Mordialloc, Bentleigh, Mentone, Ormond, McKinnon 2020 school captains share hopes 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 will make in the world. Here’s what those from Mentone, Bentleigh and surrounds said.
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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.
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BAYSIDE, CAULFIELD AND PORT PHILLIP SCHOOL CAPTAINS
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LILYDALE, YARRA VALLEY AND MAROONDAH SCHOOL CAPTAINS
HEATHERTON CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, CLARINDA
Gabrielle Orr, 17 and Nathan Raymond, 17
Positive, individual connections create local and global community. Our generation is facing problems in the years ahead, but solutions can be built with allies.
Our multicultural locality makes it easy to learn about people, reach out to individuals and connect with others. There are allies in abundance.
As captains at a Christian school we’ve found Jesus Christ to be our biggest ally.
Yet the sense of identity, security and hope we have from knowing Jesus, is also due to His plan for us to do life in community and to love one another because “Perfect love drives out fear”.
It is impossible to fear what is understood and so if we actively engage and understand one another, we can build relationships across faiths, ethnicities, backgrounds and experiences to form strong bridges into our future.
This exact same solution of connection can be used to support mental health. Being heard breeds inclusion and everyone wants to be heard.
A sense of value and self-worth is conferred by having someone listen.
Communication is the bedrock of relationship foundation and can work against anxiety to create strong mental health. Strong individuals create strong communities and strong communities create a stronger world. We don’t have community, without unity.
OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART COLLEGE, BENTLEIGH
Grace Bowles, 17
Accepting the position of college captain at OLSH College is both an immense privilege and a challenge.
As a leader, it is imperative to recognise the areas in which we currently excel and those in which we can improve.
I want to focus more on recognising our girls for their achievements, both at and outside of school.
The breadth of talent at OLSH College extends far beyond the celebrated areas of academics, sport, and performing arts.
The girls whose gifts lie outside of these streams deserve just as much recognition. W
e plan to celebrate random acts of kindness at each of our assemblies, giving all students the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the generosity of a fellow student.
Another area I’d like to focus on is mental health.
I hope to do this through the assistance of our school’s counsellor, who will be able to share her expert advice.
I’d love to use assembly time and selected lunchtimes to discuss topics such as how to start a conversation with a friend you’re concerned about, techniques for journaling and mindfulness, providing mental health assistance resources, and importantly the benefit of seeking help when it is needed.
KILBREDA COLLEGE, MENTONE
Kate Lowe, 17 and Keely Ortland, 17
“Strength and kindliness” is our college motto and at the forefront of our tradition.
As college co-captains, along with our student leadership team, we recognise the influence and impact that our words, actions and decisions can make.
We hope that our 2020 legacy will be one of school unity and the importance of building connections.
As a Kildare Ministries school in the Brigidine Tradition, our college theme for 2020 is “Justice”, which is one of our core values. Within our school community, we will plan and encourage initiatives and activities that bring this value to life.
Our student leadership team’s definition of “Justice” relates to equity and fairness; in which everyone receives what they need to reach the same outcome as opposed to everyone receiving the same resources.
A just community ensures everyone feels welcomed, the needs of the vulnerable are met and that each person’s views are heard and valued.
Within our wider community, we honour the value of “Justice” by supporting the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, raise valuable funds on Brigidine Day for impoverished communities in Timor Leste and participate in many programs, such as Caritas and the Dignity Drive. We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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MORELAND AND MOONEE VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
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NORTHCOTE, PRESTON AND HEIDELBERG SCHOOL CAPTAINS
NORTHERN, SUNBURY AND MACEDON RANGES SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MCKINNON SECONDARY COLLEGE
Oliver Lopez, 17 and Clare Wever, 17
A sense of community, immediately, nationally or globally, is the foundation for creating a connectedness between individuals and groups.
With a supportive and encouraging community to surround us, our strength in numbers truly presents us with the opportunity to do what we dream.
With this in mind, the best way to strive for personal and collective improvement and success, is to take action about the things we are most passionate about.
But in a world where we find so much to divide ourselves, the greatest challenge we face is realising that in fact we are not so different from each other.
As we pave the path for the future of our generation and those that follow, it is important that the collective understand the importance of achieving small tasks towards a societal challenge, and that this mindset will in part make a big difference towards a more sustainable future. Taking action isn’t simply about achieving one big goal, but rather the small successes that you can achieve along the journey.
Small acts of kindness and generosity drive a sense of unity among strangers, and by asking why we are alike, instead of what separates us, we can work together to make a difference to anything we set our minds to.
MENTONE GIRLS’ SECONDARY COLLEGE
Ailish Byrne, 17 and Ava Jaconelli, 17
In Year 12, we’ve reached the top, and it’s common that with our new title comes unlimited authority and superiority in the social hierarchy.
As captains, it’s our mission to change that.
We want to create a school community where everyone from all year levels feels equal and accepted. To do this we want to lead by example, and with the junior captains and our fellow year 12s on board, we can make this change together.
It may seem trivial or unimportant at first glance, but we are aiming for a ripple effect, where this concept of unity within the school, can then be replicated out into society for future years to come.
If we, as a school, can learn to treat each other with equal respect, we are creating a positive societal change.
With issues we face today, such as the recent bushfire and drought crises, we saw inspirational unity within Australians of all backgrounds, genders and religious beliefs.
However, we still have a long way to go in terms of accepting all humans regardless of their differences.
This is why, if we create this unity in 2020, we hope to see the true Australian values of harmony and solidarity manifest in our society, and the world beyond
MENTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Hannah Schmidt, 17 and Oskar Phillips, 17
As school leaders, one of our fundamental attributes is our belief in ourselves and the wider school community.
That our fate is not predetermined by the societal expectations put on us, but rather is shaped by our aspirations, dreams, desires, and goals.
We strive to encourage and role model to all those around us to continue in challenging their limits and expectations.
The best learning and growth is never achieved in someone’s comfort zone and the idea of being uncomfortable is a necessary skill for life.
It may not seem like a lot, but the action we want to take is to encourage and foster participation in all areas of our school and community.
This provides an opportunity for everyone to discover their best selves, and challenge the perceived expectations.
When everyone is striving to be their greatest, the wider community benefits – even from the smallest improvements within. Eventually, we see happier, healthier, more united members of our community. So, the next time you create or find an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, take the leap of faith.
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WHITEHORSE AND MANNINGHAM SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MORDIALLOC COLLEGE
Elisa Barone, 17 and Jack Phillpotts, 17
As humans, it’s natural to ruminate about our past and our future actions. In this new decade, it is inevitable that there will be a global tragedy and personal matters that will compel us all to unite and make a difference.
Devastatingly, humans are associated as one of the most dangerous species on this earth which is a jarring reality, we as the leaders of today must strive to overcome.
To make a difference in our community we must reform the stereotype; the stereotype that makes students feel unfazed about the state of our environment.
Here, we can challenge this inertia by standing up and providing a real solution to the environmental crisis we are currently facing.
Recently, we have discussed implementing ideas that combat the degree of rubbish left behind after break periods; by displaying discomforting visual images of, for example, turtles wrapped in litter, it can hopefully provide awareness to the severity of the issue.
Additionally, having mandatory times where a large number of students go around to collect rubbish with their peers, could possibly act as an incentive to help the environment in a productive way. We hope to have made a true difference, leaving our tenure as college captains.
PARKDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE, MORDIALLOC
Heidi Preston, 17 and Ollie Walters, 18
Over recent times, communities have made major advancements in technology, advocated the equal treatment of all individuals and begun the fight against climate change.
As the youth of today we are the future leaders and it is important make a strong stance against an issue such as climate change and ensure we continue moving forward.
Our role as school captains, and as junior leaders for our community, is to embody the values of respect and probity shown by our school and to be representatives for all youth against climate change.
We want to prioritise our community involvement during the coming months and ensure that we as a school embrace further engagement and commit other school and community members to achieve the change we desire.
