Last week, we held our much-anticipated NX Speech Finals, where finalists from each team across the school presented their speeches to a large audience of their peers and our judging panel.

We had the pleasure of hearing speeches on a diverse range of topics, and the standard was exceptionally high. Our judges had a challenging task selecting the winners. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Isaac Crandell-Tanner, HOD English at Long Bay College; Anna Taylor from Rangitoto College; and our Year 7 NX teacher, Tracey Pickford, for giving their time and expertise to judge the finals.

A huge congratulations to all of our finalists for their preparation, confidence and impressive public speaking skills.

Year 7

Our top 3 speakers for Y7 were as follows:

1st: Odelia Watene (Puriri) Mental health is more important than physical health
2nd: Anxia Fu (Rata) Why we are scared of the wrong things
3rd: Agnes Jun (Rata) Why visual art is good for you

Year 8

Our top 3 speakers for Y8 were as follows:

1st: Emily Liu (Kowhai) The burden of potential
2nd: Gina Huang (Nikau) The invisible pressure that is shaping your life
3rd: Jasmine Cai (Rimu) When the unrealistic becomes the realistic

Tui Bennett – HOD English