Round Square
Round Square National Exchange Program
The National Exchange Program has concluded for 2024. This year thirteen Year 8 students ventured to Queensland, Western Australia, Canberra, Newcastle and Sydney, to attend another Round Square school for two weeks. Exchange students then hosted a visiting student for another two weeks and students enjoyed sharing our school with their guests.
Below are some comments from our students about their experiences:
I chose to apply for exchange because the thought of it excited me; meeting new people, going to a place and school you've never been to and spending 2 weeks experiencing a different life.
I have learnt how important it is to me to have my own space and family around me, but I can also do difficult things like exchange.
I chose exchange because I knew it would give me a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone, do something new an meet new people. I also did it to give me a rough idea on what exchange is like as I am keen to do year 10 exchange.
I would say know what you are committing to, because it was a lot more work and effort than I was expecting. It included many things like catching up with schoolwork when I got back and all of the preparation needed before I went. I would also say that you should fully apply yourself when you are there and make an effort to do as much as you possibly can while you are there. For example, join in with sports, make lots of friends and do either their or your schoolwork all the time.
Every experience or opportunity that comes your way while on exchange is one of a kind so don’t be scared or embarrassed to do something, no one’s judging you, just have a go.
I wouldn't change anything about my exchange I really enjoyed it and am so grateful to have this amazing opportunity.
Current year 7 students can learn more about this opportunity that awaits them at year meetings and assembly at the start of 2025.
Mrs Kate Anderson
RS National Exchange Coordinator
Year 5 Leadership Retreat
The Junior School’s inaugural Year 5 Leadership Retreat was held on Monday 4 November at the Robyne Ridge Recreation Centre at PLC. This day was designed as part of the Term 4 Round Square Leadership Program that Year 5 have been participating in and was timed to be at the start of camp week.
Students were involved in workshops that explored the six Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service. Activities included Speedy Speeches studying effective communication, Resettlement that discussed the issues involved in moving to another country and The Lava Pit that challenged the students to work together to solve a problem. It was wonderful to see everyone engaged with the activities and the positive, respectful interactions all round.
Afternoon activities were centred on self-reflection. Using the Discovery Portfolio, the students reflected on elements of the Round Square IDEALS they have already demonstrated in Year 5 and they were able to think ahead of some ways they would like to be involved in the Junior School in 2025. Next was an affirmation activity where students were asked to identify some of their beliefs. The day finished with all students going through the 2025 Leadership Application form, that was then sent home for families to discuss and complete if students so choose.
A special lunch was provided for all, funded by Round Square and brought to PLC by Mrs Milliken. Dr Parry also visited us during the afternoon during the Affirmation Activity, which was a wonderful surprise.
Thank you to Ms Anderson who does a lot of work behind the scenes and without her the Junior School's Round Square experiences would not happen. She provided the Round Square activities that we adapted for our year 5 students and organised our delicious lunch. The Junior School is very grateful for her support, enthusiasm and hard work.
Thank you to all the staff who made the day such a success. Miss Hazelton, Mrs Seedsman, Mrs Church, Mrs Byrne and Ms Anderson worked with the students in the workshop activities and Mrs Church ran the Affirmation Activity. It really was a great day that set our students up well for camp and for the next steps in the leadership process.
All photos here: Year 5 Leadership Retreat 2024
Mrs Muriel Fatai
Junior School Round Square Project Officer