Magis report 

World Scholars Cup

Congratulations to our World Scholars Teams who competed in the Perth Regional Round of the World Scholars Cup at Aquinas College last Friday and at Sacred Heart College on Saturday. Around 500 students took part in this year’s competition! Our teams researched, discussed, and debated topics such as science, art, music, history, literature, and much more. Their outstanding achievements were recognised in the Closing Ceremony, where our students won gold and silver medals, along with Champion Scholar trophies, in a wide range of categories. Special mentions to the following trophy-winning teams:

• James Sommerfield, Henry McGlue and Charles Tegg came third in the Scholars Challenge, fourth in Team Debate and were the runner-up champion team in the Junior Division – coming in second overall.
• Felix McGinty, Christopher Tan and James Wilshire came second in the Scholar’s Bowl.
• Rose McLoughlin, Luke Nicol and Charles O’Toole came fifth overall in the Junior Division.
• Jennifer Ong, Janelle Raman and Amelia Watts came third in the Senior Division Team Debate.

Rose McLoughlin (Year 8) and Jonah Liew (Year 9) were named our College’s Top Junior and Senior World Scholars. Rose was ranked in the top 10 in most events, coming first in Art and Music, second in the Scholar’s Challenge and third in Science and Technology. Rose went on to be named the overall runner-up Junior Champion Scholar at the competition, with James Sommerfield following closely behind in fifth place. Out of nearly 500 students this is an outstanding achievement! Not to be forgotten is Jonah, one of our youngest competitors in the Senior Division. Jonah went up against students in Years 9 through to Year 12 and placed in the top 10 across all challenges – winning an astonishing eight gold medals and one silver medal.

Rose McLoughlin: 

World Scholars is unlike anything I’ve ever taken part in before. You’re in an environment with people who love learning as much as you – everyone feels comfortable to be themselves and are excited about pushing themselves further academically. The topics were so interesting and the way we were tested on our knowledge and skill was so unique. I loved every moment of this event. I’m a World Scholar for life. Pwaaaaa (WSC people will get it)

Jonah Liew:

The World Scholar's Cup was the most amazing and exciting experience. It was my first-time taking part and I really did not expect to win so many awards. I have to thank my teammates Joshua Standen and Samuel Watts, who are experienced World Scholars, for all their support and knowledge and for making it such a fantastic team event.

I would like to thank Ms Carla Tripi (Science Department) and Mr Jordan Webber (English Department) for their support and assistance over the two days. The highlight of this competition for me was certainly seeing the wonderful camaraderie displayed by the students, supporting each other throughout the two-day competition, and high-fiving and cheering each other on at the closing ceremony. I commend all our teams on being outstanding College ambassadors. The superb achievements of our scholars means that they have qualified for the Global Rounds of the World Scholars Cup.  

Our 2024 World Scholars

College Public Speaking Grand Final

The amazing talents of our College’s top public speakers were on display last night in the Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre for the grand final of the College Public Speaking Competition. The audience was thoroughly entertained, as students spoke on a broad range of topics, from Neuroplasticity to Flatology. A full list of topics can be found in the program below. We congratulate all our grand finalists on their exemplary performances. Special thanks to Magis alumni Yvette Rigg (Class of 2023 – College Captain), Benjamin Linsten (Class of 2021 – Magis Captain), Alexandra Panther (Class of 2021) and Aden Cleghorn (Class of 2019) for adjudicating. The results will be announced in next week’s College Newsletter, with trophies and medals to be awarded to students at our Magis Awards Breakfast later this year.

Academic Challenge

In celebration of HASS week, our Term 2 Homeroom Academic Challenge tested students’ knowledge of Humanities, Art, Languages and Literature. Student representatives from Years 7 to 12 took part in a quiz and we congratulate the following Year group winners:  

• Year 7: Noah Donald (Ward) 
• Year 8: Rose McLoughlin (Ward)
• Year 9: Alyssa Mignacca (St Louis)
• Year 10: Joseph Scott (Campion)
• Year 11: Luisa Parish (Campion) and Joshua Engelbrecht (St. Louis)
• Year 12: Kate Shirley (St Louis)

Congratulations to St Louis House – who were the overall champions for this challenge. Pictured is Ms Mia van Kann’s Homeroom, Year 9 St Louis, celebrating their win – as the top performing Year 9 Homeroom.

