College – Issue 34

ROUND SQAURE College becomes a global member school

From candidate member to full global member – in March Christ’s College was admitted as a global member of the Round Square network at the regional meeting held in Beijing, China. On hand to accept the accolade was Deputy Principal Rob Donaldson, who was able to assure Round Square that its IDEALS of learning (internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service), all of which focus on building character and better preparing students for the challenges of a globally oriented future, were embedded into College’s own Strategy 2020. College first became aware of Round Square a couple of years ago, and prompted by Executive Principal Garth Wynne, the school set about investigating the possibilities of becoming a member of the prestigious organisation, and the benefits which would accrue for every boy. A committee of staff and students was established to see if it would be worthwhile joining, and with a positive response, the steps were put in place to apply for membership. “Over the past year College has made great progress in embracing the Round Square IDEALS,” says Rob. “Among them, we have formed a student-led International/Round Square committee which has

successfully run an Adventure Day and an International Week, which incorporated many Round Square- related activities on campus, as well as in the classroom. “We also expanded our exchange programme with Round Square schools – our first with Scotch Oakburn College, Tasmania, is well underway – and we have sent students to the global conference. Another student attended a Vietnam service project and others will go to the Bunbury conference in Australia this year,” says Rob. “We could demonstrate that we are moving strongly along the pathway defined by the Round Square IDEALS. We are pleased the committee of principals who reviewed our application, could see we have made sufficient progress to justify full membership.”

With 180 schools worldwide now involved in Round Square, and every continent represented, College is in a great position to lead change and assist with international research. Head of International and Round Square Junie Wee told the College community in March about the benefits of a more proactive appreciation of diversity in all its

Junie Wee with other attendees at the Round Square Global Conference

College Issue 34 2018

63

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker