Left: Rhys Weyman-Jones,BlerimXhilaga, FelicityLancashhire and Oliver McCortwith their trophies.By Bridget Cook
SPELLING whiz kids from across Casey battled in out last month to become the area’s top speller.
About 50 students competed against other students their age in the City of Casey zone final for the Gippspell Spelling Bee at held at Kilberry Valley Primary School on Tuesday 9 August.
Students from 11 primary schools and two secondary colleges took part in the competition, which more than 150 people turned out to see.
To make it through each round, the students were required to spell out the word given to them by the enunciator. Once the student had said a letter they couldn’t retract it, even of they realised they had made a mistake.
Toni Arfaras, from Kilberry Valley Primary School, said the event was a success.
“The standard was amazing and would be the best that I have seen in my years of involvement,” he said.
“Grade 5 students were faced with words like ‘hieroglyphics’ and ‘chassis’.
“Students really enjoyed the competition and were very supportive of each other. Some parents commented that it was great to have a competition that allowed students who were excellent spellers a chance to shine.”
Rhys Weyman-Jones from Fleetwood Primary School took out the Grade 5 section, Blerim Xhilaga from Maramba Primary School won the Grade 6 category, Felicity Lancashire from Kambrya Secondary College was the winner of the Year 7 section and Oliver McCort, also from Kambrya, won the year-eight category.
These students will now go on to the provincial final.
The competition will be run again next year. If schools would like to pre-register so that they receive information in 2012 they can contact Mr Arfaras 9702 8688.
