Blue Mountains Home Education Network

Wednesdays every week during term
10-11.30am
Hughes Studio, Winmalee

At her home studio in Winmalee, Caitlin is offering a program that includes; charcoal drawing, oil and chalk pastel drawing, watercolour painting, ink painting, acrylic painting, foam printing and plaster sculpture. Materials are included.

Michele Corin
0418 448 083
mac02x AT bigpond.com

Thursdays every week during term
1.30-3.00pm
BMCAC, Glenbrook

Students are encouraged to do different projects every week and have an opportunity to use the pottery wheel. Carolyn is the new teacher for pottery at BMCAC and is very organised and thorough in her teaching as well as encouraging creativity and individuality. Parents are asked to leave their children for their class. Materials are included.

Michele Corin
0418 448 083
mac02x AT bigpond.com

Mondays during term
11.30am-12.30pm
Blaxland Library – meeting room A

Ni hao!! Wantien (the teacher) is a native speaker. She engages easily with the children because of her gentle and encouraging manner. She uses different teaching styles (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic) to engage the children. The class includes sit down work, active games, songs and rhymes. The hour passes very quickly. Parents are encouraged to be part of the class so they can help the children.

Michele Corin
0418 448 083
mac02x AT bigpond.com

Regular Social Park Meet on Thursdays in school terms. Cancelled if raining.
Gloria Park, Hazelbrook
From 10.30am
Contact Annie, annehutchinson77@hotmail.com

FRIDAY and SATURDAY KIDS ART CLUB 8 weeks
Friday Art Club begins 4th May 4-5:30pm Saturday Kids Art Club begins 5th May 3-4:30pm. Childrens art club runs at the same time as adults yoga classes Wild Valley Art Park, Wentworth Falls. For more information and to BOOK www.wildvalley.com.au 4757 4791

Tuesday 22nd May, 2012
11am and 1pm
Lawson Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre

Blue Mountains Home Education Network is proud to present:

FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS!

CPR HELP is very excited and proud to be able to provide your children with the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program in conjuction with BMHEN.

Research has shown that children who learn the DRSABCD concepts at a young age are better equipped to deal with an emergency situation and have a greater grasp on the competencies as teenager and adults. By teaching your children these principles we are giving them the knowledge to stay safe and help if anything does happen with their family or friends.

What will my children be doing in this workshop?

Children will be involved in learning exactly what to do in an emergency situation. In our hands on workshops they will learn about danger, how to try to get a response from an injured person, role playing how to make a 000 emergency phone call and answering questions asked by an operator, checking to see if an injured person has anything in their airway and if they are breathing and learning how to roll an injured person into the recovery position and clear the airway if needed. Children will also have hands on experience in learning how to perform CPR on our manikins.

Extra, Extra… Specifically designed just for the mountains workshops… Your children will also learn how they can implement DRSABCD in a variety of mountain specific possible incidents. Incorporated into the workshops we will look at burns (bushfires), bleeding and bites (snakes and leeches).  We will talk your children through a variety of possible scenarios and ways of dealing with each and then they will have the opportunity to role play a selection of scenarios, allowing them to put into practise what they have learnt…

Although parts of this workshop were presented in 2011, parents are encouraged to enroll their children again to refresh their memories, pick up new skills and learn all the most up to date life saving skills. Who knows when we may need it?????

There is a small covered play area for little people and parents are welcome to stay for a picnic lunch after the first workshop concludes to enjoy some social time:-)

Our facilitators will run back to back workshops on Tuesday 22nd May at Lawson Mid Mountains Centre. The first workshop will be for ages 5 – 11 yrs and the second will be for ages 12 and up. Each workshop will run for approx 1 1/2 hrs.
Workshop 1 ( 5 – 11yrs)    11am – 12.30
Workshop 2 (12yrs and up) 1pm – 2.30
Cost per child $18

Payment may be made by Direct Deposit.
Class size is limited and bookings are essential.
Please email me to book a place for your child(ren) or if you have any questions.
nikkileemartin@yahoo.com.au

Looking forward to another great event with BMHEN!

This is a Blue Mountains Home Education Network event. A small component of your fee is collected as a contribution to the BMHEN Committee Fund and used to provide services and community initiatives for the benefit of local home educating families.

Writing Workshop with Libby Gleeson
Friday May 4th, 2012.
Time TBA
Upper Mountains location
Contact Jane Shellshear
jane@hrlearning.com.au

Libby Gleeson  is one of Australia’s best known and most highly regarded writers for young people with a significant list of picture books, short stories and novels to her credit. 
Libby has been a full-time writer since 1990 however she also lectures at several universities on children’s writing and creative writing. In amongst her writing commitments and lecturing she also found time to chair the Australian Society of Authors, 1999-2000 and served on the board of the Sydney Writers’ Festival. In 1997 she received the Lady Cutler Award for Services to Children’s Literature.

Libby has a great deal to offer audiences of all ages, although her many commitments mean that her time to visit schools is somewhat limited. One of the groups which was lucky enough to see her in action in 2000 said, ‘Great with kids! Great interaction and very interesting and informative: will make writing more purposeful to kids in the classroom. A motivating teacher as well!’

Libby will be coming to the Blue Mountains to present a writing workshop for teenagers (age 12+) on Friday May 4th. If you are interested in participating please email me on jane@hrlearning.com.au for further details.

Homeschoolers Pottery – THURSDAYS!

January 5th, 2012
Due to last minute drop outs there are spots available in the Thursday pottery class for primary school aged home schoolers. Please pass this on if you know anyone that is interested. We need a couple more to actually run this class otherwise there will be some very disappointed budding young sculptors in our midst! Spread the word!

Classes will run out of the Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre in Glenbrook. Here is a link to their website for more details:

http://www.bmcac.com/

Kids are guided and shown techniques but at the same time are free to create whatever it is they wish and to express themselves through this medium. Come along and make anything your heart desires, from bowls and cups, to pendants and rings, to dragons and crocodiles, pandas, cats, spag. bol on a plate, leaves, snails, coins, volcanoes….. These are all things kids have made! The class would suit primary school aged children either beginners or those with more experience with the medium – as you work at your own pace.

If you’re interested please email me asap:

contact@idyll.com.au

The term runs for 8 weeks and is $115 per participant which covers all your materials (clay, glazes, paints, firing etc) as well.  Thursdays  from 1:30-3:00pm.

Thursday homeschool pottery begins on the 16th of Feb from 1:30-3:00pm

Kiri

An exciting new vocal venture in the upper mountains, the Blue Mountains Children’s Choir will begin rehearsals on the 9th of February 2012 at 4:30pm in the meeting room of BANC (Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre). The choir aims to provide performance opportunities to children between 5 and 10 years of age who love singing and wish to learn about choral performance.
Conductor and home schooling mother Jade Tinkler plans to prepare the children for at least three public performances each year beginning mid-2012. Please contact Jade by email: slokjt@studialoka.net for further information.

Event Date 8th March 2012
Event Time all day- exact times will be confirmed 24.2.2012
Event Location Sydney- NSW Art Gallery
Event Contact Name Amanda Baynham
Event Contact Email/Phone amanda.baynham@exemail.com.au
Event Description Amanda and Jaadyn (15yrs) would like to invite other homeschooling young people to join us as a ‘homeschooling education group’ for group admission. Education group admission is $7.00 per person and would be requesting an admission time of between 9-11am as per NSW Art Gallery educational pre-booking times. (Time will be confirmed once NSW Art Gallery accepts booking request). Minimum of 5 homeschoolers are needed to be booked for this request to be made.
Please note: If request is not accepted by NSW Art Gallery for educational admission the cost will be $18 each as concession and the admission time will be after 11am.
RSVP by 16th February 2012

Confirmation of cost and entry time will be provided by 24th February 2012

Payment for booking will need to be made in full by 2nd March 2012 (Details about payment will be provided later).

A new contemporary Aboriginal dance work by Jo Clancy with music and song by Jacinta Tobin.

Sat 24th March – 2pm and 7:30pm

Sun 25th March – 2pm

School shows:

Mon 26th March – 10:30am and 12:30pm

Tue 27th March – 10:30am and 12:30pm

$10 adults

$7 child/concession

ph: 0409 651 290

Jo Clancy run indigenous dance classes for homeschoolers from time to time and has extended this invitation out to all homeschooling families. You’re all welcome to come to all/any of the shows -school shows included.

Calling for Expressions of Interest for a a small group to come together weekly to learn Spanish in Lawson. Maria is a native speaker, friendly and encouraging and also teaches in a Steiner school here in the Mountains. Times to be arranged and cost shared between participants.

To register your interest contact jane@hrlearning.com.au with the age of your children and days and times you are available.
Event Location Lawson
Event Contact Name Jane Shellshear
Event Contact Email/Phone jane@hrlearning.com.au

Hands-on Workshop – “Elements, atoms and molecules explained!” Recommended for ages 9-13 & 14/15yr olds who may not have done much chemistry.
What is an atom? What is an element? What is a molecule? We will look at the periodic table and study a few elements in more depth. We will build molecules using the Molymod molecular model building sets.
This workshop is hands-on with a variety of engaging activities. Children usually go home buzzing with excitement about their new knowledge and understanding of the basics of chemistry.
Warning: be prepared for your child to want to do more science and chemistry!
No prior knowledge or skil required.
Tuesday April 24th
Event Time 10:30am -1:30pm
Event Location Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson
Event Contact Name Jane Shellshear
Event Contact Email/Phone jane@hrlearning.com.au

It’s on again! The Blue Mountains Home Education Network invites you to bring a picnic and a rug on Friday, January 27th and join with the local homeschooling community to celebrate Home Education. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make some new ones, mingle and find out what’s on offer in all the local homeschool groups in 2012. This event is a Blue Mountains Home Education Network Initiative.

Representatives and members from all the homeschooling groups in the mountains will be attending and information packs will be available. In case of wet weather assemble under the main shelter.

See www.bmhen.org for further information.

Other Details:
Location: Wentworth Falls Lake, Sinclair Crescent, Wentworth Falls.
Date: 27/1/2012
Time / Duration: From 10:30am
Costs: None
Book by: Not required

I am offering a demonstration workshop on how 19th century women really dressed. This works for early Australian history, English studies and just sheer interest.

I run these classes on a barter payment system as well as fee based. Please contact me to find out more.

The Tailor’s Apprentice www.thetailorsapprentice.com where I teach vintage and historical sewing skills.

Event Contact Name Lorna McKenzie
Event Contact Email/Phone 0414 346 052

Event Title    How 19th century women really dressed
Event Date    Negotiable
Event Time    Negotiable
Event Location    Blue Mountains NSW
Event Contact Name    Lorna McKenzie
Event Contact Email/Phone    0414 346 052

Email  Contact  lorna@thetailorsapprentice.com
Event Description    I am a living history historian and I run The Tailor’s Apprentice www.thetailorsapprentice.com where I teach vintage and historical sewing skills.

I am offering a demonstration workshop on how 19th century women really dressed. This works for early Australian history, English studies and just sheer interest.

I run these classes on a barter payment system as well as fee based. Please contact me to find out more.

Event Title    Learn to Sew classes
Event Date    Negotiable
Event Time    Negotiable
Event Location    Hazelbrook, NSW
Event Contact Name    Lorna McKenzie
Event Contact Email/Phone    0414 346 052
Email  Contact  lorna@thetailorsapprentice.com

Event Description    I run The Tailor’s Apprentice www.thetailorsapprentice.com and I teach vintage and historical sewing. I also teach sewing classes for kids from the age of 7.

My kids classes run for a school term, are small in size, maximum four students. We work on a hands on project starting off with a ,a carry bag to learn the basics and then onto dress making.

We have fun, I love it, the kids love it and are wonderful to teach as they have no fears of ‘nasty sewing teachers’ from their past!

I run these classes on a barter system as well as fee based. Please contact me to find out more.

Event Title    CSIRO Science Programs
Event Date    Tuesday March 27th, 2012.
Event Time    10:30am & 1pm
Event Location    Mid Mountains Community Centre, LAWSON.
Event Contact Name    Jane
Event Contact Email/Phone    jane@hrlearning.com.au
Event Description    CSIRO Hands-on Science Programs Coming to the Mid Mountains!

TWO EVENTS – MARCH 27th, 2012.

Air, Atmosphere & Weather Workshop (K-6) & Energy, Forces & Motion Show (Yrs 7-10)

We are very excited about this event!

The CSIRO Science Education Centre creates a dynamic interactive forum within which students can take a hands-on role. Their program engages students in eye-opening interactive science theatre and hands-on experiments, which have been developed around real-life CSIRO research. Our students will become the scientists, rather than just reading about them. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness one of the most innovative and entertaining science programs available to the home education community.

Hello and a Happy New Year to you all!

As we head back towards the new term I thought a little reminder of this might be appreciated….

