The DAV offers the opportunity to students in all year levels at schools in the Geelong Region to take part in Debating on the following evenings in 2019:

Thursday 2^nd May

Thursday 16^th May

Thursday 30^th May

Thursday 13^th June

Thursday 1^st August

What is required of student participants at Saint Ignatius College:

- a firm commitment to the full program of five debates (no withdrawals are permitted as this is unfair on teammates and on students in other schools who prepare as expected for each fixture)

- attendance at set weekly lunchtime meetings to prepare and rehearse speeches

- a firm commitment to completing speeches in time for rehearsals

- organization of own transport arrangements to and from the venue (Geelong Grammar School, Corio Campus); parents are welcome to attend the debates as members of the audience.

All participants are assisted and supported with the preparation of their arguments and the rehearsal of their speeches. This ensures that students are equipped with the necessary skills and able to debate with confidence.

Any student who is willing to take up the challenge of Debating in 2019 and who is prepared to make the commitment required is asked to have a parent or guardian express their interest by emailing Ms Andrea Dart: darta@ignatius.vic.edu.au. Expressions of interest close on Friday 8^th February after which time the SICG Debating teams will be registered and organized. As the DAV organises both regional and metropolitan competitions which generally run from March through to August, it is necessary to register teams in February for the program to commence in May. We look forward to fielding junior and senior teams next year.

Ms Andrea Dart Debating Co-ordinator