Magis Report
John XXIII College
Debate Development Seminars
The WA Debating League (WADL) Schools Debating Competition (SDC) commences next week, though Round 1 for our College Debate Teams won't commence until the following week, Tuesday 17 March (Week 7) at Shenton College. In preparation for the 2026 Debate Season, we will be holding a Debate Development Seminar on Tuesday 10 March (3:30pm - 5pm) for Novice debaters (Years 7 and 8), with a separate session to be held for our Junior debaters on Thursday 12 March (3:30pm - 4:30pm). Both sessions will be held in the Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre (GBLT), and it is hoped that all team members will be in attendance, as this is a terrific opportunity to prepare and upskill. Throughout the season, we will be holding debate tutoring sessions after school every second Tuesday (in our debate off week). WADL will also be holding a Development Seminar at the start of Term 2, ahead of the Impromptu Rounds (details to be confirmed). In the meantime, students have access to a range of resources, including a Debate Manual, in their WADL Teams Channel. We also strongly encourage new debate students to view the WADL YouTube channel, which has some excellent ‘how to’ video guides.
What’s happening next week?
Next week, we will begin our academic mentoring sessions. The aim of this program is to promote positive peer cooperation by providing a forum for our GATE students to swap tips and share advice, as it pertains to their academic studies and co-curricular activities. These sessions will be led by the Magis Captain, Catherine Gazia, and will be held each term. Magis students are reminded to view the Magis Memo (GATE student newsletter) for notice of when and where their year group is meeting. With many competitions now underway, the week will be full of team meetings. We will be holding a Debate Development Seminar after school, and it is expected that the WADL SDC Round 1 Debate Topics will be released to students on Monday.
You can keep up to date with our competition and event schedule by viewing the Magis calendar at the link below.
Daisy Farley
Head of Magis – Gifted and Talented
Magis: Opportunities to do more!
Academicus
BRAINways EDUCATION programs provide opportunities for highly able and gifted students and are tailored to their special educational needs. Incorporating information and learning from a wide variety of international curricula, the BRAINways EDUCATION programs offer advanced content and process, providing challenging yet engaging, hands-on learning. Their next program of workshops will be held at UWA in the upcoming school holidays (Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 April).
Below is the list of programs for students in Year 7:
- Day 1
- Allegories: The Art of Making Meaning with Words
- The Science of Bubbles
- Day 2
- The Secret Mathematics of Making a Masterpiece
How to Make an Impact: In Search for Authenticity
For more information, please see the attached flyer. Students interested must discuss the program and check availability with their parents, before submitting an expression of interest. Please note: Students require a Nomination Letter to be signed by the Head of Magis, before parents can book their place in the program.
UN Youth State Conference
UN Youth’s State and Territory Conferences are overnight events that bring together students from across a region to explore a complex and interesting topic in international affairs, law, and global politics. Conferences combine a range of workshops, speaker panels, case study explorations, and signature UN Youth activities, including Interactive Problem Solving and model UN debates. The 2026 Conference theme is The Age of New Energy. The global energy transition is one of the biggest collective projects humanity has ever undertaken, demanding cooperation among governments, industry, and communities alike. Students will dive into how technology, politics, and public opinion collide to shape the future of energy. The State and Territory conferences will allow students to gain valuable insight from immersive educational experiences and develop skills to form and defend their own stances on issues, an increasingly important skill in international politics today. Expressions of interest must detail why you would like to represent the College at this year's State Conference. We will be selecting a small delegation to attend. Nominations close Monday, 23 March (Week 8). Please note: The WA State Conference will be held Friday, 1 May – Sunday, 3 May (Term 2, Week 11) at Seaside Camp for Children, Rockingham.
Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Awards
Please note: This competition is suited to students who have completed/are familiar with an Ethics Olympiad. Students in Years 7-12 are invited to submit a case which, if chosen, would be used internationally for both the Middle School and Senior Ethics Olympiads. Information can be found on the attached flyer and/or on the competition's website. Prize money and prestige to be won! Cases are to be submitted directly to Ethics Olympiad by 24 April (Term 2, Week 10).
What Matters? Writing Competition
Inspired by Gough Whitlam’s commitment to involving young people in shaping Australia’s future, the What Matters? Writing competition is currently open to school students in Years 5 to 12 from Australia. Responding to the simple question ‘what matters?’, entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about. Part writing exercise, part civics and citizenship activity, What Matters? is the perfect opportunity to empower students to raise their voices on issues that are important to them and know that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or viewpoint. Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of up to 600 words, and submitted online. Please visit the website Whitlam Institute What Matters for more information, including samples of past winners. Major cash prizes to be won! Submission deadline is Friday, 15 May (Term 2, Week 13).
Political Perspectives Competition
Attention, budding artists, cartoonists, and political satirists. The Political & Legal Educators Association of Western Australia (PLEAWA) invites students in Years 7 to 10 to participate in the Political Perspectives Competition. Students are tasked with producing a creative piece that sheds light on a current issue relating to topics covered in Years 7 to 10 Civics & Citizenship. This creative piece can take the form of a poster, political cartoon, video, or other creative medium. Please visit the PLEAWA website for more information. Cash prizes to be won! Submission deadline Monday 1 June (Term 2, Week 16).
