It’s been a little while since our last update, but we’re getting back on top of things and intend to get back to our monthly newsletter. Lots of updates, so please grab a cuppa and settle in!
Spectator Density Limits
The last time the Government updated any restrictions was on February 26th, there have been no changes made since then. This means we still find ourselves restricted to the 4-sqm per space rule. We are patiently waiting for the government to make changes, but there is nothing we can do until then.
We would really appreciate it if parents did not stay to watch their child unless there is a need to stay. As we have some space, we are asking parents of the first classes of the day (4 and 4:12pm weekdays and 8:36am weekends) not to come in and stay every week, we want to give everyone a fair go at getting to watch their child every now and again.
We ask that you hold on for a bit longer, we are very hopeful that with no cases in Victoria for such a long time, that restrictions will be eased again to allow you to get in and enjoy seeing your child.
Cheerleading Club Next Door
As if our car park couldn’t get any busier. During COVID lockdown Southern Cross Cheerleading took on the lease to the building next door. They have been operating there for the last 5 months without a planning permit nor a building permit.
We understand that the council intends to support their planning application to have up to 50 patrons, which seems outrageous for a tenancy 1/3 of the size of ours and considering the already choked car park and thoroughfare. What this means is that they could have 50 people in there and 50 cars coming through and looking for parks.
If you as a parent feel that this would severely impact your experience of our precinct, we encourage you to call Mary at the City of Darebin Planning Department on 8470 8850 or via email Mary.Thomas@darebin.vic.gov.au and express your concerns. If they hear from enough residents it may put a stop to the permits.
COVID is not over…
We are so optimistic by the low to basically nonexistent case numbers in Victoria. However, we still have a long way to go before it is business as usual. It is very important if your child is sick with any disease, be it the simple flu, gastro (which seems to be back with a vengeance), slap cheek, hand foot and mouth, chickenpox…you get the idea, please KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME.
Sending your child to the gym sick and potentially spreading that sickness to staff and other participants, has a far-reaching effect. We don’t want anyone missing out on life as normal, now that we are finally back to some semblance of that, so please be respectful of your other Twisters members and stay away. We have unlimited make-ups in place so that parents can feel comfortable missing a class if they need to.
Updated QR Code
As of this week, we are required to move to the Victorian Governments QR code. When you come into the facility next and scan the code on the wall it will take you to a different site to log in. Don’t worry, if you have scanned in anywhere else it will remember you and you will not have to spend the time filling in your details.
Tiny Tornadoes has come to Sundays at Northcote!
We have had an increasing number of parents requesting our under 5’s Tiny Tornadoes program be available on weekends for those kids that are in childcare full time.
We are excited to announce that we have created some additional classes on a Sunday. Class times available are (all timeslots offer both 2/3 year old and 4/5 year old classes): Sunday 2 – 2:40pm, 2:50 – 3:30pm and 3:40 – 4:20pm
You can book in through the Parent Portal.
Term Dates and *reminder* of Northcote Change
An important note here regarding term days for the rest of the year, take a moment and pop them in your calendar!
Showgrounds classes run non-stop throughout the year; we are only closed on public holidays.
Northcote has moved to only 1-week of school holidays. Otherwise, classes are on, only closed for public holidays.
For a list of public holidays when the gym is closed, for testing dates, and for Northcote terms dates, head here.
* Coming up, Twisters will be closed for the Easter break from Friday, April 2nd to Monday, April 5th.
Holiday Program
Yes, they are back! We have full day, half day and workshops available at Northcote and workshops available at Showgrounds.
To see dates, times, and the themes being offered, visit here.
Make-Up Classes
The school holidays coming up and this is a great time to squeeze in a few extra classes, we encourage you to use your make-up tokens! We’d like to take the opportunity to walk you through how to make a booking through the app:
• Download the ‘iClassPro App’, and set your organisation as ’twistersgym’. Then use your Parent Portal details to login.
• Select ‘Account’, then ‘Makeups’. You’ll be able to see your tokens under ‘Current Location Tokens’.
