John Paul II Collegiate
Debate and Speech Club
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Thank-you for supporting your son or daughter’s interest in Debate and Public Speaking! Debate Club
runs from September to March with about 4 tournaments a year. Tournament dates are subject to
changes, therefore more info will be sent out closer to each tournament date. We meet twice a week at
lunch, typically Tuesdays and Thursdays, for one hour. Every member must pay a $20 registration fee,
which goes towards the programing costs of the Alberta Debate and Speech Association. In addition,
tournaments will cost anywhere from $20-50 per team. This tournament cost covers the expense of a
dinner per student and resources during the tournament. Lastly, tournaments require volunteer judges.
Typically, tournaments will require each team to provide one or two judges (parents, relatives, family
friends) in order to compete. Judges will receive training on the evening of the tournament as well as a
meal (included in the cost of the team registration).
In Debate we encourage students to develop their research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills in
a competitive setting. In order to achieve success in debate, it is critical that students have the support
of their parents and their partners. As tournaments all take place in Calgary, it may be necessary to
provide a ride into the city or arrange for a carpool with the parents of your son/daughter’s partner.
Additionally, our meeting time will be a combination of collaboration between teams, group research
and skill development. Partners will need to make time on evenings and weekends to do research,
prepare arguments and prepare speeches. Consequently, Debate is only for students who are prepared
to make a long-term commitment for and with their partner. Every debater is only as strong as their
partner.
Tournament information and ADSA resources can be found at www.albertadebate.com
If you have any question now or in the future, please feel free to forward them to Mlle. Véro LeClair by
email to vleclair@redeemer.ab.ca or by telephone at 938-4600 ext 254.
If you and your son/daughter are prepared to commit to debate for the year, please take the time to fill
out the information sheet and forms attached.
Looking forward to working with you this year!
Véro LeClair and Taran Henderson
JPII Debate and Speech Participant Form
Student Name
Parent Name
Phone Number
Parent Email
Debate will require the support and cooperation of both guardians and debate partners. By signing
below, both guardian and student acknowledge that they have read the information provided in the
introduction letter and agree to commit to the time requirements of debate throughout the school year.
Guardian _______________________________
Student _______________________________
JPII Debate and Speech Participant Form
Student Name
Parent Name
Phone Number
Parent Email
Debate will require the support and cooperation of both guardians and debate partners. By signing
below, both guardian and student acknowledge that they have read the information provided in the
introduction letter and agree to commit to the time requirements of debate throughout the school year.
Guardian _______________________________
Student _______________________________