Debating & Public Speaking | Term 3 Update.

Term 3 has been… to put it simply… jam-packed. We’ve had phenomenal public speaking initiatives, and entertaining inter-school, inter-state, and (mock) international rivalries, energised by the events that came with it.

To start off, our (mock) international rivalries. Terms 2 and 3 welcomed two exciting Model UNs. There was overwhelming interest from Mac.Rob students for both events, and it was brilliant to see the students’ efforts – whether they had researched their country inside out, or presented a light-hearted opening speech – shine through. The first MUN was at Melbourne Girls’ College, while the second was at Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School (with MHS and MGS). At both events, everyone did a fantastic job, emphatically and authentically representing their respective countries and having lots of laughs, intense diplomatic discussions, and passionate speeches. For the MGGS Model UN, we’d like to congratulate Nidhi in 11E (representing New Zealand), who won awards for Best Small Country and Best Overall, as well as Salma, Samantha, and Ava (representing Russia), who were celebrated for their skills in diplomacy.

Next up, our inter-school and inter-state rivalries. Soleil P, Hannah J, and Dishika G represented Mac.Rob in two annual debates: the Adelaide Exchange against Adelaide High School, and the Senior Cup against Melbourne High. They emerged victorious in both, successfully arguing the topics “That parents should not be able to refuse medical treatment for their children” and “That brain rot/Gen Z slang should be taught in schools as a second language.”

On another note, we’d also like to commend Jiahui (11I) for her participation in the Debaters Association of Victoria Senior Public Speaking Competition. Her commitment to developing her public speaking skills and willingness to take on new challenges is truly commendable. 

But it doesn’t end there. Let’s see what’s in store for the rest of this Term…

Coming up first is the 2025 rendition of My Vote, My Voice. Six passionate students have spent countless weeks crafting 10-minute speeches in groups of three, pondering this year’s topic: “What is special about the Australian Democracy?” Meetings were filled with enthralling discussions, where students Antara, Rachel and Shipra unpacked the local government’s role in democracy, delving into their own personal experiences with democracy at the local level. Additionally, Ashveen, Mayumdi, and Meenakshi dissected youth contributions to democracy, using a whole-school padlet in order to represent Mac.Rob’s passions at the event. Around the time this newsletter is published, these students would have presented their findings in Victoria’s very own State Parliament Legislative Chambers, meeting many of Victoria’s prominent leaders and liaising with passionate students from other schools as well! 

Finally, on Sunday, September 14th, six of our talented public speakers will represent Mac.Rob in DAV’s Senior British Parliamentary Debating Competition. This fast-paced, high-level format is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their skills against some of the best teams in the state, and we wish them the very best of luck as they rise to the challenge!

Thank you to everyone who has been, or who is going to be part of these initiatives. It is your perseverance, ambition and courage which has allowed these events to flourish year-on-year, and has fostered some really significant memories, whether it be competitive, fun or heartfelt.

Keep putting yourself out there, launching yourself into these opportunities, because the world is your oyster.

Dishika G & Meenakshi D, Debating & Public Speaking Captains