Magis

The first few weeks of school have seen the beginning of a number of major developments in the Magis program. I am delighted that a very strong Magis committee has now been formed. Congratulations and thanks to the following Magis students who will form the initial Magis Committee for 2018.

Magis Committee 2018

The role of the committee will include planning and reviewing Magis events, inspiring others in their year group to participate in Magis events, and providing service to the College.

Two major current Gifted and Talented competitions that are a particular current focus for Magis are the da Vinci Decathlon in which John XXIII College will field teams from Years 7, 8 and possibly Year 9, and Creative Edge Thinking at Curtin University, where our Year 10, 11 and 12 students will represent the College. Our first major Magis Breakfast is next Wednesday, 28 February, and the guest speaker will be WA Opti-MINDS  and Creative Edge Director Kathy Boyatzis. Kathy will speak on creative thinking and problem solving, and clarify the nature of the Creative Thinking event. This free breakfast is open to all Magis, Altiora and other interested gifted students in Senior School, but entries must be returned by Monday.

The first of the new Altiora Competitive Challenges in the Magis program have commenced, with Academic Spelling taking place this week, and goal-setting plans which include a strategic plan for academic success due next week.

Three handbooks are available to students involved in the Magis or Altiora programs: The Magis Handbook, Academic Resources Handbook, and the Magis competitions handbook which gives details of the many competitions available to students on the state or national level. This booklet has been updated with specific details of competition opportunities provided by the various learning areas, and it is great to see the formation already of a number of teams including Law Mock Trials and WADL interschool debating. There is an expectation that all Magis and Altiora students will involve themselves in at least one competition each semester, and points for the competitive section of the program can be gained from any of these competitions.

Other exciting Magis news includes new opportunities through the Illumine Philosophy Evening at Corpus Christi in June,

The Julie Arliss Gifted and Talented Programs in May for seniors and August for Years 7 and 8, and the famous Bell Shakespeare Company who will present an exciting event for Years 10 and 11 on 23 July.

Jim Miller

Gifted and Talented Coordinator