Tuesday afternoons with Georgia – Seeking Expressions of Interest

After a very successful run this term with both the Living Learning and Teen Homeschool groups, we have invited Georgia Adamson back for 2012. We are hoping to have sufficient interest to run two back-to-back classes on Tuesday afternoons at the Mid Mountains Community Centre between 1 and 3pm.

First up, a Drama class for 6-9yr olds using a range of games, role plays and activities to encourage creativity, cooperative “play”, and the confidence to speak in front of a group all in the friendly and supportive atmosphere Georgia ensures for each group.

And to follow, a Literature through Drama class specially designed for the 9-12yrs age group. Georgia has developed this dynamic and interactive approach to encourage investigation into literature. Participants play with a series of specific exercises that encourage them to develop their critical thinking, interpretation and comprehension of a text, to feel and move beyond it to a greater understanding and meaning.

Cost of classes will depend on the number of participants but we aim to set the fee at around $12 per class for an eight week term.

If you are interested in either of these proposed classes for your c hild please let us know ASAP.

For interest in the Drama class (6-9yrs) you can contact Kiri on contact@idyll.com.au and

for Literature through Drama (9-12yrs) email Jane on jane@hrlearning.com.au

NB: For anyone who hasn’t worked with Georgia before, a short bio:
Georgia is an actor who has performed for the Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare Company and Ensemble Theatre as well in film and television. She has taught for the last 3 years in the joint Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney University project `School Drama’, teaching teachers how to use drama to enrich their literacy teaching, and she has also taught in schools for Bell Shakespeare.

Spots available in the Friday pottery class for primary school aged home schoolers.

Classes will run out of the Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre in Glenbrook. Here is a link to their website for more details:

http://www.bmcac.com/

Kids are guided and shown techniques but at the same time are free to create whatever it is they wish and to express themselves through this medium. Come along and make anything your heart desires, from bowls and cups, to pendants and rings, to dragons and crocodiles, pandas, cats, spag. bol on a plate, leaves, snails, coins, volcanoes….. These are all things kids have made! The class would suit primary school aged children either beginners or those with more experience with the medium – as you work at your own pace.

If you’re interested please email me asap:

contact@idyll.com.au

The term runs for 8 weeks and is $115 per participant which covers all your materials (clay, glazes, paints, firing etc) as well.  Fridays from 1:30-3:00pm.

Kiri

SCRIBBLY BARK STUDIO Wentworth Falls
Holiday Art Program January 16th – 20th January 2012

Lots of fun half day and 2 day Holiday art workshops including Cartooning, Mosaics, Tie Dying, Hand Made books and more.
From 16th – 20th January.

For students ages 6 -14  (Great Value HOLIDAY FUN ) also CHECK OUT our ADULT Weekend Workshops in Mixed Media, Japanese Ink Painting and Mosaics
BOOKINGS please see website for more details www.scribblybarkstudio.com.au
or call 4757 4791

Hey everyone,
I’m soooo excited about this one! And Elizabeth is over the moon. Hoping to get an Indigenous dance class running for homeschoolers in term one 2012 on Friday mornings. Venue to be confirmed but most likely mid mountains location. Price to be confirmed but hoping for no more than $10 per class – depends on numbers of course. For primary school aged kids. Jo Clancy, local dancer/choreographer will be facilitating. See her bio below:

Contemporary Indigenous Dancer/Choreographer Jo Clancy is a descendant of the Wiradjuri people ofWestern NSW but was raised and still lives on Gundungurra and Darug country in the Blue Mountains. Jo commenced her dance training at NAISDA Dance College in 1990 and then went on to the University of Western Sydney where she became the first Aboriginal person to gain a Bachelor of Arts in Dance in NSW. From 2005-2007 Jo was Head of Dance at NAISDA Dance College. She is currently the Artistic Director of the Wollemi Aboriginal Dancers and is also working with ArtsOutwest on delivering Contemporary Indigenous dance and performance professional development with Aboriginal communities in the central west NSW. In July 2008 Jo developed the first stage of a new Contemporary Indigenous Dance work entitled “Yarringan” which means like clear water in her language group through the support of the Dance Board of the Australia Council for the Arts.

Email me if you’re interested! contact@idyll.com.au

Kiri

Hi everyone,
BMHEN www.bmhen.org is a small group of volunteering parents in the local homeschool community dedicated to celebrating our choice in home educating our children, to raising awareness and to making information on home education accessible in the wider community. Since its inception in early 2009 we’ve built a web presence, a discussion group, we’ve held social picnics/gatherings including our annual “not! back to school’ picnic, we held a market day/home ed expo last year, fund raised, have supported local home ed groups and initiatives financially and have donated resources to our local libraries.

We plan to continue in this vein and hope to build the network and strengthen our presence. If you’d like to come on board and be involved with planning or lending a hand in any way we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at this address: info@bmhen.org

We’re planning to meet early in the New Year so get in touch asap if you’re interested!

All the best,
Kiri (on behalf of the BMHEN working party)

All local home schooling families plus those wanting to explore their options and learn more about homeschooling welcome to come along to Wentworth Falls lake, Sinclair Crescent, from 3pm on Wednesday the 21.12.2011. Let’s send out 2011 with good company and good cheer. Meet near swings or under shelter if wet. Call Kiri on 0414063017 for more info.

After a very successful run this term with both the Living Learning and Teen Homeschool groups, we have invited Georgia Adamson back for 2012. We are hoping to have sufficient interest to run two back-to-back classes on Tuesday afternoons at the Mid Mountains Community Centre between 1 and 3pm.

First up, a Drama class for 6-9yr olds using a range of games, role plays and activities to encourage creativity, cooperative “play”, and the confidence to speak in front of a group all in the friendly and supportive atmosphere Georgia ensures for each group.

And to follow, a Literature through Drama class specially designed for the 9-12yrs age group. Georgia has developed this dynamic and interactive approach to encourage investigation into literature. Participants play with a series of specific exercises that encourage them to develop their critical thinking, interpretation and comprehension of a text, to feel and move beyond it to a greater understanding and meaning.

Cost of classes will depend on the number of participants but we aim to set the fee at around $12 per class for an eight week term.

If you are interested in either of these proposed classes for your child please let us know so we can begin planning.

For interest in the Drama class (6-9yrs) you can contact Kiri on contact@idyll.com.au and for
Literature through Drama (9-12yrs) email Jane on jane@hrlearning.com.au

NB: For anyone who hasn’t worked with Georgia before, a short bio:
Georgia is an actor who has performed for the Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare Company and Ensemble Theatre as well in film and television. She has taught for the last 3 years in the joint Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney University project ‘School Drama’, teaching teachers how to use drama to enrich their literacy teaching, and she has also taught in schools for Bell Shakespeare.

Organiser Name    annie hutchinson
Organiser Email    annehutchinson77@hotmail.com
Event Title    Buttenshaw Park Springwood
Event Date    2/11/2011
Event Time    from 10.30am
Event Location    buttenshaw park GWH Springwood
Event Contact Name    Annie
Event Contact Email/Phone    0403811892 or annehutchinson77@hotmail.com
Event Description    Social Gathering.

Creative Arts Christmas Workshop

Join in this exciting and jam packed fun creative arts workshop.
Projects include mini mosaics, fabulous handmade ceramic christmas tree ornaments and table decorations, mixed media handmade paper and cards and
everyone’s favourite Christmas lolly beetles for the tree.
Make lots of presents for family and friends and learn some fabulous art techniques.

4 x Friday Afternoons 4pm -5:30pm
beginning 18th November

$65 includes all materials and clay firings
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK
www.scribblybarkstudio.com.au

Subject: Artist Workshop – 16 Nov – Sculpture by the Sea, Tamarama Park

Sculpture Workshop – Wednesday, 16 Nov (12.30 – 2.30pm)

Sculpture by the Sea provides a rare opportunity for students to devise and create their own sculptures in a practical workshop delivered by an education program artist. Activities are varied and will be based on the artist’s work in the exhibition. The focus of the artist allocated to the workshop on 16 Nov is on recyclable sculpture.

The workshop is available to K-2 students.

Older students are encouraged to download the free education kit available from http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/education/Bondi.aspx which features profile pages & activities based on a selection of exhibiting artists and their work; an introduction to sculpture as one of the key visual art forms; and a brief overview of Sculpture by the Sea, celebrating 15 years of exhibitions at Bondi.

HOW TO GET THERE

By car: Tamarama Marine Drive and Pacific Avenue for access to Tamarama Park.

By public transport: visit the Bondi information page on the Sculpture by the Sea website http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/exhibitions/bondi/Information.aspx or visit the NSW Sydney Buses website http://www.sydneybuses.info/ to find the most appropriate bus route.

HOW TO BOOK

Cost: $12 per student (Price includes a free copy of the Kids’ Guide and Organic Juice for each student)

Book by: Thursday 27 Oct (ie this week!)

Contact: Michele Corin

Email: mac02x@bigpond.com

Payment Details: EFT details are – BSB 082 067   A/C 025481891  Name: M A Corin

OTHER INFORMATION

Duration: 12.30-2pm (please arrive early to enjoy the exhibition prior to the workshop, perhaps even lunch with friends in the park)

Location: Education Hub, Tamarama Park, Tamarama

Age Group: K-2 classes

Date: Wednesday, 16 November 2012

Literature through Drama – 6 Tuesdays, starting 1st November

This 6 week program will take participants through two compelling picture books – Come By Chance by Madeline Winch and Two Summers by John Heffernan. We will explore the themes of friendship, belonging and our relationship to place through this dynamic and interactive approach to literacy. While it is fine if the children are familiar with these books, it is best that they do not re-read them prior to the program.  Suitable for all reading abilities.

Georgia is an actor who has performed for the Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare Company and Ensemble Theatre as well in film and television. She has taught for the last 3 years in the joint Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney University project ‘School Drama’, teaching teachers how to use drama to enrich their literacy teaching, and she has also taught in schools for Bell Shakespeare. Georgia ran two programs for The Hub in 2010, introducing this style of work to both the junior and senior groups.

Please email Julie (sparksandflames@soundview.com.au) by the 20th of October to confirm you would like to attend.  Cost will depend on the number of participants, but should be around $80 or $90 for the program (which works out around $13 – $15 per week).  I will finalise the cost on the 2oth of October and payment can be made over the following week.  Register your interest as soon as possible, this is such a fantastic opportunity, it may book out!

Organiser Name:    Julie-Ann Henninger
Organiser Email:    sparksandflames@soundview.com.au
Event Title:    Introduction to Juggling
Event Date: 11th October 2011
Event Time:    11am-12
Event Location:    Mid Mountains Community Centre
Event Contact Name:    Julie
Event Contact Email/Phone: sparksandflames@soundview.com.au
Event Description:    Paul is a local musician and street performer with a passion for sharing his juggling skills!  He will demonstrate his juggling abilities and share introductory techniques that lead to a mastery of this art.  Paul will share exercises that use one, two and three balls.  Juggling is excellent for coordination and concentration, as well as being a whole lot of fun!
What to bring: Juggling balls if you have them, there will be balls available for use on the day.
Cost: $6 per child or $15 per family

Join the Blue Mountains Teen Homeschool Group for an introduction to Shakespeare with Georgia Adamson. Georgia’s classes have been so well received by the group this year that we’re expecting this one to fill up fast.

Like all plays, Shakespeare’s were written to be heard rather than read and this interactive workshop series will give participants an opportunity to engage with the language and ideas of one of the world’s most extraordinary writers in 6 dynamic and engaging classes.

Looking through the prism of the nature of jealousy and revenge, and using the plays A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Merchant of Venice, we will explore the language and characters with a focus on the exploration of the text rather than performance.

Georgia has taught and performed for the Bell Shakespeare Company, the Sydney Theatre Company and trained at Shakespeare & Company in Massachusetts, USA.

6 weeks for $135 HEA members/ $150 non HEA members.
For further information contact Jane on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au and see Events at www.myhomeschool.com.au
This is an HEA insured event.

Date    November 1st – December 6th
Time    Tuesdays 1-2:30pm.
Location    Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson.
Contact Name    Jane Shellshear
Contact Email/Phone    jane@hrlearning.com.au

Classes were great this term and we are looking to continue into term four! We need a few more participants to ensure our classes run as we’ve had a couple not able to continue. So… if you’ve been thinking about pottery… now’s the time to enrol!

Classes will run out of the Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre in Glenbrook. Here is a link to their website for more details:

http://www.bmcac.com/

Kids are guided and shown techniques but at the same time are free to create whatever it is they wish and to express themselves through this medium. Come along and make anything your heart desires, from bowls and cups, to pendants and rings, to dragons and crocodiles, pandas, cats, spag. bol on a plate, leaves, snails, coins, volcanoes….. These are all things kids made this term! The class would suit primary school aged children either beginners or those with more experience with the medium – as you work at your own pace.

If you’re interested please email me asap:

contact@idyll.com.au

The term runs for 8 weeks and is $115 per participant which covers all your materials (clay, glazes, paints, firing etc) as well. Classes are scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30-3:00pm. Please indicate which day suits you best when replying.

