Debaters Association of Victoria 

School Debating Competition

On Tuesday March 19, we hosted the first round of the Debaters Association of Victoria School Debating Competition. It was a wonderful event held in our new Year 11 and 12 Margaret Tierney Building. There were many complements from visiting students and families, all resoundingly impressed in our new surrounds. Congratulations to the students and coaches for their hard work, teamwork and preparation. Hopefully, they enjoy the rest of the season. Here are a few photos to convey the scene.

A couple of student reflections also:

"The hall was filled with a palpable sense of competition. Although I wasn’t one of the debaters, I could feel the excitement coming from all the schools. A lack of adjudicators left everyone feeling a little bit frustrated, but regardless, from every room you could hear the frantic writing and whispering as everyone tried to get their speeches to perfection.

All the debaters were practising their speeches anticipating the arrival of the adjudicator. In the room that I was spectating, there was no adjudicator at the start, so all the debaters were having a lively conversation. As soon as the adjudicator entered the room the mood became tense. The debaters having one final rehearsal in their head before their speech.

Overall, the debate was tense with both teams delivering quality arguments. Although the debate was very close each person stood out and they all gave worthy ideas on their topic.

Our third speaker did an outstanding job as he was able to win the best speaker of the night, even though we lost! We put up a great fight – just a margin of 2 points. Overall, it was a night filled with joy, excitement and anticipation. We all cannot wait for round two.

Oliver Italiano Year 9

Last Tuesday marked the beginning of another successful year for the A Grade debating team. Against strong opponents in Sirius College, it was Suny Trimboli, Patrick Currie, and Hayden McDonald who brought home the win. “Great to have the debating in the new Margert Tierney building and seeing all the various schools come together.” – Suny. Even Hayden McDonald exclaimed it was a “Strong start to the season, with lots of potential for the rest of the year.” In the end, it was a collective effort from the boys and the small Bernard’s crowd that had Sirius College crumbling in defeat. Throughout it all, and as the night ended, we all remembered the job was not yet finished, but round 1 was.

Lucas McKinnon Year 12

Back Row back: Coach Siobhan Loukomitis, Lucas McKinnon and Vincent Dong

Front Row: First and best speaker Suny Trimboli Second speaker Patrick Currie, and third speaker Hayden McDonald