This is the 3rd year that Coomera Rivers has organised and hosted our very own Coomera Alliance Debating competition. A competition designed to bring our local schools together to learn the valuable skill of presenting and defending a side of an argument in a friendly competition.

Wednesday evening saw a total of 14 teams from Year 4 to 6 compete in our first round. Coomera Rivers Team A students from Year 4 & 6 were up against schools from Upper Coomera and Picnic Creek State School. For many students in the competition, this was their first time participating in a debate however this was very hard to pick.

The Year 4 teams debated whether schools should be allowed to have pets at school and our Coomera Rivers team presented a very strong argument against the idea, stating that 'pets at school weren't cool!'

Our Year 6 teams agreed with the idea that 'School hours should be extended' stating the many benefits this would have for students, families and teachers! 

Our Year 5's are yet to present their debate on whether 'Naplan should be banned'. Given Picnic Creek Year 5's were on their school camp, this debate is one that is being held over for the following fortnight. In Week 4, we will see the next 18 teams debating new topics against a new group of students.

While the competition isn't about who wins and loses, it's about the learning, we're happy to report that both of our teams won their debates. This of course has ignited a real fire in some bellies and we're sure our teams and that of the cluster will continue to improve.

It was wonderful to welcome our neighbouring schools through our school gates(Coomera Springs, Coomera State, Upper Coomera, Norfolk, Picnic Creek and St Joseph's).

Congratulations to our team coaches for having our students well prepared and to parents who brought them along in the evening. It was a wonderful event for our cluster.