Junior School Public Speaking Competition

The Annual Junior School Public Speaking Competition took place on Wednesday, May 25. While every student had an opportunity to deliver a speech to their classmates in English class, the numbers were whittled down to the final 14 who presented their speeches to the entire Junior School and judges in Junior Assembly this week. Good communication skills are invaluable in life and are a requisite for effective leadership. It is good to see all Junior students developing these skills and the confidence that goes along with stepping forward with expressing one’s ideas to others. I was so impressed as each of the contestants stepped forward and delivered their speech with conviction and to the best of their ability.

The topics were wonderfully diverse and included: “The Benefits of Using Lists”, “Siblings”, “Problems with Plastics”, “Ukrainian Refugees in Canada”, “Learn a New Language!”, “Debating: The Key to Academic Success”, “Passing Responsibilities”, “The Golden Age of Hip-Hop”, “Inventions”, “Corporate Greed”, “Personal Identity”, “Mental Health Matters”, “The Benefits of Having a Pet”, and “Bento Boxes”. Each speech was unique and full of personal passion. Regardless of the topic, each chosen theme resonated with the speaker. The audience was informed and entertained, and the judges certainly had their work cut out for them determining the winners.

We will have to wait until our Closing Ceremonies on June 11 to hear who officially placed first, second and third; although, at the end of the day, all participants who stepped forward and delivered their speeches are winners! Congratulations are extended to: Harlo Young ‘28 and Nadine Saleh ‘28 from Grade 6; Amelia Glass ‘27, Ryan MacDougall ‘27, Anthony Wheeler ‘27 and Jonny Coldwell ‘27 from Grade 7; , Will Larder ‘26 and Maria Jose Baranda Llano ‘26 from Grade 8; and Finn Bryant ‘25, Gabby Shaw ‘25, Sofia Ning ‘25, Vincent Armstrong ‘25, Armando Millet Alayola ‘25 and Jacob Fines-Belcham ‘25 from Grade 9. Bravo!