Arcadia, Portia primaries tops in spelling bee, quiz

The B teams of Arcadia and Portia primary schools came out tops at the Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS) Spelling Bee and Newspaper Quiz on Thursday September 8.

Arcadia Primary’s B team won the quiz and Portia Primary’s B team won the spelling bee. The Bonteheuwel-based Arcadia Primary’s A team also came in a joint third position with Athwood Primary’s B team for the quiz. Athlone North Primary’s A team came in second place. Both B teams of Rondebosch East and Bridgeville primary schools were in a joint fifth place.

Rondebosch East Primary School’s A team came in second place for the spelling bee, followed by their B team in third place. Rylands Primary’s B team took fourth place and Portavue Primary’s A team came in fifth position.

A total of 17 primary schools competed in the competition in which Grade 7s were quizzed on articles that were published by the Athlone News over three weeks, from Wednesday August 17 to Wednesday August 31. Pupils were also tested on the spelling of age-appropriate words in the spelling bee. All the schools who participated could enter two teams of four each.

Jeff Paulse, the event convenor, quiz master and RWS founder, said: “I am more than overjoyed at the huge success of our quiz and spelling bee. What an awesome, indescribable feeling when a plan comes together. Looking down from the stage as quiz master and seeing a huge crowd of close to 650 people, consisting of very excited and nervous learners, teachers, team coaches, parents and principals of the 17 participating schools, invited guests and the ever present and dedicated team of RWS volunteers, was a sight to behold. Congratulations to all our learners who participated and well done to all the winning schools.”

Suleiman Stanley, principal of Arcadia Primary School, said he was very proud of his pupils, especially since this was the first time they had entered.

“I am so glad it went well for us. My teaching style is the same as Mr Paulse because of the way he taught me. He was my teacher in Grade 5, 6 and 7,” Mr Stanley said.

Nurah Davids, whose son, Cade Davids, was part of the winning team from Arcadia, said he had tested her general knowledge at home.

“At the time, I didn’t even realise he was practising. I don’t even have the words to say how proud I am of him,” Ms Davids said.

Cade said: “I came with an attitude of a winner. I was very confident and didn’t doubt that we could win at all. My favourite category was the sports category.”

Mr Paulse thanked the Athlone News for being its media partner, all the donors, the participating schools and other partners “who made this International Literacy Day event such a huge success”.

He also thanked Sunnyside Neighbourhood Watch, the volunteers of RWS and staff of the Dulcie September civic centre.

“Our spelling bee and newspaper quiz achieved all educational objectives and created a memorable experience for our learners,” Mr Paulse added.