Umina campus hosts public speaking finals

Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus hosted the Junior Legacy Regional Public Speaking Finals on July 28.

The event is a special middle school enrichment program on the college calendar, according to relieving head teacher of teaching and learning Ms Genelle Farquhar.

"Umina Campus had the pleasure of hosting the Junior Legacy Public Speaking Finals on July 28," Ms Farquhar said.

"Guests included Mr and Mrs Davis (Legacy director for Brisbane Water), adjudicator Ms Sue McNeill, parents and participating schools including Central Coast Grammar School, Gosford High, Henry Kendall High, North Lakes High, St Edwards Christian Brother's College as well as Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus.

"The competition consisted of two parts.

"Firstly, students presented a five-minute prepared speech on a topic of their choice. "Secondly, students gave a two-minute impromptu speech on the topic of Building Bridges.

"The event has evolved into an excellent public speaking enrichment program for our middle school students with participation rates increasing from less than 10 a few years ago to over 45 this year.

"It is so rewarding to see students run the entire day from setting up the venue, welcoming visiting schools, hosting the event, providing lunch, writing news articles and letters of thanks with photos to visiting schools (so they can include them in their own school newsletters), and cleaning up afterwards."

Ms Farquhar said president of Legacy Mr Max Davis spoke about Legacy and informed students about the opportunity to apply for scholarships for continued learning for children or grandchildren to veterans.

"The event is provides a great opportunity for young people to develop their public speaking skills," Mr Davis said.

"It is a skill they need to succeed in all aspects of their later life."

Adjudicator, Ms Sue Macneil, praised the high standard of all competitors with first place awarded to Natacha Naidufrom Central Coast Grammar School.

Natacha will go on to compete in the semi-finals at NSW Parliament House on September 17.

Email, 9 Aug 2010 Genelle Farquhar, BWSC Umina