Spring into School Holidays!
For most, the spring School Holidays this year will look a little different. While we are staying close to home, it might seem impossible to keep the little mischief-makers from going stir-crazy.
But, we can promise plenty is going on right here in our backyard. Check out our sanity-saving list of all the hottest holiday hits happening online and around town these School Holidays.
Do it in Your PJ's!
JD'S WORLD OF MAGIC - TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Did you know there is magic all around your home? You can take a simple rubber band or a paperclip, for instance, and turn it into hours of entertainment for you, your friends and family. Visit the Lake Macquarie Facebook page (@lakemaccity) at 10.30am each day of the School Holidays (Mon–Fri) as Joel Howlett from JD's World of Magic reveals a new magic trick to learn and perfect!
BUSY BEE ACTIVITY BOOKLET
Don’t miss out on your free Busy Bee Activity booklet that can be collected from any Lake Mac library or downloaded from their website. Learn more about bees and their role in supplying the food we eat and the clothes we wear through fun activities that will keep you a busy bee! Visit www.library.lakemac.com.au/Whats-On/Kids/School-Holiday-Activities
Holidays at Lake Macquarie
MUSEUM OF ART & CULTURE
Paper People Pledge for the Planet – Be part of this year’s BIG DRAW festival and help make a community art installation at Museum of Art and Culture (MAC), Booragul. The joined ‘Paper People’ chain will go on display at MAC in October. Everyone is invited to add to the installation. Print your own paper people template, or contact MAC (email actoutreach@lakemac.nsw.gov.au), and they will mail them to you. For more info, visit mac.lakemac.com.au/Learn/Online-Activities
Storytime with the Author Chrissy McYoung – Join Author and Illustrator Chrissy McYoung as she reads her book Rusty and gives you tips and tricks on how to draw dogs. You will have the skills to make your own doggy creations at home. Rusty is a book about the power of acceptance, trauma and behaviour, based on stories from foster care and out-of-home care. The story touches on emotions and responses.
WHEN Tuesday 21 Sept, 10am–10.45am
LOCATION Online
AGES 7 years+
COST Free, bookings essential
Holidays at Newcastle
NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY
School Holiday Workshop: Making Faces with Cardboard
Taking inspiration from the KILGOUR PRIZE 2021 exhibition, learn how to make assemblages of faces using cardboard and other materials from around the home.
Date: Monday 20 & Wednesday 22 September
Time: 10am
Free, online with registration via zoom: https://nag.org.au/what-s-on/what-s-on/online-school-holiday-workshops-making-faces-with-
School Holiday Workshop: Nature Craft
Join us for an interactive art workshop using materials from the garden or local park! Go on an adventure
and gather up some flowers, twigs and leaves to create your own nature craft.
Date: Monday 27 & Wednesday 29 September
Time: 10am
Free, online with registration via zoom
NEWCASTLE MUSEUM
Tuesday 21 September – A new Museum Express At Home clip will be launched, called Grow Your Own.
Thursday 23 September – Scientist Catherine will chat about all the science you have been doing at
home in lockdown and shout out five of her favourites. The emphasis will be on fun science that doesn't
need a lot of ingredients or supervision.
Tuesday 28 September – A new Museum Express At Home clip will be launched, title TBA (Paul Dear to
advise)
Thursday 30 September - Scientist Catherine will chat about all the science you have been doing at home
in lockdown and shout out another five of her favourites. The emphasis will be on fun science that
doesn't need a lot of ingredients or supervision.
Holidays at Maitland
MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY
If you’re looking for ways to get creative and keep busy through these School Holidays, Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s website has a whole heap of entertaining and engaging content to keep the kids having fun at home. Make an animated artwork with stop motion, puppet portraits, sculptures, and much more, as well as exhibition videos and artists insights. Check out the see-make-do at-home activities at mrag.org.au/whats-on-mrag/see-make-do-at-home
MAITLAND LIBRARY
Even in the holidays, we know that being at home and keeping kids engaged can be difficult, so Maitland Libraries are here to help with some fun guides and online self-driven activities. There are many DIY activities like making your own adventure map, slime art, a solar system out of clay, liquid fireworks in a jar, and enjoyable kid-friendly podcasts. If you want a free subscription for movies, music, magazines, newspapers and audiobooks, become a member at www.maitlandlibrary.com.au
MAITLAND GAOL
Join Snitch The Rat for some at-home Maitland Gaol inspired activities, like how to churn real butter, an online jigsaw and
a word detective crossword puzzle. Find out more at www.maitlandgaol.com.au/online-resources/snitchs-spot
Holidays at Port Stephens
Port Stephens Council will operate the Thrive Kids OOSH Program at Grahamstown, Raymond Terrace, Medowie, Tomaree and Shoal Bay with a two-week program that’s bound to be popular with kids throughout the region. Here’s just a snap-shot of the program (to get the complete program – email thrivekids@portstephens.nsw.gov.au or phone 4988 0308).
Week 1 – Thursday 23 September. Amazing Science – Pin Float, Larva Water, Growing Gummys, Salty Drinks, Water Drawings, Candy Creations, Bubble Painting and Splatter Art.
Week 1 – Friday 24 September. Witches and Wizards – Potion Bottles, I Spy, Pencil Wand, Pin the Scar on Harry, Wingardium Leviosa, Fortune Fun, Erumpent Horn, Dress Up: Everything Magic.
Week 2 – Monday 27 September. Coding for Kids – Spy Decoder Wheel, Finger Printing, Binary Code Necklace, Bridge Building, Coding Cards Critters, Game: Computers and Programmers, Dress Ups: Spies and Detectives.
Week 2 – Wednesday 29 September. Medieval Mayhem – Coat of Arms, Build a Knight, Glamourous Goblets, Castle Silhouettes, Dragon Eggs, Games Workshop: Medieval Tournament.
HSC Helpers
Online HSC Help with Regional Education Support Network
Online drop-in study sessions by the Regional Education Support Network (RESN) are designed to provide HSC students with a little extra support before sitting their final exams. Work in small groups to review and address areas of concern across a wide range of subjects.
From English to Mathematics and everything in between, RESN tutors will work with you to help perfect your short and extended answer writing skills, help work through mathematical and scientific programs, and provide hints and tips to help you thrive during your exams. Following this, you can join the RESN team for their Aspirations and Expectations seminar.
WHEN Friday 1 October, 11am–1pm
LOCATION Online
AGES HSC Students
COST Free
