This has definitely been the year in New Zealand where confident, capable oratory has made a difference to us as a nation. Imagine where we would have been during lockdown without it?

Last term our students explored and practised their non-verbal language and researched a topic of their choice to present a speech. Presentations were in many formats including electronic platforms or face to face within a small group or in front of a class. 

Public speaking is considered to be one of the most common phobias and most of us avoid it at all costs! That is why I am delighted to congratulate the excellence of all our students involved in this learning. Some of our speechmakers battled it out in four different competitions. 

In the House Speech Competition, we congratulate the students below who were successful and represented their houses in the School Speech Competition. 

Rhodes House: Kate R6, Morgan R2, Elia R19

Otahuna: Tina R17, Ava R18, Caerus R18

Elmwood: Erin R5, Sophie R3, Alfie R1

Lansdowne: Johnny R11, Mia R12, Khyla R10

Purau: Charlotte Galvan R15, Zehba R15, Michael R15

Tikao: Nixen R7, Lee  R8, Ryan R7

Rotary Speech Competition

Alfie R1, Ava R18, Sophie R3, Charlotte R15, Zehba R15 and Michael R15 competed in the preliminary round of the Rotary Speech Competition. In the finals, we had four strong competitors - Sophie and Ava in the Year 8 division and in Year 7 Charlotte and Michael. Sophie came first with her speech 'Diabetes Sucks' and Michael was second with 'Technology Troubles'. 

Christchurch Speech Competition

Michael R15 and Alfie R2 competed against 11 other speechmakers from five other Intermediate Schools. The theme for the competition was 'If I could change one thing...' Both boys entertained the audience and four Toastmasters judges very convincingly. Congratulations Michael on achieving 2nd place.