2020 school captains from Monash share hopes, dreams for future
They’re often thought of as selfie-taking showoffs — but our next crop of leaders are anything but. We asked Melbourne’s Year 12 school captains what difference they can make to the world. Here’s what those from Monash have to offer.
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Change is inevitable — but what kind of world do our next generation of young leaders want to live in, and how will they play a role in making it happen?
In our second annual special report on Tomorrow’s Leaders, we asked school captains across the length and breadth of metropolitan Melbourne: “What action will you take to make a difference in your community?”
Captains of 216 schools responded, and the thought provoking and inspiring words of those from our local schools are published here.
A representative group of 26 of these young leaders, featured on the front cover of every local special print edition, gathered with us at State Parliament recently to extrapolate on their thoughts, and meet Premier Dan Andrews, who took the time to offer them some encouraging words to forge their own path as they prepare to take on the world.
One of the most inspiring observations from this gathering was how easily these confident young people networked with each other, despite never having met.
It reminds us great leaders are also great communicators.
MORE:
BAYSIDE, CAULFIELD AND PORT PHILLIP SCHOOL CAPTAINS
FRANKSTON AND GREATER DANDENONG SCHOOL CAPTAINS
LILYDALE, YARRA VALLEY AND MAROONDAH SCHOOL CAPTAINS
GLEN WAVERLEY SECONDARY COLLEGE
Dillon Fernando 17, Zoe Spicer 17, Shanley Pillai, 16 and Anushka Jerry Andrews, 17
This year marks the start of a new decade, and each decade we can see our communities continuing to grow and flourish as new members enter bringing a variety of different cultures and experiences, and while all communities are different, they share a common goal: to be an interconnected group where everyone has a sense of belonging.
As the use of social media continues to increase, we are all given new unique opportunities and exposure to things we otherwise would not have had, which helps shape our views and ideas for the communities we are a part of, either physical or online.
We hope that this can create a more empathetic and accepting world where each and every person is valued for who they are.
In the future, social media will play an even bigger role than it already does in bringing different communities together, and will raise awareness to problems that are faced both locally and around the world.
This will allow people who may otherwise never have met to support each other and work together in this interconnected society to solve prevalent 21st century problems, as well as motivate and unite people toward their common goals and beliefs.
AVILA COLLEGE, MT WAVERLEY
Kavia Pynadath, 17 and Alicia Roy, 17
Each year, the Avila College student leadership team collaborate to create an annual theme for the whole school. Our college theme for 2020, “Open Hearts, Open Hands,” truly embodies the nature of young people, being passionate for a shared vision.
“Open Hearts, Open Hands” encourages students to be aware of new perspectives and to be respectful of others around them.
We want to strive to achieve the best possible environment for students to feel comfortable to express themselves and to create a space where they can question, challenge and take action at Avila and beyond.
We believe that change is possible through the collective efforts of young people working together to make a difference. We recognise that age is not a restraint.
As school leaders we are committed to raising awareness and encouraging open conversations.
Our aim is to grow as leaders within our community and inspire one another to become good global citizens of the 21st century.
HIGHVALE SECONDARY COLLEGE, GLEN WAVERLEY
Felix Donahoo-Andrusiak, 17 and Felicia Nguyen, 17
We were both excited when we were elected as school captains to represent Highvale Secondary College for 2020.
The vision we both share for 2020 is to foster with the student body at Highvale to build stronger bonds through our school values of respect, responsibility, integrity, excellence and resilience.
We would like to encourage a love of learning to strive for excellence and motivation to be involved for not only our year level but also for the whole school as our role is to build interconnectedness of all year levels.
In order to achieve this, we have several events in the pipeline to ensure that we reach this goal. This includes supporting our team members with the formation of new clubs and many social events.
We also aim to further promote inclusivity by organising our first event – dumpling eating competition to celebrate Chinese New Year.
The role of a leader can be at times difficult; however, we know that our journey will be a rewarding one with the support of the school community, teachers and the leadership team.
We look forward to a positive 2020.
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MOORABBIN, MORDIALLOC AND CHELSEA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MORELAND AND MOONEE VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
NORTHCOTE, PRESTON AND HEIDELBERG SCHOOL CAPTAINS
NORTHERN, SUNBURY AND MACEDON RANGES SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WESLEY COLLEGE, GLEN WAVERLEY
Brock Heavyside, 18 and Sasha Lethbridge, 17
Leadership entails committing yourself to your community.
While challenging at times, making a difference to those around us is very rewarding, not only for those who benefit, but also those enacting change.
That’s why we as leaders of our school are privileged to have the opportunities where we can stimulate change.
Our college-wide theme this year is “Sustainable futures” and key to this, for us, is “Think global, act local”.
Thinking about the future especially, we aim to make a difference by co-ordinating events and fundraisers such as educational talks to raise awareness of sustainable initiatives, supporting charities working to replant trees and protect vulnerable animals, as well as calling for change to reduce our community’s carbon footprint. Funds for bushfire relief have already been raised through concerts and barbecues to support wildlife, people and communities affected by the crisis.
Already we have solutions for some of today’s problems, such as recycling and reducing consumption, and we hope we can promote and act to instate the changes needed. Ultimately, we understand the pressure on our generation to solve more of these issues.
We also know that with powerful leadership projecting the voice of the community, anything is possible.
OAKLEIGH GRAMMAR
Sinky Ong, 18 and Athena Typaldos, 17
Michelle Obama said, “Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
The generous spirit of Australians has been on full display this summer as bushfires have torn through rural and coastal communities.
We witnessed the willingness of ordinary Australians to help their friends and communities in need. As students, the start of the school year is a time for us to reflect on how we also can give back to those in need. Some may think that taking action and giving back is hard and complex. It’s not.
Even the smallest of actions can make a big difference. Volunteering time to a local charity, involvement in your school community, helping a neighbour or donating blood. Maybe next time don’t walk past the homeless guy pretending he’s not there.
It could be as simple as a kind word to a parent or friend, a compliment or even just flashing a smile. The options are endless if we put our minds to it.
‘Little things are the big things. If we all look after the little things, our communities will change. So ask yourself, “What action will I take to make a difference in my community?”
ASHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Nicole Dreyer, 18 and Alexander Morgan, 17
We are the proud school captains of Ashwood High School for 2020. With eight months left of our 13-year education journey, we are grateful that the responsibilities of leadership will allow us to grow and develop into mature adults.
As school captains, we are looking to further uphold the high standards of environmental sustainability at Ashwood High School.
We are passionate about the conservation of a biologically diverse and rich indigenous flora on our school grounds, especially within the school’s protected wetlands and the newly built indigenous Garden.
As leaders, we aim to be consistently aware of the influence we have on other students.
We believe leadership involves modelling behaviour that benefits the growth of both the individual and the wider community, and students that look up to us should perceive responsibility, maturity and respect.
We want them to recognise their own individuality as a strength of character. In our role, we hope to inspire younger students to be the best version of themselves so that they, in turn, inspire others to create a safe and positive future.
Most importantly, we believe in change and progress that benefits the community. Education is a powerful tool for the young to envisage a world that cares for all, regardless of their differences.
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WHITEHORSE AND MANNINGHAM SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MOUNT WAVERLEY SECONDARY COLLEGE
Lynn Li Gan, 17 and Amit Kafe, 17
Australia is a multicultural and welcoming country, but English as a language, as well as speech, remains a barrier for some people. This barrier prevents them from having their fair say in the community. I want to change that. I want to find ways that allow community members to provide non-verbal feedback so they can be more empowered to speak out for things that matter, big or small. I’d also like to communicate information for the community back visually, so they do not rely on language. That way, we can begin to bridge gaps and reach a stronger sense of unity.
— Lynn Li Gan
The Australian youth community is extremely diverse in terms of interests, opinions and skills. Personally, I have found local youth organisations such as Scouts to be extremely helpful in developing my character and leadership skills, and providing me with an Ave to express myself. Unfortunately, in some communities around Australia these groups are under-utilised. I wish to change young people’s attitudes towards youth groups through endorsement and promotion. Youth organisations can provide people with a great opportunity to get involved around the community, and can help to build positive relationships that can be useful later in life.
— Amit Kafe
WHEELERS HILL SECONDARY COLLEGE
Jemma Frisina, 17 and Mikayla Harvey, 17
In a time where social media reigns over everyone and fitting in is seen as the “must do”, my No 1 goal as a young leader is to demonstrate individuality. Struggling behind the ideal comfort of conformity are so many teenagers oppressing themselves to fit into the very limited set of moulds that our peers enforce. To combat this, I want to lead by example by being proudly unique, confident and open about my ideas that are not so mainstream to show people that it is OK to be different! I hope that other people can see that if I can embrace myself and defy these preset moulds, then they can too.
— Jemma Frisina
As one of the college captains at Wheelers Hill, it is our aim to make a difference in the school community by being approachable and compassionate, so that students feel comfortable speaking to. Mental health is an increasing issue in our society and is often heightened during time spent at high school, with the combined pressures of doing well on assessment tasks, developing friendship groups, and individual self-growth that occurs during adolescence. As captains, it is our goal to create a positive environment, to start conversations, and help end the stigma surrounding mental health.
— Mikayla Harvey
SOUTH OAKLEIGH COLLEGE
Andrew Leap, 17 and Stacie Varsamidis, 17
As college captains, our role encompasses a range of responsibilities both within and outside of our school community.
While an integral part of our position includes facilitating school-wide initiatives such as our annual Walkathon and Wellbeing Week alongside our student representatives, we’ve noticed that it’s the little things that can really make a difference within our community and instigate a ripple effect of positivity among others.
It’s usually the gestures that require not much effort or little thought that can go a long way. This may include taking some time out of our day to sit down with someone and work out a challenge they may be facing or asking how someone’s day is going.
