Mornington Peninsula 2020 school captains 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 the Mornington Peninsula 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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MORNINGTON SECONDARY COLLEGE
Mitch Tepaske, 17 and Clare Hendy, 17
When I leave school, I want to go and study data science at Melbourne University, and work in artificial intelligence and automation. The study of this field will allow us to make faster and faster computers, able to do dangerous tasks that we can’t. Like doing complex calculations with faster super computers. I am passionate about the environment and believe that in order to survive, we have to change something in our lifestyle to reduce our waste and carbon emissions. I want to apply my knowledge of math and statistics to solving the climate emergency, and other world problems.
— Mitch Tepaske
I envision that in the future I will be working in the medicine field. I wish to work in the medicine field helping children. Being college captain in 2020 will allow me to enhance my communication skills and build my capacity as a leader which I will apply confidently to my future. I want to make a difference in my school and local community by continuing my volunteering role on weekends, patrolling beaches and by coaching the Starfish Nipper Program. I look to the future with a vision to help others and contributing to the practice of medicine.
— Clare Hendy
PENINSULA GRAMMAR, MT ELIZA
Scarlet Murdoch, 18 and Max Coloretti, 17
We, as leaders of Peninsula Grammar, strive to not only continue the legacy of inspiring students to be leaders, but also aim to influence the next generations to give back to the community.
We aim to achieve this by creating a long-lasting sense of gratitude throughout the school for the area that we are fortunate enough to call home.
This will occur in many forms, from promoting environmentally conscious thinking; to encouraging all students to be the best version of themselves so that they can be valuable members of the community.
Social media allows the community to always be connected and can be used as an invaluable tool to make a difference.
We can advocate for charity events, inspiring people to get involved and to support the cause. We encourage everyone to be kind to others and to help when it is possible.
No act is too small. If we all partake in services within the community, we can all act as leaders, and make a difference.
The resources to make an impact are within our reach so it is important that we use these resources to empower people, to give a voice to minorities and to encourage and implement change.
TOORAK COLLEGE, MOUNT ELIZA
Emily Hamilton-Smith, 17 and Ysobel O’Brien, 17
They say actions speak louder than words.
Now, more than ever, I believe this seemingly worn quote is one of the most accurate representations of our generation.
In a place where people are free to say and promise anything, we need leaders who won’t just talk. They must also take action.
Great leaders are brave.
They are empowered and they empower others. But mostly, they fight for their beliefs and make a difference through their actions. Our world needs more great leaders and as a young female leader, I hope to inspire and empower others and fight to make a positive impact.
— Emily Hamilton-Smith
One of the most important skills that I have learnt at an all-girls school is the importance of taking risks and having the courage to step outside my comfort zone.
Inspiring young girls to unapologetically believe in themselves and pursue their dreams is one of the ways I plan to make a difference in my community.
We are here to challenge the world and make it a better place and although you sometimes can’t control the hand of cards you receive, you can control your attitude, your work ethic and how you treat yourself and others.
— Ysobel O'Brien
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DROMANA COLLEGE
Miah Argent, 17 and Tyler Leach, 17
As leaders within our community, we aim to educate our peers on topical issues and a topic we personally feel strongly about and want to focus on is the environment; we want to educate our peers in a way that doesn’t paint us as helpless in the grand scheme of things but rather, we want to promote positive personal action within households and to teach them that every bit counts.
We plan to offer solutions rather than only teaching the negative which will allow for positive change, as well as providing young people with the skills required to think critically. Providing our cohort with simple everyday solutions to be implemented within day-to-day life and households that if received well can create a new and improved “social norm” when it comes to things such as multiple types of recycling, buying sustainable products and reducing the amount of one-use plastic.
Further still, promoting nude food lunches within the school and urging the use of reusable keep cups over single use at our canteen.
However, beyond promoting helpful initiatives regarding environmental issues, we are strong advocates for the introduction of more prevalent discussion promoting the development of individual opinions and a more diverse range of debate in the community.
Hannah Bluff, 17 and Lilia Midlovets, 17
One in seven teenagers has a mental health issue in Australia, and although the growing consensus is that technology is having negative consequences on our youth, we believe that technology could be harnessed to improve the wellbeing of our youth.
Mental health issues can be solved through community values, and although the internet can be very isolating, it isn’t going anywhere, therefore as a society we should embrace technology and use it as a support network for affected youths.
Not only would this reach teenagers on a local level, but create a worldwide network of emotional security. By engaging and connecting with young people on their own platforms it validates their choices, and ultimately benefits their long term-mental health.
To achieve this, there should be more active presence from the council. These groups could reach teens through platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
We would create a safe space, in a usually negative environment, promoting mental health. This would develop a positive space for affected and vulnerable groups.
We aim to turn something that is currently viewed in our society as counter-productive and mentally draining into something that inspires change and positive mental health and hopefully, achieve much-needed change to at-risk youth.
BALCOMBE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, MOUNT MARTHA
Mikaeli Wharton, 17 and Benjamin Craig, 17
“The world is your oyster” is a phrase embedded in our generation of Millennials.
To me, this involves inspiring and empowering upcoming generations towards positive change. As the new leaders, most of us are driven to create something we believe needs to exist. Ambition is the most important tool to achieving success, overriding both talent and resources by far.
