Magis report 

The Department of Industry, Science, and Resources asked Australians, ‘How will you science this National Science Week? Well….in celebration of National Science Week, our Gifted and Talented Program tested students’ knowledge on all things STEM! Each Homeroom sent representatives to take part in an academic challenge, and it was great to see students embodying the Magis spirit of having a go and pushing themselves further. Pictured below is Year 11 Loreto – as the highest performing Homeroom, they showed that they were top when it comes to Science trivia. Congratulations to our Year group winners: 

• Year 7: William Clarke (Campion)
• Year 8: Josh Macfarlane (St Louis)
• Year 9: Joseph Nankivell (St Louis)
• Year 10: Neva Barker (Campion)
• Year 11: Thaddeus Ford (Loreto)
• Year 12: Liam Davis (Ward)

That completes the STEM challenge. Congratulations to the overall challenge winner - Campion House!

With great excitement, we announce that Year 9 student, Christopher Cesare, has been selected for the State Final of the 2023 FameLab Academy Competition. FameLab Academy is the sister competition to FameLab, Cheltenham Festival’s world-leading science communication competition, which discovers, trains, and promotes the best new voices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At the State Semi-Final, Christopher presented a three-minute talk on using artificial intelligence in military aviation. His presentation was judged by a panel of industry professionals and was selected as one of twelve state finalists. Christopher will now be paired with a career researcher from across Australia for a one-on-one mentoring session. The scientist will explain what real-world science research they are busy working on and will offer constructive feedback on Christopher’s presentation ahead of the State Final which will be held at Curtin University on 6 September. We will be taking a small delegation of Year 9 students, all STEM enthusiasts, to support Christopher at the final. We congratulate Christopher on an outstanding achievement. What a way to end National Science Week!

On Tuesday evening, some of our WA Debating League (WADL) teams had make-up debates which were held at Christ Church Grammar School. All teams performed admirably, and we congratulate them on a terrific effort. Many thanks to the parents who came to support the students – and to Mr Webber, for supervising. Congratulations to the following Debating students who have made it to the finals:

• Miles Cena 
• Blake Kavanagh 
• Zachary Sartorello
• Tyler Shan 
• Joshua Standen
• Samuel Watts

These students will be competing this Tuesday at Perth Modern School. We wish all students the best of luck in the finals!

An integral part of our College values is ‘service for others’. It is always wonderful to witness our senior school students demonstrate these values through their leadership and mentoring of our lower school students. Our Senior Ethics Team, Year 11 students Gemma Bailey, Meg Cleary, Meg Derbyshire, and Asha Paton visited our Year 7 Magis Elective classes earlier in the week, offering advice and guidance to our students ahead of their Ethics Olympiad style assessment next week. The students were excited to see the medals which our Senior Ethics Team has won at both the Australasian Division and International Competition last year. Similarly, Year 11 student, Thomas Syminton, and one of our senior debating students visited our Year 8 Magis Elective Class, sharing tips on public speaking skills and persuasive arguments. Our Year 8s will be taking part in a class debate next week. A big thank you to our Senior Magis leaders, who provide wonderful role models to our junior students. The Year 7 and 8 Magis students relish the opportunity to interact with these leaders.

MAGIS: OPPORTUNITIES TO DO MORE!

Raise Our Voice

Raise Our Voice Australia has partnered with federal MPs and Senators who will read a 90-second speech written by a person aged 25 or under. If you'd like the chance to hear your words read in parliament, or on social media if your MP is a Minister, you're in the right place! Our question this year is: What change would make Australia a better place for future generations? Speeches are to be submitted through the link below. Submissions close on 15 September 2023, with Youth Voice in Parliament week taking place from 16 to 20 October 2023. If you would like to bounce your ideas off someone, or need assistance writing your submission, please don’t hesitate to contact the Magis Coordinator. What a terrific way to get involved in Australian Democracy.

Chevron Focus Environment Photography Competition

Entries are now open for the 2023 Chevron Focus Environment Competition – so grab a camera, get outdoors, and start photographing WA’s biodiversity. It could be as simple as some spring wildflowers or a neighbourhood magpie! Include a short caption with your photo and submit it online. Jasper Bailey (Year 9) was one of last year’s winners. His photo, titled ‘The Thoughtful Owl’ is featured on the 2023 competition flyer. What an amazing photo! For further details please click on the link below. Entries are due Friday 22 September. 

$25,000 to be shared between winning students and their schools!

Intergenerational Project

Do you like watching the TV show ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’ on ABC? Well, Expressions of Interest are now open for students who wish to participate in an intergenerational program – where students will interview Mercy Care residents and record some of their stories in a Memories Book. For more information, please get in touch with the Magis Coordinator.

Shakespeare Club

Are you a fan of the Bard? Or interested in extending your literature knowledge further? Why not join our College Shakespeare Club! The mission of the Club is to encourage all people to enjoy readings and discussions of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. For further details or registration, please email the Magis Coordinator.

Model UN Club

Model UN is a popular activity for those interested in learning more about how the United Nations (UN) operates. Hundreds of thousands of students worldwide take part every year at all educational levels. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts – including at the UN itself – participated in Model UN as students. For further details, or to register your expression of interest, please email the Magis Coordinator.

Term 3 Calendar

You can keep up to date with Magis and Altiora events by following the Term 3 calendar – which can be accessed by clicking on the link below. 

Daisy Farley

Magis Coordinator – Gifted and Talented