This is the second 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 night saw a total of 18 teams from Year 4 to 6 compete in our first round. Coomera Rivers Team A students from Year 4, 5 & 6 were up against schools from Coomera Springs and Highland Reserve. For our Year 4's and for some Year 5 & 6 students, this was their first time participating in a debate however this was very hard to pick.

The Year 4 teams debated whether every home should have a pet and our Coomera Rivers team presented a very strong argument, outlining the many benefits households reap with pet ownership and why this is a very good suggestion.

Our Year 5's argued that playing competitive sport does more harm than good by emphasising why our school's value of 'We play sport for fun, fitness and friendship,' is a better focus than playing to win.

Finally, our Year 6 teams agreed with the idea that 'The best things in life are free,' arguing this proverb explains that money cannot buy things like family, friends, hugs etc.

While the competition isn't about who wins and loses, it's about the learning, we're happy to report that all three 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 see a great turn out of parents, teachers and leadership teams from not only Coomera Rivers, but also our neighbouring schools (Coomera Springs, Coomera State, Upper Coomera, Norfolk, Pimpama, Highland Reserve, Picnic Creek and St Joseph's). Next fortnight Ormeau State School will also join us.

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.