Ellenbrook Children & Families Connect

Ellenbrook Children & Families Connect is a network of local parents, community members, schools, playgroups and service providers focused on SUPPORTING children’s development and wellbeing, CONNECTING families to programs and services, and BUILDING a stronger community in the Ellenbrook Place area. The group works together on local initiatives such as:

• Paint the Swan Read early literacy campaign
• Community events and engagement
• Parenting workshops
• Promotion of local programs and services

“Like” the facebook page- www.facebook.com/EllenbrookCFC to keep up to date on all the great stuff happening in the area. Parents and community members are invited to get involved in the group, so if you are able to attend monthly meetings and/ or help out with our projects, please contact EllenbrookCFC@gmail.com

Christmas Events

Ellenbrook Christmas Market and Pageant
Hosted by the Ellenbrook Community Collective. Entertainment, fun and shopping for BIG kids and LITTLE kids, young and old. All welcome! Pet friendly! Rides, animal farm, face painting and picnic area around the Park. A celebration of all things Ellenbrook (and surrounds) with street market made up of small, home based and local businesses. For the Community, By the Community!
Date:                Saturday 3 December 2016
Time:               Markets 12- 6pm, Pageant 4pm
Location:         Main Street & Town Square, Ellenbrook
For more info visit https://www.facebook.com/ellenbrookcommunitycollective/

Aveley Christmas Carols
Hosted by the Lions Club of Ellenbrook, with support from the City of Swan and Stockland. Christmas fun and festivities for the whole family, plus a special visit from Santa!
Featuring performances from local choirs, schools and performers, and a chance to sing along to some of your favorite Christmas Carols. Pre-entertainment includes the Lions train, facepainting and Christmas craft. A variety of food and drink options will be on offer, and song books, candles and raffle tickets will also be available to support local community groups. See attached poster for full details.
Date:                Saturday 10 December 2016
Time:               Pre-entertainment from 5:30pm, Carols commencing at 7pm
Location:         Aveley Playing Fields, between Bolero Rd & Turkich Pde Aveley

PND Awareness Week - Ellenbrook Pram Walk 2016

The perfect way to show your support for families affected by antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. This fantastic community event will include free coffee, free ice cream, free face painting, and other giveaways for adults and children!

Date:                Wednesday 16 November

Time:                9.30 am

Location:          starting at Ellenbrook Community Library, 90 Main Street

Bring:               Shade for your pram, sunscreen, hat & water

Wear:               PURPLE & good walking shoes

RSVP to 9250 2221 – info@mwhcp.org.au   

"Dadvice" - new web series and resources for Dads

beyondblue has released "Dadvice", a new web series and resource website to support the mental health of Dads. The campaign aims to help men realise they’re not alone if they’re finding fatherhood tougher than they expected.

Dadvice features a series of online videos that follow men through the joys and challenges of becoming a dad, and encourages new dads to take action and look after their mental health. The series also includes dad-themed stand-up comedy from Australian comedians and fathers, Ben Lomas, Sammy J, Dave O’Neil and Lawrence Mooney.

Visit the Dadvice website for information, tools and support to help new dads take care of themselves and their families, or visit www.beyondblue.org.au for more information

Must-know strategies to shift kids' moods

Taken from the Michael Grose "Parentingideas"newsletter:

Ever had a child in a grumpy mood and she just don’t know how to make herself feel better? Alternatively, you may have experienced a child who comes home from school so angry that there’s steam coming from his ears.

Feeling emotional extremes is part of life, but that doesn’t mean we need to stay in those states. Children and young people aren’t necessarily hostages to their moods – with a little knowledge and effort they can shift their mood to a more pleasant and productive place. Generally, kids can modify their moods by changing their thinking or changing their physiology. That can be hard for a child to get his or her head around. Kids learn better through concrete strategies (rather than abstract concepts) as they are easier to learn and remember.

