2020 school captains from Lilydale, Yarra Valley, Maroondah 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 Ringwood, the Yarra Valley and surrounds 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
MOUNT EVELYN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Scarlett Gooding, 17 and Alexander Verhagen, 18
As a generation that has almost constant connection to the internet, it becomes very easy to make contact with people at any time.
This has its advantages but it also comes with its drawbacks.
Growing up in an era that centres around technology, it provides more of an opportunity for bullying to become a problem, as everyone is interconnected through social media. We recognise this as a serious issue and want to make a physical difference in our community. In order to make a difference in our school, we are running an anti-bullying week with activities and seminars.
These are specifically aimed at Year 7-10 students, as bullying is generally more of a problem at this age. It is our hope to get all of our high school students involved to embrace everyone’s uniqueness and to eradicate bullying.
The culture we wish to create for our community is one that condemns bullying of others because they are different to us and celebrates the unique aspects of all of us because everyone should be valued and treated equally.
As student leaders we wish to set an example, encouraging the younger students to support each other and cultivate an environment of respect and equality that will endure into the future.
MOOROOLBARK COLLEGE
Shae Libbis, 17 and Matthew Bethell, 17
As leaders for the student community of Mooroolbark College, it is essential to uphold the college values of resilience, respect, endeavour and compassion, while leading the student community.
We are privileged to hold our position and believe it is essential to support the current issues facing the youth of today. In the current political climate we face, the action on climate change needs to be led from the bottom, alongside the top.
Together we can create valuable change that reinforces good practice within our community to reduce the carbon footprint, with each small change adding to the collective difference the wider community is making.
Two years ago, the Year 10 environmental science students within the college introduced the ‘Sustainable Warriors’ initiative, where students looked at what the college was already doing to support climate change and refined these processes to further enhance our practices.
Over the past two years the college has embraced these processes and as new leaders of the college we are aiming to further increase the profile and urgency of climate change action, especially with the heightened damage of the recent natural disasters.
LILYDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Derek Villaceran, 17 and Lily Black, 17
Every individual and space make up our community.
Our role is to involve ourselves in every aspect, as it is our passion to ensure everyone feels included within our school and wider community, to assist them in following their dreams.
To help achieve this we, as captains, endeavour to be open to helping anyone in need, by sharing our advice, both social and academic, that we have picked up from our years so far in high school.
Moreover, we try to participate in many social events around the school to help bring everyone together.
Lily is working towards restarting our school’s “Active and Successful Girls Breakfast”, an event open to all females in the community where they can come along for breakfast and listen to inspiring women who have achieved incredible feats, hopefully encouraging other women to follow their passions, whatever they may be.
However, the importance of our community spaces is not lost to us, much so for Derek. Implementing collection and recycling strategies, such as participation in the REDcycle and Bread Tags for Wheelchairs programs, is imperative to maintain and improve these spaces, while reducing waste.
These opportunities make us truly excited to go into the unknown!
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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
LILYDALE HEIGHTS COLLEGE
Eden McGee, 17, Lachlan Cottier, 18 and Sinead Townsley, 18
This year as college captains, we are collaborating with our college SIRC (Student Interact Representative Council) and our local Rotary Club to create projects that aim to raise awareness and funds for programs and charities that support those in need.
Through these projects we are hoping to further engage all members of our school community on a local, state and national level.
Participation in these types of activities not only raises awareness but also strengthens our connection with each other and those in and around our school community.
As leaders in our school we hope to encourage our peers to strive for their very best inside and outside of school.
By being positive role models, listening to student voices and advocating for their needs in all aspects of school life we can help to promote and support a positive and productive learning environment.
We hope that our modelling of this commitment in our school will empower others to do the same.
MOUNTAIN DISTRICT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, MONBULK
Sam Ashton, 17 and Sarah Vegt, 17
The world that students like myself live in today is far different than a decade ago. In such a connected world, it’s ironic how disconnected from each other and the environment we have become.
Knowing this, I want to encourage everyone, from students to teachers, from parents to grandparents, to take a step outside and enjoy the fresh, crisp air that we are blessed with.
I myself am aiming to achieve one and a half hours each day to enjoy the environment along with friends and family, a feat that I invite everyone to join me with.
— Sam Ashton
Large companies often strive for the highest profit margin possible. Cheap prices are attractive to some shoppers, although are actually detrimental to local businesses that struggle to compete.
It is important to support local businesses, in order to help our community to thrive. This also has added benefits of fresh, better quality food.
As a role model for my community I intend to buy more locally sourced produce from farms close to home.
We can all make a difference by giving greater consideration to the way I shop and I hope people in my community will choose to follow my lead in supporting local business.
— Sarah Vegt
YARRA HILLS SECONDARY COLLEGE, MOOROOLBARK CAMPUS
Emily Russo, 17 and Tyson Potts, 17
In today’s society, mental health awareness has become increasingly important, especially for our youth. Within our Yarra Hills school community, we have aimed to create an environment in which students feel comfortable seeking help.
To do this, we have implemented programs such as PRISM, an LGBTQI+ hangout, and placed higher importance on “R U OK? Day”, allowing students to understand that it is OK to ask for help. Through the Doctors in Secondary Schools program we have, more students have been able to seek professional help, mentally and physically.
Not only are we focusing on mental health initiatives, but we are also recognising and rewarding those who achieve fantastic things, such as our other school leaders. To name a few:
– Sport captains Kate Blennerhassett and Chelsea Gooren
– Performing art captain Amber Rees
– Visual arts captains Dylan Craig and Nerys Talbot
– Senior music captains Darcy Willmott and James Dryden, Chelsea Gooren and Callum Rosevear
These students promote involvement in inter-school sport, art shows, and the school’s music program, creating an inclusive environment surrounding the college.
We hope to create a positive environment for all people who come to our school and are a part of its wider community.
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WHITEHORSE AND MANNINGHAM SCHOOL CAPTAINS
WHITTLESEA AND DIAMOND VALLEY SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MOUNT LILYDALE MERCY COLLEGE
Riley Swankie, 17 and Tatiana Lintzeris, 17
We are honoured to follow in the footsteps of the previous college captains who have built an amazing leadership heritage for the college.
We are humbled by their achievements, and look forward to contributing to our college community.
We both hope to be a united team, available to offer support and listen to our fellow students. We want to build on the fond and happy memories of so many students before us — of friendship, belonging and achievement.
We aspire to extend on that welcoming, safe and inclusive feeling we all experience at Mt Lilydale in both college-life and learning.
HEALESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Mikayla Short, 17 and Ruby Langford, 17
We are really proud to be the school captains at Healesville High School. Having the opportunity to grow up in a place like Healesville has been such a privilege.
We both love being a part of a close-knit school community, especially within our year level. We have grown up with people with whom we can share experiences, make mistakes and share happiness.
In terms of what we will do to make a difference in our community, our focus is on making all students feel like they belong at our school. We want everyone to love our school as much as we do!
We think small actions can make a big difference. We are already finding ways to connect Year 12 students with younger students and we think this is helping Year 7 students feel welcome and supported at our school.
For us, other than focusing on our Year 12 studies, this year is about making a meaningful difference via small actions and gestures of kindness that become part of everyday actions, for us, and for the rest of the student body.
We are particularly interested in supporting younger students and helping them demonstrate gratitude towards each other and to have a sense of pride in our school.
MONBULK COLLEGE
Maddie Ross, 17 and James Sands, 18
Community plays a huge role in our everyday lives.
It gives people a sense of belonging and connection to the people around them.
Throughout the community, leadership is a large part of creating a positive atmosphere in which students are able to learn and prosper in their studies as well as enjoy the place in which they go to school.
Throughout a student’s journey at school, it is important to provide a sense of support and understanding to them whenever they need it.
Mental health issues are proven to be prevalent in these times and through a well-built network between schools and communities, students would be able to get the support they need in a much more comforting manor.
With positive traits of respect and integrity, leaders are able to create strong connections with their communities and through our school captaincy, we are able to branch out and ensure that the bond between school and wider region is maintained.
Through local gatherings such as markets and other family events, we are aiming to build up a sense of community, security and pride about the place in which students go to school and interact with those around them.
AQUINAS COLLEGE, RINGWOOD
Nick Tellus, 17 and Bridget Dale, 17
We are keen scientists, so the STEM field is an interest to us. As society progresses, STEM is at the forefront and there is growing need for young people to enter this field.
Unfortunately many are faced with a stigma around studying STEM as they feel a career in STEM is too difficult or suitable for a certain “type” of student.
As enthusiastic participants in science and maths, we hope to show our peers it isn’t IQ that determines whether they can make it in but passion and determination. By focusing on the intriguing aspects of STEM, particularly for students in younger year levels, the relevant subjects will be eagerly pursued and more career paths will open up in this dynamic field. Regardless of the studies a student undertakes, they will be met with challenges: socially, mentally and emotionally.
To help equip students with the tools they need to face these challenges, we would like to focus on providing activities and clubs for students, particularly within STEM, which will enable them to build social rapport and positive mental wellbeing.
We know our time at Aquinas College is limited, nevertheless we will put our best foot forward to enact positive change within the community and support the student body.
LUTHER COLLEGE, CROYDON HILLS
Madison Bradshaw, 17 and Marcus Kane, 18
Despite the recent Australian bushfires, as a society we’ve witnessed first-hand the power of a united community and the extent to which a team of individuals can incite change. Communities thrive when working together, and it’s through a combination of experience, skills, knowledge and commitment, and a common goal, that together as a country we tackled this devastating situation.
