OLR team to represent Queensland

Our Lady of the Rosary School, Caloundra

OLR students Kate Williams, Olivia Courtney, Kami Sheridan, Ellie Bauer, Ava Shrapnel, Holly Brennan and Ella Black will represent Queensland at the TOM International Final

OLR students Kate Williams, Olivia Courtney, Kami Sheridan, Ellie Bauer, Ava Shrapnel, Holly Brennan and Ella Black will represent Queensland at the TOM International Final

A TEAM from Our Lady of the Rosary School (OLR), Caloundra, will represent Queensland at the Tournament of the Minds (TOM) International Final being held in Tasmania in October.

Tournament of the Minds is a problem-solving competition featuring both primary and secondary school teams.

It was designed to help young people develop a range of diverse skills, including collaboration, time management, creative thinking and public presentation.

The team from OLR Caloundra won first prize in the state finals using artistic expression in performance, dance, song and music to solve a challenge set for them – to reimagine The Wizard of Oz in an Australian setting.

The Years 5 and 6 students – Ellie Bauer, Holly Brennan, Ella Black, Olivia Courtney, Kami Sheridan, Ava Shrapnel and Kate Williams – all share a love of writing, music, dance and performing together. 

Experienced teachers Di Marchese and Keiran Pennisi have worked with the girls in recent months to prepare them for the challenge and are certain the team will represent OLR and Queensland with enthusiasm and distinction.

OLR Principal Dr Michael Stewart said the whole school community was thrilled at the team’s success.

“It’s a great honour to have won the Queensland title, but for our girls now to have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Australia at the international level is whole new experience,” he said.

“Everyone at OLR is just so proud of what our team has done, and we will be cheering them on as they compete against the world’s smartest young people in Hobart in late October.”

OLR has competed in the Sunshine Coast Tournament of the Minds for several years, but this is the first time a team from the Sunshine Coast school has won the Queensland title.

The team members said they are “ecstatic” over winning the Queensland final and are excited and thankful for the opportunity to represent their state at the international event. 

The school is now appealing to local businesses, former students and community members to support the team by helping cover the costs of attending the international championships.

Donations can be made through the Commonwealth Bank: BSB: 064 – 786 Account Number: 512081100

Or anyone who would like to assist can also contact the school’s office – (07) 5491 4522.

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