Magis report 

The first session in Griffith University’s Year 7 Intergenerational Research Program was completed successfully with the Year 7.2 Magis class last Monday, two residents being interviewed by the five students responsible.  There were some excellent questions and fascinating responses, and we look forward to the session this coming Wednesday with the Magis 7.1 group. 

Interschool debating teams are now virtually finalised and John XXIII will field six novice teams (Years 7/8), two junior teams (Years 9/10) and two senior teams.  A few places are still available in some teams. Coaches are being finalised and preparation sessions will commence on Monday 8 March. The topics should be released this coming week, and a John XXIII College Debating handbook will be available by 8 March. A Debating Seminar Breakfast will be run on Thursday morning, 11 March at 7.30am in the Library.  Two WADL Committee members will present a keynote address and workshops for novices, juniors and seniors. The Seminar is  compulsory for all interschool debaters and is free. All debaters must return the nomination form by Monday 8 March. A copy is attached with this newsletter.

The first House Academic Challenge, the Academic Spelling has now been completed, and an amazing total of  303 students represented their homerooms.  Loreto House had  a great overall victory ahead of the greatly improved St Louis House with Koolyangarra third. However all houses were highly competitive, with Ward, Loyola and Campion all victorious in at least one year group.  

Individual winners in each year group were Finlay O’Loughlin (Year 12), Zoe Koong and Natalie Ong (Year 11) Daniel Doran (Year 10), Felix Frichot (Year 9) Marco Zammuto (Year 8) and Koseph Scott (Year 7). Daniel Doran (30/30) and Joseph Scott (29/30) recorded the top scores. There is a link to the full results below.

Unfortunately, due to changes brought about by the late term start because of COVID and resulting changes in other programs, the Magis Point Walter Leadership Camp has had to be postponed.  Our three great presenters are all keen to complete their sessions later in the year. 

Finally the prestigious Da Vinci Decathlon will be held at Winthrop Hall at the University of Western Australia on 29 March (Years 9-11) and 30 March (Years 7-8) .  There are insufficient numbers for a Year 10 team at present, and all Year 10 students are encouraged to nominate and  participate in this great event. One or two places are still open at other year levels.

Jim Miller

Magis Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator