Hi Valued Customer,
 

Welcome to the March newsletter, the second in the new format. Hopefully some of the bugs that showed up with the first have been sorted out now.

Term 1 is now well under way, routines are becoming established and the weather is finally showing signs of cooling down. No sooner was the Back to School merchandise out of the shops than Easter eggs started appearing.......... it certainly makes the year feel like it is passing quickly.
 
What's coming up?
There are a few things happening this term which are mentioned below . I am also working on a new look website for Thinking Ahead which I hope will be ready before too long. 


Future Problem Solving
Future Problem Solving is an international program that focusses on the development of creative thinking skills and aims to give students the skills to design and promote positive futures for the society in which they live.

Coaching sessions for students in Years 5 – 9 will start next week on 22^nd March. Sessions will be held on Tuesday afternoons in the library at Nedlands Primary school from 4.15 until 5.30pm (although the first 2 session will be at Tresillian while some building work is finished off at the school). This is a great chance for gifted students to work with like minds researching and putting skills they learn to use on big issue topics. This year's topics include Healthy Living, Air Transport, Genetic Testing and Water Quality.

More information and registration forms can be found on the website . Please register early (or at least email us if you cant make it the first week) so we can make appropriate arrangements based on the number of students.

EXPLORE Test 
The EXPLORE exam is an above level test for gifted students in Years 4, 5 and 6 which provides an opportunity for gifted students to stretch their wings. By raising the ceiling students parents and teachers can all gain valuable insights into a child’s capabilities.

Testing this year will be held on April 9th and test centres in South Perth, Geraldton and Albany. More information about the test can be found on the website.

Cost is $97 and registrations close at 5pm on 25^thMarch (or sooner if all places are allocated prior). Check the FAQ's for more information about this test which is used as a Talent Search opportunity in many places in the USA.


From the Blog
I am planning on posting once or twice a week this year and have recently added a Sign Up box on the blog which means you can sign up to receive blog updates via email (this is a separate sign up to the Mailing list on the Thinking Ahead home page).

Recent Posts
Why test above level?
When we have to repeat a task……..
Appetite
The power of connection
Mind the Gaps
If somethign doesn't feel right 

You can read these and previous posts here.

What's New in the Download section?
Not a lot of new additions this month but you may be interested to read
Young Gifted Girls and Boys: Perspectives through the lens of gender by Libby Lee from Murdoch University. This article looks at seven conceptions of giftedness drawn from interview with teachers who had nominated a young child for enrichment and how the lens of gender influences their views of giftedness.


Harry P and the Professors camp
This popular camp returns to WA from April 15 – 17th this year. Registrations are welcome from 7 – 12 year olds (parents also welcome) and there is an all new program for this camp, as well as a new location at Jarrahdale. Some places still remain so please register early. Remember to claim your discount as a Thinking Ahead subscriber. Find out more and register from the website, or email Helen at Australian Gifted Support with queries.

Caring for Others
Gifted children often feel deeply about disasters such as the recent earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan and the resulting tsunami there. I read an excellent piece of advice somewhere in the last few days which you may find helpful if you have a highly sensitive child who finds it distressing. It reminded us to 'look for the helpers', in the event of disasters, and to remember there are always people who reach out to others. This can help redirect thinking to look for the positives amongst what is almost unimaginable destruction.

Many gifted children as well as adults feel the need to do something, to help in some way. This morning I heard from the mum of a young girl whose familiy I have met through Thinking Ahead.  Her 8 year old daughter has set up a fundraising event for Japanese Disaster Relief via the Save the Children Fund and is busy baking in preparation for hosting a tea party next week to raise money. She has set up a donation page with First Giving and would welcome any contribution you may be able to make. 

 
Links and Reading
As usual you will find a  selection of links and things to read below which I have come across over the last month.

 You will find new information is added regularly to the Thinking Ahead website so be sure to check there regularly too.



All the best for this term and I will look forward to any feedback on the newsletter, or things you woudl like to see covered on the blog.

cheers

Derrin Cramer