BRIGHTEST HIGH SCHOOL DEBATERS SHINE AT THE NATIONALS
This year , I was fortunate to be selected as Captain of the Victorian state debating team , training every week until May when the National Schools Debating Competition was held in Melbourne . The competition consisted of seven round robin rounds against each state and territory , where we would have one hour to prepare three eight-minute speeches .
We debated on motions ranging from the incentives of the queer feminist movement to the role of government investment in rural healthcare . Unfortunately , we couldn ’ t replicate the success of past years , bowing out after tough losses against New South Wales and South Australia . Even so , the National Schools Debating Competition allowed me the opportunity to compete against the brightest high school debaters in the country , sharpen my oratorical skills and make genuine friendships . Happily , my participation at the nationals led to a spot in the Australian team competing at the World Schools Debating Championships in Bangkok and Hanoi in July .
JOSHUA QIN – FOURTH FROM LEFT IN THE BACK ROW – WITH FELLOW
DEBATERS AT THE NATIONALS
In closing , I ’ d like to pay tribute to some people who made this opportunity possible . To Scotch ’ s former Extension Studies Coordinator , Ms Linossier , who first introduced me to debating and whose constant support allowed me the opportunity to improve : I owe any success to her generosity over four years . To Mr Hawkins , under whom debating at Scotch has expanded in the post-COVID era : your willingness to accommodate me is truly appreciated . Finally , to Mrs Horneman , whose boundless enthusiasm and help has been integral to giving me opportunities to improve . No compliment here can express the gratitude I feel .
JOSHUA QIN – YEAR 12
A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR 9 FOOTBALL TRIP TO ADELAIDE
Early in the morning of the first Friday of the Term 2 holidays , members of the Year 9 Football Squad made the short trip north-west to South Australia . Geared up and ready to perform well , on touching down the boys toured the magnificent Adelaide Oval , with its rich blend of heritage and modern architecture . From here the boys were invited for an afternoon training session at the host school , Scotch College Adelaide .
In very windy conditions at Scotch College Adelaide in Torrens Park , our boys started well with an excellent first quarter . The boys
in red won most centre clearances , general stoppages and the tackle count , placing constant pressure on Scotch Adelaide ’ s defence .
For many of the boys it was one of their best games of the season , as they won clearances and strongly attacked the ball . Their use of quick hands , lack of hesitation and continuous followup efforts post-contest put them ahead . The boys managed to lock the ball in the forward line , and with 11 different goal-scorers , they shared the load at every opportunity , showing genuine joy at each other ’ s contributions .
During the remainder of the trip we explored parts of Adelaide and experienced more of the football culture . Unfortunately there was no AFL game while we were in Adelaide , but the boys were able to experience the unique SANFL culture , watching a Glenelg v West Adelaide match at Hisense Stadium . Back in Melbourne , the boys ’ focus moved to finishing the season strongly in their final two matches .
Match details : Scotch College Melbourne 13.8.86 defeated Scotch College Adelaide 2.3.15 Coaches : Barry Price and Scott Montgomery Goals : Peat 2 , Davies , Collins , Piastri , Hutchings , Armstrong , Gumley , Mellor , Sutherland , Reid and Munro .
JONATHAN PATTINSON - YEAR 9 TEACHER-IN-CHARGE OF FOOTBALL www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 27