MATHS

PI DAY COMPETITION 2025

The International Day of Mathematics falls annually on Friday 14 March and McKinnon marks this each year with our annual Pi reciting competition. Students are challenged to recite as many decimal places of the irrational number pi (3.1415926535 ....) as they can to celebrate all that is beautiful, challenging, powerful, rational and irrational about mathematics. The 2025 IDM theme celebrates the creativity found in mathematical discovery and art. Using mathematics in art opens doors to new ideas, as well as beautiful and captivating creations.

The turnout was great, perhaps because of the opportunity to receive a sweet treat! We had many returning champions from previous years as well as a lot of new students to the competition. The effort made by all was very impressive, and it was clear that there are many different techniques used to aid their recall.

Whilst all competing students received a certificate, badge, lollies and house points for their efforts; the following students were the champions of their year level and will also receive a prize. Congratulations to all who competed and, in particular to Shraavan Balaji (Year 10) who was our overall School Champion with 206 decimal places.

The year level champions were:

• Year 7: Amy Zheng - 120 digits

• Year 8: Evie Tan - 127 digits

• Year 9: Benya Goldman - 101 digits

• Year 10: Shraavan Balaji - 206 digits

• Year 11: Hamish McAllister - 187 digits

• Year 12: Obert Han - 45 digits

As always, we also recognise Dr Sandy Law who inspires us every year. This year he recited an incredible 374 decimal places!

A big thank you to all staff involved in running the event, students who competed, and friends who came and cheered on their peers. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

Emma Mullane

Key Learning Area Manager - Mathematics