Local Grade 3 student among top spellers in Canada

Emily Anstice, a Grade 3 student at Assiginack Public School, captured third place in the Primary category at the Spelling Bee of Canada National Championships held in Toronto on May 25, 2025.

Emily went more than 20 rounds spelling words like microgram, viceregal, construe, vying, tithe. While she says “viceregal” was tricky and “construe” was challenging, the word that stumped her in the end was “cinematic”.

Emily won the honour to compete nationally by winning the Regional Spelling Bee Competition in Sudbury.

Emily prepared by reading over lists that were provided and playing mini spelling bees with her family. “Teachers also helped to quiz me,” she said. “I read a lot too. Currently, I am finishing up the Harry Potter series.”

“We are incredibly proud of Emily’s remarkable achievement,” said Ieysha Casanova of Spelling Bee of Canada in an email to the Principal of Assiginack Public School.

She added: “Her dedication, hard work and poise under pressure were truly inspiring. This accomplishment is a testament not only to Emily’s commitment to excellence but also to the supportive environment cultivated at your school.”

Proud Principal Julie Balen praised Emily for her efforts. “Emily took the initiative to compete and put in the work to achieve a successful outcome locally and nationally.”

She added: “This was Emily’s first experience as a spelling bee competitor, which makes the national honours that much more impressive. Hard work spells success.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.