Back to SchoolGuide 2016

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Getting Ready for kindy

Sight Word Gamesto encourage learning

LeapFrog EPICLeapFrog EPIC – Android-based tablet that grows and changes, just like they do. EPIC is the perfect tailored learning device to help your child Leap Ahead. RRP: $199.00Available from: Exclusively at JB Hi-Fi.

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Brain Quest – Silly SentencePlayers work together to create sentences using proper nouns, verbs, adjectives and common nouns in creative and open-ended play. Suitable for grades 1 & 2. Brain Quest games encourage children to develop in the areas of language, arts, maths, memory, logic and problem solving, general knowledge and co-ordination through play. RRP $24.95 Available from Toys R Us http://www.toysrus.com.au/brain-quest-silly-sentence/

Nick Jr.’s Bubble Guppies Get Ready For… School! These underwater pre-schoolers are about to embark upon a nervous, but exciting first day of school. Enthusiastic about discovering the world, the Bubble Guppies bring an insatiable curiosity

to their colourful underwater school. When something sparks their interest, they sing, dance and play; exploring every possible facet of the world around them in the most energetically enjoyable way. RRP is $19.95. Available on DVD from Jan 14

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Back to School Checklist

Child’s Name: __________________________

Frank Zappa once famously said, “A mind is like a parachute. If it isn’t open it doesn’t work.”

I’d argue this is even more relevant today than ever before. This is because, as a teacher, I often see a marked disparity between children who arrive on their first day at school with an open mind and those who do not.

The reality is, preparing your children for their first day of school is one of the most important parental responsibilities yet is often overlooked. In fact, there are a number of myths that need urgent busting regarding preparing your child for school.

The first is that technology is always helpful. I’m sorry, parents, but leaving your child with an iPad for entertainment is actually going to disadvantage them as they enter school.

The number of children who arrive at school who know all about Minecraft but are lacking in basic general knowledge is really disappointing to see. More students are arriving in the classroom with poor vocabulary, and no knowledge on what things are because they haven’t had conversations with their children.

For example, one child arrived at School not knowing what a giraffe was. Clearly a giraffe wasn’t a key character in the iPad games this child had been playing recently!

One of the biggest advantages a child can have when entering school is a curious and open mind. Children need a sense of wonder at the world around them. This doesn’t happen when they’re being transported in a pram with an iPad holder.So while there are undoubted benefits of technology, it also has unintended side effects of stunting children’s development of language, basic life skills and knowledge.

The second myth to bust is that car rides are to be endured not enjoyed.

In fact, car trips present unique educational and child growth opportunities. It goes far beyond simply answering “are we there yet?”

When a child is in the car, there is an amazing opportunity to engage them regarding the world around them.

Many families lead busy lives and dinner table conversation can be difficult to prioritise.

Busting the myths of preparing your children for School

But the car will take you past building sites, parks, houses, traffic, schools, advertising, shopping centres, Christmas lights… so many things!

This provides wonderful opportunities to grow your child’s sense of wonder. Asking questions such as: “What are they building there?”, “What animal is that?”; “What does that road sign mean?”; “Do you think it’s going to rain?”

More and more children seem to know Big M for McDonalds but have no idea about stop and walking signs.

The final myth is that making words ‘cuter’ is actually a hindrance more than a help.

For example, using the word “doggy” instead of “dog” teaches them the wrong word. Children are very impressionable at a young age. And while these folksy names may sound cute, children have the capacity to understand and use the correct word from the very beginning.

My biggest advice for parents: don’t underestimate your children. Their capacity to learn is huge.

Read the rest of the article here

There is often much excitement around starting ‘big’ school and for most children the beginning of school signifies growing up, learning more and having fun with all the other children that are going to school.

Now that the New Year has started there is really only 1 month left until your baby heads off to school 5 days a week. For some, this will be similar to your situation with childcare last year and for others, it will signify a new routine altogether. Here are my top 5 tips to get your child ready and excited for Kindy:

Tips for starting Kindy

1. Teach your child how to go to the toilet without help. Reinforce the behaviour you would like them to follow (wash hands, close the cubicle door etc.).

2. Start using Lunchboxes & school times. Teach your child how to open their lunchboxes and snacks while trying to get them used to the times when they will have recess and lunch at school. Also teach them to control their food, so that they have something to eat at lunch and recess and don’t just eat everything at recess time and then starve later.

3. Invest in good school shoes. With your child spending 6 hours a day, 5 days a week in the same pair of shoes, I believe that it is important that their school shoes are comfortable and will not have a detrimental effect on their feet. Important factors to consider when choosing shoes are that both feet are measured properly (one may be larger than the other), there is room for growth in the shoes and that your child finds them comfortable and can both walk and run in them.

4. Get them to help label school uniforms. Letting your child be involved in the process of labelling their school items is exciting for them and is another grown up activity that they can enjoy with you that is all about them.

5. Enjoy your time together. Sure they are excited about starting school yet there will be a twinge of uncertainty about the whole process and possibly sadness at not having as much time with you. Take the January holidays to pamper to your child’s needs; spending lots of time making great memories and having fun together. With any uncertainty they may feel; I find it best not to ignore it altogether, but not to focus on it either by only answering questions when asked or by always talking of the good things about school.

Wishing you the best of luck with this exciting time and I hope that your child enjoys her first year of Kindy and that the transition is smooth, fun and that you get a lovely teacher who helps to inspire your child. Written by Lorraine Salvi, founder of MumsDelivery- providing Solutions for Busy Mums.

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Spencil neoprene lunch bagsSpencil’s neoprene lunch bags, with zip closure, are large enough to fit all your school lunch goodies, an ice brick and more. Machine washable and available in dozens of bright, fun designs. 29cm x 28cm. RRP: $14.95 www.spencil.com.au

Spencil insulated lunch boxSpencil’s insulated lunch boxes are easy to carry and, when an ice brick is packed inside, they keep

Lunchboxes

your food cool for ages. Made of soft canvas with a glossy top, the silver lining inside is completely food safe. 25cm x 20cm x 8cm.RRP: $12.95. www.spencil.com.au

Curve Hardtop LunchboxStand out from the crowd with the Smiggle Hardtop Curve Lunchbox! Spacious for all your snacks, it includes a double zipper, carry handle plus a name tag and cutlery holdersRRP: $24.95. Available from Smiggle stores or online at www.smiggle.com

EnviroChill Chiller bags Small and large insulated bags to keep snacks and lunch cool until required. Two patterns - Stripes & Apple Blossom, or five plain colours in the large size – Black, Navy, Aqua, Red & Green. RRP: Small $12.99 & Large $15.99Available from: www.envirotrend.com.au

SMASHBOXInside its insulated jacket, you’ll find a twin compartment lunchbox designed to withstand the rough and tumble of the schoolyard. Available exclusively at Coles from January 1 2015 only available while stocks last! RRP: $15

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Pink Poppy Geometric Lunch Box with drink side. Keep you (lunch) coll this term, with a Pink Poppy lunch box. Made with children (and their parents) in mind, this item is a perfect addition to your start to school, preschool or daycare! $16.95Available from: www.pinkpoppy.com.au

Nude Food Movers Rubbish free Enviro Box. Build a nutritious, rubbish free lunch for a healthy body and a healthy planet! With three separate storage compartments, 2 x snack pots and a sandwich seatbelt. Available at Woolworths & Big W from $13.99

Nude Food Movers - Sandwich Boxdeal for carrying sandwiches, rolls or wraps without packaging or wrap, the Nude Food Movers Sandwich Box keeps your healthy food content fresh and secure. Available from Woolworths & Big W RRP: $4.99

View all our great Lunchbox Recipes

Slide n Divide Bento LunchboxDescription: Stainless steel Bento food box that has been designed so that you control the size of the compartments you need. Take them out, put them in, whatever suits your lunch.RRP: $34.95. Available from: www.greenchickadee.com.au

Coles Shopkins and Star Wars Slimeline Insulated BagMade with tough 600D polyester and high-density insulation, the Zak Australia insulated lunch bag is food safe, BPA free and easy to clean. Available at Coles for RRP $10.00-$12.00

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drinkbottles

Smash’ Stealth Bottles 750mlThe perfect accessory for keeping hydrated and are a great alternative to disposable water bottles. Our drink bottles are an everyday must for school, sporting activities or if you’re simply out and about. The ergonomic designs come in range of sizes and colours. RRP: $3 Available from: Officeworkds

Ecococoon Stainless Steel Drink bottlesDouble walled vacuum insulated drink bottles. Keeps drinks hot or cold for up to 24 hours. Available in 350ml, 500ml and 600ml in a great range of colours and designs.RRP: from $24.95 Available from: www.greenchickadee.com.au

Water Bottle Tip: Add ice blocks or freeze

your waterbottle in the hot summer months to keep the water cool for your

kids

Coles Frozen and Minions pull top squeeze bottles and hydro canteensThese 100% reusable pull top bottles are shatterproof and break-resistant with a leak-proof flip-top lid convenient for travel. Available at Coles for RRP $3.00

Aldi Sports Drink BottleKeep your children hydrated with this great water bottle. Easy to use, leak proof flip and flow sipper capInternal built-in strawRemovable, non-toxic gel-filled freezer stick keeps drink cold Available from: Aldi stores nationally while stocks last RRP: $4.99

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As well as working as a Professional Organiser, I am a sole parent to four sons.I have developed the following school routine over the years to help make our mornings as calm and stress-free as possible.

School Routine Tips:

• Prepare the night before. • Have lunches packed and stored in the

fridge.• Have clothes for the next day ironed and

laid out for younger children.• Have extra equipment for sports, music

lessons, excursions etc packed and ready to go.

• Have a convenient designated space in your home to collect the things you need to take with you. Ours is in the hallway next to the front door.

• I keep a colour-coded list of extra-curricular activities in a prominent place. It is reassuring to be able to refer to a checklist to make sure that you’ve got everything as you head out the door. It can also be used by children when they are old enough to get their own equipment ready.

• For younger children, have bath time the night before so that there is less to do in the morning. This won’t work for bed wetters, and adolescents should have morning showers once they get to the smelly stage.

• Deal with school correspondence on the day you receive it, immediately if possible. This will prevent anxiety-laden scrambles to find forms at the last minute.

• Have an age-appropriate bed time for each child. Children are much more co-operative in the morning if they aren’t tired and grumpy.

• #1 Rule: No screen time before school! Children need to concentrate on getting ready without distractions.

• If you have young children who still need a lot of help to get ready, try to

School Routine

finish your own preparations before it is time for them to get up. If you are dressed and ready to go you will be able to focus all of your attention on helping your little ones.

• Don’t call your child to get out of bed. Most children will ignore this, with the result that you will feel frustrated and possibly start the day with a shouting match. I physically pull each of my children out of bed each morning. That way I know that they are up, and they are up on time. I go into their room, say good morning, give them some kisses and cuddles, pull the covers off and gently pull them up. A lovely start to the day!

• Keep the morning routine simple and predictable. We start off with breakfast, then showers for the older kids, teeth, get dressed, put lunch in bag, hair, sunscreen, and then go.

• Aim to arrive at school early. Children enjoy having time to play with their friends before starting the day. This also makes allowance for things that can go wrong, such as a traffic jam on the way to school. Being early makes you feel relaxed, it is easier to get a park, and the feeling of calm may help your child to settle if they experience separation anxiety.

• Sometimes things will go wrong. When this happens, don’t panic! Try to improvise. If you aim to get to school early each day, you will have a time buffer there. I keep a hairbrush and sunscreen in the car, so if someone has been dragging their feet, they can perform those tasks on the journey.

