Magis Report 

WA Law Society Mock Trial Competition

Round 1 of the 2025 Law Society of Western Australia Mock Trial Competition commenced last night at the WA Supreme Court. Our team went against Penrhos College - appearing for the Prosecution in a criminal matter. The onus of proof was on our team to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that the Accused had stolen an expensive tub of cosmetic face cream. Entering the courtroom, the students were in awe of their surroundings. Not only was it their first time in a courtroom, but it was also their first time competing in a mock trial. Whilst there were certainly nerves at the beginning, by the end, their energy was high – they had caught the rush, the thrill, that comes with this comp. In summation, the judge commended the teams who, with little to no experience, had shown great aptitude for the rules of evidence and trial procedure. Singing out the 'excellent…highly professional…textbook closing' of our Senior Barrister, Samuel Watts (Year 10). The judge then announced that our team had won not only the trial but also the round! We are exceptionally proud of our Round 1 Team:  

• Junior Barrister: Joshua Standen
• Senior Barrister: Samuel Watts
• Instructing Solicitor: Charlie Pronk
• Witness 1 (The Complainant): Ewa Krolik
• Witness 2: Leilani McDonnell
• Court Orderly: George Galvin

There is a lot of preparation involved in the lead-up to trial, so I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the students who, despite their busy schedules, enthusiastically attended lunchtime meetings.

Snapshot: Magis Elective Course

Our Year 7 Semester 1 Magis Elective students have been introduced to the wonderful world of philosophy. They have examined the life and works of the ancient Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, as well as how to construct deductive, inductive, and abductive (Sherlock Holmes style) reasoning.  Meanwhile, our Year 8 Elective students have been focusing on metaphysics, specifically the first principle of René Descartes' work 'Cogito, ergo sum - I think, therefore I am'. They have also been examining how Descartes influenced the work of John Locke and Sir Isaac Newton; how ‘Cartesian Skepticism’ formed the basis of modern-day works such as ‘The Matrix’; and how Thomas Aquinas’s cosmological argument was considered by Descartes when forming his own opinion on the existence of God. It has been pleasing to hear the rich and meaningful conversations that students have been holding both in and outside of the classroom. Philosophy helps our students learn how to reason and think well, how to hold respectful and rational conversations with their peers, as well as how to delve deeper into the study of knowledge (epistemology). Our Semester 1 Magis Elective students have a Philosophy test scheduled next week, and we wish them all the best. Pictured below are our Year 7s getting into the right ‘head space’ ahead of their test (pun intended).

You can keep up to date with our schedule of competitions and events by viewing the Magis calendar, which can be accessed by clicking on the link below.  

Magis: Opportunities to do more!

Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Awards

Please note: This competition is suited to students who have completed or are familiar with an Ethics Olympiad. Students in Years 7 to12 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 25 April (Term 1 school holidays).

STEM Design Competition

Catholic Education WA (CEWA) have launched this STEM design competition, with the aim to get student perspectives. Put your innovation into action and design a digital logo or graphic that visually depicts what CEWA STEM is all about. This competition is open to all CEWA students. Winning designs will be displayed and celebrated at the 2025 CEWA STEM Showcases. To submit an entry, email the Head of Magis, your design by Monday, 12 May (Term 2, Week 13). Please note: Digital tools could include (but are not limited to) canva, seesaw, sketches, pages, word, keynote etc.

Tournament of Minds 

Tournament of Minds (TOM) is an international problem-solving program for teams of students. TOM aims to enhance the potential of our youth by developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management, and the discipline to work collaboratively within a challenging and competitive environment. Teams will be required to solve demanding, open-ended challenges in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Languages & Literature, or Society & Environment (HASS) disciplines. Regional and state finals are to be held at Edith Cowan University in September, with the International final to be held in Sydney in November. For more information, please visit the competition website or speak with the Head of Magis. Expressions of interest are due Monday, 12 May (Term 2, Week 13). 

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! Entries close Friday, 16 May (Week 13).

Astronomy Club

Calling all stargazers and astronomy lovers! Join our College’s Astronomy Club, where you’ll learn more about the night sky and the history behind constellations, gain confidence with telescopes, and discover tips to make stargazing more enjoyable. It is a great social club where you’ll meet like-minded people of all ages, who share a passion for learning and stargazing. The Astronomy Club meets on the College Oval on various evenings throughout the year – and has a few events booked with the Perth Observatory. For more information, please email the Club Coordinator, Mr Peter Mazur (Mathematics Learning Area), or the Head of Magis. 

Daisy Farley

Head of Magis