Dominican Cup Debating Competition

The annual Dominican Debating Competition between Blackfriars and St Dominic's was held on Monday 25 September at Blackfriars Priory School. The teams contested for the following cups:

The Caleruega Cup for Juniors Years 6 – 8.
The Fr John Neill Cup for Intermediate Years 9 and 10.
The Sister Jillian Havey Cup for Seniors Years 11 and 12.

The Junior team (Years 6 – 8) had a prepared topic which was released early last week. The topic of the debate was “That the public casting of non-binding votes on major social issues does more harm than good". Blackfriars were the affirmative team. Congratulations to Keyshon Dalton, Isaac Jacobs, Nathan Sewart and Joseph Snelling on winning the Caleruega Cup.

The Intermediate team (Years 9 and 10) debated the topic “That repeat youth offenders should be sentenced as adults”. Blackfriars were the negative team. It was a close debate with strong points argued and rebutted from both sides. Congratulations to Frank Snelling, Trung Nguyen, Amir Nazari and TJ Afungia on winning the Fr John Neill Cup.

The Senior team (Years 11 and 12) debated the topic “That welfare payments should be dependent on recipients enrolling in education or re-skilling”. Blackfriars were the negative. It was another very close debate with both sides arguing their points intensely and asking interesting and thought-provoking points of information. Congratulations to Zachary Dalton, Connor Watson and Haydn Black on winning the Sister Jillian Havey Cup.

Thankyou to Mr Bob Becker and Ms Margaret Snelling for all their work in helping the boys prepare for their debates. Thank you also to all the parents and staff of Blackfriars and St Dominic’s who attended to watch and listen to students of both schools speak.

Mr Michael Parrella

Secondary Co-Curricular Coordinator