Written by Tracey Warren from Professional Organising Solutions. Getting children ready for school each day involves a lot of work. I hope that some of these tips will help to take some of the stress out of your mornings. If you would like some professional help to become better organised, please get in touch. tracey@professionalorganisingsolutions.com.au

Tips

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When children eat well, their bodies are given optimal nourishment that in turn allows them to grow, learn and play. Children that eat an abundance of healthy foods behave better, listen, and concentrate for longer.

Learning how to pack appealing lunches that are fun, tasty and healthy does not need to be complicated, although for many parents it is a source of great stress and worry. Our intention of feeding our children in a way that promotes optimal growth and development meets (or sometimes clashes with) our child’s ever changing likes and appetites. Every parent knows how tricky this can be at times.

There are many nutritious yet basic foods that work well in a lunchbox. Think variety and be sure to change them around daily. Ensure foods come from 5 food groups:

1. Breads and cereals – are a source of carbohydrates and major energy source for the brain and body.

2. Fruit – contain many vitamins and antioxidants essential to health.

3. Vegetables – great source of fiber for healthy digestion and Mother Nature’s health pharmacy.

4. Dairy – great source of calcium for healthy bones.

5. Lean meats, fish, poultry, egg, nuts and legumes – Abundant in protein and fats for growth, healthy hormones and brain function.

Be guided by the kind of breakfast your child had that day. After a grain-based breakfast, top up on protein and healthy fats at lunch. Some great options include left over roasts, chicken fingers, fish balls, boiled egg, cold sausage, meat or fish patties.

After a protein-based breakfast, be sure to include good amount of complex carbohydrates in the lunchbox, in the form of wraps, whole-grain sandwiches, homemade slices, dried fruit, and vegetables.

Yummy Snacks & Lunch Box Packing Tips

Keeping the lunchbox fun will require a little imagination but is well worth the effort. Give the same-old sandwich a flick and give the lunchbox a twist of fun with wraps, pockets, salads and slices that you can prepare and plan for on the weekends. It is unlikely you will have time for creativity during a busy week.

Presentation is all important. Fun designs on lunch boxes with your child’s favourite cartoon character works wonders. Brighten up snacks and lunches with colorful food-safe papers and strings to wrap sandwiches and slices, use fun muffin cases to transform a boring lunchbox into a fun adventure. Make that same-old sandwich come to life with animal shaped pastry cutters, use fun cake molds for weekend baking and get kids to decorate them. Take children grocery shopping and allow them to help choose fruits and vegetables for their snacks.

Make fruits and vegetables easier to handle for little fingers by cutting them into small, fun shapes. Don’t forget to include a cool pack or a frozen water bottle in the lunchbox to keep everything fresh.

Article provided by Justyna Kalka - qualified nutritionist, professional speaker and health educator who specialises in promoting optimal health through wholesome, nutrient dense food and movement.

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In order for kids to get through the school day, they require the following nutrients:

• Water- for hydration and brain function• One portion of vegetables or salad for fibre, energy, vitamins and minerals• Two portions of fruit for energy, fibre, vitamins and minerals• One portion of protein such as turkey, chicken, tuna, egg or salmon with some salad in a low

GI wrap: proteins are the building blocks for growth and help sustain brain function• Low GI breads like Lebanese wraps or rice cake for sustained energy• Essential fatty acids such as avocado or nut spreads(if permissible at school) for brain function

and concentration• Homemade muesli bars for energy • Nuts and seeds (if permissible at school) for energy and sustained brain function

Top tips for healthy back to school lunch boxes

The ideal lunch box: • 1 banana• 1 apple• 1 carrot and one piece of celery• Hummus dip• A wrap made with turkey , chicken, tuna, egg or salmon and salad and avocado• 1 litre of water• 1 homemade muesli bar (recipe attached separately)• Almond meal muffins (recipe attached separately)

What's good for the goose is good for the ganderAs a parent and adult returning to work in the new year, I would recommend the same principals for grown-up lunches! Of course, you will need a larger quantity.

Snacks could include fruit and nuts, or hummus and avocado with celery and carrot sticks. Homemade muesli bars and protein balls are also nourishing snacks.

For lunch, I'd recommend a large salad with protein and vegetables, dressed with olive oil , celtic salt, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.

If you feel like carbohydrates, you could incorporate the salad into a rice mountain bread wrap.

Some other nutritious options include:• Rice paper rolls • Sushi• A stir fry with meat and vegetables• A frittata with salad• A tuna and lemon patty with salad• Also make sure you drink lots of water and organic herbal teas throughout the day

Written and provided by Karina Francois, Naturopath

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Lunchbox & Snack Recipes

Chocolate & Banana Roll UpPREP TIME 1 minCOOK TIME 45 secsTOTAL TIME 2 minsSERVES 1

This snack is perfect with many flavour combinations. Try it with Honey or Jam or Toast for a different taste experience.

INGREDIENTS1 Mission Soft & Fluffy Wrap 2 tbsp Macabella Choc-Macadamia Spread1 Banana

INSTRUCTIONS1. Heat wrap in microwave2. Place wrap flat on bench and cover with

chocolate spread3. Put banana on edge of wrap and roll wrap

around the banana

Cucumber & Cottage Cheese SnackPerfect as an after school snack or for recess this offers a healthy snack that children who love dipping will enjoy.

Simply slice cucumber Place a large dollop of Cottage Cheese in a bowl and serve with cucumber.

Apple Bliss BallsMakes 10-12

Ingredients: 5 tablespoons hulled tahini3 tablespoons Biosota Honey1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut1 packet Green Day Crispy Apple, roughly crushed

Method

1. Place the tahini and honey into a medium sized bowl and mix to combine.

2. Add the apple and mix to combine.3. Add the coconut and mix to combine. 4. Use damp hands to firmly press and shape

the mixture into balls. 5. Place in the fridge to set.6. Eat and enjoy!

Recipe from the GoodnessMe Box Kitchen with Guest Cook & Blogger Bianca Slade from Whole Food Simply

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Egg and Bacon CupsThese Cheesy Egg and Bacon cups are great for Breakfast or a good snack. They freeze well and can be thawed and rewarmed in a 160°C Oven for 10-15 minutes

No Bake Superfood SliceIngredients: 1 packet Funch No Bake Super Food Slice2tbs Coconut oil3tbs Rice Syrup

Method

1. Melt coconut oil and rice syrup in a saucepan or microwave.

2. Thoroughly mix Funch, coconut oil and rice syrup.3. Evenly spread mixture into a lined load tin (10x20cm).

Spread evenly and press firmly into tray.4. Freeze or refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing into

preferred size slices.5. Store in an airtight container in fridge for up to 10 days.

Also suitable to freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe from the GoodnessMe Box Kitchen with Guest Cook & Blogger Bianca Slade from Whole Food Simply

PREP TIME 10 minsCOOK TIME 10-15 minsTOTAL TIME 20-25 minsSERVES 12

INGREDIENTS12 Mission Soft & Fluffy Wraps2 tsp olive oil1 small onion, chopped150g middle bacon rashers, chopped1 tomato, chopped1 cup cheddar cheese, grated3 eggs300ml cream¼ cup milk2 tbsp chives, choppedfreshly ground pepper & salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS1. Heat Soft & Fluffy Wraps in a

microwave oven for 20 seconds then cut a small incision from the centre of the wrap to the outer edge to enable you to form a neat circle when pressing into the moulds. Press wraps into 12 x ½ cup capacity greased muffin pans.

2. Heat oil in a small fry-pan and saute onion and bacon for 5 minutes until onion is soft. Remove from heat and divide mixture between the 12 wrap cups together with the chopped tomato and grated cheese.

3. Meanwhile, whisk eggs with cream, milk and chives and season with freshly ground pepper and salt. Pour egg mixture into wrap cups and bake in a preheated oven of 180°C for 10 – 15 minutes until golden and set. Serve warm.

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Mini Banana Walnut Muffins

The details:- Oven at 180 degrees- 24 mini muffins - Greased muffin tray ( with spray oil) - Keeps up to a week in refrigerator

Ingredients:• ¼ cup coconut oil• 2 ripe bananas• 1 egg• 2 tablespoons honey• ½ cup rolled oats• ¼ cup almond meal• 2 tablespoons LSA (linseed, sunflower seeds and almonds)• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ½ teaspoon baking powder• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon• 1/3 cup walnuts• pinch of salt

Method:1. Add all of the ingredients to a food processer and mix on high until the oats are broken down and the mixture is of a smooth consistency 2. Pour batter into greased muffin tray3. Bake for 10-15 minutes until a toothpick can be inserted and comes out clean

Super Secrets:- If after a few days in the fridge these seem a little dry, just give them a few seconds in the microwave before eating. - When getting the muffins out of the tray I always run a butter knife around the edge of each muffin a couple of times to get them ‘unstuck’ Recipe from Simple Nourishment

Crunchy Seed BarsThe details:- Oven at 180 degrees - lined 30cm x 20cm x 5cm lined baking tray- Pieces depend on cut squares sizes - Keeps up to a week in refrigerator

Ingredients:• 1 cup dates• 1/4 cup sultanas• 1/4 cup cranberries• ½ cup pumpkin seeds• ½ cup sunflower seeds• ¼ cup chia seeds• 1/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup • 1 cup of puffed rice (or rice bubbles work fine also)

Method:1. In a food processor place all ingredients

except the rice bubbles and blend until mixed well

2. Add in the rice bubbles and blend for another 30 seconds or so

3. Press the mixture firmly into the lined baking tray and bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes

4. Allow to cool before slicing into pieces

Super Secrets:• Using ordinary rice bubbles rather than plain

puffed rice will make this recipe quite a bit sweeter to taste

• These must be stored in the fridge

‘Simple Nourishment - 2 busy, active mum passionate (obsessed really) with nutrient dense, allergy conscious snacks for every active body

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Coconut BreadIngredients½ cup McKenzie’s Coconut FlourZest of one lemon½ cup McKenzie’s Desiccated Coconut1 tsp ground ginger3 eggs1 cup natural yoghurt¼ cup maple syrup or golden syrupPinch of salt½ tsp natural vanilla extract1 tsp McKenzie’s Bi-Carb Soda

MethodStep 1: Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a mini loaf tin (16cm x 6cm).

Step 2: Combine the flour, zest, coconut and ginger. Add the eggs, combine. Add the yoghurt and maple syrup or golden syrup, combine. Add the salt, vanilla extract and Bi-Carb, combine.

Step 3: Spoon into your prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes. Cover with foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Serves: 8 Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45 Minutes

Tips: For a berry twist - Add ¾ cup frozen mixed berries at step 2.

Choc Chip Cookies

Ingredients2 cups McKenzie’s Whole Grain Rolled Oats¾ cup chickpea flour2/3 cup brown sugar1 tsp McKenzie’s Ground Cinnamon½ tsp McKenzie’s Bi-Carb Soda¼ tsp McKenzie’s Natural Sea Salt1 very ripe medium banana, mashed1/3 cup coconut oil (warmed in microwave until liquid)1 tsp vanilla essence¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt1/3 cup walnuts*, chopped (optional)½ cup chocolate chips (or raisins)

Method1. Preheat oven to 180ºC.2. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients. In

a separate bowl, mix all wet ingredients, except for the walnuts and chocolate chips.

3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips.

4. Drop tablespoons of mixture 5cm apart onto trays. Bake cookies for 18 minutes.

Makes: 20 Preparation Time: 10 minutesCooking Time: 18 minutes

Tips: Replace walnuts with pecans or shredded coconut.

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Spencil slip-on book coversSpencil slip-on book covers come in various sizes (exercise, A4, scrapbook) and dozens of designs that coordinate with the other cool Spencil back-to-school products. Save time and fuss compared to adhesive-style coverings. RRP: $1.85 eachwww.spencil.com.au

books & diaries

Click here for our Tips for School

BooksSpencil library bagSpencil library bags will keep your favourite books safe when travelling between home and school. Made of PVC-coated nylon with velcro fastening, these bags also have a name pocket and handle for easy carrying. 37cm x 28cm. RRP: $14.95 www.spencil.com.au

Smiggle Fluffy Faces JotterThis soft and fluffy textured mega spiral jotter has embroidered and appliqued detail. Each of the 180 pages has stripes and motifs, perfect for notes. Adding colour and personality to your desk, it comes in three super cute fluffy designs: a watermelon, bear and owl.RRP: $14.95 Available from Smiggle stores or online at www.smiggle.com

Smiggle Fluffly Lockable Notebook This cute lockable journal is soft and fluffy, textured with embroidery and applique details and comes with a lock and 2 keys. Choose from the cuddly leopard, a sunnies wearing pineapple, colourful bear, penguin or multi eyed furry spider! RRP: $21.95Available from Smiggle stores nationally or online at www.smiggle.com

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STYLE ME UP – Colour Freedom, Back packYou can still have your own unique style even though you’re back into a school uniform with these Color Freedom DIY school accessories from Style Me Up. Be the designer and personalise your Color Freedom backpack, wallet, binders

Pink Poppy Summer Song large backpack-Looking for the ultimate Back to School bag? Pink Poppy’s HUGE range of backpacks will appeal to your little learner!

Bags & Backpacks

or lunch bags with fabric markers for a unique creation. RRP $34 Available from www.Toys2Go.com.au. For more info visit: https://stylemeup.com/

Featuring quality fabrics, materials and zippers, this backpack is a Term One must-have!RRP: $34.95Available from: www.pinkpoppy.com.au

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labels & Organisation

Skool Labels are personalised labels to help you keep track of all your child's belongings at childcare, school, sporting clubs, boarding school and camp. Durable and easy to use, we provide high quality labels at affordable prices.http://www.skoollabels.com.au/

Launch PodsLaunch Pods help kids learn to organise their own school and extra curricular 'stuff.' Magnetic whiteboard, marker, 2 magnets and 2 hooks included. Range of sizes. Ship Australia wide. RRP: From $150 (white MonoPod) to $680 (painted QuadPod)Available from www.stuffmasters.com.au

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As a parent, when your child has been subjected to bullying behaviour it is a big challenge. It confronts us, as we tend to go into protection mode and want to storm in and take away our child’s pain and seek retribution on their behalf. This is largely due to our own past experiences and very quickly takes us back to a time in our lives where we may have been subjected to similar unwanted attention.

Bullying is not a new thing and is experienced by many Primary and Secondary school students worldwide.

According to researchers at Edith Cowan University, one in four Year 4 to 9 students report being bullied every few weeks or more in Australia.

It is important not to confuse bullying with teasing, conflict or one-off acts of physical violence. These are things that all children may experience as they grow up and are an important part of developing resilience.

Bullying is when people repeatedly use words or actions against someone or a group of people with the intention to cause distress. It is often uninvited, repetitive behaviour where one person is powerless to stop it from occurring.

So as a parent what can you do to assist your child? Here are a few tips that might help:

1. Listen – It is important to listen to your child and really hear their story. It is important to give them your attention as it takes a lot of courage to speak up and voice their concerns.

2. Stay Calm – This is a situation where you have to put your personal feelings aside, stay calm and repeat step one. As mentioned previously this may bring back memories of your childhood and bring out the “Mumma”

Facing your child being bullied – Advice for parents

or “Pappa” bear in you and go into protection mode. This is not going to make your child feel supported, so keep your cool.

3. Get the facts – It is important to understand the full story and really understand the situation. You can do this by asking questions and allowing your child the time and space to answer. They want to be heard and understood.

4. Validate feelings – Ask your child how their experience made them feel. It is important to validate their feeling with statements like “That must have been tough for you” or “I see that this has really upset you.” Don’t be afraid to tell them how it makes you feel and possibly share any experiences you may have had. Letting them know that they are not alone or the only ones ever to experience this.

It is important to remember that you do not have to go through this alone. Your child’s school has many resources to assist you with dealing with bullying. It is often more effective when parents and teachers work together to support your child through this difficult time.

Click Here for more information and resources.

Article written by: Joel Hines, Principal of Daylesford Dharma School, Australia’s only primary school with a foundation in Buddhist precepts and dedicated to putting compassion into the curriculum. For more information please visit http://www.dharmaschool.com.au/

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With shoulders slumped and his head down, my 10 year old client told me that some of the older kids in his school were calling him “girly” and other expletives that I won’t repeat here. As he told me the ways he was being tormented, I couldn’t help but feel angry and vengeful. He had been a client of mine for some time, coming in for therapy to discuss his parents’ separation, but the conversation invariably turned to the most pressing thing in his life… Bullying.

Many Australian parents have been there, and for generations we have struggled with how exactly to manage the situation. At first we taught kids to fight back and stand up for themselves, but that escalated situations and sometimes got kids into worse trouble at school and sometimes even police when they grew older. Then we told kids to ignore it and do something else, but that left kids with horribly low self-esteem and gave them insecurity about themselves that they need not have.

Ultimately, the worst thing kids feel when they are being bullied is a sense of isolation – that because they are being told they are ugly and worthless by this person or group of people, it must be true and no one cares for them. This has the hallmarks of an incredibly difficult and dangerous journey for kids and as a nation we have seen the results of that, with numerous suicides being attributed to bullying and cyber bullying.

