Family Newsletter | Term 2 | Week 9
Welcome to the final Newsletter of Term 2.
It is hoped that you have had a wonderful time at our programs. I have seen many happy faces. As it is Land programs final week (for those that were rained out), I would like to say my farewells to some of our instructors who are leaving over the break.
Ellie A., Lana and Jez you have been fantastic in Shred and will be sorely missed. The Shred program will not be the same without you. Madi and Adrian, creators and drivers of Girls Move and Defend, we wish you all the best. Finally, Riley who finished up mid-term. We wish you all the best and you will always be a part of the AUA Family.
Registration have opened for Term 3 and 4, so get onto the Parent Portal and check your registrations, or sign up for a new program. Link to Parent Portal can be found on our website.
Finally as we are coming to the EOFY, we are asking for support for our scholarships through donations. Click on the banner at the end of the newsletter, to donate through the Australian Sports Foundation. All money received goes directly to families in need, with AUA hoping to provide sponsorships to over 50 families in 2024/2025.
Have an amazing holiday break and looking forward to seeing you at programs soon
Lucas Thiessen
Staff Intro
Alex (Water Program Manager)
I am an exercise scientist by profession, a field I entered due to my love of sports rather than a love of exercise itself. However, I am deeply fascinated by the science of exercise and its effects on the body. My journey led me to become a program manager at AUA after designing the Waterabilities program, which ignited my passion for inclusion and reducing the risk of drowning among children with additional needs.
When I'm not working, you can find me at the local pub playing pool or scuba diving down the coast.
Cycle Precinct
AUA are excited to announce that we have received funding to build the Stage 2 of the Cycle Precinct. This means that a +200m cycle path will be built adjacent to Evatt Primary School. Included in this will be a new bike shed and more equipment for our participants. The project is hopeful to be completed by the middle of September, ready to go for Term 4!
Top 3 this Week
This weeks Top 3 have an Olympics feel. Good luck to all our athletes competing.
Sensory Play and Sensory Toys at AUA
If your child has a favorite sensory toy or snack, please bring it to our Water or Land programs. Share its use with the instructor to help your child engage in the lesson.
Sensory needs change over time. If you have sensory toys that no longer fit your child, please consider donating them to AUA. Collection containers are available at both Water and Land locations.
The Importance of Sensory Play
Did you know that sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, and spatial awareness all help our brains develop? From birth, we use our senses to learn about the world. Sensory play strengthens neural pathways, providing a foundation for future learning.
Sensory and fidget toys are particularly beneficial for neurodivergent children, children with disabilities, and those with developmental challenges. Here are some key developmental benefits:
Emotional Development: Sensory play can be calming and help children work through emotions like anxiety and frustration.
Cognitive Development: Sensory experiences allow children to explore and understand the world around them.
Physical Skills: Sensory play supports the development of gross and fine motor skills.
Communication: Children have many opportunities to communicate verbally and non-verbally during sensory play.
Social Skills: Playing alongside or with others helps children learn from peers and share ideas.
Sense of Self: Sensory play helps children explore and validate their feelings, leading to a stronger sense of self.
Taken from: https://www.aruma.com.au
Kimberly
AUA Family Support Coordinator
