Years 5 & 6 Voices of Courage and Creativity
Some of our very talented Years 5 and 6 students took part in an electric celebration of voice, ideas and confidence today. Fourteen bright young minds took centre stage in our annual Speakers’ Challenge, delivering speeches that were as diverse as they were inspiring.
From laughter-inducing anecdotes to thought-provoking perspectives, our students showcased just how articulate, thoughtful and courageous they have become in their learning journey.
What is the Speakers’ Challenge?
The Speakers’ Challenge is a much-loved event where Years 5 and 6 students are invited to write and deliver a speech that entertains, informs or persuades. It’s a challenge not just of public speaking, but of critical thinking, creativity and confidence.
With proud parents, peers and staff in attendance, our budding speakers stepped up with poise and personality. Each speech was assessed on content, presentation skills and overall impact.
Empowering Student Voice
A big thank you to our Years 9 and 10 mentors who supported and adjudicated the event. Their involvement reflects the collaborative culture we foster across year groups, older students mentoring younger ones, building confidence and leadership across the College.
Celebrating Our Winners
We are thrilled to recognise our 2025 Speakers Challenge medal winners:
Year 5
- Gold: Amelia O (5.4) – The Sibling Life
- Silver: Amelia S (5.4) – My Crazy Life as a National Gymnast
Year 6
- Tied Gold: Ivy (6.8) – The Monsters Under the Bed Society
- Tied Gold: Chloe (6.6) – Survival Guide to Siblings
Their performances were a lesson in confident communication and authentic storytelling. We can’t wait to hear them delivered again at next week’s end-of-term assembly!
Connecting Learning to Life
We believe in empowering young women to find their voice, to speak up, think critically and share their ideas with courage. Events like the Speakers Challenge reflect our commitment to nurturing the student attributes of confidence, creativity, emotional intelligence and critical thinking, all of which are central to our Connecting Learning to Life framework.
This experience is about more than just delivering a great speech. It is about stepping outside your comfort zone, connecting with an audience and having the confidence to be heard, all skills that will serve our students well now and in the future.
Thank You to Our Community
Thank you to our teachers, mentors and parents who supported our students behind the scenes. Your encouragement helps create an environment where girls feel safe to take risks, express themselves and thrive.
- connectinglearningtolife, CreativeCommunication, EmpoweringGirls, Featured, Mentorship, PublicSpeaking, SantaMariaCollege, SpeakersChallenge, StudentConfidence, StudentVoice, Years5and6
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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