Senior School Report
August 17, 2026 – Edition 10
The Power of Participation
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
This well-known proverb reminds us that every achievement starts with a willingness to begin. The first rehearsal, the first training session, the first lunchtime activity or the first House competition may be the beginning of something meaningful: a new friendship, a developing skill or a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the classroom.
In our Senior School, there are many opportunities for students to get involved and discover where their interests and strengths might take them. Students can represent Casey Grammar School in SIS sport, share their musical talents through our bands and instrumental program, participate in lunchtime activities such as Gardening Club or Yarn Club, volunteer for charity or fundraising, collect House points and contribute to the many competitions and events that bring our community together.
Co-curricular participation is not simply about winning or performing. It is about trying something new, working with others, developing confidence and making a positive contribution to School life. Not every opportunity will feel comfortable at first, but often the greatest personal growth comes from taking that first step.
This week’s newsletter focus is on our well-established Debating team, giving readers an insight into the dedication behind their success. The commitment, preparation and teamwork demonstrated by our students reflect the very best of our school values.
I encourage all students to consider where they might take their own first step, whether that is joining a team, attending a rehearsal, trying a new activity or volunteering for a House event. There is a place for everyone and every contribution helps to strengthen our community.
Kate Morgan
Head of Senior School
Debating and Communications
Term 3 has already been a whirlwind for Debating and Communications at our school. Our students have stepped beyond the classroom to test their ability to think critically and communicate with confidence under pressure.
What has been particularly rewarding is the breadth of students involved. We’ve seen experienced senior debaters tackle secret topics with only an hour to prepare, along with younger students preparing to take the floor for the first time. Each opportunity has challenged our students to listen to others and develop the courage to defend an idea.
Senior Debating
We recently concluded our 2026 Senior Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Debating season at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar. The DAV competition challenges students across four rounds to engage with contemporary Australian and global issues, developing arguments, responding to opposition and working collaboratively as a team.
Our C and D Grade teams had exceptional seasons, with both progressing undefeated into their respective power rounds and competing for the opportunity to qualify for State Regionals. Although neither team ultimately progressed, reaching this stage was a significant achievement. More importantly, both teams demonstrated an outstanding commitment to one another and willingness to continually refine their skills.
C Grade: Ekam G, Johanna J, Tanisha M, Theekshana T, Jade S and Mineli B.
D Grade: Harrison L, Amaya D, Karley M, Isha S and Subeg S.
Our A and B Grade debaters faced a different challenge through Secret Topic rounds. Students received their topic at the venue just one hour before the debate and, without access to technology, had to develop a sophisticated team case, allocate arguments and prepare their speeches from scratch. It is a demanding format that rewards knowledge, adaptability, teamwork and composure under pressure.
Congratulations to Naaz C, Sehajleen K, Arpita A, Keerat S, Jasmeet J, Naaz K, Malalai K, Mantej S, Kylie O and Saanvi P for embracing this challenge.
Diplomacy in Action
Our students have also turned their attention to international diplomacy through the UN Evatt Competition, Australia’s largest Model United Nations competition for secondary students.
Rather than traditional debating, Evatt asks students to work in pairs as representatives of members of the United Nations Security Council. They must negotiate, build alliances, amend resolutions and respond to complex international issues. Success is not simply about presenting the strongest argument; students must listen carefully, compromise strategically and find common ground.
Representing Casey Grammar across the 2026 competition are Subeg S, Manasa S, Lea T, Harrison L, Sienna K, Sahil P, Karley M, Naaz C and Arpita A.
One particularly special moment this year was seeing former students and leaders return to support the next generation. Anushka A, our 2025 Debating and Communications Captain, and Tina M, Trist House Captain in 2024, attended to support their younger sisters, Arpita A, our 2026 Debating and Communications Captain, and Year 9 student Karley M.
Seeing former students return to encourage the next generation was a wonderful reminder that these programs build more than competition results. They create traditions, connections, and a genuine sense of community that can continue long after students leave the competition floor.
Senior Law Moots
On Tuesday 11 August, our students travelled to Ivanhoe Grammar School for the Melbourne Interschool Mooting Competition. Mooting introduces students to the world of legal advocacy, requiring them to research a case, construct legal arguments and present those arguments before a judge.
Casey Grammar was represented by three teams:
Team 1: Gurshan S, Arpita A and Manasa S
Team 2: Zainab F and Riya T
Team 3: Saanvi P, Binara W and Lokavya S
Alongside the competition, students had the opportunity to attend an engaging workshop with barrister Amy Brennan, who provided an insight into life at the Victorian Bar. She spoke candidly about her career pathway and experiences in criminal law, as well as the differences between criminal trials, plea hearings and sentencing hearings.
Students were also introduced to the professional and ethical responsibilities of barristers and the complexities involved in representing clients while upholding the administration of justice.
Importantly, Amy connected these ideas to legal issues that can directly affect young people. She challenged students to consider the types of offences that commonly bring young people before the courts, leading to thoughtful discussions about traffic offences, responsible road use, sexual misconduct, and consent.
Drawing on her professional experience, Amy encouraged students to recognise how seemingly everyday decisions, including speeding, mobile phone use and disregarding road rules, can carry serious legal consequences.
Amy acknowledged the significant work undertaken in Australian schools and the wider community to strengthen consent education, while highlighting the importance of being able to apply that understanding in real situations.
Students considered the complexities of communicating consent clearly, particularly when interactions begin through social media or when circumstances and feelings change once people meet face-to-face. Her message encouraged students to recognise that understanding consent must be accompanied by the ability to communicate, recognise and respect it.
Students were then able to put their developing legal knowledge into practice with Amy presenting a case scenario. She guided them through the process of dissecting the facts, identifying relevant legal considerations, and asking questions about the circumstances of the case. Students were invited to predict the sentence before discovering both the original decision and the eventual outcome on appeal.
The workshop provided far more than an introduction to a possible legal career. It encouraged students to consider how the law intersects with everyday choices, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making, while giving them a fascinating glimpse into the reasoning and advocacy that underpins the work of the courts.
Junior Debating
From 18 August, our Junior DAV Debaters will begin their three-round competition.
For many students, junior debating is their first opportunity to speak competitively in front of an audience. Alongside the debates, students will participate in workshops, a training day and adjudicator masterclasses designed to build their confidence and introduce them to the foundations of persuasive speaking and argument.
We wish Ebaadat K, Eva S, Harrison L, Hiya K, Inayat K, Jovita J, Subeg S, Mahi S, Rahool B, Sehajj K and Zack P every success as they begin their competition.
More Than a Competition
Through each of these programs, students learn how to research unfamiliar ideas, think on their feet, disagree respectfully, collaborate with others, and communicate with purpose. Perhaps most importantly, they learn that confidence is rarely something we simply possess, but something we develop by repeatedly having the courage to stand up and speak.
With so many students choosing to do exactly that this term, there is much to celebrate in Debating and Communications at Casey Grammar. Of course, these opportunities would not be possible without the time, expertise and commitment of the staff and student leaders who support our students along the way.
A sincere thank you to Mr McDermott, Senior English Teacher, for coordinating the Senior Law Moots, and to Ms T. Weiler, Enrichment and Inclusion Specialist, for her continued coaching and support across Law Moots, DAV Debating and UN Evatt.
We also extend our appreciation to our exceptional 2026 Debating and Communications Captain, Arpita A, whose leadership, encouragement and commitment to her peers have been invaluable. Whether competing for herself, supporting younger students or helping to strengthen the culture of the program, Arpita has demonstrated the kind of leadership we hope these opportunities foster.
Thank you to everyone who continues to invest their time, energy, and enthusiasm into our students. As Term 3 continues, we look forward to seeing where our students’ voices take them next.
Naomi Weiler
Head of English
Coordinator of Debating and Public Speaking
