Students compete in spelling bee

Students from two schools on the Peninsula have taken part in the regional finals of the Premer's Spelling Bee.

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews last week wished local students well as they vied for a place in the finals in November this year.

More than 800 primary school students from 430 schools across the State took part in the contest with students from both Umina and Woy Woy South Public School competing at Berowra.

Ms Andrews said the students had been putting in many extra hours of work to give themselves and their school every chance of making the finals of this exciting contest.

"At the same time, these students are learning about the importance of reading, writing and spelling" she said.

"Our students will hopefully embrace the competitive spirit of the contest, but also learn that reading and spelling can be fun."

Premier Mr Bob Carr announced the Premier's Spelling Bee earlier this year as part of a plan to improve reading and writing skills for students in their earliest years of learning.

The Premier's Spelling Bee includes school and classroom activities so that every child, at every level, can take part.

In the competition stage, schools can enter two students, one from Kindergarten to Year 3 and another from Year 4 to Year 6.

Each star performer then proceeds to the regional finals and, from there, has the chance to compete in the state finals in November.

Every student in NSW who takes part in the Premiers Spelling Bee will receive a certificate.

Press release, September 13 Marie Andrews, Member for Peats