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  Inclusion, Foreign Languages and Active Play: the Childcare Centre Leading the Way
Inclusion, Foreign Languages and Active Play: the Childcare Centre Leading the Way

04 April 2024, 3:00 AM

With childcare places in high demand in Kiama and surrounds, it would be easy for childcare centres to get complacent. At Dido Street Early Leaning Centre (ELC), however, they are going above and beyond to meet the needs of local children and their families.In 2024, Dido Street ELC – an independent childcare centre owned and run by Kate McNaughton – will be establishing a range of new leadership roles within their team. This includes an Inclusion Officer, who will oversee support for children with additional needs, a Reconciliation Action Leader to ‘strengthen cultural competency’, and a Sustainability Leader who promotes appreciation for the environment. An existing team member will also be appointed as a ‘Munch-and-Move Leader’, overseeing the NSW Health initiative, Munch and Move, which aims to promote active play and healthy eating in children from birth to five years old. And a number of staff members will lead a new foreign language program, called ELLA, which gives preschoolers the chance to explore up to 13 languages. “Staff professional development is a key factor in our teaching,” says Kate McNaughton, owner and director of Dido Street ELC. “The leadership roles are designed to enhance our ability to provide personalised attention and support to each child. By delegating specific responsibilities to dedicated leaders, we can ensure that every child receives the individualised care and guidance they need to thrive.”In September 2024, a new childcare centre, part of Little Zak’s Academy, will open in Kiama. The extra competition, however, is unlikely to be a concern for Kiama’s existing centres, who are inundated with requests from families to join their waiting list. Indeed, Kiama has been previously labelled as a ‘childcare desert’ in a report by research centre The Mitchell Institute — one of many locations across the State where child care access is scarce. It is worth noting that the problem is not confined to Kiama.In January 2024, following an enquiry into the childcare industry, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission called for more childcare support in regional and remote locations, with a focus on supporting children with disability, and culturally and linguistically diverse families.It seems, Dido Street ELC are ticking all the boxes with their new initiatives. “The love for the job speaks volumes when it comes to centres wanting to go above and beyond,” says McNaughton. “This commitment stems from a genuine dedication and passion to providing children and their families with a nurturing and enriching environment.” Click here for more information.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation urges parents to stop supplying alcohol to their children
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation urges parents to stop supplying alcohol to their children

25 March 2024, 1:33 AM

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) has initiated a new campaign in South Eastern NSW aimed at discouraging parents from providing alcohol to their underage children. The ‘Keep their Future Bright’ campaign seeks to increase education and understanding surrounding the wellbeing of adolescents and their developing brain. The new campaign highlights that any amount of alcohol can damage the development of cells inside the adolescent brain. The detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption can range from accidents and injuries to long-term health issues.There are many short-term and long-term risks that underage drinking poses to a developing brain and feedback has shown locals participate in drinking at a concerning rate, contributing to the highest rates of alcohol related hospitalisations across the state. Dr Erin Lalor AM, the CEO of the ADF, reiterates the critical period of adolescence and the vulnerability of developing brains to even small amounts of alcohol. The campaign raises awareness about the adverse impact of alcohol on cognitive function. For a young person, the effect of alcohol on the brain affects school work, sporting performance, emotional processing skills and focus capabilities. With a focus on providing resources and information for parents, the ADF campaign strives to empower families to navigate the complexities of adolescent drinking. By understanding the needs and perspectives of parents, the initiative seeks to create lasting positive changes in community attitudes toward underage drinking. The campaign endeavours to discredit common misconceptions about underage alcohol consumption. When parents were asked, many said they believed supply of alcohol under their supervision was safer or that a strict approach might lead to teenage rebellion though research indicates that the younger children are introduced to alcohol, the more likely they are to engage in excessive drinking later in life.Recognising the cultural context of Australia’s drinking culture, the campaign addresses the influence of alcohol marketing on young people. Many companies employ a direct approach, tailoring media to young people, promoting the idea that socialising is more fun with alcohol. These messages are reaching children on social media and the internet. The campaign urges parents to resist this messaging, and create open and honest dialogue in your home. The campaigns targeted messaging and community engagement will help to aid meaningful conversations between parents and children helping to create a safer, healthier and more informed environment for future generations. For more information and resources, parents are encouraged to visit the ADF website.

Call for Volunteer Ethics Teachers
Call for Volunteer Ethics Teachers

24 March 2024, 11:00 PM

Local schools are seeking parents and grandparents to volunteer as ethics teachers to help develop a future generation with strong ethical reasoning skills. In public schools across the State, ethics classes are offered as an alternative for children who do not participate in the Special Religious Education (SRE) program. However local schools in the Kiama district are facing a shortage of ethics teachers, even though the position does not require any previous teacher training or experience.Since 2011, the Special Educations in Ethics (SEE) program has been implemented in over 500 schools in New South Wales, delivered by the not-for-profit organisation, Primary Ethics. The goal is to support students to develop skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and collaborative inquiry. For young people, it teaches a variety of skills: how to listen to all points of view, disagree respectfully, resist peer-pressure without losing friends, and be able to give the reasoning behind their opinions. As a year two student from Minnamurra Public School told The Bugle: “I love my ethics classes. It teaches you about what’s fair and not fair, and how to feel proud of yourself for your decisions.”For ethics teachers, however, it is an unpaid position and requires an ongoing weekly commitment, preferably for a minimum of one school year. This means it can be difficult for parents or grandparents to juggle alongside other jobs and childcare.But, according to ethics teachers, the reward is worth the effort. Lisa Shirlaw is in her third year of teaching ethics at Minnamurra Public School. “I just love teaching ethics to my daughter and her peers,” she says. “It’s such a beautiful opportunity to see them working together and having thoughtful discussions.”  For eligible adults interested in training to become an ethics teacher, Primary Ethics offers free training both online and face-to-face, lessons scripts and ongoing teacher support. All volunteers undergo a Police Background check and a Working with Children check.“The lessons are easy to follow, all the resources are ready to go and you’ll always have the support of the classroom teacher in the room with you,” explains Shirlaw. “I would highly recommend anyone who enjoys working with the curious minds of children, and wants to contribute to the community in a meaningful way, to give teaching ethics a go.”Currently, ethics classes at Kiama Public School are held on Wednesdays, and at Minnamurra Public School on Tuesdays. To find out more, visit primaryethics.com.au/volunteer.

Less Cheering, Less Chocolate: How Schools are Changing Easter for Children with Disabilities
Less Cheering, Less Chocolate: How Schools are Changing Easter for Children with Disabilities

23 March 2024, 10:00 PM

In the week before Easter, many local parents will be preparing for the Easter Hat Parade. On 28th March, both Minnamurra Public School and Kiama Public School will host their Easter celebrations, which include a chance for young students to create a hat and parade it in front of an audience. The tradition will also be celebrated in many of Kiama’s childcare centres. The concept comes from New York in the 1870s when the social elite would parade their Easter fashion after the day’s church services. Over the years, it has evolved into an excuse for school kids to get creative. But, in 2024, the tradition is being updated.As homemade hats have become more extravagant, with fairy lights, flashing eggs and even motorised parts, steps are being taken to reduce overstimulation for students, and to ensure that everybody can enjoy the celebrations. The disability organisation, IDEAs has published advice for schools planning a ‘disability inclusive Easter.’ Tips include, ensuring the parade route is clear of clutter and easy to navigate; practising what will happen on the day in advance, and containing cheering to only part of the celebrations. Since COVID-19 restrictions eased, many schools have continued to hold their Easter parades outside instead of holding them in a school hall. This enables people with disabilities to navigate the space more easily and for participants to feel less overwhelmed. At local schools, students with a disability are being encouraged to wear noise-reducing headphones if they feel distressed by loud noises. They can even incorporate noise-reducing headphones into their hat designs.At Minnamurra Public School, one of the highlights for young students is an Easter Colouring Competition. It’s a chance for children who aren’t excited about getting dressed-up to get into the Easter spirit in a way that isn’t as performative. But what about another Easter tradition: the Easter egg hunt? The disability service provider Scope has advice for making it more inclusive: keep eggs within easy reach for people with mobility limitations, tie balloons to eggs to make them easier to collect and always include chocolate alternatives. Woolworths offers a range of dairy-free Easter eggs and bunnies, as does speciality grocer Stocked on Terralong Street, although, get in quick as they’re expected to sell-out fast. This year, Kiama Farmers Market is also expected to return with its annual tradition – the Easter Spud Hunt. Children can search for potatoes hidden on Surf Beach, and then swap them for strawberries or chocolate, or keep the potatoes.In the spirit of Easter, traditions are being reborn and renewed, making it more accessible for all.

Celebrating 60 Years of Steam: The Illawarra Live Steamers Journey
Celebrating 60 Years of Steam: The Illawarra Live Steamers Journey

20 March 2024, 5:07 AM

The Illawarra Live Steamers (ILS) started as a collection of model steam train enthusiasts who banded together to form a club to promote model engineering in general and the construction and operation of live steam locomotives, road vehicles and plant in the early 1960’s. The first official meeting of the club was in April 1965 and a raised-level track was constructed nearby at the West Wollongong Workers Bowling Club in Phillip Street, West Wollongong.In the late 1970’s the club moved locations to its current site in Stuart Park, North Wollongong with operations commencing in 1980. Over the 60 years since forming, with a lot of work the club has grown into what it is today with 1.5km ground-level 5”-gauge railway set through winding through the bush and over wetlands, as well as a 250m elevated 5”, 3½” and 2½” oval track. The club also has a Gauge 1 (45mm) dual mainline track in the centre of the grounds.The 60th Anniversary celebrations held over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of March 2024 were a chance for ILS members and our friends from other clubs to get together, reminisce on good times and run trains around the track. A short ceremony was held to recognise the milestone and the achievements of all members both past and present. The ILS is a popular track with visitors from within NSW and as well as interstate and even internationally, and we take great pride in sharing the facilities with others who always have a fantastic time.The ever-popular Hot Pot Run is our annual premier event held over the King’s Birthday Weekend in June, with the 30th anniversary of the Hot Pot Run occurring in 2024. This is a weekend of steam, scale trains, comradery, and endless cups of hot soup for members of ILS and AALS affiliated visitors alike to get together and have a run and a chat in celebration. Unfortunately, this event is not open to the general public.  We are always open to like-minded people that are interested in steam and model engineering to join our club. The hobby is much more than just providing train rides to the community, with lifelong friendships being made and travel to various clubs across the country making for a very enjoyable hobby that keeps you thinking and active. Members' interests vary from steam and diesel trains to railways, signalling, model planes, stationary engines, internal combustion engines, model boats and even gardening and general grounds care. No special skills are required and people as young as 14 can become junior members so if you are at all interested, please get in contact at [email protected] or search for “Illawarra Live Steamers” on Facebook or drop into our grounds in Virginia Street, Wollongong on the 4th Sunday of the month for our Public running Day and get in touch with one of our members.“I’ve been a member of model railways since I was 14 years old and a member of the ILS for over 10 years now. It’s a great hobby if you are interested in steam or railways and enjoy tinkering and building things. There’s heaps of support and other people to talk to, learn from and share with.”“The locomotives are roughly 1/12th scale models of their full-size counterparts. Lots of time is spent researching and building all the parts required to construct an engine, with some highly detailed models taking as long as 20 years plus to build. The steam locos work just the same as the real ones, with a coal fire and water to create the steam pressure, they are surprisingly powerful for their size and a challenge to drive.”“Lots of work goes into maintaining the ILS grounds and the track. But the work is balanced with plenty of tea breaks, lots of talking and fun using the track with our engines.” 

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