Magis report 

Round 4 of the WADL Debating Championship takes place this coming Tuesday, 1 June, at Christ Church Grammar School. Novice Team 2 has a bye, whilst our Years 11 and 12 team fixture has been postponed because of exams.  Good luck to all teams. Several have the chance of winning their zone, and all teams are showing improvement.  The Fixtures and instructions for Tuesday are attached below.

There are currently three Creative Edge (OPTI-minds) teams nominated – one each from Years 7, 8 and 9.  Students have now received the competition manuals and information flyers.  There will be a major workshop run by the WA Director on Thursday 17 June which will assist students develop their skills. All Magis students in Years 7-9 are welcome to attend as the focus of creativity, intellect  and teamwork will be very valuable to everyone. A flyer and permission form will be distributed on 6 June.  The challenge topics are released at the start of term 3.

Analysis of the Magis-run House Academic series has shown the splendid participation rates.  A total of 526 students from Years 7 to 12 have competed, many in two or three events. Koolyangarra leads the overall points narrowly from St Louis and Loreto, whilst St Louis has had the greatest number of competitors.  However every House has had 75 or more students compete, and every year group has had more than 70.  Attached is the chart showing the top 12  students in each year group after the first three challenges.

These are aggregate scores from all three events,  and notes at the bottom of the page explain the system.  The next round is the STEM Challenge in weeks 8 and 9.

Several  major Magis events take place later this term.  Apart from the Interschool Debating, House STEM Challenge and Creative Edge Seminar, we  have the Opening of the Year 7 Magis Personal Project Exhibition on Tuesday 22 June, the John XXIII Creative Writing Competition (entries due after the holidays) and the famous Bell Shakespeare group performing at the college on Friday 25 June.

Jim Miller

Magis Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator