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Pi Day throws up a vast number of numbers to test your memory

IF YOU thought, like me, that mathematics was hardly a fun subject, then you will be wrong, like me, after attending the Pi Day special at Riverstone High Schoool today.

Champion Pi recital student Rona Elayan and her mathematics teacher Bryson McMillen have fun with their pies on Pi Day. Picture: Lawrence Machado
Champion Pi recital student Rona Elayan and her mathematics teacher Bryson McMillen have fun with their pies on Pi Day. Picture: Lawrence Machado

IF YOU thought, like me, that mathematics was hardly a fun subject, then you will be wrong, like me, after attending the Pi Day special at Riverstone High Schoool today.

The theme was March 14 is celebrated around the world as Pi Day being 3/14 and for the head maths teacher at Riverstone High, Bryson McMillen, that calls for a special day at school marked with competition and of course the famous Aussie pie.

From the principal Karen Downie downwards, all the staff wore the specially designed Riverstone High School Pi Day T-shirts and also served up special pies and a beverage for $3.14.

Riverstone High School celebrates Pi Day, with recital winner Rona Elaya first left in front row.
Riverstone High School celebrates Pi Day, with recital winner Rona Elaya first left in front row.

“It is celebrated around the world as Pi Day (3/14),” McMillen said.

“The Greek letter π is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159.

Riverstone High School Karen Downie also lapped up the Pi Day competitions.
Riverstone High School Karen Downie also lapped up the Pi Day competitions.

Activities include visual art, poetry and recital competitions, all revolving around the Pi sign.

The pick of the competitions was the recital one where the four houses had to recall as many of the decibel numbers as possible.

Rona Elyran the champion. Picture: Peter Kelly
Rona Elyran the champion. Picture: Peter Kelly

The students, backed by an enthusiastic audience in the hall, went for the prize, reading off the numbers impressively and setting the stage for the finale.

Riverstone High’s Pi Day symbol.
Riverstone High’s Pi Day symbol.

The last group began slowly but saved their best for the last with new student Rona Elayan reeling off a staggering 73 decibel places to be crowned champion Pi reader.

Maths teacher Bryson McMillen tries a pie on Pi Day. Picture: Peter Kelly
Maths teacher Bryson McMillen tries a pie on Pi Day. Picture: Peter Kelly

“I have done this before in my previous school and practised it this time for two weeks,” said the 14-year-old Rona, who is also a trained pianist.

Riverstone High celebrated Pi Day on Tuesday, March 14. (As it links with Pi 3.14159 etc) The back of the T-shirt. Picture: Lawrence Machado
Riverstone High celebrated Pi Day on Tuesday, March 14. (As it links with Pi 3.14159 etc) The back of the T-shirt. Picture: Lawrence Machado

“Maths is one of my favourite subjects along with science.”

Mr McMillen, who said his school thinks outside the box, said the students had been given plenty of time to memorise the numbers in the lead up to the challenge.

“It’s gone off better than I expected and all thanks to everyone involved,” he said.

Like principal Karen Downie added: “At Riverstone High, we all love our maths.”

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/rouse-hill-times/pi-day-throws-up-a-vast-number-of-numbers-to-test-your-memory/news-story/7796f9e9cc516b69df0d4f7a53c20fc6