Do you know your weathers from your whethers? Or how about spelling supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? Well students in years five to eight across the state will get the chance to test their spelling skills once again thanks to the return of Vicspell.
Originally called Gippspell, the spelling bee was founded in 2004 by Gippsland volunteer teachers and aims to promote and reward good spelling.
The event is now celebrating its 20th anniversary as organiser and founder Trevor Sowden is gearing up for the newest edition.
"Participating in the spelling bee isn't just about showcasing words. It's about cultivating a love for language and the power of precision. I'm immensely proud of this event, not just for its competitive spirit, but for the doors it opens in young minds," Mr Sowdon said.
The zone finals for the competition are based on shire boundaries. Colour certificates are awarded for each school representative and a handsome glass trophy for zone winners.
State final winners win bigger trophies and the Oxford two-volume national dictionary. Importantly, students only compete against their own year level.
Past state final winners from this shire include: Eleesha Berg (Chairo Christian School, 2005), Oliver Tait (Trafalgar High School, 2010), Nahreen Mostofa (St Paul's Anglican Grammar School, 2010), Jacob Smeaton (Chairo Christian School, 2012), Annabelle Rajasingham, (St Paul's Anglican Grammar School, 2016) and Kieran Lewis (St Paul's Anglican Grammar School, 2016).
Each school pays a one-off annual fee of $20 covering each student participant. This fee has remained unchanged since 2004 thanks to the generosity of Vicspell's sponsors.
The zone finals are conducted in August and the state final on September 3. The Baw Baw zone final will be at Ripplebrook Primary School on Friday August 16.
Schools wishing to enquire about Vicspell can contact Mr Sowdon at Vicspell@hotmail.com.