FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL
State Final Winner!
Many of you will know Year 11 student Kulani Somarathna but not fully realise her depth of character and dedication to her pursuits. Public speaking is one of them.
Over the past month, she, along with Hamish Fyffe, Charlotte Ball, Charlotte Oates Pryor and Xavier Nesbit, took on one of the most challenging feats of all – Lions Youth of the Year – and it wasn’t easy because it wasn’t just public speaking. All of them had to prove they’re community-minded people through their achievements and local, national and world knowledge.
In Kulani’s case, she was interviewed at length three times by panels of experts, delivered her prepared speeches on servant leadership and diversity to three large groups of adults, and answered six impromptu questions – each for three minutes – on world affairs – without any planning time! Just as well she knew about topics such as nuclear energy, the Republican debate and DNA testing.
Kulani successfully won the club, regional and state final of Lions Youth of the Year and will now compete at the national finals on the Gold Coast later this month (and her whole family are travelling up there to support her). This is no small occasion either. She will be involved in a four-day event, participating against the top senior school public speakers across Australia. There is no doubt, Kul’s ani’s character will shine brightly and her solid preparation will hold her in good stead. We wish her all the best!
Katie Lester
Person-in-Charge of Public Speaking
Rowing – National Success
Over the course of the last week, five College students have been racing at the National Rowing Championships at the Champion Lakes Course, near Perth, Western Australia.
The coxed four crew of Cameron Parker, Rupert Mackenzie, Sam Brown, Matthew Russell, and Percy Bennett (coached by Mr James Russell and Mr Mac Cameron) represented the College in both the U19 Mens Coxed Four and the School Boys Coxed Four.
The crew won a Silver medal in the U19 Boys’ Coxed Four, missing out on a Gold medal by only 1.66 seconds to a well-credentialled crew from St Augustines School, and Bronze in the School Boys Coxed Four. They showed great poise and maturity to race with cool heads amongst hot competition. This was a fitting finish for these rowers at the end of a successful season.
This week, the senior rowing crews and their parents and coaches celebrated the 2023 rowing season at the annual Rowing Presentation Dinner, held at the Tramsheds. This was an occasion for the senior crews to reflect on their achievements during the season and thank those who have supported them throughout their Scotch Oakburn rowing years. Thank you to all our parents and other volunteers who have contributed to a great season.
Hugh Baird
Director of Rowing
