Magis report 

Congratulations to our Creative Edge Team who competed in the Regional Finals at Curtin University last Saturday. The Creative Edge Competition allows students to develop critical and creative thinking skills and encourages them to experiment with original ways to communicate their challenge solution to an audience. In addition, teams are given an 'Impromptu Creativity Challenge' on the day of their regional final. The judges were wowed by the imaginative way they interpreted the Humanities challenge to examine the impact the Industrial Revolution has had on the planet. Our team was highly commended for their outstanding props and costumes. There is a lot of preparation involved in the lead-up to the competition, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students who, despite their busy schedules, enthusiastically attended meetings and rehearsals. Amazing work!

On Tuesday, our FameLab Academy State Finalist, Christopher Cesare (Year 9), took part in an online mentoring session with Mr Wayne Lubbe, Project Manager at the Foundation for the WA Museum, and Mr Matthew Shaw, a research scientist with the CSIRO. The mentorship session was an amazing opportunity for Christopher to engage in discussion with an industry professional who has pursued a career in STEM. Mr Shaw discussed his role with the CSIRO in the field of Astro metallurgy. Mr Shaw works in resource extraction in space, working alongside NASA and the European Space Agency, which was fascinating. Christopher also received invaluable feedback on his talk, which he will be presenting at the State Finals of FameLab Academy next Wednesday at Curtin University. We have selected a small delegation of top Year 9 Science students to attend the State Finals in support of Christopher. They will also take part in the Curtin Science Day, and we hope this will be a rewarding experience for our students. We wish Christopher all the very best in the competition.

The second round of the WA Debating League (WADL) Schools Debating Competition (SDC) finals took place Tuesday evening at Hale School. Many thanks to the family and friends who came in support.  Our team went against Mount Lawley Senior High School debating the topic: This House would prioritise teaching students about local over international affairs. The adjudicators were thoroughly impressed by the team’s exceptional passion, ability, and sportsmanship. Congratulations to Zachary Sartorello, Joshua Standen, and Samuel Watts, who have made it through to the quarter-finals – an outstanding achievement! These students will be competing this Tuesday at Perth Modern School and wish them the very best of luck with their next debate.

Our Tournament of Minds STEM Team has been very busy rehearsing and putting the final touches to their props, costumes and machine this week. I commend the team members on their dedication and hard work throughout the Term and we wish them the best of luck as they compete in the regional finals of the Tournament of Minds Competition this Saturday at Edith Cowan University.

A big week next week for the Gifted and Talented program, with the State Finals of FameLab Academy, the Curtin Science Experience Excursion, WADL SDC Debating Finals; British Parliamentary Debating Competition; World Scholars Training and Global Round Information Evening; Shakespeare Club and much, much more!

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!

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