By Kath Gannaway
The days when children were told to be seen and not heard is long gone as students taking part in the 2018 Rotary Club of Healesville Primary Schools’ Speech Contest demonstrated.
Students from Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Dixons Creek, Healesville, Badger Creek and Don Valley schools competed in the contest run in conjunction with public speaking organisation Toastmasters.
The contest was held in the Ion Whykes Auditorium at Healesville High School on 8 August.
Presenting speeches on topics including “If I could change one thing in the worlds it would be”, “Do animals really think or do we only thing they do”, “Ipods are antisocial”, “The best scientific invention ever” and “The superpower I would like to be is …”, the students astounded the audience with well-structured, informative and entertaining speeches addressing topical issues including gender equality, homelessness, social media and homophobia.
Toastmaster Marlene Sinclair said the program delivered in the schools built confidence.
“I know each student has put a lot of work into their speeches and while they may have had help from their mums and dads and teachers, they are the ones delivering them here tonight,” she said as the students stepped up to the microphone.
“For grade five and six students, this is one of the best building blocks for high school,” she said. “It gives them confidence, poise and self esteem.”
The winners of this year’s contest were Jenna Schaak-Taylor from Woori Yallock, Lily Hills from Healesville and Serena Walker from Woori Yallock.
