Published on: 26 May 2021



This week saw boys in the Preparatory School engage in a fun-filled week of Gifted Awareness Week activities.

Gifted Awareness Week is about raising awareness of the identification, support and learning needs of gifted children and to celebrate the dedication of individuals and educational bodies who are making a positive difference in the lives of gifted children and their families.

To launch Gifted Awareness Week, the School hosted a joint Gifted WA and Mensa Kids Games and Picnic on Sunday. The children were able to play with LEGO, get their faces painted, use stepping stones and magnetic tiles, and play on the new nature playground.

Following the fun, Year 3 teacher Ms Brooke Siegmann then hosted an open panel discussion for parents. This year the panel included Dean Tollis (Gifted WA Chair; parent), Dr Kate Burton (Co-founder of Gifted WA; psychotherapist; counsellor), Melissa Morrison (Gifted WA secretary; teacher), Amanda Rogers (MENSA Event Co-ordinator; Gifted WA committee member; teacher) and Chee Wong (MENSA Gifted Children’s Co-ordinator; educator).

The event was a huge success with over 130 families attending the event.

Throughout the week, boys had the opportunity to engage in a variety of lunchtime sessions including making and drawing 3D objects, a Rubik’s cube masterclass, and maths games.

“Consistently achieving excellent marks in school assessments may sometimes be a cause for concern rather than celebration,” says Co-ordinator of the Centre for Excellence in the Preparatory School, Mrs Victoria Wisker.

“This is because it may be an indication that students are not receiving the level of challenge that they need in order to progress.”

“Providing gifted students with daily challenges in their classrooms ensures that their learning continues to progress.”

“It also helps to build resilience and develop the mindset necessary for increased motivation and achievement.”

Interested in learning more about gifted awareness at Christ Church? See our Centre for Excellence page.