Westmount/Hillhurst GATE program

[baygirl]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow

Amen that the brother. People joke about parents wanting to believe that their kids are little unique snowflakes. I can say that in my case, I wish to hell that she wasn't.

I hear you. And with me it's not only because of the struggles she has with other kids, but also because of the adults she encounters. Every new teacher, brownie leaders, random people who have to spend more than 10 minutes with her(sorry about that rage...). You worry so much more about gifted kids.

[sexualbanana]

Save for the few eccentrics that exist in just about every class, pretty much all my classmates in GATE weren't disruptive or exhibited any type of exceptional behaviour. So I'm not sure I get all this 'gifted is a form of disability' stuff.

As much as I hated it the program at the time, it was just a regular jr high class with just nerdier people, and there was no problem with integrating into the regular programs and their students.

[riander5]

Originally posted by sexualbanana
Save for the few eccentrics that exist in just about every class, pretty much all my classmates in GATE weren't disruptive or exhibited any type of exceptional behaviour. So I'm not sure I get all this 'gifted is a form of disability' stuff.

As much as I hated it the program at the time, it was just a regular jr high class with just nerdier people, and there was no problem with integrating into the regular programs and their students.

Agree 100% and is exactly like my experience. Pretty normal kids with a slightly higher % of nerds haha. Everyone in this thread is over analyzing this shit too much

[Cos]

.

[suntan]

Originally posted by Cos
Man according to this thread beyond is actually where the majority of Gate kids go after they can't keep in touch anymore.

That's why I didn't bother asking over at CalgaryPuck.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by sexualbanana
Save for the few eccentrics that exist in just about every class, pretty much all my classmates in GATE weren't disruptive or exhibited any type of exceptional behaviour. So I'm not sure I get all this 'gifted is a form of disability' stuff.

Originally posted by riander5
Agree 100% and is exactly like my experience. Pretty normal kids with a slightly higher % of nerds haha. Everyone in this thread is over analyzing this shit too much

I'm really happy that you two don't recognize my descriptions in your past experiences. As I said, I'm looking at this through a particular lens, and that's for sure changing how I see it.

I guess the fact that you don't even recognize that description in any of your former classmates should be encouraging to me.

[bcylau]

lol i didnt know this was such a hangout for gate and by extension ib/ap.


i think the only problem with GATE is that you tend to go GATE -> IB. That makes your circle of friends very very small compared to normal classes where you see new people in all your classes and options. That was definitely one of those things I noticed. so that "loner" mentality is kinda a product of circumstance as well, because, as your child will soon learn, that the higher iq you have, the smaller number of peers and friends you have.

I was on all the school teams in jr high, but when high school, I wanted to fit in with the full ib kids and skipped out on the sports teams. in hindsight, that was a big mistake.

[suntan]

So Westmount is full for gr 5-12. Fuuuu... They're still take applications in case people leave though.

[ExtraSlow]

Wondering if anyone has any further thoughts on Westmount for the Elementary school years? If you'd prefer to discuss in person, I can meet up for a coffee. Still trying to figure out our little snowflake, but some form of gifted educational stream is certainly on the radar.

Compared to the tone of my previous posts in this thread, I'm feeling much more optimistic about this subject.

[suntan]

You missed the GATE open houses.

Anyhow, last year, GATE took in every child that qualified.

Get your child assessed NOW. You're running out of time.

[ExtraSlow]

I'm aware of the deadlines and open house dates. We have had my child assessed, and it's not clear Westmount or other GATE options are suitable. We may be in more of a "dual exeptionalities" situation.

[suntan]

There's a FB group about Calgary gifted kids. Lots on there with 2E.

Both Westmount and GATE have lots of 2E kids.

After checking out private school options, I have been less than impressed with them (private schools, that is).

[benyl]

My kid isn't twice exceptional, but I am more than happy for you to buy me coffee. He is only a Kindy this year, but I can share the experience at Westmount.

The application deadline for Sept 2016 is past, is it not?

[benyl]

Originally posted by suntan
There's a FB group about Calgary gifted kids.

What's it called? Facebook search is failing me.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by benyl
The application deadline for Sept 2016 is past, is it not?

Yes it has passed.

[suntan]

Originally posted by benyl


What's it called? Facebook search is failing me.

Good question. I'll ask the wife, she's the one that's in it.

[Penis McNickels]

My two kids (grades 1 and 3) are in Westmount. Both started in kindergarten. If you've any questions about the school or the application process (been through it four times, each time was different) feel free to PM. And I do coffee.

[benyl]

One crazy thing I heard was that each child had to re-apply every year. I am glad that this year they have done away with that. Must have been stressful for parents and the kids. One year you are in, the next you are out and all your friends have to changes.

[Penis McNickels]

No, you only had to apply for kindergarten and Grade 1. Once your kid is accepted into grade 1 you're done.

Getting into kindergarten didn't guarantee you a spot for grade 1; hence, why I had to do the application process 4 times.

That being said, I think the fact that they require a educational-psychological assessment makes things a lot easier than the previous application processes.

Every year they keep tweaking the process to hopefully streamline things and get the kids who deserve to be in there in.

[suntan]

Update: She has been accepted into Westmount. Problem: They're full, so she's on a waiting list.