Our National Spelling Champion!

Mariah Reed - Primary Teacher

In March, 60 excited Year 4 students took part in the annual Prime Minister's Spelling Bee, a national competition for students. We were very proud of each student for having a go and giving it their best.

A month later, 14 of our students made it into the State Round of the competition.

Then in May, we received the wonderful news that Arielle Wong had progressed to the National Round, an astounding feat as only the top three students in her age category from each State would go on to this level!

Arielle takes up the story:

Now I had to take practice seriously. Preparation for the third round wasn’t so easy. I had to prepare for it every single night. “Oh. Do I have to do it now?” I often complained. I liked it at first, but later, it became a real drag. I did love to practise typing as fast as I could though.

One more thing I always liked about it was that the family cat, Mittens, was in the room when my dad/mum was testing me.  Mittens often liked to jump up on my study table to watch me. I practised over 1,000 words with my parents in total before I sat the final round.

I was very nervous, but I knew that my school and family were supporting me in prayer. My wonderful teacher, Mrs Diack, even stayed in the room with me while I did the test. I didn't expect to win, as I got 27/30 in the test, tripping on ’gratis’, ‘mitre’ and ’repast’. 

When I found out, I was watching a movie at home with my dad and brother. First, I heard a gasp from my mum. I thought that the cat had done something naughty. Then my mum burst into the room with an excited look on her face. “Pause the movie!” my mum exclaimed as she told us the news.

I was so excited, and flabbergasted, as the news was told just in time for my birthday. Was it true? Maybe it was my birthday present from God.