The sentence that was ultimately debated - that we should abolish retribution as an element of the criminal justice system, saw PAC taking the affirmative.
Henry Brill-Reed built a fabulous foundation, then Archie McEwen created a fortress while simultaneously dismantling Saints’ case for retribution as a deterrent. Thomas North took the stage knowing the debate might already be won but he could lose it; all the while knowing the highly talented Saints 3rd speaker was going to have “the last word”. Even though Archie could equally have been awarded “Best Speaker” it was given to Captain Thomas North for bringing it home. Vice-Captain Tarun Kamath’s selfless act; as a Year 12 in an Intercollegiate contest, letting Year 11 Archie have a seat at the bench in a legal debate, was noteworthy.
The School Song was sung with gusto, as it should be for every Intercol. win. In Thomas’ gracious victory speech, he summed up the essence of competition; thanking his Saints counterpart for making PAC better debaters by challenging them over a number of years.
We saw ten fabulous intellects toil just with their brains, in order for six of them to deliver in front of large audience with a whole lot of grit. So thanks to whomever brought the coin and those propositions, on that piece of paper.
Chris McGuire
Head of Boys’ Education and Professional Learning
