Debating

Year 12 Debating

Paul Casey, Ryan Moody, Jordan Dalgliesh Seated: Stephen Mitas, Mrs Christine Thompson, Christopher Draffen The 2012 senior ‘D.A.V’ debating competetion was one of great success and learning for De La Salle’s Year 12 side, taking four wins from a possible five, and only falling narrowly short in the Caulfield region final. Following a 14th place finish in the previous season, the squad and Mrs Thompson discussed a strategy for 2012 and prepared for the opening round against Our Lady of Sacred Heart, Oakleigh. With new recruit Chris Draffen and the ever-improving Stephen Mitas joining stalwarts Jordan Dalgliesh Ryan Moody and Paul Casey, pre-season form alone indicated that 2012 was a year of opportunity for De La Salle’s senior debating side. With a modest goal of winning more than half of the ties, what followed over the course of the season was far more than that. In fact, the gradual success of the team began to attract the attention of many in the College community, who had for so long been deprived of debating triumph. The first four rounds saw De La record narrow wins against Our Lady of Sacred Heart (1), Our Lady of Sacred Heart (2), Wesley College (2) and the muchfancied McKinnon Secondary (2). Secret topics, provided with one hour’s preparation time featured agendas such as Aboriginal Rights, Welfare Payments, as well as Ministerial Responsibility within Parliament. As a result, De La Salle found itself heading into the final round undefeated, and in second place from a field of 12 teams, many of whom had finished significantly higher in 2011. Sadly, before a record crowd, De La Salle fell in the Caulfield regional final to the first-placed Leibler Yavneh by a single point. Without question the encounter was the most difficult faced by the team since we came together in 2009. Yet to come so close to victory indicates the genuine ability of the team. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the De La Salle debating team for the past four years and we hold many fond memories of our times representing the College. Each member of our team has been able to learn, cooperate and gain confidence in speech and delivery — skills vital for the classroom and workplace. We would like to thank all of the teachers who have worked with us over the years. Paul Casey

Year 10 Debating

John Buchanan, Ben Stafford, Jonathan Dent. Seated: Steven Lau, Ms Marisa Di Giacomo, Christian Di Donato

Year 10 Debating

The Year 10 debaters had a somewhat shaky start to the debating season after having to forfeit the first two debates. Nevertheless, they regrouped and went on to win two of the remaining three debates. Furthermore, they received “Best Speaker” (Ben Stafford, nominated twice, and Jonathon Dent) in each of these debates. Congratulations to the boys for their determination in the face of adversity and their ‘never say die’ attitude.

Ms Marisa DiGiacomo