain chemicals,

which can kill head lice &

their nits. Because the nits are

encased in a shell, these may not

all die at the same time.

• The conditioner method

involves saturating the hair with

conditioner & combing through

with a nit comb until all the nits

are gone.

Checklist for Preventing Head lice

❑ Keep long hair tied & stop kids

from playing with each other’s

hair

❑ Avoid sharing brushes & combs

❑ Wash out brushes & combs in hot

water or medicated shampoo

❑ Instruct kids not share

headbands & hats at school

❑ Avoid direct head-to-head

contact

❑ Check regularly for head lice &

itching

❑ Wash bed linen, bed clothes,

bed toys & towels in hot water

❑ Dry-clean items that aren’t

washable

Head lice Quiz

1. You must tie long hair up when

in contact with other children

True False

2. Head lice can jump form head

to head

True False

3. Head lice are usually found in

the nape of the neck and

behind the ears

True False

4. It’s OK to share hats and brushes

if you have head lice

True False

5. You don’t need to wash or

dry-clean items that have come

in contact with head lice

True False

Answers: 1. T, 2. F, 3. T, 4. F, 5. F

More Information

www.health.act.gov.au

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q

q


Oakdale Studios, Unit 4, 9 Oakdale Rd, Gateshead NSW 2290 Ph/Fx: 02 4948 2953 • www.babyballerinas.com.au

Baby Ballerinas is a unique pre-school dance program for 3-5 year old girls. It guides them through creative imagery and develops an appreciation of rhythm & timing, music, movement, grace, gross motor & social skills.

Free Trial Classes • Morning Classes • Parents Able to Observe Classes.

Baby Jazz is ideal class for boys and girls 3-5 years

Central School of Dance is for kids 6 years and after & provides RAD based exams and Eisteddfod

Dance

Throughout history, people have

used dance to express emotions,

tell stories, treat illness, develop

group bonds, celebrate life events,

promote health, and communicate

with the divine.

Nowadays, there are numerous

different types of dance styles

available to kids and their parents

including rock n roll, jive, modern

dance, ballet, tap and jazz.

Various research studies have

attested to the physical,

psychological, social, artistic and

health benefits of the dance.

Magic

Health

Edel Quin, Lucy Frazer and Emma

Redding research on “The Health

Benefits of Creative Dance”

UK (2007) indicated that creative

dance increases the physical

and psychological well-being of

adolescents.

Research conducted by the

University of Maryland (Horin 2008)

showed that about 60% of kids aged

from 9-12 led a balanced life with

involvement in one or two activities,

such as music lessons or a drama

class. Kids not involved in any of

these activities were shown to be

relatively less socially mature and

had a lower self-esteem.


Dance classes in Swing & 1950’s Style Rock ‘n’ Roll for students, school groups & adults.

Principal, Gary Haigh, is a professional member of Australian Rock ‘n’ Roll Dancesport Council.

Recognised by the Australian Dance Board as the only accredited Rock ‘n’ Roll teacher in the Hunter.

Learn to Dance Like the Stars

All Shook Up

M. 0412 114 647

A.H. (02) 4930 1076

[email protected]

www.allshookup.com.au

Learn toSwing & RockLearn toSwing & Rock

East Maitland & CessnockMoblie: 0417 674 [email protected]

HEADQUARTERS

CheerleadingBreakdanceCabaretHip HopModernSwingBalletLatinFunkJazz

Rock ‘n’ RollMummy & Me

Fun & Fitness Flair

Social

Dancing has a broad range of social

benefits including improved body

image, self-esteem, discipline and

communication skills. It reduces

stress, fears and lessens the feeling

of isolation. Group choreography

fosters teamwork, trust and

co-operation.

Artistic

Moving creatively encourages

self-expression, movement and

opens up new ways of thinking and

doing things. Other dance benefits

include; it sparks imagination and

develops creativity. Involving kids

in dance trains them in the basic

elements of creative movement,

including timing and rhythm.

Health

The Mayo Clinic researchers

indicated that dancing helps to

reduce stress, increase energy,

improve strength, increase muscle

tone and co-ordination. All forms

of dancing can help lower heart

disease, stabilise blood pressure,

help to control weight and improve

your sense of wellbeing.

More Information

www.challengestadium.wa.gov.au

Health

Physical

On a purely physical level dancing

improves health, well-being,

co-ordination, and muscle tone. It

also enhances the cardiovascular

system and strengthens the bones.

Young dancers develop a sense of

balance; improve agility, posture,

poise and co-ordination.

Psychological

Research indicates that mental

and emotional problems are often

held in the body, in the form of

muscle tension and constrained

movements. Dancing relieves

muscle stiffness, reduces anxiety,

chronic pain and depression. It has

been demonstrated as the only

physical activity to improve brain

function.

��

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Careers

What is an Engineer?

An engineer is essentially a

problem solver, an inventor and

a designer. Engineers use science

and technology as tools for solving

problems. Engineers identify

a problem or need then seek

information before brainstorming

solutions. They then design and

create components or products

before testing to reach a solution. If

needed, adjustments are made to

make a product useable.

What Do Engineers Do?

Engineers use mathematics

and science to design, build,

create, maintain and improving

components from the latest high

tech materials, to bridges and cars.

Engineers are behind the science of

most areas of modern life.

Some types of engineers are

involved in the maintenance,

testing and quality improvement of

existing technologies. Other types of

engineers are involved in the design

and creation of new products and

technologies.

Engineering is made up of many

different disciplines. The disciplines

offered at the University of

Newcastle include:

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Mechatronics Engineering

• Mining Engineering

• Software Engineering

• Surveying

• Telecommunications Engineering


Careers

Courses in Agriculture & Horse Husbandry

Practical experiences on the Tocal commercial farms

Large number of student scholarships available

Enrol for 2010 visit www.tocal.com

LEADER IN AGRICULTURAL TRAINING

P: 1800 025 520

MAKE IT SO I can be an engineer.Visit www.makeitso.org.au

Engineers MAKE IT SO

• Jets fl y faster• There is less pollution• We have amazing robots• We can travel to outer space• Formula 1 cars go faster

Engineering in Our Lives

The work of an Engineer is used by

us every day and we come across

engineering everyday in our lives.

The toothpaste tube you use is very

carefully engineered. The wiz-

bang toothbrush you smear your

toothpaste onto was engineered,

and there are new innovations for

those coming out all the time.

When you cook toast in the morning,

the toaster was engineered. Even

the bread is engineered to increase

the life of the food and ensure it

stays fresh and free from bacteria for

as long as possible.

These days many engineers are

employed to find better and

more energy efficient ways to do

things. They are trying to make

electricity that doesn’t cause as

much pollution as it currently does.

They are also trying to find ways to

dispose of waste that won’t poison

the planet or spread disease.

Engineering offers a whole range

of options and career choices.

Because it is such a vast and

complex field, it gives you the

opportunity to specialise in an area

that interests you. Few career paths

offer such exciting and rewarding

opportunities like engineering.

More information

www.newcastle.edu.au


These words still strike a chord with

me. My name is Natalie Burgess and

I had an experience a few years

ago that led me to use this advice

when I would have least expected

to do so.

The situation was an examination

due to be sat-a two hour paper

as part of completing my BA with

distance learning at the University

of New England. I assumed the

exam was to be conducted at the

usual venue, St.. John’s College

in Maitland only to find the venue

locked.

I looked around and the only person

I could find was a groundkeeper,

who said there were no

examinations planned for that day. I

didn’t know what to do.

I had arrived early but the time was

already nine o’clock - the time for

the start of the exam.

I did not have my mobile with me

so I had to jump into the car and

look for a payphone. I found one

at the local Post Office and started

desperately to contact anyone who

could assist me.

People in Focus

Confused by your Career Options?

Secure Employment in Marketing, Advertising, Real Estate, Hospitality, Tourism, Legal, Events,

Human Resources, Public Relations,

Business &/or Administration

Enrol For 2010

Call 4926 1577 www.passmores.com.au

If Something is Worth Doing,

it is Worth Doing Badly…

Rather Than Not at All!By Natalie Burgess

On my final attempt I was eventually

able to speak to my professor at the

University of New England. She told

me that notification had been sent

out advising that the venue for the

examination had changed and was

now at a club in Lambton. I asked

her if I could be granted some extra

time but the response from her was

a kindly, “Unfortunately not”.

I just had to make my way as quickly

as possible to the correct venue.

Lambton is a good 30 minutes away

from Maitland so with no further

ado I jumped into my car and got

there as fast as I could. On arrival at

the examination room after parking

my car I noted to my horror that

one hour forty five minutes of the

allocated two hours for the paper

had been lost. Five minutes reading

time then I was left with ten minutes

to complete a two hour paper.

In all but blind panic my mind sped

back to the days when I was a

student at Passmores’ Business and

Management College.


People in Focus

Want to Improve Skills?

Distance Learning Business Courses

Short Courses Keyboarding, Word, Excel & PowerPoint

Call 4926 1577 www.passmores.com.au

The wise words of the Principal,

Duncan Passmore, rang in my ears.

“If something is worth doing, it’s

worth doing badly...rather than not

at all”. And, secondly, “In an exam,

if you have no time and several tasks

to complete it is better to do a little

of each question than miss out any

task completely”.

So although there were three

questions requiring lengthy answers

my modus operandi was to inform

the marker that I knew what I

was talking about. So my random

thoughts were splattered down onto

the paper as quickly as they could

be - as bullet points, allowing five

minutes for each.

As I penned the last bullet point

on the last question the examiner

announced, “time”.

I had finished the exercise; but

how would I score? Would I fail

dismally? I had to wait. It was a

long two months before I got the

result. Fortunately, due to a bit of

hard work, I had been a distinction

student thus far. I thought this was

going to be my first fail. I opened

the result and, believe it or not, I had

earned a ‘Pass’ for my efforts.

The end result was a credit average

towards my degree for the subject

Tourism and Recreational Leisure.

From time to time I still mentally

revisit the wisdom learned at

Passmores’ about exam techniques

and life in general. As one who is

a little prone to anxiety and panic

attacks I bear testimony to the

words “If something is worth doing,

then it is indeed worth doing badly,

rather than not at all”.

More Information

Passmores’ Business & Management

College

P: 4926 1577

www.passmores.com.au

Ph: (02) 4933 7633Maitland Christian School

www.maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au

MAITLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOLDo all for God’s glory

Maitland Christian School, nestled away in the middle of Metford, is a great place to educate your children. With 580 students from Kinder through to Year 12, at Maitland Christian School you won’t get lost in the crowd! The school’s mission is to work in partnership with families and churches by offering a sound Christ-centred education which encourages the fullest possible development of the spiritual, academic, physical and social characteristics of each child.

75-81 Chelmsford Drive Metford NSW 2323

Do all for God’s glory

MAITLAND CHRISTIANSCHOOL


Business

Now, more so than ever before,

families are budgeting for kids

clothing. Buying kids clothes online

means families can buy unique

clothes that look better and last

longer.

More and more parents are part of

the growing online buying trend for

kids clothing because this buying

method is faster, more convenient

and cost effective.

Modern mums are time poor and no

longer have the luxury of travelling

from store to store. As well as saving

time, mums want to save money

on petrol, parking, and those

unplanned purchases to appease

demanding kids.

In isolated country areas, mums find

it difficult to get to shops. But, with

the introduction of online shopping

and home delivery, country kids

can look trendy and chic, dressed in

latest fashions.

As kids get grubby and dirty more

often, buying in bulk makes great

sense! An additional drawcard is

that kids clothing fashions are fairly

constant, which means that you can

buy more in different sizes especially

if clothes are in neutral shades.

Some argue that kids don’t really

require fashion clothing at such a

young age! But a close look at kids

websites show that these can be

bought at discount prices if you

know where to look.

One of the best sites for finding

discounted kids clothing is

www.ozsale.com.au. This online

business ships anywhere in Australia

and replenishes its offerings on a

daily basis. But, if you want to get

the best deals, you need to visit

online sites early in the morning

every day. New items come in every

morning and these don’t last for

long.

Before embarking on your online

adventure please take a little time

to get planned and informed on

online shopping.

Buying Online Checklist

❑ Make a list of what you want to

buy, the sizes & colours

❑ Set yourself a budget

❑ Shop in sites with secure payment

facilities

❑ Buy from reputable online sites

❑ Use sites that are easy to

navigate

❑ Spend in sites with a simple

checkout process

❑ Ensure that before, during & after

sale communication is clear

❑ Online sites need to state

shipping & the costs of shipping

❑ Check returns policy

More Information

www.shopsafe.com.au

Buying Kids Clothes

Online


Business

A real parenting website

portal, by parents for

parents. Share your stories,

experiences, or simply

read some helpful hints.

Get Ahead Kids Partners


Reviews

fLAPTOP

Created with students in mind, the

fLAPTOP is a laptop and book bag

that is ideal for teenagers, business

executives, travellers and mums who

want to combine work files and a

handbag in one bag.

