As we near the end of another wonderful QDU debating season, it is a fitting opportunity to pause and celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and countless hours our students have invested both inside and outside of school. From lunchtime practices and after-school coaching sessions to weekends spent refining speeches and preparing cases, the commitment shown by our debaters has been truly inspiring.

This season, that hard work has been rewarded with an achievement that reflects not only the students' growth as speakers and critical thinkers but also the incredible support surrounding them. While we are certainly proud of the results, we are even more proud of the resilience, teamwork, humility, and courage our students have demonstrated every step of the way.

Paul reminds us in Romans 12:6, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Throughout this season, our students have beautifully demonstrated that truth. Every debater has brought unique strengths to their team, whether through careful research, persuasive speaking, thoughtful rebuttal, strategic thinking or quiet encouragement behind the scenes. Together, those individual gifts have helped our teams flourish.

At the same time, Scripture encourages us to hold those gifts with humility. As Philippians 2:3 reminds us, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." One of the greatest joys of coaching this season has been watching our students celebrate one another's successes, accept feedback graciously, and consistently put their team's needs above individual recognition.

Before reflecting on each team's finals journey, I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the rest of our incredible coaching team: Mrs Fiona Long, Mr Jaydon Long and Mr Anthony McLaren. Your generosity, wisdom, and encouragement throughout the season have been instrumental in our debaters' growth. Thank you for so willingly giving your time and expertise, often well beyond the school day, and for investing in our students not only as debaters, but as confident, thoughtful and respectful young people.

Year 7 – A Remarkable First Finals Campaign
Many of our Year 7 debaters were competing in their very first season of QDU debating, making their achievement of qualifying for the finals all the more impressive.

Beginning with a competition of 180 Brisbane teams, our Year 7 team earned their place in Finals Round 1, finishing among the top 57 teams in Brisbane. Unfortunately, as the team were on the Year 7 Canberra Camp during the finals, they were unable to compete and were required to forfeit their debate.

While it was disappointing not to have the opportunity to continue, simply reaching the finals in their very first season is something to celebrate. They have laid an outstanding foundation for the years ahead, and we cannot wait to see what this talented group achieves in future seasons.

Year 9 – An Outstanding Top 32 Finish
Our Year 9 team progressed all the way to Finals Round 2, placing them among the top 32 teams from a field of 156 Brisbane teams.

Competing in another challenging short preparation debate, the team argued the affirmative side of the topic: "That we regret the expectation of celebrities to be good role models."

As always, the students demonstrated excellent teamwork, adaptability, and composure under the pressure of preparing a case in a limited amount of time. Although their finals journey concluded in Round 2, reaching the top 32 is an outstanding achievement and one the team should be incredibly proud of.

Year 11 – A Strong Finals Performance
Last week, our Year 11 team competed in Finals Round 1 after qualifying from a competition that began with 156 Brisbane teams.

Debating the affirmative side of the short preparation topic: "That charities should not host events that require participants to experience the circumstances of those for whom they are raising money (e.g. the 40-Hour Famine).

The team produced thoughtful arguments, drawing on both personal experiences and examples from our own school community to build a compelling case. Although their finals campaign concluded after Round 1, qualifying for the finals and representing NCC so well is an achievement worthy of celebration. Congratulations to the entire team on a wonderful season.

Year 8 – Making College History!
Our Year 8 team continues to make history. This Thursday evening, they will compete in Finals Round 3 at Padua College, meaning they have already secured a place among the top 16 Year 8 teams in Brisbane.

What makes this accomplishment even more special is not simply how far they have advanced, but the way they have done it, with humility, resilience, outstanding teamwork, and a willingness to embrace every challenge that short preparation debating presents.

We wish the team every success as they continue their finals campaign. Regardless of the result on Thursday evening, they have already created a memorable chapter in the history of Northside Christian College debating.

Congratulations once again to every student, coach, parent, and supporter who has contributed to such a memorable season. Win or lose, the true success of our debating program lies in the young people it helps shape, students who are willing to think deeply, listen respectfully, speak with courage, and support one another wholeheartedly. Thank you for representing Northside Christian College with such integrity throughout the 2026 QDU season.

Mrs D Alforque