Youngest and brightest gather at Notre Dame

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Spring 22-10-2012

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

Over 500 of some the youngest and most passionate problem solvers gathered on The University of Notre Dame Australia's Fremantle Campus for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Tournament of Minds (ToM) Australasian Pacific Final.

Tournament of Minds is a problem solving program for teams of both primary and secondary school aged children. Students from across Australia, and international representatives from New Zealand and Hong Kong, travelled to Perth to compete in the finals. This was the first time Notre Dame has hosted a ToM event.

The University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, was invited to give the Opening Address at the ceremony.

"As someone who is passionate about education, about the seeking of wisdom, about the beauty and joy of the mission which all educators share – which is unlocking the potential in every individual with whom they come into contact – it is my absolute pleasure to be able to welcome you all to Notre Dame," Professor Hammond said.

"All of you participating in Tournament of Minds are smart, creative, disciplined and innovative.

"Through Tournament of Minds, you have been able to stretch, exercise and develop your unique gifts, talents and abilities.

"Continue to strive to reach your potential and remember that while you are an individual, you are also part of a community and you should always seek to lead good and productive lives."

Tournament of Minds requires students to work in teams of seven to solve challenging and open-ended questions in one of the following subjects – applied technology, language literature, maths engineering and social sciences.

Teams spend three hours in 'lock-down' where they work on their challenge. Each team also receives a surprise spontaneous challenge which can take place anytime during the three hour 'lock-down' period. This year's Australasian Pacific Final was held at The University of Western Australia.

"The tournament offers a unique opportunity to extend the horizons of our gifted and talented students through the stimulating tasks provided in the four subject areas," Tournament of Minds WA Director Kathy Boyatzis-Pascoe said.

"Students from Western Australia have been extremely successful in previous tournament finals. At the 2011 Australasian Pacific Final, teams from WA won five out of the eight first prizes awarded.

"This year, WA's principal partner BHP Billiton has not only been instrumental in enabling us to further enhance and develop the program across our vast State, but has also sponsored the Australasian Pacific Final.

"Our sincere thanks must go to The University of Notre Dame Australia and The University of Western Australia for their generous support of this inspiring event."

MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Ebbs: Tel (08) 9433 0610; Mob 0408 959 138 Leigh Dawson: Tel (08) 9433 0569; Mob 0405 441 093

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