2023 College Theme 'Lean in to the Wind'

2023 COLLEGE THEME

At our recent Academic and Leadership Investiture Assembly the 2023 College Captains announced this year's College theme 'Lean into the Wind,' and provided the College Community with an in-depth explanation of why this theme was chosen. Matilda Stephto, one of our College Captains also gave a presentation to our Parents and Friends' Association (extracts are below).

We look forward to all students embracing the 2023 College theme, "With one foot grounded, one foot raised, hand on heart, lean into the wind."

Extract from PFA Presentation

Good evening everyone I’m Matilda Stepto and I am one of the 2023 College Captains and I am honoured to have the opportunity tonight to introduce the theme for 2023

Last year the College Captains (Ross and Myself) and Vice-captains (Zac and Amy) attended the JACSA student leadership conference at Xavier College in Melbourne. This is an annual event where the newly appointed captains of Jesuit schools and Jesuit Companion schools around Australia, meet together to learn about Jesuit leadership and how it can be applied in our schools. Meeting the other captains was a great opportunity since we all came from different types of schools and experiences.

Despite these differences however, we all had the same common goal; to pick a school theme for 2023. This created a collaborative environment where we could bounce ideas around, and consider different opinions and perspectives, before deciding on a theme to inspire and challenge our College Community.

On the first day of school we met with Mr Exton to propose our idea - with little to know back up plan so we were really relying on it being approved.

Thankfully it was approved. and Ross, Zac, Amy and I stayed up late on Facetime last Wednesday writing, editing and practising our speech for Friday, to present the theme to all the staff and students.

The College theme for 2023 is ‘lean into the wind.’ This originated from a statue of Saint Ignatius where it is accompanied by the phrase “one foot grounded, one foot raised, hand on heart, lean into the wind”

One foot grounded staying true to ourselves, it is our foundation and steadies us as with one foot raised we are able to explore new opportunities and take risks, which we do with our hand on our heart to remember our values and beliefs whilst leaning into the wind wind symbolises a challenge, adversity a community may face.

It is a Jesuit and Ignatian approach to challenges which can be interpreted in many different ways and applied to challenges inside and outside of school.

Leaning into the wind also represents the concept of striving for the Magis; to be more for others, and highlights the perseverance required to do so.

“Leaning into the wind” may require you to build resilience, especially when you are faced by challenges that will try to blow you off your track. But as you build resilience, the wind will begin to feel more like a breeze, one that may even cool you down during the heat of the moment.

New challenges we face at school include the new house system for seniors and for the junior school many new opportunities we may be presented that may put us out of our comfort zone. By leaning into the wind we are able to overcome fear, finding ourselves immersed in these new experiences.

The idea of leaning into the wind is important to keep in mind when undertaking community service in the form of social justice activities. By taking inspiration from the Jesuits' work with marginalised people we can aim to support communities to solve the challenges they face. This is relevant to us as a Jesuit companion school to have a strong focus on community service as many initiatives lean into the wind against social injustices.

With this theme for 2023 we encourage students - and staff to have one foot grounded, one foot raised, our hands on our heart and lean into the wind, as we face challenges this year.

Matilda Stepto | College Captain

Extract from Academic and Leader Investiture Assembly  

Ross:

Hello everyone, my name is Ross de Lange and standing alongside is my co-captain Matilda Stepto, and the vice captains Zac Dwyer, and Amy Thompson. We are very honoured to be your 2023 college captains. We look forward to continuing the great legacy of past Ignatian leaders, as well as paving the way for future leaders sitting here today.

Late last year the four of us went to the JACSA student leadership conference at Xavier College in Melbourne. This is an annual event where the newly appointed captains of Jesuit schools around Australia, meet together to learn about Jesuit leadership and how it can be applied in our schools. Meeting the other captains was a great opportunity since we all came from different types of schools and experiences.

Despite these differences however, we all had the same common goal; to pick a school theme for 2023. This created a collaborative environment where we could bounce ideas around, and consider different opinions and perspectives, before deciding on a theme to inspire and challenge our College community. Now I will hand it over to Amy to tell you this year’s theme.

Amy:

Hi, my name’s Amy and it is my pleasure to announce the College theme for 2023 is ‘lean into the wind’. This originated from a statue of Saint Ignatius (that you can see on the screen) where it is accompanied by the phrase “one foot grounded, one foot raised, hand on heart, lean into the wind”. This of course, can be interpreted in a myriad of different ways, but I am going to break it down how we have come to understand it. Having one foot grounded symbolises a connection to the earth. It steadies you. It’s the anchor that stabilises your boat. It’s your friends, your family, your support network. With one foot on the ground you can then have one foot raised - a step toward change, a step toward embracing opportunities, but also a risk. You cannot see the future, you can only see one step ahead of you, and you will never know if it is the right step until you take it. But take it… and do so with a hand on your heart. A hand on your heart symbolises your connectedness with your values. For Saint Ignatius that was his utter faith in God, for you that might be your care for others, whatever it is that guides you forward. Ultimately this culminates into leaning into the wind, and wholeheartedly embracing challenge and change in any form it comes to you. Here’s Zac to explain a bit more.

Zac:

Hello everyone, my name is Zac. Another interpretation of “lean into the wind” is that it represents the concept of striving for the Magis; to be more for others, and highlights the perseverance required to do so. There will be challenges you may face that may seem overwhelming, that you don’t want to lean into, however, by having one foot grounded, having one foot raised, and having a hand on your heart you can instead embrace the wind, the challenge, and continue to strive for the Magis.

“Leaning into the wind” may require you to build resilience, especially when you are faced by challenges that will try to blow you off your track. But as you build resilience, the wind will begin to feel more like a breeze, one that may even cool you down during the heat of the moment. However, by holding your hand on your heart and knowing your beliefs, you will remain true to your values and your character.

Lastly Matilda will touch on how this translates into our school life and community service.

Tilly:

Hello everyone, my name is Matilda. This year, we are presented with a challenge that is the new house system. But in line with the theme, if we lean into the wind, be open to meeting new people and having new experiences, we will be able to form new connections that we may have never made otherwise. As we commence the new school year we are also provided with new opportunities that may put us out of our comfort zone or lead us down an unpopular path. By leaning into the wind we are able to overcome fear, finding ourselves immersed in these new experiences. The idea of leaning into the wind is important to keep in mind when undertaking community service in the form of social justice activities. By taking inspiration from the Jesuits' work with marginalised people we can aim to support communities to solve the challenges they face. This is relevant to us as a Jesuit companion school to have a strong focus on community service as many initiatives lean into the wind against social injustices.

As we face challenges this year let's have one foot grounded, one foot raised, our hands on our heart and lean into the wind.

Our College Captains