get ahead kids magazine vol. 4. no. 5. sep/oct 2012

EDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 4 • No. 5 • Sep/Oct 2 012 ®

9 771839 149000

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September/October 2012Subscription $6.60 AUD INC GST

Iain HewitsonAn Interview with

Study & Assessment SpecialExams V Ongoing Assessment Tasks

Appropriate Assessment for All

Rewards Don’t Work

To Test or Not to Test

www.getaheadkids.com.au 3

Editorial

Giveaways

Australian Reptile Park Family Pass Facebook Giveaway

Taronga Zoo Family Pass Subscriber Only Giveaway

LeapFrog Giveaway

The Twits Family Pass Giveaway

Spotlight

An Interview with Iain Hewitson

Study & Assessment

To Test or Not to Test


Exams V Ongoing Assessment Tasks

Rewards Don’t Work

Schools Research

School Websites Rating Research

Health

Exams & Exercise

Is There Something Wrong With My Child?

Retained Primitive Reflexes

Breast Cancer

Children & Grief - Finding Healing in a Time of Loss

News

Celebrating Foster Care Week 2012

Working Memory: Learning & Reading

“Read Our Town Read” A Resounding Success

Schools Win $46,000 Makeovers

Reviews

Advertisers Index

Activity Zone

Spring Cleaning

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An Interview with Iain Hewitson

ContentsSep/Oct 2012

FOR FAMILIES ON THE GO

®

This Month’s

Get Ahead Kids®

© MAP Marketing 2012

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

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

Graphic DesignKatie HurstMAP MarketingP: 02 4929 7766

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

Get Ahead Kids® is published by Marketing Advisers for Professionals Pty LtdT/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

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Get Ahead Kids

Digital Magazine

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Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 124

The September/October issue features the original celebrity chef - Iain Hewitson (Huey) and how he became involved in the hospitality industry. Huey provides great tips to get kids helping in the kitchen and trying different foods.

The study and assessments articles provide interesting insights on testing, ongoing assessments and why rewards may not work.

Rev. Dr. Kim Miller provides a moving article on helping kids deal with grief.

Editorial

The international medical charity, Medikidz provides informed advice on Breast Cancer and how this disease can be detected and treated.

To encourage readers to subscribe to the Digital Get Ahead Kids and reward these digital subscribers we are giving away 5 family passes to Taronga Zoo.

Maria Charlton Managing Editor P: 02 4929 7766 [email protected] www.mapmarketing.com.au

The Australian Reptile Park Hands-On ZooThe Australian Reptile Park features animal interaction and exciting wildlife shows.

Visitors to the park can have a close encounter with some of the scaly and furry animals during Snappy Hour 11am-2pm daily, including a walk with Hugo the giant Galapagos tortoise.

NSW’s biggest crocodile Elvis, is fed at 1:30pm on weekends and school holidays.

Watch the spectacular alligator feeding from the banks of the ’gator lagoon.

See native and exotic reptiles and spiders in the unique exhibits The Lost World of Reptiles and Spider World, featuring Tarantula-ville.

Learn about the park’s work to help save the iconic Tasmanian devil with the exciting conservation project, Devil Ark.

Visitors can witness venomous snake and funnel web spider milking every day, have a photo with a snugly python, wombat or cuddly koala.

Enjoy the children’s adventure playground, cafe and picnic area, free BBQs and hand feed friendly kangaroos.

Ask about the behind the Scenes Tours, Devilish Encounter and Kids to Keepers program.

More information

www.reptilepark.com.au

With special thanks to the Australian Reptile Park, Get Ahead Kids® has 5 family passes to giveaway! Each pass allows a family of 2 adults and 2 children (3-15years) to enjoy a wildlife experience at the Australian Reptile Park.

Visit www.facebook.com/GetAheadKids and click the like button for a chance to win.

Like Get Ahead Kids on Facebook to Win! www.facebook.com/GetAheadKids


News

5 Family Passes valued at

$112.20 each

to Giveaway!

With special thanks to Taronga Zoo, Get Ahead Kids® has 5 Family Passes valued at approx. $112.60 each to giveaway!

Each pass allows a family of 2 adults and 2 children (4-15 years, under 4 years free) a wildlife experience at either Taronga Zoo Sydney or Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au follow the subscribe link and sign up to the free digital magazine (must be subscribed by Oct 12 2012 to be eligible). Subscribers will receive a special link via email for entry to the giveaway.

Malayan Sun Bears

A new female Malayan Sun Bear can now be seen by Taronga Zoo visitors.

‘Mary’, a boisterous three year old, recently made the move from the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra to be partnered with Taronga’s male, Mr. Hobbs (Hobbsy).

Since her arrival, the large logs that used to be in the exhibit have been reduced to splinters, and water containers have been upturned as she splashes and soaks everything.

Like any young bear, she loves playing. One of her favourite toys is a hula hoop, and after tiring herself out, Miss Mary loves nothing more than reclining in her hammock.

When Mary matures the couple might produce offspring to increase the population of these Asian bears. The pairing would introduce a new genetic line to the Australian population of Malayan Sun Bears.

Mary was the last Sun Bear born in Australia whilst Mr. Hobbs found a home at Taronga through the Free the Bears Foundation. Hobbsy was discovered outside a Cambodian restaurant in a tiny cage destined to be dismembered for food.

Malayan Sun Bears are classified as ‘vulnerable’ meaning that they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Main threats include habitat destruction through logging, the illegal wildlife trade where they are hunted for the pet trade, traditional medicines or the restaurant trade where body parts are used as delicacies such as Bear Paw Soup.

Mary and Mr. Hobbs can be seen in their tropical exhibit which they time share with ‘Satu’ the Sumatran Tiger.

Taronga Zoo is open throughout the Spring school holidays 9:30am - 5:00pm.

More information

www.taronga.org.au

Taronga Zoo Family Pass

Giveaways

Providing specialist dental care for infants, children, adolescents &

those with specialist needsTeen dental is also available

KidsSmile

Dr. Helen CornwellPaediatric DentistDr. Helen Dwyer

DentistP: 4962 7300

40 Brown RdBroadmeadow NSW 2292

www.kidssmile.com.au

Digital

Subscribers

Only!


An Interview with

Iain HewitsonWhere did your passion for working with food originate?

Both my mother and grandmother were wonderful cooks (and I liked to eat). So, from a very early age, I developed a passion for food. I can remember when I was at Primary School, I always enquired what was for dinner before leaving for school in the morning. I think my mother was quite thrilled by her budding gourmet, except when she discovered that I had been swapping her beautifully made sandwiches for tomato sauce numbers made by my best friend, Terry Lee.

How did you first become involved in the hospitality industry?

I was a musician when I left school and needed money to make ends meet, so I took a part time job washing dishes in a restaurant. I soon found myself helping the cooks more and more. Whilst the standard of food was pretty awful, I enjoyed it. Then my brother Don, who was a waiter in Wellington’s only decent

restaurant, The Coachman, shouted me a meal for my birthday. I was hooked! I still remember what I ate - Chicken Liver Pate, Duckling a l’Orange and Chocolate Soufflé, which may seem rather mundane now. But, compared to frozen Prawn Cocktails, Deep Fried Chicken Maryland and Peach Melba made with canned peaches and bought raspberry sauce, it was pretty revolutionary stuff. And, when lack of talent eventually won out in the music business, I began working - first of all at The Coachman.

What differences did you find between being a chef/restaurateur to having your own TV show?

The main difference was being recognised on the street - keeping in mind that TV still involved cooking, so it wasn’t as if I was changing career paths. Although, my peers felt that I had sold out, keeping in mind that I was an upmarket restaurateur/chef at the time. Interestingly, when I left “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise” seven years later, most of them applied for the job.

Did you always intend to develop a career as a television/celebrity chef?

No, it was just right time right place. As I was the first ever Australian chef on commercial prime time TV, there wasn’t the celebrity chef cult happening. So, no, it hadn’t ever entered my head until Gavan Disney asked me whether I would like to be on TV - late at night in my restaurant at the time, Memories of the Mediterranean. I told him to p... off and ring me when he was sober. Amazingly, he did and my job on “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise” started.

What are your favourite recipes and why?

I like flavour, so any recipes with lots of guts. I also, as most viewers will tell you, do have bit of a penchant for certain ingredients - chillies, garlic, anchovies and olives.

Why is it important to get kids involved in cooking from an early age?

So that they learn about good food and learn some basic ways to feed themselves, rather than growing up dependent on take away shops and the like.

What is some advice you would give to someone seeking a career as a chef?

You must have a passion for food and keep in mind that it’s bloody hard work and, certainly at the beginning, there are few kudos. One of the problems at the moment is that various cooking game shows paint being a chef as glamorous, which it certainly isn’t. But, it can be a very rewarding career with, amongst other things, a great opportunity to travel.


Spotlight

Please tell us about your family.

My wife Ruth looks after the nitty gritty stuff for the show including show rundowns, website and research. Our daughter Charlotte, 11, loves cooking and has been appearing on the show since she was 3. She also loves basketball.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I love Paris for the food and wine experience, but don’t ever enter any restaurant that has a Menu Touriste out the front. I also like it because it has a style and charm all of its own - particularly now that the Parisiennes have actually discovered that they need English speaking tourists.

Are you working on any new projects at the moment - can you tell us what they are?

Yes I am... and no I can’t.

What are your top 5 tips for parents wanting to provide healthy eating and lifestyle habits for their families?

1. Instil into your children the importance of a balanced diet.

2. Vegetables & fruit play an important role in that balanced diet. So, if you have to, experiment with different vegetables & fruit until you find those that they like.

3. Encourage them to at least try most things, but don’t force them to eat something they obviously don’t like.

4. I think they should be introduced to restaurants/cafes at an early age, for example Yum Cha is a great start. Always take plenty of things for them to play with.

5. Last but not least, it’s amazing what kids will eat if they have played a part in the cooking process, so get them into the kitchen ASAP. But, don’t ever get upset if they lose interest half way through & wander off - that’s just part of the process, so just grin & bear it.

Biography

Iain Hewitson (Huey) is Australia’s most watched television cook and has owned and operated many restaurants over the past 40 years.

New Zealand born Huey arrived in Melbourne in 1971 and since then has enjoyed a diverse career as a chef; traveling to some of the most picturesque regions in Australia and overseas.

Huey’s easy to follow recipes are a hit with fans and, as he says, “My job is to get the viewers out of the pre-prepared food sections and take away shops and into the kitchen where they belong”. His aim is to encourage home cooks to try interesting new ingredients and experiment with same. He presents simple and tasty recipes that are easy to recreate for the family at home.

Huey’s Bloody Good RecipesAuthor: Iain Hewitson

This book is ideal for beginner cooks, or those lacking confidence in the kitchen. It contains 50 of Huey’s all-time favourite recipes and readers are shown how to vary each recipe using the same ingredients, method and even incorporating leftovers.

This book gives excellent tips many people do not consider a necessity when cooking, such as the importance of being organised, effective shopping and the benefits of shopping locally.

Covering everything from entrees to desserts, this book certainly earns a place on the kitchen bookshelf.

Over the past 20 years Huey has been a TV regular with TV shows including “Healthy, Wealthy & Wise”, “A Cook’s Journey”, “Huey’s TV Dinner”, “Never Trust a Skinny Cook” and “Huey’s Cooking Adventures”, which was Australia’s highest rating daytime TV show. “Huey’s Kitchen” is currently aired on weekdays at 4pm on Network 10.

In addition to his television programs, Huey has written eight cookbooks including his latest “Huey’s Bloody Good Recipes”.

More Information

www.hueyskitchen.com.au

Age Guide: OpenExtent: 250 Pages (Hardback)ISBN: 9780980597387Price: AU $50.00Publisher: Slattery Media GroupP: 03 9627 2600www.slatterymedia.com


Educators are divided into two distinct camps - those that believe in testing and competition amongst children and those that don’t. Many parents, having been through the system (and survived) don’t give it much thought until they are confronted with a child upset or anxious about an exam at school.

To put it in perspective, an exam is a snapshot of the child on that particular day and should be treated as such when possible - if they are sick, nervous or tired they will obviously not do their best. Thankfully, the education system is changing, so that one exam does not decide the path for that child and most teachers look at other

indicators to get the whole picture. Even the HSC is not based fully on exams anymore, and most university courses have assessment tasks as part of their criteria for checking student progress.

Unfortunately though, testing, competition and being results driven is part of life and children will have to sit many tests throughout their education. Standardised testing helps parents, teachers and schools ensure outcomes are being met, pre and post subject tests will see what depth knowledge and understanding a child has acquired and national testing is probably here to stay!

So the debate on whether or not children should have to sit through tests is at this stage a moot point. A parent’s efforts should be spent on making children comfortable and confident with the experience, so they perform at their best when the time for formal testing arrives.

Checklist

❑ Time to Practice Exam Conditions Give children opportunities to sit external exams where possible. The University of NSW exams, writing competitions, Newcastle Permanent Maths competitions and the like, give children valuable experiences of “test conditions”. The worst that will happen is they will get a participation certificate!

❑ Eating Clean & Healthy FoodThis should be something considered most of the time, but by making sure they have a good protein breakfast and water on the day of the exam will help keep blood sugar stable. No caffeine drinks or highly coloured or flavoured foods will also help.

To Test By Cate Larke

or Not to Test

Study & Assessment


Study & Assessment

❑ Sleep & Plenty of ItAs a rule, children need between 9-12 hours’ sleep a night, so ensuring they go to bed at a suitable time, allowing for some wind down time before drifting off to dreamland, will mean they will awaken refreshed and ready for the day.

❑ Exam Techniques Talk to children about reading the questions, studying content, planning their time, not getting caught on questions they don’t know and reading multiple choice questions. Simple exam “techniques” will give them confidence going into the exam.

❑ Parental SupportFind a healthy balance between encouraging your child to perform, without pressuring them. Encourage them to try their best, but tell them not to worry if there are questions they can’t answer. It’s only one exam!

More Information

Cate LarkeDirectorLearning Tactics AustraliaSuite 6, Level 2 10, Bradford Cl, Kotara NSW 2289P: 02 4952 2444www.learningtactics.com.au

Child With Reading Problems?

As a parent you need to ask 3 questions:

1. Why isn’t my child learning?

2. What is their learning style?

3. What can be done to help them?

At Learning Tactics we can assess your child within a week of your call.

Don’t wait. Help yo ur child today. 02 4952 2444

• Literacy Assessments

• Reading Programmes & Tuition

• Auditory Training

• Sensory Integration Packages Targeting Gross Motor & Fine Motor Skills

www.learningtactics.com.au

Kindergarten to Year 12

• Direct Bus Services• Affordable Fees• Academic Excellence • A well rounded Pastoral Care Program• A range of peripatetic activities such as music,

drama and the arts • Commitment to a wide range of sports • A school family philosophy that embraces the

individual and nurtures gifts and talents• Before, After School & Vacation Care

256 Minmi Road, FLETCHER

Quality Education.

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Exceptional Value.

OPEN DAYWednesday

24 October 2012 9am to 11am

For more information please call 4979 8484 or visit our website

www.btac.nsw.edu.au

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

more about what our College has to offer your child.



In my private practice I see many children each week whose parents have deep rooted concerns regarding their child’s academic progress. They will ask me why their child has not progressed, why they are struggling and most importantly why has their problem not been identified at the class level.

My response usually comprises of an education system that is failing our children not because they want to but because they do not know any better. This may seem a harsh comment but research is showing that there is a huge gap between what teachers emerge from university knowing and the real in class knowledge required to successfully identify, plan and treat children with difficulties.

For the child who is lucky to progress without intervention, to progress without difficulties, their school journey is fulfilling. However when we see over 15-30% of children in a class of 30 with learning difficulties, their journey is far from fulfilling. Isn’t it time we knew that those children existed?

Learning difficulties can present in many forms, behavioral, academic and social exclusion, and many teachers know that these children exist, are able to identify those with difficulties but are unable to assist with intervention due to a lack of resources, lack of funding and lack of appropriate assessment.

Assessment and identification of children who exhibit possible tendencies must be paramount in any school.

By Amanda Tocci

Study & Assessment


Appropriate Assessment Checklist

❑ Schools need to assess & identify kids with learning difficulties

❑ Allocate funds for kids with learning disabilities

❑ Assess kids using valid & reliable National Standard Testing

❑ Use assessment procedures standardised for Australian conditions

❑ Use assessments that reflect substance to be tested

More Information

Amanda Tocci Managing Director & Literacy Specialist Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd. P: 1300 869 905 [email protected]

Full Reading Checklistwww.auslit.com.au

Study & Assessment

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd

Assessment, Planning & Intervention for Children with

Reading Difficulties.

Specialist Clinics Located in Maitland & Newcastle

P: 1300 869 [email protected]

www.auslit.com.au

ACN: 147 916 676

LAKES GRAMMAR - AN ANGLICAN SCHOOLK-12 Co-educational School of the Newcastle Anglican Schools Corporation

All parents want the best possible education for their children and at Lakes Grammar we believe we offer special opportunities for young people to be themselves, to grow into young men and women of integrity and purpose.

For School Tours or more information: Mrs Racquel Jolly02 4393 4111 | [email protected] | www.lakes.nsw.edu.auCnr Sparks Rd & Albert Warner Drive, Warnervale NSW 2259

Scholarships are currently being offered for entry to Year 11 2013 - please visit our website for more information.

Come and see what Lakes Grammar has to offer at our Spring Fair on Saturday, 20 October.

the Hunter Wetlands Centre this Spring

412 Sandgate Rd, Shortland NSW 2307P: 02 4951 6466 www.wetlands.org.au

Canoe Hire & Tours | Segway Tours | DipnettingReptile Encounters | Bird Feeding | Bike Tracks Walking Trails | Discovery Zone | Playground

BBQ Areas | Cafe Nourish

Wetlands Photography Competition Starts Sept to Nov 2012

Discove r Discove r

With most learning difficulties being shown by children of average intelligence, we must give these children the same opportunities to develop as those with diagnosed and funded learning disabilities.

The only way to do this is to make sure that we assess children based on National Standard Testing, utilising assessment measures that have been extensively tested, are valid and reliable. Any assessment measure we use here in Australia must have been tested in an Australian setting and most importantly assessments measures used must reflect what we are testing. In other words, testing reading through a spelling test or a word reading test only will produce invalid and unreliable results.

Parents, if your child requires testing at school always ask what assessment measure they are using.

If you are not sure then the following are our best here in Australia.

Cognitive or IQ Assessment: WISC-IV

Literacy & Numeracy: WIAT-II


Ongoing Assessment Tasks

For an educational institution, ongoing assessment tasks can be used to determine how a student is progressing so that help can be provided in a timely fashion, if required. It also gives students the opportunity to gain consistent results throughout the year, rather than relying on a “one off” examination at the end of the year.

The Pros of Ongoing Assessment

• The assessment process is a continuum

• Assessment tasks can take any form: it could be a test, an assignment or a project

• If assessment tasks are based on what has been learned in a short period of time, the amount of information that has to be “learnt” is smaller than that learned over a whole year

Study & Assessment

• The student can assess their progress throughout the year & make adjustments to their studies if required

• More information can be tested over the whole year, than can be tested in a single examination

• Once a topic has been assessed, there is no need to go back over the work for future assessments

The Cons of Ongoing Assessment

• The workload can be onerous as there is no “break” from study

• Each topic is assessed in greater depth, so requiring a more intense coverage of those topics, which may not occur in a yearly “one off” assessment task

• For the educator, it requires more marking time

• This does not necessarily require students to retain information in their long term memory

• It does not put the student into a situation where they have to recall facts for periods up to three hours

One Off Examinations

A one off (yearly) examination puts the student under more pressure to perform than an ongoing assessment process. Some educators consider that making students perform in a one off exam is a greater indication of a student’s ability than on going assessments.

Exams V Ongoing

By Dr. Joan Brien

Assessment Tasks


Study & Assessment

Is Your Child Struggling with Learning?

Irlen Diagnostic ClinicSuite 3/136 Nelson St Wallsend NSW 2287P: 02 4955 6904 | [email protected]

Irlen Syndrome can cause visual processing problems that can cause Dyslexia and difficulties with:

• Concentration • Reading • Spelling • Writing• Comprehension

PLAYGROUNDS, SCHOOLS & PRIVATE COLLECTORS

P: (02) 4372 1170www.timbercreations.com.au

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

Newcastle Grammar School

LEARNERS TO LEADERSNewcastle Grammar School has maintained a passion for teaching and learning for more than 150 years. Both parents and students alike value the supportive, nurturing and inclusive School community that exists well beyond the years of School.

FINE ACADEMIC TRADITIONNewcastle Grammar School students continue to excel in NAPLAN and the HSC. A full list of achievements and results can be reviewed on the school’s website.

SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENTThe School provides the structure and discipline required for children to develop both socially and academically. The Pastoral Care programme in place aims to foster resilience, promote respect for each other and ourselves, as well as cultivate our relationships with one another.

EXTRA SERVICESThe School caters for the busy family with After School Care and Vacation Care. Private Music, Speech and Drama tuition is available along with Learning Support and Gifted and Talented Programmes. Exclusive Bus Service operates daily from Toronto, Caves Beach and Maitland.

ENROL NOW

The Pros of One Off Examinations

• It allows students time to learn progressively without the constant demands of ongoing assessment tasks

• It gives the student the whole year to gain a deeper understanding of the subject

• There is usually a “study period” before one off examinations & this time, without face-to-face classes is often the time when students really start to learn their topics

• Due to the time constraints of examinations, there may only be one question per topic so the depth of knowledge required overall can be less than in ongoing assessment tasks

The Cons of One Off Examinations

• A whole year’s work relies on a single examination

• The results of a single examination can be influenced by factors other than the student’s knowledge. E.g. illness & family commitments

• A student may know a particular topic quite well but if the question does not give them the scope to show their depth of knowledge, their opportunity for high marks decreases

• A one off examination does not give the student the opportunity to demonstrate how much depth of knowledge they have about each topic

Whether assessment is ongoing or one off, students need to realise that they have one opportunity to show the examiners what they know so it is really important to know how to demonstrate their knowledge.

More Information

Dr. Joan Brien Certified Irlen DiagnosticianIrlen Diagnostic ClinicSuite 3/136 Nelson St.Wallsend NSW 2287P: 02 4955 [email protected]


School websites are an invaluable communication tool for school stakeholders including:

• Past, present & future parents • Past, present & future students• Government authorities• Tertiary institutions• The media• General public

An increasing number of schools are investing significant time and resources to building and maintaining websites not only as communication avenues but also as branding devices.

The MAP Marketing Research into Hunter and Central Coast Private Schools and Major NSW Boarding

School Websites Rating Research

Schools websites indicated that the schools websites varied in content, functionality, information depth and design quality.

Methodology

MAP Marketing rated private and boarding school websites using a 15 point criteria. For each criteria each school website was allocated a score ranging between 0 - 5.00.

The highest possible score for each category was 5.00 and the lowest was 0. A score of 2.50 was considered the average. In certain categories such as school portal, parent portal and search function, school websites were allocated a score of zero for each that did not exist or were hard to find.

Research Results

Major Hunter & Central Coast Private School Website Rating

2009 (Max 5)

2010 (Max 5)

2011 (Max 5)

2012 (Max 5)

Central Coast Grammar School 3.47 3.70 4.33 4.67

Central Coast Adventist School 3.87 4.55

Newcastle Grammar School 4.43 4.57 4.37 4.47

Macquarie College 4.73 4.53 4.13 4.45

Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School 2.73 2.43 3.20 4.40

St Philips Christian College 4.93 4.43 4.40 4.15

Charlton Christian College 2.53 3.63 3.80 4.07

Hunter Valley Grammar School 4.00 3.07 4.33 4.02

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College 2.47 2.60 2.93 3.98

Medowie Christian School 3.80 3.92

Wyong Christian Community School 3.67 3.82

Hunter Christian School 3.47 3.80 3.70 3.63

Belmont Christian College 4.27 3.77 3.10 3.63

Maitland Christian School 4.20 3.37 3.57 3.70

Green Point Christian College 2.9 3.03 3.53 3.50

Avondale School Cooranbong 4.67 4.27 3.70 3.48

The Coast Christian School 3.47 3.17

Heritage College Cooranbong 3.77 3.33 3.47 3.13

Singleton Christian College 2.67

Scone Grammar School 2.93 2.53

Brightwaters Christian College 1.13 1.50 1.43 1.62

The final internet rating for each school website was derived from the average of the 15 category ratings.

These 15 categories were:

1. Overall Quality2. Currency of Information3. Image & Photo Quality4. Language & Content Quality5. Online Enquiries6. Information Quality7. Ease of Finding Information8. Aesthetics9. Location Map10. Search Bar Function11. Loading/Que Time12. Student Portal13. Parent Portal14. Calendar of Events15. Curriculum Outline

Schools Research


Major NSW Boarding Schools Website Rating 2011 (Max 5)

2012 (Max 5)

Presbyterian Ladies College 4.47 4.65

The Kings School 3.30 4.65

Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore) 4.13 4.57

St Joseph’s College 4.30 4.55

Wenona School 4.10 4.53

The Scots College Sydney 4.43 4.52

Kincoppal – Rose Bay 4.20 4.52

The Scotts School Albury 4.10 4.43

Tudor House School 3.90 4.43

Kinross Wolaroi 4.03 4.42

Newingtown College 3.73 4.37

Tara Anglican School for Girls 3.57 4.18

Barker College 4.00 4.13

St Ignatius College Riverview 3.80 4.10

Knox Grammar School 3.77 4.08

Calrossy School 4.00 4.02

Cranbrook School 3.67 3.95

St Catherine’s School 3.80 3.92

Ravenswood School for Girls 3.77 3.90

Pymble Ladies College 3.50 3.88

Trinity Grammar School 3.87 3.80

New England Girls School 3.20 3.68

The Armidale School 3.13 3.67

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 1.87 3.65

PLC Armidale 3.17 3.60

Frensham 2.63 3.53

All Saints’ College 3.30 3.35

St Paul’s College 3.07 3.35

Abbotsleigh Senior Campus 3.30 3.30

Canberra Girls’ Grammar 3.30 3.23

Ascham School 2.90 2.95

Kambala 3.07 2.82

Mackillop College 2.63 2.73

More Information

Maria Charlton, Managing Director MAP Marketing | P: 02 4929 7766 | [email protected] | www.mapmarketing.com.au

Schools Research


“When you have done your homework we can go to the movies.”

Many people think that rewarding children is a good thing. Rewarding them as part of their upbringing is used in many homes and throughout the education system. But is it an effective method?

Jesper Juul, the leader of FamilyLab Int. doesn’t think so.

He calls it: “An abuse of power” and believes it is very damaging to their self-esteem as well as their feeling of self-worth.

The Two Types of Rewards

We must distinguish between rewards given when children perform at school, sport or dance and the rewards given for a desired behaviour - which means the child is “well behaved” - that is, from the parents point of view.

Children behave according to their parents’ norms, values and ambitions. The former is perfectly all right and has never damaged a child or the relations between adults and children. At school it does create some competition between students, but nothing serious.

Rewards Don’t WorkBy Jesper Juul (English adaptation by Hayes van der Meer)

The latter - to manage and control children’s behaviour - according to Juul is an abuse of power. If it is not considered abuse of power, then it can only be explained as a very old fashioned approach to raising children, which is based in the belief that they are naughty because they want to torment adults. However, this theory was rejected by neurological research more than 20 years ago.

The Problems with Rewards

One problem is that this discipline method actually works. This is especially true for children between one to five years old. Yet, it works only briefly.

After a while they will see through the method and respond either by ignoring it or constantly requiring more rewards.

Another problem is that this method by nature will also require that you use punishment when or if the reward stops working. This is often forgotten when we discuss or read about rewarding children.

Nevertheless, if we reward we must also punish and then we are back to the old “carrot and stick” method.

The real and underlying problem is, however, very different. It is the hidden message behind the reward that causes great harm. By rewarding you say: “I don’t trust you, as I don’t believe that you can behave properly unless I reward you!” This is a declaration of mistrust, which will have profound existential consequences for the child’s development - especially in terms of self-worth and self-esteem. In other words, the method is more damaging the longer it is used and the more effective

it is.

Not for the Child’s Best

The fact is: no reward method is devised with the well-being of the child in mind. They are conceived as a kind of relief to the perplexed and sometimes desperate adults. These methods provide them with a kind of perceived certainty and confirmation of their own behaviour.

In this regard, a powerful FamilyLab principle comes in handy: if it works in your relations with other adults it will also work in your relations with children. Every woman or man trying to adjust the behaviour of their partner or friend by using rewards will soon discover that it very quickly will be dismissed as a preposterous joke.

About Jesper Juul

Jesper Juul is a family therapist and the founder of FamilyLab International. He is a renowned author and sought-after international speaker. Jesper Juul’s international best-seller and must-have book for parents and educators is now available in an Australian/New Zealand edition: “Raising Competent Children”. Published by rockpoolpublishing.com.au

More Information

www.familylab.com.au


Health

As the year progresses we see an importance placed on maintaining academic standards and the need for our children to spend more time “hitting the books” so to speak.

But what about balance and does this give our children an advantage when they sit their exams?

Sport and activity plays an integral role with balancing out the important time spent over the text books and studying. Too much time spent on either side of this balance can see a poor result.

Dividing study times with activity needs to be scrutinised to ensure we don’t fatigue our children then expect a quality study session.

Study in the morning followed by an outdoor activity, running, the beach, playing sport or a family activity is favourable. Research supports enhancing study patterns in children by being active and the activity can be one of choice.

If children have had lower limb, foot, knee, hip or back pain, this can contribute to them not wishing to be active at these times and accompanied with the ‘stress’ study can induce, again we can see a decrease in results.

Pain free exercise and activity is therefore an important part of the exam period, pulling them away from the books or laptop, from the indoor to the outdoor, from perceived drudgery to fun.

treating foot & lower limb conditions for your kids & you

Ensuring good study habits and pain free activity will see them through. Being preventative rather than reactive also assists and early assessment is vital.

More Information

Adam GlascockPrincipal PodiatristNewcastle Family and Sports Podiatry51 Denison St, Hamilton East NSW 2303P: 02 4961 4411 [email protected]

Exams & Exercise


I’m sure there are lots of parents out there who know that their child is quite smart in lots of normal ways in their day to day life.

However, when they get to school they just don’t seem to be able to perform to the level expected in the classroom.

Depending on the nature of the child there can be a number of behavioural outcomes:

❑ Easily distracted & may distract others

❑ Frustration because other kids complete tasks more easily

❑ Quiet child who is slow or does not complete work

❑ Has low confidence to attempt answers or ask for help

❑ Avoids tasks and goes to the bathroom, is a class clown or often daydreams.

What can the parents tell me about the difference in their child’s verbal abilities compared to what occurs in their schoolwork? How do they manage with coordination (ball skills, ride a bike), organising to dress themselves, carry out simple instructions – particularly if there are more than one at a time given?

Many parents are looking for answers to allow their kids to perform to their true potential.

Some of the kids I have just described can benefit from vision therapy. As a Behavioural Optometrist I am looking much more broadly at your child than just their eyeballs. Vision is intertwined with all the other senses in allowing your child to function properly in the classroom and in life in general.

Our trained Vision Therapist Hannah, works individually with the kids each week for a minimum of 10 weeks on a range of activities that explores the use of their eyes along with auditory, motor and cognitive tasks – to look, listen, think and do.

This behaviour can create a battle to get homework done!

Some children are able to complete homework because of the one on one situation with a parent to guide and urge them through at home, but would drift from the task in a classroom of 20 or 30 others.

There are the labels that may be given to your child: lazy, naughty, ADD, ADHD or Dyslexic.

You may need to have your child tested to see what could be wrong. Test their eyes, their hearing; see the occupational therapist or a paediatrician.

When these youngsters arrive for eye testing I like to observe what type of child they are - chatty, shy, nervous and looking to Mum for answers, wanders around the room and touches everything despite being told countless times not to by Mum, wriggles and fidgets in the chair.

Health

Is There Something Wrong With My Child?

By Susan Walton


We have a large room for these sessions fitted out with special equipment to allow the children to explore and expand the use and control of their visual skills in many different ways.

They learn such things as better control of their eye movements so they can track, not lose their place, not get lost on the board, and follow the ball.

There are activities where they gain or increase their ability to visualise - or be able to use images in their head - which can be integral in many areas for learning to read, spell, write stories and do maths.

Health

Family Chiropractic CentreCharlestown

Perform at your Peak

specialeyes OPTOMETRISTS

A division of Bright Print Group

SYDNEY OFFICEt +61 2 9890 7029 f +61 2 9890 70368-10 Frank Street,Wetherill Park NSW 2164

NEWCASTLE OFFICEt +61 2 4926 1300 f +61 2 4926 555717 Arnott Street,Newcastle WestNSW 2302e [email protected]

The activities are then practiced at home under the guidance of their parents on at least 5 other days for about half an hour. This home practice is extremely important for the success for your child in vision therapy.

If this sounds like your child, you may like to attend our information evening. Please phone our office for further information.

More Information

Susan Walton - B Optom FACBO Behavioural Optometrist

Hannah Walton Vision TherapistP: 02 4926 [email protected]


I love going to work! There are always so many things happening; kids talking, singing, climbing, playing and having fun. Not that I can take part, of course; I am working after all, but I love the energy, excitement and feel of it.

Lachlan came in for his first visit on a day like that. And he fitted right in, had fun, explored, asked lots of questions while his mother filled in the paperwork. His high energy continued in the consultation; he was emptying my drawers, unscrewing bits on my chiropractic table and leafing through the books on my bookshelf. He did not sit still for a second. Mum looked exhausted; “He’s always like this, and I can’t keep up, nor can the teacher at school. They would like for him to be put on medication to slow him down so he can learn. He is behind with reading and comprehension and it is affecting his self-esteem”.

Lachlan was suspected to suffer with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Mum wanted to see if I could help before she went to the paediatrician to get medication for him. Looking at Lachlan, I could understand why; he was very busy! Usually ADHD is diagnosed by the parents and the school filling in a questionnaire asking about the behaviours of the child.

tantrums several times a day, and that it was difficult for him to make and keep friends.

When I examined Lachlan it became clear that he had several Retained Primitive Reflexes, the most obvious one being Startle Reflex.

Our brain and nervous system control and coordinate the function of all cells, organs and systems in our body. The development of the brain and spinal cord starts three weeks after conception, and at five weeks it starts to respond to the environment through the onset of a series of primitive reflexes. These reflexes are patterns of movement in response to a stimulus, which helps the baby move through the birth canal and practice rudimentary movements needed when in gravity in the real world. The reflexes ensure the survival of the newborn, and once this has been achieved, the reflexes are replaced by voluntary movements which we depend on for the rest of our lives.

It is important that the reflexes are present in a baby and that they are even on both sides. As the baby develops over the first year of life, the reflexes become integrated into more selective responses, so the child can learn to roll, creep, crawl, walk, write, talk and concentrate.

By Dorte Bladt

Health

Retained Primitive

Reflexes

Your child may often:

• Fail to give close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities

• Have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

• Not seem to listen when spoken to directly

• Fidget with hands or feet or squirms in seat

• Leave their seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected

• Run about or climb excessively in inappropriate situations

• Blurt out answers before questions have been completed

• Have difficulty awaiting his/her turn• Interrupt or intrude on others (for

example, butts into conversations or games)

Looking at Lachlan, I was wondering if there was possibly something other than ADHD happening.

He looked unwell, with dark circles around the eyes and a pasty complexion, and he was sniffing incessantly. Mum confirmed that Lachlan suffered with colds, flu and ear infections all the time. She also explained that he couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything except what he himself wanted to do at any given time. She complained that he would explode in huge temper


If the reflexes do not integrate properly, there is a higher risk of learning difficulties, behavioural problems, being uncoordinated, poor concentration and attention, as well as difficulty with writing, posture and visual or auditory perception.

With regards to Startle Reflex; when a baby is surprised or scared, for example by a bright light, loud noise, rough touch or a sudden movement, he/she will startle; extend the arms and legs and take a breath in, followed by flexing of spine and limbs and a loud cry.

This reflex will help the baby take its first breath when it is born and after that is, a way to communicate the need for assistance and help from mum. This is a fight or flight reflex, a stress response, which is essential for the first few months of life.

After this time the reflex should integrate and become a more conscious decision whether to get scared or not.

If Startle Reflex doesn’t integrate properly the child will often be over-reactive and aggressive, easily distracted, have poor attention, and possibly be labelled ADHD. The child will often be unwell with colds and flus, etc, and may be allergic and hypersensitive to foods and airborne allergens due to continuous exposure to stress hormones.

That sounds pretty much like Lachlan, doesn’t it? Lachlan’s mum decided to try chiropractic to see if that would help his brain and nervous system function better, and allow him to settle down both at school and at home.

I did some very gentle, safe and comfortable adjustments to Lachlan’s spine over a period of time, and also showed him how to do some specific brain training exercises. In addition we looked into changing the family’s diet to help Lachlan’s immune system.

Lachlan responded phenomenally well to chiropractic care. He is focusing much better at school, is able to sit for longer periods, can follow instructions better and has caught up on his learning delays in all areas. Lachlan is a much happier child. As a result he is making new friends, with whom he can play and have fun and family life is more pleasant for everyone!

Retained Primitive Reflexes can have powerful effects on learning, behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

Many children respond well to this type of care, and it should be considered before trying more drastic measures such as medication.

If you are interested in learning more about how to improve the function of your child’s brain and nervous system, we are holding a free information evening 9 October (see page 19 for more details).

During the evening we will address the importance of a healthy nervous system and show you ways to see whether your child’s nervous system is working well or not. We will give you some tools in the shape of brain training exercises and nutrients. Seating at the venue is limited, so please call now to book your place P: 4926 4799.

Health

West Wallsend Locations0-3 Yrs P: 02 4953 18603-6 Yrs P: 02 4953 [email protected]

Under New ManagementLong Day Care Service 7:30am-5:30pm 5 daysIndoor & Outdoor ActivitiesExperienced & Qualified StaffChildcare Benefit AvailableAccredited with NCAC

Get a Career ...not just a certificate• Children’s Services

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450 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300enquiries@advancedcareerscollege.com.auwww.advancedcareerscollege.com.au

Enrol Now 4925 3833Flexible Learning Traineeships & Apprenticeship Pathways

More Information

Dorte BladtDoctor of ChiropracticFamily Chiropractic Centre Charlestown2 Lincoln St, Charlestown NSW 2290P: 02 4942 [email protected]

www.familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au


You may have seen adverts on the television or radio about big walks or races to help raise money for cancer research. You may also have noticed people wearing pink ribbons on their clothes. This is all to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a common cancer that mainly affects women. Men can also rarely get breast cancer.

Although it doesn’t tend to affect children, someone you know or are close to may have had breast cancer. It can be scary to be told that someone you love has cancer, but it’s less scary once you understand it.

What happens in breast cancer?

Your body is made up of millions of building blocks called cells. Each cell carries out a special job.

Some cells are used for support, like the cells that make up your bones, while other cells make up your muscles!

Your body makes new cells all the time, to replace the old worn out ones. Usually your body makes new healthy cells that take on the jobs they are supposed to.

However, sometimes a cell misbehaves and produces lots of bad cells. When this happens, the bad cells join together to form a lump called a tumour. The tumour gets in the way of the healthy cells and stops them working properly. When this happens, it’s called cancer.

Cancer can happen anywhere in the body. When it starts in the breast, it’s called breast cancer.

How do you get breast cancer?

Anyone can get breast cancer, but there are some things that make it more likely to happen:

• Age: As you get older, the risk of getting breast cancer increases

• Family history: You are more likely to get breast cancer if your mother, aunt, sister or daughter has had it

• Lifestyle: being overweight, smoking & drinking too much alcohol also increases your breast cancer risk

How do you recognise breast cancer?

Usually, the first thing you notice is a painless breast lump.

Breast lumps do not always mean cancer! However, it is always important to see your doctor and get it checked just to be sure.

If there is a lump, the doctors will do a special scan called a mammogram to have a closer look.

They will also do a biopsy. This involves using a very thin needle to take a small sample of cells from the lump. The doctors will then look at the sample under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.

To check whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the doctors will do tests like X-rays and scans, which take detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

Breast Cancer By Dr. Huda Al Haddad


Health

How is breast cancer treated?

As cancer can cause havoc all over the body, it’s important to get it treated quickly!

The usual treatment for breast cancer is surgery, which involves removing the tumour. Sometimes, other treatments are needed too, like chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy, usually when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Living with breast cancer

Coping with the diagnosis of breast cancer can be difficult, and some of the treatments can make you feel unwell for a while.

Joining a support group can help, where you can chat to others with breast cancer about how you’re feeling. There are support groups for children whose mothers have breast cancer too.

It helps to talk to someone that you trust about your feelings, or you can ask your family doctor about local support groups.

About Dr. Huda Al Haddad

Dr. Huda Al Haddad is a member of the medical writing team at Medikidz, a charity that provides children and teenagers with informative, accessible and fun comic books to help them understand their bodies and illness.

More information

www.medikidz.com

Looking for After Hours MedicAL cAre or Advice

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contAct gP Access After Hours on

1300 130 147

What’s Up with Bridget’s Mum? Medikidz Explain Breast CancerAuthor: Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair & John Taddeo

Bridget is a great soccer player but her mum, who is suffering breast cancer, cannot attend her games. She just stays in bed all day and Bridget thinks her Mum no longer loves her.

Luckily, Medikidz, a group of medical superheroes are on hand to help Bridget to find out about breast cancer. Medikidz takes Bridget on a tour of Mediland where she learns about breast cancer and comes to appreciate what her mother is going through.

This is an action packed, engaging and easy to understand graphic novel that will empower families with the knowledge about the disease and take away their fear of the unknown. This book is an essential reference for every household, school, medical centre and library.

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, this is a great time to review this book. The 2012 Pink Ribbon Breakfast Cancer Australia’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast takes place in October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Age Guide: 9+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9781906935085 Price: AU $19.99 Publisher: Medikidz Limited P: +44 (0) 2073766630 www.medikidz.com


Nobody likes it when bad things happen, especially when the word ‘grief’ enters our mind. However, bad things do happen, and sometimes our children are caught up in the experience. Understanding grief and understanding what children need can help us to help them through life’s bad times.

My teenage novel ‘They Told Me I Had To Write This’ follows the life of a boy coming to terms with his mother’s death and his part in it.

It’s a long way into the story before he even starts to understand what grief is all about.

Grief is a complex swirl of emotions that encompass us in times of loss and change. We mostly associate the word with death but grief can engulf us in many places. Military families move base and lose contacts with friends.

Children change class and lose a beloved teacher. A family heirloom is broken. Loss and change are everywhere.

Many years ago Elizabeth Kubler-Ross formulated the stages of grief as Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. People used to imagine that we travelled through these stages and came out to normal life. However, grief is not a simple experience that starts at one end and finishes at the other while we sit passively and it all happens to us.

More recently, William Worden came up with four tasks of grief.

❑ To accept the reality of the loss ❑ To process the pain of loss ❑ To adjust to a new environment without the lost person or object

❑ To find an enduring connection with what we have lost & take that into our new life

These tasks require an active engagement with life’s bad experiences.

Now let’s look at how children experience grief.

The first thing is to recognise that children are often powerless and this is magnified in times of loss and change. Their emotional turmoil is tied in with powerlessness and the inability to make things right again.

Now couple that with a limited vocabulary, especially in terms of explaining their emotional state.

Imagine that you are in their position. You can’t control what is happening around you, you don’t understand what’s happening inside you, and you can’t explain it to anyone else. This is a recipe for anxiety and fear.

Children & Grief Finding Healing in a Time of Loss

By Rev. Dr. Kim Miller


Strategies for Dealing with Childrens’ Grief

1. Children suffering anxiety need to feel safe, that is priority number one. Recent discoveries of neuroscience show that prolonged anxiety has an effect on the physical growth of a young child’s brain. Calming their anxiety is the priority. Assure your children that you are there, they are safe, home is still a safe place, people still love them, this bad feeling will not be forever, good things can still happen.

2. Recognise the emotional turmoil that Kubler-Ross lays out - many children regress to an early stage of behaviour in times of stress. A wise parent assesses the behaviour age and relates to that. If your eight year old child is suddenly a five year old in behaviour, deal with him/her as if they are five. Don’t tell him/her to ‘act your age’, rather, give your child a long slow calming hug as if he/she is five. The behaviour regression is a signal about anxiety and is not permanent.

3. Read through Worden’s tasks - you might need some imagination, but try to find things to do with your children that allow them to work through those tasks. Resources are out there. A good start is a downloadable book called ‘Here for Each Other’ from Sesame Street TV and the Victorian Dept of Education and Early Childhood Development. Another resource is the Seasons for Growth program from www.goodgrief.org.au. It might even be running in your child’s school.

4. If your children are experiencing a time of grief then it is likely that you are as well. What I’ve said here about children includes you. Treat yourself gently, don’t have unrealistic expectations of your ability to cope, find one or two caring people who will look after you in the journey to the new normal. Life is to be enjoyed, and even in times of pain, enjoyment of life is still possible.

More Information

Rev. Dr. Kim MillerP: 02 4962 [email protected]

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Health


News

Celebrating Foster Care Week 2012

WE NEED YOUFAMILIES • COUPLES • SINGLES

Respite, Short Term & Long Term Care

Allambi Foster Care Team provides professional training & 24 hour support

P: 4944 5900 www.allambi.org

FamilyOpportunitySupportTeamworkEmpathyRelationshipIndividualNuturingGuidance

FOSTERING

“In 2011, we received a National Volunteer Certificate of Appreciation for work in the Foster Care System.

We were very blessed to have our two wonderful foster boys, come into our lives in 2006. With constant love, care and dedication, we have seen a vast improvement in both our boys, both physically and mentally and with continued

Working Memory: Learning & ReadingDr. Lee Sturgeon, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Amanda Tocci, a Literary Specialist, are planning to present a three part series of seminars on “Working Memory and Its Impact on Learning and Reading” throughout NSW, Oct-Nov 2012.

The three sessions will cover:

1. Identification & diagnosis of Working Memory deficit in children in the classroom & at home

2. Working Memory & its relationship to executive functioning

3. Working Memory, its importance & how to help children you work with

The seminars are aimed at

• Teachers• Learning support teachers• Aides• Allied health professionals• Families

More Information

P: 1800 080 [email protected]

fostering children with a disability is an extremely rewarding experience.” (Wendy and David – Foster parents)

If you would like to share an experience such as this, please contact the Foster Care Recruitment Team at Allambi Youth Services Inc.

More Information

P: 02 4944 5900 www.allambi.org

support we aim to ensure that all possible opportunities are given to our boys so that they will develop and grow to the best of their abilities.

We have a wonderful support system, including the Allambi Foster Care Team as well as family and friends. If you would like to care for and shape the lives of extremely special young individuals,


News

10 NOVEMBER 2012Join us for our Ten Minutes a Day Baby Book Time picnic in the park and celebrate our 5th birthday!

Games, BBQ, entertainment and family fun!

11am - 1pm, Civic Park, NewcastleTelephone enquiries on 4974 5300

More Information atwww.tenminutesaday.com.au

EVENT

“Read Our Town Read” A Resounding Success“Read Our Town Read” is an early literacy initiative designed to inspire the community to read, talk, sing and rhyme with young children so that they will be ready for reading and a successful start to education.

The project was a local collaboration between Newcastle Region Library, The Lambton Village Business Community, Livesites the City of Newcastle’s Place Making Program and local schools.

Held 29 April 2012 was the culmination of this exciting new adventure with over 5000 people attending “Read Our Town Read” to celebrate reading and the spirit of community.

The “Read Our Town Read” project included a range of community, business and Council partners to achieve an increased awareness of the benefits of reading and improved literacy outcomes in the community. The project provided partner organisations with an opportunity to collaborate and motivate each other whist also achieving their individual aims and objectives.

Achievements of the event included:

❑ Five local schools & pre-schools held reading events in the week prior to the festival encouraging children & parent involvement

❑ Local businesses planned & supported the project & decorated their shops red

❑ School children created book flags to display during the festival

❑ Local children decorated ‘The Magic Reading Chair’ for the festival

❑ Local Business owners & community members read from ‘The Magic Reading Chair’ during the festival

More Information

Newcastle Region LibraryP: 02 4974 5300 www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library

Schools Win $46,000 MakeoversSchools in New South Wales and Victoria received a $46,000 Gold Medal Makeover from Colonial Shopping Centers as the biggest winners of the national Let’s Live Better - Run Around Australia campaign.

Soldiers Point Public School (NSW) and Kananook Primary School (VIC) beat more than 400 schools around the country after taking up and winning the challenge.

The health challenges were set by The Biggest Loser trainers Shannan Ponton and Michelle Bridges to turn school students into Australia’s healthiest kids.

Soldiers Point Public School and Kananook Primary School ran a total of almost 350,000 km to take the prize!

More Information

www.runaroundaustralia.com.au


News News

1 Leapfrog Pack

to Giveaway!

Valued at Approx.

$61.90

My Puppy Pal Scout and My Puppy Pal Violet are fun toys for kids from 6 months - 4 years to help them develop skills to prepare them for preschool.

The green My Puppy Pal Scout and purple My Puppy Pal Violet are at the height of educational toy technology that can be fully customised to a child’s personality. My Puppy Pal Scout and My Puppy Pal Violet introduce learning skills such as first words, daily routines and counting.

Ideal as a bedtime book, Good Night Scout will see your toddler leap into bed for a nightly routine that explores the pages with favourite puppy pal, Scout.

With more than 30 simple bedtime discoveries, you and your child can search each page together.

Slowly let your little one wind down with Scout as they drift off to sleep.

Close the book and press the light for soothing lullabies and dimming lights as Scout and your child settle into sleep.

LeapFrog is a leading supplier of educational toys for preschoolers.

More information

www.leapfrog.com.au

LeapFrog Good Night Scout & My Puppy Pal Violet

Giveaway! With special thanks to LeapFrog, Get Ahead Kids® has 1 LeapFrog pack to giveaway!

The pack contains:

1 x My First Book: Good Night Scout (RRP $24.95)1 x My Puppy Pal Violet (RRP $36.95)

Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win this fantastic LeapFrog giveaway.


With special thanks to the Hunter Region Drama School, Get Ahead Kids® has 2 Family Passes to ‘The Twits’ valued at approx. $100.00 to giveaway!

The family pass entitles the

holders entry to ‘The Twits’,

Wednesday 26 September 2012,

2:00pm at the Civic Playhouse,

Newcastle.

Visit www.getaheadkids.com.au and click the giveaways link for a chance to win this fantastic Hunter Region Drama School giveaway.

Hunter Region Drama School Hunter Region Drama School is renowned for its staging of Dahl classics, making its upcoming production of The Twits a great celebration for its 5th birthday.

Sloppy and smelly, Mr and Mrs Twit don’t wash and they don’t clean, but they do play nasty tricks on each other. They’re not just horrible, they’re extra-specially horrible!

Mr Twit’s beard is a host to spinach, ketchup and minced chicken livers - in fact every bit of mouldy food that misses his mouth.

Mrs Twit has a glass eye which she likes to pop in her husband’s beer, boasting “I’ve got eyes everywhere so you’d better be careful”.

The poor Muggle-Wump monkeys, stuck in a cage in the Twits weedy, grubby garden have been watching them play tricks on each other for years.

Now Mr Muggle-Wump and the

presents

Roald Dahl’s

Hunter Region Drama School

Adapted for the stage by David Wood

Directed by Daniel Stoddart

A n a c a d e m y f o r y o u n g a c t o r s

H u n t e r R e g i o n

D r a m a S c h o o l

Tickets: Civic Ticketek: 02 4929 1977Cessnock Performing Arts Centre: 02 4990 7134

www.hunterdrama.com

magic Roly-Poly bird have an idea for a hair-raising trick of their own that threatens to turn the world of Mr and Mrs Twit upside down.

Audience: Children 4-12 yrs & parents

Duration: 100 mins incl. interval

Show Times & Dates:

Civic Playhouse 2:00pm Wed 26 Sept 11:00am & 2:00pm Thurs 27 Sept 11:00am & 2:00pm Fri 28 Sept 2:00pm & 6:30pm Sat 29 Sept

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 10:00am & 2:00pm Thurs 4 Oct

Ticket Information:

Civic Ticketek: 02 4929 1977

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre: 02 4990 7134

Prices: All tickets $25* each *Other fees and charges may apply

More information

www.hunterdrama.comwww.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

2 Family Passes

to Giveaway!

Valued at Approx.

$100.00 Each


Ghost Buddy #1: Zero to HeroAuthors: Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver

Billy Broccoli is starting new; new house, new school and new step family.

He is shocked when he realises that he has a ghostly roommate, Hoover Porterhouse (aka the Hoove), who seems to have all the answers and is extremely helpful when bullies harass Billy at school.

The first book in the Ghost Buddy series, ‘Zero to Hero’ deals with confidence building and how to stand up for yourself without using violence and stooping to the low levels of others.

Age Guide: 7+ YearsExtent: 188 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781407132280Price: AU $9.99Publisher: Scholastic UKP: 02 4328 3555www.scholastic.com.au

Hubert & The Magic GlassesAuthor: Candice Lemon-ScottIllustrator: Joe Spellman

Hubert is not the best soccer player on his team and feels his lack of skills is letting his team down.

Not matter how hard he trains, his skills do not develop.

His mother insists on getting his eyes tested. Reluctantly, Hubert attends the appointment after mistaking dog biscuits for his breakfast cereal.

Hubert’s new glasses seem to transform him, by improving his vision he is able to help his team to victory, boosting his self confidence.

This is a great book for young readers who are reluctant in getting their eyes tested and wearing glasses.

Age Guide: 7+ YearsExtent: 82 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781921928246Price: AU $12.95Publisher: New Frontier PublishingP: 02 9453 1531www.newfrontier.com.au

Pennies for HitlerAuthor: Jackie French

Georg is a young German boy who is smuggled in a suitcase from Germany to London to live with his Aunt Miriam after the violent and confronting death of his father in Nazi occupied Germany.

Fraught with the wide hate for Germany and its aggressive leader and the ever present threat of bombs, Georg struggles to feel safe or at home in England.

When London is bombed, and it is no longer safe for a young child to live in the city, his Aunt Miriam sends him to Australia on a ship with hundreds of other children to be fostered out to Australian families.

In Australia Georg finally comes to terms with what happened to his father, the atrocities of war and most

importantly he comes to know and build an understanding of himself.

This is an emotional book and the themes of family, identity, war and religion will capture the attention of readers of all ages.

Age Guide: 14+ YearsExtent: 330 Pages (Paperback) ISBN: 9780732292096Price: AU $15.99Publisher: HarperCollins PublishersP: 02 9952 5020www.harpercollins.com.au

Things My Daughter Needs to Know: The truth about drugs, drink, sex, tattoos, babies, strange men and high heels.Author: Dilvin Yasa

Magazine journalist Dilvin Yasa has compiled a series of letters and advice for her three year old daughter, Cella, in this light-hearted parenting book.

She warns Cella of the dangers of strange men, fashion fads, tattoos and drugs in an honest, highly entertaining way.

The book is a great educational tool, offering practical advice to help guide women through their life; offering opinions and advice on everything from body image, dating, education, removing stains and even motherhood. Although the book is aimed at girls over 15, mothers will also find it an entertaining read.

Age Guide: 15+ YearsExtent: 232 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781742610917Price: AU $19.99Publisher: Pan MacMillan AustraliaP: 02 9285 9100www.panmacmillan.com.au

Reviews


Riggs CrossingAuthor: Michelle Renee Heeter

Pulled from the wreckage of a murder scene, Len Russell is confused and alone. She has blocked all memories of her past from her mind and is placed in the Inner West Youth Refuge in Sydney.

Secretive, abrasive and intelligent, Len pushes away those trying to help her and struggles to conform to her new surroundings.

As her time at the refuge goes by, the harsh reality of her past catches up with her and she begins to remember life from before the accident. But where have all the people in her former life gone, and why hasn’t her dad come to find her?

This is a compelling and at times emotional novel that is ideal for teen readers.

Age Guide: 13+ YearsExtent: 308 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781921665707Price: AU $19.95Publisher: Ford Street PublishingP: 03 9481 1120www.fordstreetpublishing.com

Ruby Who?Authors: Andrew & Hailey BartholomewIllustrator: Alarna Zinn

This is the story of Ruby’s adventure in re-discovering her identity. Ruby always wants new things, and dreams of being like other kids.

Each time Ruby wishes for something new – it appears! Before long she has gold curly hair, a cookie, a coat, a blue tutu, sparkly wings and even some roller skates!

But eventually, Ruby realises she has too much stuff and misses just being herself!

This book is an effective way to explain to kids that having more ‘stuff’ won’t make life better and looking like other kids won’t make you happy.

Age: 4+ YearsExtent: 42 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9780987665300Price: AU $19.50Publisher: Self PublishedP: 07 3342 2229www.rubywho.com

Beating the BulliesAuthor: Dr. Lucy BluntIllustrator: Chloe Osborn

Sam and Damien have been bullying Ben at school. They stomp on his work, push him on the bus, hide his lunch and kick his school bag.

Ben is lonely and scared to go to school and sometimes pretends he is sick so he doesn’t have to go. He is scared to tell his mum and dad but eventually they find out what is happening and begin to help him.

Ben goes to see a psychologist called Teresa who gives him lots of helpful tips to stand up to Sam and Damien and to help get him out of the bullying environment.

This book is a great tool for both the home and classroom. There are simple tips intertwined into the story to help kids deal with their problems at school, such as playing with new

people, staying away from where the bullying is happening and telling a teacher or school counselor what is happening.

There is a helpful parent/teacher guide at the back with information about the types of bullying, long term effects and useful class activities.

Age Guide: 7+ YearsExtent: 140 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9780987227539Price: AU $18.95Publisher: Jane Curry PublishingP: 02 9326 1452www.janecurrypublishing.com.au

53 Interesting Ways of Helping Your Students to StudyAuthors: Hannah Strawson, Graham Gibbs, Sue Habeshaw & Trevor Habeshaw

This is a useful guide for high school teachers and university educators seeking new ways to keep students interested and motivated to learn both in the classroom and at home.

With chapter topics such as planning, learning with others, using resources and exams, this book is full of useful teaching tips and class activity ideas.

The authors effectively demonstrate how educators can support students through the learning process from study planning and note taking to revision and exams.

This book is ideal for educators and even parents looking to help and motivate kids to learn.

Age Guide: AdultsExtent: 168 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781743311592Price: AU $22.99Publisher: Allen & UnwinP: 02 8425 0100www.allenandunwin.com

Reviews


Nurturing a Healthy Mind: Doing What Matters Most For Your Child’s Developing BrainAuthor: Michael C. Nagel, Ph.D.

This book covers the latest findings in brain science into how the brain grows, learns and operates and its relevance to parenting and child-rearing.

It is very comprehensive and informative and an essential reference for parents, carers, educators and health professionals.

Age Guide: AdultsExtent: 240 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781921966026Price: AU $32.99Publisher: Exisle PublishingP: 02 4998 3327www.exislepublishing.com

Mommy, Daddy, I Had a Bad Dream!Author: Martha Heineman Pieper, Ph.D.Illustrator: Jo Gershman

Joey, a young happy kangaroo, finds himself scared and running to his parents bed after having a series of bad dreams.

His parents help make sense of the bad dreams by thinking about the previous events of the day and this helps Joey go back to sleep, in his own bed.

This book has a positive plot and shows how parents can help their child deal with nightmares. By encouraging the understanding of dreams, this will help build confidence in their child which in turn will help them overcome their bad experience.

Age Guide: 3+ YearsExtent: 32 Pages (Hardback)ISBN: 9780983866404Price: AU $18.99Publisher: Smart Love Press P: 02 8445 2300www.smartlovepress.com

Fathers Who Dare Win: 30 Ways to Be an Awesome DadAuthor: Ian Grant

Ian Grant argues that fathers are integral to the healthy upbringing of their children, especially boys.

‘Fathers Who Dare Win’ is highly readable and enjoyable.

It covers communication and life skills to help fathers to develop a relationship with their children whether they are living with them on a full time basis, they are busy, or separated from the mother.

This is a fun creative book that provides easy to use strategies.

Age Guide: AdultsExtent: 404 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781742759029Price: AU $29.95Publisher: Random HouseP: 1800 222444www.randomhouse.com.au

Omega Squad: #1 Time Thieves Author: Charlie Carter

The author of the Battle Boy series has created an exciting new adventure series.

Napoleon Augustus Smythe (Battle Boy 005) is now a qualified Battle Agent (BA005) and together with BA004, BA009 and super solider TEX, form the Omega Squad.

The elite Omega time troopers are sent back into history to investigate why time and energy bundles are being stolen from the Battle Books.

My Dad’s the CoolestAuthor: Rosie Smith Illustrator: Bruce Whatley

The beautiful, simple animal illustrations help depict the fun loving relationship between fathers and their sons.

This is an ideal book to be read out loud, making it a perfect gift for

father’s day.

Age Guide: 3+ YearsExtent: 24 Pages (Hardback)ISBN: 9781742830742Price: AU $16.99Publisher: Scholastic PressP: 02 4328 3555www.scholastic.com.au

‘Time Thieves’ is an ideal book for young readers fascinated with history and time travel.

Age Guide: 9+ YearsExtent: 144 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781742610931Price: AU $12.99Publisher: Pan MacMillan AustraliaP: 02 9285 9100www.panmacmillan.com.au

Reviews


#1: The Nerdy Ninjas vs the Really Really Bad GuysAuthor: Shogun WhamhowerIllustrator: Heath McKenzie

Jake, Ben, Pongo and Veejay are nerds, too nerdy for the local bully to pick on or extract money from. In an effort to shed the nerd image they decide to become ninjas - if only they knew what this meant!

This is a hilarious and left field book that will have parents and kids laughing as they read it.

Age Guide: 7+ YearsExtent: 144 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781742830261Price: AU $12.99Publisher: Scholastic PressP: 02 4328 3555www.scholastic.com.au

Reviews

TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT THE NEW

Pilates, Brass Band, Choir, Chess, Table Tennis, Judo, Akido Kickboxing Boxing, Gymnastics,

Circus, Dancing, Fencing

P: 4961 4493 | www.pcycnsw.org

hey dee ho music runs music programs for 1 - 5 year olds. There are franchise opportunities in the inner

Sydney suburbs & the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

Franchise Enquiries:(03) 9786 3104 | [email protected]

www.heydeehomusic.com.au

Get Ahead Kids®

PartnersThe Home Therapist: A Practical, Self-Help Guide for Everyday Psychological ProblemsEdited By: Dr. John Barletta & Jan Bond

This is an informative self help family reference that covers a large variety of issues that touch family life and parenting issues, children and adolescent issues. It is recommended reading for families, schools and health professionals.

Age Guide: AdultsExtent: 422 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9781921513916Price: AU $54.95Publisher: Australia Academic PressP: 07 3257 1176www.australianacademicpress.com.au

The Unexpected CrocodileAuthor: Kim KaneIllustrator: Sara Acton

Peggy’s family is hosting a BBQ for their neighbours, the Dawsons, when a hungry crocodile invites himself to tea. By the end the crocodile’s hunger is satisfied with the unfortunate Dawson family.

A layered tale with more than expected outcomes when a crocodile comes to dinner!

Age Guide: 3+ Years Extent: 23 Pages (Hardback)ISBN: 9781742378077Price: AU $24.99Publisher: Allen & UnwinP: 02 8425 0100www.allenandunwin.com

Dinosaur Dig!Author/Illustrator: Penny Dale

This is an appealing dinosaur book for young readers, with its busy illustrations and focus on counting how many dinosaurs are helping in the work yard.

Kids will enjoy finding all the things happening in the illustrations and discovering what the dinosaurs have been busy building.

Age Guide: 2+ Years Extent: 32 Pages (Paperback)ISBN: 9780857630940 Price: AU $13.99Publisher: Nosy Crowwww.nosycrow.com

Advanced Careers College 21

Allambi Youth Services Inc. 26

Australian Literacy Clinic Pty Ltd 11

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College 9

Family Chiropractic Centre Charlestown 19

hey dee ho music 33

Hunter Development Corporation 25

Hunter Food & Wine 36

Hunter Region Drama School 29

Hunter Medicare Local 23

Hunter Wetlands Centre 11

I Can Read System 33

INParenting 33

Interrelate Family Centres 25

Irlen Diagnostic Clinic 13

Karrawong Kindy 21

KidsSmile 5

Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School 11

Learning Tactics 9

NCP Printing 19

Newcastle Family and Sports Podiatry 17

Newcastle Grammar School 13

Newcastle Permanent Building Society 2

Newcastle Region Library 27

PCYC 33

Schoolchoice.com.au 33

specialeyes OPTOMETRISTS 19

Timber Creations 13

Advertisers Index

Index

Article Themes 2012January/FebruaryBack to School - Vanessa Amorosi

Ad Booking Deadline Nov 11, 2011

Editorial Deadline Nov 18, 2011

March/AprilPhysical Education - The Commando

Ad Booking Deadline Feb 10, 2012

Editorial Deadline Feb 17, 2012

May/JuneLanguages & Communications -

Jessica Rowe

Ad Booking Deadline Apr 5, 2012

Editorial Deadline Apr 13, 2012

July/AugustLearning Innovations & Technology -

David Reyne

Ad Booking Deadline May 25, 2012

Editorial Deadline Jun 1, 2012

September/OctoberStudy & Assessment - Iain Hewitson

Ad Booking Deadline Aug 10, 2012

Editorial Deadline Aug 17, 2012

November/DecemberSummer Learning - Nicole Livingstone

Ad Booking Deadline Oct 1, 2012

Editorial Deadline Oct 15, 2012

For more advertising information please contactMaria Charlton [email protected] P: 02 4929 7766

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

EDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 4 • No. 6 • Nov/Dec 2 012®

9 771839 149000

06

November/December 2012

Subscription $6.60 AUD INC GST

Summer Learning Issue out

November 2012Get Ahead Kids® Sep/Oct 1234

Celebrity Spotlight Nicole Livingstone Retired Olympic

swimmer & TV sports

commentator


Spring Cleaning

Activity Zone

Can you find 10 differences?

Answers and more activities at www.getaheadkids.com.au

GLOUCESTER

STRATFORD WAUKIVORY

FORBESDALE

RAWDON VALE BARRINGTON

STROUD

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RD

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BUC

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THUNDERBOLTS WAY

SCONE RD

BOW

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BOWMAN RIVER RD

WAUKIVORY RD FAULKLAND RD

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PUBLISHER’S COMMENTS

I am delighted to offer you the second edition in the series

“Hunter Food & Wine”. The Hunter is a tourist sensation and

I have selected some photographs from the acclaimed

photographer Geoff Woods to provide you with glimpses of

Hunter scenic secrets. Thank you Geoff!!!

The Hunter enchants me mainly because going somewhere

different is so easy. Take a car trip to a scenic lake, pristine

beach, hectic harbour, tantalising vineyard, testing golf resort,

or invigorating forest. If you wish, you could do all these in a

day or you can stretch them over a lifetime.

My aims in publishing this book are to seduce your senses and

make you yearn for more Hunter experiences. Enjoy!

Maria Charlton

Publisher

MAP Marketing

+ 61 (0) 2 4929 7766

[email protected]

Hunter Hunter Food Food & Wine& Wine

Hunter Food & Wine

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

Editing a cookbook is always rewarding, but the process of

editing Hunter Food & Wine has been a gastronomic journey.

I’ve salivated over the seafood from the Lake and shores of

the Newcastle and Port Stephens coastlines.

I’ve travelled up the valley and hungered for the Barrington

beef, the cheese, delicious sourdough and the wines.

Hunter Food & Wine is more than just another cookbook;

it is a romance novel, a tourism guide, a journal of discovery.

So open the cover and plan your itinerary.

Cook your way through the Hunter Region by trying these

delicious recipes and then go and experience the whole

package, the wines, the food, the atmosphere and the

service that has made the Hunter the premier dining

destination of Australia.

Jenny McElhinney

[email protected]

cover307.indd 1

22/3/07 9:29:39

A perfect gift, Hunter Food & Wine brings you the finest signature recipes tested by the Hunter’s most renowned restaurants and chefs.

Enquiries: MAP Marketing | P: 02 4929 7766

Best Hunter Keepsake

Order online www.hunterfoodandwine.com.au

Also available to buy from: MAP MarketingVilla Franca, 2 Scott St Newcastle NSW 2300

get ahead kids magazine vol. 4. no. 5. sep/oct 2012

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