Students speak up for oratory skills

Talking it up are Ruby and Madison from Healesville Primary School, Tom and Mia from Dixons Creek school, Jaymi and Steph from Woori Yallock, Niamh from St Brigid's and Kira from Badger Creek. 124425 Picture: ROB CAREW

By JESSE GRAHAM

STUDENTS from around the valley will converge at Healesville High School next week to put their vocal cords to the test in the second annual Rotary Primary School Speech Contest.
Woori Yallock, Badger Creek, Healesville, Dixons Creek and St Brigid’s primary schools will all have student representatives making speeches to parents, teachers and residents at the 6 August event.
The speeches will be across a number of topics and will be judged by local Toastmaster members with an overall winner to be decided on the night.
The event is put on by the Rotary Club of Healesville and the chairman of the organising committee, David Lau, said that last year’s event was a hit with about 85 residents attending.
With the addition of Woori Yallock Primary School to the number of contenders, Mr Lau said he was expecting the attendance to be more than 100.
He said the evening was about friendly competition between the pupils and that the standard of speeches at last year’s event was very high.
“Parents came back to us and asked if we wanted to do it again this year,” he said.
Mr Lau said the event was a great opportunity for the primary school students to practise their public speaking skills and improve their confidence.
“It’s good for the kids and they’re all excited.”
The Primary School Speech Contest will be held on Wednesday 6 August at the Healesville High School, and begins at 6.30pm.