College – Issue 35

EXCHANGES Kayaks, dolphins and volunteering in Perth

Round Square representatives Cameron Jones and Alex Hlavac spent a week in Perth in the April holidays, the only New Zealanders at a Round Square Australasia and East Asian Regional Conference.

The 50 students, including from Canada, China, Japan and Australia, were housed at the Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and, although at first it was somewhat daunting, the College boys soon settled in. With a theme of “the footprints we leave”, the conference was addressed by guest speakers on topics such as the importance of volunteering and the impact it can have on a community. “I found it inspiring and it made me think about ways we can make a difference in New Zealand,” Alex told a College assembly. “We then acted on the words of the speakers and participated in

activities such as removing invasive tree species, and making care packages for homeless people.” He says the conference impressed upon him the impact of everything we do. “Through our interaction with each other, or the environment, everything leaves an impression. And it is our duty to make that impression as positive as possible.” The boys also enjoyed kayaking with dolphins, stand up paddle boarding, biking along the coast, and discovering the Bunbury Walk/ Amazing Race. The chance to attend the conference “allows us to gain an understanding of other cultures,

and how to communicate with people who do not speak English as a first language. Overall it was a great experience and I would highly recommend the Round Square conferences to anyone who is interested,” says Alex. Dr Graeme Swanson was with the boys in Perth. Cameron Jones says the experience of representing College at such a diverse gathering and the opportunity to take part in the programme was unforgettable.

College Issue 35 2018

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