Empowering student leaders in sustainability
Most importantly, the symposium showcased the leadership potential of young adults, and the impact they can make when given the opportunity to take action.
Emanuel School recently hosted its first inter-school Student Leadership in Sustainability Symposium, bringing together senior student representatives and staff from different schools to share ideas and successes in implementing sustainable practices.
The event was organised by Lisa Starkey, Emanuel School’s sustainability coordinator, in response to the growing demand for a platform where like-minded students can connect and collaborate towards a better future.
The symposium was a resounding success, with participants taking part in workshops, presentations, and even a pickling session by guest speaker Mitch Burnie, from Adamama Farm.
Students shared their passion for sustainability and formed new friendships, while learning from each other’s experiences.
A guest speaker from Keep Australia Beautiful provided inspirational ideas and programs that could be used by schools to make a positive impact on the environment.
Most importantly, the symposium showcased the leadership potential of young adults, and the impact they can make when given the opportunity to take action.
Starkey said it empowered the participants to create sustainable change in their school communities, and the positive feedback from attendees has already sparked discussions of the symposium being held again in future years by one of the participating five schools.
Year 12 Emanuel School student Ruby Grynberg said the event “encouraged us, as the [student] leaders of our schools, to bring sustainability to the forefront of conversation, and recognise its importance in a world where pollution, climate change, are at crisis levels”.
“We are so grateful to have had this opportunity to broaden our understanding, and develop ideas on how schools can be more sustainable, and we hope this event is a regular feature on the calendar.”
Emanuel School’s principal Andrew Watt said, “Emanuel School is proud to have hosted a forum for discussion around promoting sustainable practices within our schools.
“Our aim is to create a network of students within schools who are passionate about valuing, promoting and protecting our environment,” he said.
“The contributions from students highlighted the passion and creativity of young people when it comes to creating a more sustainable future.”
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