Did you know that over 60% of all English words have been borrowed from Greek or Latin roots? In the vocabulary of the sciences and technology, it rises to over 90% because during the Middle Ages, Latin was the language of scholars and educated people.
Many children and even adults struggle as they are learning English if they are unfamiliar with the Greek and Latin roots that have so greatly influenced the evolution of our words.
I
am passionate about supporting students to be well versed in their knowledge
and use of the Greek and Latin roots, for they serve 3 key purposes.
Comprehension
Being able to recognise derivational roots within a text allows for a greater depth of understanding. Comprehension is supported when an unknown word can be broken down to its parts. eg. In simple terms, if you know that the Greek root ‘psych’ means mind and the Latin root ‘ology’ means study of, then the meaning of the word ‘psychology’ is easy to determine.
Spelling
Being familiar with Greek and Latin roots, provides the building blocks for accurate spelling. While many roots have been adapted over the years, there are common patterns and recognisable features that support the spelling of many multisyllabic words.
Writing
Good writers need to have a mastery of their language in order to articulate and express ideas and emotions, elaborate and describe settings and characters and persuade and encourage their readers to move or question or feel etc.
When a writer has an appreciation for the diverse vocabulary available to them, they can make the most effective word choices. The English language has an unusually large number of synonyms, due to the fact that it has been influenced by several different language groups. English writers should take advantage of this.
International beauty brand Sephora is continuing its Australian expansion, announcing it will open its latest Queensland store at Westfield Mt Gravatt.
Sephora has seen great success domestically, rapidly growing its national footprint in major cities across the country.
The new outlet, which will open on August 31 on level 1 of the shopping centre, will be the brand’s sixth in Queensland, since entering the Australian market with its first Sydney store back in 2014.
Photo credit: Westfield Mt Gravatt/Facebook
The Mt Gravatt opening marks the next step in Sephora’s Queensland growth strategy, following Chermside, Indooroopilly, Pacific Fair, Robina and Carindale. The new store will bring Sephora’s luxurious cosmetics and skincare products to south-east Brisbane.
Photo credit: Sephora/Facebook
Founded in 1969, Sephora has grown into an international beauty powerhouse with a devoted global following. The French brand offers an unrivalled selection of exclusive, high-end beauty labels.
Sephora’s extensive product range features coveted names like FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna and Huda Beauty, along with beloved favourites such as tarte and Fresh. Customers can explore makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness essentials from both niche brands and leading makers.
By curating the most sought-after and buzzworthy products in one exceptional shopping experience, Sephora has become the go-to destination for beauty enthusiasts seeking the latest and greatest items on the market.
Grand Opening
Photo credit: Westfield Mt Gravatt/Google Maps
To celebrate the launch, Sephora has planned a day of festivities on August 31 including free gifts, live music, makeup tutorials and more. The event is tipped to attract crowds of makeup aficionados and those curious to explore Sephora’s extensive product range.
For Sephora fans, August 31st can’t come soon enough. The new Mt Gravatt store is set to satisfy Brisbane’s growing appetite for innovative beauty products and services.
Authorities are warning the public to be extra vigilant when using ATMs after three foreign nationals were arrested in Upper Mt Gravatt and Sydney last week for their alleged role in a sophisticated ATM skimming ring targeting customers across the country.
Three Romanian men, aged 37, 34, and 21, were taken into custody last week after police received a tip-off from a financial institution about a card skimming device and pinhole camera installed on an ATM on Queen Street.
Detectives monitored the ATM and observed two of the men, ages 37 and 21, approach it on August 2. The men attempted to flee when confronted by officers but were apprehended.
A search of an Upper Mount Gravatt property the following day led to the arrest of the third man. Police allegedly uncovered additional evidence related to the skimming operation, including two pinhole cameras used for secretly recording PINs and several fraudulent identification documents. These items included fake bank cards, as well as images of a driver’s licence and passport likely used in the scam.
Photo credit: Queensland Police Service
ATM skimmers are illegal devices that clone debit and credit card data when unsuspecting customers use compromised cash machines. The skimming ring is believed to be part of a larger international operation that was sending equipment to Australia from countries including China, the UK, and the US.
