De La Salle takes out a prize at Talk Fest Each year the Lasallian schools in Melbourne participate in the Annual Lasallian Public Speaking Challenge. This year, James Brown 9M, was awarded the Year 9 Prize, which was held at St James College in East Bentleigh. James, whose prepared speech, “Graffiti Art or Vandalism,” was one of five speeches presented by De La Salle students before a packed audience in the newly opened Chapel Building at St James. Other schools represented were St Bede’s and St James. All of the schools walked away with prizes. Ms Kerry Martin, 9 English, said the De La student’s speeches covered a range of interesting topics including racism, religion, homework, technology and even show business. “All of the boys were a credit to the College and their topics reflected the breadth of interests nurtured by De La Salle.” “James Browns’ winning speech on graffiti was original and witty questioning the possibility of Michelangelo as a graffiti artist,” Ms Martin said. “While Antonio Cafaso thrilled the audience with a rendition of There’s No Business Like Show Business to conclude his speech on the benefits of theatre performance.” Lincoln Edward 7V represented Year 7 with his speech on racism, Daniel Martin 8H, represented Year 8 with his speech on technology, James Brown 9M, represented Year 9 with his speech on Graffiti, Paul Culliver 11R, represented Year 11 with a speech on religion and last but not least, Antonio Cafaso 11H, represented Year 12 with the speech on the theatre. Congratulations to all the boys who participated on the night and thanks to the organizers and the judges.
Year 8 Debating At the end of Term 2, Year 8 students were given the opportunity to debate against the girls at Star of the Sea. Even though Star had to reschedule the date, the night was great. Before the event we had to see Mrs Thomson, who helped us prepare our speeches — sometimes we had to prepare two or three times a week! Five teams debated varied topics which took a great deal of preparation. The night was huge fun. De La won four out of Standing: Mrs Christine.Thompson, Daniel Martin, Ryan Ellis, Ben Stott, Vincent Arthur, five debates but, unforNick Kent, Blake Davis, Mrs Carmel Dwyer tunately, my team lost by Seated: Patrick Helsing, Alex McEwan, Jake Kakouros, Brenton McDonald, Marcus Topp, Ben Siragusano three points. But there was another opportunity for two teams to debate other schools at McKinnon High. Over three nights at McKinnon, two De La teams debated other schools on an array of topics. Before the night, we all had to get up early to meet Mrs Thomson before school in the library to prepare our speeches. My team won two out of three debates, and our other team won all of their debates. These nights were a lot of fun, and we learnt a lot about public speaking from them. When we thought the debating experience was over, we were informed there was to be another (ACC) debate at St Bede’s, wherein both De La teams would compete. This day was again a lot of fun. De La Salle won two out of three debates, and came third in division one. None of this could have happened without the help of Mrs Thompson and Mrs Dwyer and the teams thank them for their time and patience. Ben Siragusano
