Debating and Public Speaking News

By Tammy Vandenberg - Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator

Royal South Street Debating

This term our Loreto debaters have been hard at work participating in the Royal South Street Debating Competition. 

Our Year 11/12 teams tackled topics like water conservation and optional voting, impressing adjudicators with their confidence and research. Both of our Year 11 teams impressed the adjudicators with their thorough research and confident delivery, securing wins for both teams! Setting the stage for an epic Loreto vs Loreto Grand Final held on 26 August!

Our Year 7 first-time debaters stepped up to the challenge, debating participation awards and water pricing. One team clinched a well-deserved victory, while the other gained great feedback to build on.

Our Year 9 students shone with topics on green spaces and the impact of influencers. Each team demonstrated thorough research and delivered their arguments with confidence and poise. A special congratulations to our Loreto D Team, who successfully secured a place in the semi-final! 

Junior Debating Grand Final

Congratulations to our Year 7 Debating team on their impressive win arguing the negative side of the topic “That voting is a privilege.” The team spoke with confidence, demonstrated thorough research, and delivered assertive and well-structured rebuttals that impressed the adjudicator. A fantastic achievement and a great reflection of their hard work and teamwork.

Year 7 team - negative 

Lilah Rose Goodbourne, Sophie Comelli and Ava O'Halloran. Res Liana Sacco and Adaa Ahlwalia

Senior Debating Grand Final

Congratulations to our two Year 11 Debating teams who faced off in the Grand Final on the challenging topic “That truth is negotiable.” It was a competitive and engaging debate, showcasing sophisticated ideas and a deep understanding of complex issues. 

Affirmative Team

Ella Cartwright, Eliza Dodd and Emily Gibson. Res Mia

Negative Team

Hannah John, Mahima Sara-Moncy and Jemima Knobel. Res Laine Ballinger and Bonnie Burt

Both teams articulated their arguments with clarity under pressure and delivered assertive, well-structured rebuttals. With two of these talented students, Bonnie Burt and Jemima Knobel, stepping into school captaincy next year, the depth of skill and leadership on display was outstanding. 

Special recognition goes to the affirmative team for taking out the win in this closely contested final.

Congratulations to:

Milla Russell - Runner Up Best Speaker in Year 9/10 competition

Mahima Sara-Moncy - Best Speaker in Year 11/12 section

Jemima Knobel -  Runner Up Best Speaker in Year 11/12 section

We’re beyond proud of all our students for their dedication, teamwork, and representation of Loreto College in this competition. Keep shining!