Correlations can be made between that and school life.
In order to achieve success as a school and individually, students and staff must first identify and learn to appreciate each other’s strengths, how to get the best out of each other and to ensure we are always moving forward.
Along with our vice captains Austin, Carli, Shawn and Holly, it’s our goal to build and encourage that co-operation and teamwork in our community, uniting our school and surrounds to create an environment where each student and staff member can flourish and achieve their own personal goals.
As leaders the difference we will make in our community is to guide and bring people together, to celebrate each other’s differences and contributions and create more and more opportunities for young people.
TINTERN GRAMMAR SCHOOL, RINGWOOD EAST
Jeremy Yuen-Love, 17 and Ashleigh Dowling, 17
To encourage others to embrace their self-doubt.
I believe once one learns to embrace their self-doubt and fears, and to challenge them head on, that is when someone truly grows as a person.
Our school offers a plethora of co-curricular activities and I have always tried to involve myself in every aspect and I believe this has made me who I am.
I will endeavour to encourage my school community to join in as much as they can to strive to challenge themselves, embrace their fears and step outside their comfort zone.
By doing this, I hope to let those around me discover new strengths and grow as a community.
— Jeremy Yuen-Love
“People who don’t have their own houses in order should be very careful before they go about reorganising the world”.
I recently heard psychologist Jordan Peterson utter these words in an interview, and they really resonated with me. There seems to be so many problems in the world, but I think it is important to focus first on the people around you.
I will strive to create connections with the people within my school community and surrounds and make them feel valued and empowered.
By supporting those around me, I hope to strengthen and enrich my own “house”.
— Ashleigh Dowling
YARRA VALLEY GRAMMAR, RINGWOOD
Ben Kyval, 17 and Catriona Stark, 17
The privilege of being allocated the positions of school captains for 2020 has allowed us to have new opportunities and set an example in the wider community, and act as representatives of not only our school but also young adults as an entirety.
Our cohort is collaborating to ensure we put ourselves forward as the best graduates possible who can serve their community to their fullest potential.
For the two of us, our influence encourages others to take part in activities they may not have previously considered taking part in.
Participating in activities such as sports, music, debating and community service helps build this sense of community through meeting new people and experiencing different things.
Essentially our efforts allow others to succeed – we want to inspire our year level and the year levels below to take pride in being able to represent a school such as Yarra Valley Grammar.
Any cultivation of positivity and achievement around the school is something we promote and strive to be a part of.
We celebrate the entire cohort’s triumph and endeavour to provide such a service where small success is celebrated across the community. Ultimately, through encouraging such involvement, the school as an entirety is able to give back to the community.
RINGWOOD SECONDARY COLLEGE
Callum Rigg, 17 and Kate Hine, 17
As head prefects at Ringwood Secondary College, we aim to create a positive schooling environment that allows each student to grow not only academically, but also as individuals. We try to be positive role models to the youngest members of the Ringwood community, encouraging them to plan school-wide events and use their leadership skills to communicate with all year levels.
By promoting leadership within younger communities we aim to nurture mature young leaders willing to make change in their wider community.
Year 12 is sure to be a challenging year, however all challenges are easier to overcome when facing them with friends. Hence, why we are committed to furthering a motivated year level, whose success is not always defined by an ATAR but by the legacy of a compassionate and resilient cohort.
Through continuing Ringwood traditions of lunchtime downball tournaments, notoriously competitive students vs staff AFL games, as well as implementing new activities such as Mic’d up Mondays and Lip-synch Battles we hope to bring to life a year level that not only supports one another but also encourages all year levels to do the same.
Overall, we hope to leave Ringwood behind knowing we’ve contributed to the progression of not only the school community but also the wider community itself.
NORWOOD SECONDARY COLLEGE, RINGWOOD
Ryan Smith, 17 and Zoe Tucker, 17
As college captains for 2020 our immediate community is Norwood Secondary College.
First, success for our Year 12 cohort is our primary objective.
However, we understand that success is unique for everyone, and we aspire to get to know everyone better and encourage every member of the class of 2020 to achieve their very best.
Second, a positive mindset is critical to success; too much stress can interfere with this. We are fortunate at Norwood that students are actively involved in the Wellbeing Centre. Recently all Year 12 students participated in a mindfulness session.
After this session we worked alongside the Wellbeing team to organise similar sessions in order to reduce stress, create a healthy mindset, and promote student success among our community.
Third, as part of the student leadership team, we look forward to working closely with our teachers, both inside the classroom and out. We will continue to promote the traditional Staff Vs Student cup, which sees students compete against teachers in areas such as sports, debating, and The Arts.
Our legacy is therefore, a simple yet important one, to foster even stronger connections within the Norwood community.