From the Leader of Learning - HSIE

MUNA – Model of the United Nations Assembly

On Saturday May 1, we had a passionate team comprising of Jacquelyn Roma (Year 11), Seana Connolly (Year 10) and Valentina Muccillo (Year 10) represent St Joseph’s College at the ‘Model of the United Nations Assembly (or MUNA) competition, at the Tweed Civic Centre. These students participated in what was essentially a mock United Nations General Assembly meeting with 20 other state, Catholic and independent schools from Grafton to the Gold Coast. where they debated a range of resolutions including:

• Regulating international migration
• International trade and development
• The situation in the South China Sea
• The military coup in Myanmar

For the past few weeks these students spent their lunchtimes researching the country that they represented - U.S.A. -  in order to be informed and actively participate in the vigorous debate surrounding each resolution.

I was incredibly proud of the three girls and the way they represented themselves, SJC and their team USA. They threw themselves confidently into the debate, having to think on their feet to respond to other countries' sometimes controversial views. Valentina Muccillo deservedly received the Chairman's Encouragement Award at the end of the MUNA assembly.

This was a great opportunity for students who have an interest in global affairs and how international relations are conducted. The opportunity will be offered again next year so I encourage those now in Years 9,10 & 11 to strongly consider this great opportunity when it arises.

Mr Tom Nethery
Leader of Learning – HSIE