Here are 3 practical strategies kids can use to shift their moods:

1. “Take a breathe…take a few actually”
Perhaps the simplest way for child to feel better, whether it’s too settle some nerves before a talk or reduce anxiousness before meeting new friends, is to take three or four deep breaths. Deep breathing releases dopamine into their system, moving kids toward the yellow or green zones on the Mood Meter.

2. “Picture yourself…”
Encourage your kids to carry a picture of a favourite thing – person, pet or holiday – to help them move them to a happier place when needed. Pictures and photos can impact at a deep emotional level. Anyone who carries a picture of a loved one with them will know how powerful a visual reminder can be.

3. “DO something…”
Boys are action-oriented and tend to act out their feelings more than girls. When they are happy they dance and gig around and when they are mad many become aggressive or just more active. Boys also can use action to dissipate emotion or shift their mood to a better place. If they are angry then insist they play an active game or sport to get the energy out. Lethargy, boredom and other passive emotional states too can be shifted through physical activity.

If your child or young person uses ineffective strategies such as rumination and worry, acting out, or self-blame then help them choose more effective strategies to regulate their emotions.

How to turn requests into problems for kids to solve

When parents solve all children’s problems we not only increase their dependency on adults but we teach them to be afraid of making mistakes. That’s fertile ground for anxiousness and perfectionism, which often go hand in hand. Kids get used to bringing their problems to parents to solve. Of course, if you keeping solving them, they’ll keep bringing them. “Mum, my sister is annoying me?” “Dad, can you ask my teacher to pick me for the team?” “Hey, I can’t find my socks!” It’s tempting if you are in a time-poor family to simply jump in and help kids out. Alternatively, you can take a problem-solving approach, cueing them to resolve their own problems and take responsibility for their concerns. “What can you do to make her stop annoying you?” “What’s the best approach to take with your teacher?” “Socks, smocks! Where might they be?”  Here are 5 questions you can ask kids to encourage them to resolve their own problems:  1. “Can you solve this yourself?” Get kids thinking they can do it.  2. “What do you think needs to happen?” Start kids thinking about solving problems.  3. “What’s the first step?” Sometimes just getting kids started is enough to get them working out issues themselves.  4. “How would you like me to help?” Get kids considering the type of assistance they need.  5. “What’s the best way to do this?” Get kids assessing and prioritising. Problem-solving is one of the four major skills (optimism, social skills & independence being the others) that resilient kids share, yet it’s the one that many of us aren’t equipped to develop. Start by stepping back and asking good questions when kids bring you their problems to solve. (Ref: "Parenting Ideas" newsletter by Michael Grose)

Tips for Managing Technology in the Home

The following Australian Government "Office of Children's e-safety Commissioner" website has some great resources and information for parents regarding managing technology in the home.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent

You'll find links to facts and stats about Aussie kids online, ideas on how to manage your devices, and also some strategies for keeping your children safe online.

Tips from The Fathering Project

Here's a few little tips from the "The Fathering Project", as we head into the winter school holiday period.

Be Spontaneous

“Now that they are teenagers, if they ring during the afternoon because they want to go windsurfing I’ll often stop what I’m doing, if possible, and take the opportunity of going with them.” – Peter Le Soeuf, professor of paediatrics.

• You may not be able to do so on a regular basis, but taking a spontaneous afternoon off to have fun with your children will be good for you all.
• Those moments may just become some of your very favourite memories.

Fun indoor activities

When you want to spend time with the kids indoors, it’s tempting to just settle in front of the TV together and watch a movie.  Here are a few indoor activities to try:

• Bake cupcakes or cookies and decorate them
• Build an indoor cubby out of furniture and sheets
• Play hide and seek, sardines, or other games
• Play dress-ups
• Make up a story, poem or song together

Board games

Turn off the TV and other distractions, find games that are suitable to your children’s ages, and have fun! There are hundreds of card games and board games to choose from; here are a few suggestions:

• Card games for two people: Snap, Memory, Go Fish, Cribbage
• Board games for two people: Chess, Battleship, Scrabble, Mancala, Backgammon, Othello
• Card games for families: Rummy, Bridge, Five Hundred, Hearts
• Board games for families: Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Game of Life, Scrabble, Pictionary, Cluedo

July School Holiday activities

Check out the Coolroom's (Ellenbrook Youth Centre) Facebook page for some activities for young people these holidays including Ice skating and Karting excursions.  You can visit the Ellenbrook Library and Ellenbrook Place for more details on the Youth Centre.

West Coast Gymnastics are offering a school holiday program from the 4th - 15th July if your children are interested in gymnastics based circuits, games & activities.  Running from 9am til 3pm, available for 4-12 year olds at a cost of $45 per child/$40 per sibling.  Go to www.westcoastgym.org or call 9249 3535 for more information.

Free activities!  

• See some wildlife at "West Oz Wildlife" petting zoo on 7th July at Ellenbrook Community Library.  Book online at events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/ellenbrookozwildlife
• Get an awesome workout at "Konga Kids" - high intensity fusion of boxing, cardio, dance and sculpting for 5-12 year olds.  12th July at the Aveley Community Centre.  Book at events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/elllenbrookkongakids
• Learn about "Baby Massage" introductory session a the Ellenbrook Community Library.  Book at events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/ellenbrookbaby-massage
• Attend an Aboriginal Art Class on 8th July at the Ellenbrook Library, for 3 to 10 year olds.  Book at www.swan.wa.gov.au/events

Ellenbrook Community News

The following information comes via the City of Swan.  For further inquiries on any of the events mentioned, phone the City of Swan, Ellenbrook Place Office on 08 9207 8576.

People at Place:  Tuesday 28th June, 6:30pm - 8:30pm.  Opportunity to connect and network with local groups and not-for-profits.
Free First Aid Training:  Bookings essential call 9267 9136.  Monday 20th June, 6:30pm - 9pm.  Midland.
Ellenbrook Community Collective:  https://www.facebook.com/ellenbrookcommunitycollective
Knitting 4 Charity - wool needed for projects going to women's refuges, remote Aboriginal communitiees and the homeless.  Contributions call Jenny 0409 080 824.
Spectrum Fusion: http://www.facebook.com/specfusion/.  Regular social gatherings and activities for adults with autism.  Looking to build a new social community in the City of Swan.
Step into Volunteering:  Free session about volunteering opportunities. Tuesday 21st June 10am - 11am at the Old Midland Courthouse.
Quiz Night - for the Ellenbrook Theatre Company - Saturday 25th June, 7pm Ellenbrook Performing Arts Centre.  Ticket sales and details Tony Perry on 0414 298 611.
NAIDOC Week:  City of Swan Libraries invites you to join in various events in July. 
Brockman House in Beechborough, offering fantastic range of programs for the whole community.  Full Term 2 program visit http://www.brockmanhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Term-2-Program1.pdf
Workpower Respite and Carer Support:  Building the capacity of families and unpaid carers of individuals with mental illness and autism.  http://www.workpowerrespitecare.com.au/
Ellenbrook Community Weight Loss Club:  Affiliated with Weight Watchers Federations WA Inc.  Every Wednesday from 6:45pm - 8pm, Woodlake Community Hall.
Mercycare Lending Services:  No Interest Loan Scheme designed to help people on low incomes kick start their future. https://www.mercycare.com.au/services/community-support-services/support-services/lending-services/
Midland Women's Health Care Place:  Term 2 Timetable http://www.mwhcp.org.au/new-term-timetable/
TSH Diagnostic Hearing Testing:  Telethon Speech and Hearing.  Fortnightly basis, Wednesdays at the Ellenbrook Parkland Villas.  Contact 9387 9888
Radio VCA 88.5fm.  New Community radio station.  https://www.facebook.com/radiovca88.5fm/

Coffee & Conversation - this Friday 1st April 2016

Don't forget this Friday 1st April is our final Coffee & Conversation for the Summer Term.  A representative from CLAN WA will be joining us to share some information and resources from their service.  Hope to see you there, from 9am in the College Cafe.  Regards, Jo Betti HCC Social Worker

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence

This Friday 18th March is the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

It's Australia's main anti-bullying event for schools, and encourages students across the country to 'take a stand' against bullying and violence at school - in the classroom and beyond.

