Public Speaking

On Wednesday 15 May, three students from Years 8 and 10 took part in the Bayspeak Public Speaking Competition, which is a youth public speaking competition for secondary school students around the Bayside region, run by the Rotary Clubs of Brighton and Sandringham. Each student selected a topic of interest and produced a speech intending to engage and educate their audience.

Keira Blackmore from Year 8 spoke on the need to address animal testing. Verity Perks, also from Year 8, spoke about the ongoing challenge of homelessness in our society. Rhiannan Marie-Jean of Year 10 spoke about the relentless and unrealistic beauty standards challenging young women today.

The students showed great composure and passion for their topics, as they competed against other schools in the area. Keira Blackmore was placed second in her heat, being selected to move through to the final competition, which will be held early in June at Firbank Grammar. Successful students from the final will be selected to speak at Parliament House. I congratulate all the students involved in the competition for their hard work and dedication.

DAV Debating

Throughout Term 1 and 2, Kilbreda students have been involved in the DAV Debating Competition, held at Haileybury College. Students from Years 9 and 10 meet each week to prepare debates on a wide range of topics.

In Term 2, our C Grade students rose confidently to the challenge of their first ever secret topic, on the question of using animals in entertainment. Our D Grade students successfully argued against a four day school week, winning against a strong Mentone Grammar team.

Debating and Public Speaking provides many enriching experiences for students to develop their confidence and literacy skills, as well as engaging with a range of students from local schools.

Laura Ridley
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator