The PSSC is a Rotary Youth Program for Grade 5 and 6 students. This year our Club staged this great event for the 7th time. Our six local Primary Schools, (Cockatoo, Emerald, Gembrook, Macclesfield, Menzies Creek and Selby held public speaking heats within their schools to determine the two students who would represent their school at our Final.
This program is aimed at helping the development of public speaking skills in the upper primary school years. The chosen children are to speak for 3 minutes on a topic from a predetermined list and are judged by a panel consisting of members from Toastmasters. The children compete for 3 prizewinning places, each receiving a Certificate of Achievement and a book voucher. The student who comes first also receives an engraved trophy and one for his or her school.
Last Tuesday, eleven students participated and I think everyone attending was impressed with how much research had been made and how well the Grade 5 and 6 students presented their speeches.
The competition was close but the winner was Maya from Cockatoo Primary, followed by Siena also from Cockatoo Primary with Wil from Gembrook Primary coming a close third. The awards were presented by the Mayor of Cardinia, Cr Tammy Radford.
While the Judges were deliberating it was an opportunity for DG Ian Ballantine to speak briefly about Rotary’s ‘End Polio’ Program. This was especially well timed as it was World Polio Day on that day. Ian was delighted with our Club’s $500 cheque that was presented to him by President Sangeeta.
John Shaw followed with a promotional talk about the Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy
Sincere thanks go to
- Emerald Primary School for hosting the event, providing an excellent venue and helping with set-up (Many thanks Emma for your input into our event)
- Marcus for being a terrific MC for our Rotary club and to the District 9810 Speech Contest Coordinator Marlene Sinclair, who was the MC for Toastmasters
- Kris who as always, took great photos
- Andrew and Melinda for being excellent timekeepers
- The significant number of Rotary Club members and some partners who attended, and in various capacities helped to make our Final such a success. The Team really appreciated the support given by everyone in the Club
Special thanks to Barry Plant Emerald for their ongoing support of our Club projects. Once again, they printed our Contest Programs free of charge.
The PSSC Planning Team
Vicki, Lyn, Kerith and Gloria
NEXT WEEK - NO MEETING AT THE PUB - meeting at the Laughing Fox to hear Chris Sheppard.
Please contact PP PHF Gayle Barrot for details.
