October 24th, 2008
Lifestart has a specialised library for use by families and staff. The number of books it contains has increased significantly over past years courtesy of wonderful support from the St George Foundation. The library’s titles cover most acpects of disability, collaborative practices and therapy in education. Recent titles include “Supporting & Strengthening Families”, “Magic with Music” and “Collaborative Teaming”. For further information contact Liz Leggett on 9807 9700.
October 14th, 2008
Lifestart parent Damian Percy has opened his doors for business and hopes to provide many dollars of support for charities such as Lifestart. Titled The Charity WineShop, the internet-based business donates $20 from every case of wine sold to the charity chosen by the purchaser. With Christmas fast approaching, a visit to The Charity WineShop is a great way to stock up on quality wine for the festive season and assist Lifestart at the same time. Go to the Shopping with Lifestart page for more information.
(Damian and Terri Percy’s son Callum has Down Syndrome and they attend the Lifestart Northern Beaches Centre.)
October 6th, 2008
Lifestart Nepean is holding an Open Day on Tuesday 28 October at its new premises in Carinya Street, St Marys. The premises, a former Occasional Care Centre, have been made possible by the generosity of Penrith Council and the Nepean community. See Events for more details.
September 29th, 2008
The latest edition of Expressions, the newsletter for Lifestart families and supporters, is now available. This edition focuses on preparing your child for school in 2009. It also contains an interview with new CEO Andrew Wilson and an article on 2008 Community Father of the Year, Dermot McCutcheon, one of the founders of Lifestart. It also contains information on two important events in November, the ‘Lifestart Family Picnic’ and the ‘Dad’s Weekend Away in the Blue Mountains’. If you would like to receive a copy please contact us on 9807 9700.
September 17th, 2008
Lifestart Board members travelled to the new Lifestart Nepean premises for their September meeting. While there they were briefed by staff member and Special Education Teacher Carolyn Galbraith about an exciting new program for children with autism. Originating in the United States RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) is a family-centred program which encourages children to think more flexibly, share experiences with others and cope with an ever-changing world. Carolyn is currently undergoing certification in RDI and has already introduced aspects into programs at Lifestart Nepean. For more information on RDI contact Carolyn at Lifestart Nepean on 9623 2100.
September 9th, 2008
After nearly six years of searching Lifestart Hornsby has been granted a 10 year lease by Hornsby Council to take up residence in the former occassional child-care centre in Ramsay Road, Penninat Hills. With excellent access to transport and a shopping-centre location the new centre is ideally placed for Lifestart families. While activities will begin in the new centre from the beginning of Term 4, to completely make it a home the premises will have to undergo extensive renovation in some parts and a fundraising drive has already begun to assist with this. If you would like any information about the new centre or can assist in its renovations in any way, please call Area Coordinator Kerry Dominish on 0424 225 068.