The spotlight on climate change has provided the opportunity to approach the problems detrimental to our society with an outlook that clearly defines solutions we can implement. Whether it be through small individual changes such as switching the lights off or encouraging recycling there is a sufficient amount we can all do to entice change.
Therefore, in the future we can guarantee this becomes the minimum standard, the morals and behaviour displayed by each member of our public, and the focal point of our neighbourhood.
ST BEDE’S COLLEGE, MENTONE
Elijah Barrett, 17
A community is composed of a group of individuals. The overall wellbeing of these individuals results from the actions and choices they collectively make and we’re reliant on the benevolence of others in order to get along.
Often, it’s easy to portray that everything is OK.
But everyone faces challenges – challenges that require the support and help of a community to overcome.
This past summer, we’ve seen this unwavering support shown in a variety of ways, particularly in response to the tragic bushfires that our country faced.
Irrespective of the relationship, best mate or stranger, we all belong to a community that at times requires help.
Acknowledging that noticeable change is usually incremental and takes time, sometimes the best starting point is simply being open to help and showing support if required.
For issues such as homelessness, poverty, mental health issues and the environment, sometimes the answer to achieving lasting change is complex and extends far further than just ourselves.
Consequently, making a difference in the community stems from a very simple approach – being open to help and providing support if required, because the answer to every problem in every community is being willing to start to fix it. Together.
MENTONE GIRLS’ GRAMMAR
Wangshu Ma, 17
While we are currently facing some of the biggest hurdles in human history, we are also in an age of rapid innovation. The future depends on this generation to make monumental change for the betterment of our world.
We cannot succeed without interweaving the diverse talents and unique experiences that each of us will accumulate throughout our lifetime. Therefore, there must be an emphasis on collaboration.
“No one achieves anything alone.”—Leslie Knope.
That is my favourite quote and admittedly, it is really simple, but I love it because it holds so much truth.
I intend to empower as many students as possible to engage in leadership opportunities and promote vocal participation in local and global issues.
At Mentone Girls’ Grammar, we have embraced action by launching new initiatives that focus on mental health, technological fluency, social service and environmental sustainability. My peers and I are hosting fundraisers and events, promoting awareness of ways in which we could all lower our carbon footprint.
Climate change is such a loaded issue that can be daunting to unpack, but we can all help by making tiny adjustments, which collectively, can make a big difference.
KILVINGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL, ORMOND
Sam Clark, 18 and Kaitlyn Truong, 17
The 21st century has been defined by the breakthrough of technology, and how it has changed the way humans live.
It is with us wherever we go and involved in most things we do. We rely on it so heavily; it can be considered our third arm. However, although it has many benefits in our lives, social media is negatively influencing many young people today, demonstrated by the increased levels of mental health issues experienced by young Australians.
To combat this alarming health issue, we must use the full potential of social media to encourage change and connectivity between young people.
The goal is to shift the focus to educating young people on how to use social media in positive and powerful ways.
Recently, social media proved that we have the power to unite and make a difference by highlighting the impacts of the ongoing Australian bushfires.
Young people can make a difference by sharing appropriate, relevant and empathetic content. We can help promote healthy self-esteem as well as promote the inclusion of marginalised groups.
It is important to stay connected, but it is equally, if not more, important to build and maintain trust and belonging within a community, which will help develop our communities into the future.
BENTLEIGH SECONDARY COLLEGE
Tia Lambas, 17 and Bayden Hill, 17
Our current society is bound by human contact and relationships among not only a school community but its links with broader networks, and the sense of individuality and a unique voice.
We believe that it is through us as the next generation, that we will strive to be the best individuals we can be as well as encourage those who feel as though their voices are not being heard.
Through the employment of community focus groups, charitable events and volunteering efforts, the true power of community is able to light the spark within these young leaders’ minds to make positive change happen.
From our own experiences, we understand the value of community service. By motivating young people to take part in volunteer initiatives it broadens their participation in the community which develops a sense of pride and belonging.
Therefore, our aim is to empower our peers to actively involve themselves in our local community to strengthen the bond between schools and the wider population.
In igniting these ideas, future goals and aspirations become more achievable, attracting continuous improvement and positive self-efficacy.