Magdalene Catholic College Narellan eNewsletter

Debating News!

Congratulations to our Year 9 and 10 MISA debating teams, who this week competed in their respective semi-final debates. To qualify for the semi-final debates, our teams had to perform well in the first 5 rounds of the competition and win their quarter final debates. This is a significant achievement from Year 9 and 10 and demonstrates their abilities to work as teams to bring insightful, articulate, and complex arguments to the table, often under the pressure of time constraints.

Year 9 debated against Broughton Anglican College and their topic was “That every 15-year-old should have a part time job”. In only one hour, Year 9 formulated an argument focused on the safety and wellbeing of youth and their ability to balance work with other commitments. After successful rebutting Broughton, I am pleased to announce that Year 9 have secured a place in the Grand Final and will be competing next week.

Year 10 debated against St Francis Catholic College and their topic was “That social media robs children of their childhood”. Year 10 argued that social media has detrimental effects on the social and physical formation of children and that these platforms spread misinformation. After an intense debate, we were unfortunately not victorious, but Year 10 were highly commended on a close debate and the quality of their arguments. Well done Year 10 on a successful debating season!

Public Speaking News!

Congratulations to Alyssa Deville from Year 8 who was recently chosen as the Magdalene Catholic College representative in the Year 8 MISA Public Speaking Competition. On the day, Alyssa was commended for her clear speaking skills and use of voice, as well as the content of her speech about “The evolution of technology”. Alyssa has shared her experience of the day below.

“ On Thursday the 30th May, I participated in the Year 8 MISA Public Speaking Competition. I found the competition to be a really enjoyable experience. I learned lots more about public speaking and what I am capable of. I learnt new ways on how to write a speech, things I should include, and how to present a great speech. Leaving my comfort zone and doing something that changed me was an excellent experience. I felt like a winner even though I didn't win because I got up there and gave it everything I had. I consider myself grateful to have been selected for the competition in the first place, and I am proud of that. It was enjoyable to hear everyone's presentations and I made notes about the things I did well and what I should change for the next time. The event will return next year. I would be more than delighted to return and compete if given the opportunity, and I might even bring home one of the trophies this time! I was pleased with myself at the end and had a wonderful time. It's truly an incredible experience, so I definitely encourage public speaking!”

- Alyssa Devile