Bravo! A Wonderful Finish to the Inner West Eisteddfod 2026
The Inner West Eisteddfod concluded last weekend with the Championship and Open Shakespeare sections, bringing to a close an outstanding eisteddfod season.
We are incredibly proud of the more than 200 Speech and Drama students who represented MLC School across five weekends of competition at the Inner West, Parramatta and Sydney Eisteddfods this term. Every student performed with focus, passion and enthusiasm, demonstrating the confidence, creativity and resilience that are nurtured through the Speech and Drama program. It is always inspiring to watch our students transition from classroom to stage, developing not only their performance skills but also their confidence and love of communication.
We are thrilled to announce that MLC School students achieved 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place in the prestigious Open Shakespeare section – a remarkable way for our Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students to conclude the 2026 eisteddfod season.
The coveted Kathryn Carter Memorial Shield, presented by Helen Carter, was awarded to Sophia Ivannokova (Year 11) for her compelling and emotionally charged portrayal of Juliet from Romeo and Juliet (Act 4, Scene 3). The Shield returns to MLC School for another year after being won by School Captain Anisha Sivaguranathan (2025). Perhaps we’re starting a wonderful tradition! We’ll certainly need to keep our Shakespeare skills in top form.
Madeleine Girgis (Year 10) was awarded 2nd Place for her beautiful interpretation of Juliet from Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2), while Jordan Vo (Year 12) achieved 3rd Place with her chilling portrayal of Lady Macbeth from Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 7). Having returned to Speech and Drama this year after participating in her junior years, Jordan’s achievement is particularly noteworthy. Congratulations to all three students on their exceptional performances – and we’re sure the cash prizes were warmly welcomed!
A special congratulations goes to Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4), who represented MLC School with distinction in the 9–10 Years Championship, receiving a Highly Commended Award. Rachel was also the only MLC School student to compete in the Scholarship, narrowly missing a placing after delivering a stellar performance. Throughout the season she demonstrated remarkable dedication, competing in numerous sections across the Inner West and Parramatta Eisteddfods, earning 1st Place along with several Highly Commended Awards. Rachel will once again represent MLC School next term at the Ryde Eisteddfod, and we wish her every success.
Congratulations also to Elizabeth Feng (Year 4), who achieved 2nd Place in the 9–10 Years Championship. Elizabeth has participated in the Inner West Eisteddfod for many years, and this year she enjoyed an extraordinary season, placing in every section she entered with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Places, as well as Highly Commended Awards. We are incredibly proud of her consistent dedication and outstanding achievements.
Catherine Coorey (Year 7) also represented MLC School with distinction in the 11–12 Years Championship, receiving a Highly Commended Award. Throughout the eisteddfod season, Cathy competed in several sections, achieving 1st Place and two Highly Commended Awards. Her commitment, confidence and continued growth as a performer have been wonderful to watch, and we congratulate her on an excellent season.
Congratulations to every Speech and Drama student who represented MLC School this term. Whether performing for the very first time or an experienced participant , every student should be immensely proud of their achievements. We also extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated families and Speech and Drama teachers for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout the season.
INNER WEST EISTEDDFOD
OPEN AGE SHAKESPEARE
- Sophia Ivannokova (Year 11) 1st Place
- Madeleine Girgis (Year 10) 2nd Place
- Jordan Vo (Year 12)
CHAMPIONSHIP 9-10yrs
- Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4) Highly Commended
- Elizabeth Feng (Year 4) 2nd Place
CHAMPIONSHIP 11-12yrs
- Catherine Coorey (Year 7) Highly Commended
SCHOLARSHIP 9-16yrs
- Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4)
It has been a wonderful eisteddfod season with the quality of performances so high this year. We are looking forward to sharing more results in the Ryde Eisteddfod next term.
– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director
