Smallest Margin Decides Debating Grand Final

On Saturday November 29^th, Mr. Angus Martin and Ms. Holly Dufek accompanied the ‘Port Lincoln High School Lions’ to the Regional Debating Competition Grand Final; the event was held at The Meeting Hall in Adelaide against the ‘Navigator College Stingrays’ in front of a generous crowd.

The Grand Final was partly adjudicated by Debating SA Chairman Sonja Lowen and was attended by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Mr. Blair Boyer MP, who initiated the regional debating competition to increase opportunities for country students. He announced plans to expand this next year if he remains in his current role.

The PLHS Lions were assigned to argue the negative side of the topic which was ‘SA schools should adopt a four-day school week’.

A very tight debate ensued, and the Lions presented a very strong case. First speaker was the unflappable Lahaeyna Peckham, who has become renown for her ability to remain cool-as-a-cucumber under pressure. Second speaker Dhanura Madiarachchige left no room for error with his well-researched points, and the team was anchored solidly by rebuttal queen, McKenzie Nicholls. The Lions were ably supported by hard-working teammate Leisha Sevelj, who officiated as timer.

Representing the five-person adjudicator panel, ABC Radio announcer Jules Schiller announced the Navigator College team as victorious over our gallant Lions by one point! Congratulations to the Stingrays students and their organising/accompanying staff.

Our team was rewarded by taking home silver medallions and should be congratulated on their excellent display of our school values and sportsmanship. Both Debating SA and Mr. Boyer praised the exceptional standard of the grand final speeches, which was only their fourth ever debate.

The PLHS Debating Crew would like to thank Principal Mr. Craig Akehurst and the school for financially supporting their attendance at this amazing opportunity. We would also like to thank Mr. Martin for giving up his Saturday to accompany our team to Adelaide, and the other supporting teachers – Ms. Tennille Aburto and Ms. Simone Habner – for their guidance in our first season.

Our debating team initiative addresses strategic objectives within our school’s Site Learning Plan; we are striving to increase the number of students at our school achieving the highest grade bands in literacy-based assessments, whilst developing diverse educational pathways and strengthening partnerships with our community.

Our students have shown tremendous courage and growth in their ability to think critically about issues, evidence arguments and present them convincingly. We are excited to build on this wonderful momentum in 2026.

~ Ms. Holly Dufek (Organising Teacher)