🎙️ November 2025 Competitive Newsletter — Stand Up and Speak

The 2025–2026 Competitive Program is off to an exciting start! Students are settling into their smaller, restructured classes, giving everyone more speaking time, personal coaching, and confidence-building moments. Over the past two months, students have been learning how to eliminate nervous habits, believe in their abilities, and prepare for a busy and inspiring contest season ahead.

🎬 Osmow’s Video Contest – “The Future Tastes Good”
Students are brainstorming creative ideas and developing scripts for their video submissions, due November 15 at 11:59PM. It’s a fun opportunity to blend storytelling, performance, and imagination.

🗣️ Power of Delivery “Same Speech” Contest
Held December 7 via Zoom, this unique contest challenges students to deliver the same speech—but in their own voice, style, and expression. It’s all about delivery: how students use tone, pacing, body language, and connection to bring words to life. A free workshop on November 15 helps students polish their delivery before the big day.

🏆 Top Quality Prepared Speech Contest
Next, students will develop and perform original speeches that reflect their growth as confident communicators. Laptops and tablets are welcome for research and writing!

✍️ Optimist Essay Contest
Theme: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.”
Grades 7–12 can register by November 29. Essays (700–800 words) will be reviewed by January 11, with final submissions due January 18, 2026.

🎤 Optimist Oratorical Contest
Theme: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged – My Definition of Community.”
Grades 7–12 can register by November 29. Speech editing wraps up by February 27, with the Pre-Qualifier Contest in April 2026. (Kids Speak Contest for Grades 1–6 will be announced in January!)

📚 Readers Are Leaders – November Picks

• The Smart Cookie – A story that reminds us that creativity and kindness are their own kind of genius.

• The Day You Begin – A touching tale about courage, belonging, and the power of speaking up.

• Speak – A powerful novel about finding your voice and reclaiming your strength.

🎉 Staff Update
Congratulations to Miss Liza, our new Vice-Principal! She’s an Ontario Certified Teacher with a passion for helping students discover their voice—both on stage and in life.

💬 Other Highlights

• Make-up classes are available by request (limit: three per student).

• Please arrive five minutes early and pick up within five minutes after class.

• Lost and Found is located near the Exit door.

• Cell phones should stay off unless used for classwork.

• Report cards will be sent in January, with finals presented at our June Year-End Gala.

🗓️ Key November/December Dates

• Nov 15: Osmow’s Video Contest Deadline & Same Speech Workshop

• Nov 24: Impromptu Speaking Workshop (Zoom, 6:30PM)

• Dec 7: Power of Delivery “Same Speech” Contest (Zoom, 10:00AM)

Confidence. Creativity. Connection. That’s what makes Stand Up and Speak more than a class—it’s a place where young voices grow strong, expressive, and unstoppable.