Parent Testimonials

The following testimonials are from parents of gifted children:

FJP Keilor P.S.   June 2011

The Wise Ones Program has provided my children with a range of  benefits on many levels - academic, personal, social, and emotional. It has provided them with an opportunity to be challenged, to think and problem solve on a deeper level, to grasp new ways of being analytical and arriving at an answer. It has expanded their knowledge on the workings of famous people, it has inspired them to develop, invent and to extend their thinking to outside the square. But most importantly, it has allowed them to accept themselves as individuals and that their spin on things is valuable. It has  promoted working in small groups and helped to overcome any shyness or lack of confidence while encouraged listening and speaking skills as well as acceptance of the varied individual viewpoints on a given topic. The lessons are  delivered at a pace that suits high achievers and allows their learning to continue to roll on rather than having to pause their learning to allow others to catch up as per conventional classes.

 It has  provided them with a nurturing environment where they not only have the support of a highly motivated specialist teacher who has built a strong rapport with them but it  has also allowed new friendships to flourish with other like minded children who have now become their friends in the school yard as well as in the WiseOnes class. The small class sizes have allowed my children to have adequate time with the teacher ensuring more attention to their learning on an individual level. I believe this has been most beneficial as children  learn differently and the small class sizes promotes the children to learn in the way that best suits them as opposed to being confined to learning in one style.

 Wise Ones has inspired my children’s love in Art following a topic on Leonardo Da Vinci and May Gibbs. It has also encouraged their interest in Science after topics on Forensic Science, Hair Analysis, Experiments and Investigations. It has given them personal growth, achievement, the desire to learn and continue learning on a deeper level and most of all a sense of satisfaction and belonging.  My children look forward to the variety in which the lessons are delivered each week such as group discussions, overheads, reading out pieces/stories to the class, fingerprinting, playing detectives as well as conventional work book learning.

 l highly recommend this program to all parents as the personal growth and development, love for learning and confidence that WiseOnes has given my children is something that  will benefit  them throughout their lives. The  positive changes in their personality, confidence and drive is a credit to the WiseOnes Program.  Thank you to Myra and all involved in the running of this successful program.

R&G Keilor P.S   May 2011

Last night I asked Megan to write down how she felt about WiseOnes and following is exactly what she wrote:  “WiseOnes has helped me through some personal feelings.  It is so much more interesting than normal work because they go further into things.  Some subjects are funny and some are serious.  WiseOnes cheers me  up because my teacher Myra is always so positive.  I enjoy being with my WiseOnes classmates.  I LOVE forensic science.  It’s so interesting and I’ve always wanted to learn everything I know now.  I love everything about WiseOnes so far and I’m looking forward to the subjects ahead.  I wondered if I’d like WiseOnes when I had my first lesson, and I sure did.  Thanks Mum, Dad and Myra.”

GB Keilor P.S.   May 2011

Just thought i would drop you a note on the progress and changes to my daughter has since joining the WiseOnes this year. After her free tryout from the wiseones and the consequent feedback it was a relief to us, as parents, to find that there wasnt anything ‘wrong’ with our daughter but to the contrary she was actually ‘gifted’ in her own way.  She is very intelligent and was struggling to fit in socially with children her own age, and was becoming quite the loner, both in and out of class. Her mind is much older than her age and, as a consequence, has been struggling with emotions she Doesn’t  understand yet,  worrying herself sick over things, like not finishing homework or not having lots of friends like her big sister.  We actually thought she was ill and took her to the doctors because of her mplaints of stomach aches and headaches. We now know it was because of her emotional instability of seemingly not fitting in. 

 My daughter loves the Wiseones program and so do we, as parents, because it has helped us as a family to understand and cope with her uniqueness.  Being gifted doesn’t mean that your child is just smart and hence lucky, it comes with a fair bit of baggage resulting in a lot of emotional trauma as well. The program has helped my daughter to understand her gift both good and bad and is slowly learning to deal with it. She doesn’t procrastinate as much.  She has since invited some girls from her school for a sleepover ( they had a ball) and seems to be developing a lot more self esteem than she has had in the past.   Dont get me wrong, the changes have been mostly subtle and she does take two steps forward and one step back a lot of the time, but I would love to see more sessions of the Wiseones introduced and see the difference.  I have no doubt that the program has shed a lot   light and understanding as to why my little girl is who she is.  I sincerely encourage any parent that has worries about their child to  consult the Wiseones.

Lex  G    ( April 2011)

“As the father of 2 very bright little boys I was very upset and concerned that the public school system had funding/resources for handling children with learning disabilities but my ‘gifted’ children (who as a result of their intellect also have learning problems in standard classes built for ‘mainstream’ thinking only) were left to cope with the education system as best they could. If it were not for WiseOnes, and programs like them, then Australia’s most valuable future assets (their brightest kids) would be denied the right to reach their fullest potential through better education. 

I can not recommend highly enough the program which has got my kids excited about learning and asking questions about our greatest trading partner (China covered in T1), electronics (T4) and already, at only seven years of age, they understand that heroes and villains are relative to whose side they are on, and that things in this world are not just black and white. As an IT professional and a Finance and Investment specialist I know that if ever there was an investment that would pay big dividends for my kids, it will be the foundation on which they base their learning. WiseOnes provides the crucial cornerstone of this because it does not just ‘teach them things’, it teaches them to love the learning process itself. “  Thanks.

Niole  Dec 2010

Dear (Principal’s name),

I would like to put forward a few words of gratitude for the WiseOnes program run this year at the school ( Brighton PS).  The program has been a big hit with our 8 year old son, Ben, as he has thrived with the extra, and exciting, learning challenge presented.  The topics chosen each term have been varied and greatly enhanced Ben’s learning as well as his general knowledge. 

Juanita

Disappointing to hear about WiseOnes and NSW – but appreciate what influence you had on my Gabriella during her year 4 at Hazelbrook Primary School in the Blue Mountains.

 An update on Gabby – year 6 at Hazo she ended up a Prefect and carried herself very well during the weekly school presentations (amongst other things) in the main hall in front of some 350 kids.   Socially, I think year 6 was the toughest for her – also turning 12 early that year with the majority turning 11 made a difference.  Sshe also found some of the girls and their cliquey behaviour difficult to cope with.  Gabby kept up her ballet education and I believe it was this friendship group, that helped her through that last year at primary school.  Gabby now goes to St Columba’s High School in Springwood and loves it – has a terrific friendship group, which is great - year 9 next year – she has done very well – is a B grade student with a couple of A’s – she’s a high achiever and expects big things of herself – Stephen & I just want her to be happy and give it her best – the high expectations bit is Gabby’s!!! 

  Monique

I wanted to provide you with some well overdue positive feedback about Gracie’s experiences at Wise Ones.  It is a great program that she gets very excited about each week and has done so since she started in grade 1. She finds it challenging and feels she is able to use her brain in a very creative and different way. It has been a great academic addition for her. Feel free to pass this onto Richard and Judy also. Below is her feedback:

 “I love wise ones because your ideas and thoughts can be free, no matter how wacky. You can extend your brain and you can live up to your full potential. I would not stop WiseOnes.  It is always my favourite part of the week. We make up silly ideas that can go with what we’re doing.  I find this class free and fun.  Claudine makes us think of things from a perspective you would never think of. Another perspective is very important to see things through.  For example we had to look at pieces of writing about Ancient Chinese Masters, and had to try and work out what they did. By looking at this from a different perspective, we were able to work this out. 

Claudine is always there at the class (even if she is not feeling completely well) and teaches us new things.  , I rank (vvvvv) five smiles.10/10. ”

 It is great that Malvern Primary has this program available to the children.  Regards Monique Richardson

 JEAN L

Hello Pat,

My daughter, Meredith, just did the shells unit at Lilydale West Primary and thoroughly enjoyed herself.  Many thanks!  Jean

Tony Tsiaves   28/05/2010

Our son C…y now in year 6, has participated in the WiseOnes program since year 1. We are very grateful that his primary school ( Amsleigh Park- ed.) offered this program as part of it’s co-curricula activities.  WiseOnes has provided our son with an opportunity to study many varied topics over the years such as Shakespeare, Advertising, De Bono’s CoRT Breadth and Organization, Electronics,  Ancient Rome and Egypt and Geometry He has gained a rich general knowledge and skills which will help him reach his full potential.  His WiseOnes teachers have always been very professional and passionate when teaching each subject.  We would highly recommend all primary schools offer this program as part of their curriculum, so that they can assist and support the children in their schools who exhibit high potential.   Thank-you WiseOnes.  Keep up the good work.

