Debating

The debating squad from St Bede’s Mentone have had a wonderful start to 2021. Students were selected for the different teams and elected Ben Uehara (Year 12) as their squad captain. Students have competed in the first three rounds of the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) schools competition. Across years 8 – 12, students have been collaborating in groups of three to six students to research an array of topics, formulate and refine cases and engage in meaningful debate with student representatives from other schools in a formal debate.

Congratulations to the following students who are representing St Bede’s Mentone in the DAV squad: 

A grade – Lyndon Bullman, Tomas Cooling, Lachlan Doyle, Ben Martinelli, Elijah McEvoy, Ben Uehara (C)

B grade – Dalton Chew, Sean Courtier, Lewis Desmond, Patrick Martin, Leighton Miller, Conan Richards, Hunter Trumble

C grade – Matthew Billing, Dylan Collins, Josh Gould, Tom Gregory, Thomas McKeown, Nathan Murphy, Musashi Roache, Rory Tuke, Austin Warfe, Flynn Williamson

D grade – Riley Batson, John Carino, Tyler Crombie, Ben Hall, Flynn Hunter, Tommy James, Dashell Johnson, Sebastian Johnson, Patrick Joubran, Oliver Kujawski, Harrison McCawley, Tomas Polintan, Alex Tanti, Jack Weavers

A very special thank you must be extended to the staff members who have been generous with offering their time to support the participation of these teams in the DAV competition – they are Ms Gabriella Warfe, Mr Steve Irving, Ms Rebecca Rivakis and Mr Carl De Souza. They have been mentoring teams at different grades and attending debate competitions to support the groups of students. Not only has the program been bolstered by their support but really couldn’t run without it.

It has definitely been wonderful for such a diverse range of students to be involved with the debating program so far, and I look forward to the junior programs that will include Year 7 students later in the year. Congratulations to all those involved!

Round 1 results:

A grade won their debate against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, with best speaker awarded to Ben Uehara.

B grade team 1 were defeated by Brighton Grammar team 1, but Hunter Trumble was declared best speaker of the debate.

B grade team 2 were defeated by Star of the Sea team 1.

C grade team 1 were defeated by Star of the Sea team 1.

C grade team 2 were defeated by Star of the Sea team 2.

D grade team 1 won their debate against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart team 2, with best speaker awarded to Harrison McCawley.

D grade team 2 were defeated by McKinnon Secondary College team 1.

D grade team 3 were defeated by Sandringham College team 1.

Round 2 results:

A grade won their debate against Brighton Grammar team 2, with best speaker awarded to Ben Uehara.

B grade team 1 postponed their debate against Star of the Sea.

B grade team 2 were defeated by Albert Park College.

C grade team 1 won against St Leonard’s College team 3, and best speaker in this debate was Austin Warfe.

C grade team 2 lost their debate against Albert Park College.

D grade team 1 lost against Star of the Sea team 1, but best speaker was awarded to Harrison McCawley

D grade team 2 won their debate against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart team 2, best speaker to Alex Tanti.

D grade team 3 were defeated by St Leonard’s College team 4.

Round 3 results:

Our A grade team had a well deserved bye in this round.

B grade team 1 were defeated by Star of the Sea team 2.

B grade team 2 lost their debate against Melbourne Montessori school, but Lewis Desmond was declared best speaker.

C grade team 1 won against St Leonard’s College team 3, best speaker of this debate was awarded to Dylan Collins.

C grade team 2 won their debate by forfeiture of their opposition, but participated in a mock debate with an adjudicator for feedback.

D grade team 1 won against McKinnon Secondary team 2, equal best speaker was awarded to Harrison McCawley.

D grade team 2 were defeated by Our Lady of the Sacred Heart team 2, but joint best speaker of the debate was awarded to Patrick Joubran.

D grade team 3 did not compete on the night, as Brighton Secondary team 2 forfeited in advance.

Ms Meghan McLean

Debating Coordinator