In May, the US Secret Service arrested five people related to the scam in the United States. Their investigation tipped off the Australian Federal Police that members of the group were active down under.
The three men have been charged with fraud-related offences. Two other alleged co-conspirators, a 32-year-old woman and 33-year-old man, were arrested in Sydney on August 5.
Police say the group was skilled at disguising skimmers and pinhole cameras to blend in seamlessly with ATM machinery. Customers likely had no idea their financial data was being stolen as they accessed their accounts.
Photo credit: Sebastian Ganso/Pixabay
Authorities warn the public to be on guard when using ATMs and to immediately contact their bank and police if they notice suspicious transactions. The crime ring is believed to have defrauded numerous victims before being caught.
Detective Superintendent Craig McGrath said identity theft and skimming devices carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and that police will continue efforts to bring fraudsters targeting Queenslanders to justice. The men will face court again in September and October 2023 as the criminal investigation continues.
The Matildas’ intensive training at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in Mount Gravatt seems to have paid off, as they top Group B of the World Cup with two goals in each half, an impressive performance that saw them defeat Canada 4-0 despite dealing with key injuries.
Meanwhile, the Canadians became the first Olympic champions to crash out of the group stage.
Coming into the match off a poor defeat to Nigeria, the Matildas knew they had to win to have a realistic chance of avoiding a group-stage exit at their own tournament.
Any concerns were allayed when two goals from Hayley Raso put the Matildas 2-0 up at halftime. Mary Fowler and Steph Catley added the finishing touches in a brilliant second-half display.
Hayley Raso Brace Puts Matildas in Control at Halftime
The hosts knew they needed to start strongly against Canada after their recent attacking struggles. They did just that. At the 9th minute, Catley and Caitlin Foord combined to set up Raso, who brilliantly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
They thought they had a second when Fowler fired home from close range after a flurry of tackles and clearances in the box, but a lengthy VAR review eventually ruled Ellie Carpenter offside in the build-up.
Canada’s reprieve was short-lived, however, as Australia scored from a corner moments later. The visitors failed to deal with a corner and Raso tapped in from close range to deservedly double the Matildas’ lead.
Canada coach Bev Priestman made four changes at halftime in an attempt to turn the tide.
Fowler and Catley Seal Emphatic Win
Australia’s dominance continued in the second half. At the 58th minute, Foord rounded Vanessa Gilles and squared the ball to Fowler, whose shot ricocheted off the post and over the line.
The rout was completed in stoppage time when substitute captain Jessie Fleming fouled Katrina Gorry in the box. After a VAR review and the awarding of a penalty, Steph Catley stepped up to convert her second spot-kick of the tournament to cap a magical night.
The atmosphere was electric as the Matildas put on an attacking masterclass for the home fans. Each goal brought massive cheers and chants from the packed stadium, with the players celebrating passionately together.
Matchday 2: Nigeria Stun Wasteful Matildas in Brisbane
Australia took an early lead against Nigeria in their second group match of the Women’s World Cup. But two goals in eight second-half minutes paved the way to victory for Nigeria, who capitalised on a wasteful and slow Australia attack and lapses in concentration at the back to claim a famous 3-2 victory at Brisbane Stadium.
The Matildas went up 1-0 in the opening minutes through Emily van Egmond. However, Nigeria equalised before halftime off a set piece. The African side then scored two quick goals after the break to go up 3-1.
Despite a late strike by Alanna Kennedy to pull within one, Australia could not find an equaliser.
Matchday 1: Matildas Edge Ireland in Tense World Cup Opener
Australia overcame the pre-match injury of superstar captain Sam Kerr to defeat a spirited Ireland side 1-0 in their opening match of the Women’s World Cup.
Stand-in captain Steph Catley scored the only goal of the match with a well-taken penalty in the 52nd minute.
The Matildas held off a late resurgence from the Irish squad to secure a 1-0 win.
Matildas Top Group B Amid Injuries
Many Australian fans would have expected the worst after their shocking loss to Nigeria. The country faced the prospect of becoming the second host nation to be eliminated at the group stage.
