Last week, QAHS Year 10 and Year 11 students attended the final Thrive Session of the year, embracing the opportunity to learn from our guest speakers from Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership. Our Thrive Sessions highlight individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, motivating others to make lasting, positive changes in the world. This year, we were inspired by speakers like Marco Renai, Queensland Australian of the Year and founder of MOB Academy; world-record-breaking paddler, community leader, speaker, and author Bonnie Hancock; and disability advocate and CEO of Gold Coast Recreation and Sport, Anna-Louise Kassulke.
This final flourish of the Thrive calendar saw Kal Glanznig and Cooper Chapman from Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership take the stage. They tackled the urgent topics of ocean health and eco-anxiety and, unlike previous after-school sessions, this one took place during Global Learners lessons, allowing every student the chance to engage with this timely and pressing issue. The work of Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership in raising environmental awareness and providing actionable solutions is crucial, and Kal and Cooper's insights inspired our students to not just think green, but to act on it.
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Here are some student reflections on the session:
“The Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership Thrive Session was a fantastic opportunity to learn about being mindful of both our mental health and the environment. Kal shared practical tips on reducing single-use plastics and other strategies to help keep our oceans clean- actions we can practice on a personal level. I was also really engaged by Cooper, who emphasised the importance of maintaining good mental health and led a mindfulness exercise that encouraged us to focus on our senses and stay present. This was especially calming with exam block approaching. Both speakers discussed exciting innovations that are being developed for environmental protection. These initiatives were truly inspiring and also instilled hope, as it's our generation that needs to make positive change in order to change the trajectory of the planet's future and help create a sustainable world for generations to come. This Thrive Session was valuable as it offered us ways to care for both our mental well-being and the oceans, two aspects that I'd never really considered together. Through the session, it was reiterated that ocean health impacts mental health. Issues like pollution, coral bleaching, and declining marine biodiversity can lead to eco-anxiety - a type of stress specifically related to environmental concerns. Learning about ocean conservation and practicing sustainable habits can help counteract this anxiety, turning worry into proactive, positive action."– Mattias Steljic, Year 10
“The recent Thrive Session with Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership highlighted the significance of ocean conservation and the critical role youth can play in environmental advocacy. This is a notion I was aware of, but having it reiterated through a presentation brought it into clear focus for me. Speakers Kal Glanznig and Cooper Chapman emphasised the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems and provided practical ways to get involved, such as organizing local beach clean ups, having shorter showers, being mindful of the products we purchase and significantly reducing our use of plastic. This session underscored that even small actions can make a huge difference in preserving our oceans for future generations. Personally, I left feeling more informed and inspired to take meaningful action. One of the big takeaways from the session was that “young people can make a difference". This was our reminder that we can." – Michael Chen, Year 10
"I really enjoyed hearing Kal and Cooper discuss their dedication to environmental awareness. They were ideal guests for this Thrive Session, and their message about eco-anxiety being real and increasing is one we should all be mindful of. Their personal stories about overcoming eco-anxiety and supporting the environment highlighted how small, intentional actions can truly make a difference, reminding me that we each have the power to create positive change. For example, Kal's approach of 'improving your own world' reinforced how my everyday choices can positively impact the environment. Their presentation was a perfect introduction for newcomers to Thrive Sessions, and I hope it inspires more of our school community to attend future sessions as we work together to build a better community and future for all." – Isabella Zhai, Year 11
Both Kal and Cooper are leading impactful initiatives in ocean health and mental health, including Plastic Free Cronulla, Surfers for Climate, and the Good Human Factory. Their documentary, Rising Up, will soon premiere on a streaming platform, and Kal was recently sworn in as the youngest member of the Sutherland Shire Council. Congratulations to Kal and Cooper! We are buzzing with excitement to support their work and join them in tackling the climate crisis, armed with optimism, mindfulness and knowledge.
Marnie Chetter
Teacher of English & Student Leadership Coordinator