Gifted Education Program News

Ms Majella Stevens, Gifted Education Program Coordinator

Ashgrove Retains Laracy Plate for Third Consecutive Year

In 2015, Mrs. Bernie Ketter, mother of Liam (12F 2018) and member of Rostrum, suggested a head-to-head public speaking competition between St. Margaret Mary’s College, Townsville and Marist College Ashgrove. Given the distance between the colleges, we rely on technology to enable real-time presentations and adjudication of the event. One student from each year level delivers a 5-minute speech on a topic of their choice. Students are judged on their matter and manner – what they’re saying and how they’re saying it.

The 2022 competition took place on Wednesday 19 October. We were a bit short on numbers, but not on quality. With so much going on in the lead-up to the event, we nominated five speakers – the College’s Public Speaking Captain – Sam Allpass (12G), Douglas Cowlishaw (12I), College Captain – Joseph Lewis (11F), Isaac Lynn (11G) and James Allpass (10G). Unable to compete due to illness, James had to withdraw, so we pitted our four experienced speakers against six from Townsville. Following the ten speeches, Ashgrove was declared the victor “by a sliver”. That squares the ledger with each school having won four events.

Sincere thanks to Bernie and Greg Ketter, Rostrum adjudicator – Ms Rosalie Roberts, St. Margaret Mary’s College co-ordinator – Ms Correna Neumann and the students from SMMC for their support and commitment to this competition.

Congratulations to Sam, Dougie, Joe and Isaac for their outstanding efforts this year and to the many students over the past eight years who have been such excellent representatives of this college. Thanks also to the parents who have supported us over the years.

The Origins of Remembrance Day

Year 6 Students

Handwrite a 150-250 word essay about the Origins of Remembrance Day and you could win $50.00,100.00 or $150.00 if your entry is considered to be one of the three best submissions.

Entries will be judged on three criteria: