Language Arts

Language Arts

Debating 

ISDA Round 2 was held at Pymble in the KM building last Friday. As we hosted, we were affirmative. Well done to all teams who debated Knox. Year 7 will have a make up round. 

Pymble ISDA will be at Trinity for Round 3 tomorrow, on Friday 1 March. Please ensure all bus tickets have been purchased. CCSA will send venue and parking details. 

Pymble FED travelled to MLC for Round 1 last Friday. Thank you all for your patience as we battled bus issues, traffic and heat. This Friday FED will be at Pymble in the KM building/ Senior School centre. 

Archdale and Social debating start later in the year. 

Buses will be arranged to most away venues and parents are asked to arrange collection of girls following debates. Students are not permitted to travel home of public transport without adult supervision. Parents are welcome to watch their daughter’s/ daughters’ debate/s. Co-curricular Administration will send further details. 

Year 11 and 12 FED and ISDA Debaters. Please note that you will have make up rounds due to Formals through the debating season. 

NB Debaters must inform Mrs Hubbard, their coach and team of a known absence, in advance of Debate/s missed. We do not forfeit, and subs can be arranged. 

International Debating Championships 

This runs in Term 4 and is open to ISDA and Archdale debaters and FED finalists. Further details will be available in Term 3. 

State Debater! 

Maya Garg, our Mock Law Captain has a callback audition for the NSW Debating Union’s State Team. She is among the top 24 debaters selected. Stay tuned! Well done Maya on this significant achievement. 

Congratulations to Lauren Korenblyum (Year 11)

Congratulations to Lauren Korenblyum who competed in a Lions Youth of the Year heat last Sunday. Lauren has progressed to the next round, to be held on 24 March. All the best. 

Cambridge Schools’ Debating Competition 

Congratulations to this formidable British Parliamentary Debating team! On the 27 and 28 January, two Pymble students, Amy Zhang (Year 11) and Alice Mao (Year 10) participated in the above competition and reached the finals, to be held at Cambridge University. Congratulations! 

We hear that some will be competing in the forthcoming Junior BP competition. 

Public Speaking Auditions – Year 7 to 12 

Thanks to all who auditioned for Public Speaking last week and this. The interest and the standard were high. Evelyn Zhu, our Public Speaking captain will announce feedback times where girls can receive judge’s comments on their performances. BHubbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au; Evelyn Zhu (Year 11) ezhu2025@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au 

Topics can be found on the Portal or on the Rostrum NSW website. https://www.rostrum.com.au/voy/information-for-all-students/ 

Two students to UNUN Voice of Youth Public Speaking National Finals 

Congratulations to Nikita Serban, Isis Li, Catherine Shi and Katherine Pan who attended the UN Voice State Finals at the end of last year. Catherine Shi will now compete in the Nationals in April. We have also recently been notified that Isis Li is also through to the Nationals! Congratulations and best wishes. 

MUN – Model United Nations 

NSW State MUN Conference, at Pymble – We did it. We launched NSW Student MUN. Have you seen the video?

Congratulations Jenny 

Congratulations to Jenny Xu who competed at Yale and Harvard MUN sessions in the vacation. Jenny was awarded a coveted Yale outstanding delegate award. The keynote address was given by Ban Ki- Moon, 8th General Secretary of the United Nations. 

THIMIUN – The Hague 

Mrs Hubbard travelled to The Hague in the recent vacation where she met with board members and the head of THIMUN. We are awaiting an offer to attend the 57th session of THIMUN in January 25. If successful, Pymble will be the first Australian school to attend. Watch this space! 

UN Youth State Conference 

This is a flagship residential event that unites exceptional high school students in Year 9 to 12 from across the globe, providing them with a unique platform to learn about leadership, diplomacy, and advocacy. Their goal is to empower young minds, foster understanding of global issues and inspire students to become active contributors to shaping our collective future. Pymble students who have attended in past years have enjoyed the experience! 

Key details 

Date: 8 to 10 March  

Location: The Collaroy Centre and UTS 

Topic: The Future of Democracy in the 21st Century 

Cost: $270 

The conference promises an enriching experience with:  

Interactive Workshops: Engaging sessions on critical global topics.  

Expert Speaker Panels: Insights from prominent individuals in various fields.  

Simulated Crisis Activity: A hands-on experience in crisis management.  

Model UN Debates: A platform for students to discuss and propose solutions to international issues. 

Registrations are now closed. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact the organisers directly at nswstateconferenceoc@unyouth.org.au. They are more than happy to assist you with any enquiries.   

Mock Law 

Mooting has commenced. Mediation auditions were held yesterday. Mock Trial Material for Round One will be released on Monday 4 March. 

Bronwyn Hubbard

Head of Language Arts