Thought Space 19 Winter 2017 Issue 19 Inside this Issue Seminar p2 Giſted Awareness Week 2017 p3 What is the data telling us about our giſted students and are we listening? p14 GFSG Inc. Memberships p16 Developing Strengths-based Leadership in Students p17 My Story p19 South Coast Sub- Branch p20 GEM Review p23 Lile GEM’s p26 Kidz Korner p27 Reminders p28 Thought Space August 4th GEM Sydney 13th GEM Nowra 16th Coffee N Chat 20th Mums Dinner 27th GEM Batemans Bay A Word From Our President In the lead up to our 5 th birthday celebraon, it is excing to reflect upon the journey that GFSG Inc. has travelled since we first incorporated in 2012. In many diverse ways, the journey has been steered by the dedicaon and support of our all volunteers, and the community at large, who have organised and aended events, offered words of support, contributed financially, and volunteered their me and experse. As co- founder and President during the last 5 years, I would like to express my sincere graficaon to all have supported GFSG Inc. throughout this period. The GFSG Inc. commiee is passionate about connuing to strive for diverse support and excellence in what we offer our state community, and we look forward to connuing to expand over the coming years. We would love for you to join us on Sunday 16 th of July as we celebrate 5 years! It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you 3 individuals who have joined to the GFSG Inc. leadership team over the past quarter. We have welcome Kae Viviers onto the GFSG Inc. Commiee in a General Commiee posion, with the specific role of Web Administrator. Kae brings both a wealth of experse and dedicaon to our commiee and we look forward to the fruits of her vision for our web plaorm over the coming months. In addion, we welcome Grace Kennedy and Annee Borilovic, who have joined us as the new Illawarra Sub-branch Coordinators. Grace and Annee have a wonderful team behind them, ready to bring local face-to- face events to the Illawarra community. Games for Enquiring Minds (GEM) kicks off as their first event on Friday 16 th of June in Wollongong. If you live in the Illawarra region, or will be travelling to Illawarra events, don’t forget to touch base with the Illawarra Sub-branch directly at [email protected]. Once again, our Thought Space Editor Elizabeth Barns has ensured that our eNewsleer is full of events and informaon for you to read! Sophie Poisel and Paula O’Hara challenge us with their arcle: What is the data telling us about our giſted students and are we listening? and Kathryn Taylor examines Developing Strengths- based Leadership in Students. As Sydney plays host the upcoming 22 nd Biennial WCGTC World Giſted Conference in July, we encourage you to get involved and connue supporng the paradigm shiſt that is happening within giſted educaon in our state. Melinda Gindy President [email protected]Calendar of Events June 4th GEM Nowra 9th GEM Sydney 19th Parent/Teacher Seminar 25th Mum’s Dinner Darlinghurst July 13th Holiday Excursion 16th GFSG Inc 5th Birthday Celebraon 22nd Biennal World Conference 30th GEM Batemans Bay Come celebrate GFSG Inc.'s 5th birthday on the 16th of July
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Thought Space 19
W i n t e r 2 0 1 7 I s s u e 1 9
Ins ide
th is
I ssue
Seminar
p2
Gifted Awareness Week 2017
p3
What is the data telling us about our gifted students and
are we listening?
p14
GFSG Inc. Memberships
p16
Developing Strengths-based
Leadership in Students
p17
My Story p19
South Coast Sub-Branch
p20
GEM Review p23
Little GEM’s p26
Kidz Korner p27
Reminders p28
Thought Space
August
4th GEM Sydney
13th GEM Nowra
16th Coffee N Chat
20th Mums Dinner
27th GEM Batemans Bay
A Word From Our President In the lead up to
our 5th birthday
celebration, it is
exciting to
reflect upon the
journey that GFSG Inc. has
travelled since we first
incorporated in 2012. In many
diverse ways, the journey has
been steered by the dedication
and support of our all
volunteers, and the community
at large, who have organised and
attended events, offered words
of support, contributed
financially, and volunteered their
time and expertise. As co-
founder and President during
the last 5 years, I would like to
express my sincere gratification
to all have supported GFSG Inc.
throughout this period. The
GFSG Inc. committee is
passionate about continuing to
strive for diverse support and
excellence in what we offer our
state community, and we look
forward to continuing to expand
over the coming years. We
would love for you to join us on
Sunday 16th of July as we
celebrate 5 years!
