Senior Public Speaking competition winner 2025

Climate change. It’s the topic that I’ve heard and I’m sure you’ve heard, many times before.  But finding out that some people believe that climate change is caused naturally was … a genuine surprise.  Today I’ll be talking about what I believe, based on the research I’ve done.
Good morning, teachers, staff, students etc..
Now let’s be real.  Climate change does happen naturally.  The earth’s climate has shifted over thousands and millions of years.  Ice ages came and went. Volcanoes erupted, and the sun’s energy output changed too.  So, nature does play a role.
But, and it’s a big BUT, what we’re seeing right now? The speed, the intensity, the natural disasters?  That’s not just nature doing its thing.  That’s us. Humans.
First point
Over the last 150 years, humans have pumped billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere like there’s no tomorrow.  And the science is clear, greenhouse gases trap

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Junior Speech Competition Winning Speech 2025

Respect is the most important value in the world
The Dalai Lama once said: The quality of everything we do; our physical actions, our verbal actions, and even our mental actions, depends on our motivation.  Imagine a world without Respect: dark, cruel and meaningless. Now, a world like today would be much better. I will be stating three reasons:  the Golden Rule, Respecting ourselves, and Happiness.
Point 1, Golden Rule.
Respect is unquestionably an important value in the world and by doing it, you can use the golden rule.  This is because the golden rule is essentially important at home, at school and in the whole world.  But what is the golden rule?  Treating others the way you want to be treated.  In my opinion, some examples are:  looking out for others, doing our chores and helping our peers and friends.  Yes, these small actions can make a big difference and can make

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And update from 3rd Class for Term 2, Week 2

This week 3rd class wrote their persuasive speeches for the Public Speaking Competition. The topic was ‘Why is Respect an Important Value for the World’. I was very impressed with the well-written speeches and after some practice and reviewing the criteria of good public speaking, the children delivered their speeches in class yesterday. I am very proud of their efforts. Many children used our school value of Courage to overcome nerves and try their best at doing something that is dreaded by so many of us! The winner from 3N this year is Mia W. We wish her the very best in the finals on Wednesday. The runner-up is Emmie Y.
As part of our Spelling work this week, the children were introduced to stressed and unstressed syllables. This will be necessary as prior knowledge later on, when we will learn particular spelling rules. Please note that as of next week,

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A recap of Term 2, Week 2 in Upper 1st

English: We are reading Are We There Yet, and we focused on the section about ‘The Top End’. To complement this we read the picture book, To the Top End by Roland Harvey. We focused
on visual literacy and reading the pictures. The children wrote about a waterhole and a lake in writing this week. We revised the suffixes –est, -er, -ing, ed and plurals during spelling
and reading this week.
Maths: This week we focused on o’clock, half past and quarter past, and quarter to on both analog and digital clocks. We will continue to revise these times next week.
Science: This week we made mini models of The Water Cycle which are displayed on our classroom windows. We also learnt about the history of weather and forecasting together with the different instruments used to measure the weather (such as rain, wind and temperature).
Geography: The children learned all about Darwin this week. They

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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 4

Monday Lentil soup served with fresh sourdough and butter
Tuesday Salad rolls carrot, tomato, cucumber and lettuce served in a fresh salad roll
Wednesday Cheese and spinach filo triangles served with spicy tomato sauce
Thursday Pesto pasta topped with fresh parmesan.
Friday Sweet potato and cauliflower paneer curry served with basmati rice
(Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment

I would like to acknowledge the 5th and 6th class students this week. On Wednesday one of our 6th class teachers was ill and we were in the unusual predicament of not being able to find a replacement teacher. 5th class opened its adjoining doors and all of 6SB moved in for the day. This was done with the minimum of disruption as all students in both year groups helped to move chairs, desks and books both to and from the classroom and rearrange the existing seating plan in the 5th classrooms. The day proceeded in a harmonious and productive manner and both 5th class teachers commented on the support and co-operation of every student. This is a very beautiful and practical demonstration of  this term’s School Value of Service.

Di Renshaw
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Head of School’s Comment

On exhibition in the entrance area of our school are the self-portraits of our 6th Class students.  Each one of these artworks is a testament to their creativity and care. This outstanding work is the result of a rich and continuous art program, introduced from the earliest years. It reflects an inspiring environment for both teaching and learning, supported by dedicated artists who understand how deeply young students engage with art. With mindfulness embedded across our school, children are present, attentive, and connected to their creative process. We warmly invite you to visit and enjoy this beautiful showcase.
Julian Wilcock
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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 2, Term 2

Monday Garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes with sweet chili and Sour cream
Tuesday  Cream of tomato and basil soup served with sourdough and butter
Wednesday Crumbed vegetable patties served homemade tomato chutney
Thursday Tomato and broccoli pasta topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan
Friday Egg and tofu fried rice with sweet soy and chili
(Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment

Welcome back to Term 2. The children have returned to school full of energy and enthusiasm. As always at the beginning of the term all the staff spend time together studying material that supports the ethos of our school. On Monday we spent time discussing a TED talk by Teresse Lewis on Teaching Resilience and the priority it should take in children’s education. Our Philosophy program and new Learn Kind program work to give the children the tools to face adversity in life. The best outcome for children is when school and home work together to teach this skill.
Di Renshaw
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A busy start to Term 2

Despite the damp weather and a sharp drop in temperature to start the term, the enthusiasm of our students and teachers, remains undimmed. It is always heartwarming to see the children reconnect after a break, especially the reunions between our 6th Class students and their Lower 1st buddies. These friendships are a treasured part of our school culture.
Looking ahead, we are excited for the P&F Movie Night next Saturday. We are keeping everything crossed for clear skies, but rest assured, our ever-prepared P&F team has a cosy indoor option ready if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Either way, it promises to be a wonderful evening, and we hope to see many of you there!
Julian Wilcock
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