Kids need to talk about bullying and we need to be able to listen. When kids describe what is happening, we are going to have our own reactions, such as worry, anger, sadness and maybe memories of our own childhood – and these are the feelings that stop us from listening to our child’s experience. We often go into crisis mode and stop listening to our kids in favour of making sure we do what is right and solve the problem. At times this can be the best thing for kids for example, when it comes to safety because as adults, it is our job to keep kids safe, even when kids may not appreciate it.

For my client, the thing he valued most was being able to talk to a safe person about what was happening at school, someone who was not going to react in anger or panic no matter what he said.

Problem Solve Your Way Out of Bullying? Not a Chance. A Parent’s Guide to Managing Bullying

As he spoke to me, I;• Listened and let him say everything he needed

to say.• Asked him about the range of feelings and

thoughts that he was having and what he thought he wanted to do about it.

• Asked him best and worst case scenarios with all of the options he laid out.

• Allowed him the space to make his own decisions about how he wanted to solve the issue.

This conversation and the conversations which ensued, allowed three things for my client.

Firstly, he felt connected and not isolated. This keeps him emotionally safe and also keeps a line of communication open in case the situation did not change or matters escalated. He was able to communicate his thoughts despite how scary they were.

Secondly, he felt a sense of control and empowerment in the decisions and how the situation would play out. He would be able to own the outcome because he had a hand to play in it.

Finally, over time he felt confident again and was able to stand up to the bullies and more importantly, stop allowing them power over his feelings. He robbed them of their ability to bully them. This is the best intervention we could ask for.Read the full article here

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No parent wants their child to experience bullying. Not only does bullying dredge up haunting memories of our own playground or classroom harassment but we are fiercely protective of our offspring! I know, I have three of my own and if they came home mentioning the dreaded "bullying” word, my gut would turn and I’d need to fight back the desire to declare war!

I also have 30 years sitting on the other side of the desk as a teacher seeing the tears, distress and anger in children’s eyes as they talk about being bullied. I have heard them talk about not wanting to come back to school, feeling inferior and alone without any friends and even saying they feel like hurting themselves.Bullying is real, it happens way too frequently. According to Kids Matter research one in every four children will face bullying at school! No school will ever eradicate it completely but how can we as parents empower our children to face bullying and not be disempowered by it?

Here are ten top tips to equip you to empower your child, should they face bulling.

Tip #1 Listen to UnderstandAvoid the temptation to escalate their emotions with your own feelings as you listen to them. Don’t jump to conclusions. Actively listen, repeating back what they said. You could say: “So you’re saying...” or “Did I hear you say..?” This lets you check your understanding and encourages them to know you are listening.

Tip #2 Don’t Treat Them as a VictimBullying is largely fuelled by power; the giving away and the misuse of it. If you treat your child like a victim they will believe they are one. This requires a bit of juggling – you need to be compassionate and supportive but not wrap them in cotton wool. Ensure they believe they are brave and strong in themselves. Speak into them words that help them keep face and be empowered, such as: “You are so brave”, “You can be a hero”, “I am so proud of your courage!”

Facing Bullying without losing FaceTip #3 Reframe Negative ThinkingMany children who are bullied think unhelpful thoughts, such as “It’s too hard.”, “I’m useless.”, “Everybody hates me.”, “Nobody cares.” This negative thinking is toxic. Neuroscientist Dr Carolyn Leaf states: “The result of toxic thinking translates into stress in your body...it harms the body and the mind in a multitude of ways from patchy memory to severe mental health, to immune system problems.” Helping children to reframe their thinking is a powerful way to face bullying and for wellbeing. Helpful thoughts such as “I might be different, but that’s ok!”; “I know my mum/dad love me.”, “I can ask for help.”, “I can do this.” can be a critical tool to help empower them.

Tip #4 Be an Events PlannerI realise parents wear many hats, but to a child who is being bullied this can be a life saving one. Often all your child needs is one friend, one good friend they can talk to, sit with or hang-out with at playtime. One friend changes their world. Often though, bullied children struggle to make friends. This is where your event planning skills come in. If you can plan events where your child can play with other children, it can help them immensely. They don’t have to be high cost activities, just fun.

Tip #5 Create Technically Brave BodiesMost children are unaware of what message their body is communicating. 54% of our communication is expressed through our body language. Parents can teach body awareness by videoing some role playing with their child. Play it back to them and ask how brave their body looked. Encourage them to stand with shoulders back, feet apart and arms by their side.

Tip #6 Craft a Captive AudienceIf your child struggles to talk about bullying, take them for a drive and chat to them in the car. Many children don’t like giving eye contact when sharing something difficult. Driving provides lots of distractions if they feel uncomfortable – and they can’t storm off.

Tip #7 Together we can Achieve Much More

Read the rest of the article here

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Stationery

Smiggle Penguin Hardtop Pencil CaseCheck out the Smiggle Penguin Hardtop Pencil Case – it’s super cute with a gorgeous penguin design and contrast coloured internals. It’s as practical as ever with inner mesh compartments and pen slots too. Stand out in class with this super cute pencil case.RRP: $19.95 Available from Smiggle stores or online at www.smiggle.com

Got It Covered Book CoversDurable, reusable, slip on book covers. Makes covering school books quick and easy. Available in various designs and sizes - Exercise, A4 and Scrapbook.RRP: from $2.75

Available from: www.greenchickadee.com.au

Keepi. school memories bookStore your child’s memories safely with keepi. Its the best way to keep all those precious treasures your kid collected through the year. One folder per year, memories will stay organised, clean and tidy! RRP: $22 Available to buy online at www.studioishi.com.au

rArtline Sticks Colouring MarkersDraw, build and play this festive season with Artline Stix. Developed for children aged 3 – 9 the range includes three types of pens in 20 bright colours of non-toxic washable ink RRP: $10 Available from all major retailers including Woolworths, Toys R us, Office Works and Staples.

Pilot Pen Frixion Erasable PensFeaturing thermo-sensitive ink that disappears with friction, if you make a mistake, or change your mind, you can erase your work quickly and easily with the built-in eraser – then start again without a trace.RRP From $2.99Available from: http://www.pilotpen.com.au/newpp/index.html and Officeworks

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TheBusy Mums Magazine

Solutions for Busy Mums

FREE Mums Mag jam packed with

information, advice, checklists, reviews and

competitionsBrought to you by

Spencil pencil casesSpencil has a huge range of pencil cases for all requirements including an A4-sized pencil case with three pockets, glossy mini pencil case, barrel pencil case, Hard Head, neoprene, one of the variety of novelty fashion pencil cases, and more - there are so many to choose from!RRP: From just $3.95. www.spencil.com.au

Personalised School SuppliesWe have Backpacks, Insulated Lunch Bags, Drink Bottle Holders, Pencils Cases, Labels,Hats, Swim Bags and Towels all Personalised with your Child’s Name printed upon.www.personalisedgifts.com.au

Smiggle Go Anywhere Vibes Pencil CaseThe Smiggle Go Anywhere Pencil Case will take you places! Features include 4 deep zip pockets & lots of elastic pen/pencil holders. Comes with a carry handle & allows you to fill it with all of your important school stuff! 22cm x 12cm x 7cm. RRP $19.95 Available from: Smiggles stores nationally and online at: www.smiggle.com.au

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snacks

Woolworths Cool Gear double wall bottle & Freeze & Lock containers (non-toxic freezer gel filled locking lids)This Cool Gear double wall bottle and freeze and lock containers keeps your liquids and food colder for longer with a double lined wall inside the bottle and non-toxic freezer gel filled locking lids for the containersAvailable at Woolworths for RRP $14.00 (bottle) and from RRP $6.00 (containers)

My Squeeze - Reusable Food Pouch 'My Squeeze is a reusable food pouch for babies 6months+ right through to young school age children. Great for Smoothies, Yoghurt, Baby food and much more. Drink me, Eat me, Squeeze Me! RRP: $22.50My Squeeze comes in 4 Colour combinations. Check out www.mysqueeze.com.au for our list of stockists.

SunRice Devilish Chicken Mini BitesBusy morning? No probs! SunRice Devilish Chicken Mini Bites are a delicious, healthier-than-chips, portion-controlled, wholegrain brown rice cake snack that’s convenient for parents AND kid-approved. Yum!RRP: $4.99 (pack of 8x 20g packets)Available from: Coles, Woolworths and independents

Smiggle Snack Container SetPacking your school lunch is easy with this Set of 4 Snack boxes! BPA free and food grade safe. Dishwasher safe on top rack. Microwave safe without lid. Outer container approximately 13cm x 10cm x 5.5cm. RRP $12.95 Available nationally from Smiggle stores and online. www.smiggle.com.au

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Wholefood Simply GoodnessMe Box Kids Box Limited EditionEach month, GoodnessMe Box surprises you with 5-10 health food goodies so you can get your hands on the most sought-after clean eats the world is going nuts about!RRP: $30.00 Available from: www.goodnessmebox.com

Mission Soft & Fluffy Snack WrapsSoft & Fluffy Snack Wraps are perfect for snacking and entertaining. They can be enjoyed with any filling – sweet or savoury – making snack time easy at any time of the day.

RRP: $4.99 Available from: Coles and selected IGA stores nationally

Whole Kids Tamari Rice CrackersYummy good food for happy little tummies. Our Organic Rice Crackers are made with wholesome organic brown rice and tangy touch of tamari. A healthy snack for school lunchboxes or crunch and munch on them anytime! RRP: $7.95 (pack of 6)Available from: Supermarkets and select health food stores all over Australia.

Whole Kids Apricot Fruit BarsOur organic fruit bars are the perfect kids’ lunchbox snack or for a nibble anytime. We choose only the finest organic ingredients so all our snacks are filled with more of the good stuff for kids to munch on. Yummy, scrummy and good in every way. RRP: $6.95 (pack of 5)Available from: supermarkets and select health food stores all over Australia.

Whole Kids Sea Salt GrissiniThese crunchy grissini will become a regular favourite in school lunchboxes and are delicious with an easy peasy hummus dip. Yum yum! RRP: $4.95 (pack of 5)Available from: Supermarkets and select health food stores all over Australia.

ALDI Snack Container with Dip CompartmentMake snack time interesting with the latest Snack Container and Dip Component from ALDI. RRP: $2.49. Available from ALDI stores nationally

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Kez’s Free & Naked Choc Mud Bar, is a guilt free chocolate indulgence. The rich and chocolatey bar is a healthy snack alternative with no hidden nasties. Crafted from five natural ingredients, this dessert inspired snack is sure to satisfy all chocoholics, whatever your age. *2015 Food Magazine Health & Wellness Award winnerRRP $2.00 (individual bar)Available from Woolworths

Kez’s Free Cacao & Coconut Cereal is deliciously light and natural. All twelve natural ingredients are blended by hand and then oven toasted for that heavenly crunch. The cereal is sure to be a family favourite, even if you do not need to adhere to a gluten free diet. **Winner Best Product 100% Australian Made at the 2015 Melbourne Gluten Free Expo. RRP $8.99 (300g). Available from Woolworths

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Woolworths Cool Gear Infusion BottleThe 858ml Cool Gear water bottle has an easy to fill removable flavour infuser, with a flip up sipper and built in finger loop.Available at Woolworths for RRP $10.00

Teachers & School Mums

Smash has created a stylish range of Ladies Lunchware that fuses fashion and function into a range that modern ladies will love. All ladies lunch bags are $15 RRP eachAll workplace dining plastics are $10 RRP each.

