The atmosphere was electric as St Mary’s Wellington hosted the highly anticipated 2023 Spelling Bee. This annual diocesan event has captivated the hearts and minds of students, families and educators alike since its inception in 2013. Over the course of two extraordinary days, more than 120 students showcased their remarkable spelling prowess, representing their schools and vying for the prestigious title of champion.

Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) extends heartfelt congratulations to all the participants for their dedication, determination and unwavering spirit throughout their Spelling Bee journey. For each student, this began in their respective schools, where they triumphed in gruelling competitions to earn a coveted spot in the finals. Our talented spellers navigated through many rounds with confidence and poise, leaving the audience in awe of their linguistic prowess.

The competition reached its climax as the students fearlessly faced the ultimate challenge of spelling unseen words. It was truly a sight to behold as these young wordsmiths rose to the occasion, tackling the complexity of the words with remarkable grace and composure. Their support for one another was a testament to the spirit of camaraderie that permeated the event.

“The 11th Diocese of Bathurst Spelling Bee showcased the incredible talent and commitment of our students” said Kristi Ryan. “We are immensely proud of each participant for their hard work and dedication, and we congratulate them on their outstanding achievements. The Spelling Bee serves as a platform to inspire a love for language and encourages students to strive for excellence in their literacy skills.”

The Spelling Bee has become an integral part of the Diocese of Bathurst’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and promoting literacy among our students. It celebrates their achievements while encouraging a lifelong love for language and communication.

Rose-Marie Van Raad

Winners
Stage 2: Winner: Noah Campbell ( St Raphael’s Cowra); Runner Up: Hugo Ansted (St Joseph’s Molong)
Stage 3: Winner: Christian Weber (Cathedral Catholic Primary School Bathurst); Runner Up: Mia Mudford (St Joseph’s Primary School Gilgandra)
Stage 4: Winner: Amelie MacDonald (MacKillop Bathurst); Runner Up: Angelina Perera ( St John’s College Dubbo)
Stage 5: Winner: Lynette Stephen (MacKillop Bathurst); Runner Up: Cohan Howden (St Raphael’s Cowra)