Launched in 2009, the fLAPTOP

comes in five vibrant colours of

Daffodil Yellow, Hot Pink, Lime

Green, Chocolate Brown and

Orange.

Mrs Sally Gulson, the entrepreneur

and developer for the fLAPTOP,

explains;

“My four sons who are at high school

or university had boring black laptop

bags. These black bags were on the

minus scale in ‘uber’ cool.

Our research and testimonials

demonstrate that the fLAPTOPs fill

the market gap for funky laptop

bags.

My boys even use their fLAPTOPs

when they take their Wii games or

Nintendo DS to their friends’ houses!

I used mine on a recent holiday

to Tasmania-it was great for plane

travel.”

The fLAPTOP is a spacious and

functional laptop and book bag

that easily accommodates laptops,

accessories, books and personal

effects. They are also sturdy,

comfortable to wear and aesthetic!

The laptop program for the

public schools in 2010,

www.flaptopbags.com offers

the fLAPTOPs to schools at a

Special Price of $45.00.

Also this company supports the

school fundraisers with 10% of

sales being donated back to

the school.

To organise a fundraiser or

place an order at the Special

School Price of $45.00 just send

Sally an email

[email protected] and

mention “Get Ahead Kids”

Special School Offer!

It has been designed to drape

across the body leaving your hands

free. The weight is spread across the

upper torso and hip which makes

it very comfortable to wear. The

fLAPTOP can also be carried over

the shoulder and by the handgrip.

The innovator of the fLAPTOPs has a

background in business and event

management as well as home

styling.

More Information

Sally Gulson

M: 0408 443908

E: [email protected]

www.flaptopbags.com

Laptop & Book Bag

New


Reviews

As car accidents are the number

one cause of children’s deaths, car

safety is a very real concern for all

parents. The Hurphy Durphy was

designed and developed to offer

parents peace of mind that the

child’s capsule or restraint remain

safe and secure.

Imogen Mirmikidis, Inventor and

Managing Director for the Hurphy

Durphy, was inspired to invent the

Hurphy Durphy after a terrifying

experience involving her son Jasper,

who was one-year-old at the time.

The seatbelt securing his baby

capsule was accidentally released

whilst the car was on a busy freeway

travelling 100 kilometres an hour.

Imogen became aware that her son

was swinging across the back seat in

his unanchored car restraint.

Terrified at the thought of what

could have happened to Jasper

if they had been involved in an

accident, she commenced an

Internet search to find a product to

stop this from happening again.

She was shocked to find that

such a product did not exist and

proceeded to get a government

grant to develop a prototype.

After three years of research,

development and testing, Imogen

finalised the design.

Made from neoprene and plastic,

the Hurphy Durphy is suited to both

front release and top opening seat

belt buckles. Once fitted, it can

be removed easily by adults but is

virtually impossible for children to

unfasten, due to the use of heavy

duty Velcro®.

The Hurphy Durphy is now stocked in

over 300 stores Australia-wide, and

can be purchased online.

More Information

Imogen Mirmikidis

P: 08 6262 5698

E: [email protected]

www.hurphydurphy.com

Improved Safetyfor Car Restraints


News

Imagine you didn’t see your brothers

or sisters when you were growing

up. That you didn’t know they had

broken their arm, that they had won

an award at school, or know that

their favourite colour was blue.

This is the reality for thousands of

children and young people who

live in out-of-home care in Australia.

About 28,000 children and young

people in care approximately 75%

of these are separated from at

least one sibling. They don’t share

family holidays, birthday parties or

have the opportunity to have a

relationship with their brothers and

sisters.

Lifestyle Solutions is a not-for-profit

organisation that provides the

opportunity for these children and

young people to spend one full

week together at no cost to their

families. It is through a camp called

Camp To Belong.

Camp To Belong is a weeklong

residential camp that brings

together brothers and sisters

between the ages of 7 to 17 years

who have been separated through

no fault of their own and placed in

separate foster homes throughout

NSW. It ran the first camp outside

the USA in January 2009 at Cataract

Scout Park near Campbelltown,

Sydney.

Thirty four brothers and sisters from

South West Sydney were reunited for

seven days of fun, excitement and

reconnection. Activities ranged from

caving to building and driving billy-

carts, from riding the flying fox to

taking helicopter rides.

