communities for children newsletter.pdf

7/25/2019 Communities for Children Newsletter.pdf

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Amity Health, 136 Lockyer Avenue/PO Box 5294, Albany WA 6332T: 9842 2797 F: 9842 2798 E: [email protected] W: www.amityhealth.com.au

Welcome to theFebruary Edition of theCommunities forChildren Newsletter

Communities for Children is funded by

the Australian Government via theDepartment of Social Services. Thisprogram is part of the Families andCommunities Programme (FCP)providing prevention and earlyintervention programs to families withchildren who are at risk ofdisadvantage and disconnected fromchildhood services.

Amity Healths team is passionateabout helping rural, remote andisolated families and their children. Ourrole is to provide support to localcommunity partners to deliverprograms and activities so families canbe healthy, feel supported andconnected to their communities.Programs and activities are located invarious community based settings andreflect the needs of individual

communities across the region.

Additional services available from AmityHealth include Dietetics, OccupationalTherapy, Child Mental Health, SpeechPathology and Diabetes Education.

Hub of the Month

Manypeaks

Mt Manypeaks Play CafManypeaks Primary School has beenrunning a Play Caf for multiple yearsthrough Communities for Children. Thetireless school staff brings togetherfamilies and pre-school aged childreneach week and provide opportunitiesfor play and social engagement thatmay not be available at home.

Children and their parents can join in

the fun on Tuesday mornings from9am at Manypeaks Primary School.The coordinator explained that Theplay caf is a great opportunity formums to get to know each other andalso for the kids to learn social skills inthe company of their mothers. This isa fantastic way for children who arenot old enough to go to Kindy to have


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the chance to socialise with otherchildren but with the security of mumor dad nearby. This builds a positiverelationship between the family andthe school, building a bridge tosuccess.

Occasionally, families and children aretreated to guest speakers including

Parenting WA and Allied healththerapist. This has given families achance to gain invaluable informationwithout travelling too far from home.Mt Manypeaks Play Caf continues tobe a fantastic community partner forCommunities for Children and it isgreat to see a support network forfamilies being formed in their smallcommunity.

With school is starting up for anotheryear, term 1 can be a daunting andchallenging experience for somechildren beginning school or going backto school after the holiday period. Forchildren with different developmentaldisorders, they may find this change inroutine and environment difficult tomanage.

Social Stories are short stories thatdescribe concepts or situations in aformat that is meaningful for childrenwith developmental disorders. They canbe used as a communication strategy,

enabling people to better understand asituation, and learn how to respond or

behave in that situation. The belowSocial Story has been written forchildren to assist in understandingschool days and holidays.

Back to School Social Story

Is today a School Day?

I go to school on school days. Mondays,Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and

Fridays are often school days.Sometimes though, my school will close.

There are many holidays during theschool year. Some holidays are long,

and others are short. Holidays arewritten on the school calendar.

There are special days where my school

may be open for teachers, and closedfor students. These are called schooldevelopment days or pupil free days.They are usually written on the school

calendar.Sometimes it may be confusing if today

or tomorrow is a school day. Parentscan help. Parents are very interested inschool days. They know how to use theschool calendar and the local news. I go

to school on school days. Sometimes

my school will be closed.


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Packing a Healthy Lunchbox

200! Thats how many school lunchesyou will potential have to make thisyear for each of your children headingoff to school. What you pack in yourchilds lunchbox is important. Food isfuel for our bodies and healthy foodwill provide your children with the

energy and nutrients they need to getthrough a busy day. Making nutritiouslunches and snacks that your childrenwill eat can be a challenge. Whenmaking lunches and snacks at homeparents are encouraged to choose avariety of foods from the five foodgroups. The Five Food groups are

1. Fruit(e.g. fresh, frozen, pureedand canned in natural juice)

2. Vegetables, legumes andbeans(Offer different types andcolours)

3. Milk, yoghurt, cheese andalternatives (e.g. soy, rice, oatand almond based productswith at least 100mg of calciumper 100mL/g) Reduced fatoptions are best.

