2 minute read
Notable efforts
Students deliver notable stories
RGS Year 6 student Megan Nguyen admits she knew nothing about former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi until she started her research for the Day of Notables. Megan was the winner of the 2022 public speaking competition after a powerful representation of the late Indian Prime Minister.
“I had no clue who she (Indira Gandhi) was, but I became curious when I saw her name and discovered a great story,’’ Megan said. “She didn’t care about people who tried to put her down. She turned those comments into the opposite and didn’t let that affect her. “Day of Notables lets us show different people’s lives and how the world has so many different personalities and great people.” While Megan shone sharing the Indira Gandhi story, she admits to having her own struggles with public speaking. “I’ve always had issues with speeches, but once I’m used to the speech I can open up. Take a deep breath. You have the opportunity to speak for these people,’’ Megan said. RGS Head of Primary Mrs Harris said all of these notable people in the finals were successful in their fields but all had some things in common - resilience, struggle and, at times, criticised at some point in their careers. “But they still stayed true to their vocation and it’s something we can all learn from,” Mrs Harris said. Mrs Harris praised all the Year 6 students on their public speaking efforts. “Public speaking is frequently one of people’s biggest fears, it affects three out of four people,’’ Mrs Harris said. “There were children doing this that were very scared of public speaking but who pushed through their fears to complete this task. Then there are those that love this opportunity and completely flourish in the spotlight. “We see you all and celebrate your achievement. It’s about the growth and resilience for all children to take the brave step. “Every time we take a brave step and push aside our fear, we are telling our brain that we can do hard things. Every hard thing faced after this is a little easier.” Day of Notables 2022 finalists
Kruz Bryant
(Norm Provan)
A National Rugby League Hall of Fame member who played in 10 premiership winning teams for St George, the last five as captaincoach. Provan also represented Australia.
An American actress and singer who is widely known for playing Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
An American businessman, best known for founding Kentucky Fried Chicken and later becoming the company’s brand ambassador and symbol.
A British author and philanthropist who wrote the world-acclaimed Harry Potter series, a magic opportunity that came about after many setbacks.
An Australian Army nurse during World War II who was the sole survivor of a massacre in 1942 that killed 21 nurses on Bangka Island.
An American artistic gymnast who won seven Olympic medals. Biles rose to fame in 2013 winning two World Championships at just 16 years.
An English social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing who came to prominence during the Crimean War where she cared for wounded soldiers.