JIM and EFFIE  NIKOLAKOPOULOS

Dear Claudine

Our eldest son ,A.., started the “WiseOnes” program in 2003 when he was in grade 1. He followed it through to Grade 6 and never missed a  term. He was always enthusiastic about attending and he always looked forward to the following term’s topics. The topics that you taught him were challenging, yet appropriate for his young and enquiring mind.  He learned to link and associate concepts with other classes that he was being taught at primary school. As a year 7 student I can attest to excellent History grades simply because he had studied Ancient Egypt as part of his “WiseOnes’” program at primary school.  He was positively reinforcing and building on what he had already been exposed to. This is just one example of how “”WiseOnes” helped A…

In 2007 we were fortunate to have our second son ,G.., take part in your “WiseOnes” program. He, too, thoroughly enjoyed being taught by you at this advanced level and found the whole experience thought provoking and stimulating. The last unit on the mechanics of Lego was one of his favourites, especially when he was faced with new ways of creating bridges and cantilevers. It made him think in a  sophisticated was about the structure of different constructions.

Next year our daughter is starting at the school. We are so fortunate to have our children exposed to your excellent teaching and wisdom. You are a true professional who has a special way of educating young children at a totally different level.  Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special “WiseOnes’” family.

The Arnolds

The WiseOnes program has provided a wonderful experience for my children’s education. WiseOnes has extended my children in areas of creativity, logic thought processes, and increased their general appetite for knowledge.  The teacher providing the educational guidance is fantastic and had a real passion for extending the children’s knowledge. I believe my children have benefited greatly from the experience of being involved with this program.   Thanks WiseOnes.

Janice

Hi Pat,

When I met you half way through 2004 I was almost convinced that we had it all wrong and a teacher’s assessment must be right. Thank you for encouraging me to believe in my child and to see some amazing results in changed attitudes.

When I asked what WiseOnes could do in 1 hour a week I was fairly skeptical that such a traumatic view of school could ever be turned around but I am so glad I took the risk (financially it was quite a risk but worth each cent). J… said only last week “you know Mum I am really enjoying school at the moment!” and it wasn’t even a Friday!

Though I am still horrified at his work output at school I do see an amazing transformation in him, his own acceptance and understanding of who he is and also of others. We were also dealing with many other issues but I do believe WiseOnes has given him a sense of identity and an acceptance to be a little different to others.  Thank You!

Jayshree

Dear Claudine

S….. has been coming home each week telling me how great his class with you was. He has been coming home talking about how “clever” Da Vinci was in mirror writing, where the equator is, what the continents are, and what man made wonders in the world are. Some of these snippets of information I already knew while others I learned from him. So, not only was he excited about Thursdays and WiseOnes, so was I…for I knew, every Thursday, I might learn something new from my 7 year old.

This year at WiseOnes has exposed my curious son to greater heights of curiosity and wonder. The year at WiseOnes has exposed my son to challenges that he will not normally encounter in his day to day classroom activities. The year at WiseOnes has exposed my son to the fact that the knowledge he has is only a fistful and that the world is such a huge reservoir of knowledge, if only he wants to be challenged, if only he wants to look outside the square. The year at WiseOnes has definitely helped my son look outside the square.

I thank you, Claudine, from the bottom of my heart, for this year. I thank you for your dedication and zest for pushing students like S….., to be constantly challenged and asking questions and letting them make mistakes and learning from them in a safe environment.

Rebecca

Just a quick email from one very impressed parent. My son has only just begun WiseOnes this term and absolutely loves it. He has always loved lego and puzzles and he now loves going to school on Tuesdays. Every Tuesday afternoon I can’t get him to stop talking about what he dId that day. He’s very excited about next term’s programs-Art

June 2006

Kerry

Hi Pat

Please include this on your website if you wish.

My son was always a mystery to me. He didn’t seem to quite fit in or seem quite happy at school. I worked with the teachers in my son’s class to help him with his social skills and behaviour, with some success. He still didn’t seem quite happy or fit in. My daughter was an obvious candidate to enroll in WiseOnes as she always excelled and had extension work.

I always believed in giving both children the same opportunities but didn’t think my son would be eligible. I asked for him to be assessed anyway, To my surprise my son’s results were higher than my daughter’s.

Since participating in WiseOnes my son’s whole attitude to school has changed. He is happy to go to school and his behaviour is completely different. He now has faith in his abilities, ideas and has confidence to make friends outside his safe circle. My son has chosen to play team sports after school as well as continue his karate.

I am so pleased that his abilities were identified in Grade Two as now he sees the world as opportunities. He has the confidence to “Have a Go” and now understands that it doesn’t matter if he goofs. As a parent it is so nice to see him happy and confident. I can’t believe how this has changed his life.

Anita

My son adores it, loves the interaction, finds the small group very beneficial and thoroughly enjoys the discussions and lateral thinking. He learns without feeling that he is being taught.

Rebecca

So far as I can tell the curriculum is interesting for my child, it is fun and not boring for her. She has made new friends, enjoys the learning and is very happy with it. It lets her use her own skills and imagination. The school and the teachers handle this program well, integrating it with the school timetable is great.

Marcia

Two of my children have attended the program, and it has provided a much enjoyed opportunity for both of them to extend themselves in a nurturing environment and explore interesting and unusual areas of education. The program offers the advantages of both operating on a thematic basis through a term, providing long term development as well as dealing with totally different subjects and ideas from one program to the next.   This benefits different interests, and enables the children to make totally new discoveries, provoking them to question and examine areas that they may not have previously encountered.

One of my children, while extremely bright, also has a social and learning disability. WiseOnes has provided her with a unique venue to grow. The small numbers have worked to her advantage, enabling her to interact in a non-threatening group and learn in a calm and positive environment.

Mrs B… has proved herself an outstanding teacher. I have been highly impressed with the warmth and encouragement she has provided, while at the same time guiding my child toward achieving her goals and needs.  I congratulate her on her outstanding ability and her provision of both a stimulating emotional and educational environment.

Caron

Our youngest son has been involved in WiseOnes for about one and a half years. He enjoys the varied lessons, on such topics as Electronics, Forensics, Lego, Cartooning etc considerably. These things, he could not learn in the general classroom.

C…. is his teacher at WiseOnes and has proven to be very caring, entertaining and skilled in urging the children to make their own discoveries in learning. We believe that group learning and partnerships are encouraged, as the children work together to solve problems, and not just on their own. My son’s best friends at school now are in WiseOnes. B is forming his own clubs at school now because he has become more confident in his peer relationships.

I believe the WiseOnes programme, not only stretches the children’s intellects, but also helps to deepen the friendships with like minded pupils. I feel privileged to be part of a primary school which allows these lessons to be conducted. Keep up the great work!!

Michele

Stephanie has enjoyed WiseOnes and this current unit on the ancient Egyptians she has especially enjoyed-mainly because it involves making something each week. She does look forward to her WiseOnes class each week and I know she is more challenged there than in the regular class room where she gets all her spelling and maths right every week.

The Siebens

My twins enjoyed WiseOnes through the year. The dinosaur module was their favourite module. My children felt really connected with the facilitators which made it easy for them to learn and more importantly, remember. Thank you for such a positive learning experience.

Caroline

My son has attended WiseOnes for only one term. However, he is enjoying it enormously. He finds the much extended content very stimulating.

I have also been very pleased with WiseOnes from our initial contact. Their care and patience in the assessment process was notable as they drew out from him observations and answers I did not know he possessed.  My son is looking forward to the upcoming term of Shakespeare after the first term of “Life Under the Microscope”.

Pamela

It has been a satisfying experience for me to watch my daughter Emily’s creative talents being nurtured and guided by your program. She is thoroughly enjoying the program and she clearly needed the extra mental stimulation that your program offers her.  I am a sole parent on a parenting pension. The current cost of the program is very difficult for me but is met because I place such a high price on my daughter’s gifts and talents.

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