2020 school captains from Northcote, Preston, Ivanhoe and surrounds 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 Year 12 school captains what difference they can make to the world. Here’s what those in the northern suburbs 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 difference can your generation make to the world?
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
FRANKSTON AND GREATER DANDENONG SCHOOL CAPTAINS
LILYDALE, YARRA VALLEY AND MAROONDAH SCHOOL CAPTAINS
EAST PRESTON ISLAMIC COLLEGE
Ibrar Ahmed, 17 and Ashwaq Khalif, 17
As this is the age of technology, we believe that the ease of access to websites, blogs and social media accounts enables us to connect with ideas, information and each other more effectively.
Social media allows people to form connections with each other, engage with people that we share a common interest with or understand people who are different to us. When used with good intent, social media platforms are a means of opening our minds, recognising shared humanity and appreciating one another.
One could liken social media today to letter writing between friends in generations of the past as it is a great method for people to stay connected for longer periods of time and gives us the opportunity to maintain relationships despite distance, borders and barriers.
Social media allows for interconnectedness and awareness of one’s environment on a wide scale, providing us with an efficient and wide-reaching way to advocate for matters we care about and have our opinions heard by a larger audience; this can look like anything from thought provocation and can take the form of fundraising and organisation of shared action. We intend to use social media to bring out the best in ourselves and our community, to celebrate one another and to stay informed.
ALPHINGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Junyang (Casper) Wang, 17 and Philippa Lettas, 17
The notion of success is characterised by far more than academic excellence alone. I endeavour to support excellence holistically through my leadership in order to make a difference to the community.
At a time of climate crisis, creativity and initiative are the motors which drive meaningful change; which we have seen at Alphington Grammar through student-led initiatives, powered by STEM, and the desire to contribute to and inspire change.
I am very proud to be part of our unique, diverse environment as we create our own history as a school that is 30 years young.
— Philippa Lettas
Education is the starting point for change in our society.
In order to build a better community, I encourage members of our community to participate in all EHASS and STEM activities as much as they can, particularly enrichment programs such as the Creative Writing Club and Public Speaking Club.
I would also like in future to launch more practical and hands-on clubs in order to allow students to develop a different set of interests and hobbies to become well-rounded individuals with broad skill sets, and cultivate their creativity and problem solving abilities.
— Junyang (Casper) Wang
SANTA MARIA COLLEGE, NORTHCOTE
Lulu Kershaw, 17 and Caitlin Hamilton, 17
Being members of the Santa Maria College community means being engaged with the critical issues of our time. Key school values are our guide: the dignity and equality of each person, and justice and compassion towards all beings, including the Earth itself.
At Santa Maria we are passionate about the pressing issue of climate change.
The dedicated members of our student-run Green Team have worked alongside staff and members of the college board to roll out a huge installation of solar panels. This will drastically reduce the school’s carbon footprint and is the first step in establishing a micro-grid for local power generation.
A significant number of Santa students attended the school climate strikes while others have worked on sustainability initiatives such as paper recycling and school-designed keep cups, drink bottles and cutlery.
Supporting bushfire relief and an initiative to save tonnes of used clothing from landfill are part of this year’s program.
We also acknowledge the gravity of mental health issues for a growing number of young people in the wider community. We aim to address the issue by promoting mental health awareness days, by providing practical support within the college, and by creating a positive environment for all who visit.
WILLIAM RUTHVEN SECONDARY COLLEGE, RESERVOIR
Alexander Michailidis, 17 and Revival Siaosi, 17
Attending a smaller school there is not only a sense of community that runs strong but also a sense of unity. Being a member of the William Ruthven community is one that spans far and wide.
We are in an area so diverse and we do a great job of embracing multiculturalism. Being young leaders of not only the school but also the community, it is imperative that we set a standard and help provide a safe and healthy space for the younger generation.
We plan to make a difference in our community by being the best versions of ourselves that we possibly can be.
A true leader leads by example. If we can succeed and prosper from being local kids in the community, we hope that we can inspire the next generation as well as make our peers proud. We are a product of our environment and we owe it to everyone who has invested time and effort into us to be trailblazers and set a positive precedent for many to follow for years to come.
We are proud of our community and always will be.
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MOORABBIN, MORDIALLOC AND CHELSEA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MORELAND AND MOONEE VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA SCHOOL CAPTAINS
NORTHERN, SUNBURY AND MACEDON RANGES SCHOOL CAPTAINS
THORNBURY HIGH SCHOOL
Tara Mevissen, 17 and Lucy Youston, 17
Community: a unified body of individuals. It is “community” that allows the banding together of family, education and those who contribute to our society, such that the progressive and integral growth of us as a collective and as individuals, is achieved.
Among our Thornbury High School community, we are working to foster peer-to-peer connections through integrating a mentoring program in which our senior students volunteer as tutors within the classrooms of the younger year levels.
Similarly, our values lie with creating stronger bonds between students and teachers, displayed by the implementation of a VCE after-school study group that invites past students, external tutors, teachers and students alike to collaborate on focused topical subject workshops.
This program is just one example of how we engage with the wider community, another being our biannual school production.
The event has an exceptional ability to unite people across years levels as well as staff, families and others who live in the neighbourhood, allowing us to not only showcase the theatrical talents of our peers, but also to create closer friendships and proactive leaders.
With the support of the local area we are able to discover the leaders of tomorrow.
ST JOHN’S COLLEGE, PRESTON
Michael Chhiev, 17
As part of the student leadership team at St John’s College, our focus this year will be on fundraising.
Attending an independent school, I have been provided with various privileges and opportunities in education that not all students are able to access.
Students in developing countries struggle to meet the basic daily necessities of clean water, food and medical treatments.
These students are also limited in accessing education, especially at secondary and tertiary levels. This often leads to limiting their own pathways in terms of job prospects and careers.
St John’s College has a close relationship with Father Themi, a well-respected Greek Orthodox priest, and his missionary work in Sierra Leone. Free education is provided, as well as medical care and food.
When I was in Year 10, in one of my elective classes we held two cake stall fundraisers. We successfully raised more than $2,000 to donate to Fr Themi’s charity.
At that time, it was in the process of building a school in Sierra Leone.
My aim this year is to double, or even triple, that amount of money! Helping underprivileged children receive basic education, food, water and medical treatment is vital to give them a head start and more opportunities in life.
IVANHOE GRAMMAR SCHOOL – IVANHOE CAMPUS
Tristan Bell, 17 and Haleena Nguyen, 17
As leaders, we are often asked about what our own vision looks like – but I don’t think my vision should be viewed with greater importance just because I have a title. Everyone in our community has their own visions, and I think as leaders, we must empower each individual in our community to fulfil their own vision. I believe that it is essential to not only recognise each individual’s strengths, but also to treat these unique skills with equal value and create a supportive environment in which everyone can confidently create the change that they want to see.
— Haleena Nguyen
I’m very grateful for the position I gained this year because of its ability to access the school community and encourage, and empower, different students from all areas of the school. The actions I’m going to take will be steps towards ensuring we are focusing on the student bodies voice, so that we can form a collaboration of our views to make a difference that everybody is on board with. I know the broad range of ideas Ivanhoe has to offer and I look forward to seeing the school create a positive change that will benefit us all.
— Tristan Bell
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WHITEHORSE AND MANNINGHAM SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
IVANHOE GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Pema Hayman, 17 and Dunithi Galagedara, 17
Now, more than ever, the world needs more love.
Love is sometimes perceived as a strong yet confronting emotion but through the fast pace of life, we sometimes forget to appreciate ourselves and the smaller things, getting caught up in the pressures of society and negativity.
Love can be interpreted in many ways; loving others, loving ourselves or loving what we do – all equally powerful.
During the year, we hope to make our community not only more connected, but like a second family for all who are in it.
We aspire to build an environment where every girl is able to live their life unapologetically and authentically, not being scared to be their true selves.
It is important to us to showcase the students themselves, appreciating the diverse range of talents and stories our school community harbours.
We also wish to extend this compassion and sense of belonging to the wider community through various activities and initiatives, allowing us to further explore the value of love and the different realms love exists in.
Ultimately, we hope this will build girls’ confidence in themselves and allow them to thrive as they recognise the power each of them have over their life and the world they live in!
OLMC HEIDELBERG
Olivia Zumbo, 17 and Isabella Mikus, 17
The start of a new year always brings about discussion on how to bring about change and make a difference, particularly for those like us who have a leadership position within our school.
In taking lead of OLMC’s vision for the year, we as captains want to make a difference in the culture of the community within our red brick walls.
As college captains we challenge everyone, to take part and immerse themselves in the many opportunities that not only our school, but also the world has to offer.
With confident mindsets, ones which are not held back for fear of judgment, we encourage our girls to throw themselves into the many activities, events and situations which while they might seem challenging or difficult at first, are truly so rewarding.
Not only this, during our time as captains, we want to emphasise to our girls that despite the importance of results, whether that be academic or take way in another form, it is the hard work, determination and perseverance that we praise so highly.
We want to teach our girls what it means to have grit, a quality we deem in our generation to be absolutely essential in obtaining success.
VIEWBANK COLLEGE, ROSANNA
Joel Prendergast, 17 and Lillian Brasch, 17
The challenges facing our generation seem to be relentless. High school students consistently experience stress and social anxieties, as well as the burden of wider matters such as climate change.
It’s understandable that the youth of today face mental health issues that can have an impact on all aspects of their lives. It is crucial that the steps we take as a school community from now on put both the physical and mental health of students first, like through promoting our new welfare space and ensuring students are aware of the assistance available to them.
Hopefully, this will encourage students to accept help and feel safer in their school environment.
The school has recently adopted a college pledge that strives for inclusivity and equity.
There have already been steps taken to put these values into practice, but we aim to do more to promote the pledge to the wider school community.
This will be achieved through actively living out its values and encouraging students to speak up about what matters to them.
We cannot make significant change without first empowering the entire school and showing the impact of real, positive actions. Then the possibilities for the community will be limitless.