Kiri

SCRIBBLY BARK STUDIO HOLIDAY ART WORKSHOPS. Wentworth Falls
Kids Mosaic Workshop for 5-12 year olds, 2 mornings Thursday 6th and Friday 7th October
Funky Ceramics for 5 -12 year olds, 2 afternoons Thursday 6th and Friday 7th October
For more information visit www.scribblybarkstudio.com.au or call 4757 4791

Tuesday 13th of  September – Aboriginal cultural talk and bush tucker experience with Bundeluk
Join local home educating families on a guided bushwalk with Bundeluk – a local Darug guide, artist and educator. Bundeluk holds a wealth of knowledge around Darug History, bush tucker and medicinal plants, and traditional weapons and tools.
Easy grade bush walk, BYO picnic lunch
10am – 2pm
Meet between 9:30 and 10am – for a 10am SHARP start at Red Hands Cave (this is within the National Park at Glenbrook… entrance at the end of Bruce street) NOTE: it takes about 30-40 mins to drive to Red Hands Cave once you are actually in the National Park.
We will be walking/exploring, Red Hands Cave and Euroka Clearing, starting at Red Hands cave and then driving to the clearing and then exploring there, walking along the creek line looking at the wildlife. There are lots of birds at the clearing and kangaroos to see. If lucky we might see a wombat… or at least some wombat poo Yabbies in the creek as well. We will have lunch at Euroka clearing. BYO picnic. This is also a culturally significant site and holds personal significance to Bundeluk himself and he will talk about this. Bundeluk will bring along some of his DVDs to sell for people that are interested at a discounted price for participants of $15 each. They are of his guided tours on bush tucker and also weapons and tools.
What to bring/wear: Closed walking shoes, plenty of water, a picnic lunch.
Cost: $12 per adult and $8 for kids each with little ones in arms free OR $30 per family.  Please add an extra $2 for non HEA members and be advised there is a fee of $7 per car payable to NPWS on entering the National Park, correct coins are required.  Let’s carpool!
Contact: Please contact Julie at sparksandflames@soundview.com.au as soon as possible to book, as places are limited.  Prompt response and payment are necessary to secure a place as we will also be advertising on other lists to ensure we have adequate numbers to cover costs.

just a reminder…

August 5th, 2011

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY FROM MANUSCRIPT TO FINISHED PICTURE BOOK
Where do picture books come from? How are they written and who draws the pictures? Listen, Look and Learn about Stories and Pictures with Margaret Hamilton of Pinerolo – The Children’s Book Cottage.
Margaret has many years experience in publishing children’s books and has recently opened Pinerolo, showcasing hundreds of children’s books and original artworks from children’s picture books. Margaret will give a fascinating talk on the processes involved in picture book creation and publishing – from the idea to the finished book. Afterwards, participants are invited to view a large collection of original artwork from picture books and browse through the collection of picture books. There are also books for sale at cheaper than retail prices. Bookings essential.

Date: Monday 5th September
Time: 11am
Duration: approximately 1 hour.
Cost: $10 per child or $20 for multi-kid families
Recommended age: Primary school
Location: Pinerolo – The Children’s Book Cottage, 116-120 Shipley Rd, Blackheath NSW  see website for more info: http://www.pinerolo.com.au/
Bookings and payments: Kiri on email: contact@idyll.com.au

I am looking to get a homeschoolers pottery class up and running this term – term 3.

Subject to meeting minimum numbers, classes will run out of the Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre in Glenbrook. Here is a link to their website for more details:

http://www.bmcac.com/

We’ve been along to these classes before and loved loved loved them! Kids are guided and shown techniques but at the same time are free to create whatever it is they wish and to express themselves through this medium. Some of the things my daughter made last time included: pinch pots, pendants and rings with clay and glass, coil pots and she also had a go on a potter’s wheel. It is an open age class so would suit anyone as you can work at your own pace. All participants were primary school age from memory last time though.

If you’re interested please email me asap:

contact@idyll.com.au

The term runs for 8 weeks and is $115 per participant which covers all your materials as well. Classes are scheduled for Fridays from 1:30-3:00pm.

Kiri

We need 5-6 to run the class so if you are interested please contact me asap with your name, your child/rens names, your address and phone number – BMCAC need this for their enrollment info.

Techwiz Kids is an IT Education Centre, specially tailored for home-educated students. We provide the highest quality education in Multimedia and Programming to students 8 years old and above.

All programs are created by a NSW accredited teacher with many years experience teaching IT at a high school level through to HSC.

Web Design | Animation | Games Programming | Film Making | Film Special Effects | Podcasting
18 July to 23 September
Event Time Anytime
Event Location Online
Event Contact Name hello@techwizkids.com
Event Contact Email/Phone http://www.techwizkids.com/contact.html

Hi everyone,
As you may be aware this current term is the last term program offered
by the Hub. I want to express enormous gratitude to Lisa and Kiri for
all their hard work in providing this awesome resource for Blue
Mountains Homeschoolers. Our family has been so impressed by the
quality of the programs and benefited immensely from access to weekly
workshops in an all weather space where younger siblings are welcome.
As such we are thinking about starting a new venture after the last
Hub program has finished. I’d love to get some feedback, to see if
other families are interested in keeping a weekly workshop and social
group going. Some questions I have are:

1) Is this something other families are interested in accessing?

2) If we are going to keep a similar weekly workshop structure
happening, what subjects are everyone’s children interested in and
passionate about? (My son is really into games
and said he’d love to do more science experiments) I would love to
hear about other children’s interests so we can create a program that
is exciting for everyone involved.

3) Is anyone interested in facilitating workshops or suggesting
facilitators? I’d be happy to run some science workshops and am
interested in running collaborative creative projects, like writing
and illustrating a story book collectively, or creating a dance, or
both, around a theme, like our connection to place, or sharing joy.)

4) How much money are people happy to spend on workshops over the
term? We have to
make up Hall costs for the current venue of around $20 a week. How
much workshops cost then depend on how much we pay facilitators. We
can mix up expensive facilitators with workshops run by volunteers,
and social days.

5) Is any one able to be a back up ‘hall opener/closer’ if our family
can’t make it to the workshop occasionally?

This new venture will be called ‘Living Learning’ and will be run from
the following website. You can subscribe to receive email updates on
the home page of this site, on the right hand side.

www.bluemountainslivinglearning.wordpress.com

Feedback is most appreciated, as this is very new for me!
Love and best wishes,
Julie

If interested, please reply to Julie directly:

sparksandflames@soundview.com.au

a form has been submitted on June 7, 2011, via: http://bmhen.org/events/submit-an-event/ [IP 114.198.45.154]
Submit an Event form
Your Name Tanya Burke
Your Email tanyamic2@yahoo.com.au
Event Title Claude Stein’s Natural Singer workshops
Event Date July 29 – August 7
Event Time 10am
Event Location Sydney
Event Contact Name Tanya Burke
Event Contact Email/Phone tanyamic2@yahoo.com.au/ 0404323848
Event Description The brilliant multi-platinum award-winning vocal coach Claude Stein is putting
on three workshops in Sydney between 29 July and 7 August 2011.

I went to one of Claude’s workshops in New York and I have never heard myself
sound like that, ever. He has an uncanny knack of finding your self-imposed
limitations and moving you way, way beyond them. Nobody does what Claude does,
he is nothing like your average vocal coach and his workshops are
transformational. Once you’ve found your true voice some kind of freedom opens
up inside you and you’re never quite the same!

There’s an age limit of 17 and above but he’s happy to have anyone over the age
of 14 come as long as they are mature and committed.

The workshops are for people who want to (or already do) sing or do public
speaking but really anyone who wants to find their voice, physically or
metaphorically, will get so much out of these workshops.

For more info and booking go to naturalsinger.com.au

All the best,
Tanya.

Under the Sea is a show which focuses on the incredible animals who call the sea their home. The show includes live sea animals, specimen samples, and a variety of marine artefacts and shells.

We investigate marine habitats, animal adaptations and learn how to reduce our impact on the marine environment. The show is totally interactive and allows children to hold and touch a large range of marine animals. So get ready to get wet and smelly!

WHEN : June 21st @ 11am

WHERE: Mid Mountains Community Centre.

COST : $12 HEA members, $14 non-HEA

BOOKINGS: contact Kiri @ contact@idyll.com.au

Art Adventures Term 2
Painting, Mosaics and Global Craft
Wednesdays 1-2:30pm
Beginning 4th May – 22nd June

Join in this fun, easy and vibrant workshop that begins in drawing and design and ends in a finished mosaic wall hanging. During this creative arts journey we will draw, paint, sculpt and mosaic.

You will learn about the principals of art and design and create your own mosaic project.

Throughout the journey you will learn some great techniques such as painting and design techniques, learning how to cut and lay mosaic tiles, grouting and have a go at some global inspired crafts. Lots of great fun!

8 weeks $150 including all materials
TO BOOK 4757 4791 or
selenaseifert@gmail.com
www.scribblybarkstudio.com.au
Art Adventures TERM 2
Event Date Wednesday 4th May – 22nd June
Event Time 1-2:30pm
Event Location Australia
Event Contact Name Selena Seifert

VISIT to PINEROLO – The Children’s Book Cottage
‘It is widely accepted that picture books and are not just for small children.’

Pinerolo, established by Margaret Hamilton in Blackheath, aims to promote Australian picture books and their creators, educate children and adults alike about them, provide a venue for exhibition of artwork and bring interested people together in an inspiring environment.

Our visit will include an introductory talk on publishing picture books, the processes involved, examples of the publishing process from writing the manuscript, approaching a publisher, working with an illustrator, etc. using actual material used in the making of several books and discussion of the future of picture books in Australia and the rest of the world. We will be able to view Margaret’s collection of original artwork from Australian picture books and ask plenty of questions.

Margaret Hamilton AM has had many years experience in children’s books — as a children’s librarian, a bookseller, a publisher and as a parent. In 1987 she left her position as director at Hodder & Stoughton Australia to begin Margaret Hamilton Books with her husband Max. The company built up a reputation for high quality children’s books and was dedicated to the philosophy ‘that children have a right to the best of everything, especially books’. Margaret Hamilton Books won many awards and had considerable success on the world market. It became a Division of Scholastic Australia in 1996, where the imprint remains. Margaret’s passion for picture books, her enthusiasm for the world of Australian illustrators, and her recognition of the need for wider promotion of picture books, have led her to this new venture. Her own extensive collection of books and original artwork provide the nucleus of this centre.

Pinerolo is situated on the picturesque Shipley Plateau, 2km South West of Blackheath in the iconic Blue Mountains.
Visit recommended for Book lovers
aged 10+

When: Tuesday May 17th, 1pm.
Cost: $10 per person
Bookings essential.
Booking deadline May 10th.
Contact jane@hrlearning.com.au

Join in on some fun and rewarding creative writing workshops with Margo Daly.

In this small and relaxed group you can kick start your creativity with a variety of in-class writing exercises. Developing your craft and building creative structures step-by-step, you can begin to find your natural writing voice. Margo will encourage you to gather your ideas and inspiration outside of the workshop, “collect” characters, dialogue, detail and atmosphere to help create both real and imagined worlds.
Recommended for 10+ yrs
Jane Shellshear
Your Email jane@hrlearning.com.au
Event Title Creative Writing
Event Date Starting May 4th
Event Time Wednesdays fortnightly
Event Location Leura
Event Contact Name Margo Daly
Event Contact Email/Phone margo.daly@bigpond.com

A science course investigating in depth, the phenomena of electricity and magnetism. Theory as well as practical investigation will be covered to enhance the students’ understanding of the topic.

To deepen interest level and to develop a greater appreciation, the history of the electrical/magnetic phenomena is also explored. This will allow the students to gain an insight into how the minds of great philosophers and scientists work and how mankind made such amazing discoveries.

Skill in scientific presentation and report writing will also be introduced to the students.

Suitable for 11+ yr olds.
Electricity and Magnetism
Event Date 29/4/2011 to 1/6/2011
Event Time Fridays 9.15 to 11.30 am
Event Location Springwood Civic Centre
Event Contact Name Jenny Phillips

Your Name    Jane Shellshear
Your Email    jane@hrlearning.com.au
Event Title    Workshop in Handmade Paper
Event Date    May 3 & 10, 2011.
Event Time    Tuesday 1-3pm
Event Location    Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Lawson
Event Contact Name    Jane Shellshear
Event Contact Email/Phone    4784 2337
Event Description    Sadhana Peterson is a mixed media artist working in handmade plant fibres, textiles, ceramics and found objects.

In this two part workshop we will make plant fibre paper and sculptural forms from two of our local weeds in the Blue Mountains, Montbretia and Agapanthus.

