Park Ridge poets take out competition

The contingent of 20 year five and six students headed to the University of Queensland on August 28 to compete against both private and state schools.

Students had seven weeks to prepare for the competition and even gave up their lunch times, along with languages teacher Chriso Paradissis, to be the best that they could be.

Ms Paradissis said the children really love taking part in the competition.

“How some of them evolved was just amazing,” she said.

“They had such enthusiasm and excitement for it and it just brings so much joy to them knowing they now have the plaque here.”

The students had to choose from several different poems including Wir, In der Schule, Schnappi, das kleine Krokodil, Ich will nicht and Die kleine Hex.

They were judged on their pronunciation, expressions, intonation and their presentation – as they all had to use a prop for effect.

Students agreed that their pronunciation was the biggest challenge throughout the competition and although the first place winners were not warned about having to speak in front of the whole crowd they got up on stage and did their best.

In the qualifying rounds the students only had to perform their poem in front of the panel of three judges.

Ms Paradissis said the parents of the students also had learnt the poems due to all the homework practices she asked the students to complete.

“This competition just gives the students such a self-esteem boost,” she said.

The year five students will take part in the competition again next year.

First place – Amber Allen, Hayden Johnston and Renee Thon.

Second place – Chloe Maddison, Shequira Vang, Mia Cook, Anton Saafi, Rory Moran, Harmony Searle and Thalia Garnes.

Third place – Georgia Stokes.

First place – Annabel Anderson, Lily Garbe, Owyn Wells and Ella Maddison.

Second place – Shelby Ayling.

Third place –  Jacqueline Tran, Taylah Gardner and Cooper Johnson.