The St Columba Debating Team, consisting of students from Year 5 to Year 12, recently competed in the first round of the Statewide HICES Debating Competition at Bishop Druitt College in Coffs Harbour.
Four students from each stage group were selected to represent SCAS from a healthy number of applicants, demonstrating the great depth and potential of critical thinkers and speakers throughout the school. Many in the team were first time debaters and they acquitted themselves admirably, heralding themselves as future movers and shakers in the public speaking and debating arena. All of the teams will move to the next round of the competition to be held in May.
This year, for the first time, we welcomed a team from Year 5 and Year 6, arguing on the affirmative side “that graffiti should be considered as an art form”. These students were most impressive, winning the debate emphatically, and establishing themselves as excellent ambassadors for the school.
The teams consisted of the following students:
Year 5 and Year 6
Aiden Oliver
Remy Bucton
Shalise Leesfield
Tahlia French
Year 7 and Year 8
Ban Rashdan
Adam Kowalik
Milana Cooper
Lara Nielson
Year 9 and Year 10
Mitchell Hardie
Matilda Lindeman
Layla Dow
Olivia Stanley
Year 11 and Year 12
Jack Nethery
Alexandra Hawes
Jordan Marsden
Abby-Rose Koch