They visited the beach, used the

on-site waterslide every afternoon,

shared a communal birthday party,

made memory books of the camp

and exchanged specially made

travel cushions to keep as reminder

of their absent sibling.

From 3rd-8th January 2010, Lifestyle

Solutions will be running the second

Camp To Belong to be held in

Sydney, at The Collaroy Centre

predominantly for indigenous

children.

Lifestyle Solutions also plans to

conduct Camp To Belong in

Brisbane, Hobart, Perth and Sydney.

More Information

Lifestyle Solutions

www.lifestylesolutions.org.au

Camp To Belong


Summer Search

Activity Zone

R J K I

I P O L E N

O L R A F N

L O E E V L

I W N G Q U

F L O N I H

E R I I S U

G B T I T G

U S I K R S

H T O T H A W D S T E A T H Y A

E A T T S B L R D N R R S S U R F I N G

H S O L J G A D K O E I A H T F O D E E

T O I E Q U D A H C T P B J U U D E E D

B L J K L S M R A O T T H R E R

C S I S R T D D N I W N H Y S Y E Y R C

L E A D A R A O S A I D L I K S N G A S

P L L E A D Y L N A N D D A I E V N U N

J R E O O Y S P E V N E J S T S Q I U U

A T B W E N S S W T E C H R I S T M A S

N Y W Q O W E L Y I R E Y O P A D M G T

U U A S L T H E E N U M E Y L L O I H U

A I O P O S H K A D R B G V E G G W K M

R E R W X S Q C R A F E I S D N U S P D

Y R A U R B E F A L S R I K B U K Y R Q

L I F E P O L P S E E R H U I S I S T U

S U M M E R T I M E B R O W N N I C E R

S C R U B E R N I I D T

Can you find the hidden words?

Make sure you look up, down,

across and diagonally.

1. Summertime

2. Sunny

3. Hot

4. Lifeguard

5. Swimming

6. Christmas

7. Holidays

8. New Year

9. Sunscreen

10. Outside

11. December

12. January

13. February

14. Bikini

15. Board Shorts

16. Surfing

17. Water Skiing

18. Air Conditioner

19. Beach Towel

20. Sunglasses


Conspiracy 365 Author: Gabrielle Lord

This is the first in a series of 12 books

that feature Callum, a 15 year old

fugitive, whose Irish ancestors hide a

deep dark secret. People are after

him but who are they and why are

they chasing him?

The Slightly Skewed Life of Toby Chrysler

Author: Paul Collins

From the first sentence this book

draws you in, as Toby Chrysler

takes you on an adventure

through his skewed life. From

committing manslaughter to

kidnapping, Toby has done it all,

in an attempt to find his missing

mother.

Partnered with Ginger, a young girl

whose father is missing, he devises

a plan to find their missing parents.

Throughout their investigations,

they find themselves in difficult and

deadly situations.

With each progressing epiphany,

each embarks on a journey of

self-discovery. The book contains

mild supernatural themes and

death.

This is a coming of age book that is

ideal for any kid who has ever felt

socially unaccepted or rejected.

Age Guide: 10 -13 Years

Extent: 144 pages (Paperback)

ISBN: 9780 9750 74244

Price: AU$14.95

Publisher: Celapene Press

P: 0409 933 930

www.celapenepress.com.au

The Goblin and the Empty Chair Authors: Mem Fox,

Leo & Diane Dillon

A goblin has such frightful facial

features that he covers his face so

he doesn’t scare people. But, when

he notices the sorry plight of parents

and their little girl he starts to help

in the cover of darkness. He thinks

nobody is watching, but in secret he

is observed by each family member.

This is a touching fairytale that deals

with hardship, physical deformity,

and the healing power of good

deeds.

Age Guide: 4-6 years

Extent: 32 pages (Hardback)

ISBN: 9780670074211

Price: AU$24.95

Publisher: Penguin Group (Australia)

P: 03 9811 2400

www.penguin.com.au

What is the meaning behind his

father’s drawings? What is Callums

uncle up to? Callum must survive the

next 365 days!

This book keeps you enthralled as

the mystery unfolds. From the first

page, you are thrust into a world

of conspiracies and a mystery that

keeps the reader riveted.

I can’t wait for the next episode of

Conspiracy 365.

Age Guide: 12-16 Years

Extent: 185 pages (Paperback)

ISBN: 9781741690330

Price: AU$9.99

Publisher: Scholastic Australia

P: 02 9416 4000

www.scholastic.com.au

Reviews


Conquering Comprehension Books 3-6Author: Dr. Gordon Winch MA Me Phd

The Conquering Comprehension

series consist of four graded student

workbooks that cover the middle

and upper years of primary school.

These are designed to teach the

essential skills of comprehension, in

a variety of literary and factual text

types, in the key learning areas.

Each book deals with a variety of

comprehension forms to capture the

interest of students and to develop

their skills. It includes outcomes

and indicators. Also, checklists and

answers to questions in the text

books are provided.

Compiled by renowned Australian

educationalist and author,

Dr. Gordon Winch, these workbooks

are excellently presented, easy to

read and feature Australian topics.


Extent: 64 Pages ea. (Paperback)

ISBN: 1921042605 (Bk3), 1921042664

(Bk4), 1921042729 (Bk5), 1921042788

(Bk6)

Price: AU$12.95 ea.

Publisher: New Frontier Publishing

P: 02 9453 1531

www.newfrontier.com.au

Growing Up With Grammar Books 1-4 & Primary Grammar DictionaryAuthor: Dr. Gordon Winch MA Me Phd

The Growing Up With Grammar

series is made up of four student

workbooks that cover the New South

Wales Syllabus but can be used

effectively in all Australian states.

The Primary Grammar Dictionary

includes grammatical terms for

primary school students; including

punctuation and correct usage.

Both the grammar series and the

dictionary have been written by

Dr. Gordon Winch who was

previously Head, Department of

English at Kuringgai College of

Advanced Education and is now

a full-time author. He has had a

lifelong involvement in literacy as a

teacher, researcher and author.

The topics for the exercises are

interesting, the illustrations are great

and typeface is large, round and

easy to read. The excellent design

and layout make the exercises easy

to read and complete.


Page: 64 Pages ea. (Paperback)

ISBN: 0975089668 (Bk1), 0975089676

(Bk2), 0975089684 (Bk3), 0975089692

(Bk4), Dictionary: 097508965X

Price: AU$12.95 ea.

Publisher: New Frontier Publishing

P: 02 9453 1531

www.newfrontier.com.au

Reviews

FAM I LY L AW

AC

CR

ED

I T E D S P E C I AL

IST

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Engineers Australia 23

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown 12

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Hurphy Durphy 29

I Can Read 27

Identity Direct 36

INParenting 27

International Childcare College 13

Kinnear & Co Solicitors 33

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Macquarie College Foundation 4

Maitland Christian School 25

Maitland Mutual Building Society 27

The Maritime Centre - Lee Wharf 15

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Mine Subsidence Board 19

NCP Printing 33

Newcastle Grammar School 7

Newcastle Theatre Company 5

NSW DII Tocal 23

Passmores’ Business & Management College 24 & 25

PCYC 27

St. Philips Christian Education Foundation 17

Warners Bay Osteopathic Clinic 9

Woodrising Community Pre-school 13

Woven Labels Direct 11

Advertisers Index

Index

Article Themes 2010

January/FebruaryBack to School

Ad Booking Deadline Nov 6, 2009

Editorial Deadline Nov 11, 2009

March/AprilPhysical Education

Ad Booking Deadline Feb 5, 2010

Editorial Deadline Feb 12, 2010

May/JuneLanguages & Communications

Ad Booking Deadline Mar 26, 2010

Editorial Deadline Apr 6, 2010

July/AugustLearning Innovations & Technology

Ad Booking Deadline May 28, 2010

Editorial Deadline Jun 4, 2010

September/OctoberStudy & Assessment

Ad Booking Deadline Aug 6, 2010

Editorial Deadline Aug 13, 2010

November/DecemberSummer Learning

Ad Booking Deadline Nov 19, 2010

Editorial Deadline Nov 26, 2010

For more advertising information please contact

Maria Charlton |E: [email protected] | P: 02 4929 7766

Advertisers media kit & booking form at www.getaheadkids.com.au

Vol. 2 • No. 2 • Mar/Apr 10

FREE

Physical Education Issue Mar/Apr 2010


Celebrity Spotlight

Michelle Bridges

Best Hunter Keepsake

EnquireMAP Marketing p: 4929 7766 e: [email protected]

Order Onlinewww.hunterfoodandwine.com.au

“Salivating!”

Normal Price $55.00

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Disney disclaimer: ©Disney; ©Disney/Pixar. ©2009 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. ™/©2009 Sesame Workshop. TM & © Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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