It gives me great
pleasure to introduce to you 3
individuals who have joined to
the GFSG Inc. leadership team
over the past quarter. We have
welcome Katie Viviers onto the
GFSG Inc. Committee in a
General Committee position,
with the specific role of Web
Administrator. Katie brings both
a wealth of expertise and
dedication to our committee and
we look forward to the fruits of her
vision for our web platform over
the coming months.
In addition, we welcome Grace Kennedy and Annette Borilovic, who have joined us as the new Illawarra Sub-branch Coordinators. Grace and Annette have a wonderful team behind them, ready to bring local face-to-face events to the Illawarra community. Games for Enquiring Minds (GEM) kicks off as their first event on Friday 16th of June in Wollongong. If you live in the Illawarra region, or will be travelling to Illawarra events, don’t forget to touch base with the Illawarra Sub-branch directly at [email protected]. Once again, our Thought
During Gifted Awareness Week each year, GFSG Inc. presents a number of awards to professionals throughout the state who have made a difference in the life of a gifted child. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and say
thank you to the numerous individuals who go above and beyond to support gifted children.
GFSG Inc., with the support of Hilary Dixon from ACARA, presented the 2017 Professional Appreciation Awards to the very worthy recipients at Bankstown
Sports Club on Thursday 16th of March 2017.
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Rod Megahey
Michele Juratowitch
Stephanie Salazar
Celia Moncrieff
Karen Wallace
Louella Grech
Lynda Lovett
Donna Schatzman
Carmela May
Roslynne Todd
Michael Dickinson
James Giovanelli
Susan Stolk
Deryn Smyth
Lisa Gossling
Nicole Power
Belinda Deller
Michelle Mascorella
Gabrielle Oslington
Denise Wood
Deborah Smok
Stevie MacFarlane
Alan Thompson
Penny Rogers
Adam Willis
Congratulations and
heartfelt thanks go to:
This is what you told us…..
'I felt he had a true understanding of the needs of gifted children and he was very supportive. For the first
time in 4 years my son is calm, settled and happy at school'.
'She gave her professional support to our family at a crucial time when we needed her experienced advo-
cacy and counselling. As a result we were able to make powerful changes within our school, to not only
benefit our children, but also other gifted students coming through the school. For this, our family will be
forever grateful'.
'He provided a challenging and stimulating program to our family that has had a profound effect on how
we now see giftedness'.
'She is such an enthusiastic, passionate and energetic teacher who inspired not only my child, but a lot of
students at the school. My child said, “She makes learning fun and interesting and most of all she lets me
be my creative self”. We really appreciate her gentle guidance'.
'She seems to understand the challenges and impact associated with being highly gifted, particularly with
additional challenges present. My child has moved from a girl who did not see the point of school, kept to
herself, and often disengaged in class activities, to a girl who is loving school, participating in class and
group work, and making friends. This teacher continues to set goals for my child and supports her to con-
tinually extend herself. She goes above and beyond in her classroom and lesson set-up. Each term has a
theme, and the children are engaged in learning through that theme. Learning includes a range of engag-
ing activities, including games, challenges, problem solving and exploring. What a teacher!
She has been so supportive of our educational journey with our son, from being a classroom teacher in the
early years, to then overseeing his development throughout junior school. In addition she ensured a thor-
ough handover to senior school staff so as to make the transition to senior school as smooth as possi-
ble. All students benefit from her care and dedication, and our family is especially appreciative of her sup-
port over the years'.
Thank you to our community for your support of GAW2017 GFSG Inc.
Professional Appreciations Awards. We look forward to opening submissions for
the GAW2018 awards towards the end of 2017.
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Academic Acceleration 101
- What you need to know
Professor Susan Assouline
As part of Gifted Awareness Week, GFSG Inc. was privileged to welcome Professor Susan
Assouline to present on academic acceleration. Academic acceleration is the
academic intervention with the strongest research support, yet it is still under-utilised in many
schools. Professor Assouline addressed the "Top 10" reasons to advocate for acceleration. She
shared vignettes to highlight the role of parents and the many ways that acceleration can occur
such as whole-grade and single-subject acceleration. She offered valuable insight into the
current body of research and what that means for evidence based practice. Professor Assouline
is the co-developer of the Iowa Acceleration Scale, a tool designed to guide educators and
parents through the decisions about grade skipping students. She also co-edited ‘A Nation
Empowered: Evidence trumps the excuses holding back Americas brightest students’ with
Nicholas Colangelo, Joyce VanTassel-Baska and Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik.
