Results from the 17th Annual JS Public Speaking Competition
By Mark Rafferty
“The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.”
— Mark Twain, author and humorist
Last week, CDS students in Grades 4, 5 and 6, their teachers, and their families gathered in the Paul C. Duckett Theatre to witness their classmates compete in CDS’s 17th Annual JS Public Speaking Competition.
Public speaking offers students the opportunity to develop confidence, courage, and resilience. It is important—whether students are delivering inspiring messages, informative presentations, or simply introducing themselves, their voices have the power to inform, move, and motivate. With clear articulation and confident presence, our Grade 5 and 6 students impressed audiences and inspired their peers with speeches that were both thoughtful and persuasive.
This event was more than just a contest; the focus was not on winning and losing. Instead, we embraced our young learners and celebrated their courage, dedication, and communication skills. Throughout this process, they demonstrated remarkable growth while developing a life skill that will help not only in school, but in their careers and everyday lives. Indeed, they proved that with preparation and motivation, everyone can deliver a powerful message.
At the close of the event, we were excited to recognize this year’s winners:
Grade 5 Winners:
- First Place – Alexa: Why Boredom Is Good For Kids
- Second Place – Johnny: Why TikTok Is Harmful
Grade 6 Winners:
- First Place – Sydney: Happiness Is a Choice, So Make It
- Second Place – Wesley Bianchi: The Dangers of Mindless Scrolling
Grade 5 Finalists:
- Mya: Hands-On Learning
- Chloe: Social Media Should Be Banned for Kids
- Victoria: Why University Should Be Free
- Allie: How ChatGPT Can Be Beneficial When Used Correctly
Grade 6 Finalists:
- Kylie: Kids Under Thirteen Shouldn’t Have Social Media
- Jacob: Why People Under 14 Should Not Have Social Media
- Elisa: The Dangers of Procrastination
- Anna: Why Every Kid Should Play a Sport
We offer heartfelt congratulations to all our finalists for their hard work in this endeavour. It can be difficult to stand up in front of your peers and share your words with such passion and poise. Your courage sets an example and should fill you with a sense of pride. Well done!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
