Debating

DAV Debating Competition

On the evening of Wednesday 23rd Feb, the Debaters Association of Victoria schools competition held its first round for the Brighton region. St Bede's Mentone campus was represented by six wonderful teams who are listed below along with their results. 

Some of our generous staff members have taken on mentoring a team, they are Gabi Warfe, Kaylene Menara, Steve Irving, Laura Matthews and Dolores Doran. They all helped students in their preparations and came along to support them on the night.

In 2023 we’ve also got two Year 12 students who have volunteered to mentor a D grade team, special mention to Austin Warfe and Nathan Murphy for going above and beyond in their efforts to support the debating program.

B Grade (Year 11)

Tom Gregory, Liam Casey, Rory Tuke spoke in this team's debate, coming away with a four-point loss to St Leonards.

C Grade (Year 10) 

Team 1

Tomas Polintan, John Carino, Harrison McCawley won their debate, Harrison was also best speaker.

Team 2

Piero Palleschi, Ben Hall and Oliver Kujawski won their debate - well done to Piero for his first formal debate!

Team 3

Thomas Liang, Michael Robertson and James Moore were all competing in a debate for the first time. They were defeated by McKinnon High by a mere one point.

D grade (Year 8 and 9) 

Team 1

Ignacio Quiroz Medina, Camden McGaw and Zane Kerbage went up against St Leonards and were defeated by one point. It was also the first formal debate for each of these students, and special mention to Caiden who was declared equal Best Speaker.

Team 2

Jacob Murphy, George Tindale and William Aufner won their debate against OLSH, again it was a single point difference in another close competition. It was a first debate for Jacob and George, but also a first time for William to be awarded Best Speaker - a great night for this group!

Team 3

Rohahn Marie-Jeanne, Lachlan Dooley and Matt Donnelly were defeated in their debate - special mention to Rohahn and Lachlan who were also competing for the first time at this level.

We can be very proud of how so many of our students have stepped up this year with a tremendous effort. The squad is looking forward to getting stuck into their next topics for Round 2 on 8th March. Well done to all involved, the season is off to a great start!

Meghan McLean

Debating Coordinator