Respond. The program was designed to emphasise both net-
working (within both focus areas and stages) and practical
application, delivered on a professional platform. The Forum
was held in the beautiful grounds of Newington College in
Stanmore, Sydney, New South Wales and catering was
supplied by The Grounds of Alexandria.
The Organising Committee was thrilled to receive
extensive support for GAFE throughout multiple school
sectors and regions across New South Wales. The GAFE
program was thoroughly embraced by the 100+ attendees
and received some very positive feedback. International Key-
note, Professor Susan Assouline opened our forum with her
presentation: ‘Respecting Diversity and Ensuring Excellence:
Essential Components to Developing Talents of Gifted
Students’. Professor Assouline emphasised that Educational
Policy designed to promote diversity does not need to evade
academic excellence. On the contrary, a focus on academic
excellence, especially through application of one or more of
the various forms of acceleration, can be a powerful tool to
address excellence gaps in highly-industrialised countries.
Following Professor Assouline, we welcomed John Goh who
provided radical considerations for delegates during his
plenary presentation.
After morning tea, sponsored by ANSTO, delegates
moved into breakout workshops which were designed to
incorporate focus groups with the emphasis being on
practical application for engaging gifted students across
focus areas. Delegates had the option of selecting from a
maths/science strand presented by Shane Scott and John
Kennedy, humanities strand presented by Alex Fisher, twice-
exceptional strand presented by Helen Dudeney, leadership
strand presented by Kathryn and Taylor and a ‘Recognise and
Realise’ strand presented by Paula O’Hara and Sophie Poisel.
Following lunch, sponsored by Teachers Mutual
Bank, delegates moved again into breakout workshops, this
time designed to incorporate focus groups with the emphasis
being on practical application for engaging gifted students
across curriculum levels. Delegates has the option of
selecting from the Early Childhood strand presented by Dr
Rosalind Walsh, Primary strand presented by Dr Susan
Assouline, Secondary strand presented by Dr Catherine
Wormald and the Spotlight- Respond session presented by
delegates and talented students.
Dr Angela Chessman closed the Gifted Awareness
Forum for Educators with her challenge to delegates in the
final plenary session. A number of delegates continued lively
discussion at the forum dinner held after the closing
remarks.
‘…I was most impressed with the professional discussion that took place at this event. It was truly
beneficial and rewarding to me to be amongst a group of colleagues that were willing to listen and share ideas.
I valued the keynote speakers, well done!...’
Several feedback responses for GAFE included:
‘…You did an amazing job. It was a great balance of theory and reality with practical
classroom ideas…’
‘…I really enjoyed my day. It was a long day, though the program was well thought out. It was obvious there was a
lot of careful consideration and planning. It was also very reasonable for the price, I have paid more in the past and received a lot less, so thank you again…’
‘…A very well designed day, good variety of topic options, comfortable venue and
amazing food. Good opportunities to network…’
‘…The program was extremely timely for me, in that I mean it answered a lot of questions that are being discussed at
leadership level at my school - should we do off-level testing? Should we engage in acceleration? What to do with those
Mathematically gifted students? I was able to return to school and provide answers to our queries. An incredibly beneficial
In-service. Brilliant. Thank you…’
‘…Very engaging programme and hope to have this forum repeated every two years…’
In addition to Newington College, ANSTO and Teachers Mutual Bank,
the Organising Committee would also like to thank our sponsors Hawker
Brownlow Education, the Science Teacher’s Association of NSW and Top
Education Institute. Their generous support contributed greatly to the success
of the forum.
Due to the overwhelming support and positive feedback on GAFE, Teachers’
Guild of NSW and GFSG Inc. have mutually decided that GAFE will now be
scheduled as a biennial event, to coincide with Gifted Awareness Week
Australia.
