Senior Debating Team at Ursula Frayne Speech Festival 2023

On Friday 25 August, the Catherine McAuley College (CMC) Senior Debating Team, Jordyn Aldred (Year 12), Abuk Yai (Year 12) and Imogen Waldon (Year 10) competed in the annual Ursula Frayne Speech Festival at Mount Lilydale Mercy College.

This festival is held each year to showcase public speaking across all Mercy schools. The CMC students competed in two debates, winning one debate by a few points and losing the other by just 1 – narrowly missing out on the final.

All three students debated very well, and special commendation goes to Abuk and Imogen who prepared alternate speeches for a debate on the day due to a last-minute student illness.

“I had a great time debating against and getting to meet and talk to some of our fellow Mercy school students. Altogether I had a great time and would want to go again!” (Imogen)

The two debates were:

“That political parties should be required to present candidates from under represented groups.” CMC (negative) lost to Academy of Mary Immaculate

“We regret the rise of AI.” CMC (affirmative) won against St Joseph’s College Mildura

We commend the students on their graciousness in both victory and defeat. All three students represented the College admirably.

Mr Matthew Angove, Director of Learning and Teaching