By Danielle Kutchel
A Harkaway Hills College student has wowed judges with her way with words.
Year 6 student Grace Sudjono has won the Independent School’s Victoria Poetry competition with her entry ‘Awaiting Spring’.
Grace’s win makes it the second year in a row that a Harkaway Hills College student has won the state-wide competition.
Each year entry is open to all students enrolled at independent, government and Catholic schools across Victoria as well as some home-schooled students.
Grace said her poem is about “the transition of the four seasons and the joy of spring after a dark, gloomy winter.”
She said the win was unexpected, but meaningful.
“It is very encouraging to know that I am on the right track with my writing,” Grace said.
“I definitely couldn’t have done it without my teacher, family, and classmates’ help and encouraging support.”
Her poem is inspired by “the beauty of nature’s magical world” and describes the hidden beauty of nature.
The young author intended it to be a source of hope during lockdown, and a reminder that joy follows challenges.
She said spring is her favourite season, as she loves the warmer weather and the opportunity to go out to parks, cafes and beaches with her family.
“The warmer weather and sunlight also boosts our mood and energy levels as the seasons change,” she explained.
“Seeing everyone having fun outside, smiling and chatting, and enjoying the bright sunshine makes me feel so happy.”
This year, she’s looking forward to being able to catch up with friends after the lockdown, and going on day trips with her family.
Six other Harkaway Hills College students also received honourable mentions:
Julianna Avila Daboub, Year 6 – Sapphire Mountains
Valeria Castro O’Byrne, Year 5 – Uluru
Christine Silva, Year 6 – The Reef
Annabel Stuckey, Year 6 – The Great Grampians
Felicity van Rensburg, Year 6 – Down Under
Monica Yu, Year 5 – Nature’s Magic
Mary Broadsmith, principal of the college, said the school was “delighted and humbled” to have one of its students receive the award for the second year in a row.
“Grace’s poem was magnificent, and this recognition is well deserved after her incredible hard work,” she said.
She said the win was a testament to the success of the literacy program at the college.
Johanna O’Farrell, Year 6 class teacher, praised Grace’s poetry.
“Imbued with sensory vitality and brimming with the vivid imagery that Mother Nature provides, ‘Awaiting Spring’ comes full circle in its description of the unfolding of the seasons.
“Its speaker, who “hears the voice of Summer” and feels the air’s “frozen lace”, is full of wonder and awe and reminds us all that ‘hope springs eternal.’
“Grace is to be commended for her exquisite poetry.”