• Simply select ‘Use Token’ and use the calendar to select the preferred date (can only be booked 7 days in advance).
• All done!
It is greatly appreciated when parents put in an unexpected absence ahead of time, as this allows others to book into that class for a make-up; our system recognises there is room on a particular day. This can be done through the app too!
One-Way Car Park at Northcote
With more and more of our members returning to Twisters. Parking and the car park in general is getting very busy. We just wanted to remind members that traffic coming through the units on Beavers Road is one-way. In from Beavers Road, and out onto Arthurton Road.
If you would prefer not to exit onto Arthurton, please ensure you park out on Beavers Road or another side street and walk into the centre. While we understand this can be frustrating, we are trying to adhere to the rules put in place by Centre Management.
Car Exhaust
With parents at Northcote doing drop-offs and pick-ups [but unable to stay], there are more and more cars idling in the undercover carpark. We ask parents to turn their cars off rather than idling to save the lungs of the people waiting at the front doors to enter the facility.
Idling and exposure to traffic-related air pollutants has been directly linked to allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases, to heart and cardiovascular diseases, and to cancer. Some studies even show exposure to these pollutants is associated with low birth weight babies. Also, chemical reactions between exhaust emissions has been associated with eye, nose and throat irritation and, in higher concentrations, asthma, bronchitis, increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, and decreased lung function.
So next time you pull up at the gym, turn your engine off.
Comp Season Reboot
Our competitive gymnasts have had a long wait to get the chance to compete. COVID hit right at the start of the competition season for 2020, so all of our kids have not hit the comp floor since 2019… We wish you all the best of luck as you prepare for what will be a fantastic season. In particular, our level 5 and 6 gymnasts will be travelling to Queensland in July to compete for Twisters at the National Club Championships!
Child Protection Update
1. With drop-off and pick-ups occurring out the front of our facilities. It is our coaches job to visually eyeball every child’s guardian picking-up. Please make sure you get out of your car and come to the door so that we can be sure that every child makes it safely into your hands.
2. Our staff have been undertaking a fantastic online course that Gymnastics Victoria in conjunction with Special Olympics Australia has developed. This course provides practical strategies of coaching athletes with autism in gymnastics. With growing awareness of Autism, this is a fabulous opportunity for our staff to gain further training!
Get Social!
Do you follow Twisters on Instagram or Facebook? We post every day with exciting gymnast skill features, reminders of gym closures and important information, getting to know your coach, skill progressions and so much more!
Loads of great content, so come and follow along!
Instagram | @twistersgym
Facebook | @TwistersGymnastics
Gymnast of the Month
Congratulations to our Gymnasts of the Month since the start of 2021!
Northcote January GoM | Alexa
Coach Kristiana nominated Alexa as she portrays a hardworking and dedicated gymnast who is always ready to give new skills a go! Alexa doesn’t let fear get in the way of accomplishing a skill. During the final week of term, Alexa achieved a front sault into the foam pit for the very first time!
Alexa actively engages in her own learning progress and readily takes on challenges like climbing to the top of the peg board. Not only is Alexa a great gymnast, her bubbly personality is also a real asset to the class.
Alexa’s work ethic and kind heart will take her far! Congratulations!!
When did you start gymnastics? Around 6
What is your favourite thing about gym? The foam pit
Do you do any other activities? Swimming
What is your favourite movie? Over The Moon
What is your favourite food? Pizza
Favourite gymnastics skill? Chin up pullover
What gymnastics skill have you always wanted to learn? Backsault
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? To fly
What do you want to be when you are older? A gymnastics coach
Showgrounds January GoM | Madeleine
Coach Michelle nominated Madeleine, here’s what she had to say… Madeleine started in our Tiny Tornados program and has shown her natural ability and talent for gymnastics. She is on the shy side, but when we start doing our gymnastics activities she is full steam ahead!
Madeleine has a contagious smile and gets along well with other gymnasts; she loves gymnastics and is passionate about it. Maddie is very resilient and will keep working on something she’s having a hard time doing.
Maddie would like to learn a cartwheel, with her can do attitude I’m sure she will accomplish it in no time!
When did you start gymnastics? September 2019
What is your favourite thing about gym? Hanging and swinging on the bars
Do you do any other activities? No
What is your favourite movie? Mary Poppins
What is your favourite food? Broccoli
Favourite gymnastics skill? Bat hang
What gymnastics skill have you always wanted to learn? Cartwheel
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? Ice power
What do you want to be when you are older? Eye doctor
Northcote February GoM | Mimi
Here is what Coach Issy had to say… Mimi is a very hardworking and dedicated gymnast. She has shown huge improvements since starting ALP at the beginning of 2020, despite most of her training being over zoom! Mimi is always asking for ways she can improve her skills and takes on all corrections with a positive outlook.
Mimi is always pushing herself to be her best and has recently developed a lot more self-confidence which has led to achieving new skills, such as a back handspring on the trampoline!
Aside from gymnastics, Mimi is a kind, friendly and encouraging team-mate who always thanks her coaches after every session. I couldn’t think of a more deserving gymnast of the month, well done!
When did you start gymnastics? Since 2018
What is your favourite thing about gym? Learn new things, competition and the fun
Do you do any other activities? Want to start cheerleading
What is your favourite movie? Beauty and the Beast
What is your favourite food? Fruit Salad
Favourite gymnastics skill? Backsault
What gymnastics skill have you always wanted to learn? Ariel
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? Fly
What do you want to be when you are older? Doctor
Showgrounds February GoM | Eva
Coach Gen nominated Eva for an array of reasons. Eva’s presence in the gym is invigorating and so inspiring. As soon as Eva walks in the door, she greets all of us with a delightful smile and a cheerful hello. Not only is Eva friendly and respectful to staff, she is also always there for her gym buddies wether she’s known them for months or a second! Eva is willing to assist others and always has her listening ears on.
Eva is so passionate about gymnastics and is willing to give everything her best go, allowing her to grow and improve rapidly every week which I’m sure will continue on into the future.
Congratulations Eva on Gymnast of the Month and thank you for being a superstar!
When did you start gymnastics? 2 and a half years ago
What is your favourite thing about gym? Going on the trampolines
Do you do any other activities? Swimming, Tennis and Muay Thai
What is your favourite movie? Frozen
What is your favourite food? Apple
Favourite gymnastics skill? Scorpion
What gymnastics skill have you always wanted to learn? Flips
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? To be a mermaid with powers such as invisibility
What do you want to be when you are older? Tennis teacher
Northcote March GoM | Helena
Here is what Coach Mikaela had to say… While coaching Helena during makeup classes over the last few weeks I have been blown away by her positive attitude towards gymnastics.
Helena is such a friendly gymnast and made everyone feel included in the class. She takes on feedback well and this has allowed her to improve even in such a short amount of time. Helena has achieved her fly spring on the trampoline and is more confident with other tumbling skills including front saults and back handsprings. Well done Helena!
When did you start gymnastics? 10 (year 4)
What is your favourite thing about gym? Tumbling
Do you do any other activities? No
What is your favourite movie? Don’t have a favourite
What is your favourite food? Cookies and pasta
Favourite gymnastics skill? Back handspring
What gymnastics skill have you always wanted to learn? Tumbling lines
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? To fly
What do you want to be when you are older? Vet
Showgrounds March GoM | Hannah
Coach Caylie: Hannah brings a very bright and fun personality to the class and is always so excited to be at gymnastics. Hannah is always keen to try new things, even if it might be a little scary at first.
Hannah is very supportive and friendly to the other members of the class, always helping out when someone isn’t sure what to do and constantly saying well done to her classmates. Congratulations Hannah!!
When did you start gymnastics? This year
What is your favourite thing about gym? Trampoline
Do you do any other activities? Swimming and athletics
What is your favourite movie? Barbie
What is your favourite food? Chocolate and lollies
Favourite gymnastics skill? Forward rolls
What gymnastics skill have you always wanted to learn? Backward rolls
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? Be a Mermaid
What do you want to be when you are older? Mermaid
Thank you for reading, see you all again next month!