On behalf of Dr Osman, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to
the Organising Committee and respective association committees for their
hard work, dedication and commitment to the success of the Gifted
Awareness Forum for Educators.
Melinda Gindy, President GFSG Inc. on behalf of Dr Fred Osman,
Teachers’ Guild of NSW
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Sand in the City GFSG Inc. launched Gifted awareness week 2017, with an event for the
whole family. The ‘Sand in the city’ exhibition at the Sydney Living Museum, gave kids and big
kids the opportunity to interact with displays that celebrate our beautiful coastline. With new
and old friends we scooped and sculpted sand, built with LEGO, and used our creative skills.
The beautiful displays were enjoyed by adults and kids alike!
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GFSG Inc.’sGFSG Inc.’s
5th Birthday 5th Birthday
CelebrationCelebration
Save the date: Save the date: Sunday 16th July 2017Sunday 16th July 2017
The World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) will hold its 22nd WCGTC Biennial World Con-ference in Sydney, Australia on the beautiful campus of
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales). The 2017 event will be hosted by UNSW School of Education,
a world-leader in pioneering and innovative work in gifted education.
The Biennial World Conference is the official conference of the WCGTC. The event is an opportunity
for researchers, practitioners, parents, and other stakeholders to gather from around the globe to discuss the vital matters, issues, and concerns that impact the
field of gifted education and gifted and talented children.
It will be a wonderful time to discuss and learn about
Global Perspectives in Gifted Education.
To Register for the full conference or for one day, go to
For decades Australian school systems have been basing their Gifted Education policies and processes upon Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT). This has led to the development of a common language and shared understanding of the process in which natural abilities are transformed into talents, and the acknowledgement of the teacher’s role as one of the catalysts. NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) echoes this by acknowledging typical specific learning needs of gifted students. These include the capacity to learn at a rate faster than their age peers, the ability to solve problems, make connections and manipulate abstract ideas. Similarly, the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (2014) requires teachers to employ strategies to facilitate the learning of every student.
Despite this, national and international measures of student achievement continue to identify trends of falling standards by high potential Australian students. Analysis of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) reveals high potential Australian students are not achieving learning gains that are commensurate with their aged peers. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) triennially administers PISA to randomly selected 15-year olds across the globe. An analysis of the most recent PISA assessment in 2015 reveals the following about the performance of Australian students:
Between 2009 and 2015 Reading Literacy results showed a decline in the proportions of high performers of between 1 - 4% in all states excluding Tasmania that remained constant and South Australia that showed a 1% increase.
Mathematical Literacy trends showed significant increases in results by low performing students. This increase was not matched by high performing students. Between 2003 and 2012 the proportions of high performing students declined in all states and territories across Australia by as much as 13%. The trend of decreasing results continued between 2012 and 2015 with the exception of the Northern Territory that showed an increase.
Science Literacy trends showed an overall
decline of 11% across Australia.
What is the data telling us about our gifted
students and are we listening?
Sophie Poisel and Paula O’Hara
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Sophie Poisel is a Gifted and Talented Teacher and Innovation Leader at Emanuel School. She has worked with primary and secondary students as a Gifted and Talented Coordinator, and with pre-service teachers as a co-lecturer and supervising teacher. In 2013, she completed her Certificate in Gifted Education (COGE) through UNSW, and is currently developing her research project to complete her Master of Education (Gifted Education). Sophie is the Vice President of the NSW Teachers’ Guild. She is passionate about individualising learning experiences, and developing connections between highly able students and mentors in their areas of interest and talent.
Paula O’Hara works for Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) as an Education Officer: Gifted Education K -12. In this role Paula supports schools with the implementation of the SCS Gifted Education Policy (2015) through the facilitation of the following programs - The Newman Selective Gifted Education Program, the Gifted Education Naturally Embedded Program (GENE) and the Gifted Education Online 1 (GEO1) course. Paula also supports leaders of Gifted Education in SCS Southern Region schools. Paula has completed a Certificate of Gifted Education (COGE) through UNSW, has recently completed a Master of Education specialising in Gifted Education and has post-graduate qualifications in Special Education. Paula is passionate about identifying and responding to the unique learning needs of gifted students.
