IGSA Festival of Speech

The Debating, Public Speaking, Current Affairs, Religious and Ethical Questions, and Soap Box, coached by Andrea Rowe, Oratory Coordinator, and the Debating and Oratory team, congratulated in last weeks’ newsletter, performed with excellence.

This week we extend our congratulations to the students who represented MLC School in the Readings and Poetry categories:

Josephine Doan (Year 11), was awarded 1st Place in Senior Poetry. This was Josephine’s final Festival after participating throughout her senior years.

Congratulations also to Chelsea Keomanivong (Year 9), awarded 1st Place in Junior Readings. This was Chelsea’s first time participating in the Festival, making her achievement particularly special.

Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 10), who achieved 1st Place last year, and

Abira Sanan (Year 8), participating for the first time, also performed exceptionally well, narrowly missing out on a place.

Participants – Readings and Poetry

Josephine Doan (Year 11) – Senior Poetry (1st Place)
Abira Sanan (Year 8) – Junior Poetry
Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 10) – Senior Readings
Chelsea Keomanivong (Year 9) – Junior Readings (1st Place)

The Festival is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate the power of the voice and speech in its’ many forms. In a world where social media and online communication dominate, it is refreshing to see students stand up, speak out and share their ideas in a friendly, supportive environment alongside like-minded peers.

It is always a privilege to coach our MLC School students in the Senior and Junior Readings and Poetry sections, assisted this year by Speech and Drama Tutor Lisa Gorman.

A special thank you to Andrea Rowe for her tireless work, commitment and contribution to the Festival committee, as well as her organisation of the event and coordination of the MLC School team.

‘This year’s IGSA Festival of Speech will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart, as I am absolutely thrilled to have walked away with first place.

This achievement represents the culmination of nearly ten years of dedication to Speech and Drama, the last five of which I have spent proudly representing MLC School. Success at this level doesn’t happen overnight, and I owe a massive thank you to The Speech and Drama Studio for being my creative home.

In particular, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Ms Brian, the Head of Speech and Drama, who has been my coach for the past four years. Her expert guidance, belief in my potential, and tireless support behind the scenes have been instrumental in shaping me into the performer I am today. Standing on that stage and bringing home a win for MLC School was an unforgettable honour, and I am so grateful for the journey that brought me here.’
– Josephine Doan (Year 11)

‘Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of representing MLC School in the IGSA Festival of Speech in the Junior Readings category. The experience was invaluable in enhancing my communication skills and building my public speaking confidence. A big thank you to Ms Brian for coaching me throughout the preparation process. Her experience and expertise were exceptionally helpful.’
– Chelsea Keomanivong (Year 9)

‘The Festival of Speech was a wonderful event which showcased the talent of students from all over Sydney. Chelsea’s skill and confidence improved significantly under Ms Brian’s coaching, and there’s no doubt that her success at the event was due to having such a knowledgeable and kind teacher.’
– Amy Tran (Parent)

– Monica Brian
Director, Speech and Drama Studio