4. Lean meats and poultry, fish,eggs, tofu, nuts* and seeds,and legumes/beans* If your school has a nut-freepolicy, peanut butter and othernuts should not be included inyour childs lunchbox.

5. Grain (cereal) foods(e.g.breads, cereals, rice, pasta,noodles, polenta, couscous,oats, quinoa and barley).Wholegrain and/or high fibre

varieties are best.

When it comes to drinks offer water asthe drink of choice.

What about muesli and fruit bars?The muesli and fruit bar aisle of anysupermarket can be a minefield,particularly if you have taken yourchildren along for the shopping trip!Many are kilojoule dense and provide

very little nutritional value. Here are afew tips that can help you to make ahealthier choice when shopping forthese items:

Avoid those that are eitherdipped in chocolate or containchocolate chips

Avoid those that containconfectionary e.g. those toppedwith yoghurt type products

Look for a bar that contains fruitrather than just cereals

Avoid fruit leather or straps.These are very sticky and willstay on the child's teeth for thebest part of the day. A piece offruit is a much healthier (andcheaper) option

Muesli bars should not beconsumed on a daily basis

Aim for:

Less than 600 kilojoules perserve

Less than 1g of saturated fatper serve

More than 1g of fibre per serve Less than 100mg of sodium

(salt) per serve.


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Need Inspiration?Check out the following websites foruseful tips, recipes and general ideasthat can make the task of schoollunches easier and healthier.

WA School CanteensAssociationhttp://www.waschoolcanteens.org.au/

LiveLighterhttps://livelighter.com.au/ Crunch&Sip

http://www.crunchandsip.com.au/crunchsip-in-action/for-parents/

Heart Foundation Mums Unitedhttp://heartfoundation.org.au/campaigns/mums-united

New Immunisation

Requirements

Back to School Reminder

As a new school year gets underway,Minister for Health Sussan Ley isreminding parents on new measures to

encourage families to keep theirchildrens vaccinations up to date.

From this year, to continue receivingfamily assistance payments from theCommonwealth (Child Care Benefit,Child Care Rebate and Family TaxBenefit Part A Supplement), childrenand young people up to 20 years ofage must be fully immunised, on acatch-up schedule, or have an

approved medical exemption.If your child has missed vaccines onthe National Immunisation ProgramSchedule, talk to your generalpractitioner or vaccination provider toarrange a suitable catch up schedulefor their age.Immunisation requirements apply to allchildren and young individuals until theend of the calendar year they turn 19years of age.

Parents can seek free catch-upvaccinations for children under the ageof 10, under the current arrangementsof the National Immunisation Program.

For 10 to 19 year olds, from now untilthe end of next year, the AustralianGovernment will provide free vaccinesto families who currently receive familyassistance payments.
http://www.waschoolcanteens.org.au/http://www.waschoolcanteens.org.au/http://www.waschoolcanteens.org.au/https://livelighter.com.au/https://livelighter.com.au/http://www.crunchandsip.com.au/crunchsip-in-action/for-parents/http://www.crunchandsip.com.au/crunchsip-in-action/for-parents/http://www.crunchandsip.com.au/crunchsip-in-action/for-parents/http://www.crunchandsip.com.au/crunchsip-in-action/for-parents/http://heartfoundation.org.au/campaigns/mums-unitedhttp://heartfoundation.org.au/campaigns/mums-unitedhttp://heartfoundation.org.au/campaigns/mums-unitedhttp://heartfoundation.org.au/campaigns/mums-unitedhttp://heartfoundation.org.au/campaigns/mums-unitedhttp://www.crunchandsip.com.au/crunchsip-in-action/for-parents/http://www.crunchandsip.com.au/crunchsip-in-action/for-parents/http://www.crunchandsip.com.au/crunchsip-in-action/for-parents/https://livelighter.com.au/http://www.waschoolcanteens.org.au/http://www.waschoolcanteens.org.au/


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Parents can check their childsimmunisation history at any time byusing their Medicare online accountthrough myGov. Visit the HumanServicesImmunisation page or theImmunise Australia Programfor furtherinformation.

