Students Shine at IPSHA Speakers’ Challenge

For Chloe D, the challenge was a valuable opportunity to grow in confidence. “Participating in the Public Speaking Competition helped me become more confident when speaking in front of people. I also loved researching my topic about Olympic canoeist Jessica Fox. Jess’s hard work is an inspiration to us all, and I enjoyed sharing my message: If Jess Can Do It, We Can Too!”

On the other hand, Chloe N reflected on the technical aspects of delivering her speech. “One of my biggest challenges was timing my speech perfectly. I would either go over or finish too soon, depending on how fast I spoke. In the end, I was able to find a good pace and deliver it on time,” she said.

After the in-school round, the selected students attended workshops to refine their speeches based on feedback, showing enthusiasm and dedication to achieving personal excellence. Their hard work paid off, as all four students displayed remarkable confidence at the IPSHA event, each earning a bronze medal. Emileah shared her pride in representing the College: “I’m proud that I was chosen to participate in such an amazing opportunity and represent Santa Maria College.”

In addition to performing well at the event, the students took away valuable lessons. Isabel, for example, said, “I learned that the journey and the experience are what truly matter, not just the end result.”

Throughout the competition, the girls connected with students from other schools and were inspired by the speeches delivered by gold medal winners.

Year 5 teacher Lindsey FitzGerald, who coordinated the event, shared her thoughts: “Each year, the competition becomes tougher, and we aim to compete at the highest level. The topics the girls chose were varied, and each student showed a deep passion for their subject. I’m incredibly proud of their confident delivery. Witnessing the final winners has encouraged us all to continue growing and learning.”

The IPSHA Speakers’ Challenge has once again demonstrated the importance of personal growth and resilience. The event provided an incredible platform for these students to shine, and it is clear that their public speaking journey has only just begun.