But they turned it on when they needed to most, beating a Canada side that defeated them twice in Australia last year.
Their emphatic 4-0 rout of Canada shows the squad’s potential when firing on all cylinders. The win, combined with Nigeria’s draw with Ireland, means the Matildas top Group B. They will play in the Round of 16 at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
While injuries and inconsistent performances raised doubts earlier in the tournament, this dominant display will give Australia confidence as they aim to capture their first World Cup title on home soil.
Speaking on Triple M Brisbane’s breakfast radio show, host Margaux Parker commended the Matildas for taking a stand as they highlighted the ongoing discussions on pay for male and female footballers.
In particular, the Matildas highlighted the disparity in prize money between the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments,AND the lack of full-time professional opportunities for women in Australia’s domestic competition, the A-League Women.
Parker said sports fans need to actively support women’s leagues and matches.
“What needs to change is eyeballs on the game,” Parker said. “If you want to see women paid more for their participation in sport, you need to buy the tickets, you need to go to the games, you need to watch them.”
Parker encouraged listeners to bring family and friends to women’s sporting events. She argues that increased attendance is the only way women will get more opportunities and higher salaries in professional leagues. She acknowledged the quality gap compared to men’s sports, but said investing in women’s leagues now will help develop the games over time.
The debate around pay equality has escalated in recent years as female athletes continue to advocate for fair treatment. While progress has been made, pay gaps persist across many sports worldwide.
The Matildas hope their World Cup campaign will keep the issue in the spotlight. Meanwhile, personalities such as Parker are urging fans to actively support women’s sport to drive financial investment and growth.
The proposed centre will be located at 1128 Cavendish Road on a currently vacant 2,303 sqm site.
Designed by architecture firm Elevation Architecture, the childcare centre will feature 11 activity rooms, four outdoor play areas, and parking for 61 cars. It is planned to accept children aged from six weeks and above, operating Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. if approved.
Photo credit: Elevation Architecture
The development also incorporates a 216 sqm commercial tenancy which could be used for a shop, office, healthcare, veterinary clinic or food outlet. This aims to integrate the centre into the surrounding commercial and residential area.
Photo credit: Elevation Architecture
Landscaping and deep planting are included in the proposal, with the built form and scale of the development intended to seamlessly match existing buildings nearby.
The site is bordered by Mt Gravatt TAFE Campus to the northwest and Seton College, to the southeast. Across the street sits Esida Lodge Aged Care, a nursing home facility. The surrounding area contains a diverse blend of residential, commercial, educational, and industrial buildings, notably a sizable industrial park situated 350 metres east.
“The proposal will co-locate small-scale Healthcare Services and Offices with the Childcare Centre, resulting in a multifunctional service hub that provides for the needs of the local community,” planners stated.
Photo credit: Elevation Architecture
“The proposal will create a community service hub that will predominantly provide for the care and support of children, whilst also enabling uses that service the adjoining educational uses and surrounding residential area.”
Planners from Murray Bell Planning added that the proposal delivers a building height that will not result in overshadowing adjoining properties and the overall height is consistent with predominate building height of the Mt Gravatt East locality.
Over the years, I have met with countless students who at first believed they were ‘no good at maths’. Imagine their delight when we helped them discover their inner ‘problem solver’.
Many would describe maths as ‘logical, black and white, right or wrong’; for there can only ever be one correct answer. While this may be true, there can often be several ways to solve the same problem, suggesting that mathematics is perhaps a far more creative endeavour than we have previously given it credit for.
The ability to solve problems, mathematical or otherwise, often requires us to think outside the box, to be original and to identify a way forward that others may not have considered.
It engages a creativity that is often not normally associated with the logic inherent in finding a solution, particularly as it applies to numbers.
However, some would argue that Mathematical problem solving is in the same realm as writing music or playing an instrument, in that while it is bound by laws and limitations, it is also a natural expression of our mind’s unique and infinite capacity to form patterns and ideas.
Everyone of us is a problem solver, in a multitude of ways and in a vast array of daily contexts.
