High Potential and Gifted Education Academic Excellence Strategy

The Diocese remains steadfast in its commitment to enriching the educational journey of High Potential and Gifted students. KPMG continues its collaboration with the Diocese to implement the Academic Excellence Strategy, driving initiatives in 2025 to ensure strategic growth and alignment.

Administration of CogAT 2025

The 2025 CogAT administration is scheduled for Term 2, as outlined in the Assessment Schedule.

In Term 1, Gifted Education Mentors (GEMs) will work with school leadership to confirm the most suitable week for administering CogAT to students in Years 2, 4, and 7:

• Year 2: Administered over three consecutive days.
• Years 4 and 7: Administered on a single day.

Schools will confirm dates in consultation with the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) to ensure adequate support. Professional learning for GEMs administering the test will be provided beforehand.

High Potential and Gifted Education Networking Day

Mark your calendars! A High Potential and Gifted Education Networking Day is scheduled for GEMs in Term 1, 2025. Stay tuned for the date and further details.

Virtual Academy – Current Students

Parents and guardians of current Virtual Academy students have been contacted via Compass to complete a Form regarding their child’s continuation in the program for 2025. Once submissions are finalised, Principals and GEMs will receive the list of new and continuing students.

Virtual Academy Nominations for 2025

This year, we received over 180 nominations for the Virtual Academy! Outcome notifications were sent to students’ current schools at the end of last year, and it was anticipated that schools would communicate these results to the relevant families.

Acceptance finalisation from students and their families will occur next week, with a list of student names shared with schools shortly after. Students and families have been asked to nominate their preferred units, and Personal Plan meetings and Virtual Conference schedules will be confirmed after negotiation with all stakeholders (GEMs, Parents, VA Educator, and any other relevant party).

Virtual Academy Connect

All Virtual Academy students will begin 2025 with a Connect Day on Friday, 14th February 2025. Further details will be communicated.

University of Newcastle’s High Performing Students Program (HPSP)

A friendly reminder that applications for identified Years 9-11 students for the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Students Program (HPSP) must be submitted by Sunday, 9th February 2025. This program provides a unique opportunity for high achieving students to enrol in first-year university courses while still in high school, offering an early taste of university life. Details have been emailed to both GEMs and Principals.

GEMs in 2025

For schools continuing with the GEM model, we encourage maintaining the Thursday GEM allocation where possible. We understand the logistical challenges and appreciate your thoughtful discussions with your leadership team. Schools transitioning to the GEM Project Officer model will receive confirmation of allocations shortly, if they haven’t already received this.

High Potential and Gifted Education Staff

Virtual Academy Educators

• Andrew Roberts
• Elizabeth Singh
• Heather Porter-Kay
• Julian Honeywill
• Kirsten Bufi

Gifted Education Mentor Project Officers

• Gary Pomplun
• Kim Dickson
• Cathy Curk
• Maree Pittaway
• Nigel Richardson
• Terri Cornish-Allen

Education Officers – High Potential and Gifted Education

• Caroline Donohoe
• Bek Henshaw

Leader of High Potential and Gifted Education

• Maree Karaka

Assistant Head of Schools

• Dulio Rufo

We appreciate your continued commitment to High Potential and Gifted Education and look forward to collaborating further. For any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Maree Karaka maree.karaka@mn.catholic.edu.au