Moreland, Moonee Valley 2020 school captains share their hopes, dreams for the future
They’re often thought of as selfie-taking showoffs — but our next crop of leaders are anything but. We asked Melbourne Year 12 school captains what difference they can make to the world. Here’s what Moreland and Moonee Valley’s 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.
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BAYSIDE, CAULFIELD AND PORT PHILLIP SCHOOL CAPTAINS
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LILYDALE, YARRA VALLEY AND MAROONDAH SCHOOL CAPTAINS
ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE, ESSENDON
Hannah Eres, 17 and Paige Samuel, 17
As a young Australian leader, you must show empathy, courage, resilience, humour, creativity and compassion to everyone around you. In my leadership I would like to focus on highlighting and creating awareness of youth mental health. It is important that young people know that it is normal to struggle with their mental health at times and that there are many services available that provide life-changing support. I also want to encourage young people to know the value of their individual self-worth, as I believe everyone is unique in their own way and each person adds so much to this world.
— Hannah Eres
To induce change of paramount significance in our community, we need to review the current accepted paradigm of greatness. We need to rethink the calibre of those we consider role models. Celebrities and influencers are idolised for superficial attributes such as looks, material possessions and title. For me, I look up to leaders with strong moral character. Someone who practises compassion and kindness, and lives with integrity, even when no one is around to see. These are the leaders that I respect, therefore that is the type of leader I wish to become, and encourage those around me to do the same.
— Paige Samuel
ROSEHILL SECONDARY COLLEGE, NIDDRIE
Riley Callick, 17 and Stephanie Page, 17
In 2020, more and more young people are wanting to make a change.
We, as school captains of Rosehill Secondary College, believe that the next generation deserves to have a say, because it’s our future too.
The school strike for climate is a global phenomenon that gives students around the world a chance to speak their minds and fight for something they truly believe in.
There are many students throughout every year level at the college who are passionate about this issue and as school captains we want to make sure that all students have a voice and a chance to make a difference. To us, a school captain is the person to bridge the gap between the students and teachers.
If students have any issues or have an idea of how to better the school, we are then able to present the idea to the teachers who can implement those changes. It can also work the other way.
If teachers are implementing a new system to the school, then as school captains we can give them feedback from a students’ point of view on how well it works.
BUCKLEY PARK COLLEGE, ESSENDON
Sam Nicholls, 17 and Amy Hoang, 17
As school captains, we have big aspirations as to how we can help our community, by using the platform we have been given.
Our generation, living in the 21st century, has grown up with technology around us as forms of communication, education as well as advancements all around the world.
We would like to make use of such technology to encourage, empower and communicate with everyone in the school’s community, from students to teachers and others outside of the school walls, and work together to endorse their ideas that allow us to constantly improve our community.
In 2020, we are living in a time of change, where people feel more free to express their feelings, whether that be about sexuality, mental health, etc.
To us, our aspirations for the future are to continue this trend where we live in an open environment, where people can freely express their identity.
Every year, more members of our community are able to express their thoughts, views, and feelings, and this is truly a leap forward and the direction in which we feel we should continue to push.
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LOWTHER HALL ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL, ESSENDON
Dunya Kumbalatara, 17, and Chloe Taylor, 17
In this centenary year of Lowther Hall, more than ever we want to make a difference in our community, encourage our girls to celebrate each other and celebrate themselves.
Our theme, “Celebrate’’, complements the commemoration of our school’s 100th year.
As leaders, we want to foster a sense of love, acceptance and optimism within the girls we lead. Alongside the celebratory events held by the school, we want to recognise the girls and all their achievements, both big and small.
We are hopeful for the future, especially the opportunities and experiences it has in store.
The enthusiasm girls show about ideas they have for change is inspiring, both within the school and on a wider level. As a generation, it is crucial we are aware of issues that have a global impact.
The opportunity to raise awareness of such issues is found through our social justice committee and faith committee as well as our student representative council, all of which provide forums to raise consciousness for issues and implement initiatives, which not only increases awareness but allows us to provide assistance on a local, national and global scale.
STRATHMORE SECONDARY COLLEGE
Eleni Lykopandis, 17 and Jaidyn Ippoliti, 17
Our actions define who we are, what we do and how we are perceived by the people around us. As students, our actions are forging the path ahead of us, deciding whether we make a difference. In our communities, it can feel very daunting to make a change.
It doesn’t have to be like that.
As student leaders, we have been elected to support our school and the community around it. In 2020, we want to put more of a focus on youth voice and the importance that surrounds youth empowerment. We have taken the necessary actions to involve more students into the Student Representative Council by giving them the opportunity to come in and have their say on what they feel is important.
This creates a friendly dynamic and places importance on relationships between staff and students.
Our roles as school captains are not individual achievements, rather, they are opportunities to give all students the option to work with us and their cohort to make our school and the wider community an inspiration for current and future students.
We are not aiming to make a difference; we will make a difference.
AVE MARIA COLLEGE, ABERFELDIE
Danielle Reed, 17 and Claudia Fox, 17
My objective as a college captain is to use my strengths to bring out the best in others. Something that Danielle and I are passionate about is sisterly love – showing support and empowering our fellow Ave sisters to strive to reach their full potential throughout 2020.
We are also passionate about caring for the world around us.
We hope to translate our passions into initiatives at our college through promoting less waste and being more eco-friendly.
We want to build on the strengths and great initiatives and events that play such an integral part of our college experience.
— Claudia Fox
An important goal for Claudia and I this year is to help Ave Maria College to become a ResourceSmart School.
The ResourceSmart program is offered by Sustainability Victoria and encourages schools to be aware of their environmental impact.
Within our Catholic tradition, we gain inspiration from a papal encyclical, Laudato Si, that states: “we cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it.”
This is a perfect reminder that we’ve all been gifted one precious Earth which we, as women of Ave, should work to sustain and protect for ourselves and future generations.
— Danielle Reed
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WHITEHORSE AND MANNINGHAM SCHOOL CAPTAINS
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ESSENDON KEILOR COLLEGE, ESSENDON
Fathy Abdelshahid, 17 and Victoria Fotiadis, 17
Our pledge. NASA warns that, “since the 1980s, the wildfire season has lengthened across a quarter of the world’s vegetated surface”.
Climate change is a pressing matter in our current times.
In Australia alone 5.9 million hectares have burned across six states and 3.6 million hectares was scorched with many lives put at risk and almost 1300 homes lost.
This is no longer a temporary situation.
It is up to our generation to make a difference. So, what can be done? Although we are a minor part of a much broader debate there are many tiny things that can have a major impact on reducing climate change.
Some of these things include supporting “green” by educating our peers and teachers about the severity of climate change and the increase of greenhouse gases.
It can be managed by individuals. Reducing home energy use through measures such as insulation, better energy efficiency of appliances, cool roofs, heat reflective paints, lowering water heater temperature, and improving heating and cooling which will efficiently reduce an individual’s carbon footprint.
We plan to lead by example, by taking steps in making our immediate community an informed and considerate one.
ST BERNARDS COLLEGE, ESSENDON
Luca Cesarini, 17
As leaders in a modernised world, we become accustomed to many benefits we receive and sometimes take things for granted.
We as a community must continue to strive to ensure that we are always grateful for the vast opportunities we have and nurture a future that involves giving to those who need it most.
In today’s modern society, the concept of ecology is something that continues to be questioned worldwide.
Put simply, we as young people must ensure that we can create a sustainable future. Whether this be garden beds under drink taps, the creation of sustainability clubs and the introduction of recycling bins in yards, these all contribute to a future that is long lasting.
We must also build a legacy that will pioneer positive change for reconciliation in Australia, where strengthening the connections between Aboriginal and Torres-Strait islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples is paramount.
As a nation, let’s continue to create a community of inclusivity and equality. We can listen better, which can help us act better. Let’s not tell people what they want, but work together as a community.
Let us foster a culture that celebrates differences and encourages diversity.
Overall, let us be the movement to strive for a better future. Let us be the change.
MERCY COLLEGE, COBURG
Tara Hanna, 17
Taking action in our community can be endless, and it is often difficult to know where to start. It’s safe to say that we are currently in dire need of support and strength and action. The first step is to acknowledge the fact that there are issues in our community that must be addressed.
If we can’t recognise this, then we can’t advocate for change. I have been impressed by the community spirit seen throughout Australia during the tragedy of the recent bushfires. It has inspired me to consider my role as a leader in my community.
I feel called to act justly and stand up for the vulnerable. I will notice the homeless man sleeping in the streets. I will recognise the traditional custodians of our land, the indigenous Australians. I will stand up for adolescents who are suffering from mental illness, or who feel disconnected.
I will be open-minded and show respect to all religions and faith systems, and I will love my neighbour. All of these small footprints may eventually become a pathway for others to follow – and I hope this makes an impact in my community.
PASCOE VALE GIRLS COLLEGE
Amelia Combridge, 17 and Mia Gagliardi, 17
“We need to get angry, and turn that anger into action”. These are the words of the remarkable climate change activist, who has sacrificed her youth, her education and has dedicated her life to sparking change, Greta Thunberg. Change.
A word that can ultimately lead our society out of the catastrophe that will inevitably end with the extinction of our planet.
As leaders, we have recognised the heroes of our generation and we will aim to spread their words and follow in their footsteps, aiming to reduce the disastrous effects of climate change.
Climate change directly relates to issues faced by many communities around Melbourne and Victoria.
As the bushfires of both NSW and VIC have wiped out homes, land and lots of our beloved wildlife, we are left to wonder how we could have prevented this from becoming a crisis. We wish to be able to help those affected by the bushfires, and plan to do so by running a fundraiser.
In the process we want to make our school community aware of what small changes they can implement in their daily lives to collectively make a significant impact in order to change our planet’s future.
ANTONINE COLLEGE, PASCOE VALE SOUTH
Jamie Merhi, 17 and Marianna El-Assaad, 17
When considering leadership, it is important to first reflect on the personal motivation for becoming a leader.
We wanted to step up to the task of being a leader in our school, and in the wider community in 2020, to serve the students and be a voice in the community. A focal point at the moment is to look into our community’s environmental impact and take active steps to improve our habits which will in turn, improve our climate.
This would involve raising awareness and educating individuals about just how dire our current climate situation is, and the simple things that we can do to reduce our impact on the environment.
Social media is also a great way to spread awareness about not only our environmental issues but also any issues that should be addressed in the community. In the modern age of technology, it is important that we look to our social media platforms as places of potential and aid for change.
By incorporating the use of social media and online resources we would not only be keeping up with modern technology, but we would also be able to effect a positive change on a potentially global level.
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY, NORTH COBURG
Ayesha Fanham, 17 and Omer Gunes, 17
As the school captains of Australian International Academy, we believe that our school belongs to the Australian, Muslim and local community.
There is much that we could do to better our community, but overall our aim is to take responsibility of our actions in the hopes of improving the portrayal of our Muslim identity. We believe that if a few of us represented the standards of our community to the fullest, we may successfully influence individuals to behave the same way.
As a school belonging to a minority group in reference to our religious beliefs, in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, we understand the issues of the portrayal of certain social groups.
To further develop as individuals and as a community we must truly understand that there is no difference between any of us, at the end of the day we are all humans.
“What action will we take to make a difference in our community?”, we believe that writing this account is the first of many.
BRUNSWICK SECONDARY COLLEGE
An Dang, 17
The way it’s worked for so long is that some people can express their opinions and ideas, and others simply cannot.
Recently, through social media, individuals have suddenly been given the power to share their own thoughts and convey their personal point of views, thus, as a community, created major positive change in relation to social issues globally.
I believe that it is integral for everyone to feel as if they are free to express their opinions and especially that their opinion matters, because a community can only truly be connected if everyone feels as if they were a part of that community.
To improve any community, it would be paramount to not only reach out to those in positions of leadership, or those who are willing to volunteer but also to every single person in that community, and make sure their perspectives are being taken into consideration.
I hope as school captain I can, instead of act as a representative for the entire school, provide a platform where students can have their voices heard.
JOHN FAWKNER COLLEGE, FAWKNER
Giselle Giannikos, 17 and Wilhelm Gallon, 18
As leaders of this generation, we encourage others to be the believers in making a change, as well as becoming the individuals who strive to make the change happen.
With validating and embracing changes in the community, and other individual’s ideas to help improve and inspire future role models, we can all make a positive change in our community.
Our generation has come to realise that climate change can impact the generations to come and I believe if we can take action within this field, both within our community and worldwide, we can live in an environment that will be sustainable for the future.
This means voting for legislation and politicians that promote the growth of our ecosystem. Every individual can put in towards making our environment a better place!
We encourage and inspire young people to engage in their passions and dreams.
We reassure them that you do not need to possess talent to make a difference in the community; all you need is a vision of what you can do to make the change.
We as leaders would like to motivate young people to challenge themselves to preserve and give themselves a sense of purpose within their community.
MOUNT ALEXANDER COLLEGE, FLEMINGTON
Haniyah Abdou Said, 17 and Alex Langley, 17
Over the past year I’ve worked a lot in the Flemington community creating events run by youth to benefit youth.
Through these events I’ve learnt that there is a lot that can come out of promoting participation.
These events promote connectedness in our school and wider community and it’s what I aim to achieve.
I aim to do this by running events that celebrate our community, increase participation and boost our school spirit.
In running these events, I hope to invite others from outside our school community to connect and participate with us.
— Haniyah Abdou Said
I believe in the importance of encouraging students and young people to be free in expressing themselves and their ideas while receiving encouragement and support in doing so.
Our individualities and unique life experiences lead to different viewpoints on each scenario, all of which have their own merit and place in learning and collaboration.
A community should be an environment where members feel valued and free of judgment.
I aim to support students at my school in their efforts to create an environment where they feel comfortable by promoting positive changes in our school.
— Alex Langley