Griffin (as cited in The University of Melbourne, 2013) describes similar declines in the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) and believes “the evidence of Australia’s national failure to realise the learning potential of high capacity students is starting to become overwhelming.” In light of this information, support and opportunities for gifted students must be enhanced.
An analysis of improved results by low performing students can inform processes that facilitate measurable learning gains by our gifted students. Lessons learned from supporting low performing students need to be mirrored for our high performing students. Such practices include:
Teacher training. This is essential and needs to occur for pre-service teachers and must also continue throughout a teacher’s career. Without an understanding of the unique learning needs and characteristics of gifted students, the students’ needs may unknowingly not be met.
The development of metacognitive processes. Gifted students need to learn how to learn. Through the development of metacognitive processes practices such as persevering with challenges, questioning and accessing previously learned skills are more likely to be applied to new and unfamiliar situations.
Advocacy. Teachers, parents, educators, students, government agencies and all those with an understanding of the needs of gifted students must work together in breaking down the myths and misunderstandings that commonly surround the field of Gifted Education.
Inclusion in government policies. Government policies need to include a plan for reversing current trends in declining performance of our gifted students. Griffin (as cited in The University of Melbourne, 2013) reinforces this requirement through his comment, “No country can afford this situation to remain unchallenged, and we certainly cannot achieve the Prime Minister’s goal of becoming a top five education nation by 2025 under current circumstances.”
Australian schools provide a range of stimulating learning opportunities for their students and have demonstrated some commendable improvements, particularly in enhancing the outcomes of lower performing students. Through the lens of diverse learning and through following the insightful yet common sense words of Dr Julian C. Stanley, “All children deserve to learn something new every day”, further and continued opportunities must be provided for gifted students so they too have the opportunity to demonstrate gains in their learning.
References
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (2014). Retrieved 3 June from Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: https://www.aitsl.edu.au/australian-professional-standards-for-teachers/standards/list
Gagné, F. (2008). Building gifts into talents: Brief overview of the DMGT 2.0. F. Gagné.
NSW Education Standards Authority (2017). Retrieved 31 May 2017 from NSW Education Standards Authority:
Thomson, S., De Bortoli, L., & Underwood, C. (2016). PISA 2015: a first look at Australia’s results.
The University of Melbourne (2013). Retrieved June 4 from The Melbourne Newsroom: http://newsroom.melbourne.edu/news/brightest-students-not-fulfilling-their-potential
Motivated by the satisfaction of outcomes, our ‘executing’ strengths lead us to achieve tangible outcomes often with high work ethic and energy. Leaders with the drive to “do” often achieve more than others in less time, thriving on the activity and busyness of their role, business or team. Students with strong executing talents will often independently make things happen, plan or design to create change and enjoy the hands-on nature of a project or task. These students frequently achieve high academic outcomes through traditional application to their work and studies with ease.
Influencing
Energised by the ability to ‘impact’ others, reaching out to new or known contacts to create effect, they are confident and able to see the value they offer. Leaders with established influencing strengths are often seen as competent, trustworthy and able to appear ‘in control’ in times of change and uncertainty. Visibility is frequently important to these students and so they thrive in public speaking, debating or performing to large groups. Generating visible impact, these students often enjoy the areas of creative, visual and performing arts, as well as sports and physical challenges.
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Relationship Building
Needing interaction with others, those with ‘relationship building’ strengths are incredibly savvy at working with others, bringing out the best in those around them and understanding the subtleties of human emotions. Leaders with high relational strengths have very loyal teams who are positioned for success and feel connected and Important. Students with people oriented strengths are often highly emotive, able to engage and motivate a broad group of students in a gentle manner, respecting their unique differences. These students do not seek the recognition or attention of influencers and often come to their own in team or traditional leadership situations within schools.
Strategic Thinking
Needing time and focus for thought, ‘strategic thinkers’ have an ability to imagine, design, innovate and create what has not been before. They are adept at identifying the ‘big picture’ and potential obstacles and issues that may be faced. Often fairly private people, strategic leaders will enjoy time by themselves where they can allow their thoughts to flow and reimagine the future. Students with these strengths will often enjoy the stimulation of science or maths due to the mental stretch they face within these subjects. Whilst these four domains appear to work in isolation, to truly lead others and ourselves we need to recognise the need for all aspects and thought processes. For example, where is the value in having the strategic capacity to redesign a mobile app without the capacity to persuade others to buy it. Alternatively, how can Individuals obtain a job with exceptional skills in collaborating with people but never maintaining the focused to attain outcomes. In an agile world responding to immediate challenges and commercial demands, the need to balance results and interactions is what takes us from school to the workplace. From a student to a leader. It has been well documented and is evident within global leadership communities that emotional intelligence is a key attributer to leadership success. Emotional intelligence competencies embrace the need to:
‘Understand’ how others feel and their emotional response ‘Regulate’ our behaviours to create a positive and/or common
ground for interaction
Understanding how to ‘engage socially’ with others of diverse styles
Adapt to ‘motivate others’ and ourselves through time of challenge and success
Be ‘empathetic’ to others, understanding how they feel and how to respond to this
Looking at the correlation of our strengths to characteristics of emotionally intelligent leaders we can see features that will be more naturally developed versus those that may need focus to achieve positive outcomes. The best leaders are those who continue to focus on how to improve their responses, behaviours and understanding of themselves and others. Consider the following situations:
Design of the new iPhone Creation of an original theatrical production Leading multinational organisation
Reflecting on each of these situations, a diverse range of talents are required to achieve a measurable outcome. It is unlikely that many people will naturally possess and exhibit all the talents required to complete the thinking, people skills, physical configuration and persuasion or sale of the end product. As such the ability to understand individual talents and the need for other complimentary talents is essential in all. These are the leadership skills we can build into our school experience to supplement and support students in their transition to life in independent studies and the workplace. Evolving this self-awareness and capacity to work with others to build strength is essential to future success. Imagine your students utilising their gifts within your school to benefit others in the school or greater community. Providing opportunities for self-fulfilment as well as those to reach others to create positive change will enable greater personal development of emotional intelligence and strengths capacity. The opportunity for students to not only be innovative with their gifts but also to understand how this quality can add value or benefit to others in the wider community. In understanding this value, students are then required to cooperate within the school and/or network outside of the school area providing chance to assess how individuals speak, learn, work, understand and engage with each other. Recognising how to be an active part of a discussion or working group outside of the curriculum and how to enjoy being with a diverse group of persons working towards a common goal. Finally, to influence others to be part of the project or to contribute to it, facing the blocks and hindrances that arise, offers students capacity to develop public leadership, presenting to others, responding to questions, promoting something tangible and how it makes a constructive contribution to the local, national or global community. These projects or circumstances are where students reach beyond their natural capacity and develop the skills required by leaders both at and beyond school. The experience also offers professional expertise to share at subsequent interviews or on applications demonstrating detailed personal development, team contribution, influence and achievement driven by the individual. The chance to work with little to achieve a lot through collegial practice and clear planning with a focused outcome. Students able to share these stories are seen in the workplace as more in-tune with the business mindset and more able to adapt to the flexible demands of the customer centric workplace that they will be faced with. Bibliography Rath, T., & Conchie, B.(2008). Strengths based leadership: great leaders, teams, and why people follow. Goleman, D. Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ.
My Story ‘My Story’ provides the opportunity for members and friends to anonymously write about their gifted journey .
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It is hard to believe that my journey into gifted
parenting officially "began" almost 3 years ago, of course
this is not when I became a parent, but when I began
thinking my child might be gifted. When it's your first child,
you have no idea of developmental milestones; whatever
your experience, this is your normal.
Our journey began, as with many other parents of gifted
kids, with a need. My child was happy going to school, she
had this spark of excitement in learning new things, then
part way through Year One she seemed depressed and was
refusing to speak. Around the same time, the teachers told
us she was no longer getting extension work as she was
struggling with core material (she was hiding her
abilities). It was like the spark had fizzled away and my
child was not happy, she needed something! We took her
to see a psychologist, and this was when we learnt she was
gifted. She had started school at barely 4.5, tiny but
precocious, people could accept that decision easily, but at
the mention of a skip almost everyone was up in
arms. Around this time we also joined GFSG, our daughter
enjoyed the fun of GEM nights and I found other parents
going through similar journeys, people who sympathised
rather than judged. We were blessed in that we had an
option to change school to one which could support her
through a grade skip (and in fact had supported many other
gifted children). It was a tumultuous decision, but in doing
research it was clear that case studies showed it was the
most appropriate one (check out "A Nation
Deceived"). She flourished when given space to grow with
intellectual peers, and we knew very quickly the decision
had been correct.
