The Grand Final Debates will be held on Thursday 26 November at 5:30pm.  We are hosted by Loreto-Nedlands Primary at 69 Webster Street Nedlands.

There will be 5 rooms of debate. The directions will be well posted, the site is compact and easy to navigate so have no worry about finding your place.

A special mention for all the unsung heroes like Chloe Rawson-Harris the debate captain at Loreto-Nedlands who in addition to her other duties had to change the debate she is chairing and start her preparation all over again.  This was to allow order changes in debates so teams from other schools could compete on the night.

To all the team mates who:

• listened patiently
• gave suggestions to their team mates
• looked up new facts to make their talk better
• laughed and encouraged them when their fear came to the surface.
• showed generosity when they had to make changes

These skills were modeled and coached by their parents and teachers and we know they build the kind of character which will ensure our peaceful future.

Witnessing Year 5 & 6 students undertake the adult task of debating is an opportunity to see the first foundations of lateral thinking, determination  in the face of a challenging topic, belief in self.  Help them see what they did well, please don’t pick what they’ve achieved apart and put all the emphasis on what was missing.  We can trust that they will improve if they are allowed to try their own ideas and approaches for themselves. I’ve watched it happen over and over again for many years with hundreds of young people.

Warm regards for the upcoming holiday season, may Spirit be part of your celebration in whatever name reflects your belief.

Lesli Grant

Hope to see you back in 2016!