All Saints again emerge as top debators
Published on: Friday, April 05, 2019
Kota Kinabalu: SM All Saints beat 13 other schools to emerged champion in the recent District Level English Language Parliamentary Style Debate Competition held at the school hall. The other schools were SMK Agama Kota Kinabalu, SMK Tebobon, SM Stella Maris, SMK St Francis Convent, Maktab Nasional, KK High School, SM La Salle, Sabah College, SMK Kolombong, SMKA Tun Ahmad Shah, SMK Lok Yuk, SMJK Shan Tao, SMK Sanzac and SM All Saints.The five-member debate team comprised Visalan Roshan A/L S. Dharmalingam (Form 5), Jishean Guvalakrisnan (Form 4), Isaac Ivan Vairappan (Form 4), Audrey Moo Mei Qi (Form 4) and Shanelle Eve Edmund (Form 3).
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The teacher advisors were Philonia Jane Raymond Bintoh (Head of Science and Mathematics Department), Norjaliah Mulih (Head of English Language Panel), Chai Hwei Fuang (Head of Language Department) and Azzuhri Busu Leman (Form Six Senior Assistant).
The All Saints’ team advanced into the finals as the Opposition, on the motion, “This House Believes That Democratic Socialism Is Communism in Disguise” against Sabah College and emerged overall champion in the final round.
According to Azzuhri and Chai, discipline, focus and perseverance were the driving force in the team’s performance. “The key factors are tolerance, preparedness, willingness to work hard and huge amount of collaborative effort.
“Team chemistry is also another essential ingredient in forming a unified team. Each of them has their own strengths. Combining these strengths together makes us a formidable team,” added Philonia and Norjaliah.
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Visalan, the most senior member of the group who started debating since Form 1, said he has made debating a part of his life. He learnt the art of public speaking through the competition and it has moulded him into a critical thinker.
According to Audrey and Shanelle, it never occurred to them that debating was so difficult and the process behind it was a complex predicament but nevertheless, debating is a fun time, filled with experiences that build new skills. Isaac and Jishean both agreed that debating has helped them to realise the importance of being knowledgeable and well-read about current local and global issues.
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Rafidah Hj Ag Abbas, who represented the Kota Kinabalu District Education Officer at the event, praised the school for the students’ active involvement in hosting the competition.
She was impressed to see students being given the opportunity to practise the usage of English by taking on the role as competition chairpersons.
The closing ceremony was conducted in the English Language and chaired by students under close supervision of the school teachers.
Principal of SM All Saints, Dr Mary Gambidau, said the five students have brought pride and glory to the school and would inspire budding debaters to excel.
“I am very proud and highly impressed with our team’s performance. They have been very diligent in their preparation for this competition to refine their debating and oratory skills.
“I would also like to attribute this success to the parents for giving their support to our debaters”. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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