EDUCATE Issue #8 – OUT NOW

WELCOME TO THE 2025 SCHOOL YEAR! Parenting school-aged kids is a constant balancing act—one moment, you’re celebrating milestones, and the next, you’re navigating new challenges.

Whether your child is just starting their education or tackling their final years of high school, this issue of educate is here to equip you with the tools, insights, and strategies to make the most of the year ahead.

Let’s start with a big one: artificial intelligence. It’s everywhere, reshaping the way we learn, work, and even think. But how do we guide our kids to use AI responsibly? This issue features an eye-opening piece by teacher and Digital Learning Designer Jarrod Johnson, who breaks down how parents can help their children navigate AI tools like ChatGPT—enhancing their learning while staying within classroom boundaries.

On the mental health front, Dr. Billy Garvey explores the early signs of mental illness in children, giving parents the knowledge to recognise emotional and behavioural shifts and offer the right support. Meanwhile, Suzi from Activ8 Mind shares practical, screen
friendly strategies to help kids stay mentally strong in an increasingly digital world.

Speaking of support, we’re tackling an often-overlooked topic: parent behaviour at children’s sports. In the heat of competition, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment—but are we setting the best example for our kids?

We’re also stepping outside—literally. Landscape Architect Damian Schultz shares how playgrounds can be designed around Australia’s climate, proving that outdoor play is as important as ever. And for those with little ones, our guide to Early Learning Centre (ELC) methods will help you feel confident about this crucial stage in your child’s development.

Wherever you are on your family’s educational journey, this issue is packed with expert advice to help make 2025 a year to remember.

Here’s to a brilliant 2025!

Olivia Williams

KIDDO + EDUCATE Editor

READ EDUCATE NOW


 

 

Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter

You may also like

School children and teachers.

Discover School of the Nativity this Open Week

Choosing the right school for your child can feel overwhelming. You may be thinking about: Will my child feel safe and supported? Will they be challenged in the right ways? What sets one school apart from another? This August, the School of the Nativity welcomes you to join a Principal’s Tour as part of Catholic Schools Open Week where you can see how students interact, how teachers guide learning, and how the school day flows.

Read More
Three children in maroon uniforms walking along a path surrounded by greenery.

The School of the Nativity: A small school with big facilities

The year 1982 was one of big thinking and big ideas. Steven Spielberg’s E.T was a worldwide hit in movie theatres, Advance Australia Fair replaced God Save The Queen as our national anthem, blue eyeshadow and shoulder pads were in and the controversial breakfast spread Vegemite, turned 60. So why the nostalgic recap? Well, there was another big thinking idea taking shape in Aberfoyle Park during this time, with the opening of a new schooling set up.

Read More

Why stepping outside the classroom matters more than ever in middle school

It happens in a moment. A student halfway up a rock face pauses, frozen by fear and doubt. Below, an instructor calmly encourages: “Take a breath, look around, and take the next step.” The student exhales, refocuses, and reaches the top—exhausted, but transformed. These quiet turning points—part challenge, part breakthrough—are common in outdoor education. And for students in the middle years of schooling, they’re more than just powerful memories. They’re moments of growth.

Read More