Public Speaking
For the DSJ Public Speakers, the 1st term has been a very busy, but exciting one.
We started our hard right from the second week of term. There were many students who took part and the teams were easily formed. The seniors (gr10-gr12) received the topic "a word ending in -ion" to suggest a theme. This turned out to be very interesting, with lots of the speakers learning some new vocabulary! The juniors (gr8-gr9) were given the topic "an advertising slogan" to suggest a theme. This was lots of fun too.
The first to speak, was the matric team consisting of Sebabatso Khonke, Mpho Letsoala, Tshiamo Sefula and Sibongiseni Madi. They chose the word "Illusion". This was an entirely new team, with no experience at all. They were up against some tough competition from St Andrews and St Johns and the like. They can hold their heads high, however, because they brought home a B+ symbol.
Next to speak were the gr9's. This team consisted of Jessica Davidson, Kelly-Anne Maclachlan, Stephanie Hoole and Medina Willes. Their advertising slogan was from Porshe, "No substitute ". They also spoke exceptionally well and received a B.
Up next were the two gr8 teams, made up of team 1, Hamaaira Dolly, Rebekka Organ, Anya Wille and Emily Macpharlane, and Team 2, Tharollo Seatholo, Khanyisile Ndaba, Palesa Sibanyoni and Naledi respectively. Team 1 used ABSA's "Today, Tomorrow, Together" and got DSJ's very first A. Team 2 spoke on Spur's "People with a taste for life" and walked away with a B+. Well done gr8's!
The next event was the Matric Team Trophy Competition. Mercy van Zyl, Linda Mhlangu and Zama Nkabinde represented DSJ against some of the top schools and speakers in Gauteng, with their topic, "Contradiction". They were awarded a B+. Congratulations!
The next two evenings, where the gr10 and 11 teams spoke, were hosted by our very own DSJ. Firstly, the grade 10 evening was held, where we had two teams of speakers. The first team was made up of Katharina Scheller, Lilian Malan, Reabetswe Maloi and Kgomotso Hlophe. Their topic was "Connection" and they received a B+. The second team consisted of Ethel Sibanda, Keabetswe Legodi, Nicole Hartzenberg and Saskiya Brijmohan, who spoke on "Rebellion". They received a B. Mercy van Zyl was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and kept the audience highly entertained.
The second evening hosted at DSJ was for the gr11's. Our team was made up of Imaan Essop, Laiq Sayed, Ntokozo Nene and Kim Johaar. They spoke on "Abjugation" and were awarded with a B+. Zama Nkabinde acted as Master of Ceremonies and did a fantastic job, even being highly commended by the adjudicator.
Finally, the last event for the term was the Individual Speaker Competition. Siyabonga Tshabalala represented the school in this event, with his topic "Anything". He spoke exceptionally well and was rewarded with an A. Well done!
As busy as it was, it was not yet over. During the holidays, Mercy van Zyl was called to the finals evening, where she was given an award for best MC. This is highly prestigious, as it was across the entire competition and over all the schools. Well done Mercy!
The second term looks to be just as promising, with several friendly matches against King David Victory Park, King David Linksfield and Rand Park High. Please feel free to join us for an entertaining evening filled with profound thoughts and engaging ideas. The DSJ speakers would also dearly appreciate your support.
