Debating and Public Speaking

Last Monday, the 21st of November, we celebrated the amazing successes of the Staughton College Debating and Public Speaking team for 2017 through the annual Debating and Public Speaking Showcase. This was a great opportunity to acknowledge the achievement of all our students involved in our program this year.

On the night, there was a mock debate between students, with Kyle Wruss, Alana McMahon, and Zac Geddes on the negative side against James Mayhew, Jason Anastasi and Nikita Pereira on the affirmative side. There was also an excellent speech from our Debating Captain, Zac Geddes, speaking about his year as captain and passing over the mantle to the new captains Nikita Pereira and Jason Anastasi who spoke briefly on their ideas and plans for 2017. There was also a speech from myself highlighting and recognising all of this year’s achievements as well as passing over the co-ordinator position to the Debating and Public Speaking Co-ordinator for 2017, Amy Ludvik.

Some of our successes from 2016 that were celebrated were:

Having 23 students and 4 teams involved in the DAV schools program.
Having at least one of our students receiving best speaker in every round of debating, with some rounds having up to 3 of our students receiving best speaker.
Having students participate in a range of different public speaking competitions, including PESA, Rostrum, Wynspeak and the junior public speaking competition.
Having two students, Zac Geddes and Lauren Donaldson, get through to the state finals for the Rostrum public speaking competition.

I’ve really enjoyed my role this year as the Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator, as I have loved seeing all the students participate in a range of different debating and public speaking competitions and I have really loved all the relationships I have built with all the students involved. I couldn’t have done this year without the support of our Debating Captain, Zac, and all the debating leaders who have gone above and beyond with their efforts and I look forward to seeing all their future endeavours throughout their high school life.

HALEY CLANCY

Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator