Bishop Lyons Shield

Every year students at Catholic secondary schools in the Christchurch Diocese compete in public speaking for the Bishop Lyons Shield. The competition was established by Bishop Lyons in 1947, who was the Bishop of Christchurch at that time.

The event involves Debating, Prepared Speech, Impromptu Speech, Scripture Reading and Religious Questions.

This year, This year it is Roncalli’s turn to host this major event. As a result, on-site learning will not take place and students will complete their learning from home. We simply cannot accommodate all our students as well as our guests. Student who are involved in Bishop Lyons, however, will attend on this day. 

Timetable for Bishop Lyons’ 2026
Rāmere Friday March 20
9.45am    Teams to be on site
10.00am  Mihi Whakatau followed by Kai – Turf
11.00am  Impromptu - all speakers to the Parish Centre at 10:45am
                Debate Prep - all meet at 11:00am - College Library

12.30      1st Debate - Ashby Block 22, 23, 24, 25
1.45pm    Kai o te rā – Hall
2.30pm   Junior Prepared - all meet at 2.15pm Parish Centre
4.00pm   Scripture Reading - all meet at 3.45 the Basilica - waiting room in the Parish Centre

6.15pm   Mass – Basilica
7.15-9.00pm  Kai o te pō and Social Evening - Top Quad and Hall

Rāhoroi Saturday March 21
8.45am    Religious Questions - all meet at 8.30 Parish Centre
9.30am    Debate Preparation - all meet at 9.15 College Library
10.45am  Senior Prepared Speech - all meet at 10:30 Parish Centre

                 2nd Debate Ashby Block 22, 23, 24, 25 
12.30pm   Kai o te rā – Rm 11, 12 – Foods Room

                 Principals Meeting - Meeting Room Admin Block
                 Debate Final Preparation - Ashby Block 22, 25

1.45pm     Debate Final - Hall
3.00pm     Presentation of Bishop Lyons Shield - Hall

You are very welcome to come and support our 2026 team!