Secondary School
A Rollercoaster Ride in WADL Debating
Week 8 was a busy one with 3 debates happening over 3 nights!
On Tuesday night, our Novice debaters LJ O’Callaghan (7.4), Oscar Chandler (7.7), Javan Leung (8.7) and their trusty reserve team member Cassius McGovern (7.7) took on students from St. George’s Anglican Grammar School debating the topic ‘This house would require cyclists to have a cycling licence before riding on the road.’ The boys worked hard in the hour prior to come up with some great points arguing why cyclists shouldn’t require a licence, but despite their best efforts in outlining some clear arguments and offering solid rebuttals, the opposition were just stronger on the night. Nonetheless, this was a valuable exercise in quick thinking and teamwork and I hope the skills gained will benefit the boys in the next round of debating.
Wednesday night saw our Trinity College Senior team debate for the first time this season (due to multiple postponements) and it was pleasing to see that despite the hiatus, senior boys Zach McLean (12.7), Bowie McCabe (11.7) and last minute stand -in Westlee Terrell (12.5) still had what it takes to deliver some solid points and win the debate against their opponents from Willetton Senior High School. Their topic was ‘This house, as a climate activist, would pursue cyber attacks against polluting companies that have historically ignored lobbying’, with Trinity debating in the negative. The night was full of quick POIs, insightful commentary and outstanding, well-researched points from both sides and made for a riveting and engaging debate that was enjoyed by all.
Senior boy Zach McLean (12.7) enjoyed his experience so much that he volunteered to go again on Thursday night, stepping up to fill in for an absent student. Teaming up with Westlee Terrell (12.5) and Bailey Thomas (11. 7), the boys prepared speeches in the affirmative on the topic ‘This house believes that SCSA should replace WACE with portfolio work for each subject.’ Both, unfortunately, and fortunately, their opponents from Shenton College did not show up, so the boys won by forfeit and were subsequently treated to a masterclass experience debating against their adjudicator instead. In a 2 v 2 format with team members picking up an additional speaking role, it was good for our students to still be able to showcase their points and engage in a spirited debate against each other and the adjudicator.
With two victories under their belt and two more debates to go, the Senior team are now looking forward to their impromptu rounds next week and we wish them all the very best for what’s up ahead. My personal thanks to Zach McLean (12.7) and Westlee Terrell (12.5) for stepping in to save the team from having to forfeit debates due to student illness/ absences – they have been Men for Others and are certainly great role models for all.
Mrs Su-fen Chung
(Debating Coordinator)
The Resilience Project: A Monash University Study
The Resilience Project has been recognised for the difference it is making to the mental health and wellbeing of students all across Australia.
Trinity College is now into our fourth year of running The Resilience Project for our students, a school wellbeing program that is grounded in the concepts of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy.
Students from Years 4 to 10 have access to the program which provides them with the knowledge and tools to help combat difficulties with the challenges they often face through these formative years. Resilience, compassion, kindness and a peaceful mind are all values which are strongly promoted throughout the program with the purpose of producing young people who are in touch with their emotions and more adequately equipped to handle the stresses that life continually throws at us.
Thanks to an independent evaluation by Monash University, it's now clearer than ever that a long-term, whole-school approach makes a meaningful and lasting difference to mental health and wellbeing.
As featured in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald or Brisbane Times, the study found that, after six years, students at The Resilience Project schools saw:
This is not only a significant recognition for The Resilience Project, which has now been operating for twelve years, but it also provides schools such as Trinity College with reassurance that we are actively building a resilient school community through this program and the associated educational activities that we provide for all of our students.
This study demonstrates that our dedication to our wellbeing and formation programs is making a big difference in the lives of our students, staff and families, and we hope that you and your sons are grateful to be on this journey with us.
Click here to watch a full interview with Dr Roshini and Hugh or read the full report.
Mr Clint Testa
Coordinator of Student Formation and Leadership