When children see themselves as problems solvers and see maths as a way to ‘create’ solutions, it can help to break down the barriers that prevent them from trying in the first place.
Problem solving involves three key things:
What is the problem asking for? i.e. be sure to identify the unit of measurement and record this near the bottom of the working out page before you have even done the calculations.
What operation/ operations will be required? i.e. look for language in the text that indicates whether you will be adding, or dividing and think of a reasonable estimate.
What strategy is going to be most efficient?
When it comes to Problem Solving of more complex worded problems, it is important that children are adept at using a range of strategies, as it will enable them to discern what will be the best approach to use for any given problem.
For example, if a problem involves finding the area of a compound shape, ‘drawing a picture’ and writing measurements as described, will allow the child to visually understand the task and keep track of each step.
In another instance, it may be more efficient to ‘work backwards’ and in another, perhaps a ‘guess and check’ approach.
Below is a list of effective Problem Solving strategies that you and your child can explore when presented with a mathematical problem.
1. Read the problem aloud – By reading the problem aloud, they can help to clarify any confusion and better understand what’s being asked.
2. Summarise the information – Using dot points or a short sentence, list out all the information given in the problem.
3. Create a picture or diagram – By drawing a picture, can better understand what’s being asked and identify any information that’s missing.
4. Act it out – It can enable students to see the problem in a different way and develop a more intuitive understanding of it.
5. Use keyword analysis – Keyword analysis involves asking questions about the words in a problem in order to work out what needs to be done.
6. Look for a pattern – This could be a number, a shape pattern or even just a general trend that you can see in the information given.
7. Guess and check – Simply make a guess at the answer and then check to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you make another systematic guess and keep going until you find a solution that works.
8. Working backwards – Regressive reasoning, or working backwards, involves starting with a potential answer and working your way back to figure out how you would get there.
9. Use a formula – There will be some problems where a specific formula needs to be used in order to solve it.
10. Use direct reasoning – By breaking the problem down into smaller chunks, you can start to see how the different pieces fit together and eventually work out a solution.
12. Solve a simpler problem – Or if you’re struggling with the addition of algebraic fractions, go back to solving regular fraction addition first.
With dimensions exceeding the size of the South Bank parklands, the 30-hectare Pine Mountain Quarry is envisioned to provide extensive green space for residents and visitors, once transformed under a proposed rehabilitation plan.
The proposed rehabilitation plan covers both Pine Mountain Quarry and the Mount Coot-tha Quarry.
Whilst currently operating as a recycling facility, Pine Mountain Quarry had a previous life as a quarry that supplied hard rock for nearly three decades. It was part of Boral’s operations from 1964 to 1991 before being acquired by the BMI group in 2013.
Meanwhile, Mount Coot-tha Quarry has been operational for over a century, supplying approximately 400,000 tonnes of asphalt aggregate each year. It has played a crucial role in Brisbane’s infrastructure, with asphalt aggregates from the quarry used in over 96 per cent of the city’s roads. Council has managed the site since 1926.
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner, envisions these currently “very barren” sites becoming valuable assets for the city. The vastness of the quarries is notable, with Pine Mountain Quarry spanning approximately 30 hectares and Mount Coot-tha Quarry covering around 26 hectares. These dimensions exceed the size of the South Bank parklands, offering ample space for the development of extensive green areas.
Brisbane City Council aims to open these rehabilitated quarries to the public before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing additional recreational opportunities. Whilst acknowledging the ongoing importance of the quarries, Cr Schrinner emphasises the need for long-term planning and preparation to ensure a seamless transition.
Alongside the quarry rehabilitation plans, the Brisbane City Council unveiled the master plan for the transformation of Victoria Park/Barrambin. The project’s $141 million allocated budget for the following four years is intended to rejuvenate the 64-hectare site.
The master plan outlines various exciting features, including the restoration of central waterholes and the introduction of a “rewilding” canopy covering over 60 per cent of the area. Also included is an adventure playground and nature water play gully. Additionally, a high ropes course, and mountain biking trail are proposed under the master plan.
