Supplement to the Bairnsdale Advertiser, Lakes Post and Snowy River Mail. for entry into Early Learning, Foundation, Year 7 and into VCE in 2026 & 2027 Enrol Now <6638;'& ;8!29-ধ32 from kindergarten, through primary school and into secondary school. Specialist & co-curricular programs with endless 36638;<2-ধ'9W Secure your place today. Talk to us about 2026 & 2027 enrolments. Full details Ǝƍƍň;-uňoѲ7 m]Ѳb1-m oň;71-ࢼom-Ѳ - ŝ o-u7bm] "1_ooѲ
East Gippsland Newspapers 2 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 In the heart of East Gippsland, Orbost Community College is making waves as a vibrant, all-inone learning community that brings together the best of early, middle and senior years education - all on one thoughtfully designed campus. Born from the merger of Orbost Secondary College, Orbost and Orbost North Primary Schools, the college offers a seamless journey from prep to year 12. It’s a place where kids can grow, learn and thrive without ever needing to change schools - and that continuity shows in the strong relationships and sense of belonging that students, families and staff share. The campus itself is something to get excited about - with a mix of beautiful historic buildings from the 1920s and brand-new learning hubs opened in 2024, Orbost Community College blends character with cutting-edge education. There are tailored spaces for juniors, middles and seniors - from cosy, multi-age junior classrooms right through to fully equipped facilities for VCE, VET and hands-on trade training in construction, automotive, engineering and hospitality. In the classroom, learning is anything but one-size-fits-all. Whether students are exploring the alphabet in prep, choosing electives in year eight, or completing a VCE or VCE-VM pathway in their senior years, the college supports every learner to chase their passions and build real-world skills. VET subjects are a popular option too, giving students valuable experience and qualifications before they even finish year 12. The school is also proud of its strong community spirit. Families are welcomed as partners and students are encouraged to connect beyond the classroom - with leadership opportunities, school events and cross-age programs that make the most of the P–12 structure. With a vision to “create bright futures for our learners and our community” Orbost Community College is a place where young people feel known, supported and inspired to aim high. Whether your child dreams of university, a trade, local work or something in between, they’ll find the tools, encouragement and sense of purpose they need right here. For families in Orbost and surrounds, it’s more than a school - it’s a place to grow up. Orbost Community College making waves Orbost Community College has merged Orbost Secondary College, Orbost and Orbost North Primary School, offering an easy transition from prep through to year 12. Ph: 0447 446 233 katherinefraserdance@gmail.com 212b Main Street, Bairnsdale Katherine Fraser EN30801 Katherine Drewe-Fraser B.A, M.T, Examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance Students have been accepted into The Australian Ballet School and elite dance schools in London, Paris, Geneva, Munich and New York City Classical Ballet – Royal Academy of Dance Jazz – Southern Federation of Dance Contemporary – Rambert Grades Pre-School Dance - Pointe Work Elite Coaching - Adult Classes Private Tuition Together, we can create a place of learning, connection & opportunity. For all enrolment enquiries please contact Mr. Peter Seal on 5154 1084 Orbost Community College Arnold Street, Orbost VIC 3888
East Gippsland Newspapers 3 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 The benefits of dance Katherine Fraser Dance was established to provide quality dance training to students as an enjoyable and healthy extracurricular activity. Her philosophy is directed towards creating a happy, nurturing and interesting environment in which students are assisted to reach their full potential, while experiencing the pleasure of successfully mastering the disciplines of dance. When taught correctly dance has many positive outcomes. It co-ordinates mind and body, develops correct posture and self-confidence. Dance teaches children to work as part of a team, develops self-discipline. It's great fun and a rewarding life experience. Katherine attended Classical Ballet schools in Wagga Wagga, Albury, Wellington (NSW) and Sydney. Her teachers include many of the country's and possibly the world's finest. Even in her teens Katherine observed the need for appropriate dance technique and teacher training. The dance studio industry is largely unregulated and there are many studios being run by people with limited technical dance training and often limited or no teacher training. To this end, Katherine obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance (teaching), attained her Royal Academy of Dance Teachers Registration and also completed a Master of Teaching. Katherine is a member of the Royal Academy of Dance (and also on the Academy's International Panel of Examiners), Southern Federation of Dance and Rambert Grades. Each of these organisations requires proof of appropriate technical training and teaching qualifications. They also require teachers to follow a code of conduct, adhere to National Safe Dance Practices and also attend a specified number of Professional Development Courses each year to maintain accreditation. Dance has many benefits, such as coordinating the mind and body, developing correct posture and teaching children to work as part of a team. Reading to children from an early age can have a powerful impact on their language development, imagination and love for learning. Whether it's silly sounds with a baby or thoughtful story discussions with a preschooler, the key is to make reading fun, interactive and consistent. For babies (0–1 years), reading should be relaxed and playful. Use funny noises and engaging tones, and find a quiet space where both of you can unwind. Making reading a regular habit helps build a strong bond and early familiarity with language. Toddlers (1–2 years) love to interact. Encourage them to point at pictures and name objects like animals or household items. Let them turn the pages and explore the book physically while you vary your voice to keep their attention. At age 2–3, children begin to enjoy more complex interaction. Ask them questions about the story, explore the meanings of words together, and let them choose which book to read. This builds vocabulary and confidence. Preschoolers (3–4 years) often enjoy creating their own stories based on pictures. Books with bright colours and textures are great for holding short attention spans. Keep reading sessions brief but fun. By ages 4–5, children are ready to dive deeper. Discuss the meaning of the story, keep books easily accessible, and celebrate small milestones like finishing a book or recognising a word. These habits lay the foundation for strong reading skills at school. By making reading part of your daily routine, you're helping your child develop skills that will benefit them for life, all while creating special moments together. By Charlotte Tiffin, Business Owner – Schoolworks Supplies Reading tips for parents The key when reading to children is to keep it fun, interactive and consistent. All Families Welcome The small school with the big heart 4-8 Raymond Street, Orbost | 5154 1289 | stjorbost.catholic.edu.au Why St Joseph's? Caring for Self, Caring for Others, Caring for our Environment • The Victorian Curriculum 2.0 taught using High Impact Teaching Strategies • Evidence - Based approaches to learning • A vibrant specialist program including: Visual Arts, Wellbeing, Physical Education, Kitchen Garden, Science, Design & Technology and Auslan • Small Class Sizes • Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support EN30799
East Gippsland Newspapers 4 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Damo Q1 - Fly. I’d fly all the way to the Eiffel Tower. Q2 - A monkey because they are playful and it’s the closest animal to a human. Q3 - Ride my bike Bree Q1 - Flying because I really want to fly. Q2 - Koala, because I really love koalas. Q3 - Play memory tag with my friends. Ruby Q1 - Hmmmm, I’m not sure. To understand animals, I’d go talk to my horse. Q2 - A horse because I love horses and I have horses. Q3 - Horse ride. Winter Q1 - Mind reading. If someone was being mean I’d walk away. Oh and the ability to make anything happen. Give everyone food who doesn’t have food. Q2 - My dog that died a couple of weeks ago. His name was Bandit, he was the best dog ever. Q3 - Play with my brother Damo, or play with my other dog. Oliver Q1 - Anything I draw would come to life. I could make all the animals I want. Q2 - My two dogs because they’re really cute and I love them. Q3 - Play with my brother. Oliver Q1 - Shooting webs like Spiderman and running really fast like Flash. Q2 - A puppy because they’re so cute. Q3 - Red rover because you run around and say ‘bull rush’ and everyone runs. Lily Q1 - Water. I’d make a massive tornado, jump in it and pretend it’s a fun ride. Q2 - A horse and a dog. Dogs feel what you feel and they try to help. Mum’s dog Macca could feel I was sad and tried to make me happy. My horse Sandy is a challenge and he tried to buck me off but I stayed on. Q3 - Horse ride and play with my dog Bonnie. Jarrod Q1 - Flying and super strength. I’d fly because I always wanted to fly. Q2 - A puppy because I always wanted an adorable, cute, fluffy puppy. Q3 - Playing with my doggies. If I’m playing inside I like Minecraft. Logan Q1 - Speed and strength. I’d superpunch some concrete. Q2 - A kitty because I feel like playing with kitty cats. Q3 - Hide and seek. PRIMARY SCHOOL VOX POP St Joseph’s Primary School, Orbost 1. Imagine you have a superpower for one whole day. What would it be and what's the very first thing you would do? 2. If you could have any animal in the whole world as a pet, what would it be and why? 3. What is your favourite thing to do when you're playing outside? Al Q1 - Flying so I can fix a problem in the air. Q2 - A snapping turtle so I can catch a fish. Q3 - Play with my friends. Mokie Q1 - It would be teleporting. I would spawn at Jesus’ place because I like Jesus. Q2 - A dog that is a bulldog because they are guard dogs. Q3 - My favorite thing to do is play the spider game. When you are under the net and who ever you get is it with you. Saturday 24th May 10:00am - 12:00pm 2026 Enrolments now being taken for - Meet our teachers - Kinder to Class 6 - School tours - See the childrens work GIFT YOUR CHILD A LOVE FOR LEARNING For bookings or enquiries, Call 5152 1966 or email admin@wildcherry.vic.edu.au | 28 McKean Street Bairnsdale ! & % "$ & & "$ & $ & %& & $ !%"& & $ #"$ !& & & & &# %% % ## !# % $ EN31085 Learn about and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures & history! NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 27 MAY TO 3 JUNE For teacher resources, activities & more books, scan the code!
East Gippsland Newspapers 5 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 The importance of early eye checks Ensuring children's eye health from an early age is crucial for their learning and development. Vision problems can affect a child's ability to read, concentrate and participate in classroom activities. Since children might not recognise or communicate vision issues, early detection through comprehensive eye tests is vital. Specsavers recommends that children have their first eye test by the age of three and then every two years, as early detection of any vision problems can lead to better outcomes and support a successful start to their education. In addition, kids are spending more time than ever on digital devices and Specsavers Bairnsdale Optometrist Partner Vincent Vu is urging parents to be proactive about protecting young eyes. "Children's eyesight can change quickly and sometimes the signs of a problem aren't obvious," Mr Vu says. "Routine eye tests help us catch issues early when they're easier to manage." Extended use of screens can lead to digital eye strain and even early-onset myopia (short-sightedness), a condition that is becoming more common in children here in Australia and around the world. The good news? Research shows that just two hours a day outdoors can help reduce the risk of myopia by giving eyes a break from close-up focus and increasing exposure to natural light. "Spending more time outdoors, taking regular screen breaks and booking in regular eye tests will help keep your child seeing better for longer," Mr Vu said. Optometrists' top tips to help manage screentime: - Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (six metres) away for 20 seconds - Swap screentime for green time: Encourage at least two hours of outdoor time each day - Set screen limits: Limit recreational screen use, especially before bedtime. World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends zero screen hours for children under two and limiting it to one hour/day for two to fives - Set up: Make sure screens are held or positioned at arm's length and at eye level - Watch for signs: Squinting, eye rubbing, watery eyes, headaches or sitting too close to the screen might indicate an issue - Book regular eye tests: Starting at age three, then every two years after that At Specsavers Bairnsdale, all eye tests (including children) are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card, making it simple and affordable to prioritise the whole family's eye health. To book your child's next eye test, visit the Specsavers website or drop into the store at 23 Bailey Street, Bairnsdale or call (03) 5153 2333. Supporting every child, every day Newmerella Primary School is proud to offer more than just great education — it provides a place where every child feels supported, inspired and encouraged to grow. The school's programs go beyond the classroom, with opportunities in the arts, music, sport, leadership, wellbeing and environmental learning. There's something for everyone and the school celebrates the unique strengths of each student. Newmerella Primary School has a strong focus on building literacy and numeracy skills, especially writing and 'science of reading