Christmas Party 2024
You are invited to the Foster Care Christmas Party!
Haven’t told us yet if you’re coming? RSVP here.
Check out the details in the flyer and let us know as soon as possible. It’s going to be a fantastic afternoon full of food, fun, and a celebration of the year!
Happy one-year anniversary!
Congratulations and thank you to Hannah & Greg Chisek who have reached their one-year anniversary of caring for Allambi Care on 05/12/2024
Allambi Care Frameworks Training
Have you heard about our one-day course on the Allambi Care Frameworks? This training provides an overview of Allambi’s care model and covers aspects of the Needs-Based Framework and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training, which are integral concepts in supporting children and young people. So far, two sessions have been held, and attendees found the training both informative and engaging.
If you are interested in doing the introduction one-day course, please speak with your Case Worker or email us at H&NFCenquiries@allambicare.org.au
My Forever Family Training Calendar 2024/2025
“My Forever Family NSW offers a range of training courses to help carers better support the children and young people who rely upon them. We have designed the training program using feedback from carers, adding more weekend and after-hours training in addition to our on-demand webinars and modules.”
My Forever Family runs this training online at a variety of times during the day. There are options for Carers who work during the day or at night-time and you can register by following this link:
https://ahomeforeverychild.my.site.com/NSWcarerportal/s/learning-calendar
If you have any questions, please call them on 1300 782 975
⬇️
Click here to view and download a PDF with available sessions
Where to spot Santa on a fire truck this year:
Singleton Lolly Run
Monday December 2 – Friday 6 December 2024 - The route for 2024 is to be confirmed but these were the locations last year:
Monday – Glenridding, between John Street, George Street and Kelso Street (the railway side of the highway)
Tuesday – Darlington and Dunolly, Queen Street through to Greenwood Avenue
Wednesday – Entire Singleton Heights and The Pinnacle
Thursday – Hunterview and Pioneer Road
Friday – McDougals Hill, Maison Dieu, Gowrie
Santa Run by Peninsula Rural Fire Brigade (Morisset Peninsula)
Friday 13 December – Sunday 15 December 2024
Friday 13 December – Santa’s festive journey begins in Bayside Village. He’ll travel from Catalina Road to Marconi Road then onto Ironbark Road and Main Road, ending at Campview for a short break. Then Santa will continue to Macquarie Street, Bridge Street, Rivergum Drive and Coorumbing Street. He will finish by exploring the Aquilo Estate.
Saturday 14 December – Santa’s travel begins at Station Street. He’ll travel through the neighbouring streets before arriving at Grand Parade. Then it’s onto Harbord Street and its surrounding area. Following this he’ll visit Waikiki and its nearby streets before a lunch break. After that, Santa travels to Windermere Park on his way to Morisset Park where he’ll visit Deer, Elk and Tapir Streets concluding at Trinity Point.
Sunday 15 December – Santa starts bright and early in Yarrawonga Park. He’ll then head to Balcolyn and Silverwater before reaching Sunshine. After a break, Santa continues his journey to Brightwaters and the edge of Windermere Park. He’ll then wind his way through Shiraz Drive, Verdelho Street and Riesling Drive.
Medowie Rural Fire Brigade
Saturday 14th December and Sunday 15th December - Medowie Rural Fire Brigade will be holding their annual Santa Run again this year with Santa borrowing the fire trucks to deliver joy and lollies to all the young (and young at heart). Details, including the route Santa will take through Medowie, will be provided closer to the dates.
Darlington Rural Fire Brigade Santa’s Lolly Run
Tuesday 24 December - Darlington Rural Fire Brigade is teaming up with Santa to present their annual lolly run to Retreat Estate and surrounding areas from 4pm to 10pm.
Belmont Fire and Rescue Station 222
Belmont will be doing a Santa run but the date and time has yet to be confirmed.
*For confirmation of times and routes see the Facebook page for all brigade stations.
Sensory challenges and how to help your child
We all use our senses to understand the world around us. Touch, sound, sight, taste, smell, proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular (movement and balance) help us respond to what is happening to us and around us. When the brain has trouble processing these sensations, it can be harder for some children to feel comfortable or safe in their environment This can lead to challenging behaviours which are their reaction to feeling disoriented. Here are some strategies that can help you manage your child while enabling them to feel more at ease and supported. This month we will cover the inability to sit still, sunscreen aversions and sound sensitivity.
Can’t sit still for dinner or time in class
What you might notice: Fidgeting, getting up from the table, or constant movement during mealtimes or school.
How you can help: Schedule a movement break with heavy work (like pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects) right before your child needs to sit for an extended period. These activities provide the proprioceptive input they need to help them stay regulated. You can also offer a weighted lap pad for extra calming input, and consider using a move-n-sit cushion to allow for gentle movement while seated. Tying a theraband around the base of their chair can also provide resistance for their feet to press against, helping them stay focused and engaged during seated activities.
Dislikes having sunscreen applied
What you might notice: Avoiding sunscreen, becoming distressed when it's applied, or complaining about the texture and sensation on their skin.
How you can help: Allow the child to apply the sunscreen themselves, which may reduce discomfort. Experimenting with roll-on or spray applications to find the texture they tolerate best. A deep pressure massage or firm touch before application can help calm sensitive touch nerves. Use firm pressure when applying sunscreen to reduce the aversive sensation of light touch.
Sensitive to everyday sounds
What you might notice: Covering ears or becoming distressed by common sounds like loud music, background noise, conversations, or sudden sounds.
How you can help: Provide noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to reduce exposure to overwhelming sounds. You can also create a quiet space where the child can retreat when sounds become too overwhelming. Introducing white noise or calming background music can help mask bothersome noises. If you know a loud sound is coming—such as a hand dryer in a public toilet, or when using a vacuum cleaner or blender—warn your child in advance so they can prepare, cover their ears, or move away from the noise.
Information from Michelle Newby BHSc (OT), MSc, PhD (c)
Recipe - Cornflake Christmas Crack
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes|
Ingredients (5)
- 125g butter, chopped
- 200g (1 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
- 120g (3 cups) cornflakes
- 2 x 180g packet dark chocolate (or whatever chocolate you like), coarsely chopped
- Sea salt flakes, to sprinkle
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Line a 20x30cm slice pan with baking paper making sure to let the paper overhang the 2 long sides.
- Place the butter and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring until the bi=utter melts and the mixture is evenly combined. Bring to them boil and stir for another 30 seconds or until thickened. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cornflakes and stir well until well combined.
- Spoon the cornflake mixture into the prepared slice pan. Use the back of a spoon to spread evenly. Place a sheet of baking paper over the top, then press paper to flatten the mixture and cover any holes. Remove the paper and bake the slice for 5 minutes. Set aside for about 20 minutes to cool slightly.
- Melt the chocolate of your choice in the microwave on a medium heat making sure to stir every minute until it is melted and smooth. Pour over the cornflake mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle with salt then refrigerate for 1 hour or until set.
- Remove from pan and break or cut into shards.
Recipe - Santa Strawberries
Ingredients
- 150 ml thickened cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 tsp caster sugar
- 2 punnets fresh strawberries
- 1 chocolate icing pen
Method
- Whip cream with vanilla and sugar until very stiff. Place in a freezer bag and snip off a corner or use a piping bag.
- Wash the strawberries and pat dry with paper towel. Slice the stalk end off, so that the strawberry sits flat. Slice across each strawberry about halfway up.
- Pipe cream onto the cut strawberry and place the ‘hat’ back on. Pipe a little dot of cream onto the top. Use the icing pen to make the eyes.
