Friday 14th February, the Virtual Academy Connect event was held at the University of Newcastle, welcoming our largest cohort yet, with students from Years 4 to 8. This event provided an opportunity for students to establish connections with like-minded peers while also setting up for online learning. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm as they engaged in this important first step of their Virtual Academy journey.

Another exciting initiative is the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Student Program, which recently closed nominations for students in Years 9 to 11. This new opportunity, available both online and in person, allows students to engage in advanced university-level learning while still in high school and supports the continuum of learning throughout their schooling years. Principal endorsements have been finalised, and selected students will receive university credentialing upon completion of their chosen unit, providing valuable recognition for future studies.

Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the da Vinci Decathlon, taking place in early April. Students from Years 5 to 10 across the diocese will have the opportunity to compete in this prestigious academic challenge, which fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration across multiple disciplines.

High Potential and Gifted Education Networking Day

The High Potential and Gifted Education Networking Day held on Thursday, 20th February at the University of Newcastle’s NUSpace provided a collaborative platform for Gifted Education Mentors (GEMs) to engage with key initiatives and priorities for 2025. The day began with a Prayer and Acknowledgment of Country, followed by a welcome by Maree Karaka (Leader of HPGE) and an overview of the Academic Excellence Strategy and Policy & Procedures. Education Officers – Caroline Donohoe, and Bek Henshaw led an interactive session on the role, offering practical insights into data-informed decision-making. Lauren Carlson facilitated a Middle Leadership workshop, fostering skills to drive impactful change. The afternoon focused on Term 1 priorities for the GEM role and planning for CogAT 2025, concluding with a Virtual Academy Q&A led by Virtual Academy Educators. This event supported GEMs in aligning their practice with policy while enhancing collaboration and leadership capabilities.

These initiatives highlight the breadth of opportunities available to our high potential and gifted students, ensuring they are engaged, challenged, and supported throughout their learning journey. Thank you to all who have contributed to making these programs a success!