DAY ONE
We will find out how paper is made from plant fibre, make a vat of paper pulp and then pull some sheets of paper from the vat using a mould and deckle.
We will also start a wire form to build a paper sculpture on.
DAY TWO
We will see how our paper from the previous workshop has dried.
Then we will use our plant fibre pulp to finish our sculptures.

This paper is very textural not like any paper you will buy in the shops.
It can be drawn on and made into books.

This workshop is recommended for ages 9+
Cost $25 per person
Book by April 28th
Contact jane@hrlearning.com.au

Your Name    Jane Shellshear
Your Email    jane@hrlearning.com.au
Event Title    Zero to Rio – FREE musical adventure through Brazil
Event Date    May 31st 2011
Event Time    1-2:30pm
Event Location    Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Lawson.
Event Contact Name    Jane Shellshear
Event Contact Email/Phone    jane@hrlearning.com.au
Event Description    Blue Mountains Teen Homeschool Group present ‘Zero to Rio’ with Richy Glasgow.

Using an adaptation of traditional Brazilian teaching technique, tutor Richy Glasgow will have you playing authentic orchestrated carnival rhythms in under 20 minutes, regardless of musical experience or ability.

In these workshops you will be introduced to the Brazilian bateria, or percussion orchestra that parades and accompanies carnival songs. No one is expected to read or write music: the rhythms are taught practically. These workshops encourage relaxation, listening as a communication tool and understanding the function of teams and the roles of team members.

Richy Glasgow utilises 30 years experience as a multi-instrumental musician and 18 years as a teacher of Brazilian percussion to take you on a joyous musical journey that runs from the religious ritual rhythms of north east Brazil to the samba de enredo that powers Rio Carnavale, the biggest party on earth.

We are inviting you to take part in this first session at no cost and with no obligation since Richy and I are confident that, once you’ve had the Zero to Rio experience, you will want to come back for more. So, if enough people wish, Richy will return for the following 3 Tuesdays to make this a workshop series you’ll be talking about for a while to come.

Recommended for 9yrs +

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!

Join us to send out the term with a bit of fun at the..
HUB Easter mini-market day!

Calling all little entrepreneurs! This is your chance to make a buck or 2 and have lots of fun! All kids are invited to book their own stall. What will your goods or service be? Selling clothes you’ve grown out of? Cakes you’ve baked? Refreshments? A nail salon perhaps? A busker? A fortune teller? Fundraising ventures? Easter egg craft table? Artist selling your own works? The possibilities are limitless!

Stall bookings are for kids only please! There will be a lucky dip for the kids as well. (No raffle as originally promised for the adults as the organizers have been busy with the stuff of life… Those disappointed will have to wait for the BMHEN annual market day bash )

WHEN: April 5th @ 10:30 am

WHERE:  Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, 9 New St Lawson

COST: $5 to book a stall.

BOOKINGS: ASAP and essential as stalls are limited! Email the Hub at bookings@bmlearninghub.org

WEAVING with Annie Hutchinson

Regular Hub mum, Annie Hutchinson, will help kids make their own little woven creations using cardboard and yarn. A beautiful meditative art that encourages concentration and fine motor skills.

WHEN: March 29th @ 10:30 am

WHERE: Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre

BRING: A piece of thick, sturdy cardboard for each participant. The size is up to you depending upon how big you want your woven work to be. Also bring along two balls of yarn. $2 for non HEA members.

BOOKINGS and ENQUIRIES: Annie: annehutchinson77@hotmail.com.

Please email to book by 25th March as places are limited

Open Day – Free Entry. Spread the word!

Thursday 17th of March @ 10:30 am.

Address: 114 Mount St, Leura.

For more info: 4784 3342

BMMAC runs weekly classes for home schoolers specifically. The group is seeking some more numbers to keep the classes running. If you’re interested get along to the open day to check out the space and chat to the teachers and other students.

More info on BMMAC on their website here: http://bmmac.com.au/

BOOK NOW! Still some spots left!

Chemical Reactions workshop K-2!

We all depend upon chemistry and chemical reactions everyday, but what are chemicals, where do they come from and how do we use them? In this hands-on class kids observe some chemical reactions that we may come across every day, much of which comes from the kitchen. Concepts covered include changes of state (solid, liquid, gas), chemical reactions involving changing colours and reactions giving energy as light, sound and heat.

WHEN: Tuesday March 8th @ 10:30 am (workshop starts 11am)

WHERE: Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre COST: $12 HEA members, $14 non-HEA

BOOKINGS: Essential! Email the Hub at bookings@bmlearninghub.org

Payment due by 4th March.

Calling for expressions of interest in this course specifically designed for children run through CPR Help.

CPR HELP aims to educate children with the appropriate knowledge of DRABCD management which has been designed to cater for young children’s cognitive skills.

• Danger
• Response
• Airway
• Breathing
• CPR
• Defibrillator

The CPR HELP program offers children a fun and rewarding experience.  The program consists of music, role plays and hands on experience of the recovery position, manipulation of manikins along with challenging verbal discussions to enhance the use of ‘000’ and their home details.  We believe by educating our future this will equip the children with confidence and the ability in an emergency situation.

Duration: 1.5hrs

Cost: $15 per participant

Upon completion children receive an award, detailing what they have learned and also a Certificate of Attendance.

All enquiries directed to Nikki Lee-Martin: on 47879009 or at nikkileemartin@yahoo.com.au

Creative Writing – Last minute places available
Event Date    Commences Feb 9th (5 sessions)
Event Time    Wednesdays fortnightly 12:30-2:30pm
Event Location    Leura
Event Contact Name    Jane Shellshear
Event Contact Email/Phone    4784 2337

If you were looking for a great way to encourage creativity and improve your child’s literary skills at the same time then consider this small and fun creative writing group. Last term’s group all wanted to continue on this term and so we have places for a second group to start the New Year. Due to some last minute cancellations we have some places to fill so that this second program can go ahead. Please see details below.

Creative Writing with Margo Daly
Join in on some fun and rewarding creative writing workshops.
In this small and relaxed group you can kick start your creativity with a variety of in-class writing exercises. Developing your craft and building creative structures step-by-step, you can begin to find your natural writing voice. Margo will encourage you to gather your ideas and inspiration outside of the workshop, “collect” characters, dialogue, detail and atmosphere to help create both real and imagined worlds.

Margo has published short stories, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, essays and reviews and edited three anthologies of creative writing.
She has taught creative writing and nonfiction writing for many years at UTS, NSW Writer’s Centre and Sydney University Continuing Education as well as in schools and community centres. She is midway through study for a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) at Charles Sturt University ,has a BA (Communications) from UTS majoring in Writing and Literary Theory and an MA (Writing) from Sheffield Hallam University (UK).
Margo recommends this class for ages 10+. She has experience working with literacy issues and is happy to talk with parents prior to enrolment.

Contact Jane on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au immediately.

Calling for bookings! So far we have not made the minimum number of enrollments necessary to run this course. If you are interested in booking your child/ren in, now is the time! Also, if you have booked but not yet paid please ensure you pay by the cut off date – 4th of February. In the event of the program not running due to insufficient numbers all fees will be refunded promptly.

Come and join us in a 4 week journey in art exploring a variety of medium and mix media applications. We’ll be exploring the imagination and storytelling in art, Each week the children will be invited to participate in an imaginative exercise that they can then choose to use as a jump of point for their art explorations that week, Bev will help us delve into an exploration of a different medium each week exploring its techniques and application and also how the medium interacts with previous weeks works. Participants will be given plenty of time for creating new works each week and/ or building on previous weeks works to create multi-layered pieces. Mediums to be explored include watercolour, pastel, ink and collage. Carers are welcome to share their chidren’s art materials and join in art experiences themselves

WHEN: Feburary 8th thru to March 1st.

WHERE: Mid mountains community centre

COST:  $44 HEA members, $52 for non HEA members

Fee includes an art kit for each participant to use in class and keep as their own afterwards (Kit comes complete with: pastels,watercolours, brush, pad of watercolour paper). If you are enrolling a second or subsequent child/ren and they are happy to share the one art kit, deduct $15 from the fee of each subsequent child. For example, first child is $44, second child happy to share the art kit pays only $29 for the program.

BOOKINGS: Email the Hub at bookings@bmlearninghub.org

Payment due by 4th of February

The Annual NOT Back to School Picnic!
This is an annual Blue Mountains Home Education Network initiative.

The Hub invites you to attend the BMHEN annual Not! Back to School Picnic.
Come and celebrate the home education choice!
This is a great opportunity to start the year reconnecting with friends, make some new ones, mingle and find out what is going on in all the local homeschool groups in 2011. Bring a rug and a picnic and join with the local homeschooling community to celebrate our lifestyle choices. Invite any friends you have that may be interested in exploring home education as well.

WHEN: Tuesday February 1st @ 10:30 am
COST:FREE
WHERE: Wentworth Falls Lake
BOOKINGS: Not required.

Hi everyone,
Last year a homeschooler’s pottery class ran down at Glenbrook (Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre). We are looking for expressions of interest so that it can run again this year. It is open to all homeschoolers. It is Fridays @ 1:30-3:00pm. It is a lovely class with gentle guidance from the teacher and the kids work at their own pace and create the things they want to make. Last year the kids explored various techniques – coil, pinch pot, slip joining and even had a go on the pottery wheel. If you are interested please contact me and I will get you in touch with the school to register.
Kiri

email: contact@idyll.com.au

phone: 0414 063 017

Event Title    JAPANESE
Event Date    4/3/2011 – 8/4/2011
Event Time    Fridays, 12-1:30pm
Event Location    Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson
Event Contact Name    Nikki Lee Martin
Event Contact Email/Phone    nikkileemartin@yahoo.com.au/ 0418694698
Event Description    Come along to this friendly class and enjoy learning about the Japanese way of life and this interesting, diverse language.

Jaime Elms, our enthusiastic tutor, makes regular visits to Japan and sources some great teaching aids there. This six week course introduces the basics of Japanese, with students covering introductory phrases and Japanese manner. You will touch on basic grammar, numbers and learn to recognise Japanese lettering. After only a few lessons you will be remembering phrases, catching on to pronunciation, and making conversation!

As well as equipping students with information on a culture so different from our own, studying Japanese opens many doors for those interested in pursuing a dream of travel, or a desire to work in a foreign country.

Cost: $120 or $102 if paid in full prior to commencement of course.

It’s back by popular demand! Your opportunity to reconnect with the home education communities of the Blue Mountains and surrounds. Perhaps it is your opportunity to touch base and meet some local home educating families for the first time. Perhaps you are thinking about home schooling and just want to drop in to check if home schoolers really do have two heads … or not. Whatever your reason… you are welcome! We promise there will be lots of adults to chat to and lots of kids to hang out with. There will also be people representing various groups in and around the mountains ready and willing to fill you in on what they are planning for this year – should you ask. So, bring a picnic, a rug, sun protection and … a change of clothes for your kids?…. (well… we are meeting at the lake!) and come and celebrate the JOY! of NOT! going back to school!

Feb 1st from 10:30am @ Wentworth Falls Lake!

More info? Kiri – 0414063017

Join in on some fun and rewarding creative writing workshops with Margo Daly.
In this small and relaxed group you can kick start your creativity with a variety of in-class writing exercises. Developing your craft and building creative structures step-by-step, you can begin to find your natural writing voice. Margo will encourage you to gather your ideas and inspiration outside of the workshop, “collect” characters, dialogue, detail and atmosphere to help create both real and imagined worlds.

Margo has published short stories, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, essays and reviews and edited three anthologies of creative writing.
She has taught creative writing and nonfiction writing for many years at UTS, NSW Writer’s Centre and Sydney University Continuing Education as well as in schools and community centres. She is midway through study for a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) at Charles Sturt University ,has a BA (Communications) from UTS majoring in Writing and Literary Theory and an MA (Writing) from Sheffield Hallam University (UK).
Margo recommends this class for ages 10+. She has experience working with literacy issues and is happy to talk with parents prior to enrolment.

Cost: $120 for 5x two hour sessions
Exact location and times to be arranged with interested participants.
For more info on BM Teen Homeschool Group events go to www.myhomeschool.com.au

Event Date    Early February
Event Time    To be advised
Event Location    Mid to upper Mountains
Event Contact Name    Jane Shellshear
Event Contact Email/Phone    4784 2337  or jane@hrlearning.com.au

A reminder for those interested in the course but that have not booked yet. Four more participants are needed for this course to run so if you were thinking about booking please get in touch directly with the facilitator on the email below.

ART ADVENTURES Term workshops

Exploring Literature Through Drama

To launch our program for the new year we are very fortunate to have Georgia Adamson present this innovative workshop over 4 weeks.
Georgia is an actor with the Sydney Theatre Company’s school drama program, working in schools using drama approaches to encourage investigation within literature. She has developed this class specifically for the teen group.

With Georgia you can come on an exploration of the book ‘Boy Overboard’ by Morris Gleitzman.
A story of adventure and hope, Boy Overboard is the first novel in the Boy and Girl series featuring the fictional character Jamal Houssini, a young refugee from Afghanistan. It tells the story of young Jamal, his sister Bibi and their parents’ long journey to Australia.