Adapted from thepress releaseJanuary 24th 2016 by Minister for

Health Sussan Ley. We understandthis information to be accurate andcurrent at the date ofpublication: February 2016. Thispage and the information it contains isnot intended as a substitute forprofessional consultation with aqualified practitioner

Starting Kindy

Starting Kindy is an exciting time inany childs life that introduces thewonderful world of exploring, makingfriends, sharing news and stories.Whether your child is starting Kindythis year or next, practice these skillsat home to give them the best start.

Have regular contact and play

dates with other children, thiswill help your childs social skillsand ability to make friends.

Introduce games that haveturns e.g. playing on the swings,or trampoline

Share lots of books with yourchild, help your child to talkabout the pictures, whatshappening and why

Have common Kindy tools on

hand like washable textas,

crayons, safety blunt tippedscissors and paper. Use theseto practice cutting (alwayssupervise children) and drawingskills

Talk about the names of lettersand the sound they make e.g.This letters name is M itmakes the mmmmm sound

Sing nursery rhymes and clap

the beats in words e.g. ba-na-nathis will help pre-readingskills

Play games with actions likekicking balls, skipping andhopping

Read stories about startingschool

Walk past the school and talkabout how your child will soonbe going there, doing fun

activities and making friends

For more information go to theDepartment of Education atwww.det.wa.edu.au click on KindergartenParent Resources in the bottom righthand corner. You can even download aHello Kindergarten booklet.

Pic Sourced from det.wa.edu.au
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/immunising-your-childrenhttp://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/immunising-your-childrenhttp://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/immunising-your-childrenhttp://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/about-the-programhttp://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/about-the-programhttp://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/1B0B730B8269AE68CA257F44007D806E/$File/SL003.pdfhttp://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/1B0B730B8269AE68CA257F44007D806E/$File/SL003.pdfhttp://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/1B0B730B8269AE68CA257F44007D806E/$File/SL003.pdfhttp://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/1B0B730B8269AE68CA257F44007D806E/$File/SL003.pdfhttp://immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/about-the-programhttp://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/immunising-your-children


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Upcoming Special Events

Australian Healthy WeightWeek 15th - 22nd February

Easter long weekend 25th - 28thMarch

April School Holidays 9th April -25th April

ANZAC Day 25th April

Activities In Your Area

ALBANY

- Australian Breastfeeding Assoc: Thurs10-12, 18 Chester Pass Rd. (AlbanyPlaygroup). Emilynne 9844 1458, visitwww.breastfeeding.asn.au

- Albany Breastfeeding Centre: 99 CollieSt. Appointments Mon, Wed and Friafternoons. Contact 9842 7561- Albany Library: Story time Thurs and Sat10.30am, Rhyme time Wed and Fri10:30am- Albany Museum: 10am-4pm daily Rangeof exhibitions and activities.- Albany Playgroup: 18 Chester Pass Rd.Caryn 0400 209 767- ALAC Swim School: All ages and stageswelcome. Nola on 9844 2274 [email protected] Immunisation Clinic: Tues 1.30-4pm andThurs 1.30-4pm at Population Health,Warden Avenue. Please Contact 98427500 for an appointment.-King River Playgroup: King River Hall,Millbrook. Playgroup and 3yr old Kindy.Contact Janine 0438 945 604- Little Grove Playgroup: Tues & Fri 9amLittle Grove Progress Hall. ContactRebecca 0411 858 567.

- Mt Lockyer Primary School Playgroup:Weds Term Time: 9am-12noon at OurPlace. Contact Christine 9841 1166 [email protected] Mt Lockyer Child and Parent Centre:Rhyme Time- every Mon from 9:30-10:30am. Jumping Joeys- energeticsessions, every Tues from 9:30-10:30am.Mt Lockyer Primary School. Contact 98429998

- My time: Support for parents of childrenwith special needs, Wed 9.30am atWanslea. Contact Di 9842 9998.- Play in the Park, Tues 10-12noon CullPark, Campbell Rd. Contact 0409 048 204- PCYC: 77 Sandford Rd. Host a widerange of low cost activities. Toddler gym -Mon, Thurs at 10am; Kindy Gym - Tues4.30pm; Gymnastics - Mon, Thurs, Fri4pm, Sat 8.15am and 9.45am; for teensStrike II- Fri 7.30pm; Jnr Rangers - Tues6pm, Police Rangers -Tues 6.30pm.

Contact 9842 1716 or 9841 6672- Rainbow Coast Neighbourhood Centre,219 North Road, ph 9841 8254. Free andlow cost activities. Creche facilities aregenerally available but please call ahead.- Rainbow Coast Toy Library: Open Sat10am - 12pm (during school term), Fri byprior appointment. Located behind PCYCbuilding 77 Sandford Rd - for children 0-8years. [email protected]

BORNHOLM

- Western Districts Playgroup: Thurs9.30am. Bornholm Hall, Lower DenmarkRd, Contact Renee 0458 149 735

BREMER BAY

- Playgroup: Tues mornings at BremerBay CRC, contact Veronica Thomas 0413761 370
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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DENMARK

- Rhyme time: Mon 11am. Story time:Thurs 11am, Denmark Library.- Bubs & Bellies: Tues 10am-12pm,Denmark Family Place-Denmark PrimarySchool, Ph: 9848 0800

FRANKLAND RIVER

- Playgroup: Thurs 10am. CommunityCentre 55 Wingebellup Road. Christen:[email protected]

GNOWANGERUP

- Play & Mothers Group: Tues 9.30am,Family Centre Building, Whitehead Rd,Julie 9827 9219.- Story time: Thurs 9.30am, GnowangerupShire Library.

JERRAMUNGUP

- Mothers Group: Tues (f/night) 10-12noon, Jerramungup CRC.

KENDENUP

- StoryTime: Fri 9am at Kendenup PS- Playgroup: Tues 9.30am at KendenupHall

KATANNING

- Katanning Public Library: Story time andBaby Rhyme Time at 10am on alternatingTues. Sue 9841 4300.- Badgebup Playgroup: Wednesday,9.30am, Badgebup Hall.- Play, Fun and Learn: Mon 9.30-12.30(for migrant families), Tue 10-12 (open toall), free group, Contact Leanne atWanslea 9821 1102.- Walk & Talk: Wednesday, 9am, contact

9821 2009.

- Katanning Playgroup: For families withchildren between 0-5 years. Mon and Wed9.30am-11.30am, Thurs 10am-12pm. 84Conroy St (opposite public pool).E:[email protected] Katanning Toy Library: Tues and Sat10.30-11.30am Katanning Library, AustralTce

KOJONUP

- Playgroup: Thurs 9.30am, Spring Street- Toy Library: Tues 9.30am, playgroupbuilding

MT BARKER

- Parent Group: Alternate Thursdays10:30-12noon for parents with babies upto 6 months old, Child Health Clinic

Contact Carolyn Oliff 9851 1451- Mt Barker Toy Library: Thurs 10-11:30am at Mt Barker CRC, Robyn 0402115 680 [email protected] Play in the Park with story time: 10-12noon Thursday, Mt Barker Library.Contact 0409 048 204.- Mt Barker Playgroup: Wed mornings atRSL Club, Booth St. Contact Tara 0448124 443

NYABING

-Nyabing Playgroup: 9-11am onThursdays. CWA Hall. Contact 9828 5200or [email protected]

PINGRUP

- Play in the Paddockcheck with theCRC
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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SOUTH STIRLING- South Stirling Playgroup: Mondays 9.30-11:30am, South Stirling Hall

TAMBELLUP

- Family Playgroup: Crowden St, Tuesday10am in term time. Contact Rebecca 98251372- Indigenous Parenting Playgroup: Friday

9.30am, Primary School.

WELLSTEAD

- Playgroup: Wed 9.30-11.30am,Wellstead Primary School.

WOODANILLING

- Playgroup: Fri 9:30am - 12pm duringschool term. Contact Bindi Murray 0409347 299


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