Budding Orators
The Junior School’s Public Speaking Competition on Tuesday was a celebration of magic, creativity, and the power of shared values. It featured students from Kindergarten to Year 6 who tackled the topic “magic”, which aligns with the Junior School's overarching theme for 2023.
The enthusiastic support for each participant was palpable, with cheers and applause filling the room after every speech. Despite the very young age of some of the participants, they delivered their speeches with remarkable confidence, many without notes or microphones.
References to the beloved Harry Potter series were sprinkled throughout the speeches, much to the delight of the young listeners.
Bethan (Year 6), winner of the Stage 3 section, gave a captivating speech, weaving in references to the recent Matildas' win against France. Her vivid recount of Mackenzie Arnold's game-winning save transported the audience to the edge of their seats. Yet, she also reminded us that life isn't always filled with such exhilarating moments, emphasising the importance of appreciating the magic in our ordinary lives.
Olivia (Year 5) highlighted the magic of creativity and the ground-breaking inventions it has produced.
Meanwhile, Olivia (Year 4) spoke passionately about the power of synergy, emphasising how collaboration and a shared positive spirit can elevate our achievements. She praised the Wenona Junior School as a magical environment that fosters connection and collaboration.
Anneliese (Year 6) offered a thought-provoking exploration of individuality and collective magic. She posed the intriguing question, "If you could have any one superpower, what would it be?" She challenged her audience to imagine a world where everyone chose the same power, which served as a metaphor for the importance of diversity and individuality in our society. Anneliese encouraged authenticity, stressing that our diverse identities are what make our world a truly magical place.
Francesca (Year 3), the winner of the Stage 2 section, spoke of the magic that lies in the ability to seek the good in life, despite its challenges. She highlighted courage and knowledge as her chosen magical potions, inspiring her peers to embrace these values.
Harper (Year 1), who won the Stage 1 section, gave powerful voice to the benefits of pushing ourselves to our limits. She spoke personally about her magic powers as a young musician who practices hard and surprises even herself with her achievements.
What a testament to the power of young voices!