In Case You Missed It
The GPA’s Parent Education Session on Executive Functioning was held on December 2. Jodi Staples defined what “Executive Functioning” is and how it develops as children age. Her session focused on the specific ways gifted children develop executive functioning skills, and how families can support their development in key areas.
She discussed the strengths that gifted children often have in some areas of executive functioning, such as advanced problem-solving skills, enhanced working memory, goal-oriented persistence, flexibility of thinking and other strengths. Common struggles for gifted children include emotional regulation, fear of failure, impulse control, procrastination and time management, emotional and social asynchrony, and overthinking.
Jodi emphasized the importance of practicing the skills so they turn into routines and habit, and the role parents can have in supporting this type of growth. She discussed a number of specific strategies to support learners.
If you would like to listen to the session, please see the GATE Parent Association website Presentation page here.
SAVE THE DATE: CASINO EVENT
The GPA Casino Fundraising Event has been set for March 6 and 7, 2025 at Pure Casino (1420 Meridian Rd NE). This is our most important fundraising event – we receive a casino once every 2 years. Please save the date. A call for volunteers will be put out in January.
VOLUNTEER WITH THE GPA
The GPA is a great way to stay connected to the GATE community and receive updates on GATE-specific matters. We are currently looking for volunteers to fill the following roles:
- Site representatives for Louis Riel and Henry Wise Wood Schools. This involves attending school council meetings and GPA meetings and sharing school updates between the two
- General Fundraising Chair
- Parent Education Chair
Email us at info@gatecalgary.ca for more information.
UPCOMING PARENT EDUCATION SESSIONS
The Community Education Service (CES) is offering the following sessions for parents and families. Sessions are offered at no cost but registration is required. *Click on the Poster/PDF icon below the correct session to register*
February 4, 2025: Healthy Relationships
This is an interactive workshop to learn how to navigate those sometimes awkward but essential conversations that foster well-being, healthy relationships and informed decision-making. We empower parents with knowledge, skills and confidence to engage in open, honest and supportive conversations about sexuality and sexual health with their children.
In this workshop, we will describe and explore healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship patterns. We will learn about effective communication and practice discussing topics related to romantic/intimate relationships in ways that are grounded in your values.
February 6, 2025: ADHD and Executive Functioning
The session will provide an overview of ADHD and how issues with impulsivity and/or inattention impact children’s ability to manage their environments. The session will also explore the impact ADHD has on Executive Functioning and how it relates to managing everyday tasks, and meeting daily expectations at home and at school, including social, emotional, behavioural, and academic demands.
February 24, 2025: Managing Challenging Behaviours
Everyone has intense emotions, the trick is being able to navigate them.
Through this presentation you will learn about the crisis cycle and how to intervene at a different moment to reduce the risk of an intense emotional outburst. You can use these strategies with anyone in your life, despite their age.
DID YOU KNOW you can access pre-recorded sessions for free HERE.
ALSO CHECK OUT resources available through Mental Health Literacy HERE.