Lisa Starkey – HSIE and Design & Technology Teacher | Coordinator of High School Sustainability Programs | Tutor

The Emanuel School community is filled with passionate, caring, creative and generous people. We know that the current generation of young people have a strong awareness of environmental issues and many want to play their part in helping our planet thrive to ensure that future generations will also have an amazing Earth to call home.

It is vital for us to treat Earth with respect and careful consideration to maintain environments to enjoy and resources to extract sustainably. The opportunity for young adults to share their ideas, successes, and gain inspiration from each other can lead to environmental mindfulness and sustainable practices to be embedded in their daily lives. Providing leadership opportunities to senior school students will empower them to take action to make change.

With these thoughts in mind, at the end of Term 1, Emanuel School proudly hosted the first Inter-School Student Leadership in Sustainability Symposium. Senior student representatives, with an accompanying staff member, took time out from their busy academic schedules to join our Sustainability Va’ad members for what was an inspirational, thought provoking and valuable experience.

Students had the opportunity to take part in workshop activities and present their successes in implementing sustainable practices in their respective schools, whilst learning from each other. Students enthusiastically interacted and talked about their shared passion, forming new friendships. A guest speaker from Keep Australia Beautiful provided some great ideas and current programs which can be utilised by schools. Mitch Burnie from Adamama farm conducted a very well-received pickling session to conclude the day.

The day was a great success and there is already talk of a future event being hosted by one of the attending schools – this is very exciting and we can’t wait to see what more these inspirational students have planned for a sustainable future!