A Message from the Gifted Education Mentor Project Officer
High Potential and Gifted Education
I am excited to be returning to Catherine McAuley Catholic College as the Gifted Education Mentor Project Officer this year. In this role, I will be supporting teachers, students, and families to enhance learning opportunities for High Potential and Gifted students, ensuring they are challenged, engaged, and able to reach their full potential. I am passionate about ensuring that all students—including those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds—have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive. I also value strong partnerships between schools and families, as working together is key to fostering student success.
Virtual Academy
This year Catherine McAuley have six students in Years 7 and 8 engaging in the Virtual Academy. The Virtual Academy provides a unique and innovative learning experience for high potential and gifted students from across the 58 schools of the Diocese, enabling students to connect with like-minded peers, whilst maintaining connection and engagement with their peers at Catherine McAuley. The six students engaging in the Virtual Academy this year will work within the school, via web-based platforms, which enables them to be extended and advanced through curriculum outcomes in place of part of their regular class work.
University of Newcastle’s High Performing Student Program
It is exciting to share with you that we also have 17 students from Years 9-11 at the College engaging in the University of Newcastle’s High Performing Students Program (HPSP). The HPSP provides high school students with the opportunity to experience university life by enrolling in a first-year university course. Through this program, students can:
- Explore their academic interests
- Make informed career decisions
- Begin earning credits towards a future degree at the University of Newcastle
I look forward to working in the Catherine McAuley community and working with you to support our High Potential and Gifted students. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the programs available.
Looking forward to an exciting year ahead!
Gary Pomplun