Welcome
Dear Colleagues and Friends
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the World Council for Gifted and
Talented Children, it is my great pleasure to invite you to join us in
2003 for the 15th Biennial World Conference in Adelaide, Australia. Held
every two years since the first World Conference in 1975 in London, the
conference brings together colleagues and parents to share experiences,
trade knowledge, discover new research findings, learn practical ideas
for home and school and explore controversial and provocative topics. It
is more than just an educational forum, the conference is a fascinating
adventure where you have the opportunity to interact and establish contacts
with a diverse group of attendees from over 50 nations worldwide. You
will find a new appreciation for the challenges faced by some of our colleagues
in promoting and providing for the gifted and talented in various cultures.
I personally eagerly anticipate each conference, to once again meet face-to-face
with old friends and colleagues and to develop new friendships with interesting
personalities from around the world. “Gifted 2003, A Celebration Downunder,”
co-sponsored by the Gifted and Talented Children’s Association of
South Australia (GTCASA), promises to be an exceptional event. The local
organisers are planning a carefully crafted program with a
full range of topics related to the nurturance and education of gifted
and talented youth. Presentations by experts in the field, their insights,
wisdom and expertise will enhance your understanding of the gifted. In
addition, the program includes a unique variety of experience the culture,
hospitality and spirit of Adelaide.
I look forward to seeing you in Adelaide.
Klaus
K. Urban, President
World Council for Gifted and Talented Children.
Dear Prospective Delegates
It is a great pleasure for us to invite you to participate in the 15th
World Conference for Gifted and Talented Children, to be held in Adelaide
1 – 5 August 2003. The Gifted and Talented Children’s Association
of South Australia was established in 1978 by a small group of teachers
concerned that gifted children were being overlooked in our schools. Since
then it has grown to be a large and vibrant group, which provides a Saturday
Club for gifted students, professional development for teachers, a Resource
Centre for parents, teachers and students, support for parents and advocacy
for Gifted Children across our state. The 15th World Conference will bring
together teachers, psychologists, parents and others from across the world
who have a common interest in gifted children and students. Topics to
be covered will include identification, curriculum and programs for gifted
students, creativity, special talents, gifted learning disabled individuals,
social and emotional development and policy and procedures. This conference
will also include two extra strands, which we consider important. The
first strand is Information and Communication Technology. Placed as we
are at the beginning of the 21st century and looking forward, ICT is going
to be a very large part of our children’s lives. We will be looking
to those individuals with gifts in this area to lead us into the future.
The second strand is Music and the Arts. We would like the opportunity
to honour those students who are gifted in the arts while learning more
about their special strengths and needs. We would encourage you to come
to Adelaide to enjoy our beautiful, safe city. Stroll through our parks,
shop with our cheap dollar, eat at one of many excellent restaurants,
appreciate our unique plants, animals and birds and much, much more.
Sue Urban, President, Gifted and Talented Children’s Association of South Australia
Ann Matison, Chairperson, Organising Committee 15th World Conference for
Gifted and Talented Children, Vice President and Past President, Gifted
and Talented Children’s Association of South Australia.
Message of Support
It is a great pleasure to be supporting the 15th World Conference for Gifted and Talented Children in South Australia, August 2003.This is a wonderful opportunity for the international community of educators, psychologists, school counsellors, academics and parents of the gifted and talented to share the latest information and insights on the needs and education of the gifted and talented. The Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented (AAEGT) is a national organisation of educators and parents which affiliated in 1995 with all Australian states and territory associations for the gifted and talented. The Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented wholeheartedly supports this initiative of the Gifted and Talented Children’s Association of South Australia. I trust that this conference will inspire and challenge all delegates in their knowledge and understanding of the needs of the gifted and talented.
Leonie Kronborg, President 2001 -2003,
Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented (AAEGT).
