Three John XXIII teams competed at the Global rounds of the World Scholar’s Cup Competition in Sydney last week. In a full week-long tour the students put in excellent performances in the competition which involved over 2100 students from 28 different countries and was held at the superb International Conference Centre in Sydney. A full report will be circulated with next week’s newsletter once the official complete results are received, but some of the highlights included all three teams qualifying for the 2019 Tournament of Champions at Yale University in term four, Yvie Rigg’s outstanding tenth place in debating out of well over 100 gifted students from around the world, the brilliant effort of Year 7’s in coming 7th in the world in the Writing section, and the great efforts of three teams in all winning their three debates. The teams were Seniors (Years 9/10) : Bella Pether, Bella Boley and Eve Cullity; Year 8: Yvie Rigg, Spencer Burchett and Anne Cullity, and Year 7: Maya Mintz, Bella Boley and Hannah Johnson. Congratulations to all team members on representing your College with distinction, and special thanks to Ms Kirralee Dawson and Mr Christian Thompson for their great support for the students and myself on this tour. We also saw many of the wonderful sights of Sydney, and these will be featured in the Sydney Report Booklet out next week.
The famous Bell Shakespeare Company will be performing at John XXIII College this week on Wednesday afternoon during periods 5 and 6. The program is for all Magis and Altiora students in Years 7 and 8, and includes a performance and question time in the GBLT. This is a world-famous company which will present their new 2019 Production ‘Words, Words, Words’ which will incorporate parts of perhaps Shakespeare’s most popular play, Romeo and Juliet.
Next weekend will see our two John XXIII Magis Opti-MINDS teams compete in the regional championships at Curtin University on Saturday 31 August. Students involved have receive information packages and will be performing long-term and spontaneous challenges in the afternoon. Good luck to both teams, and special thanks to Mr Peter Mazur for his great assistance with the Science-Engineering students.
Jim Miller
Gifted and Talented Program coordinator