Year 9 

Spelling Bee

On  17 September all eyes were on the prize. The highly sought after trophy was there for the taking. The SJC library seats were filled to capacity and the air was electric in an reverent rehearsal for the Tigers great day at the G. 

Fifteen Year 9 students bravely nominated themselves to spell for the honour of being the 2019 Year 9 Spelling Bee Champion.  Our field umpires for the contest were Mr Simon Donlen aka Razor Ray and Mr Olmo Salvatore aka Matt Stevic. They both were exceptional in their roles and the bee was conducted in a sportsman like manner with no major incidents or reports.

The supporters were engaged throughout the very even early competition with only five warrior spellers emerging into the second round. Three of these boys were unsuccessful in their attempts to proceed to round three and this left us holding our collective breath as the two Norm Smith medallist contenders made their way to the epicentre of the action and prepared themselves to challenge for the individual highest award.

Jonathan Ravipati was not overwhelmed by the enormity of his situation. He kept to his game plan and sailed through his round three spelling with the understated skill of Picket executing the perfect 360 to the thunderous cheering of the adoring Tiger fans. Mathew Risos was the GWS player who next had the ball and he buckled under the pressure of the momentous occasion and the skill of the previous speller. He stumbled over his word which instantly saw the trophy and title placed firmly in Jonathan’s hands in as true and satisfying a manoeuvre as a Tom Lynch overhead mark.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in this event. Jonathan will be called upon later this term to represent his year level in the Champion of Champions bee. Good luck with that challenge Jonathan.

Deirdre Riordan

Teacher/Librarian