On Friday 22nd January, our debating team took part in the quarter finals of Kilkenny Education Centre’s debating competition. They proposed the motion: ‘School Uniforms are a good idea’. The team members were: Brianna Lupchian, Rana Gharib and Patrycja Wozniak. The girls won the debate against Gowran NS, Co. Kilkenny. Rasna Begum and Ruth Phiri , though not debating on the day, helped in researching the debate topic, with Ruth acting as timekeeper on the day. The three adjudicators on the day were really impressed with the standard of the girls’ persuasive skills, their level of research, and their understanding of such a complex topic. The girls really enjoyed the experience and learned a lot about the skill of debating, a skill which will be invaluable to them in the future. We now look forward to the next round of the competition, the semi-final which will be held on Thursday 11th February, in Kilkenny Education Centre, when the girls will propose the motion, ‘Conserving water is not an important issue for Ireland’.
Many thanks and congratulations to the girls’ teachers Ms. Mullins and Ms. Dowling and to Ms. Mc Kenna, who also helped the girls in preparing for the debate. Thanks also to the girls’ parents who helped them in their preparation.