strategies' to help students become confident communicators and lifelong learners. Guided by the Victorian Curriculum, teaching is consistent, meaningful and tailored to students' needs. Being part of the Far East Cluster of schools means it can offer even more: shared learning events, sports days and teacher development that benefits the entire community. The school also leads the way in classroom technology with interactive whiteboards and a 1:1 netbook program that keeps students engaged and connected. At Newmerella, teachers use a clear and thoughtful lesson structure that helps students stay focused and excited about learning. They are there to give every child the best possible start and are proud to be part of such a supportive and connected school community. Newmerella Primary School students are afforded many learning opportunities, including numerous sporting activities. (PS) 315 Lake Tyers Beach Road, Lake Tyers Beach, 3909 www.taps.vic.edu.au Phone: 5156 5517 Email: toorloo.arm.ps@education.vic.gov.au TOORLOO ARM PRIMARY SCHOOL OUR SCHOOL VALUES Excellence, quality & persistence | Truth, trust & honesty | Relationships, humour & inclusion TOORLOO ARM PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNING TOGETHER, SUCCEEDING TOGETHER At Toorloo Arm Primary School we believe that all students can learn given time and support. We have a learning culture that is focussed on high expectations and where individual growth is celebrated. Our programs foster students’ academic, social, emotional and physical development. We build respectful relationships through a range of wellbeing programs, creating an environment where you and your family will feel welcomed, included and respected.
East Gippsland Newspapers 6 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 The positives of sport Why do so many parents willingly spend hours a day shuttling kids between sports? Here are 10 of the best reasons for being a sports chauffer. 1. Long-term health benefits: It's all over the news and everywhere you look; there is an obesity epidemic among Australian children. Regular involvement in sports and physical activity is one of the best ways to fight obesity and protect a generation of young people. 2. Activity for activity's sake: Participating in sports and being accountable to a group provides young people with constructive, trouble busting structure and has been shown to reduce criminal mischief, including drug use, among children. 3. Social networking (minus the social media accounts): Sports often provide a readymade social network for kids. For a child who has difficulty finding his niche in school, a team sport may offer the camaraderie and support that he is lacking elsewhere. Even for children who have no trouble fitting in, involvement in sports offers connections with peers who are focused on constructive goals. 4. Encouraging sportsmanship: Winning and losing is part of any sport. Kids who take part in sports learn the delicate arts of winning graciously and losing well. Being able to shake hands with the competition, no matter what the outcome of an event, serves children well into their adult lives. 5. Understanding the nature of commitment: Whether for an hour a week, or three hours a day, most sports require a commitment from kids to attend regular practices, team meetings and games. When children dedicate their time, energy, and finances to a sport that they like, they learn important lessons about commitment. 6. Building self esteem: Children develop positive self-esteem through accomplishments. Sports give them opportunities to learn, achieve and feel good about themselves through skill development and goal-oriented activities. When parents and coaches emphasise effort and improvement over winning or individual performances, they foster healthy self-image and positive self-esteem. 7. Performance enhancing: According to researchers, young people who play sports perform better in school than those who don't. Rather than serve as a distraction, participation in sports teaches children to focus their minds on a task at hand and to manage their time effectively as they juggle school, sports and a social life. 8. There is no 'I' in teamwork: Children learn all sorts of valuable social lessons through sports. For younger players, sharing the ball, listening to teammates and following group rules are fundamentals of good play. Being part of a group and learning to f its of sports for older kids. 9. Perseverance and persistence: Children who participate in sports face disappointments, defeats and injuries. Those who learn to take setbacks in stride and dust themselves off for the next round benefit from life lessons in perseverance and persistence. 