The HEPS 'Aim High' Newsletter

TLI and High Ability @HEPS

The VAGTC

 

The VAGTC is a parent and educator-led not-for-profit incorporated body that is committed to advocating for the identification and appropriate support, education, and development of gifted potential in children across the state of Victoria. 

 

The Victorian Association for Gifted and Talented Children offer free webinars for parents throughout the year. 

 

Upcoming Free Parent Seminar/s

 

Free Parent Seminar

 

Young Gifted Children (Preschool ->Year 2)

August 6, 2025 (19:30 - 21:00)

 

Is your preschool child incredibly curious? Do they seem to sleep less than other children their age? Have they reached milestones early? Has your kinder teacher suggested that they need more? Is it possible that they are gifted? Join us to explore the joys and challenges of parenting a young gifted child. How can you support their insatiable curiosity? What activities can you do at home? What are good excursions and outings? 

What emotional support do they need?

 

We will outline current thinking on parenting a young  gifted child and leave plenty of time for your questions.

 

Link for booking here - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1419201 

 

Zoom link will be emailed to you with booking confirmation.

 

 

Homework - how to help

Homework, has at times, caused some angst with my daughters at home. The demands that one daughter gets in year 8 is so different to those that the other daughter experiences in year 4. As long as I have been teaching, there has always been a debate about its importance and why. The difference between high and primary school expectations so often be so different, especially with the amount and time allocated per week. 

 

The Department of Education has some wonderful tips and guidance with and around homework. As per the DET website (https://www.vic.gov.au/homework), homework gives your child a chance to:

  • work through the things they have learnt at school
  • strengthen their long-term understanding of the topic or activity
  • develop study skills that they will use for the rest of their life.

Homework is also a chance for you to get involved and help your child’s learning.

 

Types of homework

The type of homework set for your child will depend on:

  • their age
  • the subject
  • the school’s homework policy
  • their teacher.

These things will also influence the length of the homework and the level of difficulty.

 

Here are a couple of ways we can help as parents...

 

Encourage a homework routine

Help your child to do their homework at the same time everyday. Some children concentrate better in the mornings. Some are in the afternoons. Choose a time that works best for your child.

 

Having a regular homework time will set your child up with good study habits. This will help them throughout school and beyond.

 

Set up a comfortable space

Your child will find it much easier to do their homework if they have a comfortable space.

This could be a space in their bedroom, in your study or in the family room. If you don't have a space at home you could think about going to a library.

 

A good homework space:

  • is comfortable – not too hot, not too cold and has plenty of fresh air
  • is quiet
  • has good light – use a good lamp or overhead light if the space is dark
  • has all the things they need to do their work: think about stationery, a computer, a printer
  • is free from distractions such as the television or computer games.

Furthermore, there are other tips and advice on the DET's website to support parents or please reach out to us here at HEPS if you need any help in this space.