ISV’s Student Poetry Competition 2021 attracted some 350 entries and reflected a ‘true shared humanity’ in the things that brought our children joy.
Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) today announced the winners of our Student Poetry Competition 2021.
The competition was open to students from all school sectors and received an amazing level of engagement with some 350 entries.
Students were able to write on any subject, with the optional theme of Joy. Judges were moved by the poetry of the students and found a ‘true shared humanity’ in the things that brought our children joy.
ISV Chief Executive Michelle Green said she was impressed by light and shade expressed in the poems, reflecting the maturity and resilience of students of all ages.
‘What strikes me is that students have the strength and confidence to simultaneously acknowledge sadness and optimism,’ Ms Green said.
Victoria’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino unveiled this year’s winners in a special video message congratulating our student poets and urging them to keep writing.
Read each poem and watch a recording of the winning entries via the links below. You can also find out which students received honourable mentions for their work.
Prep–Year 2
‘Max’, by Mia Mastroianni
Year 2, St. Margaret’s Berwick Grammar School
Years 3–4
‘The Wolves of the Night’, by Ariana Fais
Year 3, Elwood Primary School
‘Awaiting Spring’, by Grace Sudjono
Year 6, Harkaway Hills College
‘Dancing with Tempestas’, by Nechama Davis
Year 8, Beth Rivkah Ladies Collage
‘Lighting the Fire’, by Melis Benli
Year 10, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School
‘Father and Daughter’, by Emma Jones
Year 12, Tintern Grammar
The judges were so impressed with this year’s entries that they have put together an article, Celebrating the ‘Joy’ of our young poets, to acknowledge the many joyful lines, from students in Prep-Year 6. Although many of these didn’t make the prize list, we couldn’t let them go unnoticed.
The Student Poetry Competition is part of ISV’s Arts Learning Festival and reflects our long-standing commitment to the role of the arts as an integral part of school education. You can also find full results and view the winning poems on The Parents Website.
