Magis report
Open Day
A big thank you to all Magis students who assisted with Open Day last Saturday – from the tour guides to student helpers. The families that walked through were amazed by the extraordinary talent displayed in the exhibits and the true sense of community shown through the conversations they had with staff and students.
Some of our senior Magis leaders have been assisting with the Magis exhibit since Year 7. Delving into the archives we found a photo of Meg Cleary and Meg Derbyshire helping with our Open Day exhibit in 2021. Now in Year 11, they continue to be wonderful ambassadors for not only the Magis Program, but moreover the College, as a whole. Pictured below is their then and now photos. Many thanks also to Gemma Bailey (also in Year 11), for her assistance on the day.
The Great Debate!
Our Year 8 Magis Elective students completed their first assessment task this week – taking part in two debates. Debating is a key component of the Magis Elective Courses in both Year 7 and 8. It is an essential life skill that helps our students develop confidence, learn to think on their feet, and argue their point of view. It also teaches them how to research, structure an argument and articulate their thoughts clearly. We commend our Year 8 students on a job well done.
'Days Gone By'
A group of Magis students have demonstrated their commitment to ‘doing more’ within the wider community – through their involvement in our Intergenerational Project. At the end of last year, students interviewed residents from Mercy Village Wembley – and collated these stories into a book titled ‘Days Gone By’.
Yesterday, whilst catching up over scones and jam, the students presented their residents with a copy of the book. This Intergenerational Project has afforded both students and residents the opportunity to connect and share in conversation. It has been an enriching and rewarding experience for all involved – and the students are very grateful for the friendship and openness of the residents. These stories have provided an incredible insight into the past and should be cherished. Copies of the book are available from the Magis Office. Special thanks to Ms Gray for her assistance with the program. Expressions of Interest are now open for students who wish to take part in our 2023 Intergenerational Project.
Mock Trials
Round 1 of the 2023 Law Society of Western Australia Mock Trial Competition commenced last night at the WA Supreme Court. Our team went up against Applecross Senior High School - appearing for the Prosecution in a criminal matter. Specifically, it was alleged that the Accused had damaged a mural, by way of graffiti, on the premises of the South Fremantle Power Station. The judge commended our Barristers on their successful cross-examination of the Defence witnesses. In particular, the fact that they were able to get one of the Defence witnesses to contradict their story and having successfully led the Accused to a confession!
There is a lot of preparation involved in the lead up to trial, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students who, despite their busy schedules, enthusiastically attended lunchtime meetings.
Our successful Round 1 Team included:
- Barrister 1: Ben Mignacca
- Barrister 2: Daniel Doran
- Solicitor: Spencer Burchett
- Witness 1: Joanna Negus
- Witness 2: Kate Scalise
- Court Orderly: Alexia Philpot
Congratulations to our 2023 Mock Trial team on their outstanding win!
The week ahead
Another busy week next week for Magis - with our first round of WADL SDC Debating taking place on Tuesday 21 March at Shenton College. We also have the first of our House Academic Challenges beginning on Monday with the Year 11 and 12s. The first challenge for the year will test students on….spelling! So open those dictionaries and start studying!
MAGIS: OPPORTUNITIES TO DO MORE!
Ethics Olympiad Case Writing Awards
Ethics Olympiad are holding a case writing competition with prize money to be won. Submissions should follow the general format for Ethics Olympiad cases: a scenario, between 400 and 800 words long, which highlights a clear moral issue and is appropriate for middle or high school students. Please see Magis Coordinator for case criteria. Entries are due 29 April.
Creative Edge Short Film Competition
Lights, camera, action! Here’s a competition for budding film directors. Students can create a short 3-minute film about anything! Judges are looking for films which embody the creative edge spirit: imaginative, innovative and unique. Teams of 2 to 6 students may be entered. For more information, or if you are interested in registering a team, please email the Magis Coordinator before Friday 24 March. Film submissions will be due 30 June.
You can keep up to date with Magis and Altiora events by following the Term 1 calendar – which can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
Daisy Farley
Magis Coordinator – Gifted and Talented