College Chess Tournament

Round 4 of our College Chess Tournament was played this week, and we congratulate the following students who will be progressing to the quarter finals: 

• Henry Wysocki (Year 5)
• James Sommerfield (Year 8)
• Christopher Tan (Year 8) 
• Joseph Nankivell (Year 10)
• Stavros Karaflikas (Year 11)
• Massimo Torre (Year 12) – 2023 Grandmaster 

Fixtures have been emailed to chess players and can be found on the Magis Noticeboard and in SEQTA notices. We wish all our players the best of luck with their next game – it is sure to be an exciting one! 

Debating

Our debating students are preparing for Round 5, which will be held this Tuesday 11 June (Week 18) at Christ Church Grammar School (CCGS) – with debates commencing at 5:15, 6:15 or 7:15pm. As this round is an impromptu debate, teams will be required to arrive at the venue an hour and 15 minutes before their scheduled debate time. Our Senior Team also has a make-up round debate on Thursday 13 June. Below is a copy of our team fixtures, which students have access to through Teams. Students have decided on their Round 5 speaker order. Parents can also find a copy of the full SDC draw on the WADL website. We wish all our debating teams the best of luck with their Round 5 debates.

What’s happening next week?

Next week we have debates over two evenings for the WA Debating League Schools Debating Competition. Meetings and training sessions will continue for Mock Trials. The Curtin Youth Advisory Group will be meeting and we have an information session for Tournament of Minds and Creative Edge students. 

MAGIS: OPPORTUNITIES TO DO MORE!

Shakespeare Incursion

Next term, the Magis Program will be hosting The Players, from the Bell Shakespeare Company, for a wonderful afternoon of Shakespeare immersion. A key aspect of our GATE program is providing opportunities for our students to learn 'more'. It is important for our students to be exposed to a wide range of genres, styles, and topics. Learning about Shakespeare gives students a glimpse at another world, and it helps improve their logical thinking processes, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness.

The incursion will be held on Friday 19 July (Term 3, Week 1), during periods 5 and 6. Students will take part in a short activity prepared by our Shakespeare Club students. This will be followed by a performance of Shakespeare is Dead and then a Q&A with the actors. The incursion is mandatory for our Years 7 and 8 Magis elective students. All other Magis students in Years 8 to 12 are provided the option of signing up to the incursion, by email to the Head of Magis before Friday, 14 June (Week 18). We will also be offering places for our high-achieving English and English Literature students. Parents will receive an incursion e-form in Week 19, which we ask is completed before the beginning of next term.

Middle School Ethics Olympiad

Ethics Olympiad provides students with a unique opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. It is designed to get students thinking, talking, and ultimately working together on some of the tough moral issues of our time. Its objective is to do more than just help students think through ethical issues: It is to teach students how to think through ethical issues together, as fellow citizens in a complex moral and political community. This international competition is open for students in Years 7 to 9. Team positions are highly coveted, with only 10 spots available. Expressions of interest are due Monday, 24 June (Week 20). A training clinic will be held in Term 3, with the competition scheduled for Term 4.

Junior Gifted Stretch

We are in the process of selecting 12 students across Years 7 to 9 to take part in the 2024 Junior Stretch and Challenge Conference, in conjunction with Academy Learning and Thriving Minds. This transformative event is crafted to unleash the full potential of gifted minds, with a specific focus on STEM-related themes. Nurturing self-discovery, innovation, and intellectual growth, the conference is designed to inspire ambition. By attending, students will be inspired to think deeply, gain valuable insights, and develop skills essential for future success. The conference will be held on Friday 30 August (Term 3, Week 7).

The Global Voices Fellowship

Attention Year 12 students – applications are now open for the Global Voices Fellowship. This life-changing program aims to upskill and develop the next generation of Australian leaders to contribute to domestic and global decision-making. This is a fully funded scholarship, with all domestic and international flights, accommodations, breakfasts, visas, insurance, and registration fees covered. For more information click here or speak with the Head of Magis.

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 Club's mission is to foster enjoyment in reading and encourage academic discussion of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. For further details or registration, please email the Head of Magis. 

Term 2 Calendar

You can keep up to date with Magis events by following the Term 2 calendar, which can be accessed by clicking on the link below. 

Daisy Farley

Head of Magis - Gifted & Talented Program