Moree Public School’s Archie Matthews shone last Friday when he delivered a riveting speech on refugees during NSW state final of the 2016 Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition.
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The year 5 student was one of 14 senior primary students who spoke their way to the finals of the state competition against 2,043 entrants from public schools all over NSW.
The state final was held at the ABC Centre in Ultimo, Sydney last Friday, November 18.
Students had to prepare a four-minute speech on a topic chosen from a list of multicultural subjects provided. They also had to deliver a two-minute impromptu speech on the subject ‘taking it easy’.
Archie chose refugees for his prepared speech, which Moree Public School deputy principal Lindy Hosegood said attracted many compliments from both the adjudicators and audience members.
“Archie spoke of the refugee re-settlement program that has recently started at Mingoola - compassionately illustrated with a very personal and, at times, confronting journey of a gentleman named Jerome and his family,” Ms Hosegood said.
“Archie came to know Jerome through his grandparents, Philip and Julia Harpham who have been instrumental in starting the program at their property in Mingoola.
“Archie and his family were delighted to have Mr Emmanuel Musoni, a refugee advocate from the Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development, and a very close aquaintance of Jerome, also attend the public speaking finals. As with most in the audience, Emmanuel wiped away a tear on several occasions, as the articulate contestants spoke with compassion and knowledge about the topics.”
Ms Hosegood said Archie’s preparation and dedication to the final were to be admired, and while he didn’t win, a few people told him he was their choice.
“The MPPSC competition has been a most memorable achievement for Archie - representing his school, family and, most significantly, Moree through his outstanding public speaking, pride and genuine compassion,” she said.
Archie plans to enter the competition again next year.