Our school motto – Serve God. Serve One Another – is more than simply words on a page. It is now, and always has been, the very essence of who we are as a school. So, it was a natural progression to establish in 2023 a Community Excellence scholarship as a way of recognising students who live out this philosophy.
Service Learning Coordinator, Mr Stephen Meagher, is a member of the panel responsible for awarding the scholarships as well as leading the service learning program across both campuses.
“Apart from individual recognition for their service, recognition of such students through the scholarship also promotes service amongst our community, providing role models to lead the way in community service,” said Stephen.
Our inaugural scholarship recipients are Jack Holley (Year 8) and Olivia Robertson (Year 10), and both stood out strongly as worthy of the honour.
“Both Jack and Olivia have a proven track record of community service within the school and in the community. They both have a heart for service toward others and could articulate their “why” for helping others, around reducing inequity whilst feeling a sense of fulfillment,” continued Stephen.
“They appeared to be excellent role models to promote community service.”
Jack brings his own personal skill set to his service outside of school.
“I am involved with the Katina Woodruff Children’s Foundation which supports refugees settling in Australia, including education for people newly arrived here,” said Jack.
“I mainly support them through fundraising by getting people to sponsor me in my running events. In a recent 10km run in Busselton I was able to raise around $1,500 for the Foundation.”
“In school, I have been involved in a range of service learning events, including a garden blitz for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and doing general maintenance and packing relief boxes at the Salvation Army in Balga”.
This work is something that means a great deal to Jack.
“I want to help ensure everyone has a fair chance in life, so that people who are not as fortunate as me can have a good learning experience in Australia,” said Jack. “It’s nice to know I can help someone.”
We also spoke to Olivia about what it means to her to be one of the first Community Excellence scholarship recipients.
“I am grateful I have been given the scholarship. I feel privileged and blessed to be able to attend a school that offers a scholarship such as this and welcome the opportunity to be a role model and promote service in our school,” said Olivia.
Like Jack, Olivia is involved in volunteering both at St Stephen’s School and in her own community.
“Out of School I am a Church volunteer in areas of fundraising, gardening and kids’ church,” she said. “I am also currently fundraising as a volunteer for our service tour to Indonesia at the end of this term, and I’m a homeroom volunteer for Rocky Bay, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and the Salvos social justice program.”
Olivia shared with us how volunteering has had an impact on her personally.
“Volunteering can expose you to the trials and tribulations that your community is experiencing and gives you the opportunity to lend a helping hand to those around you. The people whom we serve can hopefully feel our compassion while we are challenged to grow.”
Stephen Meagher’s role means that he sees the way service has shaped many students across our school.
“Students have an increased awareness of how many community groups are required to meet the varied needs of people in distress. As well, they engage with the causes of such inequity. Students appear more aware and more ready to help people in need. There is an increased awareness that despite their youth, they are well able to have a positive influence. We hope it prompts students to pursue a life career in community service,” said Stephen.
In working closely with local not-for-profits, Stephen also sees the impact of the St Stephen’s School service learning program.
“Many organisations we assist are appreciative of the assistance but more so, they appreciate that someone “sees them” and acknowledges their work. They feel encouraged that someone is alongside them to help. They so enjoy seeing young people stepping forward to assist. For many groups, the school community also assists with donations, and this can have a big impact on their operations,” said Stephen.
In different ways Jack and Olivia are considering how they might give back to the community once they graduate.
Jack shared, “I would like to help run my stepdad’s Jiu Jitsu school…to carry on family legacy and to help people learn new skills.”
“I am considering becoming a Human Rights Lawyer,” said Olivia. “I’d like to work with a Humanitarian Organisation in the Middle East.”
