Congratulations to Nadia Mohamed (Year 7) who placed in the top four students in the Regional Heat for the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Junior Public Speaking Competition, which was hosted at St Catherine’s on Friday 7 June.

The content of Nadia’s speech revolved around the destruction of our planet’s forests, oceans and wildlife, and was an impassioned call to action to save it. Nadia, along with Maeli Davenport (Year 7), Tayla Sharman (Year 8) and Catherine Karas (Year 8), competed against 39 visiting students from 10 other schools, and represented St Catherine’s creditably. Students were able to focus their speeches on three topics: The Great Outdoors; A Star in the Making; and Good Things Come to Those Who Wait.

Nadia Mohamed (Year 7), Maeli Davenport (Year 7), Catherine Karas (Year 8) and Tayla Sharman (Year 8) with Ms Gillian Hosking at the Debaters Association of Victoria Junior Public Speaking Competition.

While places are limited for each of our public speaking competitions, students who register their interest early can always secure a place the following year. The DAV Junior Public Speaking Competition also allows budding public speakers the opportunity of developing their skills in a guided manner. Our students spent several weeks being guided by the staff member in charge of this event, Ms Gillian Hosking, whom we thank for her time and expertise. Students also received assistance in the preparation and delivery of their prepared speeches and their impromptu speeches from Senior students, many of whom have previously competed in DAV public speaking competitions.

We congratulate Nadia on her achievement and wish her well as she prepares for the semi-finals.