Wordsmiths battle it out

STUDENTS from six local schools competed against each other on Tuesday in a battle of the spoken word.
Schools from the Lyndhurst cluster – Narre Warren South P-12 College, Strathaird Primary School, Rangebank Primary School, Courtenay Gardens Primary School and Lynbrook Primary School met at Lyndhurst Secondary College for a public speaking competition.
Students from grades five to nine first competed in their classes then against the winners from other classes, then two children from each year level at each school went into the grand final called Have a Voice Day on Tuesday.
Lyndhurst Secondary College assistant principal and one of the cluster educators Michael Jaremczuk said the competition was part of a literacy initiative by the excellence cluster to promote oracy, public speaking and language skills.
“The kids chose a topic they wished to speak on for two minutes,” Mr Jaremczuk said.
“Some spoke on water crisis, drugs in football, bullying and harassment and no homework. That was a popular topic.
“It was what the kids felt passionate about.”
About 40 students performed at the final, with the winners receiving a $25 book voucher, and all competitors receiving a certificate.