On March 27th, 2025, students from Arcadia, Annangrove, Hillside, Macdonald Valley and Middle Dural Public Schools gathered at Middle Dural for a day filled with discovery, fun and friendship. This exciting event had been in the planning for nine months, led by a dedicated team of principals eager to help students explore their potential across intellectual, physical, creative and social-emotional domains.
To ensure the activities resonated with the students, they were given the opportunity to vote on their preferred options in Term 4. Based on this feedback, the team organised 18 engaging activities, collaborating with Longneck Lagoon and Brewongle Environmental Education Centres, Galston High School, and community groups such as the Hills Hornets Basketball Association and the NRL, who contributed Basketball and OzTag clinics.
As the big day approached, students ranked their top activity choices, allowing them to select options that matched their interests and strengths.
The much-anticipated High Potential Gifted Education (HPGE) Day welcomed 270 excited students, all ready to explore their undiscovered potential.
After an official welcome and Acknowledgement of Country, the activities commenced. Students participated in a variety of sessions, including building nest boxes, using GPS trackers in Mission Codebreak, creating shelters with natural materials, and engaging in traditional Indigenous games.
Creative pursuits included drumming, visual arts, film-making and dance, while physical activities featured OzTag, basketball, soccer and more. Intellectual challenges involved Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) projects and Escape Room activities.
The Middle Dural Public School Parents and Citizens Association ran a canteen and organised a popular sausage sizzle, which many students declared one of their favourite parts of the day.
The atmosphere was vibrant as students from all school mingled, forming new friendships while engaging in shared interests. This camaraderie was especially evident among the Kindergarten students, who remained in one group. Throughout the day, students displayed remarkable behaviour, enthusiastically trying new activities, and collaborating with peers. Many reported enjoying the thrill of using power tools, playing sports and being creative.
The inaugural HPGE Day proved to be a fantastic success, highlighting students’ potential and fostering an environment where they could explore new interests. As we reflect on this wonderful day, it’s clear that opportunities for growth and connection were abundant.
Vacancies are currently available in our local community schools. If you’re interested in learning more about the advantages of enrolling your child, please reach out to your local public school principal for further information.
Belinda Reedman – Arcadia Principal
Morgan Cannon – Annangrove Relieving Principal
Koula Neorcsik – Hillside Principal
Sarah Allen – Macdonald Valley Principal
Melissa Date – Middle Dural Principal
