Students Shine at IPSHA Recital Competition
This term, students across Years 4, 5, and 6 have been immersing themselves in the world of performance poetry as they prepared for the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA) Poetry Recital Competition. Following classroom preparations, the top three students from each year level took part in an in-school preliminary round, performing before a panel of school adjudicators. From each year level, one student was selected to represent our School at the competition final: Vera Laughlin representing Year 4, Mishali Agrawal representing Year 5, and Mathea Zhong representing Year 6.
The IPSHA Poetry Recital Competition took place at Walford School on Wednesday 3 June. At its heart, the competition aims to nurture a genuine love of poetry and the written word. Reciting poetry offers students far more than a performance opportunity. It strengthens memory, sharpens spoken language, and builds the kind of self-assurance that comes from standing before an audience and delivering something meaningful. Engaging with poetry in this way also deepens students’ connection to language, rhythm, and literary expression, while cultivating public speaking skills that provide lasting benefits.
Competing alongside students from independent schools across Adelaide, our three representatives each recited one poem selected by the IPSHA panel and one of their own choosing. The standard of competition was exceptionally high, yet all three students rose to the occasion and performed with distinction. Their dedication to rehearsal, the commitment required to memorise their poems, and the courage shown in performing before such a large audience are truly commendable.
A special congratulations goes to Mishali Agrawal, who was awarded first place in the Year 5 final.
This experience is a wonderful reminder of how performance poetry can deepen students’ relationship with literature, building artistic sensitivity alongside personal confidence and the quiet discipline that memorisation demands.
Helen Smith
Deputy Head of Junior School & PYP Coordinator
Vacation Care Bookings Now Open!
Dear Junior School Families,
School holidays are fast approaching, and our next awesome instalment of Junior School Vacation Care is almost here. We have some great activities guaranteed to keep the children entertained through the break. With an array of excursions and on-site adventures, there is plenty of fun to be had.
Vacation Care will run from Monday 29 June until Monday 20 July 2026.
Click here to view our program.
If you would like your child to attend Vacation Care during these holidays, please click the button below to book online.
Places are limited, to guarantee your spot, please book early!
With excitement,
An Nguyen
OSHC Director
Term 2 Key Dates
| Middle & Senior School Curriculum Information Evening | Wednesday 17 June |
| Year 6 Exhibition | Wednesday, 24 June |