The Snowy Monaro Region recently witnessed a display of academic commitment as students from Snowy Monaro schools competed in the Rostrum, ACT Primary Schools Speaking Competition quarter finals. Held last Thursday, June 19 in Cooma, the event saw budding public speakers from across the region vying for a chance to progress to the next stage in the ACT, with a student from both Jindabyne Public School (JPS) and Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS) selected.
PHOTO: Carter H and Matilda F proudly representing JPS at the Cooma event CREDIT: JPS
Over 50 years in the running, the Rostrum Primary Schools Speaking Competition continues to be a respected platform for young public speakers. This year, the Snowy Monaro region held its quarter finals event in Cooma, where schools were required to nominate their speakers through internal processes, selecting both a Winner and a Reserve.
Representing JPS, Matilda F impressed the judges with her well-researched and engaging presentation, earning her a place in the next round in Canberra this coming September. A spokesperson from Jindabyne Public School shared, “A special congratulations to Matilda, who was selected as one of only two winners and will now progress to the next level of competition in Canberra during Term 3.”
Also representing JPS was Carter H, who along with Matilda F, is apart of the school’s High Potential and Gifted Education program.
PHOTO: Justin from SMGS will progress to the next stage of competition CREDIT: SMGS
Similarly, SMGS put forth a strong performance courtesy of Justin, who emerged as one of the two students selected for the next stage. A spokesperson for SMGS said, “Our school has a strong legacy of participation in this event, and our students once again demonstrated confidence, clarity and courage as they took to the stage.”
“Well done to Justin, who now advances to the next stage of competition in the ACT.” The SMGS spokesperson also acknowledged students Archie, Indigo and Cora for their thoughtful and engaging speeches at the quarter finals.
PHOTO: SMGS’ Justin (left) with fellow students Archie, Indigo and Cora CREDIT: SMGS
JPS’s Matilda F, and SMGS’ Justin are now preparing to take the stage at the next quarter-final event, with hopes of advancing toward the Grand Final, scheduled for September 22, 2025, at Canberra College. Prizes include the coveted Warren Hine trophy for the overall winner, the Randall Falkiner trophy for best research, and the People’s Choice award based on audience votes.
With competition heating up, Rostrum’s ACT Primary Schools Speaking Competition continues to encourage young public speaking excellence across the ACT and surrounding New South Wales regions.