High Potential and Gifted Education

Celebrating William Yapp – Published in the Newcastle Herald

We are delighted to share that William Yapp, one of our talented Virtual Academy students, has had a poem published in the Newcastle Herald!

William created his poem as part of his Paradigm unit of inquiry, and it is wonderful to see his creativity and achievement recognised publicly.

Special thanks to VA Educator Andrew Roberts and GEM Andrew Holstein for their guidance and encouragement throughout William’s writing journey.

Read more here: Newcastle Herald Article

HPGE Blog – Our Best-Kept Secret

We encourage schools to share our latest HPGE Blog in their newsletters:
Our Best-Kept Secret for High Potential and Gifted Learners

This blog highlights the innovative strategies and support in place for High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) and showcases the inspiring work being done across our community.

HPGE Holiday Workshops – IQnition = E³: Extend, Enrich, Excel

We are thrilled to launch a brand-new HPGE Holiday Workshop: IQnition = E³: Extend, Enrich, Excel catering for students in Years 3–10.
Thursday, 18 December 2025
St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm

This exciting program, run in partnership with an external provider from Sydney who specialises in HPG workshops, will extend, enrich, and challenge our students.

This initiative has been made possible through the ICAS Grant, and we are delighted to provide this opportunity for our students.

HPGE Celebrations

Xavier Crosby and Eddie Dowdell taking on the World.

We are pleased to announce that Xavier Crosby from St Francis Xavier and Eddie Dowdell from Holy Family Merewether will be representing our Diocese at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Christchurch, scheduled from 20–23 September. We wish them every success as they embark on this exciting journey.

St Patrick’s Wallsend Shines at Tournament of Minds

We are incredibly proud to share that our Language Literature team represented St Patrick’s at the Tournament of Minds State Finals in Sydney on Sunday. Under challenging conditions, they displayed outstanding creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork - earning 2nd place in the state!

Language Literature Team: Mia Headley, Olivia Lister, Maisie Johns, Jamie Chu, Agnether Njau, Layla Betts, Bailey Goff

Congratulations to all our TOM participants for their hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit; and to Gifted Education Mentor teacher, Ms Josette Nicholas for facilitating this event.

Virtual Academy

Virtual Academy Nominations for 2026

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Virtual Academy 2026.

This innovative online program extends High Potential and Gifted (HPG) students in Years 5–8, challenging them with conceptual, inquiry-based learning and opportunities to develop real-world problem-solving skills.

While many students are identified and nominated in Year 5 to participate for four years, the program also welcomes nominations for:

• students new to our schools, and
• those who have demonstrated emerging high potential.

School leaders and teachers are encouraged to consider both current and future enrolments, reflecting on data, performance, and observations to identify students who would thrive in this program.

The nomination process also prioritises equity and diversity, ensuring fair access for students from underrepresented groups including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• EAL/D students
• Rural and remote learners
• Twice/thrice-exceptional students

Important details

• Nominations are not required for students currently enrolled – their placement will automatically roll over to 2026.
• Year 6 students moving to Catholic secondary schools should still be nominated to ensure continuity of learning.
• School GEMs are asked to complete nominations by Friday, 31 October 2025 (Term 4, Week 3).
• Please do not inform students or families until formal offers are made to avoid disappointment.

Following the review process, selected students will receive:

• a formal letter of offer, and
• further information about unit selections and virtual conference times.

The Diocese thanks all school leaders and staff for their diligence and collaborative approach in supporting HPG students.

For further details about the nomination process for 2026, please contact your GEM or reach out to Maree Karaka (Leader of High Potential and Gifted Education).

Virtual Academy Digital Tools Workshop Semester 2

 The Digital Tools Workshop is designed to enhance students' thinking, research, communication, and self-management skills using technology.
 

Event Details:
Week 10, Term 3
Location: Online via Teams Video Conference (at school) and in independent learning sessions. 
  

Students will continue to attend their regular Video Conferences and complete their independent Virtual Academy learning. During these sessions, they will receive support in accessing, managing, operating, and troubleshooting specific digital software. This will equip them to design an innovative creation, refine it, and share their final product with their Virtual Academy Educator. 

Virtual Academy Educator Visits – Term 4

In Weeks 2-4 of Term 4, Virtual Academy Educators will be attending schools to provide timely, personalised support for students enrolled in the high potential and gifted online program.

These in-school visits are designed to:

• Empower students to reach their full potential through tailored guidance and encouragement.
• Support academic excellence by assessing progress, identifying challenges, and providing strategies that keep students engaged and on track.
• Build confidence by addressing concerns, clarifying expectations, and ensuring students feel secure in their learning journey.
• Prepare for the Virtual Academy Showcase by refining logistics, confirming details, and ensuring every student is ready to share their inquiry with pride.

Through these targeted interactions, we continue to foster a culture of academic excellence, flexible learning, confidence, and success across the Virtual Academy.