2023 Round Square Junior Leadership Conference NZ
Roxanne Egan & Tammi Renshaw had the pleasure of taking four of our remarkable Year 9 students, Ben Chavez, Kai Jarmain, Esther Klerck & Eleanor Twine to New Zealand for the 2023 Round Square Junior Leadership Conference at the end of Term 4. Our whirlwind 9-day adventure began in Wellington, before attending the conference.
Day 1: We strolled through the city and Harbour, visiting New Zealand’s National Museum, Te Papa Tongarewa where we were impressed by the different exhibits including Te Taiao (Nature Exhibit), Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War and Te Huka ā Tai (which focused on Māori culture).
Day 2: We took a ride on the iconic Cable Car, which would offer a spectacular panoramic view of the city, harbour and surrounding hills on a clear day. We also managed to complete the Temple challenge at Escape Mate with only 45 seconds to spare.
Day 3: We made our way through beautiful mountains and fields to Whanganui. We settled into our Boarding House accommodation before preparing for the welcoming ceremony. There were 150 student representatives from India, China, Canada, New Zealand, United States and of course many Australian schools. The conference theme was ‘If you are called to lead – you are invited to serve.’
Students participated in Baraza evenings to carry out various activities relating to culture & leadership. Other Group activities included:
• Marae Trip – Cultural Experience: Where we learnt two Māori songs, Hikitia te Hā Tai Chi & learnt directions in Māori through a game from the ageless and vibrant “Uncle Terry”.
• Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre – Adventure Day: Students divided into groups at the outdoor education centre focusing on orienteering, high ropes and Sally Duxfield taking our students through the importance of sleep and daily routines.
• Community Service Day – Our St Philip’s group were chosen to go to Gordons Park to help resurface the walking track and remove the very invasive African fern which chokes out the native plants on the forest floor.
• The final day impressed with the Whanganui Collegiate School Haka, a paddle steamer ride up the river, a Museum visit & traditional Māori Canoe experience.
• Inspirational Guest Speakers:
Hadleigh Reid: Mercy Ship Volunteer and developed a dental care program affordable for those living in poverty. Mercy Ships are floating hospitals that provide life-changing support to those in desperate need.
Rachel Māia: Para Climber shared her journey in a raw, authentic and incredibly inspirational way. Her story of resilience, self-belief and living in the moment captivated everyone in the room.
“Making new friends” was the unanimous highlight for the conference students. We have no doubt many life-long friendships have been made during this experience.
On the final evening, leaving all the newly developed friendship across countries and cultures was a sad moment but many happy photos, numbers, social media accounts and addresses were exchanged.
The students were exceptional and made us extremely proud. Well done, Ben, Eleanor, Esther & Kai.
~ Tammi Renshaw
Community Service Co-ordinator & Round Square Assistant
~ Roxanne Egan
Teacher - Head of McKay House