CO-CURRICULAR – Debating & Mock Trial

DEBATING

Round 1 – 22 April at St Ursula’s

An amazing 53 students volunteered to help St Ursula’s host round 1 against Bethany, showing great Serviam spirit. They welcomed the competitors and their family and friends in a wonderful show of support.

Six dedicated students from each year group successfully auditioned to be part of the 2026 debating team. Congratulations to the following students:

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	Year 12
Emily M Ella R Eliana V Shailene W Abigail S Katherine L	Charlotte S Maria-Ella O Melanie Z Chelsea W Ava E Chelsea S	Bella B Teresa S Sarah S Tiana V Emirea S Charlotte J	Claire R Jacinta S Eden V Isabella S Soraya A Aisha C	Yvonne P Liana K Rosslyn C Lola N Sara C	Olivia H Scarlet G Bianca F Caitlin C Ashleigh M

One adjudicator reminded the students that speaking in public is more feared than death by 75% of people! So it was terrific that these talented students were able to quash any fears they may have had to put on a confident display in response to the following very challenging topics:

That students should design their own school uniform (Years 7-8)
That our national values should determine our trading partners (Years 9-10)
That peace is a political imperative (Years 11-12)

Congratulations to all our debaters. Three teams had a win – Year 7, Year 10 and Year 12. Those that did not were gracious in defeat.

Round 2 – 29 April

Our debaters travelled to Marist College Kogarah and were treated to a beautiful afternoon tea. They then went off to prepare their arguments for an hour before being called to attempt to convince the audience in either the affirmative or negative case:

That Australia is the land of the fair go (Years 7-10)
That values based policy making is impractical in modern Australia (Years 11-12)

The Seniors and Year 10 had a win.

Round 3 – 6 May

St Pat’s Sutherland hosted us this week and we gathered in the library. The students were quite happy with the topics:

That the need for ‘likes’ changes who we are (Years 7-8)
That our society rewards attention more than contribution (Years 9-10)
That reputation has become more important than integrity (Years 11-12)

Years 12, 11, 10 and 7 had a win and by all reports Years 8 and 9 were very close!

Huge thanks to our devoted attendees – ex-student mentors and coaches, Grace Alexander, Anamarija Lokmer and Lilyan Kasses, and our staff coaches Mrs Kasses and Mrs McCarthy. It was great to welcome Ms Magee and Ms Moroney as spectators this week. The College also extends warm appreciation to our amazing adjudicators – Mr Russo, Ms Rombola, Ms Doshen, Ms Kelly and ex-students, Emily Hawkins and Alyssa Hawkins.

Quarter Final – 24 June

Amazing effort by both the Year 12 and Year 10 Debating teams who competed in the Quarter Final last week.

Although our Year 12 team consisting of Olivia H, Yvonne P and Bianca F did not get through to the semi-final, we are super proud of their performance. The topic was That the use of surveillance technology is justified in democratic societies. The panel of three adjudicators said it was a very close debate! We also must congratulate the other members of the team who got them there – Scarlet G, Caitlin C and Ashleigh M for their commitment.

Huge congratulations to our Year 10 team consisting of Soraya A, Jacinta S and Eden V for their win against St Mary’s Star of the Sea, Wollongong arguing the affirmative
That artificial intelligence has made true privacy impossible.

This win is a testament to their close and respectful teamwork and their ability to perform under pressure. Well done. Now it’s over to the other Year 10 team of Claire R, Isabella S and Aisha C to take up the baton to represent us at the Conference Semi-Final on the first Friday of Term 3 at St Pat’s Sutherland. Best of luck!

Karen Horder
Debating Coordinator

MOCK TRIAL

Well done to the Mock Trial team who won their second-round case against St George Christian School.

As defence, the team submitted that there was reasonable doubt in the charge against our defendant who allegedly had behaved recklessly at a hotel, smashing a glass table.
St George very narrowly won the points, but given the team’s superior results in round one, the team is very likely to advance to elimination rounds next term.

Well done to Sara C, Yvonne P, Logno H, Lola N, Gloriana Y and Tyra T.

The next round was against All Saints, Casula as defence in a civil matter. The team won the case in which we were being sued for breach of contract.
The girls also won the points 223 – 200.

Congratulations to Sara C, Yvonne P, Tyra T, Katerina D, Jennifer A and Lucia C