Get Ahead Kids Magazine Vol. 2. No. 2. Mar/Apr 2010

FREEEDUCATING FAMILIES ON THE GO

Vol. 2 • No. 2 • Mar/Apr 2 010 ®

An Interview with

Biggest Loser Trainer

Michelle Bridges

Physical Education Special

Movement & Learning for 0-5 Year Olds

Sports & Physical Participation

Body Image

Family Fitness

Quality, Low-Fee Christian Education to Over 500 StudentsLocated adjacent to Lake Macquarie and a short walk from Fassifern Railway Station, Charlton Christian College is a progressive school that caters for students Kindergarten-Year 12. Love, Integrity, Faith, Empowerment

Charlton Christian College | K-12 Non-Denominational Christian College

[email protected] | www.charlton.nsw.edu.au

43 Fassifern Rd, Fassifern NSW 2283 | P: 02 4959 9111

Junior School (K-Yr 4)A separate ‘Kindyland’ •facilitates a smoother transition to school

The successful phonics •program assists in early literacy gains

The high proportion of male •teachers provide male role models

Neurological ‘Learning •Connections’ Program is implemented on a daily basis

Interactive Smartboard •technology provides diversity in visual aids

Middle School (Yr 5-8)The SmarTrack program •provides students with choice in their interest areas

Provides student choices •in Sport, Creative & Performing Arts & Environmental Studies

Student learning contracts •are based on Multiple Intelligence Theory

Extensive extra-curricular •activities provide diversity in school experiences

The school focuses on •making learning challenging, engaging & fun

Senior School (Yr 9-10)Offers a focused HSC •Program

Outstanding 2009 HSC •Results include 1st Place in NSW, in Tourism

The number of pathway •options include TAFE, on-line study & traineeships

There is a focus on •excellence in pastoral care & student welfare support

The exceptional staff are •gifted in their specialty subject areas

www.getaheadkids.com.au 3

Editorial

Your Letters

Spotlight

An Interview with Michelle Bridges

Physical Education


Family Fitness

Body Image

Sports & Physical Participation

Concern for School Bullying

Parents & Children - Partners in Reading

People in Focus

An Interview with Shane Thamm

Careers

What is an Accountant?

Business

Saving Habits for Kids

Health

Healthy Spine, Healthy Life

News

Students Rejoice at School Funding Success

Concert Highlights

2009 Aurealis Award Winner

WolframAlpha Search Engine

7 Year Old Gains ‘Gold Wings’

Activity Zone

Giveaways

Reviews

Advertisers Index

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6

8

10

12

14

16

20

18

21

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24

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26

28

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29

30

31

32

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An Interview with Michelle Bridges

ContentsMar/Apr 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® Mar/Apr 104

We have exciting news for all our

readers!

You can now subscribe to Get

Ahead Kids® digital magazine by

visiting www.getaheadkids.com.au

As soon as Get Ahead Kids® is

published, an email will be sent with

a link to the new issue.

Welcome to our new readership

partner Alphabet Street that has

now joined INParenting, I Can Read

and PCYC.

Editorial

Maria,

Just a note to let you know I have

received a copy of the magazine.

Looks like a fun publication.

Thanks

K. Brassil

Centennial Coal

I think that Get ahead Kids is a

fantastic innovation! Informative,

easy to read, and great articles.

B. Francis, Seymour VIC

I love the reviews. The recent

Hurphy Durphy Seat Buckle Guard

was a timely article with the recent

restraint changes.

L. Jilka, Castle Hill NSW

The Live to Learn - Learn to Live

article shows the importance of

looking after your body as well as

your brain. My son has been using a

chiropractor since he was 2 months

old and he seems to be doing well.

K. Dawes-Lynch, Panania NSW

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]

Get Ahead Kids® only has space

for two more additional readership

partners so please contact me if you

are interested.

The theme of this issue is physical

education and health. Thank you

Michelle Bridges for your inspiring

message to get out and get fit.

This eighth issue is meant to inspire all

families to move and get healthy.

Maria Charlton

Managing Editor

P: 02 4929 7766

[email protected]

I enjoy reading ALL the magazine, as

it has new and interesting topics for

the whole family.

E. Tabone, Duns Creek NSW

Help! My Kids Have Nits article is a

helpful reminder about what we

should do once your child has nits

as it is so common in preschools. I

look forward to reading and looking

through the next magazine when it

comes out!

J. Masters, Kilaben Bay NSW

I find it very interesting reading the

different articles and also find it very

helpful as to what’s available out

there for my child.

J. Clarke, Medowie NSW

17 Arnott Street Newcastle West NSW 2302Tel: 02 4926 1300 Fax: 02 4926 5557

Email: [email protected] Web: www.ncp.com.au

Cert no. SGS-COC-005911

“It does not cost any moreto help our environment at

NCP Printing.”


News

Students Rejoice at School Funding Success

Staff and students also met with the

board members of the school to

discuss the building project, the

running of the school and other

needs and challenges facing the

school.

The aims of the funding proposals

include:

❑ Increase the student education &

performance by providing safe &

comfortable accommodation

❑ Boost the morale & motivation of

the students by providing them

with a secure home & study

environment

❑ Reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS

transmission

Newcastle Grammar School

commenced a programme

alongside World Vision in October

2007, with an ambitious target of

raising $150,000 over three years to

build 3 boarding houses for a School

in Farkwa.

With still nine months left to go until

the official end of the project, the

School has raised and pledged

almost $140,000 for the new facilities.

More Information

Michelle O’Toole

Communication Manager

[email protected]

www.ngs.nsw.edu.au

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

Newcastle Grammar School

OPEN DAYTOURS BY OUR STUDENTSBETWEEN 9am - 11am FRIDAY 12 MARCH 2010

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2011

On Thursday 28 January 2010,

eight Newcastle Grammar School

students returned home from a trip

to the small community of Farkwa,

Tanzania where they saw first-hand

aid work funded from money raised

by Newcastle Grammar School

community.

The purpose of the delegation was

for students and staff to experience

the environment in Farkwa, the work

being done and co-ordinated by

World Vision, as well as to enhance

the relationship between Newcastle

and the Farkwarian Community.

These students experienced being

students in a class, taught a class

themselves, exchanged sports

and games, performed songs for

each other, planted trees at the

opening of stage 1 and laid bricks

of stage 2 of the proposed hostels,

shared meals, collected firewood,

explored the school and attended

assemblies.


What do you consider the best

physical activities for families to do

together?

Games! Everyone loves to play

games including tennis, touch

football, beach volleyball or cricket.

What advice would you give

to encourage parents to

raise physically fit and healthy kids?

Be a role model. Your children will

watch and imitate you. Be someone

who sets a fantastic example of

how to live a healthy, energetic life.

It’s the best gift you can give your

children.

How can parents motivate their

children into becoming physically

active?

Again by being the role model

and taking the lead. It’s about

building regular habits and being

consistent. Perhaps they can do

a sport together or do some basic

training together such as laps of

the pool, a jog around the block or

going for a bike ride. Your kids are

your responsibility; so it’s up to you

as a parent to give them a healthy

start in life. And, you will get fit and

healthy too!

What examples can parents set for

their children to encourage them to

be physically fit?

Be involved in a sport! Do some form

of physical training everyday that

they can participate in or at least

they are seeing you and the way

you live your life. They are more likely

to follow in your footsteps.

What are your hobbies?

When I am not exercising and

working I love horse riding, motor

bike riding, cooking, listening to

music, reading books and watching

DVDs.

What was your first job?

In Barbara’s House & Garden at

Nelson Bay

What are your career highlights?

• Australian Fitness Leader of the

Year 1996

• Fitness Expert on Mornings with

Kerri-Anne Kennerley

• The Biggest Loser trainer

• Publishing three books

‘Crunch Time’, ‘Crunch Time

Cookbook’ and ‘Michelle Bridges’

Australian Calorie Counter’

• Publishing three fitness DVD’s

What do you value most in life?

My health

What is your most unforgettable

personal experience?

Learning how to accept everyone

for who they are.

What is your favourite Australian

destination and why?

I love Byron Bay; we went there for

our honeymoon so it holds a special

place in my heart.

What are your thoughts on the

media hype surrounding child

obesity?

I don’t believe that it’s hype! You

can’t fight with statistics. We are one

of the fattest nations in the world per

capita and Australian children are

getting really sick. Type 2 Diabetes

is now hitting kids as young as 8 and

9!! It’s outrageous!

There is simply too much food

available. Our diet is too high in

refined carbohydrates, fat, sugars,

and there’s too much salty food

available and the meal portions are

too big.

It’s just got really out of hand! The

only people who can change this

are parents. But I have to say that

in my line of work, I find that if Mum

and Dad are overweight, then all

the kids are too and so are the

family dog and cat!

Everyone is eating too much and

no one is moving more. In fact

Australians are moving less and less.

I am really worried for our nation’s

health.

Where did you go to school?

New Lambton Primary, Lambton

High and Nelson Bay High

Please tell us about your family.

I have a small family! Just me, my

husband and my dog Paddy! We

are all exercisers though!

Spotlight

An Interview with

Michelle Bridges


What is your best overseas

experience?

Paris is a city I adore as is New York.

I also love the ease of Bali. It’s so

warm and heavenly.

What do your books contribute to

family fitness?

My books give families ideas on

training at home, how to clean out

the kitchen and great yummy meals

for everyone! It will inspire you and

your family to be the best they can

be!

Michelle’s Tips To Get In Shape

• Think of training as an everyday

event similar to taking a shower

• Avoid ‘paralysis by analysis’ - put

your joggers on & get out the

door

• Start & maintain a healthy eating

plan

• Make the time for training 10

minutes here, 20 minutes there, 30

minutes there

Spotlight

Biography

In today’s weight conscious society

where childhood obesity, meal

replacements and lap band surgery

are common conversations, the

uncluttered message delivered

by Michelle Bridges is a refreshing

change.

Best known as the straight talking

red team trainer of Channel Ten’s

The Biggest Loser, Michelle mixes

her tough love message with

heart warming compassion and

understanding. Her endearing

qualities and positive messages

have captured the hearts and minds

of all Australians.

Her books include:

• ‘Crunch Time Cookbook’: 100

Knockout Recipes For Rapid

Weight Loss

• ‘Crunch Time: Lose Weight Fast

and Keep It Off’

• ‘Michelle Bridges’ Australian

Calorie Counter’

Michelle’s book ‘Crunch Time’

blasted to number one on Penguin’s

best seller list across all genres.

Crunch Time is about how one can

lose weight fast and keep it off. It is

divided into three main sections -

Get real - Get moving - Get cooking.

On top of her many television

commitments, Michelle is never

far from front of mind with regular

features in magazines and on radio,

and plays an active marketing role

in all her programs and books.

She has been an ambassador for

Adidas Women Australia since 2007

and was the face of their 2009

campaign. She has also been an

ambassador for the National Heart

Foundation and the RSPCA since

2004 and is working with CanTeen in

their healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Michelle also takes her message

to schools, corporations and

community groups, inspiring and

educating school children and

executives alike.

Last year Michelle was one of the

contestants in Celebrity MasterChef

Australia.

More information

www.michellebridges.com.au


What Happens If Babies & Young Children Do Not Move?

Children who have not had the

opportunity to move a lot as infants

may be placed at risk of later school

learning difficulties.

Growing research points to the link

between learning difficulties and

movement. This link has to do with

how the brain develops and the skills

a baby develops as he moves -

young babies who move are able

to inhibit the involuntary, inbuilt

reflexes that are designed to help a

newborn survive.

Once these reflexes are inhibited

the babies can learn to control

body movement and stimulate

higher levels of brain function -

levels that are important for the

accomplishment of complex skills

that are required for learning at

school. Toddlers are refining the

movements of their bodies, learning

to balance and improving hand-eye

and eye-foot coordination.

During this time the brain is working

as two separate sides – this means

both sides of the body like to do the

same thing at the same time - just

ask an eighteen month child to hold

out his hand for a treat - both hands

go out!

Lots of movement in the toddler

years brings with it the opportunities

for both sides of the brain to

work together, so that by three

years of age the young child is

able to engage in more complex

movement skills, cross-pattern

actions, throwing and catching with

a preferred hand, refined hand-

eye coordination, smooth running,

jumping, hopping, skipping and

marching.

These movement skills stimulate the

higher order centres of the brain

that are important to academic

learning. As the child is able to

engage in movement experiences

the message superhighways in the

brain develop and the child is able

to perform more and more complex

tasks.

What Fathers Can Do To Help Babies

Babies need tummy time to really

get going. Babies are born with

inbuilt reflexes, some of which help

a baby push forward - but to do this,

they must be on their tummies while

they are awake. Baby’s who spend

lots of time on their tummy have

stronger heads, necks and shoulders,

move earlier, are more content

as they don’t rely on parents to

entertain themselves and are

stimulating their brain through their

senses of taste, touch, hearing, sight

and balance.

Eleven month old Jill is always on

the go - climbing the stairs, pulling

herself up onto the furniture and

creeping into every available space

in the house. Her busy body was

exploring the world around her,

saturating her senses, feeding her

brain with lots of information from

her eyes, ears, hands, feet, muscles

and skin. While her movements may

still be clumsy she is not only learning

to move, but she is moving to learn.

Importance of Movement for Babies & Young Children

Infants and young children need

to move. It is one of the important

keys to later learning. Moving

stimulates the development of the

brain in many ways. When babies

are born, their brain is a mass

of millions and millions of mostly

unconnected nerves. Emotional,

sensory and movement experiences

that an infant and child have

stimulate these nerves to connect,

and this allows information to flow

smoothly and quickly between the

body and the brain, and around

the brain. The more stimulation

these nerve pathways receive

the more consolidated they

become - eventually transforming

from disconnected tracks to

superhighways that efficiently and

rapidly zoom messages throughout

the brain and to and from the brain

to the body.

By Dr. Jane Williams



Physical Education

Get your baby used to tummy time

from as early as five days after birth.

Lay your baby on your own body,

across your legs and over your arm

in the tummy position. You can do

this while you watch TV or are resting

on the couch!

❑ Take your baby for a walk in the

pram - over bumpy paths as well

as smooth. If your baby is awake,

lie her on her tummy. She can

strengthen her neck & shoulder

muscles as she responses to the

bumpy ride!

❑ Once babies are over four

months of age dad’s are

important in making sure babies

get lots of movement - they seem

to have an inbuilt understanding

that babies just love being raised

high in the air & then rapidly

lowered, or to be spun around

while wrapped tightly in dad’s

arms.

❑ Once babies are crawling &

creeping - get down on your

hands & knees with your creeper &

encourage them to explore the

world around them - under chairs &

tables, through open boxes, over

different textures, along ladders

flat on the floor & up & down

slopes.

Toddlers

Toddlers need lots of opportunities

to explore. Their energy and

enthusiasm for movement need only

be curbed for safety concerns - this

is the age where they really get out

there and discover!

❑ Visit your local park regularly -

they love running up & down the

grassy slopes, swinging & spinning,

chasing balls, & having the

freedom to run unfettered by the

confines of a house.

❑ Encourage your toddler to hang by

his hands to strengthen shoulder,

neck & back muscles. You can just

use a broom handle for this.

❑ Dance with your toddlers - they

love moving & grooving to the

beat! - bobbing, turning, clapping

& running.

❑ Play ‘topsy turvy’, swinging, rolling,

tumbling games to help their

muscle tone, balance & vision.

Pre-schoolers (3-5 years)

By three years of age most children

will be refining their movement skills.

❑ Go for walks - these provide

opportunities to balance along

lines on the footpath, along gutters,

on low brick fences, run, jump &

skip.

❑ Provide lots of opportunities to

climb, roll, swing tumble, go upside

down, run, jump, hop, skip &

march.

❑ Help your pre-schooler learn to

ride - at first a tricycle (3 year old),

then later a bicycle (4 year old).

Scooters are also great at this age.

Start with a three-wheeler for a

three year old & move to a two-

wheeler once this is mastered.

❑ Find some space & play ball

games - throwing, catching &

hitting a ball with a bat are great

for eye-hand coordination, timing

skills & muscle control.

The more chances your child has at

practicing these movement skills, the

more refined their movements will

be & the more prepared their brain

pathways will be for the challenges of

academic learning.

More Information

Toddler Kindy GymbaROO

P: 03 9817 3544

[email protected]

www.gymbaroo.com.au

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.

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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. Others present with a concern:

Difficult delivery Settling Ear infections Slow to crawl or walk

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Is Your Child Reaching Their Milestones?


Physical Education

Family Fitness By Christine Atkins

Inactivity and long periods of time

spent in passive pursuits including

electronic games, the Internet

and television viewing are major

contributors to increasing childhood

obesity problems amongst kids.

The number of overweight children

in Australia has increased as one

in four kids is now considered

overweight. About 5-6% of kids are

classed as obese.

Apart from lack in physical fitness,

unhealthy food choices and unwise

family eating habits are considered

the major causes.

This rise in the number of overweight

children is disturbing because it

causes health problems and can

lead to social problems. Training kids

to take charge of their fitness and

adopting healthy food choices are

first steps in achieving control and

direction over their lives.

An enjoyable family fitness program

can add health benefits, diversity

and richness in all family members.

Active people:

• Concentrate more

• Are sick less often

• Are more productive

Regular physical activity is essential

in the attainment of health and

wellbeing. Participation in fitness

activities promotes good health,

improves metabolic quality and

regulates appetite.

According to a study conducted

by the University of Michigan Fitness

Research Center, family life is

probably the single most influential

factor in kids’ health habits. By

establishing a healthy role model,

your kids are given the opportunity

to create lifelong healthy habits at

an early age that they can make

use of for rest of their lives.


Physical Education

Exercise can help to:

• Improve circulation

• Reduce blood pressure

• Reduce stress & tension

• Reduce cholesterol & blood fats

Exercise also:

• Helps maintain weight &

counteracts obesity

• Reduces the risk of joint injuries

• Increases muscle & tendon

strength

• Exercise simply makes you feel

good!!

Family Checklist

❑ Parents need to be role models to

their kids

❑ Have a good exercise program

❑ Start exercising slowly & build up

❑ Avoid being discouraged if you

don’t see results immediately

❑ Record any fitness sessions in a

diary to see progress

❑ Stretch before & after every

session

❑ Commit yourself to fitness

❑ Determine your current fitness

level

❑ Set achievable & realistic goals

❑ Make a schedule for fitness

sessions

❑ Drink plenty of water

More Information

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Enquiries

Christine Atkins

Body & Mind 2000 Pty Ltd

P: 02 4937 0286

Christine is the owner of Body &

Mind 2000 Pty Ltd that is committed

to increasing people’s quality of

life through greater fitness and

improved body image, which leads

to greater confidence and higher

levels of achievement in all areas of

their lives. Since 1984, Body & Mind

2000 has managed the staff gym at

the Kurri Aluminium Smelter.

All programs are designed

and developed from a holistic

perspective and include physical

fitness, flexibility, strength and

nutrition. Comprehensive records

of the progress of all participants

are maintained to keep them

motivated through awareness of

their achievements.

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Physical Education

Body Image Studies have shown that many

teenage girls have distorted

perceptions about their bodies -

perceptions which are shaped

by the ‘beauty ideal’ presented

to young women through various

media sources - television,

magazines and the Internet.

The 2008 Mission Australia National

Youth Survey (45,000 people)

identified body image as the top

ranked issue of concern for young

people.

Body dissatisfaction is widespread in

Australian adolescents - 75% of high

school girls desire a thinner figure

that the one they have (Durkin et

al, 2005) and 50% of high school

boys are dissatisfied with their body

(Pope, 2001).

According to the Eating Disorders

Foundation of Victoria, eating

disorders affect about 10% of young

women and 1% of young men aged

14-24. Anorexia is the third-most

common disease in Australia for

females aged 15-24.

The image of beauty presented

in the media especially to young

women is unrealistic as they

compare themselves to images that

have been digitally altered and

manipulated.

If you suspect that your kids have

a negative body image you can

consult your doctor, guidance

counsellor, community health

centre, a practising dietician or

psychologist.

Why Are Self-Esteem & Body Image Important?

Self-esteem is all about how kids

feel about themselves, and how

worthwhile they feel. A kid with high

self-esteem makes friends easily, is

in control of his/her behaviour and

enjoys life.

For many people, especially those

in their early teens, body image can

be closely linked to self-esteem.

That’s because as kids develop into

teens, they care more about how

others see them.

Parents Need to Be Role Models

❑ Show a healthy relationship

with food as kids learn eating

behaviours from you

❑ Become aware of your own

attitudes about body weight &

shape

❑ Avoid crash diets & warn your

kids about the dangers of crash

dieting

❑ Accept your own body size &

shape

❑ Avoid negative comments about

other people’s body sizes &

shapes

❑ Plan for regular family physical

activity

❑ Discuss media messages &

images that promote unrealistic

beauty messages

❑ Provide healthy food choices &

snacks

❑ Expect kids to take responsibility

for good nutrition

Kids come in all shapes and sizes. It is

important for parents to appreciate

and celebrate the diversity in their

kids’ physical appearance as well as

talents!

Many kids worry about what they

look like and what others think of

them. They may perceive they are

too fat, too thin, too tall, too short,

and many more negatives.

Body image is how kids perceive,

think and feel about their physical

body. This perception may not be

based on truth, but kids accept it as

the truth.

Kids who are dissatisfied with their

body image and embark on

extreme diets are often likely to

also suffer depression and a variety

of esteem issues that may include

moodiness, suicidal thoughts, anger

and anxiety.


Physical Education

Encourage Kids to Adopt Regular Exercise

❑ Emphasise fitness, health &

enjoyment as the major reasons

for exercise

❑ Encourage kids to take up a team

sports

❑ Focus on planned physical

activity to help kids maintain a

healthy body weight

❑ Be cautious of kids’ activities that

emphasise thinness - gymnastics -

ballet

Build Kids’ Self Esteem

❑ Encourage individuality of

thought & opinion

❑ Provide strategies for kids to

handle peer pressure

❑ Train kids to be assertive

❑ Listen to their concerns about

body shape & appearance

❑ Avoid teasing kids about their

weight, body shape or looks

❑ Focus on building kids’ personality

& talents

❑ Discuss the role of genetics in

shaping kids’ physical body

❑ Discuss how digital image

manipulation sets unrealistic body

images

Research School Culture

❑ Make sure your kids’ school has

an effective anti-bullying policy

❑ Monitor peer influence in school,

on the internet & in social settings

❑ Ensure that school culture nurtures

individuality

In July 2009, the Australian

Communications and Media

Authority (ACMA) launched the

Cybersmart Schools Gateway. This

is a web portal on the Cybersmart

website which gives all Australian

primary and secondary schools

easy access to the full range of

cybersafety education resources

published by ACMA.

In 2009, The Minister for Youth, Kate

Ellis, accepted an advisory report

to help the Australian Government

tackle negative body image. The

Proposed National Strategy on Body

Image, which includes a voluntary

Industry Code of Conduct, was

developed by the National Advisory

Group on Body Image.

This report encourages advertisers,

the media and the fashion industry

to promote more positive body

image messages. It incorporates a

Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct

on Body Image which recommends

using healthy weight models,

realistic and natural images of

people and disclosure when images

of people have been digitally

manipulated.

The report also recommends

building resilience in young

people through a focus on peer

interactions, parenting, the role of

schools and community groups.

More Information

www.youth.gov.au

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Sports & Physical ParticipationRegular physical activity is important

in reducing the risk of chronic

diseases, such as heart disease and

stroke, obesity, diabetes and some

forms of cancer.

The National Physical Activity

Guidelines for Adults recommend

at least 30 minutes of moderate

intensity physical activity, preferably

every day of the week, to obtain

health benefits.

Health related campaigns focus on

promoting activities such as walking,

as this is likely to benefit all age

groups and minimise risk of injury.

The remainder, approximately 5.5

million reported that they did not

participate in any such activity in the

12 months before the interview.

Most Popular Activities

While there are a great variety of

sports and physical recreational

activities that people participate

in, the ten most popular activities

accounted for 76% of participation

in 2005-06.

Walking was the most commonly

reported physical recreation activity

among Australians. Walkers also

accounted for over half of those

who participated in sports and

physical recreation more than twice

a week.

Aerobics/fitness was the second

most popular activity, with 13% of

the population aged 15 years and

over participating.

Swimming, the third most popular

activity, had a participation rate of

9%.

About 6% of the total population

participated in cycling and a

further 6% played golf. Unlike the

top three activities that female

dominated, these tended to be

male dominated.

Males also had higher rates of

participation in running, soccer and

cricket, while women were more

active in netball, yoga and dancing.

Characteristics of Participants

Factors that affected participation

included high household income,

having a post school qualification

and family type.

In 2005-06 Survey, the participation

rates for sports and physical

recreation were higher for the

younger age groups.

Data derived from the 2005–06 ABS

Multi-Purpose Household Survey

focuses on the characteristics of

participants as well as the main

motivators for involvement and

the main constraints given for not

participating in physical activity.

Participation Rates

In 2005-06, 10.5 million Australians

aged 15 years and over (66%)

took part in sports and physical

recreation.

About 4.7 million of these Australians

regularly participated more than

twice a week and about 5.8 million

participated up to twice a week.


Physical Education

Participation rates declined with

increasing age, with the lowest level

(49%) being reported for those aged

65 years and over.

People born overseas in the main

English speaking countries had

the highest rate of participation,

with 72% reporting participation in

2005–06.

Employed people had a much

higher overall participation rate

(72%) than those who were not in

the labour force (55%).

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One of the strongest associations

with participation rates was

education level. Australians

with tertiary qualifications had a

participation rate of 81%, relative to

59% for those whose highest level of

attainment was Year 12 or below.

Constraints & Motivators

For those who did not take part,

or who reported participating 12

times or less in any sports or physical

recreation in the 12 months before

interview, the main constraint cited

by 22% was insufficient time because

of work or study commitments.

For those who participated more

than 12 times within the 12 month

period before interview, the majority

of people (5.2 million) reported

health and fitness as the most

common main motivator.

More Information

www.abs.gov.au

Main Constraint For Non Or Occasional Participants - 2005-06

a. Includes temporary injury/illness, cost and insufficient time for reasons other than work, study or family.

Source: ABS 2005-06 Multi-Purpose Household Survey.

Insufficient time due to work/study

Insufficient time due to family

Not interested

Age/too old

Ongoing injury/illness

Already active

Other a.

Injury/illness (not further defined)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 %

MalesFemales


Physical Education

Concern for

School Bullying

The ‘Method of Shared Concern’

was devised by the Swedish

psychologist, Anatol Pikas as a

method of tackling school bully/

victim problems. This methodology

has been successfully used in many

British, European and Australian

schools.

It incorporates role play, interviews

and small group discussions. A

trained mediator holds relaxed

separate talks with each party to

bullying and a joint meeting is not

initiated prior to the development of

shared solution.

Each meeting is prolonged until

each party has stated what actions

need to be taken if any of them

should transgress the agreed

outcomes.

“Applying the Method of Shared

Concern in Australian Schools - an

Evaluative Study” was commissioned

under the previous Howard

Government and undertaken by the

University of South Australia.

Ken Rigby of the University of

South Australia states that “Shared

Concern” is based on assumptions

that include:

• This approach requires training &

planning for successful

implementation

• It is assumed that bullies are

often insensitive to the harm, or

the extent of the harm, they are

doing to the victim

• The use of punishment is often

ineffective in preventing bullying

• Bullying is ratonalised as the group

having fun

• As individuals, bullies usually feel

uncomfortable about what is

being done

• If an authority figure blames the

bullies, it is likely to accelerate

bullying & increase the bond

amongst the bullies

• Working with individual bullies by

sharing with them the concern

for the victim is likely to generate

more positive outcomes

• This approach is direct,

confrontational & has an inbuilt

expectation for positive outcomes

• Having made a commitment to

the interviewer, usually means

that members of the bullying

group do not share the interview

outcomes & this may weaken

group influence

• It is essential to follow-up what

happens after promises are made

• Initial interviewing with the victim

needs to be avoided as it may

place him/her in greater danger

• Victims are not always ‘innocent’

• It is important to understand what,

if anything, the victim may be

doing to provoke & perpetuate

the bullying

• The aim is to change bullying

attitudes & behaviours

• After progress has been made

it is important to see the group

of ‘bullies’ together to positively

reinforce changes & negotiate

further progress

• This approach aims to produce

a change of attitude on the part

of bullies & remove the need for

constant surveillance

• If individual bullies do not respond

to shared concern, further action

such as interviews with parents &

suspension may be required

On January 17, 2010, The Minister

for Education, Julia Gillard, released

the Australian research that found

that the prevalence of bullying

in Australian schools is on the rise.

This trend is compounded by the

emergence of cyber-bullying.

The National Safe Schools

Framework (NSSF) consists of

nationally-agreed principles for safe

and supportive school environments

that guides schools to help them

address the serious issues of bullying,

harassment and violence in their

classrooms and playgrounds.


Physical Education

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The Federal Government is funding

a $3 million pilot program in about

160 Australian schools to work out

what methods are currently being

used in schools and what works.

It has also committed $125.8 million

over four years to a Cyber-Safety

Plan which is being delivered by

the Department of Broadband,

Communications and the Digital

Economy.

More Information

www.pikas.se


People in Focus

An Interview with

Shane Thamm

exist if I didn’t do that Masters.

Other things I do include

interviewing people, reading

transcripts of interviews and listening

to radio. Radio is good because

you get to listen to real-time

conversations, not manufactured

ones like you often get on TV shows.

I do this because I like books with

contemporary dialogue that springs

off the page.

What advice do you give aspiring

authors?

Get to the end of your manuscript. If

you don’t finish a story, you’ll never

get it published. When you do finish,

call every publisher you can and tell

them how good it is and why people

would love reading it.

What does your book offer readers?

I reckon there’s a fair bit of fun in

it. When you list the themes in the

novel - body image, casual drug

use, family relationships - it sounds

really serious, but I don’t think of it

that way at all.

There’s a chapter I really like and I

think it sums up the novel pretty well.

The main character, Jack, steals his

best mate’s car. With another two

friends he speeds around the city,

going absolutely crazy. It’s a stupid

thing to do, but he has an absolute

blast. Then he returns the car and

reverses it into a retaining wall.

Where did you go to school?

I went to a bunch of schools. My first

school was Gillen Primary in Alice

Springs, and then Living Waters

Lutheran Primary. I went there in

its first year, when it had just 25

students. We moved to Brisbane in

1989, where I finished my primary

schooling at Prince of Peace

Lutheran Primary before completing

my high school at Grace Lutheran

College. The distinct Lutheran theme

comes from the fact my Dad was a

Lutheran Pastor. The school didn’t

come with the job, but at times it felt

like it.

Please tell us about your family?

I have a sister in Mongolia who works

in child protection. She lives through

winter days of -30 degrees Celcius

and many other things I wouldn’t

want to deal with. My brother is

an engineer, who has worked on

some major dam constructions and

is now trying to get a renewable

energy company off the ground.

Dad’s a Lutheran pastor, semi-retired

because of migraines and Mum’s

the one that makes sure none of us

forget each other exists.

But the real joys for me are my wife

Meghan and our son Angus, who’s

18 months old. Baby number two

is on the way, a girl, so we’re very

excited about that.

What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy riding my road bike,

even though it’s ready for the scrap

heap. It’s about 20 years old and I

can’t get parts to fix it. It was given

to me by a very close friend who

later died in a car accident, so I’ve

got a lot of emotion attached to

that bike.

What are your career highlights?

My greatest highlight was getting

‘My Private Pectus’ published by

Ford Street late last year. That was a

real thrill and still is. It has since been

shortlisted for the Northern Territory

Book of the Year award.

How do you go about researching

for your books?

Mostly I just like to read books by

lots of different authors. I don’t have

a favourite author, I never have.

I look at how they use dialogue,

build suspense and develop their

characters.

I’m terribly critical, but it certainly

has helped my writing.

For ‘My Private Pectus’, I researched

masculinities as part of a Master

of Arts at Queensland University of

Technology. A lot of my research

was very theoretical, stuff about

gender theory. The novel wouldn’t

Author of My Private Pectus - Story of Adolescence, Family & Body Image


People in Focus

Top of the world one second,

absolute bottom the next.

As I wrote ‘My Private Pectus’ I

often laughed at the stupid things

Jack does, and how it always takes

a monumental stuff up before he

learns anything. Luckily, he works a

few things out by the end.

Inspiration for your book My Private

Pectus

Inspiration came from all sorts of

places. I read a lot of books about

teenage boys and young men. A lot

of them were adult books, but there

were young adult books as well like

David Metzenthen’s ‘Boys of Blood

and Bone’ and Phillip Gwynne’s

‘Deadly Unna’.

I also poked fun at my Dad in

the opening chapters. I slipped a

few of his old footy yarns into the

beginning, which was a lot of fun,

especially when it came time for him

to read it.

But in truth, I think inspiration is a bit

of a fallacy. Sure, there can be wild

moments when the story spills onto

the keyboard, but most writing takes

a lot of work. Not many words or

sentences or chapters come freely

for me. They take planning and a lot

of perseverance.

Who are your major readers for this

book

I had teenage boys in mind when I

wrote ‘My Private Pectus’ and I’ve

had some great feedback from

them, particularly boys aged 14 to

17. But the weird thing is I’ve had

loads of mothers tell me, “I’m going

to get my daughter to read this

just so she can understand boys.”

They’ve always liked it too, which is

a bonus.

I’m thrilled that parents want to use

my book that way. It’s pretty cool

that people see it as being more

than just a ‘good read’.

How important is body image to

teenage boys?

It’s more important than many

people realise and it’s becoming

more so. Men’s bodies are on

display in the media more now than

ever before, which means teenage

boys are bombarded with images

of muscular men such movie and

sports stars. As a result, teenage

boys often want the same body as

men ten years older. That can be an

awfully unrealistic expectation for

bodies that are still maturing.

However, I’d hate to simplify body

image into an argument that just

blames the media. It’s far more

complex than that. When you read

Jack’s story in ‘My Private Pectus’,

you’ll find that his body image

anxiety isn’t just because of his chest

deformity, even though Jack thinks

it is. It’s because he lacks social

confidence. He feels like he fails his

Dad and that he can’t match his

mates in two areas he thinks are

important: sport and sex. Jack starts

looking for reasons why, and that’s

when he starts blaming his chest for

all of his perceived failings. It takes

him a long time to work out that his

body isn’t really to blame.

Biography

For six years I worked in high

school outdoor education and the

masculinised outdoor adventure

industry. I became intimately

interested in what makes young

men tick and the emotional

challenges they negotiate each

day, often in silence. My first novel,

‘My Private Pectus’, gives these boys

a voice.

I’m now working on two new books:

the biography of Jimmy Wan, a

pioneer of the coffee industry in

Papua New Guinea; and a young

adult novel called ‘Torbreck’, which

is about a girl who knows what the

future holds, but has no way to

control it.

More Information

www.fordstreetpublishing.com

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Physical Education

• Shared reading improves a child’s

interest in language, reading & words

• Shared book reading is successful

at stimulating a child’s language &

literacy development especially

when the child is interested &

engaged in the book-sharing

session

• By providing children with the

opportunity to engage with

books, & encouraging a child’s

interest in reading, a parent can

make a significant long term

contributions to a child’s language

development & literacy skills

There are some fabulous books for

children of all ages. Visit your local

library and make the most of the free

books!

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

www.gymbaroo.com.au

Shared book reading is a family

event for many young kids and their

parents. This is an enjoyable way of

improving a kid’s developmental

outcomes.

Much media attention has been

given to the importance of parents

reading to their children in the early

years.

You may very well ask;

“Why and how does reading out

aloud to children help them with

their reading and literacy skills once

they begin school? “

There are many ways that shared

reading stimulates a kid’s language

and literacy development and these

include:

• When an adult reads to a child,

they frequently use open-ended

questions, broadening a child’s

comprehension of the story being

told

• Parents often elaborate on a

child’s focus, improving visual-

perceptual & auditory-perceptual

skills

• Regular reading provides familiar

linguistic routines in which children

progressively become more

actively involved

Parents & Children - Partners in ReadingBy Dr.. Jane Williams


Careers

What Is an Accountant?

Accountants are analytical thinkers

who are perceived a tad dull in

our society that reveres outgoing

personalities.

But, there is nothing boring about

the numerous employment options

and relatively higher salaries that are

open to qualified accountants.

ACER Research indicates that

graduates in arts and humanities

subjects had among the lowest

earnings upon gaining employment

and accountancy graduates were

earning about 40% more than them

over the course of their life

In addition qualifying as an

accountant can be a rewarding

and challenging avenue that opens

doors to many senior corporate and

government positions.

What Accountants Do?

An accountant is responsible for

monitoring and recording the flow

of money through households,

businesses, organisations or

governments.

The accountant verifies the

accuracy of all monetary

transactions and makes sure that

these are legal and are following

legal guidelines.

Some accountants may work

directly for families to help with

tax returns, financial decisions,

investments or retirement options.

Other Services Provided By

accountants include:

• Audit, assurance & risk advisory

• Financial advice

• Corporate finance

• Forensic

• Business planning & restructuring

• Transaction analysis

• Taxation

• Business resource planning

How to Qualify As an Accountant

The traditional route into accounting

is a degree or diploma with a major

in accounting subjects.

Most Australian technical colleges

and universities offer these - and you

can combine accounting with other

subjects to broaden your skills and

outlook.

To improve employment prospects

accountants gain additional industry

qualifications to become members

of industry bodies such as the

Institute of Chartered Accountants

or Australian Society of Accountants.

Employment Prospects

Accountants are increasingly in

demand so their employment

opportunities are very strong.

An understanding of money, costs

and profits is an advantage when

managing businesses, people or

departments.

How Much Do Accountants Earn?

As accountants are in high demand,

they earn a good salary upon

graduation. A graduate accountant

with no experience, for example,

can expect a starting salary

between $AUD35,000 -$AUD45,000.

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Business

Saving Habits for KidsGiving kids an allowance either

dependant or independent of their

household contributions, behaviours

and school achievements, is a

critical first step to their financial

training.

The Bankwest ‘Raiding the Piggy

Bank’ Survey (1092 people)

conducted June 2009, indicated

that 58 percent of Australian parents

give out weekly pocket money, and

more than half of children regularly

save it.

Kids need to be encouraged to

develop good saving habits and

budget for big ticket items.

Families that openly communicate

about money issues, provide a

better financial framework for the

future.

Teenage kids need to be aware

what happens when debt gets

out of control and encouraged to

steer clear of credit cards, internet

purchases and uncapped mobile

phone spending.

Teach kids essential financial skills

that may include how to pay bills

online, write a shop list and shopping

on a budget.

In the words of Robert Kiyosaki’s

‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’, money is

power and it is best taught at home,

not by an educational institution.

Educational institutions rarely

provide kids with financial skills to

grow their wealth. Being wealthy is

not about how much money you

make, it is about how much money

you keep and how long you keep it

for, in terms of years.

It is important to teach your kids how

to earn, use and save money from

an early age.


Business

256 Minmi Rd, Fletcher 2287ph: (02) 4979 8484www btac.nsw.edu.au

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Kindergarten to Year12

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Parents are in a unique position

to set good examples for saving,

investing and spending money.

Encourage your kids to open up a

bank savings account for these big

purchases as well as a method of

investing for the future.

Some schools are working with

financial institutions to bring back

traditional school banking. For

example the Mutual has six Lower

Hunter primary schools already

involved in such a program.

School kids open Young Endeavour

Accounts with minimum opening

balances of $2.00 and The

Mutual accepts deposits from the

convenience of their school.

Each week a representative of

The Mutual visits the schools and

processes the student transactions.

This Bank@School program is a

worthwhile initiative for children to

understand the nature of the savings

and banking process.

Tips for Helping Your Kids to Save

❑ Encourage kids to open a savings

account & teach them about

interest

❑ Provide incentives by adding

an additional amount to their

voluntary savings

❑ Set a fixed percent of allowance

that needs to be saved

❑ Train kids to work for their money &

save a fixed amount

❑ Give them a piggy bank to save

coins until full

❑ Encourage kids to use landlines/

VOIP not mobile phones

❑ Train them to cook treats rather

than buy them & pay them the

difference

❑ Split their savings accounts into

university fees, holiday & car

❑ Involve kids in the grocery buying

from writing a list to checkout

payments

❑ Teach teenagers how to invest

in stocks & bonds

❑ Help kids to set budgets & make

choices

❑ Introduce kids to sites such as

eBay for selling their surplus items

More Information

www.understandingmoney.gov.au


If there was a way you could

prevent or minimise spinal health

problems from developing in your

child you’d want to know about it,

right?

Do you realise that 80% of the

adult population experience back

problems at some stage in their life?

Good spinal health in childhood

lays an important foundation for

preventing or minimising spinal

health problems in adulthood and

contributes to a better quality of life.

In recent years there has been

considerable national and

international support for taking early

preventative action and promoting

health in schools.

There is no better place to start this

process than with kids!

For the past six years, the Healthy

Spines National Health Promotion

Program has been running in primary

schools throughout Australia.

Healthy Spines is focused on

promoting young people’s spinal

health. This hands-on program

targets Years 3-5, is taught by trained

volunteer chiropractors and funded

by the Chiropractic Association of

Australia (CAA).

The goals of the Healthy Spines

Program are:

1. To improve knowledge & practice

of spinal health & care among

primary school students.

2. To increase the ability of school

communities to promote

spinal health & care through

appropriate policies &

environments.

What are the risk factors?

Make sure you know if your child is

being compromised. The risk factors

for developing neck and back pain

include:

Constitutional factors - These are the

factors that people are born with.

People may have good or limited

flexibility, strong or poor muscle

strength, and the size of different

body parts may be in or out of

proportion.

Postural factors - These factors are

about the shape and position of the

spine. People may be born with or

develop postures that are not good

for spinal health, so they are not

good for their health overall.

Recreational factors - These factors

are about the physical activities we

do. We can do these things safely or

unsafely, too little or too much.

Environmental factors - These

factors are about how supportive

our environment is for spinal health.

Things to be considered here

include the way in which furniture is

designed; whether we have to do

too much heaving lifting, twisting,

bending or prolonged sitting; and if

current rules and regulations support

spinal health.

School Backpack Checklist

The Healthy Spines program believes

that good spinal health contributes

to good health overall so here are

eight guidelines for packing and

carrying backpacks.

❑ Always carry loads over two

shoulders. Shoulder straps on the

backpack should be adjustable.

❑ A waist-strap is extremely

important & should be clipped

shut to keep the backpack firmly

on the spine & distribute weight

evenly on the hips.

❑ A backpack should never be

wider than chest width & should

not be any lower than the hollow

of your back, i.e. does not hang

below your waist.

❑ Look for backpacks with wide

padded & adjustable shoulder

straps which ergonomically

contour to your child’s body.

❑ Keep zips closed to contain the

load.

By Candice Robertson

Healthy Spine, Healthy Life

Health


Health

2656

8

❑ Always pack heaviest items at the

back of the bag (against the spine

of the pack) so they are closest to

the child’s back.

❑ Backpacks should be worn straight

with the top of the backpack at

shoulder height (not too low).

❑ A backpack’s weight (including

books & materials) should be no

more than 10% of your child’s body

weight.

The promotion of spinal health can

result in more informed families and

safer, healthier environments. It

also reduces health care costs for

individuals and society in general.

More Information

P: 02 4731 8011

[email protected]

www.healthyspines.com.au

Candice Robertson

Healthy Spines Program Team

Member Chiropractor

Family Chiropractic Charlestown

2 Lincoln St Charlestown

P: 02 4942 4842

www.familychiropracticcharlestown.com.au


News

Baby Ballerinas & Co Concert

Saturday 28 November 2009

Civic Theatre

More Information

www.babyballerinas.com.au

Concert Highlights


News

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


News

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that you ask it a question and it

suggests where to find the answer,

WolframAlpha answers factual

questions and relies on analytical

methods instead of human-

generated documents.

The Aurealis Awards were

established in 1995 by Chimaera

Publications, the publishers of

Aurealis magazine, to recognise the

achievements of Australian science

fiction, fantasy and horror writers.

The Awards Ceremony was held

on 23 January 2010 and the winner

of Best Children’s (8-12 Years) Short

Fiction/Illustrated Work/Picture Book

was ‘Victor’s Challenge’ by Pamela

Freeman and Kim Gamble.

This book took Pamela Freeman

13 years to write and features an

intriguing plot, charming characters

and interesting illustrations.

More Information

For publicity enquiries please

contact:

Juliet Izatt – Publicist

P: 02 8666 8333

www.walkerbooks.com.au

Victor’s ChallengeAuthor: Pamela Freeman

Illustrator: Kim Gamble

Prince Victor wants to marry his

love Valerian and make her his

princess. But, her father does not

believe in princes and Victor must

pass three difficult tests of bravery,

endurance and cleverness.

Victor’s three tasks in the Dark

Forest of Nevermore:

1. Get the Scepter of Good

Fortune from the fiery

man-eating dragon

2. Retrieve an armband from

the peak of a wizard’s glass

mountain

3. Collect a tail feather from the

rare White Unicorn Owl.

This is an awe-inspiring, feel-good

tale that preschoolers and first

readers will enjoy. For teachers

and parents that want to

capture kids’ interest, it is a great

book for reading out aloud.

Age: 4-9 Years

Extent: 80 Pages (Paperback)

ISBN: 9781921150326

Price: AU$12.95

Publisher: Walker Books Australia

P: 02 9517 9577


Enter a few words into the Alpha

homepage, and the magic begins.

You can ask questions and get

answers to:

• The population of New Guinea

• What percentage of the

population are named John

• The exact position of the moon on

7 March 2010

It has been described as the first

step towards artificial intelligence

and a worthy winner of the Popular

Science Best of What’s New 2009

Computing Award.

More Information

www.wolframalpha.com


News

LAKES GRAMMAR - AN ANGLICAN SCHOOLK-12 Co-educational School

Lakes Grammar opened in 2004 and has grown to nearly 700 students this year.

A reputation for excellent student care with a high quality academic program, at an affordable price.

Buses from Swansea & Erina

School Captains 2010Peter Sweeney & Tahlia Mulder

Enquire Today Call 02 4393 4111 [email protected] Sparks Rd & Albert Warner Dr, Warnervale

7 Year Old Gains ‘Gold Wings’7 year old Ben Tennant, Lakes

Grammar - An Anglican School

student and member of the

Central Coast model aero club

gained his ‘Gold Wings’ model pilot

qualifications.

Ben is the youngest person to

have gained his Gold wings in

Australia. ‘Gold wings’ are the

highest pilot rating awarded by the

Model Aeronautical association of

Australia (MAAA).

He was awarded with his ‘Gold

Wings’ badge, at the general

meeting of the MAAA in March, 2009.

As a regular competitor in the Model

aircraft scale competitions, Ben

flew in the National model aircraft

championships in Albury.

He is the only child competing in his

category, holding his own amongst

the adult competitors. Ben was

awarded a special encouragement

award for his excellent performance.

More Information

www.lakes.nsw.edu.au Head of Junior School at Lakes Grammar, Mr. David Sarich & Ben Tennant.


Activity Zone

Watermelon Baseball Bat Basketball Skipping Rope Hat

Can you find these 5 items in the picture above?

Outdoor

FunVisit www.getaheadkids.com.au for the activity answers.


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

A real parenting website

portal, by parents for

parents. Share your stories,

experiences, or simply

read some helpful hints.

Get Ahead Kids® Partners

Dr. Karl’s Fact or Fishy Trivia Game Giveaway!

Thanks to Dr. Karl and his team,

Get Ahead Kids® has a very special

giveaway of 3 autographed copies

of Fact or Fishy for 3 lucky families!

To enter, visit www.getaheadkids.

com.au and click the giveaways link

for your chance to win!

HOW TO ENTERGo to www.getaheadkids.com.au

Follow the giveaways link &fill in your details.

ENTER &

WIN

3 to Giveaway!

Free Posters, Bookmarks & Stickers!

Dr. Karl’s new board game, Fact

or Fishy consists of bizarre scientific

facts. The way to win in this fact-

paced knowledge trivia game is

to wow the opposition with how

much science you know and collect

the most tokens by the end of the

game.

Complete with Question Cards,

Great Moments in Science Bonus

Rounds and Speed Geek Cards, this

family game is entertaining!

Fact or Fishy is suitable for ages 8+

and caters for 3-8 players.

More Information

www.drkarl.com

Simply send an email with your

name and address to

[email protected]

and Ford Street Publishing will

send you FREE A3 Posters as

they’re printed plus bookmarks

and stickers.

Please let your friends in bookshops

and libraries know about this offer!

Unique Autographed Giveaways!


Conspiracy 365: #2 FebruaryAuthor: Gabrielle Lord

Callum Ormond is a fugitive

desperately trying to survive the

next 334 days, living life on the

run accused of a crime he didn’t

commit.

February is a hard month for Cal.

He has survived a near drowning,

a kidnapping, being chased by

criminals and he is still no closer to

solving the Ormond Riddle.

Readers also have the option to join

the Conspiracy 365 website. This is a

great interactive element for today’s

technologically minded youth,

allowing them to answer a monthly

trivia quiz and follow the countdown

to the truth.

Never Mind the Bullocks, Here’s the ScienceAuthor: Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki

Illustrator: Adam Yazxhi

‘Never Mind the Bullocks, Here’s

the Science’ is yet another

fantastic book from Dr. Karl. This is

a must for readers interested in the

truth and the scientific workings of

inventions in today’s society.

In his 28th book, Dr. Karl continues

to separate fact from fiction,

answering some essential

questions such as ‘Will lemon juice

actually make you slimmer?’ and

‘Can talking on mobile phones

turn petrol stations into fiery

infernos?’

Age Guide: General

Extent: 256 pages (Paperback)

ISBN: 9780732285371

Price: AU$27.99

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Australia

P: 02 9952 5000

www.harpercollins.com.au

An action packed book from the

very beginning right until the nail-

biting cliffhanger. This book will leave

the readers wanting more. Can’t

wait for March!

Age Guide: 12-16 Years

Series: Conspiracy 365


ISBN: 9781741690347

Price: AU$14.99

Publisher: Scholastic Australia

P: 02 9416 4000

www.scholastic.com.au

Reviews

Don’t miss out on your chance of

winning Dr. Karl’s ‘Fact or Fishy’

board game. Details on page 31.

Dr. Karl is our celebrity in spotlight

the July/August issue of

Get Ahead Kids®.

Chookies! Author & Illustrator: Lexie Watt

This book delves into the

meddlesome adventures of Bantam

chickens, Esmeralda and Oswald

that escape their chicken pen.

The funny escapades include

causing havoc in a retail store and

council building before they are

caught, padlocked and sent to bed

with no dinner.

This is a humorous book that is great

for reading out loud to preschoolers

or as a first reader.

It is an interesting book especially as

chickens are a favourite animal for

young kids.



ISBN: 9780980575019

Price: AU$16.95

Publisher: Little Steps Publishing

P: 02 9453 1230

www.littlesteps.com.au

For more great reviews visit www.getaheadkids.com.au


Reviews

The Black Book of ColoursAuthor: Menena Cottin

Illustrator: Rosana Faria

Braille letters shadow the text on

each page and the raised line

drawings help visualise the colour

through touch. At the back of the

book there is a Braille alphabet,

which gives sighted readers the

ability to identify letters through

touch.

This is a unique original book

that uses simple language and

fascinating artwork to describe

colour. Its not only a great book

for visually impaired children but

also allows sighted readers to

experience what its like to be

without the sense of sight.


Extent: 24 pages (Hardback)

ISBN: 9781406322187

Price: AU$19.95

Publisher: Walker Books Australia

P: 02 9517 9577


How do you describe colours to

someone who is blind? This book is

black in colour and contains white

bold text, but yet it’s full of colour.

Seeing without your eyes is possible,

as the textured artwork in this

book explores your sense of touch.

Welcome to Thomas’ world.

This is a place where you have to

rely on smell, touch, hearing and

taste to interpret colours. “Thomas

says that yellow tastes like mustard,

but is as soft as a baby chick’s

feathers”.

Hunting for DragonsAuthor: Bruce Whatley

Suited up in armour that she has

made from household objects in

the kitchen and garage, the little

girl explores the garden and all

the corners of the house seeing

imaginary dragons everywhere. In a

surprise ending the little girl actually

sees a Dragon in her bedroom - one

that isn’t at all scary.

This book explores the gulf between

reality and the child’s imagination.

The colourful illustrations dominate

the story, making it ideal for parents

and preschools to read out aloud.


Extent: 32 Pages (Hardback)

ISBN: 9781741693294

Price: AU$26.99

Publisher: Scholastic Press

P: 02 9416 4000

www.scholastic.com.au

Nitboy: Lift Off!Author: Tristan Bancks

This book is about 11 year old

Lewis Snow, who has never had a

hair cut and his large blonde Afro

is full of nits.

Most people wouldn’t want nits,

but Lewis has developed a liking

for them, he considers them

as his pets. He engages in an

ongoing battle to keep his nits

and his afro.

The fight to get rid of the nits is

led by the deputy principal,

Ms. Herrick who refuses to give

up until his nits are eradicated.

One of the subplots is the story of

Ned, the world’s first ever leaping

nit. Ned’s father has a vision

to train Ned and his offspring

to jump from one human to

another. But Ned is not interested

he is happy in his home.

This story is very humorous and

enjoyable! The text is enhanced

with black and white illustrations

that help to visualise the story.

Kids will love this story. There is

also a quiz at the back of the

book that teaches kids the facts

about nits.

Age Guide: 7+ Years

Extent: 112 Pages (Paperback)

ISBN: 9780980566406

Price: AU$14.95

Publisher: Laguna Bay Publishing

P: 02 9960 5420

www.lagunabaypublishing.com

Our Pick

For more great reviews visit www.getaheadkids.com.au

Alphabet Street 31

Baby Ballerinas & Co 27

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College 23

CD-Genius 21

Charlton Christian College 2

Essential Moves 19

Get Ahead Learning 9

Hunter Development Corporation 25

I Can Read System 31

INParenting 31

International Child Care College 15

Irlen Diagnostic Clinic 13

Kinnear & Company 11

Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School 29

Macquarie College 36

Maitland Christian School 15

Maitland Mutual Building Society 23

Metroll Newcastle 35

Mine Subsidence Board 17

NCP Printing 4

Newcastle Grammar School 5

Newcastle Region Library 20

Pacific Smiles Staffing Solutions 25

Passmores’ Business & Management College 21

PCYC 31

Rajeunir Beauty Clinic 11

Smallprint 13

Warners Bay Osteopathic Clinic 9

Woven Labels Direct 13

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. 3 • May/Jun 10

FREE

Languages & Communications May/June 2010


Celebrity Spotlight

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PLANNING FOR YOUR CHILD’S

FUTURE? Deciding on your child’s education is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

Macquarie College is a leading, independent school in the Hunter, catering for boys and girls from Pre-school-Year 12.

Our college promotes academic excellence as well as social, sporting, musical, cultural and spiritual development.

OPEN DAY

Parents, grandparents and students are welcome to visit our picturesque campus and talk to our caring, qualified teaching staff.

Wednesday, 31 MarchMorning Session: 8.45am-10.15am at Multipurpose Hall 1Evening Session:4.45pm-6.15pm at Multipurpose Hall 1

www.macquariecollege.nsw.edu.auEnquiries: 02 4954 6222

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Macquarie College is a Pre-school, K-12 Co-educational Christian College

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Documents

Get Ahead Kids Magazine Vol. 2. No. 2. Mar/Apr 2010