Schools in Bonner can get involved in this year’s Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee to promote literacy in an entertaining and engaging way.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said this year the spelling bee would be hosted by Kids News and conducted through a digital format rather than face to face.

“Not only will the three national winners win the chance to meet the Prime Minister with return flights to Canberra with a parent, accommodation, an iPad and $250 book pack, but they will also win a $1000 voucher for their school to spend on books, technology or other equipment,” Mr Vasta said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged all schools to get involved and register.“Literacy is so critical to a young person’s education in Australia. It provides the fundamental base to develop other skills, and the tools to embrace the joy of reading and writing,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is free competition that is fun and exciting and will help students learning literacy build their confidence.”

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the spelling bee would help nurture a love of words in students.

“Spelling bees are not only great fun, they have wider benefits like helping kids develop confidence and discovering new ways to learn,” Minister Tudge said.

“I urge parents, teachers and our young people to get behind the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee and I encourage all schools to take part.”

The Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee was due to commence in 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic.

The Morrison Government has provided over $345,000 of funding to support the initiative.The national spelling bee will run in Term 1, 2021 for children in Years 3 to 8 and schools can now register.

It will be held at school level in March, with finals for each state and territory taking place in April.Schools can register and find more information on the Kids News website.

Registrations will close on Friday, 5 March 2021.

STUDENTS in Bonner can learn more about veteran service and Australian wartime history by asking the question, ‘what does commemoration look like in our community?’

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said students could enter the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards and honour the service and sacrifice of Australians from the First World War to modern day conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

“Australia has a rich military history and the Anzac Day Schools’ Awards are an opportunity for students in Bonner to learn more about our contribution over the years and how we now commemorate as a community,” Mr Vasta said.

“2020 meant the cancellation of many Anzac Day services and we saw communities adapt and find different ways to commemorate.

“The theme centres on the importance of commemorations and asks students to look at how society and commemorations have changed over time.

“The Awards also help ensure our future generations grow up with a recognition and respect for the sacrifice of all who have served in the protection of our country and way of life.

“I encourage all schools across Bonner to take part in this competition and I look forward to seeing what students come up with.”

The national winner’s school will receive $5000, a trophy and a certificate.

There will also be state and territory winners, with the schools receiving $3000 and a certificate.

Winners in the special categories will receive $2000 and a certificate.

Entries for the Awards are now open and will close on Wednesday, 30 June 2021.

For more information, including on award categories, judging, criteria and how to apply visit the Anzac Portal website.

The annual Bonner Christmas Card competition is back and this year’s theme is “Christmas at Home.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP is looking for an outstanding and creative design to be featured on his Christmas card, which is sent out to more than 60,000 households in Bonner and even gets sent to the Prime Minister.

“Christmas this year will be one of those celebrations which is usually spent at home in our local communities, and I am looking for the best drawing which best shows what Christmas at Home means to you,” Mr Vasta said.

“The winning entry will not only be on the front cover of my Christmas card which is distributed to more than 60,000 households, but is also sent to my parliamentary colleagues across Australia, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison.”

Mr Vasta said as well as the winning entry being used as the cover, the winner will also receive a school holiday activities pack to the value of $100, sourced from local small businesses in Bonner.

“The 2020 Bonner Christmas Card Competition is now open and all entries must be in before COB, Friday, November 6,” Mr Vasta said.

“2020 has been a year like no other and COVID-19 has been the catalyst for so many family events and gatherings being celebrated in different and unique ways.

“So be creative with your entries for the chance to win.”

Entry forms can be downloaded at www.rossvasta.com.au

Entries can either mailed in to 69 Clara Street, Wynnum 4178 or scanned and emailed to ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au

It’s time to get snapping and test out your photography skills with the Bonner Summer Photo Competition.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the Christmas break and school holidays, summer was the best time of year to get out and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that makes our region such a great part of the world.

“People love Queensland and particularly our nature reserves and beautiful Moreton Bay,” Mr Vasta said.

“To encourage residents to get outdoors and explore everything Bonner has to offer, we’re running the Bonner Summer Photo Competition.”

Mr Vasta said residents can take a snap that best displays what summer in Bonner means to them.

“Is it fishing off the pier, swimming at Wynnum Wading Pool, barbecuing with friends at Carindale Recreation Reserve, or picnicking with family at Mt Gravatt Lookout?

“Take your best summer snaps and upload it to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #BonnerSummerSnap.”

Entries open Friday, December 20 and close 5pm Thursday January 23, 2020.  For more information visit www.rossvasta.com.au

Year 6 Carina State School student Jess Kelly has been named the winner of the Commonwealth Games Supporters banner competition held by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

Mr Vasta presented Jess with a Commonwealth Games merchandise prize pack at her school assembly, with her mother Michelle Kelly looking on.

Jess said when designing the banner, she thought about the Games, the Games’ mascot, and this year’s competitors.

“I also wanted to remind anyone that is watching to never give up on what you’re trying,” Jess said.

Her mother Michelle said she was extremely proud of Jessica and her efforts.

“Jess is very excited to take her prize winnings with us when we attend the shooting event at Belmont next month. Thank you to Ross for the amazing prizes and thank you to Jessica's teacher Bronwyn Wood for encouraging the children to express their interest and deliver the entries on time,” Ms Kelly said.

Carina State School teacher Bronwyn Wood said the competition was a great learning experience for her students.

“They had to think about their colour choices, the shapes and designs and what would be the most persuasive slogans to support the targeted audience. It was surprising to see the students come up with suggestions such as: ‘Try your best’, ‘Be a good sport’, ‘We'll be proud of the effort you put in’. It was a great lesson for teaching the students about previous Commonwealth and Olympic Games and the culture that comes with these activities,” Mrs Wood said.

Mr Vasta said he looked forward to taking Jess’s banner to the Commonwealth Games and waving it proudly.

“I want to thank Jessica and the many talented students who shared their designs. It was great seeing their creativity and enthusiasm for the Games!” Mr Vasta said.

Get your colouring-in pencils ready: local three to six-year-olds can now enter the great Bonner Easter Colouring-In Competition, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

“To get in the spirit of Easter this year, I will be sending out Easter-themed colouring-in sheets to kindergartens and prep schools all across my electorate,” Mr Vasta said.

“I can’t wait to see each entry and put the winning pictures on display in my Parliament House office!”

An Easter basket book prize will be presented to one kindergarten participant and one prep school participant.

The competition closes on Friday, 7th April. Winners will be drawn on the morning of Monday, 10th April.

“I encourage kids to take part in this fun competition that’s a great activity to do at home over the school holidays,” Mr Vasta said.