This week at Holy Cross Collage students will see some posters around the school and on Life Support they can read and consider some short messages, tips and information.  On Friday we anticipate having a small stall with some information and promotional materials available for students to raise awareness about this important issue and I'll be assisted by some of our Interrelationships Student Leaders.

We hope to encourage all our students to work together to 'take a stand' against bullying and violence at Holy Cross College.

The Fathering Project - some tips for Fathers

These 'tips' are brought to you via The Fathering Project which is a University of Western Australia-based not-for-profit charity led by a team of professionals that aims to help fathers realise how important they are in a child’s life and to give them advice on how to encourage their children. 

I will be including a few of their little Tips on my Wellbeing Blog to inspire our HCC Dads and male parents and carers throughout the year. 

1)        Encourage your kids

Build up your child’s confidence by encouraging him or her to step out of their comfort zone to try new things, and by noticing and praising their efforts.

• Encourage your children to be the best that they can be. Whether it is in school work, sporting activity or any other endeavour, the important thing is that they challenge themselves
• Don’t compare your children to each other, to their friends or to yourself
• Make sure you notice and praise their efforts
• Let your children know you love them, no matter what

2)        Do you know where your child is all day? Visit their school and see!

Take your child to school and ask them to show you around – where is their classroom? Where do they sit? Where do they eat lunch? Where is the playground? Who is their teacher? Who are their friends? Having this information will make it easier to relate to your child as they tell you about their school life.

• Ask your child to show you around their school and introduce you to their teacher and their friends. Having this information will make it easier to relate to your child as they tell you about their school life.
• Look at their artwork and other displays in the classroom
• Do some puzzles or read a book together before you leave
• Later on, ask your child questions about what you saw and the people you met to show your interest

·     

Ellenbrook Connect Family Event

City of Swan presents "Connect" - a free family event, featuring fun activities for all ages including:  stage performances, rides, face painting, crafts, animal farm, food stalls, market stalls, art displays, demos from sports and dance groups.

Sunday 20th March 2016 from 12pm - 4pm at the Aveley Playing Fields - Bolero Road.

Helping your teen at school this year

Welcome to 2016 and the start of a brand new school year.  We are a couple of weeks into the Summer Term now and I hope your children are feeling reasonably settled and are finding their feet, particularly those who are new to Holy Cross.

The teenage years are often fraught with challenges at school, at home, with parents and friends.   Here are a few simple tips for helping your teenager do well at school this year:

• Talk to your teenage son/daughter about their school work, and help them to plan their workload and prioritise.
• Be available to talk when they want to (remember sometimes they won't want to talk at the same time that you do!)  Often they just need you to be a good listener - this can be harder than it sounds!
• Try to resist passing judgement or blame when talking about tough issues.
• Find some time in each others' busy schedules for doing fun things together.
• Keep up with things going on in your teenager’s life, school or circle of friends.  You will be more likely to be aware of some of the issues they may be facing such as bullying, self-esteem, drug & alcohol use, etc.
• Encourage healthy eating, plenty of exercise and establish a good sleep routine.  
• Encourage your teenager to learn some relaxation skills which is vital during stressful times- teach them about deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, using exercise as a way to relax, positive self-talk, etc.  
• Talk openly about social media and how it may be affecting them - both positively and negatively.  Support a reasonable usage of social media as it's not all bad all the time!    
• Talk about their dreams and ambitions for life beyond school and support them to plan their future.

Remember too that if your teenager is not talking to you and you are worried about them there are plenty of great services out there for young people including Headspace, KidsHelpline and Reachout.com.  Check out the websites for information and guidance on how to access help if needed.