10. Working towards a goal: Winning a championship, scoring a perfect 10, earning a black belt; sports often feature an 'ultimate goal' for kids. Before any milestone can be reached, however, children have to learn specific skills and master fundamental techniques. Involvement in sports provides children with experience in breaking long-term goals into short-term objectives. Commitment and perseverance are honed as young people cast aside the instant gratification of their earliest years and work toward goals that are only achieved through long hours and hardwork. Small school, big opportunities At Nungurner Primary School learning is more than just what happens in the classroom — it's a personalised journey that grows with each child. Nestled between Metung and Lakes Entrance, this small rural school offers big opportunities, thanks to its nurturing environment, creative learning programs and strong community spirit. Under the leadership of principal Emma Steele, Nungurner Primary has become known for its warm, inclusive culture and focus on student wellbeing. Emma brings passion, innovation and care to her role, guiding a team of dedicated educators who value every student as an individual. With small class sizes and a multi-age approach, learning at Nungurner is flexible, engaging and tailored to each child's needs. Core areas like literacy and numeracy are taught with a focus on growth and confidence, while programs in art, nature play and project-based learning add richness and variety to the school week. Students also learn French and it's been great to recently welcome a number of French families to the little school in East Gippsland, the Riviera region of Victoria. Music is another highlight, with the opportunity to participate in music lessons, including instrumental music introduced in grades three– six through the support of CRASHENDO!. Students are given real responsibility through leadership opportunities and input into school decision-making. The school's values - kindness, curiosity and resilience - are actively taught and celebrated, creating a calm and connected atmosphere where kids feel safe to be themselves. Community involvement is at the heart of school life, with regular local excursions, outdoor learning experiences and partnerships with local experts and creatives. The natural beauty of the surrounding area provides a stunning backdrop to a school experience that's hands-on, grounded, and full of possibility. For families looking for a school where their child will be known, supported, and inspired to love learning, Nungurner Primary School is a hidden gem. School tours are welcomed - come and meet principal Emma Steele and see what makes this little school so special. Nungurner Primary School - where students grow with confidence, curiosity and care. Locate between Metung and Lakes Entrance, Nungurner Primary School may be small but it offers big opportunities with creative learning programs and strong community spirit. Balmoral Crescent, Eastwood Victoria Ph: 03 5152 4662 - Fax: 03 5152 1792 Email: lucknow.ps@education.vic.gov.au Website: www.lucknow-ps.vic.edu.au We place a great deal of importance on providing a happy, safe and caring environment for your child. Our school values of respect, care, honesty, inclusiveness and commitment are to ensure your child can develop their full potential. VISION STATEMENT At Lucknow Primary School we aim to provide a welcoming community which values learning through shared responsibility. We seek to develop a caring environment in which we nurture confident, creative and resilient individuals who aspire to be the best they can. OUR PURPOSE IS TO INSPIRE CHILDREN TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL BY DEVELOPING: • A culture of learning based on positive relationships between students, staff, parents and the wider community. • Academic and social growth based on our values and learning focus. • Responsibility for being self-motivated lifelong learners. • A challenging curriculum appropriate to the needs of all students. • A caring, stimulating and happy learning environment, which fosters high standards of achievement and behaviour. • High expectations for all students to achieve their personal best socially, academically, physically and emotionally. LUCKNOW PRIMARY SCHOOL Newmerella Primary School School Tours Welcome 5154 1620 | Mclaughlins Rd, Newmerella www.newmerellaps.vic.edu.au Honesty Caring Excellence Learning