For more detail on this workshop and the Blue Mountains Teen Homeschool Group see our website at www.myhomeschool.com.au

Bookings: Jane on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au
Cost: $85 HEA members / $93 non HEA member

Event Date    Commencing February 8th for 4 weeks
Event Time    Tuesdays 1-2:30pm
Event Location    Mid Mountains Community Centre

Forensic Frenzy: a CSIRO Educational Student Workshop.

Come along to this hands on workshop where you assume to role of a forensic scientist and solve a crime!

For this case – The Kidnap and Ransom of Nathan Bloom- you will be supplied with a police report which describes the crime that has been commited including photographs and details of the four suspects. On the day, you work through 15 different activities in groups of three.
By the end of the workshop you will have collected a variety of`different clues and had a chance to try out techniques used by forensic scientists.

Recommended for ages 11+

Cost: $20

Bookings by Feb 22nd. Contact Jane on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au
Event Date    Tuesday, March 8th, 2011.
Event Time    1-2:30pm
Event Location    Mid Mountains Community Centre

Art Adventures (ages 5-12)
Ceramics, painting and global crafts.
This program is designed is designed to develop artistic skills and abilities through a range of different techniques.
During this creative adventure we will sculpt with clay, paint and draw and have a go at some global crafts.
Join this vibrant and fun adventure and learn lots of new skills!
8 weeks, 9th February – 30th March
Child $150, adult participation $75.
8 weeks, 9th February – 30th March
1pm -2:30pm wednesdays weekly
Scribbly Bark Studio
contact Selena Seifert
selenaseifert@gmail.com

Picnic Market Day

Thursday 18th November

at the Mid Mountains Community Centre Lawson

10am to 1pm

Come along and meet with other home educating families, share ideas, sell on or pick up a bargain on pre-loved home education resources and find out what’s happening with the local homeschooling groups. Representatives from the Hub, Blackheath Homeschoolers, Riv Kids, Blue Mountains Natural Learners and the Teen Homeschooling Group will all be there to help you with your enquiries.

The Arcade Circus will provide a  playspace with fun characters and circus props to explore. Free workshops including Music with Catriona McKay from Little Sings and Art with Selena Seifert of Scribbly Bark Studio are all part of the fun. A raffle with great prizes generously donated by local business is also on offer. These include vouchers and gift packs from Megalong Books Leura, Selwood Science & Puzzles Hazelbrook, the Edge Cinema Katoomba, Josaphan’s Chocolates Leura, Body & Being Leura, Colourart Springwood, Angus & Robertson Lithgow, Cream hair Studios Leura, Gleebooks Blackheath, Yuko Moon Blackheath, Eckersley Arts & Craft Penrith, Harmony at Home Blackheath, Dymocks Penrith and Scribbly Arts Studio Wentworth Falls!!!

Bring a picnic, settle down on a rug and enjoy this fun community event. A great way to celebrate Home Education Week.

For details see Blue Mountains Home Education Network http:// bmhen.org

For stall enquiries contact Sarah at sarah.brooks@mac.com or on 0406 268 588.

Further enquiries phone Kiri on 0414 063 017 or Jane on 4784 2337.

(Insurance for this event is provided by the Home Education Association Inc)

Join in on some Friday afternoon fun with this class, learn the language and absorb some of the culture of Japan. Jamie, our enthusiastic tutor, makes regular visits to Japan and will be sourcing some great teaching aids there. Her class on Japanese cooking is sure to be a highlight!

Event Date: Starts November 12

Event Time: 1-2:30pm Fridays

Event Location: Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Lawson

Event Contact Name: Jane Shellshear

Event Contact Email/Phone: jane@hrlearning.com.au

Additional Information:Cost:$120 for 6 sessions of an hour and a half each. $102 if you are able to pay in full at commencement of course. For bookings contact Jane on 4784 2337 or email jane@hrlearning.com.au or Nikki on nikkileemartin@yahoo.com.au

Join other homeschooling families during National Home Education Week for a special screening of Gary Caganoff ‘s documentary National Pass. We are very lucky to have the documentary presented by the film maker Gary (also homeschooling dad) who has generously offered his time and a free screening of his film. For those who are keen we will then walk the National Pass track together with a little time for lunch at the base of the falls and fun along the way.

Documentary Screening: Saturday 20th November 10.30am – YHA Katoomba – 207 Katoomba Street Katoomba.

Please bring $10 per family to help contribute towards the venue hire for the screening. If we get more families than have already expressed interest the fee will be less. There will be DVDs of Gary’s films for sale for those who are keen. These are $20 each.

Walk: Make your way to outside the Conservation Hut in Wentworth Falls after the film screening. We will wait for everyone so that we can all head off on the walk together. If you don’t plan to come on the walk please let someone know on the day. We will finish the walk at Wentworth Falls picnic area. We can either all walk back to the Conservation Hut or do a car shuffle with the drivers. Refreshments are available at the Conservation Hut.

PLEASE NOTE: The walk will take approximately 2 hours. There is a huge set of stone steps to ascend near the end, to the top ofthe falls. So be prepared for a puffing 15 mins or so, then up to the car park. Remember to bring sun protection, wet weather protection, snow gear, scuba diving gear – you know the general Mountains everyday stuff , water, food and of course cameras!

More Information

To express your intention in coming along (if you haven’t already) or for any other enquiries please get in touch with Sarah at sarah.brooks@mac.com or on 0406 268 588

For more information about the film visit http://www.lysisfilms.com/?p=116

More information about the walk including track notes, maps and how to get there can be found at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkwalking.aspx?id=n0004

Finding the YHA: http://maps.google.com.au/maps?client=safari&rls=en&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=yha+katoomba&fb=1&gl=au&hq=yha&hnear=Katoomba+NSW&cid=0,0,1494540595789284650&ei=q9jRTNHmFoeOvQP7qKGFDA&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=2&ved=0CBkQnwIwAQ

About the Conservation Hut: http://www.conservationhut.com.au/index.htm

There are still a few places left for tomorrow’s excursion to the Longneck Lagoon Environmental Centre in Maylya for homeschoolers K-6. Join the Penrith Homeschooling Group for the ‘Bug’s Place’ program especially designed for the group and to accomodate a broad range of ages.

If interested please notify Narelle asap by phone of your intention to attend. Cost of $5 per child payable to Narelle on the day.

Event Date: Monday 11th October

Event Time: 10am – 2pm

Event location: Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre – Whitmore Road Maraylya NSW 2765

Event Contact Name: Narelle Monaghan

Event Contact Details: 0400 226 877

Additional Information:

Timetable - A Bug’s Place

10am Introduction

10.15am Dipnetting

11am Recess

11.30am Usind Microscopes

12.30am Lunch

1pm Using Microscopes

2pm Depart

Please ensure students wear appropriate clothing for fieldwork, especially hats.

For more information about Longneck Lagoon and to download resources visit www.longneck-e.schools.nsw.edu.au

The aim of Riv Kids is for young children to have the opportunity to play freely and form friendships with children who they meet on a regular basis, as well as for the mums (or dads) to get to know each other and offer support and encouragement in our home-schooling journeys. We run a relaxed and informal program with open-ended art and craft activities on offer as well as lots of fun to be had in the playground. At the moment we have families with children ranging in ages from birth to 9 years. All welcome!

Event Date: Fridays Term 4

Event Time: 10am-12noon

Event Location: Mt Riverview Community Hall, 11a Calver Ave, Mt Riv (behind the shops & tennis courts)

Event Contact Name: Jenny Jones

Event Contact Email/Phone: bren.jen@aapt.net.au

Additional Information: Please email me for more details and copy of our ‘program’ outline.

If you have been considering these workshops please contact Selena asap to ensure your spot! Starts next week!

This term’s homeschoolers art adventure explores the mediums of ceramics, painting and printmaking. These techniques are richly varied and designed to build imagination and experimentation with materials.

The program takes inspiration from artists such as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Streeton and art movements such as En Plein Air and Abstraction. Students will be shown examples of famous artworks and demonstrated techniques that the artists used.

Classes are designed to expand and enrich artistic skills and inner creativity. Selena has a fun and informative approach to teaching and loves to demonstrate that art can be anywhere and everywhere you look.

Time: 10am for 10:10 Start – Finish 11:40 am

Location: Wentworth Falls (directions will be provided on booking)

Cost: Child $130 including all materials, sibling discount available.

Parent participation: $65

Begins: Wednesday 13^th October – 24^th November (7 weeks)

Enquiries and Bookings: Selena Seifert on 0429 482 933 or at selenaseifert@gmail.com

Event Contact Name: Sarah Brooks

Event Contact Email/Phone: sarah.brooks@mac.com

TERM PROGRAM

Week One – Funky Still Life

Taking inspiration from Matisse we explore pattern and line and experiment with abstraction and paper cut outs

Week Two – En Plein Air painting

Taking inspiration from Monet and Van Gogh as well as Australian landscape painters we will work outside (en plein air) to create landscape paintings

Week Three -Ceramics

Hand building elephants and puffer fish

Week Four – Glazing Ceramics

Under glazing our air dried ceramic pieces with coloured glazes

Week Five – Print making- Collography

Textured materials such as leaves, string, sandpaper, etc are applied to a board to make our own printing plates that we will then create multiple and textured prints from.

Week Six – Print making- Monoprints

Monoprinting, or creating one off prints is a combination of printmaking, painting and drawing, it’s beauty is it’s spontaneity as no two prints are alike.

Week Seven – The Natural World & Holiday Inspired craft

Exploring shape and form we will create Sculptures from natural materials and also finish up the term with some funky holiday inspired craft.

About the teacher:

Selena Seifert is a practicing artist and experienced teacher who has taught in many art centres in Sydney and Regional Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Art Education and a Diploma of Fine Arts, and a current Working with Children/Police check Certificate.

For more information visit: www.scribblybarkstudio.com.au

Join in on some fun and rewarding creative writing workshops with Margo Daly. In this small and relaxed group you can kick start your creativity with a variety of in-class writing exercises. Developing your craft and building creative structures step-by-step, you can begin to find your natural writing voice. Margo will encourage you to gather your ideas and inspiration outside of the workshop, “collect” characters, dialogue, detail and atmosphere to help create both real and imagined worlds. An end of course reading for families will encourage a focus for a sustained piece of writing and an opportunity to celebrate the group’s achievements.

Event Date: October 20-December 8

Event Time: Wednesdays 12.30-2.30pm

Event Location: Leura

Event Contact Name: Jane Shellshear

Event Contact Email/Phone: Call Jane on 4784 2337 or  jane@hrlearning.com.au

Additional Information: Margo has published short stories, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, essays and reviews and edited three anthologies of creative writing. “Teaching is something I love to do. I have taught creative writing and nonfiction writing for many years now at UTS, NSW Writer’s Centre and Sydney University Continuing Education as well as in schools and community centres. I am in the middle of a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) at Charles Sturt University to teach English with my aim being to set up writing workshops for adolescents.” Margo has a BA (Communications) from UTS majoring in Writing and Literary Theory and an MA (Writing) from Sheffield Hallam University (UK). She lives in Leura with her partner and two children. Margo recommends this class for ages 10 and up. She has experience working with literacy issues and is happy to talk with parents prior to enrolment. Cost for the 8 sessions is $160 and a 20% discount is available for Health Care Card holders. Limited places available in this workshop so please book early to ensure a place. Call Jane on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au

Join in on this class and learn the language and absorb some of the culture of Japan. Jamie, our enthusiastic tutor, makes regular visits to Japan and will be sourcing some great teaching aids there. Her class on Japanese cooking is sure to be a highlight!

Event Date: Term 4 for 6 weeks

Event Time: To be arranged

Event Location: Mid-Upper Mountains( details to be arranged)

Event Contact Name: Nikki Lee-Martin

Event Contact Email/Phone: nikkileemartin@yahoo.com.au

Additional Information: Cost:$120 for 6 sessions of an hour and a half each. $102 if you are able to pay in full at commencement of course. Location and time to be arranged to suit respondents where possible.

Blue Mountains Home Education Network

invites you to a

Picnic Market Day

Thursday 18th November

at the Mid Mountains Community Centre Lawson

10am to 1pm

Come along and meet with other home educating families, share ideas, sell on or pick up a bargain on pre-loved home education resources and find out what’s happening with the local homeschooling groups. Representatives from the Hub, Blackheath Homeschoolers, Riv Kids, Blue Mountains Natural Learners and the Teen Homeschooling Group will all be there to help you with your enquiries.

The Arcade Circus will provide a  playspace with fun characters and circus props to explore. Free workshops including Music with Catriona McKay from Little Sings and Art with Selena Seifert of Scribbly Bark Studio are all part of the fun. A raffle with great prizes generously donated by local business is also on offer. These include vouchers and gift packs from Megalong Books Leura, Selwood Science & Puzzles Hazelbrook, the Edge Cinema Katoomba, Josaphan’s Chocolates Leura, Body & Being Leura, Colourart Springwood, Angus & Robertson Lithgow, Cream hair Studios Leura, Gleebooks Blackheath, Yuko Moon Blackheath, Eckersley Arts & Craft Penrith, Harmony at Home Blackheath, Dymocks Penrith and Scribbly Arts Studio Wentworth Falls!!!

Bring a picnic, settle down on a rug and enjoy this fun community event. A great way to celebrate Home Education Week.

For details see Blue Mountains Home Education Network http:// bmhen.org

For stall enquiries contact Sarah at sarah.brooks@mac.com or on 0406 268 588.

Further enquiries phone Kiri on 0414 063 017 or Jane on 4784 2337.

(Insurance for this event is provided by the Home Education Association Inc)

The Blue Mountains Home Education Learning Hub

Lego Workshop

with Peter White

All ages welcome to come along and explore the world of Lego. Peter White, homeschooling dad, brings years of experience and a real passion for all things Lego. Pete will bringalong an interesting selection of System LEGO to offer the kids an opportunity to free form build or to build existing sets.

WHEN: Tuesday 7th December

TIME: 10.30am – 12.30pm

COST: FREE – small bags of LEGO available at cost on the day

BOOKINGS: Pete at aquanaut@optusnet.com.au

DUE BY: 23rd November

End of year Family Fun in the Sun – a day at Bulli Beach

Come down to the beach for an end of year family picnic. A mellow, laid back day for playing, eating and hanging out with friends.

Meet from 11am under the Hub banner on the large grassy area by the cafe and carpark.  Meals, snacks and drinks can be bought at the cafe or bring your own lunch.

Great fun for the whole family. The beach and rock pools are a few steps down from the cafe, with both a toddler and a larger pool. There’s a nice steep sandhill to roll down! and also a bike track linking Bulli with Woonona Beach for those that want to bring bikes. Register your interest via email so that we can add you to any email communications we have including more detailed directions, wet weather plans etc.

WHEN: Saturday 11th December

TIME: from 11am

WHERE: Bulli Beach

BOOKINGS: Lis at lisabogle@gmail.com

DUE BY: 27th November

The Blue Mountains Home Education Learning Hub

‘The Hub’ is a space which offers all homeschoolers and unschoolers the opportunity to participate in a range of activities specifically created for the home education community. ‘The Hub’ is run by a group of home educating families, partnered with various facilitators to provide learning experiences which enhance and extend what is already provided at home. By providing opportunities to home educating families to participate in activities they might not usually have access to and that they may wish to do in a group setting, we hope to make ‘The Hub’ a vibrant resource for the home educating community in the Blue Mountains.

Our seasonal programs are made up of a mixture of one-off workshops & events, short courses and community projects all run from a natural learning philosophy. We work with facilitators and other community members who share our principles of offering a learner-directed approach and our programs aim to give participants opportunities that allow for self-motivation, and encourage unique and personal learning journeys which embrace the creative process.

These group activities also offer the opportunity for those who want to connect with the broader homeschooling community. There is the opportunity to socialise and hang out in the space which includes an outdoor area before and after the sessions.

All home educating families – whether they participate in The Hub sessions or not – are invited to bring their lunch and spend some time together after the formal sessions.

Programs are currently running out of the Mid Mountains Community Centre in Lawson. Some excursions at various locations through the Blue Mountains. Bookings essential. For further enquires please contact us at info@bmlearninghub.org.

Location

Joy Anderson Hall

The Mid Mountains Community Centre

9 New Street Lawson

Join in on some fun and rewarding creative writing workshops with Margo Daly. In this small and relaxed group you can kick start your creativity with a variety of in-class writing exercises. Developing your craft and building creative structures step-by-step, you can begin to find your natural writing voice. Margo will encourage you to gather your ideas and inspiration outside of the workshop, “collect” characters, dialogue, detail and atmosphere to help create both real and imagined worlds. An end of course reading for families will encourage a focus for a sustained piece of writing and an opportunity to celebrate the group’s achievements.

Event Date: October 20-December 8

Event Time: Wednesdays – Time to be Advised

Event Location: Leura

Event Contact Name: Jane Shellshear

Event Contact Email/Phone: jane@hrlearning.com.au

Additional Information: Margo has published short stories, creative nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, essays and reviews and edited three anthologies of creative writing. “Teaching is something I love to do. I have taught creative writing and nonfiction writing for many years now at UTS, NSW Writer’s Centre and Sydney University Continuing Education as well as in schools and community centres. I am in the middle of a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) at Charles Sturt University to teach English with my aim being to set up writing workshops for adolescents.” Margo has a BA (Communications) from UTS majoring in Writing and Literary Theory and an MA (Writing) from Sheffield Hallam University (UK). She lives in Leura with her partner and two children. Margo recommends this class for ages 10 and up. She has experience working with literacy issues and is happy to talk with parents prior to enrolment. Cost for the 8 sessions is $160 and a 20% discount is available for Health Care Card holders. Limited places available in this workshop so please book early to ensure a place. Call Jane on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au

Join artist Jane Davidson for the popular Tuesday Art Class. This term we will explore sculpture. Try your hand at clay modeling, create an out-sized wire/papier mache figure , puzzle together a funky assemblage with found objects and explore the world of paper and card sculpture. Icky, sticky, sometimes messy, always hands-on workshop series.

Event Date: Oct 9-Dec 7

Event Time: Tuesdays 1-2:30pm

Event Location: Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson.

Event Contact Name: Jane Shellshear

Event Contact Email/Phone: jane@hrlearning.com.au

Additional Information

Cost: HEA members $137/ non HEA members $150 This includes cost of specialist materials for the term’s classes.

Bookings/enquiries please contact Jane on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au

Insurance for this event has been requested from the Home Education Association Inc

This term’s homeschoolers art adventure explores the mediums of ceramics, painting and printmaking. These techniques are richly varied and designed to build imagination and experimentation with materials.

The program takes inspiration from artists such as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Streeton and art movements such as En Plein Air and Abstraction. Students will be shown examples of famous artworks and demonstrated techniques that the artists used.

Classes are designed to expand and enrich artistic skills and inner creativity. Selena has a fun and informative approach to teaching and loves to demonstrate that art can be anywhere and everywhere you look.

Time: 10am for 10:10 Start – Finish 11:40 am

Location: Wentworth Falls (directions will be provided on booking)

Cost: Child $130 including all materials, sibling discount available.

Parent participation: $65

Begins: Wednesday 13^th October – 24^th November (7 weeks)

Enquiries and Bookings: Selena Seifert on 0429 482 933 or at selenaseifert@gmail.com

Event Contact Name: Sarah Brooks

Event Contact Email/Phone: sarah.brooks@mac.com

TERM PROGRAM

Week One – Funky Still Life

Taking inspiration from Matisse we explore pattern and line and experiment with abstraction and paper cut outs

Week Two – En Plein Air painting

Taking inspiration from Monet and Van Gogh as well as Australian landscape painters we will work outside (en plein air) to create landscape paintings

Week Three -Ceramics

Hand building elephants and puffer fish

Week Four – Glazing Ceramics

Under glazing our air dried ceramic pieces with coloured glazes

Week Five – Print making- Collography

Textured materials such as leaves, string, sandpaper, etc are applied to a board to make our own printing plates that we will then create multiple and textured prints from.

Week Six – Print making- Monoprints

Monoprinting, or creating one off prints is a combination of printmaking, painting and drawing, it’s beauty is it’s spontaneity as no two prints are alike.

Week Seven – The Natural World & Holiday Inspired craft

Exploring shape and form we will create Sculptures from natural materials and also finish up the term with some funky holiday inspired craft.

About the teacher:

Selena Seifert is a practicing artist and experienced teacher who has taught in many art centres in Sydney and Regional Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Art Education and a Diploma of Fine Arts, and a current Working with Children/Police check Certificate.

We are currently negotiating a homeschooler’s family martial arts class at a dojo based in Leura. The class would be for aged 5 to 105 (and I’m expecting my 2 yr old will ape his big sister on the floor too). They do a broad variety of styles (Arnis, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, Kendo, Karate, Kick Boxing, No Rules Fighting) to a high skill level, and our class will tailor to the styles of participants (if you prefer tai chi, they’ll work with you on that, if you want Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, cool). Our proposal is for a class on Thursday mornings from 10.30-12. It would cost $40/month ($10/week) for individuals, and $80/month ($20/week) per family. The dojo is fully equipped. Been there 30 years. Community built. Produced a bunch of world champions in various martial arts, with a laid-back and flexible approach. There’s a mini-farm there with a creek running through it (fruit trees and ducks, chickens, sheep, cockatoos, and koi fish in an ornamental pond) and an indoor space for smaller children to hang out with lots of toys and games to keep them ocupied. You can see what they’re about at: http://bmmac.com.au/ Let us know if you’re interested. louise

Event Date: weekly, thursdays

Event Time: 10.30-1200

Event Location: Leura

Event Contact Name: louise

Event Contact Email/Phone: louise@digitalmountain.com.au

Excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW + Botanic gardens

Join with other homeschoolers for a group excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW and then a picnic lunch in the Botanic Gardens.

Guided Tour: Limited spaces are available for a guided tour of the Art Gallery of NSW’s latest Indigenous exhibition ‘Art + Soul’ for a small group of 5-12 year olds.

This exhibition highlights the artists and art featured in the three-part documentary series Art + Soul, which will screen on ABC Television from 7 October 2010.

Art + Soul explores the diversity of Indigenous culture through three themes: ‘home and away’, ‘dreams and nightmares’ and ‘bitter and sweet’. Drawing on key works from the Gallery’s collection, it reveals the myriad contemporary artistic expressions that evidence the enduring heritage of Indigenous Australia, in all its diversity and complexity.

Self-Guided Tours: Those with younger or older children or those not wishing to attend a guided tour are welcome to self-guide around the Gallery.

Some of the current exhibitions include the ‘Art + Soul’ exhibition, the ‘La Per: an Aboriginal seaside story’ exhibition, the ‘Paths to Abstraction’ exhibition (fee applies).

The two groups will then have the option to share some time in the Gallery before lunch.

Lunch at the Botanic Gardens: Once we’ve finished at the Gallery we’ll then make our way to the Botanic Gardens for a picnic lunch.

When: Tuesday 14th September 11am (Guided Tour) Self-Guide + lunch (in own time)

Where: Art Gallery of NSW Sydney + Botanic Gardens

Fees: Free (unless individual families choose to see fee paying exhibitions)

Bookings: Email Sarah at sarah.brooks@mac.com

Sports Day & End of Term Gathering

Come along and join the HUB at the Sports and Aquatic Centre for a morning of basketball and indoor soccer and then some lunch and a play at Kids Kingdom.

We have exclusive court hire and have some fantastic games to play.

BASKETBALL – skills training + learn to play with Hub regulars Sasha and Jai

SOCCER – skills training + learn to play with regular Hub Dads Dimitri and Ombi.

Fee for the day includes entry to Kids Kingdom where you are welcome to bring your lunch. Some food available at the kiosk.

For those younger siblings (1 – 4 years old) not participating in the sports a reduced fee for entry to Kids Kingdom can be paid.

When: Tuesday 21st September 10.30-11.30 and then lunch + play at Kids Kingdom

Where: Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre – Catalina Drive Katoomba

Fees: $8 per child participating in sports (and $5 for younger siblings only requiring entry into Kids Kingdom) + $2 per family for Non-HEA Members

Bookings: Email Ombi at nichayd@hotmail.com

Teen Art Skills with Jane Davidson – starts TOMORROW!!!!

This is your last opportunity to join in this fun and exciting series of workshops with Jane Davidson BFA(Hons). Come and tune your drawing, painting and mixed media skills and be a part of the beginning of this new group for teen homeschoolers. There are still some places available so please ring Jane on 4784 2337 and make art and friends together.

