Victorian Education Excellence Awards
The Department of Education and Training (DET) are calling for Nominations for the following State Education Awards.
It is wonderful to see that this year two new Awards have been created: Outstanding Provision for High-Ability Students – Primary Award and Outstanding Provision for High-Ability Students – Secondary Award.
It would be wonderful to see deserving State Teachers nominated for these award categories. Nominations close on Monday, June 8. Please see attached Flyer below for details.
Tuesday, 17 March 2020
Dear VAGTC Members, Friends and Seminar Attendees,
Due to the growing concerns regarding the spread of coronavirus, we have decided to Cancel the Parent Seminar which was scheduled to take place at Parade College, Preston on Thursday, March 19 from 6.30 to 8.30pm. The TryBooking for this event has been closed down.
The VAGTC apologises for any inconvenience caused. Anyone who has paid for the Parent Seminar will be refunded via the TryBooking system. We do hope to be able to run the Parent Seminar later in the year when the health crisis has passed, and will provide information regarding this re-schedule at a later date.
Thanks very much for your understanding.
Mark Smith
President, VAGTC
VAGTC Calendar of Events 2021 as at 25.1.21
Term 1
- Tuesday, January 19 – AAEGT Affiliates Meeting 1 for 2 Reps – 7.30 to 9pm.
- Wednesday, January 20 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 1 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- Wednesday, March 3 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 2 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- In the Week Starting March 1 – Region 1 North-West Rural Parent Seminar 1 to 9.30pm (PROPOSED)
- In the Week Starting March 22 – Region 2 North-West Metro Parent Seminar 2 to 9.30pm (PROPOSED)
- Wednesday, April 7 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 3 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- Thursday, April 8 – VAGTC Strategy Day at Mentone Grammar 9.30am to 1.30pm TBC.
Term 2
- Wednesday, April 21 – AAEGT Affiliates Meeting 2 for 2 Reps – 7.30 to 9pm.
- Friday, April 30 – VISION Magazine Deadline for VISION 1, 2021.
- In the Week Starting May 3 – Region 3 South-West Rural Parent Seminar 3 to 9.30pm (PROPOSED)
- Wednesday, May 5 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 4 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- Sunday, May 23 to Saturday, May 29 – Gifted Awareness Week – Theme: Thriving as Gifted.
- Sunday, May 23 – AAEGT Presentation 11am EST – ‘Thriving, not just Surviving’ Prof Karen Rogers and Dr Peta Hay.
- In the Week Starting May 31 – Region 4 South-West Metro Parent Seminar 4 to 9.30pm (PROPOSED)
- Wednesday, June 2 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 5 – 6.30 to 8.30pm
Term 3
- Wednesday, July 7 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 6 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- Friday, July 23/Saturday, July 24 – National Education Summit – City.
- In the Week Starting August 2 – Region 5 North-East Rural Parent Seminar 7 to 9.30pm (PROPOSED)
- Saturday, July 31/Sunday, August 1 – 24th Biennial WCGTC World Conference – Part 1
- Wednesday, August 4 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 7 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- Saturday, August 7/Sunday, August 8 – 24th Biennial WCGTC World Conference – Part 2
- In the Week Starting August 23 – Region 6 North-East Metro Parent Seminar 7 to 9.30pm (PROPOSED)
- Wednesday, September 1 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 8 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- In the Week Starting September 13 – Region 7 South-East Rural Parent Seminar 7 to 9.30pm (PROPOSED)
Term 4
- Wednesday, October 6 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 9 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- In the Week Starting October 11 – Region 8 South-East Metro Parent Seminar 7 to 9.30pm (PROPOSED)
- Wednesday, October 27 – VAGTC AGM Dinner and Presentation – 6 to 9pm.
- Thursday, October 28 – VISION Magazine Deadline for VISION 2, 2021.
- Wednesday, November 3 – VAGTC Committee Meeting 10 – 6.30 to 8.30pm.
- Wednesday, December 1 – VAGTC Breakup and Dinner – 6.30 pm onwards.
2021 AGM Documents October 27
2021 AGM Agenda
2021 Annual Report
Guest Speaker Dr Kate Niederer : Classroom Approaches for Gifted Students in the Mixed Ability Classroom
Wednesday 27 October, 2021
With the VAGTC Annual General Meeting via Zoom less than a month away (Wednesday, October 27), VAGTC have a Guest Speaker. We are very grateful to Dr Kate Niederer – Gifted Education Consultant from New Zealand, for giving so generously of her time to support the VAGTC. Details are as follows:
AGM Welcome will commence at 6.30pm (VAGTC Members and Non-Members Welcome)
Guest Speaker: Dr Kate Niederer
Kate’s Presentation: 6.50 to 7.20pm with (10 minutes Q&A at 7.20pm)
Focus: Classroom Approaches for Gifted Students in the Mixed Ability Classroom
The formal VAGTC AGM Agenda will follow on from Kate’s Presentation, taking place from 7.30 to 8.30pm. All are welcome to stay and hear about the work of the VAGTC over the last year, regardless of whether you are a VAGTC Member or just an interested onlooker. However, only VAGTC Members will be eligible to vote.
If you are a non VAGTC Member but would like to attend the AGM, please register via our Try Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/BUOQW which has been set up specifically for all non VAGTC Members.
All VAGTC Members already have all the Zoom Meeting details for connection at 6.30pm on the night. We hope to see a good number present on Wednesday, October 27 from 6.30pm.
Your Sincerely,
Mark Smith
VAGTC President
Join MACS and the VAGTC for a Gifted Twilight Seminar
Thursday November 11, 2021, via Zoom
Time: 4- 6PM
The 2021 Virtual WCGTC World Conference had the theme Developing the Future of Gifted Education. In our twilight session will review and share some of the main themes from some of the presentations.
Gifted education internationally: Where are we now? This 2 hour session will comprise 2 half hour presentations, a group panel discussion and questions.
Program
Session 1. The emerging focus on talent and excellence (Professor John Munro presenting and Ms Kathy Harrison chairing the panel).
Panel analysis of the ideas raised. What are their relevance to education in Victoria? How do they inform our practice as educators? John will be available on the panel to take questions.
Session 2. Social-emotional issues and gifted education. (Dr Susan Nikakis presenting and Mr Mark Smith chairing the panel).
Panel analysis of the ideas raised. What is their relevance to education in Victoria? How do they inform our practice as educators? John, Susan, Kathy and Mark will be available on the panel to take questions.
To register go to Try Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/BVAQO
Download Flyer Gifted Twilight
Kyneton Parent Network Zoom Meeting
Kyneton Parent Network Zoom Meeting
Thursday 25 February, 7.30 pm
Topic: What is an Independent Learning Plan? How does it work and how can I help?
Contact: Cindy Bradford
Cindy.Bradford@education.vic.gov.au
Our Parent-Network group decided last year to try and meet (in person or virtually) each term starting in February 2021.
Any suggestions and offers of assistance to organise and run the events during the year would be appreciated. Thanks to those who have already volunteered. Please keep offering.
The first zoom meeting will be held on Thursday, 25th February at 7:30 – 8:00p.m. The topic will be – “What is an Independent Learning Plan (ILP), how does it work and how can it help?”
I will be sharing my son’s ILP as an example but would love to hear/see an ILP from other education centres; kindergartens and schools and feedback about what is useful and most helpful.
If you would like to attend and/or offer your own experiences of ILPs, please let me know and I will send you a link to the zoom meeting.
We are also hoping to hold an informal get-together for families who have signed up to the Parent-Network. The get-together is planned for the Kyneton Botanical Gardens on a Sunday in the second half of March. However, this depends on the weather and COVID cases. Please let me know if you are interested in being part of an actual meet and greet.
Any suggestions and offers of assistance to organise and run this get-together would be gratefully accepted.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Thanks,
Cindy Bradford
Cindy.Bradford@education.vic.gov.au
New Parent Network in the Kyneton region
The first Parent-network meeting will start with a 30 minute online information session with a guest speaker, Kathy Harrison.
Kathy has kindly agreed to volunteer her time and answer parent questions about raising gifted and talented children.
Tuesday 1st December, 7.00-7.30pm
Hosted by Cindy Bradford Cindy.Bradford@education.vic.gov.au Guest Speaker: Kathy Harrison VAGTC committee
If you are interested in attending the presentation, please add your details using the following link https://forms.gle/nPiGsUoQqo3izfSA7
Using this link automatically collates information into one spreadsheet including questions we want Kathy to answer in her presentation.
If you cannot access this form, please send a message to Cindy.Bradford@education.vic.gov.au and she will email you the information.
The link for the online presentation will be sent to parents who add their details to the spreadsheet to ensure the video conference is secure.
If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Bradford. Cindy.Bradford@education.vic.gov.au
2020 AGM Documents October 28
2020 Annual Report
2020 Annual General Meeting Minutes
VAGTC produces
Shop
The VAGTC produces several resources that both members of the VAGTC and members of the public can access.
FREE Parent Seminar Series SEMESTER TWO
What are the Parent Seminars about?
The VAGTC in partnership with the Department of Education and Training (DET) is facilitating
FREE parent seminars which aim to educate and support parents of high ability children.
Based on themes that arose as ‘high interest/high needs’ in the 2020/2021 seminars, these seminars are designed to foster positive and collaborative home/school partnerships, and to connect parents with each other to provide networking and support.
The seminars provide thematized exploration of elements of the following categories:
Identify -Definitions & identification of giftedness & talent
Understand -Understanding the characteristics & needs of gifted kids
Advocate -How to advocate for your child
Collaborate -Building positive home/school partnerships
Support -Enriching your child’s learning at home
-Where to go for resourcing
Online Seminar Program
Links will be sent prior to seminar. Participants are encouraged to come to the Zoom session with any questions they might have.
GIFTED NETWORKS – STARTING AND ESTABLISHING LEVELS OF SUPPORT
THURSDAY August 11th, 7:30PM – 8:30PM
60 Minutes
This seminar is an opportunity to hear about the types of networks that exist to support parents and teachers of gifted and high ability children. Whether local or online, it can be helpful to share experiences with others. We will discuss what is currently available, how you can establish a network in your area and ideas of what to do when you meet. Participants are invited to share their experiences of networks too.
Register via Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CANJQ
Q&A PANEL – TYPES OF SCHOOLING FOR GIFTED AND HIGH ABILITY CHILDREN
TUESDAY, 23 August 7.30AM – 8.30PM
60 Minutes
Featuring options outside of regular school settings: CHES, home education, online learning through VSV, VHAP
Panellists from several organisations will be available to show us what options are available outside of traditional schooling. There will also be a Q&A session. Panelists are from:
Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) – Support for gifted and high ability senior students through online and face to face courses in a new facility to open in 2023. Students can study university level courses with targeted enrichment opportunities whilst still participating at their home school. https://ches.vic.edu.au/
Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) – Online Learning Virtual Schools Victoria (VSV). Hear about VHAP and how it’s work supports initiatives by High Ability Practice Leaders in your State school.
Home Education options – Hear from an experienced (and expert) home education advocate about the choice to educate from home, what it entails and where to find information and resources.
Register via Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CBDXX
PARENT SUPPORT NIGHT 1
WEDNESDAY August 31st, 7:30PM – 8:30PM
60 Minutes
An opportunity to network and discuss.
This is a new trial initiative. Many seminar participants have expressed the desire to discuss questions and issues with people experienced in the area of gifted education along with other parents. Many have found it very helpful to share with others who have similar experiences. In this seminar, we invite participants to send in questions prior to the evening or bring topics for discussion to the session. Break out spaces will be made available to explore a range of topics with experienced facilitators.
Register via Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CANJT
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS – WHAT ARE THEY AND STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE THEM WITH NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST RUTH TESSELARR
TUESDAY September 6th, 7:30PM – 8:30PM
60 Minutes
The term “Executive Functions” describes a set of cognitive abilities including our planning, organisation, time management, self-regulation, working memory, and emotional control. Executive functions underlie many daily and academic tasks. Children who have executive functions difficulties can struggle to: get ready for school each morning, complete and hand in work on time, struggle to know where to begin on large tasks, procrastinate, under/over estimate time required for tasks…
This workshop will explore what executive functions are, when they develop, and what executive function difficulties look like. You will then learn an Executive Function strategy to help your children practice and develop their executive functions within everyday life.
Dr. Ruth Tesselaar is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and the Founder of Dandelion Hub (www.dandelionhub.com.au). Ruth has over 20 years’ experience working with neuro-diverse children, adults, and families in many roles (live in nanny, integration aide, Neuropsychologist…). Executive Function development is Ruth’s geek out area, particularly within the context of increasing people’s independence in life, study, and work through development of their executive functions.
The executive function framework Ruth teaches focuses on individual’s strengths and co-creation of meaningful strategies. Following discussions with parents of gifted children around executive function difficulties, Ruth realised this positive and collaborative approach aligns with recommendations for working with gifted and high ability children. This has lead to Ruth expanding her knowledge and practice to the gifted and ability population.
Register via Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CBDXZ
THRIVING THROUGH EDUCATIONAL TRANSITIONS
THURSDAY October 13th, 7:30PM – 8:30PM
60 Minutes
An opportunity to network and discuss.
Acknowledging that change, particularly within educational contexts, can be challenging for students and their parents, we will focus on strategies for positive schooling transitions, such as: preschool to school, primary to secondary, acceleration (full grade skips), starting senior secondary, leaving school and changing schools
Register via Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CANJS
PARENT SUPPORT NIGHT 2
MONDAY October 24th, 7:30PM – 8:30PM
60 Minutes
An opportunity to network and discuss.
This is a new trial initiative. Many seminar participants have expressed the desire to discuss questions and issues with people experienced in the area of gifted education along with other parents. Many have found it very helpful to share with others who have similar experiences. In this seminar, we invite participants to send in questions prior to the evening or bring topics for discussion to the session. Break out spaces will be made available to explore a range of topics with experienced facilitators.
Register via Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CANJW