East Gippsland Newspapers 7 Gippsland Grammar Old Scholar Eden McMillan graduated from the local independent school in 2022 and is now studying a double degree of nursing and paramedicine. When she returned to the school recently Eden said she was grateful for the education she enjoyed locally. INSET: Gippsland Grammar ELC Director Lisa Burgess working with kindergarten children. Gippsland Grammar is setting a high standard for education with its comprehensive and nurturing program helping locals find their purpose and fulfill their dreams. Gippsland Grammar Old Scholar Eden McMillan from East Gippsland says her schooling helped shape the person she is today. "I started as a three-year-old in the ELC (Early Learning Centre) and graduated year 12 in 2022. Now I am studying nursing and paramedicine fulfilling my dream of helping people," Miss McMillian said. "I didn't realise it at the time but the Gippsland Grammar community helped me feel connected, safe and brave enough to push myself to learn and try new things, while discovering myself and ultimately finding my life purpose. "I hold those years dear to my heart and will be forever grateful for the opportunities they gave me." Gippsland Grammar is the only school locally offering kindergarten programs all the way through to year 12, making the transitions from early childhood to primary school and secondary school seamless. This means students wear the same uniform and experience the same expectations, same values, same friends and same teachers throughout their 15 years of schooling, all providing great comfort and security for students and their families. Gippsland Grammar acting principal Bo Power described the school as a leader in education. "The school has been here for 100 years making a difference to the opportunities for students throughout the region," Mr Power said. "We don't want a boring life for your child; we want a life of possibility, a life of connection, a life that opens doors where young people are encouraged to give anything a go. "Our curriculum will best prepare these future leaders." The Bairnsdale ELC offers a three-year-old reception program on two full days on Mondays and Wednesdays during school terms, from 8.30am-3pm. The four-year-old transition program is three full days on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, also from 8.30am-3pm. 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Guiding students from ELC to VCE For working families, after-school care is available from Mondays to Fridays until 6pm. A standout feature of the program is the buddy system, where four-year-old transition students are paired with year five 'buddies' from the Bairnsdale junior campus. ELC director Lisa Burgess said this initiative helped young learners build strong, caring relationships with older mentors who support them as they transition to Foundation the following year and even later when these students are in year seven and year 12. "Our year five students provide wonderful role models for their younger 'buddies', showing them what it means to be a student at Gippsland Grammar," Ms Burgess said. The ELC's success is also attributed to its dedicated and highly qualified staff and its purposeful learning programs. "Families choose our ELC because they understand the importance of our age-specific and small class groups," Ms Burgess said. "And the principals of our early literacy programs have continuity, with the same educational principals also taught throughout the school." Gippsland Grammar was established in 1924 by The Right Revd George Cranswick, second Bishop of Gippsland. He was the father of four daughters and saw the need for a quality school which would educate future leaders. He established the boarding house at the same time ensuring this opportunity was available to everyone throughout the region. Today, boarding with extra tutoring is offered to students in years seven through to those studying VCE. A daily private bus service also operates from East Gippsland locations including Bruthen and Lakes Entrance through to the senior campus in Sale. Gippsland Grammar's Head of Admissions is Jade Willox, who works with Bairnsdale Head of Campus Virginia Evans to arrange personal school tours, regardless of the level of entry. Ms Willox congratulated Eden for being "brave" beyond her time at Gippsland Grammar. "I love that our school gives regional students the skills to move away from home, to follow their dreams, further develop their skills and make the world a better place," Ms Willox said. To discuss an enrolment or arrange a school tour, contact Ms Willox via phone or email. 5156 3232 455 Nungurner Road, Nungurner nungurner.ps@education.vic.gov.au nungurnerps.vic.edu.au • RESPECT • RESILIENCE • RESPONSIBILITY • KINDNESS Please call us for further information on our PREP Transition program. r¤¤ Ç Á¯¯¤ ¯ ¯ª ëî ðìððíòìí ¯½ ©r¤ ¯Ĵ¤r¡ÁªÇörǯ¤öËörË Ç¯ ~¯¯¡ ۯ˽ ǯ˽ ª½¯¤©ªÇÁ r½ ¯ºª ¯½ ÕÕÕö¤r¡ÁªÇörǯ¤öËörË ¯¯¡ ۯ˽ º½Á¯ªr¤Á Á¯¯¤ ǯ˽ 7¯½ª÷ Áºr¯ËÁ÷ ¤Ú~¤ ¤r½ªª ÁºrÁ ¤¤ r©¤Á r½ Õ¤¯©û íëíñ ¤¤ r©¤Á r½ Õ¤¯©û ËörË
East Gippsland Newspapers 8 2025 Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Wild Cherry open day Based in a heritage-listed building at 28 McKean Street, Bairnsdale, Wild Cherry School offers playgroup, kindergarten and primary school from prep through to grade six. There are now more than 65 students with exciting plans to relocate to a beautiful new site in Johnsonville by 2027-2028. PLAYGROUP Wild Cherry offers playgroups where the children bake bread and prepare fruit to share, sing seasonal songs, enjoy inside and outside play and are engaged by stories. Playgroup is held Monday and Tuesday mornings during school terms from 9am to 11am. All children below school age are welcome, along with their parents, carers or grandparents. KINDERGARTEN The kindergarten provides an un-rushed, loving environment where it is understood that children are learning and absorbing life through their senses. Great care is taken to offer a beautiful, home-like calming environment, with natural materials and toys, for inside and outside play. There is a very strong repetitive daily and weekly rhythm, creating a sense of security for children. Kindergarten hours are 8.45am-12pm on Wednesdays and 8.45am-3.15pm on Thursdays and Fridays. PRIMARY SCHOOL A typical school day Wild Cherry School is rich with movement, speech, drawing, painting, clay/ beeswax modelling, storytelling and singing. The school delivers a highly structured, integrated and artistic curriculum, which is supportive of the stages of child development and meets all the national and state curriculum standards. Prep is a play-based program providing all the necessary pre-literacy and numeracy skills and is a natural follow-on from the Wild Cherry Kindergarten program. Rhythm is an important part of the structure of each day, which helps keep the children fresh and receptive. The academic morning sessions concentrate on the same subject for a block of about four weeks allowing for in-depth learning. Mid-morning practice-based sessions build upon the children's basic skills in literacy and numeracy, with practical and artistic activities after lunch. Wild Cherry School, kindergarten and playgroup's open day is on Saturday, May 24 from 10am to 12pm where you can meet and talk with the teachers, view the beautiful work of the children and ask any questions you may have about Steiner education. Wild Cherry School in Bairnsdale offers playgroup, kindergarten and primary school from prep through to grade six. Sleeping easy Creating a bedtime routine for children can make a big difference in their sleep quality, emotional well-being and even daytime behavior. Here's a breakdown of steps that can be included in a typical routine, with tips on how to customise it for your child's preferences: Set a consistent bedtime: Setting a regular bedtime helps regulate your child's circadian rhythm. For children aged 5-11, a bedtime between 7.30-8.30pm is generally recommended, though you may adjust it to fit your family's schedule and your child's needs. Wind down with a warm bath or shower: A warm bath or shower about 30 minutes before bed can be very soothing. The drop in body temperature afterward helps signal to the body that it's time for sleep. This also provides a clear "transition" from daytime activities to bedtime. Turn off screens early: The blue light from devices like tablets and TVs can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Try to turn off all screens at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, opt for calming activities like reading, drawing, or talking. Read a story together: Reading before bed is a beloved part of many children's routines and offers a quiet way to wind down. Reading aloud to younger children encourages listening skills and language development, while older children may enjoy reading independently. Talk about the day: Taking a few minutes to discuss the day can help children process their experiences, relieving any lingering stress or worries. You might ask about their favourite part of the day or what they're looking forward to tomorrow. Create a cozy sleep environment: Make sure the room is dark and quiet, with a comfortable room temperature. Some children find a nightlight or soft background noise, like a fan or white noise machine, comforting. Allowing them to bring a favourite stuffed animal or blanket to bed can provide extra comfort as well. Reading a story together, switching off screens early and setting a consistent bedtime are just a few ways to create a strong bedtime routine for children. GET THEM ASSESSED LOOK FEEL BE YOUNG, Be Creative Get all your supplies at once and SD\ WKHP R with afterpay! EN31184 everything $W 2ɝFH &KRLFH %DLUQVGDOH ZH KDYH FRYHUHG IRU WKH \RXQJ FUHDWLYH HYHQ WKH FOHDQ XS
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