RENMARK North students put their school on the map again by acing an online global language competition.
Renmark North School participated in the Education Perfect Language World Championships and came second overall globally for Greek and first in the world in the small school category.
Greek teacher Patty Panagiotopoulos said she was proud of her students’ achievements.
“Not only did my students excel in Greek, they also got 15,000 points in other languages, all because they wanted to learn,” she said.
“Usually the competition is for year 5 to high school students but this year I allowed the year 4 students to give it a go.
“I didn’t think the year 4s would excel in such a way, being so young, but they were absolutely amazing and many astounded me.
“Their results – along with the older students – were incredible and I’m so proud of them all.”
Mrs Panagiotopoulos described the students’ determination as “incredible”.
“The students did the competition during school hours and many did it at home, which was voluntary,” she said.
“During break times I opened up the computer room and the students who were keen went in and competed.
“The competition attracted kids who wouldn’t normally be interested and they actually learnt more through this process than other ways.
“Some students who would’ve taken a bit longer to learn something learnt it quicker and I think that was because they were competing and had a goal to work towards.”
Mrs Panagiotopoulos said the competition was a “fun way” to help students improve their outcomes and grades in Greek.
“The competition increased their vocabulary and helped them use words in sentences,” she said.
“It covers conversational Greek but also covers things like history and geography, which is done in English.”
Mrs Panagiotopoulos said although all students excelled, a number of them stood out.
“My students Brianna and Jasmine received an emerald award, Chanel, Chloe and Mason received gold, Owen and Rex silver and many others received bronze,” she said.
“Year 4 student Justin was also exceptional, topping his year level.
“The competitiveness was something they enjoyed and they worked hard to reach their goal.”
Mrs Panagiotopoulos said she pleased to see her former students participate and succeed in
the competition.
“I’m so proud to see my ex-students at Renmark High School continue the tradition and continue to do their best while helping the school do well,” she said.
“They loved it at Renmark North and I love how they’ve kept it going.”
Mrs Panagiotopoulos organised a surprise celebration for the 30 awardees.