Newsletter Week 4, Term 3
Premier’s Debating Challenge Grand Final
The Rose Bay Secondary College Year 11 and 12 debating team reached the grand final of the Premier’s Debating Challenge last Friday. After an exciting series of knockout debates beginning in term one, 145 teams were reduced to two!
Meeting the formidable Sydney Girls’ High School, who were Runners Up in last year’s competition, the Rose Bay team put forward a strong argument for the affirmative, “That we should stop having a prime minister”. The Sydney Girls’ team’s defence, however, was compelling and their experience as year 12 debaters was clear. Ultimately, they were announced the victors in this highly esteemed competition.
The Rose Bay Secondary team, however, was incredible in representing themselves within the Year 11/12 competition, as the team had only one year 11 student - Benjamin. The other team members were Ellie and Holly, in year 10 and remarkably, year 8 student, Doug. The team won eight straight debates to reach this state final, while Sydney Girls High also won eight debates, but had to use their second chance life, following a loss in their fourth debate to James Ruse Agricultural High School.
This competition began as the Hume Barbour/English Union Debating Competition in 1930. It is open to teams of four senior students in government schools throughout the state. The competition is proudly supported by the Law School of the University of Sydney. All debates in the competition have a one-hour preparation period followed by speeches of eight minutes with a warning bell after six minutes. Teams were organised into knockout finals draw, with each team having one life which they could use to stay in the competition if they lost a debate in the first four rounds. From round 5 onwards, teams competed in sudden-death debates to reach the state final.
My New Gallery
Library News and Reviews
Reminders this week:
National Science Week: Saturday 13 August 2022. Speed meet a scientist (all ages) Double Bay Library 2 x sessions 2:00pm–2:45pm & 2:45pm–3:30pm. This is an opportunity for families, students, and anyone who wants to talk to researchers from fields including engineering, neuroscience, medicine and biology! 451 New South Head Rd Double Bay
RBSC reading competition. On a term-by-term basis, the library will award prizes to students who read the most books. Let the library staff know you are entering the competition and fill in the book review sheet when you return your books!
PRC reading challenge. This ends in the middle of August. Books read for this challenge will also be counted towards the library reading competition.
HSC student collection. Study guides and textbooks to better prepare our HSC students for greater success in their final exams.
Homework club every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30–5:00pm. Assistance is given to any and all students with research, homework, assignments, and any studying issues they may have.
Late last term I flagged ClickView and how great an educational resource it was. Today I wanted to let all readers know that over the past two months nearly 500 new video clips have been added to the ClickView library. The main topics covered in the new material include the following. Please note that I have not included everything and you are welcome to email Lynn Saber for a link to all the new clips.
Orbit: various clips of the earth’s orbit, hurricanes, and weather effects on climate
Secret universe: journey inside cells, the adenovirus, sugar vs fat Horizon Avalanche, effects, how they occur
Earth: the power of the planet rare earth clips, rare earth theory, glaciers how they are formed, ice and rising temperatures, hurricane development, ocean and how waves are formed, phytoplankton and ocean currents, heat and its effects on earth, tectonic plates and creating landmasses
Nine months that made you: a series of development of the embryo and effects of outside factors on the embryo
IEF Needs Your Vote - Reminder
The IEF has an opportunity for some amazing music workshops with Josh Oshlack, the Director of Rhythm Village. Josh Oshlack uses music to improve the quality of life of children living with special needs. As the founder of The Rhythm Village, he runs workshops and music therapy sessions for about 100 children at schools and other venues in the Bondi area every week. Participants improve their wellbeing by singing, dancing, and performing together. Josh has been nominated as a finalist for the Westfield Local Heroes Awards.
If Rhythm Music wins the grant, he will be able to provide the IEF students with an amazing, interactive music program, free of charge.
To ensure the IEF has the best chance of receiving the music workshops please vote for Josh Oshlack from The Rhythm Village.
Voting Closes 22 August. You can vote by clicking here.
Many thanks in advance from the IEF students and staff