Magis report 

Firstly, a warm welcome back to all. Only a couple of days into the start of the new term and already the first Magis event is off and running. The first of the House Public Speaking Championship heats took place earlier today. Year 10s were first up, with Years 7, 8 and 9 scheduled for next week. The senior school Magis students did a wonderful job chairing and adjudicating today’s heats. Special thanks to Ms Dawson and Ms Gray for also assisting. The top three speakers from each year group will compete in the grand final on Tuesday 10 May at 6:30pm in the GBLT. Grand finalists will be notified next week as soon as heats are completed. 

Unfortunately, Mr Miller has had to take a leave of absence for Term 2. I am honoured and humbled to be looking after the Magis Gifted and Talented program in his absence. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Miller - and we wish him all the very best in his recovery.

Due to ongoing COVID restrictions, there have been a few changes to event formats and competition dates. Please view the updated Magis and Altiora Calendar in the link below. 

Notably, Shakespeare Club Camp and Da Vinci Decathlon have been postponed to Term 3. We are still waiting on confirmation on Ethics Olympiad – and hope to provide the Year 10 team with information shortly.

West Australian Debating League continues – with Round 3 to take place on Tuesday 3 May. I refer students to their respective Teams pages for information pertaining to training and preparation sessions – and of course the weekly Magis Memo. I would like to thank Mr Connellan, Ms Lumley and Sr Tess for their assistance with managing the debating teams, and to College Alumni Rory Hewson, Charlie Richards and Ben Linsten for coaching.

Due to technical issues with one of the Year 9 team’s Round 2 debate against MLC - we are looking at rescheduling this round for later in the term. Further information to follow.

The Homeroom challenge for this term will be on Humanities, Art, and Languages and Literature. The competition is set to take place in the second half of the term. A big thank you to all students who participated and represented their Homeroom in Term 1’s Spelling and Maths challenges. Points between the Houses are VERY close – so do keep up your participation and enthusiasm for the Magis challenges. It’s sure to be a photo finish for this year’s top prize.

Magis refers to the philosophy of doing more for Christ, and therefore doing more for others – and certainly that has been the case with staff and students alike, following Mr Millers decision to take a leave of absence. Thank you to all the students and staff who have stepped up to assist with the continued success of the College’s Magis Gifted and Talented program. Mr Haines, Year 7 Assistant Deputy Principal, and I will be taking over the 7 Magis classes. Whilst Ms de Faria, Year 11 Assistant Deputy Principal, will be teaching the Year 8 GATE class. Years 7 and 8 Magis students are busy working on their personal projects – and we are very much looking forward to their exhibition which is scheduled for later in the term.

Here’s to an exciting Term 2.

Daisy Farley

Magis Coordinator – Gifted and Talented