Last weekend a team of 10 students and several staff were warmly welcomed by Marian College to compete for the prestigious Bishop Lyons’ Shield. This is the only time in the year that all 7 Catholic Secondary schools of the Christchurch diocese meet together in a spirit of competition but even more importantly to socialise and make new friends.

This year was a very successful event for all involved with some outstanding performances from all schools. We were very proud of our students and they were rewarded with several placings in the various competitions.

Impromptu Speech:    Daniel Fogarty  2nd place

Junior prepared Speech:  Cormac Gallagher  3rd place

Senior Prepared Speech:  Patrick Hansen  4th place

Debate:   Oscar Sergel Stringer  2nd place, Santiago Blanco and  Anaru Shadbolt

Religious Questions:  Dominic Anisy  2nd place, Earl Baua and Benjamin Topham

 Pawel Gall competed in the Scripture Reading with sincerity and conveyed a strong message to the audience.  To the surprise of many in the audience he was unplaced.

Overall the team was placed 2nd to St Bede’s.  Although we were disappointed not to win, we were very proud of our students in all aspects of the weekend.

Our thanks to our students, staff and parents who supported the team and to our coaches Maureen Gaffaney, Stephen Kennedy and Yvonne Shields who helped the competitors prepare for the events.