Debating

Debaters Association of Victoria Finals

In the midst of so many postponed and cancelled events, Debating is one of our co-curricular clubs that has been able to stay active during this period of remote learning. 

One of our Year 9 debating teams made it all the way into the play-offs for the Debaters Association of Victoria finals last week. Well done to Jetaime Liberatore, Claudia Rodda and Angelina Garzarella who competed (online) against the Star of the Sea school.

Debating is a fun and challenging experience. We developed so many new skills and acquired some new vocabulary as well as confidence. Our first few debates were face-to-face, until we were sent back into lockdown and had to continue online. 

We did our last debate of the 4 rounds online and finished undefeated! This led us to the finals. Last Thursday we competed in play off 2 as the affirmative team supporting the topic, 'Video games are harmful for children'. It was a very close debate and we unfortunately lost by 2 points, knocking us out of the competition. While we prefer it in person of course, it was amazing how you could bring it to Zoom and still compete in your debate. It became easier to discuss rebuttals over the phone as the other people on the Zoom couldn't hear you, so that was a bonus! We also had many meetings with Mr. Ramsay to discuss arguments, rebuttals and all things debating over Zoom and Teams. Everyone was in the same boat, and we had great discussions none the less. Debating is a challenge in itself, so having to do it from home was strange to adjust to, but it was just as rewarding as it is in person. Getting to the finals was not what we expected but was certainly an experience that we enjoyed regardless of the covid situation! Good luck to all the other teams out there and remember win, lose or draw you live to fight another day!

~ Angelina Garzarella

Lions Club generosity

In other debating news, we would like to thank the Lions Club for their generosity in donating $500 to our library, and to the libraries of the four local schools who normally participate in the annual Lions Club debate (NHS, Thornbury, Santa Maria and Our Lady of Mercy College). The annual fundraising event, which has been running for over 25 years, is currently postponed until March 2022. 

Also to look forward to is the Grade 6 public speaking competition on 13 October and an International students public speaking competition on the 11 October. Currently we are planning for these events to be online. The topic is 'Every Ending is a New Beginning' - food for thought!