Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle
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1/841 Hunter Street
Newcastle West NSW 2302
Subscribe: https://csomn.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: info@mn.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4979 1200

High Potential and Gifted Education

2025 CogAT Administration

2025 CogAT Administration As we prepare for the 2025 administration of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) to years 2, 4, and 7 across the diocese, scheduled testing dates have now been confirmed with schools. To ensure a smooth administration, a range of professional learning videos and resources are available via this link High Potential and Gifted Education - Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) which is also accessible via the MNConnect landing page Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) tile. These include:

Professional Learning Resources Available:

  • Videos:
  1. What is CogAT and Ability Data – Why Does it Matter?
  2. Understanding the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
  3. Planning for the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
  4. Creating a Test Session for the Online CogAT in DataManager
  5. Administering the Online Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
  • Additional Resources:
    • CogAT Administration PowerPoint Presentations
    • CogAT Testing Checklist
    • CogAT Newsletter Entry
    • Student Online Test Sign-In Link
    • DataManager Sign-In Link
    • Practice Tests
    • Directions for Online Administration

Support for Administration: For staff new to the GEM role, administering CogAT for the first time, or those who have requested support, an HPGE staff member will be available on at least the first day of your administration.

Access to Student Sign-In Codes & DataManager Setup:

  • Student Unique Identification Sign-In Codes are now ready for printing and have been securely uploaded to your School Portal
  • DataManager Setup: All students have now been added/updated on the Riverside DataManager platform. Principals, Assistant Principals, and GEMs will soon receive a request from Riverside Insights DataManager to complete the setup process and create a password.

No further action is required beyond this step until you review the instructional videos available on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) tile on MNConnect or via the link above.

CogAT Online Administration Set-Up Meetings: For additional support, optional online meetings are available to Principals, Aps, and GEMs to assist with setup, answer questions, and provide guidance:

Monday, 7th April – 8:30 AM via the LINK
Tuesday, 8th April – 3:30 PM via the LINK
Friday, 11th April – 8:30 AM via the LINK

For further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your support in this important initiative!

Academic Competition

Virtual Academy’s da Vinci Decathlon Team Selection

Congratulations to our Virtual Academy students selected for the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools da Vinci Decathlon Team! This is an incredible achievement, and we are excited for students to engage with like-minded peers and to represent their school and our diocese in this prestigious academic competition.

Venue: Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College, 256 Minmi Road, Fletcher
Dates:

  • Tuesday, 1st April – Years 7-8
  • Wednesday, 2nd April – Years 9-10
  • Thursday, 3rd April – Years 5-6

⏰ Time: 7:45 AM – 3:30 PM
Transport: Families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up arrangements.

On the Day:

  • The High Potential and Gifted Education Team will supervise students throughout the event.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to enabling our students to showcase their talent!

Upcoming Virtual Academy Events

Semester 1 Digital Tools Online Workshop Week

As part of the Virtual Academy, students are invited to participate in the Semester 1 Digital Tools Online Workshop Week, a unique variation to our program designed to develop thinking, research, communication, and self-management skills using technology.

Students will select their preferred workshop during their upcoming Video Conferences. This workshop will support their designs and creations for the end-of-semester Virtual Academy event. During scheduled Video Conferences and independent Virtual Academy learning time, students will learn how to access, manage, operate, and troubleshoot specific digital software to refine their innovative creations for sharing with their Virtual Academy Educator and peers.

Week 1, Term 2 – Online Digital Tools Workshop via Teams Video Conference at school

Innovate: Bridging Business, Technology, and Education

The Virtual Academy’s Enterprise Program, in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, presents Innovate – a unique opportunity for students to explore the intersection of emerging technologies and contemporary business practices.

Venue: Q Building, University of Newcastle, Honeysuckle Drive
Date: Thursday, 10th April

Event Highlights:

  • Enhancing technological literacy, entrepreneurial acumen, and strategic problem-solving skills
  • Engaging with industry professionals, business mentors, university professors, and alumni
  • Exploring real-world enterprises, innovative startups, and the impact of artificial intelligence on modern industries

This event provides Virtual Academy – Enterprise unit students with invaluable insights into the evolving global business landscape, helping them expand their professional networks and develop skills for future leadership.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to supporting high potential and gifted education in our diocese. We look forward to working with you throughout 2025!