Debating Success

Congratulations to the Stella Maris Debating Team on their impressive win against Frensham School, Mittagong on June 18! Arguing the affirmative side on the topic "That the federal government should buy the homes of people that live in designated natural disaster areas," the team had just one hour to prepare their case. Well done to Lauren O (Year 9), Ella M (Year 9), Sophie M (Year 8), and Mabel B (Year 8) for their outstanding performance, quick thinking, and excellent teamwork.

Common Ground

Four students from Years 9 and 10, Ava, Charlotte, Ilenia and Ivy, have recently participated in a program called Common Ground. Common Ground is a joint initiative of two non-profit organisations, The Ethics Centre and Courage to Care and is funded by Multiculturalism NSW. The program is being rolled out across seven LGAs with the first running on the Northern Beaches and involved students from Years 9 and 10 across 11 local schools including public, independent and Catholic schools. The 3-day program was designed to educate students so they could better understand, respond to and proactively address discrimination and prejudice. As part of the program, the students formed small groups and produced a short video on an example of discrimination that they observe in society. The video was intended to provide an overview of the issue, along with strategies to tackle the discrimination.

The video produced by two of our students, Ilenia and Ivy, along with three students from Pittwater House and Narrabeen High was judged as the best video. The discrimination issue they presented on was homelessness. Their prize was a $1000 donation to a charity of their choice.

Congratulations Ava, Charlotte, Ilena and Ivy, you were wonderful representatives for Stella.