As our generation is constantly changing, an ambition and desire to change the world, to make it a better place for all the future generations is something that I believe is worth championing. I look forward to playing my small part.
— Mikaeli Wharton
The world is constantly changing.
Technologies are evolving and as a community we must adapt and improve to show our worth as humans. I don’t believe any of us are able to adapt alone.
No matter how smart we are, we won’t be able to keep up with the advancing world if we don’t communicate and show compassion for each other.
We have unlimited opportunities, some that would’ve been considered impossible just a few years ago.
As leaders, I feel it is important that we encourage and empower the future generations so that they can be better than us.
— Benjamin Craig
PADUA COLLEGE, MORNINGTON
Nirmal Vijay, 17 and Lucy Hutchins, 17
Community is a concept that emerged from the idea of the connections between a group of people and the way in which they provide for one another.
However, in this day and age, community has a far broader meaning.
We, as young leaders of tomorrow, are faced with the task to take actions into our own hands. As a part of a catholic community, we take pride in charity, and supporting far more than just our school.
As the senior role models of Padua College, we have a platform to express just how vital it is to be a good person and advocate for those less fortunate. To answer the question posed to us, we will raise awareness for our most personal causes: support for the Warralong and Timor Leste communities.
There has been a significant amount of disconnectedness with the indigenous community, however, it is our goal to bridge our school to their community through cultural immersions and information.
We want our future to be as bright as possible, and the only way we can do that is through building positive relationships with our first people; learning from their past so that we may grow together.
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FLINDERS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, TYABB CAMPUS
Anton Schwarze, 17 and Eloise Zuidema, 17
It was once said that “Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Community is one of our school’s key attributes. In 2020 we hope to build and expand our connections with the wider community.
The key focus for us this year centres around the word “reach”.
Reach into the community to foster relationships that have an impact.
We hope to develop a sense of connectedness within our school community through mentoring programs that bring together students of all ages.
As a college we have already created a well-nourished community in our senior school, now it is time to create one in our wider community.
We see this year as an opportunity, an opportunity to further create and expand on existing programs to give every student the ability to connect with others outside of their peer group.
Our primary goal is to bring together our community and encourage every single person to be involved.
Creating connections is not solely about drawing a line between two people but creating an ever-expanding network of links.
FLINDERS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, CARRUM DOWNS CAMPUS
Eden McLean, 17 and Keegan Du Preez, 18
True action. What is true action you ask?
Is it the self-belief that we have the capability to strive for certain goals and fulfil them? Is it an opportunity given to us to showcase our achievements? Or is it something greater?
Is it for you as a key member of society to perhaps let your voice, uniqueness and leadership be known?
We, as the school captains from Flinders Christian Community College, do not consider ourselves the primary driving force for success within the community, but for all within our community to take true action on their beliefs and rights in order to reach a common goal that is of benefit to all.
In an ever so divided society, we aim to encourage the young, bright minds of this new decade to take advantage of their position and voice.
Australia and the world have faced a multitude of pressing issues, that can and will only be resolved by raising and educating an updated and informed community.
We will ensure to strive for modern solutions so that we are not left in the shadow of change, but the ultimate deciders of our nation’s future.
“Divided as ever, we will emerge from the shadows to drive change.”
MT ELIZA SECONDARY COLLEGE
Trinity Joseph, 17 and Samantha Howlett, 17
At Mt Eliza Secondary College, we take pride in our inclusive culture.
As one of the first government secondary colleges in Victoria to be authorised to deliver the IB Middle Years Program, our peers understand the urgency to be active global citizens and to show empathy with others who have lived different experiences from our own.
One issue we are particularly passionate about is mental illness within the youth of our community. We seek to spark an important conversation to break down the stigma associated with mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.
It is a moral imperative that our school, in fact all schools, create an atmosphere that allows every student to feel seen, heard, safe and valued.
We hope an open and honest discussion about mental health will allow for improved outcomes for adolescents.
This in conjunction with ongoing activities, fundraisers and active student participation in our college’s wellbeing program will ensure that we are able to deliver the change we so desperately seek.
In turn, our current generation will graduate as adults who are better equipped to enjoy and contribute to an ever evolving society.
WESTERN PORT SECONDARY COLLEGE, HASTINGS
Harry Hainsworth, 17 and Wikitoria Tate, 17
Our vision for Western Port Secondary College is for a positive, healthy school community where mental health issues can be discussed without stigma.
Schools are places of learning and growth, where students are meant to thrive. However, some students are restricted from doing so due to the growing issue of mental health problems. Such issues can be a huge challenge to overcome, whether for a student or any other member of the community.
Depression, anxiety, workload and stress concerns can all affect us achieving our potential, and result in lower motivation.
A strong connection between students and wellbeing staff and services can provide young people with the necessary support they require so they won’t have to face these issues alone. When seeking help students should be able to feel they can voice how they would like to approach the issues they are facing.
Students can benefit from information about support networks and organisations where they can receive the support needed to work through the issues they are facing such as Shed 11, Headspace and more.
As part of our role as school captains this year, we would like to increase student awareness of these services.