Each year Woodend competes in the Southern District Hiragana Reading Competition. This year on Friday August 17th, after our own school run offs, we took along 4 teams of 4 to compete against 8 other schools and 19 other teams. Adding up all the numbers there were 92 students in total taking part!

This year is the 15th annual competition and each year it is becoming more and more competitive.

Our 4 teams had put in a lot of practice in the lead up to the day and were ready to prove what hard work and commitment pays off.

The first round had our 4 teams working hard in the round robin event with 2 teams being in Group A with the other 2 teams in Group B. The top 4 teams from each group moved onto the finals. All 4 of our teams were very strong and successfully made the top 4 and gained a place in the finals.

Finals were extremely competitive, with 2 of our teams drawing and having to play an extra round. Finals are knock out rounds so the pressure is on.

Our students held their own with during a tight competition with 2 of our teams making it to the top 4.

Both our teams played strong rounds making it into the Grand Final.

“Cherry Champs” and “Terrific Totoros”  played off for 1st and 2nd place. The grand final round had students having to read 4 character words in Hiragana which is a fantastic achievement under pressure.

Both teams were fast and accurate, making for a very exciting Grand Final.

Congratulations to “Cherry Champs” for taking out the competition and to “Terrific Totoros” for coming 2nd in a very strong field.

These 2 teams will now take part in the State Competition in October. We wish them the best of luck.

The sportsmanship and encouragement from all Woodend students to each other as well as other schools on the day was fantastic to see. You all did Woodend proud.

Thank you to the parents for helping with transport on the day.

arigato

Sarah Vinall

1st place getters “Cherry Champs” Ella G, Lilly J, Elise B and Makenzie S

Play off round for 1st and 2nd place

Practicing right up until the start of the competition! Great school spirit, working together

“Pocky Pals” Luke M, Aidan C, Zach B and Jacob S

2nd place getters “Terrific Totoros” Holly I, Jess R, Skylah J and Daniel C

“sassy Blossoms” Georgia S, Ella P, Holly H and Hailey S