Back to school activities, workshops at Grand Central

PARENTS getting their children ready to go back to school know it can be a chore but Grand Central is offering services to make things a little easier.

Grand Central Shopping Centre school holiday activities last year. Zepha Neuendorf is all smiles. Salt Studios. Picture: Salt Studios

PARENTS getting their children ready to go back to school know it can be a chore but this year Grand Central is offering services to make things a little easier.

Grand Central marketing manager Melissa Shaw said from next Monday until Sunday, January 21 Grand Central would introduce its first ever Contact Bar.

Open from 10am until 4pm daily, parents can have their child's books covered for as little as a gold coin donation per book.

"There are six exclusive contact designs for families to choose from and best of all, 100% of proceeds will be donated to Hope for our Children," Ms Shaw said.　

Hope for our Children is a Toowoomba based charity that is dedicated to ensuring children within the foster care system are provided the best chance at a fresh start during their transition to a new home.

The charity is still looking for volunteers for the contact bar, so if anyone can help them wrap school books contact Hope for Our Children directly through its Facebook page or email [e-mail].

There are also number of fun, interactive and educational workshops at Grand Central.

For children getting ready to head back to school there are a number of fun, interactive and educational workshops at Grand Central.

1. Decorate your own library bag

Monday, January 8 to Sunday, January 14 from 10am - 1pm at Centre Court

Attendees will be given a plain calico bag for them to decorate however they choose. Pens and decorations will be provided. Students may use their bags all year round when visiting the library or attending sports or extracurricular activities.　

2. How to tie your laces

Wednesday, January 10 from 10am - 3pm at The Athlete's Foot

This is a free workshop perfect for the little ones attending school for the first time, or those that simply have not yet got the knack for tying their laces.

3. Style up your shoes

Saturday, January 13 from 10am -11am and 11.30am - 12.30pm at the Market Room

With this workshop students will be guided through the process on how to make one-of-a-kind shoes, finished by adding their choice of coloured laces to complete the look.

Cost is $10 per person, not including the booking fee, and all materials including canvas shoes will be provided.　

Bookings are essential. Book through grandcentralshopping.com.au.

4. Personalise your pencil case

Monday, January 15 to Sunday, January 21 from 10am - 1pm at Centre Court

This is a free workshop where children can use fabric pens to transform a plain calico pencil case into a practical piece of art.

They will be so proud to take their personalised creation to class and you won't have to worry about it getting confused with any other child's.

For children getting ready to head back to school there are a number of fun, interactive and educational workshops at Grand Central.

5. Create a Memo Board

Saturday, January 20 from 10am-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm at The Market Room

Attendees of this guided workshop will create their own memo board or organiser station for homework, school projects and more.

Cost is $10 per person, not including the booking fee, and all stationary and tools will be provided.　

Bookings are essential. Book through grandcentralshopping.com.au.

Originally published as Back to school activities, workshops at Grand Central