Cr Schrinner expresses enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to create a beloved destination in Brisbane. The plan’s focus on restoring the natural landscape, wetlands, and watering holes, along with a substantial increase in tree cover, promises an exciting and vibrant outcome.
The most common question I am asked by parents of primary school-aged children is, “What can I do at home to help my child with their learning?”
When it comes to a child’s literacy development, the single most powerful tool for parents to understand, is the role they themselves play, in the shared reading experience.
When a child reads out loud to a parent who is listening, interacting and present in the moment, you would be surprised at just how many processes are working at the same time. Reading together is far more valuable than you may have realised and the best part for busy parents is, it takes next to no time to prepare and the only resource you need is a good book.
For younger children, learning to read begins with engaging conversations around pictures, turning pages and making up stories in their own words, identifying characters and recognising settings, taking turns and recalling events, making simple inferences and chatting about their own, perhaps similar, prior experiences.
As a child begins to learn the concepts of letters and sounds and words and phrases, the text itself begins to offer clues and opportunities for discussion. There develops a conservation of text, whereby the sounds and words are read consistently every time and strategies for decoding and reading accuracy, along with greater word recognition and phrase fluency, become ever more important in the search for meaning.
As a child begins to master the skills of ‘learning to read’, the focus begins to shift to one of ‘reading to learn’. This is where all levels of comprehension develop, from the simplest, literal translation to the deepest analytical interpretation. It is important at every stage, but most critically at this point, that the child is exposed to a wide and rich range of text types.
Reading in itself, is of huge benefit to every child, but it is in the opportunities for lively, fun and contemplative shared reading, that children will develop life-long skills that impact all aspects of their learning. The greatest hack for any parent wanting to help their child at home, is simply to enjoy 10-15 minutes every day, reading together.
The list of benefits is far reaching, but below are just some of the reasons why the shared reading experience is so effective.
It’s fun! Offers regular ‘bonding’ time between parent and child Develops letter, sound and word recognition Extends vocabulary Improves general knowledge Lays the foundation for easy communication between child and parent Instills a love of reading and learning Supports improved sleep patterns Stimulates creativity and imagination Encourages debate and the development of personal views Improves the child’s writing in almost every way! This one is huge! Reduces stress Develops memory and focus
Prepare yourself for a number of exciting free kids events coming up at the Garden City Library. These exciting events are not to be missed, with a lineup made to spark young imaginations and make lifelong memories.
The Garden City Library offers a variety of activities for all ages, including enchanted storytimes and coding experiences. Whether you’re looking to embark on coding adventures or indulge in enchanting storytime sessions, the kids events at the Garden City Library has something for everyone.
Family fun on the Intelino smart train
First up is the thrilling “Family fun on the Intelino smart train,” an interactive event that will transport kids between the ages of 5-8 and their caregivers on an enthralling coding adventure. What’s best? No prior programming knowledge is necessary! The Intelino train is ideal for novices since it provides an approachable introduction to coding.
Do not forget to reserve your space in advance. Simply dial 07 3403 7745 to contact the Garden City Library. The action-packed event is slated to begin at 2:00 pm on 1 July 2023.
First 5 Forever children’s storytime
Calling all little bookworms and their families! Don’t miss the enchanting “First 5 Forever children’s storytime” on 2 July. This magical session is tailored for children aged 2-5 years and aims to nurture a love for reading while igniting their imaginative spirits.
Join in the fun for some engaging stories, delightful songs, and creative mark-making activities. No booking is required! The event commences at 10:30 am and lasts for half an hour.
It’s made possible by generous funding from the Queensland Government through the First 5 Forever initiative.
For those with an artistic flair, “Make and Create” is the perfect event to unleash your creativity. Drop into the Garden City Library during the upcoming school holidays and immerse yourself in free craft sessions starting at 2 pm on 2 July 2023.
Let your imagination run wild as we explore the shortlisted books for the Children’s Book Council Australia’s Book of the Year. This event welcomes children of all ages, and no booking is required.
Garden City Library is located within Garden City Shopping Centre on the corner of Logan and Kessels Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.
