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Showcasing Public Speaking Skills
Our annual Junior School Speech Showcase is a celebration of the art of public speaking. In an increasingly digital landscape, the ability to articulate a clear, persuasive and authentic oral argument has never been more vital.
This event underscores our commitment to developing the next generation of confident communicators. For Grade 5 and 6 students, it is an important milestone in their development in public speaking, as they refine their rhetorical skills throughout their academic journey. Starting in Grade 4, students first learn how to craft a thesis statement and supporting arguments, applying these skills to an informative topic of their choice. Grade 5 and 6 students then learn to write a persuasive speech, and explore creative ways of presenting their topic. After presenting to their classes, one student is selected from each class to present to their whole grade. Finally, before an expert panel of judges (including Deputy Head of School Meagan Enticknap, Dean of Teaching and Learning Dr. Kristen Clarke and student leaders and seasoned public speakers Charlotte G ‘27 and Layla S ‘26), students had the chance to compete for the Zena Firth Award.
The event was kicked off by Grade 4 students, who introduced a lineup of impressive, well-researched topics. From Indigenous culture to women in politics, every speaker backed their ideas with facts and statistics, leaving the judges and audience impressed by the level of preparation. The winner will be announced at the Junior School Closing Chapel in June.
Below are highlights of the speakers’ topics:
- Indigenous Heritage: Julia explored the craftsmanship of the Indigenous canoe, while Lynette shared the wisdom of "The Three Sisters" (corn, beans and squash) and how they must grow together to thrive.
- Global Responsibility: Mae tackled the environmental impact of fast fashion by advocating for thrifting, and Lila examined the negative effects of social media (including poor self-image, distraction and unsolicited connections), and called for a ban to protect Canadian teens.
- Leading the Way: Isabella took a powerful look at the underrepresentation of women in politics, quoting Kamala Harris: "You never have to ask anyone to lead. When you lead, you lead."
Congratulations to all our speakers for their hard work and confidence!
