Despite the Senior Debaters ‘debate journey’ finishing for 2022, the Woodleigh Junior Debate team has continued to delve into the world of debating. Consisting of Allegra Moloney, Hywel Matthews, Innes Thistletone and Andy Hutchinson the group of Year 8 debaters has gone from strength to strength and finished the DAV (Debaters Association of Victoria) Junior program without losing a single debate; one of only two schools to do so.

Over three Monday evenings during Term 4 the young debate team has tackled topics such as ‘Capping the Salaries of Professional Sports people’, ‘the Schools Spectacular is a waste of money’ and ‘that we should ban public smoking and vaping in public spaces.’ I really enjoyed working with this younger debate group as they were asked to argue on sides of an argument that they did not necessarily agree with. There was a great deal of mind twisting, deciphering of topics, research, decision making and speech writing. A massive thank you to Char Palmer and Lillian Carter for helping during the last-minute planning sessions. They were an invaluable assistance to the team.

The whole team deserves a massive congratulations, with special mentions for Allegra and Andy who both received Best speaker awards. Allegra was awarded two.

We are looking forward to 2023.

MARNEY POPE
Debating Coordinator

Junior Debating Team L to R: Hywel, Innes, Andy and Allegra (Year 8).