Staff Members

TIC of DebatingMr Denis McKinnon
TIC of Public SpeakingMr Denis McKinnon


St Kevin’s College has a rich and proud history of debating and public speaking and is recognised for its commitment and passion for the spoken word. A large and dedicated team assist with the programs, with expertise in helping the students achieve their very best.

The College participates in a wide range of external public speaking competitions. These include the Rotary - Ern Ainger, Rostrum Voice of the Youth, Legacy, UN Thant Trophy – Evatt Competition, VCAA Plain Speaking English, DAV and AIDPSC competitions. Entrants for these competitions are selected from a variety of year levels as appropriate, from Years 7 to 12.

Our year culminates in the St Kevin's College time-honoured, Walter Butler Public Speaking Competition. Recent winners of this competition are listed below.

2019: William Maligin

2018: Paul Stamatelatos

2017: Samuel Roach

2016: Luke Macaronas

2015: Luke Macaronas

2014: James Macaronas

2013: James Macaronas

2012: James Macaronas

2011: Andrew Borg

2010: William Stoltz

2009: Branwell Travers

2008: Jack Mason

Debating Year 7

The main debating competition for Year 7 students is the Debaters Association of Victoria’s Junior Secondary Program. This competition is held during Terms 3 & 4. There is one training evening followed by three debates. There is no finals series, as it is a learning program. Students from Years 10 – 12 assist with the coaching at this level. More information can be found on the website www.dav.com.au.

Students from Year 7 are also invited to participate in debates against Xavier College, Genazzano FCJ College, Sacre Coeur and Melbourne Grammar once a term, in the Forum Debates. There is no finals series. These debates take place during school hours at one of the participating schools. The debates are adjudicated by Year 10 and Year 11 students.

Year 7 students also have the opportunity to compete in a range of public speaking competitions.

Debating Year 8

The debating competition for Year 8 is the Debaters Association of Victoria’s Junior Secondary Program. This competition is held during Terms 3 & 4. There is one training evening followed by three debates. There is no finals series as it is a learning program. Students from Years 10 – 12 assist with the coaching at this level. More information can be found on the website www.dav.com.au.

Debating Years 9 - 12

Debaters in Years 9 - 12 participate in the Debaters Association of Victoria's Schools Program. Their debating season consists of five preliminary regional debates followed by a play-off and finals series. The competition runs from March to October. A dedicated and highly experienced staff assist in the training and preparation for the debates.

Student also compete in the British Parliamentary Debating Competitions and Model United Nations Assembly. A select group of debaters are also invited to compete in the Monash Asian Studies Debates. Students in Years 9 - 11 are also selected to compete at the Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships and Speakfest Competition.