Diocesan Public Speaking Final

2006

 

On Friday 10 November, the Final of the Diocesan Public Speaking Competition was held at St Therese Parish Primary School, West Wollongong. Six finalists presented their speeches in both the Year 5 section and the Year 6 section. Every one of the twelve finalists came from a different diocesan school, which demonstrates the commitment in our schools to public speaking.  The sponsorship of the Catholic Development Fund, which was represented by Manager, Mr Tony Sanderson, allows this competition to grow in size and interest each year.

 

A new aspect of the final this year was the decision to podcast the speeches. This gives access to the finals speeches for those parents, teachers and students who were unable to attend the day. It will also provide a valuable model for children in our schools who may wish to enter the competition in future years.

 

The standard was very high and the adjudicator, Mrs Deirdre Gosling, found the task of choosing three place-getters in each section very difficult. She commented on the children’s appropriate use of the language and of grammar. She praised their vocabulary and the way in which they organized and presented their arguments.

 

The final was conducted with good grace and in the spirit of sportsmanship, the finalists  listening with respect to each speech and congratulating those who received trophies. Mr John Tubridy, Acting Director of Schools represented the Catholic Education Office and presented trophies to the Year 6 prize-winners.

 

The winner of the day was, however, public speaking itself, which was given a boost in our diocese through the hard work in our schools and the excellent standard of the finalists.