A year later our second child was in preschool. He had
always skipped off happily, but suddenly he was screaming
and holding onto my leg at drop off. I watched him try and
drum up conversations and play with others, but his cohort
ignored him. He complained it was boring and was deeply
unhappy, he needed something! Our experiences with his
sister made us suspect it was due to being under-
stimulated. He was born in September so we had to pursue
early entry. Preschool thought we were crazy and told us
his behaviour showed he was socially immature. He jumped
through all the testing hoops and joined his sister at
school. He was a different child at school, the tantrums
disappeared and his spark ignited. His trajectory was
different, he hadn't hit the developmental milestones as
early as his sister had, but once he started school he picked
things up at a lightning pace. By mid year his school
supported him with subject acceleration and pull
outs. Through Iowa Assessment we know that it is likely
that he will probably require a full grade skip soon.
Our journey may sound like we found some kind of
panacea. We have been lucky to have supportive
educators, willing to partner with us and try different
approaches for each child (albeit with red herrings and dead
ends along the path). In hindsight, the decisions we made
were right for us, at times though they felt like blind leaps
into the unknown. Our children are individuals and though
their journeys sound similar, they have had their own
different needs. Addressing and catering for these different
needs has been tough (and we will undoubtedly continue to
uncover more needs throughout their educations). They are
not "prize ponies" or straight A kids; they are quirky
eccentrics; they ask too many questions; they have a thirst
for solving puzzles, and the world is one great puzzle; they
are able to work years ahead at school, but they are still
going to act their age; at times they are over sensitive and
anxious; sometimes there are no words to express what
they are; -- they are simply themselves. If there is one
mantra we have had in our journey, it has been to look at
what our children need to enable them to be and develop
themselves.
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GFSG Inc. South Coast Sub Branch:
What's been happening?
The South Coast Branch of GFSG Inc. continues to hold their GEM events once a month at the University of Wollongong in Nowra and Batemans Bay.
This year has been nothing short of amazing. We have had the privilege of hosting some very interesting and engaging GEM sessions including:, forensics, bee keeping and mini-golf.
Working in Nowra to explore the fascinating world of bees sent a buzz amongst the children and adults alike. Children had the opportunity to look at an active hive, locate a queen bee (much easier than finding Where’s Wally), handle Apiarist equipment and wear protective attire. The pinnacle of the day was the opportunity to talk to an expert (Andrew) whilst munch-ing on delectable, sticky, freshly cut honeycomb.
Whilst in Batemans Bay the first event twisted the notion of put-put golf into thinking about probability, skill and strate-gy. As we ventured around the iconic holes, Gavin shared his passion for everything put-put golf, with the most exciting part be-ing given the opportunity to submit a suggestion for a new hole at the centre. All who attended were amazed by the final pneu-matic hole, which Gavin took great pride in explaining how he had built this hole at home in his garage. We are wondering if any-one’s garage has now become a makeshift workshop for a prototype.
A special event in Moruya with David Day put our techno buffs into overdrive. As we looked at the IoT (Internet of Things), we had opportunity to experiment with M-bots, Raspberry Pi, Bread Boards, circuitry and Scratch programming. David introduced us to the; who, what, when, where, how and why of this amazing Internet innovation and then provided us with hands on experiences. Parents at the session were very busy writing down ideas for Christmas and Birthday gifts… so a well re-ceived event. Stay tuned for workshop two.
With our detective hats on and magnifying glasses in hand, we gathered in Batemans Bay to investigate a very mysteri-ous crime. Mrs Jan Day (yes, related to David), became the Chief Inspector and scaffolded the children through a “who done it” style quest. Finger printing, shoe print examination, suspect information sheet analysis, codes to crack DNA exploration and chemical analysis had the team of detectives looking at every suspect very carefully and cross checking their data. As the pieces of the puzzle formed, the diligent team’s final investigation of chemicals including nightshade, arsenic and oleander revealed the deadly catalyst for the crime. We are pleased to advise that Caitlyn was apprehended as a consequence of the collaborative work of all who attended.
For more details about the dates and times for future GEM events on the South Coast, join our mailing list by touching base with us at [email protected], or find us on Facebook (GFSG South Coast).
‘Crazy Cups’ Participants had to coordinate themselves to move cups using string and elastic bands (no touching of the cups allowed!). The most successful groups communicated the best and many of our participants learned the value of listening to others. ….and the children thought it was just another cup-stacking competition!
GEM Review
P a g e 2 3
T h o u g h t S p a c e 1 9
’Go Slow’
Children worked in small groups to use recycled materials, as well as
their problem solving skills, to help their marble travel slowly from a
height of at least 70cm. The groups came up
with some ingenious
creations– and it was
brilliant to receive
photos and videos of
creations made at home
after the event!
Would you like to host a GEM event at your school ?
Light Saber like a Jedi master. It was fun for young
warriors, and their parents !
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GEM– Sydney
who? Gifted children
(yrs. K-8)
and their parents
or carers.
what? A night of fun
including board
games and
creative
challenges
why? A Chance to get
together and
interact with
“like minds "in a
supportive
environment.
where? See Website
when? Friday Nights
6:30pm - 8:30pm
2017 Dates:
June 9th
August 4th
September 1st
October 27th
November 24th
wallet?
GFSG members: 1 child $5,
2 children $8 or $10 a family.
Non members: 1 child $10,
2 children $15 or $18 a family.
Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience
Our April school holiday excursion was an amazing opportunity to
learn, remember and be thankful. Kaytlin and Tamara represented
GFSG Inc., laying our wreath at The Last Post ceremony.
Lest We Forget
P a g e 2 5
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P a g e 2 6
T h o u g h t S p a c e 1 9
2017
Dates to Remember 16th August - Coffee N Chat
8th November- Little GEM’s Seminar
We hope to see you soon!
Parent/ Teacher Seminar
One of the ways we meet the needs of our members is to provide day-
time seminars for parents and educators. We provide child care so that par-
ents with young children can attend. They provide a great opportunity for
networking with those on a similar journey.
In May we held a seminar that focused on young gifted children. We
talked about what giftedness looks like in very young children and how to
extend their learning. We explored using Blooms Taxonomy to deepen
children’s thinking, extending them at home as well as in early childhood
environments. Parents and educators chatted about the joys and challenges
of their gifted journey.
Kidz Korner P a g e 2 7
T h o u g h t S p a c e 1 9
Five boys participated in a race. Ben finished before Joshua, but behind Dane. Matt
finished before Rhys but behind Joshua. In what order did the boys finish the race?
Brain Teasers
MAN
BOARD
STAND I
CYCLE
CYCLE
CYCLE
WEAR
LONG
COVER AGENT
Library Books are available to borrow, please contact a committee member if you’d like more information or you have a book to donate. Please promptly return any books that you have borrowed so that others can have the opportunity to borrow them. You can bring them to any GFSG event or post to; PO Box 604, Moorebank, NSW,1875
Come along to an event and support/learn from one another. We have a vast range of events for all ages: there’s something for everyone! The calendar on our website has events for the full year, with new, special events added regularly.
‘Like us’ on Facebook and stay up to date.
Gifted Families Support Group Incorporated is a not for profit association designed to support families and educators of gifted children. Run solely by volunteers, GFSG Inc. focusses on bringing together ‘like-minds’, providing a vast array of supportive events and highlighting the needs of gifted children within our community.
GFSG Inc. is affiliated with the Australian Association for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children (AAEGT) and represents NSW on the AAEGT Board. Through this affiliation, GFSG Inc. is able to expand the support we give to our members by taking their concerns to a national level and open up new opportunities. All our members automatically become members of the AAEGT, with options to subscribe to their biannual journal at members rates, and to receive discounts to events hosted by other gifted associations.
GFSG Inc. is also affiliated with GLD Australia; a national online learning community responding to the needs of gifted children and gifted adults with specific learning disability and other learning challenges.
To attend a GFSG Inc. event, children are not required to sit an IQ test.
GFSG Inc. is a place where we hope you can feel ‘at home’ in a world where our children often seem the ‘odd ones out’.
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