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schoolwear

SPLASHitToMe ArtSmockLightweight, completely waterproof, made from the same fabric at the SPLASHitToMe raincoat. Simply wipe or wash clean. Four colours, sizes S (2-4), Size M (5-7) Size L (8-10). Folds away into its pocket.RRP: $19.99Available from: www.envirotrend.com.au

Look good and feel great this term, with your hair accessories - to match your school's uniform. The Pink Poppy range of headbands, clips and bows will ensure your child feels part of the your schools colour and culture! Available is many colours, and perfect to adorn your Back to School smiles!

1 x Headband set with bands and clips (HDG 001Y) $6.951 x Bow Headband set (HDG 002N) $8.95 Available from: www.pinkpoppy.com.au

SPLASHitToMe Raincoat Lightweight, completely waterproof, made from high quality nylon. Folds away into its pocket to store back in the

school bag. Seven colours, sizes 4, 6, 8, 10 & XS (adult) fits the 12-16 year group. RRP: $32.99Available from: www.envirotrend.com.au

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Shoezooz Shoe LabelsShoezooz educational shoe stickers are a shoe label and instructor all in one! Shoezooz are durable vinyl stickers adhered inside the shoes. One half of the sticker is the front of a cute animal, the other half is the rear and tail - the simple animal puzzle is complete when the kids line up the left and right shoe, RRP: $7.95 a pack inc. postageAvailable from: http://tiptoeandco.com.au/product/shoezooz-toddler-shoe-stickers/

Shoe Business

Click here for tips when buying

school shoes

Clarks DAYTONA YOUTHA smart, classic lace up school shoe. Daytona features a leather upper, lining and sock as well soft cushioned foot bed. Available in whole and half sizes and a range of width fittings.RRP $134.95Available from: www.clarks.com.au

Clarks VENTURAThe perfect velcro school sport shoe. Ventura features a scuff resistant leather toe, non marking outsole and dual fitting innersole. Available in full sizes.RRP $134.95Available from www.clarks.com.au

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Tech zone

ASUS Transformer Book T100HAA versatile combination of a powerful, lightweight laptop and a razor-thin tablet. Weighing just 580g and measuring 8.45mm, the T100HA is small enough to

ASUS Transformer Book Flip TP200The world’s first 11.6-inch Windows 10 convertible laptop featuring a 360-degree flippable screen. Weighing just 1.2kg, with Microsoft Office 365P and up to 8 hours battery life. RRP: AUD$599Availablei n limited JB Hifi and Harvey Norman stores

fit in a school bag.RRP: Starting from AUD$499.Available from: JB HiFi in white and Harvey Norman in grey

ALDI Headphones Available in Aqua, Pink, Purple, Green Teal or Black 3W Speaker with working range up to 10m, built-in battery and micro USB portBluetooth function. RRP: $14.99 Available from ALDI stores nationally while stocks last

ALDI Bluetooth SpeakersAvailable in Aqua, Pink, Purple, Green Teal or Black3W Speaker with working range up to 10m, built-in battery and micro USB portBluetooth function. RRP: $14.99 Available from ALDI stores nationally while stocks last

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With more and more students bringing their own device into the classroom (BYOD) in schools across country, new research from Microsoft shows that more than one third (37.4 per cent) of Australian parents are getting little to no guidance regarding purchasing the correct device for their child’s individual learning needs.

Although more than half (55.6 per cent) agree that their child’s learning style is unique to them – parents are still putting price ahead of finding the right device to cater to the way their child learns and interacts with school work. Parents ranked price as the first priority when looking for a device, followed by speed and performance, learning types, then brand and popularity.

Nearly half (43.9 per cent) of parents admit to being concerned about value for money and often feel ‘in the dark’ when it comes to the technology needs of their children. With price high on the agenda, 28.8 per cent are also feeling the pressure to keep up with other parents with what they buy their child.

Parents understand the critical importance of technology with 71.4 per cent agreeing that technology has the potential to hinder leaning if not used correctly. With that in mind, Microsoft and Intel have designed an interactive tool devicesforschool.com.au to help guide parents through the myriad of technology choices, by helping them to find an appropriate device suited to their child’s specific needs.

Further findings from the research include: • 53.9 per cent of parents know exactly what

type of learner their child is, while 40.6 per cent know only a little about what type of learner they are

• Nearly one in five (17.7 per cent) parents believe the more expensive the device, the better it will be for their child

• The research reveals that 86.1 per cent of parents are spending up to $1,000 on a device for their child

• Nearly all (94.4 per cent) of parents agree that

pen usage is important to their child’s learning outcomes

• Nearly one quarter of parents (23 per cent) admit to purchasing the wrong device in the past, or one that doesn’t do what they need it to or suit their child’s learning style

The research shows that each student learns differently – the top learning types were ‘analytical problem solver’, ‘creative and visual’ and ‘literary’, followed closely by ‘gamer’.

Pip Cleaves, parent, head teacher and Senior Education Consultant at Design, Learn, Empower, believes that when looking for a device for school, parents should be thinking about how their child studies and interacts with school work and what device will provide them with the best learning outcomes in the classroom.

“The wrong device has the potential to hinder a student’s growth and development. There is no "one size fits all" school device as every individual has their own needs, and it’s important to take this into account when shopping for a device,” Ms Cleaves said.

Every student has differing needs based on their learning style and classroom requirements allowing for a range of options from traditional laptops to 2-in-1 devices with a pen or even tablets, all of which can suit the desired learning outcomes.

Travis Smith, National Education Specialist, Microsoft Australia says “For example, the pen technology with Surface allows students to work as they would with a pen and paper. If a child is more creative and visual – the pen helps to create, brainstorm and collaborate, and those skills aren’t lost to the world of keyboard-only devices.

“Whether it’s the sheer abundance of technology options available or the confusion as to the capability required of the device, parents are feeling overwhelmed about the decision at hand – but there are plenty of resources available that parents can tap into,” Mr Smith said.

Choosing a Device for your Child

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