Public Speaking

CSDA Round 1

The first round of the 2025 CSDA Public Speaking Competition took place on 28 February at St Patrick’s College, Sutherland. We had twelve students represent St Ursula’s College across years 7-12, delivering powerful speeches on a range of thought-provoking topics:

● Jolie Hanna (Year 7)
● Annabelle Tarbuck (Year 7)
● Susannah Johnson (Year 8)
● Jada Zahri (Year 8)
● Harriet Carlon (Year 8)
● Sarah Shidiak (Year 8)
● Mariah Skarmoutsos (Year 9)
● Yvonne Pearce (Year 10)
● Aya Elachi (Year 11)
● Isabella Xenos (Year 11)
● Ava Burns Bonnici (Year 11)
● Lilyana Mitrevska (Year 12)

Competing against students from a range of schools across Sydney’s South and Shire, our speakers impressed the adjudicators with their confidence, clarity, and persuasive skills. Our students spoke passionately and engaged the audience with their compelling takes on the set topics. We are proud to announce that the following students will progress to the Qualifying Finals, with judges commending their strong delivery and engaging subject matter:

● Jolie Hanna (Year 7)
● Annabelle Tarbuck (Year 7)
● Jada Zahri (Year 8)
● Yvonne Pearce (Year 10)
● Ava Burns Bonnici (Year 11)

All of our participants represented St Ursula’s with pride, and their hard work and preparation were evident in every speech. Well done to all involved — we look forward to seeing what’s next for our talented speakers!

CSDA Round 2

Following their strong performances in the first round of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition, five of our talented public speakers advanced to the next stage of the competition, competing in the Qualifying Finals on 7 March at Marist College, Kogarah.
This stage presented an even greater challenge, with students facing tougher competition with only four students from each year group progressing.

We are thrilled to announce that Ava Burns Bonnici (Year 11) has progressed to the final round, continuing her journey in the competition. Her dedication and hard work has been truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing her represent St Ursula’s College once again in the final stage of the competition on Friday 14 March, at Marist Catholic College North Shore.

Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding efforts — you have made our school incredibly proud!

Rostrum Round 1

On 11 March, six talented students from St Ursula’s College took part in the first round of the prestigious Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking competition, held at Santa Sabina College. Competing against some of the most articulate and persuasive young speakers in the region, our students showcased their confidence, eloquence, and ability to engage an audience.

Representing St Ursula’s were:

● Valentina Otai (Year 8)
● Cassandra Peiris (Year 9)
● Marion Choi (Year 9)
● Yvonne Pearce (Year 10)
● Ava Zygouras (Year 11)
● Bianca Fortunato (Year 11)

The Rostrum Voice of Youth competition is a rigorous four-stage event, culminating in a national final in Adelaide. With only four students from each heat progressing to the next round, the competition was fierce, and all our students should be commended for their preparation, passion, and delivery. A special acknowledgement goes to Yvonne Pearce, who has impressively competed in two major public speaking competitions this term, a testament to her dedication and commitment to developing her speaking skills.

We are thrilled to announce that Bianca Fortunato (Year 11) has successfully progressed to the next stage of the competition, which will take place in May. Congratulations, Bianca! We look forward to supporting you in the next round.
Well done to all our speakers — you have represented St Ursula’s College with pride and excellence!

Evelyn Papalexandris
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator