Hi there Reader

Well, that's it...school's officially back, and judging by the flurry of first-day photos flooding my feed, we've all survived the transition (just barely).

But here's the thing about Term 1: it sneaks up on you.

One minute you're soaking up summer, the next you're realising half the stationery is already lost and those brand-new school shoes are somehow scuffed.

If you're still scrambling to tick things off the back-to-school list, I've rounded up the Best Back to School Sales still running - because why pay full price when you don't have to?

Plus, since routines are settling in, I've also got weekend plans worth booking: from our FREE Footscray Flow Lab on Saturday (last chance to pre-register and skip the queue on the day!) to Harry Potter's final exhibition days and outdoor cinemas under the stars.

Whatever your week brings, I hope there's space for a bit of fun alongside the homework and lunchbox prep.

Joyce xx

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Featured Event 💫

Footscray Flow Lab (Saturday 31 January) Hands-on outdoor science experience where kids design water-flow systems using recycled materials, rescue rubber duckies, and water the plants at Byron Plaza. Footscray

Movies by the Bay: Kangaroo (Friday 30 January) Free family-friendly film screening at Homestead Run Reserve with outdoor movie magic under the stars. Seabrook
Cats the Musical (Friday 30 - Saturday 31 January) Experience the 40th Australian anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical featuring spectacular sets, breathtaking choreography and the unforgettable song Memory. Melbourne CBD
Silvers Circus (Friday 30 January - Sunday 1 February) Modern circus spectacular at Mornington Racecourse where your imagination will soar with a range of exciting acts. Mornington
Signature Choir x MSO: Mana Moana (Saturday 31 January) More than 90 voices join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a powerful celebration of Pacific music, storytelling and heritage. Melbourne CBD
Bundoora Beats (Saturday 31 January) Free twilight concert among the gum trees featuring popular, emerging and local musicians, plus food stalls and trucks. Bundoora
Super Cars and Super Humans (Saturday 31 January) Melbourne's most inclusive supercar festival featuring over 50 stunning supercars, live music, food trucks and family activities at Springers Leisure Centre. Keysborough
Dome Under Film Festival (Saturday 31 January - Sunday 1 February) Australasia's only fulldome cinema festival returns to Melbourne Planetarium with immersive 360° films, including dedicated Kids and Astronomy for Families sessions. Spotswood
Fairfield in Feb (Sunday 1 February) Relaxed summer afternoons return to Fairfield Amphitheatre with live performances, tasty food and vibrant cultural moments beside the Yarra River. Fairfield
Victoria Street Lunar Festival (Sunday 1 February) Welcome the Year of the Snake with street food, traditional dances, lion dances, firecrackers, face painting and arts and crafts activities. Richmond
Outdoor Movie: Over the Hedge (Sunday 1 February) Free outdoor cinema screening of Over the Hedge (rated G) with live music entertainment before the film starts. Viewbank