2008 Monthly VCE Achiever Winner
September: Anna Stewart
Promoting principles such as environmental responsibility, democracy, leadership and community service is at the centre of Anna Stewart’s co-curricular activities.
Her school, Ballarat Grammar, is one of many around the world who are involved with the Round Square Organisation. The Round Square philosophy aims to support the development of students through academic, physical, cultural and spiritual experiences. The philosophy itself is based on the notions of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service – together they form the acronym IDEALS.
Anna has been successful in incorporating these ideals into her work for the community and within her school. She has used them to raise awareness of important issues, such as promoting relief programs for victims of natural disasters in Burma and China, as well as promoting Co2 reduction schemes for World Environment Day.
She has represented her school at an International Round Square Conference in Scotland and has been a group leader at an Australasian Junior Round Square Conference. Her active participation within the organisation has given her a unique perspective and understanding of the world. ‘My involvement with Round Square has really helped open my eyes to different cultures and people. It has also provided me with a global perspective on things – of the world beyond Ballarat.’
One area that Anna is highly committed to is raising money and awareness for East Timor. She has played a key role in organising a large fundraising event called ‘Desks for Dilli’ which raised money for Ballarat Grammar’s sister-school in East Timor. She also initiated and managed a raffle ticket stall to promote awareness and raise money for the cause.
A highlight of the ‘Desks for Dili’ fundraiser was a concert featuring the renowned Dili Allstars, a Melbourne-based funk/ska band made up of Timorese and Australian musicians. One of the founding members is Anna’s uncle – Paul Stewart.
Other East Timor benefit campaigns Anna has been involved in include selling benefit CDs called ‘Hau Abut – I am woman’ to raise money for a Women’s Health Clinic in Dili. She participated in a 10 km ‘Trek for Timor’ earlier this year, which aimed to raise money for the community of Ainaro in East Timor. Anna, with her family, forfeited their Christmas presents last year and asked that money be donated to the Alola Foundation instead. This effort raised $500 and went to assist women and children in East Timor.
Even though Anna is keen to support causes for East Timor, many of her other extracurricular activities focus on the local Ballart community. She has volunteered at the local primary school to help with after-school care and students’ homework. Anna also spent lunchtimes volunteering at a special school participating in activities with children who have disabilities.
As a qualified swimming instructor, Anna has taught preschool and primary school children to swim. ‘I have enjoyed sports for as long as I can remember, particularly swimming. That’s why I got into coaching. Seeing kids develop and improve their skills gives me great satisfaction. It also improves my people skills.’
In the summer holidays she has also volunteered as a Surf Life Saver. ‘I find it rewarding to be able to use my passion for swimming to help others.’
At school Anna is a leader and highly regarded member of her school and is often looked upon as a mentor for younger students. She is highly involved with organising and participating in the school’s House sporting competitions and also plays in the school’s senior girls’ soccer premiership side.
Next year Anna is planning to take a gap year and travel to Europe. She is particularly keen on re-visiting all the places she saw on her trip to Europe as part of her International Round Square Conference trip. After that she is looking to study international relations and commerce.