It may sound cheesy, but even a smile when you see someone walk past you in the corridor can put someone in a better mood.
Community values such as teamwork and respect are critical at South Oakleigh as they demonstrate our ability to form meaningful relationships with others, collaborate and promote the familial atmosphere our school is proud to have.
As college captains, we look forward to further developing our community by working with students, staff and parents.
HUNTINGTOWER SCHOOL, MT WAVERLEY
Angel Phillips, 17 and Vishal Ramesh, 17
Community is built through the efforts of many, not just the powerful few.
It is born through collective hardship and individual ambition; through perseverance and pursuit. As such, for us to truly form a community in which all people are respected, free and never lacking opportunity, the best thing we can do is to encourage others to strive for their goals, however challenging the journey may be.
Potential is abstract and unlimited.
It lives within everyone but the difficulty in harnessing it lies in the appreciation of its existence.
We wish to bring everyone to realise their potential and act accordingly to allow it to flourish and make this whole world more beautiful and magical than it already is.
JOHN MONASH SCIENCE SCHOOL, CLAYTON
Emmylou Reeve, 17 and Jackson McAloon, 18
As the devastating effects of climate change become more apparent, as tensions between nations grow, and as the disconnect between the general public and the scientific community increases, it is clear that a sense of togetherness is more important than ever.
Our goal for 2020 is not only to leave a positive impact on our community, but also to inspire more to do the same.
To create a legacy that encourages others to stand united, because that is the only way adversity can be overcome.
In response to Australia’s disastrous season of bushfires, we have been organising a series of fundraising events to allow students, teachers, and parents alike to come together to support rural communities throughout Australia that have been seriously affected.
Furthermore, to help boost the mental health of the youth affected by these bushfires, we will be expanding our regional exchange program to include more students from affected areas, in order to strengthen our sense of togetherness and provide opportunities as well as relief to students in the aftermath of such a traumatic event.
As a community, there is always more we can do for one another, because “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”. Aesop
SACRED HEART GIRLS’ COLLEGE, OAKLEIGH
Erin Bibby, 17 and Reena Dilinger, 17
Action can only be taken when we are prepared to go beyond our comfort zone, and fully comprehend what it means to make an effective change.
And while we all wish to change the world, small community change must be our first priority.
Therefore as teenagers in this modern era, we have a responsibility towards our community but also ourselves to be the proactive initiators of true differences.
We are growing up in a society that is rapidly evolving and especially for young women, it is important that we as leaders help young girls to understand that we can go beyond the mould set out for us.
We will commit ourselves to advocate for all disadvantaged girls within our community to understand that having access to high-quality education will enable them to use their voices and become a powerful, contributing member towards society.
That our voices should not be silenced but be heard and that we can use our growing minds, kind hearts and brave spirits to pave our own journeys, embracing the qualities and passions that make us unique.
Through stepping forward now, we can create a precedent for future women to build upon.
MAZENOD COLLEGE, MULGRAVE
Dylan Peiris, 17
In a world dominated by technology, society is more interconnected than ever and change is constant in this world.
By using social media, a sense of social connection is established and this forms the basis for creating strong, long-lasting interpersonal bonds between our community and others around us. For example, within our college social media plays a pivotal role in maintaining connections with old collegians allowing values to remain steadfast and friendships formed to be everlasting.
Living in a community dominated by social media, students often face societal pressures to meet a certain standard set by people whom they consider role models on the internet.
Facing these pressures, students become overwhelmed leading to negative feelings and mental health challenges.
At our school, we make a difference by striving to focus our attention on the positives of each individual as we are taught that everyone is made in the image of God and by using the schools emphasis on faith, a difference can be made.
Leaders are striving to encourage their peers to talk to the councillors, staff and others around them in order to combat mental health challenges.
This in turn showcases our vital role as leaders to make a difference in our school community by helping students remain positive.
CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL – WHEELERS HILL CAMPUS
Will Phillips, 17 and Grace Waddingham, 17
Caulfield Grammar School focuses not only on the community within the school, but also on the greater local, national and international communities beyond our school gates. Student voice plays a large part in how we, as a student leadership group, make a difference in our community.
We are committed to actively listening to our student body and empowering them to not only have a voice, but to share this with others.
We live the school value ‘Embracing Diversity’ by recognising the uniqueness of every member of the school community and encouraging them to showcase their strengths and express themselves with passion.
— Will Phillips
Nowadays, people can become very detached due to the influences of social media which commonly (and ironically!) act as a barrier for connection.
It’s important as leaders to recognise this, as for a community to interact effectively, strong relationships need to be inspired within.
This is where we will take action to make a difference.
The most successful communities all hold an underlying sense of respect for and communication with others.
By focusing primarily on Caulfield’s school value of ‘Thriving Together, we hope to initiate change by strengthening positive relationships with those around us. A simple smile can change someone’s day.
— Grace Waddingham