CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME
By Stephanie Vardas, Riverview Sustainability Coordinator
The recent Australian Jesuit Schools Ecology Conference, a two-day event in Sydney dedicated to exploring the vital relationship between ecology and leadership, was attended by 32 Year 10 students. The conference invited students to reflect deeply on their role as young leaders called to care for our common home, guided by the Ignatian values of awareness, reflection and action.
The opening day began with an engaging Climate Fresk workshop, facilitated by expert educators from International Grammar School. This interactive experience led students through the science-based causes and effects of climate change, helping them piece together complex environmental processes through a set of interconnected cards.
The author (left) at the two-day Sydney conference with Sue Martin, chair of the Australian Jesuit Schools Committee and Ecology Project Officer at the Australian Jesuit Province.
Working in small groups, students examined the links between aerosol emissions, ocean acidification and radiative forces, uncovering how these contribute to widespread social, economic and environmental impacts. Many students expressed surprise at how deeply they came to understand the global climate crisis. Several shared that the workshop left them feeling both frustrated by the current state of the world and motivated to take meaningful action. By the end of the session, students reflected on their personal impact as consumers and collaborated to develop school-based initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
On the second day, students turned their attention to the first-hand impacts of climate change in North Luzon, Philippines, by watching a film that showed how farmers are facing increasingly severe and frequent typhoons. These disasters have devastated agricultural yields, leading to food scarcity as well as rising food prices for communities that are already struggling communities. The story served as a powerful reminder of how climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable.
Later that morning, students participated in Riverview’s Cardoner Walk, a contemplative journey beginning at the college’s Dalton Chapel and ending at the Lane Cove River. Walking in silence and reflection, students were encouraged to appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings while considering humanity’s relationship with creation—and what is at stake if environmental harm continues. This quiet reflection helped students to recognise their potential as leaders to foster hope and stewardship for the planet.
In the afternoon, students connected online with Jesuit schools across Australia, including Saint Ignatius’ College Adelaide and Xavier College Melbourne. Together, they shared updates on sustainability initiatives in their schools and discussed collective goals for ecological action. The conference concluded with a focus on COP30 and the Jesuits’ global call to ecological conversion and urgent climate action. Students also explored Ignatian leadership, reflecting on what it means to be a servant leader, someone who leads through compassion, collaboration and a commitment to justice.
Overall, the 2025 Ecology Conference was an inspiring and thought-provoking experience. It challenged students to think critically, act courageously, and lead with empathy and conviction in Caring for Our Common Home. A special thank you to Sue Martin, chair of the Australian Jesuit Schools Committee and Ecology Project Officer at the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus, for her ongoing support and commitment in this annual conference.
Banner image: Agustin Lautaro, Unsplash.