This series of workshops specifically designed for teens will focus on drawing and mixed media skills, tips and techniques. Experiment with artist, Jane Davidson BFA(Hons) make the art you really want to make and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. Program Weeks 1 – 4 Drawing Skills – pencil, charcoal, brush and ink, colour texta Weeks 5-8 Mixed Media – introduction to painting, backgrounds with oil pastels, collage, watercolour and oil pastels

Event Organiser: Jane Shellshear

Email: jane@hrlearning.com.au

Event Date: starting 27 July 2010

Event Time: 1-2:30 pm

Event Location: Mid Mountains Community Centre – New Street Lawson

Additional Information: This is a Home Education Association Inc event. Cost is $105 (HEA members) and $115 (non members)

Aboriginal Cultural Bushwalk with Bundeluk
Join local home educating families on a guided bushwalk with Bundeluk – a local Darug tour guide, artist and educator. Bundeluk holds a wealth of knowledge around Darug History, bush tucker and medicinal plants, and traditional weapons and tools.
Where: Cataract Falls walk in Lawson. Meet at the end of Honour Ave opposite house number 94 in the car park.
When: Tuesday August 17th. Meeting at 10:30 am. We’ll head off at 10:45am.
Duration: We are aiming for a 1hr – 1.5hr round trip finishing with a picnic lunch.
Grade: Easy with minimal steps.
What to bring/wear: Closed walking shoes, plenty of water, a picnic lunch.
Fees: Single child family fee – $15 HEA members/$17 non HEA members
Multiple child family fee – $20 HEA members/$22 non HEA members
Bookings and payments: Kiri on 0414063017 or email: contact@idyll.com.au

African Cultural Experience
Chandu and Johnny from Cross Cultural Ecosystems are bringing Africa to The Hub! Through their specially designed cultural adventures for children, Chandu and Johnny encourage children towards a deeper understanding of other cultures as well as their own. What can you expect? Fun! Plus… colourful costumes which the children are encouraged to try on, dancing to the rhythms of East Africa, handling traditional artefacts,  learning some Swahili words and much more.
Where: Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson – The Hub’s regular meeting place.
When: Tuesday August 31st. Workshop starts 10:30am sharp!
Fees: Per participant (over 3 yrs) $16 HEA members/ $18 non HEA members.
Bookings and payments: Kiri on 0414063017 or email: contact@idyll.com.au

Come and join in on this first meeting of the Teen Book Club. Be a part of the voting for books the group will be reading and discussing over the next few months. Contribute your ideas for future meetings and enjoy some time to get to know other members and their families over some lunch and coffee.

Watch out for other BM Teen Group activities. This term – Art Skills workshops commencing July 27th with Jane Davidson.Please ring Jane Shellshear on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au for further details.

Date: Tuesday July 20th, 2010

Time: 1pm

Location: Mid Mountains Community Centre, New St LAWSON

Contact Name: Jane Shellshear

Contact Email/Phone: jane@hrlearning.com.au

Join this fun and exciting 8 week programme to help tune your drawing, painting and mixed media skills. This series of workshops specifically designed for teens will focus on drawing and mixed media skills, tips and techniques. Experiment with artist Jane Davidson BFA(Honours) make the art you really want to make and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask.

Additional Information: Cost: $105(HEA members) $115(non-HEA members) Bookings and payments: Contact Jane on 4784 2337 or jane@hrlearning.com.au When enrolling please ask for materials list. (This consists of basic materials which most participants would already have at home.) For any other concerns or enquiries re the workshop details please ask for Jane Davidson’s details to be forwarded. Programme Week 1-Drawing Skills Getting Started – Pencil Week 2-Drawing Skills Charcoal Drawing Week 3-Drawing Skills Brush and Ink Week 4-Drawing Skills Getting Started with Coloured-textas Week 5-Mixed Media Painting Introduction Week 6-Mixed Media Backgrounds with Oil Pastels Week 7-Mixed Media Collage Week 8-Mixed Media Watercolour and Oil Pastels. This event has requested insurance protection provided by the Home Education Association Inc. www.hea.asn.au

Event Date: 27th July-14th September

Event Time: Tuesdays 1-2:30pm

Event Location: Mid Mountains Community Centre, 9 New Street, Lawson.

Event Contact Name: Jane Shellshear

Event Contact Email/Phone: jane@hrlearning.com.au

A club for players with a good understanding of chess who would like to play in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.This is an opportunity to hone your skills and practise strategy along with other homeschooled chess enthusiasts and enjoy a social aspect to the game. There is the possibility of arranging coaching sessions from time to time if the group feels it would like.

Additional Information: Frequency and locations of meeting to be negotiated amongst group members. Enquiries call 4784 2337.

Event Contact Name: Jane Shellshear

Event Contact Email/Phone: jane@hrlearning.com.au

Event Date: Commencing 20th July

We are planning an informal monthly meeting of a group of 8-12 high school aged homeschoolers. If you love reading then come and join the discussion and share your thoughts on chosen texts along with refreshments and good company.Be a member from the outset and you can vote on the choices of texts to get things started and have a go at facilitating a meeting if you wish.

Additional Information: Locations may be on rotation at members homes or making use of local parks and facilities (weather permitting). All times to be negotiated by members from one meeting to the next.

Event Contact Name: Jane Shellshear

Event Contact Email/Phone: jane@hrlearning.com.au

Event Date: Commencing July 2010

Art Adventures – Mosaics, Sculpture & Expressive Drawing from Recycled Materials Workshop

Event Date – Term 3 – Starting 28th July to 15th September 2010 (8 weeks)

Event Time – Wednesdays 10am-11.30am

Event Location – Scribblybark Studio – Wentworth Falls (directions provided when booking)

Event Contact Names – This event specifically for homeschoolers has been organised by homeschooling mum Sarah Brooks (sarah.brooks@mac.com/ph. 0406 268 588) with local artist Selena Seifert.

Event Contact Email/Phone – Enquiries & bookings directly to Selena on selenaseifert@gmail.com or 0429 482 933

Event Description
This program is designed to build imagination and experimentation with materials and mediums including drawing, painting and mixed media techniques. Each session will focus on a theme (the environment, still life or figure work). Over the weeks a variety of exercises will be conducted experimenting with the different media. Including paint, assemblage, collage, mosaics and more.

Taking inspiration from works by Andy Warhol, Picasso and Matisse. We will draw, paint, and cut out shapes to make artwork combining oil pastel, watercolor and collage. Sculptures will be made of cardboard, wood, fabric, paint, tiles and decorative materials.

Students will use recycled materials, newspaper, industrial discards, such as foam, cardboard and material to make wonderful creations such as camels, giraffes, crazy critters and more. This class encourages imagination and construction skills while also demonstrating that art can be anywhere and everywhere you look.

Additional comments

Ages – 5-12 years

Cost – $150 for 8 weeks

What to bring: Art smock and snack/drink

Program

Week One –Pablo Picasso
Mixed media self portraits, oil pastel and paint resist method

Week Two – Andy Wahol– ‘Happy Bug Day’
Mixed media 2 dimensional insect sculptures

Week Three -Mosaics
Designing and cutting tiles

Week Four – Mosaics
Completing mosaics and grouting

Week Four – Vasily, Fernand Leger, Joan Miro
Expressive painting

Week Five – Cyber Art
Creating technology inspired sculptures from recycled materials

Week Six – Chinese ink painting
Expressive and watery brushstrokes

Week Seven – Funky Still life

Week Eight – The Natural World
Exploring shape and form – Sculptures from natural materials

Further information about Selena’s work www.scribblybarkstudio.com.au

In affiliation with the Blue Mountains Concert Society the Australian String Academy would like to invite students to attend one of the inspiring FREE educational concerts at three schools in the Blue Mountains and two on the Central Coast. The educational concerts will be just under an hour in length. This initiative has been kindly sponsored by the James N Kirby Foundation. Bookings essential and contact us as soon as possible to reserve seats, ph Ruth Donnelly 0437 399896 or email at info@asa.edu.au

Mon 2nd Aug Wycliffe Christian School, 9am

Mon 2nd Aug Winmalee High School, 11am

Mon 2nd Aug Blue Mountains Grammar Junior School, 1.20pm

Mon 6th Aug Somersby Primary School, 10am

Mon 6th Aug Gosford High School, 12 noon

For more information visit www.asa.edu.au/crossroads

Riv Kids
“Offering friendship and fun for home-educated children”

Event Name: Term 2, 2010
Event Time: Fridays 10am-12noon
Event Location: Mt Riv Community Hall, 11A Calver Ave Mt Riverview
Event Contact Name: Jenny Jones
Event Contact Email/Phone: bren.jen@aapt.net.au

More information about Riv Kids available in our ‘Local Groups’ section Riv Kids.

Event Description: Term 2 Program 2010
23 April
Play in the Park morning.
Bring your latch-hook project ** too!
30 April*
Play-dough Activity with plastic animals
Paper collage
Latch-hook rug project continued….
Wooden train & blocks
7 May
Play-dough Activity with paddle pop sticks
Easel painting
Latch–hook rug project continued…
Junk construction
14 May
Play in the Park morning. Long skipping rope.
Bring your latch-hook project too!
21 May
Play-dough Activity with shells
Beading
Latch–hook rug project continued…
Wooden train & blocks
28 May*
Play-dough Activity with tea set
Easel painting
Latch–hook rug project continued…
Wood work
4 June
Play in the Park morning. BYO board game.
Bring your latch-hook project too!
11 June
Play-dough Activity with rolling pins
Paper drop dye
Latch–hook rug project continued…
Wooden train & blocks
18 June
Play-dough Activity with gumnuts & twigs
Easel painting
Latch–hook rug project continued…
Soap sculpture
25 June*
Play in the Park morning. BYO board game.
Bring your latch-hook project too!

* On these weeks there will be a short time set aside for children, who would like to, to share with the group anything they would like to about what they have been doing or learning at home. For example: your child might like to recite a poem, read a story he/she has written, play an instrument, show an artwork or photo or workbook page. (This is NOT an opportunity to show and tell toys!) It was suggested as an opportunity for our children to encourage and share with each other their journeys as learners, and practise ‘being in front of an audience’ as well as being part of a respectful audience. This will hopefully be informal-ish and fun in atmosphere … and not compulsory, of course!

** Latch-hook rugs: Hopefully we’ll finish these off this term – encourage your child to bring theirs along each week so we can see how they are all going. We’ll also need to replenish our wool stocks from time to time so bring that along too for cutting to size!
Google latch hook rug for more info. Brief idea: http://www.wikihow.com/Hook-a-Rug

In the event of rain or gloomy weather please bring along a board game, card game or similar activity to share. (Wear thick socks for the cold floor inside!)

Please let me know if there is an activity you could help out with by bringing along and sharing some resources, or being responsible for organising.

Please don’t bring along your children’s toys.

Please bring a piece of fruit per child to be cut up and shared for morning tea. We will also have plain sweet biscuits available- eg Arrowroots.

Please BYO mug and we will provide tea and coffee, milk and sugar.

We need to clean up after ourselves! This will involve: wiping tables, benches, sweeping floor, cleaning toilet and sink. Please look out for opportunities to help!

The Painting and Craft Activities will obviously need supervision, and we will need a couple of parents to help with that each week please.

If you will worry about your child getting paint (washable according to bottle!) on their clothes please bring a smock.

Please remember that each parent is responsible for supervising her own child/ren and ensuring that Riv Kids is a friendly and safe place for everyone.

The fees are:
$30 per term for HEA members, payable at beginning of term.

Non-HEA members will be charged $40 per term,
payable at beginning of term.

Casual rates are $5 per family per week, or $6 for non-HEA members.

For further information please contact Jenny Jones
Email: bren.jen@aapt.net.au

Multi-Sports Program for approx. 3-9 year olds

Time: Thursdays 2.30-3.30pm
Place: Mt Riverview Community Hall park @ 11A Calver Ave
Cost: $7 per child/week

For more information or to express interest in participating during either term 2 or term 3 contact Jenny at bren.jen@aapt.net.au.

Visit the new Konfident Kids Website for more information about Konfident Kids http://www.konfidentkids.com.au

Archery, Music, Art, Team Sports – Home Education Penrith

Event Date: various days/dates throughout term 2
Event Time: tuesdays and thursdays
Event Location: werrington/penrith

Event Contact Name: cassie
Event Contact Email/Phone: cassie@homeeducationpenrith.com

Event Description: All the above activities plus more are now available for term 2. Activities cater to all ages from preschool to highschool. Please see our website www.homeeducationpenrith.com for the PDF containing full details. Bookings are also made via our website too. No activities over $10! Limited Vacancies! Please book NOW to avoid missing out. Many Thanks

PLEASE NOTE: Re. ARCHERY – today we were informed that unless we get at least 2 more kids doing it…it will be cancelled. The kids doing in now REALLY enjoy it and we don’t want this to happen! So……. if you had considered enrolling in archery (ages 8 & over) now is the time to do it before its gone. If you think you know someone who has children aged over 8 that might enjoy archery, please feel free to forward this message on to them.

CLASS DETAILS: Qualified Instructor. Indoors. All equipment supplied. Certificate Course

HOW TO BOOK
* bookings to be made via the ‘booking form’ tab on our website www.homeeducationpenrith.com

Thank You Cassie Ginn
For Home Education Penrith

Other Details:
Location: PCYC Station Street Penrith
Start Date: 27/4/2010
End Date: 22/6/2010
Time / Duration: Tuesdays 12.30 until 2pm
Costs: $6 per class ($42 for the remaining term)
Book by: now

For Further Information:
Organiser: cassie
Email: cassie@homeeducationpenrith.com
Phone: 0409 600 735
Times to phone: whenever

Visit www.bmlearninghub.org to view our upcoming program. You’ll find first aid and science workshops, opportunities for fancy dress adventures and an exciting extended physical theatre project which is sure to be a wonderful experience for all involved. A reminder that we operate a first in first served policy so please get in touch asap to register your interest. And of course please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries at all. We hope to see you at The Hub soon!
Event Date: Term 2

Event Time: Tuesdays 10.30-12.30

Event Location: Mid Mountains community Centre

Event Contact Name: Sarah

Event Contact Email/Phone: info@bmlearninghub.org

Pottery classes taught by potter Louise Green. Available for children age 6 years and above. Cost will be $115 per child for an 8 week course. There is a $5 discount for 2nd and subsequent children from the same family. Participants should select one or the other day. If numbers permit, a second day will be offered to those interested. Maximum numbers per class: 8 [so get in quick!!] This is an HEA event.

Event Time: thursdays 1.00 – 2.30 or fridays 1.00 – 2-30

Event Location: Blue Mountains Creative Arts Centre, Hare Street, Glenbrook

Event Contact Name: coral shaw

Event Contact Email/Phone: oshaw@pnc.com.au

I am organizing a creative writing workshop with author Bernard Cohen. His website is wwww.writingworkshop.com.au He “is the prize-winning author of four novels and a children’s picture book. His major awards include the 1996 Australian/Vogel Literary Award for The Blindman’s Hat and a 2001 Arts Council of England Writer’s Award. He was listed for three consecutive years (1997-99) among the Sydney Morning Herald’s Best Young Australian Novelists, and was inaugural Alumnus of the Year at the University of Technology, Sydney.” Our workshop will run over 2 weeks before the school holidays, and conclude with a third session in April. This will enable children to work on their composition over Easter. Bernard will take participants through the writing process from ideation to character and plot development, to basic editing techniques. Dates: Wednesday March 17th, Wednesday March 24th and Wednesday April 28th. Times: Ages 7/8 – 11 years 10am Duration 90 mins. Ages 12 – 16 years 11.45 Duration 90 mins. Venue: To be advised [Lower Mountains or Penrith]. Cost: The two sessions per week will cost $660 altogether, and the maximum number of children per age group is 18. ie. The cost will be $18.30 per student assuming a full class. If you are interested please reply to me by email with names and ages of your children as soon as possible. If you know of others you think may want to participate, please let them have my email.
Event Date: 17/03/10, 24/03/10 and 28/04/10

Event Time: ages 7/8 – 11 yrs 10am ages 12 – 16 yrs 11.45

Event Location: Lower Blue Mountains or Penrith [TBA]

Event Contact Name: coral shaw

Event Contact Email/Phone: oshaw@pnc.com.au

Event Title: Picnic & Swim

Event Date: 18.2.10

Event Time: 10am until whenever

Event Location: Bents Basin, Bents Basin Road Wallacia

Event Contact Name: cassie

Event Contact Email/Phone: cassie@homeeducationpenrith.com

Event Description: Come along for a picnic & swim at the beautiful Bents Basin with lots of shallow areas for the littlies & non-swimmers, sand to dig in & calm water. No need to r.s.v.p just come if you can. Please bring hats, sunscreen etc plus your own food & drinks. Feel free to bring water toys &/or balls, cricket sets etc.

Event Title: Mini Golf Fun Day

Event Date: Thursday 4th March 2010

Event Time: 10am until noon

Event Location: Penrith Panthers Mini Golf

Event Contact Name: cassie

Event Contact Email/Phone: cassie@homeeducationpenrith.com

Event Description: all ages event. $6 per child & $8 per adult (optional) must r.s.v.p by 25.2.10

Event Title: Music & Band Class

Event Date: 12.2.10 weekly for 6 weeks

Event Time: 11.30am until 12.30

Event Location: Werrington (5minutes from Penrith)

Event Contact Name: Cassie

Event Contact Email/Phone: cassie@homeeducationpenrith.com

Event Description: Terry Rae is a gifted muscician who has even worked with Frank Sinatra! Children can learn instrument of choice including guitar, drums, piano, saxophone, clarinet, flute etc. instrument hire available for additional fee please contact me for prices & details. Learn or develop skills in reading and playing music on all instruments individually & together as a band. total for 6 week course: $60 per child

Event Date: Fridays 12.2.10 for 6 weeks

Event Time: 10am – 10.45am

Event Location: Werrington (5minutes from Penrith)

Event Contact Name: Cassie

Event Contact Email/Phone: cassie@homeeducationpenrith.com

Event Description: Lead by Chelsea a trained dance instructor,children will be taught dance moves accompanied by hand held instruments, scarves and costumes they make themselves. Dance from other cultures is included.. This class is all about exploring the joy of dancing with the freedom of creativity.

Create take home art work using a different medium including canvas, clay & fabric each week. All materials supplied. 6 week term. Total cost $48 per child. I believe in an organic nature to art work. Children will be given all the materials they need and minimum instruction so that their own creativity can be explored.
12.2.10 weekly for 6 weeks
Tuesdays 10am until 10.45am
Werrington (5 minutes from Penrith)
Cassie Ginn
cassie@homeeducationpenrith.com

Blue Mountains Home Education Network
not! Back to School Day
Come celebrate with other local home educating families
what: a picnic (BYO lunch, blankets, sun protection etc)
when: Wednesday 10th February 2010 from 12pm
where: Wentworth Falls Lake
more info: call Sarah 0406268588 or Kiri 0414063017 or visit: www.bmhen.org

Please note that the cost and dates have changed since this activity was first listed. The proper costs and dates are listed in this post.

This fantastic science course is being run by Ben from Fizzics Education, in association with Coral Shaw, a home schooling mum with a science background. Ben is a scientist and trained teacher whose enthusiasm for science infects children and adults alike.

The senior course will cover atomic structure, valance, chemical bonding, the periodic table, the 6 basic chemical reaction types, acids and bases, exo/endothermic reactions, and balancing equations. The junior course content will cover similar areas in an age appropriate way.

In order to get the most out of the course, participants should be prepared to complete a homework sheet each week provided by Ben. At the completion of the course, participants will receive a BOS style outcomes and indicators report sheet. This course goes way beyond kitchen bench science, and will give senior participants a chance to conduct real experiments with real chemicals. NB for insurance purposes it is necessary for children under 12 to enrol in the primary course.

Time: Thursdays – Primary 10.30 – 11.15 am, Senior 11.45 – 1.00 am

Date: Starts 25/02/10 for 10 weeks, excluding April vacation [ie. ends 13/05/10]

Cost: Per 10 week course: Primary $12/week, Senior $16.50.

Please book by: 30/01/10

Location: Melrose Hall, Cnr Park St and Great Western Highway,Emu Plains, 2750

For more info contact Coral Shaw on oshaw@pnc.com.au.

For more info see Penrith Homeschool Group, visit www.homeeducationpenrith.com or contact Cassie Ginn at cassie@homeeducationpenrith.com.

We are a group of home educating families from in and around the Penrith area with children ranging in age from 18months to 13years.

We are a diverse group of people with varied teaching & learning methods, backgrounds & religions but we share the common belief that we are affording our children the best education possible by choosing to home educate.

We have optional regular ongoing classes together in subjects such as history & science along with social/educational classes in topics including African Drumming, Organic Gardening, Sailing, Yoga, Gymnastics, Theatre & Art. We try very hard to make sure that all children of all ages & abilities can be included in all our activities.

In addition to the above, we have occasional excursions/incursions (Life Education, Science Field Work, Museums, Galleries, Zoo etc).

All of the above are optional and if you would just prefer some socialisation: We meet for free play (we call it ‘Homeschool Hangout’) very regularly to share a picnic, a chat, some good old fashion mucking around & a laugh.

We are a secular group of families with children living and learning naturally in the Blue Mountains. We believe in home-based, non-institutionalised and non-coercive education. We have a small social meet every Wednesday in a mid-Mountains park and organise a larger park gathering for the last Wednesday of the month.

If you want to be in the loop, join our yahoo group:

http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/BM-NaturalLearners/

For more information on Natural Learning, see Blue Mountains Natural Learners.

The Blackheath Homeschoolers have been established for three years and meet each Friday from 12.30pm at Blackheath Park (opposite the Blackheath caravan park).

The group has grown over the years with children ranging in age, from babies to 13 year olds. We have no affiliations, no member requirements other than an interest in home education and no restrictions. All home educators are welcome.

We meet for fun, laughter, play, support, relaxation and to exchange ideas and a love for watching and helping our children learn and grow.

For more information contact Nikki Lee-Martin on 47879009 or at nikkileemartin@yahoo.com.au.

Catholic Homeschoolers are now meeting on the third Friday of the month at Lawson for a Mass and meet up in a park.

Please contact Veronica for more info veronica@brandt.id.au.

Please note that the cost has changed for this activity. In the next post are the proper costs. Also, final dates have been changed so take not of these please .

This fantastic science course is being run by Ben from Fizzics Education, in association with Coral Shaw, a home schooling mum with a science background. Ben is a scientist and trained teacher whose enthusiasm for science infects children and adults alike.

The senior course will cover atomic structure, valance, chemical bonding, the periodic table, the 6 basic chemical reaction types, acids and bases, exo/endothermic reactions, and balancing equations. The junior course content will cover similar areas in an age appropriate way.

In order to get the most out of the course, participants should be prepared to complete a homework sheet each week provided by Ben. At the completion of the course, participants will receive a BOS style outcomes and indicators report sheet. This course goes way beyond kitchen bench science, and will give senior participants a chance to conduct real experiments with real chemicals. NB for insurance purposes it is necessary for children under 12 to enrol in the primary course.

Time: Thursdays – Primary 10.30 – 11.15 am, Senior 11.45 – 1.00 am

Date: Starts 25/02/10 for 10 weeks, excluding April vacation [ie. ends 13/05/10]

Cost: Per 10 week course: Primary $157.50, Senior $262.50 (This assumes 10 children per session. Costs will fall as number of participants increase). We will share the cost of hall hire equally [$42/week].

Please book by: 30/01/10

Location: Melrose Hall, Cnr Park St and Great Western Highway,Emu Plains, 2750

For more info contact Coral Shaw on oshaw@pnc.com.au.

The Hub continues in 2010 with our vibrant Summer Season of workshops, courses and social days due to begin 2nd February. This season will see us kick off with our much anticipated Wearable Arts program. We will get together for some fun activity based social days. We are also very excited to be working in conjunction with the local Aboriginal Resource Centre to offer a series of workshops exploring Aboriginal culture through the arts. Further details: Please refer to our website at www.bmlearninghub.org. Or contact the organisers at info@bmlearninghub.org.
Starts: 2nd February 2010 / Ends: 30th March 2010
Tuesdays 10.30-12.30
Mid Mountains Community Centre – Lawson

Homeschooling circus class meets on Wednesdays during school terms, 10-12 at Leura Catholic Church Hall.

It is suitable for 6 years and older.

Various trainers run acro, clowning and prop workshops. We provide hula hoops, spinning plates, circus sticks, diablo and juggling balls, scarves and clubs.

Cost is $10.

For more info call Therese on 0411 981 540 or email theruffledlollipops@live.com.au.

Riv Kids – “Offering friendship and fun for home-educated children”

Here is the program for term 4 at Riv Kids. Riv Kids meet Fridays 10 am – 12 noon at Mt Riv Community Hall.

For details download pdf here Riv Kids 2009 Term 4 program.

More information about Riv Kids available in our ‘Local Groups’ section Riv Kids.

Join with us to celebrate the end of the first Hub term with an end of year African celebration program. All welcome!

For three weeks we will extend on some of the highlights of the African Program and explore some fun new areas all building to an end of year celebration. Don’t worry if you missed the earlier African program, now is your chance to join in the fun!

Download the pdf of the full program here ‘The Hub’ End of Year Program

More information about ‘The Hub’ available in the ‘Local Groups’ section of the BMHEN site http://bmhen.org/groups/the-hub/

When: Thursdays 2.30-3.30pm during term time
Where: The park at Mt Riverview Community Hall
Who: Konfident Kids is a gross motor, multi-sports program for approx 4-9 year olds.

The program was developed by a multi-disciplinary team including occupational therapists, teachers, physios. See: More information at http://www.konfidentkids.com.au/

More info available from Jenny at brenjen1@bigpond.com.

When: Mondays 12noon – 1pm… Commencing Term 4 (Mon 26 Oct)
Where: Boatshed at Penrith Regatta Centre
Cost: $8 per child
Who: Lessons are for all ages – they are happy and willing to put any age out for a sail as long as they have a life-jacket to fit …the youngest is for 18month-2 year old! Parents will be encouraged to join in as well and learn some skills to help out the volunteers.

The aim will be for the children to get to a stage of being able to sail on the lake independently – with help just a rescue motor-boat away!

If you are interested please let me know. There is plenty of room under shade-sail for littlies to run around. Spaces are limited – hoping for a group of about 15.

More information at http://www.sailabilitypenrithlakes.org.au/index.html

Thanks
Jenny
brenjen1@bigpond.com