Last term saw some significant achievements for the girls in Years 8 and 9. Year 8 (Molly, Charley and Isabella) made it to the CSDA Grand Final, placing them in the top two teams of over 120 teams from across Sydney! Well done on this outstanding achievement girls.
Here’s what the girls themselves had to say:
"Being in the Grand Final was a great achievement and even though we didn’t win, I am so immensely proud of Izzy and Molly, the two amazing girls on my team. I feel like getting to the Grand Final has clearly helped with my public speaking and speech writing ability, especially because of the limited time available. It isn’t just about the experience but the bonding too. Debating is such a great experience for which I am so grateful. I definitely feel that I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I did without my girls." - Charley
"Debating is an experience like no other. It is a way to share your political, social and everyday knowledge on a professional and lively platform. I love debating, it is a challenge, but also a fun way to put personal concepts and ideas into constructive idea sharing. Debating is a way to grow confidence and make friends while experiencing challenges and criticism together. This year I made it into the grand final with my other teammates, this experience, although we lost, was amazing. It was a large task, yes, and losing wasn’t the greatest, but I got to do it with my teammates and push myself to try harder next time. Overall I love debating. It is my favourite way to represent my school." - Isabella
We also had Year 9 students Molly and Grace participate in the Year 9 MISA Youth of the Year Award at Mount Carmel. Their reflections sum up the benefits of such a great day:
"I found that MISA YOTY was a really unique experience. It was really interesting to compete against other Year 9s who had different takes and perspectives on our society today. It was also great to hear the perspectives of adults in the interview with the adjudicators. Overall, I found it an enriching day." - Grace
"Earlier this year, Grace and I had the opportunity to participate in the MISA YOTY competition. It was an amazing day. We were invited to write a speech about something we were passionate about, and also the chance to hear other bright young people from our area speak about what they felt were the important issues. I certainly learned a lot and came away from the day with a newfound understanding of many topics, both locally, nationally and internationally. All in all, it was an awesome experience and Grace and I are extremely grateful we were given the opportunity to participate." – Molly
Speaking to one of my Year 12s after the English exams struck a chord: “I’m so glad I did debating”. With HSC demands even more about putting a cohesive argument together in a short time frame, debating once again delivers.
Congratulations girls, we are all very proud of you.
Marguerite Pulham - Debating/Public Speaking Coordinator