Round Square Conferences

Luca Thavarasah, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus

In the last week of Term 3, six Ivanhoe Grammar School students and I embarked on the “Beyond the Dunes” Round Square Conference Tour. Our journey began with an incredible pre-conference tour of Oman, where we explored the country’s culture, stunning landscapes, and experienced the warm hospitality. We spent a week immersing ourselves in its traditions, learning about its history and connecting with students from across the globe.  

The second part of our adventure took us to Dubai, the ‘city of dreams’, where the conference was an eye-opening experience, allowing us to work with children of determination. Meeting people from different parts of the world and discovering their ways of life and perspectives was truly a highlight. The experience broadened my worldview, encouraged conversations about leadership and service, and strengthened friendships that will last a lifetime. It was a truly unforgettable journey.  

Alex Wilson, Year 12, Plenty Campus

The Round Square International Conference 2025 was truly one of the highlights of my year. From embarking on the pre-conference adventure in Oman to discovering the rich history and culture of the United Arab Emirates, this incredible experience will remain etched in my memory as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  

Before the main conference, we took part in a pre-conference trip to Oman, travelling with students from four other schools around the world. We explored museums, wandered through traditional souks, and even stayed overnight in the desert. We went sand dune driving and got to experience the local culture in the best way possible. One of my favourite memories was dancing in a local restaurant in the middle of Muscat with the staff, and a few of my peers. It was such a fun and spontaneous moment. We also became really close with two delegates from Canada, spending every day together laughing, sharing stories, and making unforgettable memories. 

The conference in Dubai itself was incredible. Hosted by three different schools, it kicked off with a huge Bedouin-style dinner in the desert with more than 1,400 delegates from across the globe. There were camel rides, henna tattoos, and an amazing buffet under the stars, it honestly felt surreal. 

The rest of the week was packed with inspiring keynote speakers and time spent in our “Baraza Groups,” small groups of students from different countries discussing big ideas like inclusion, mindfulness, and caring for the planet. My highlight was the Service Day, where we spent time with “people of determination” (children with special needs) cooking, dancing, and creating art together. It was such a special day, and the talk from adults with disabilities afterwards was incredibly moving and inspiring. 

By the final day, none of us wanted it to end. We’d made so many new friends, shared so many laughs, and learned so much. The Round Square Conference was honestly an experience that I’ll never forget.

Maya Hopper, Year 12, Plenty Campus 

Recently, a group of Year 11 students from the Plenty Campus contributed to an incredible leadership opportunity, supporting primary school students in a Round Square Conference at the Kinglake Forest Adventure Camp. Over three days, ten Year 11 leaders facilitated the learning of Year 5 and 6 students from across Victoria and Tasmania as they participated in activities relating to the 2025 conference theme “Ashes to Action”. This learning revolved around the devastating impacts of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires on the community of Kinglake and far beyond, with students exploring fire prevention response and management practices. Within the three days, the Year 11 leaders helped engage the students as they collaborated to produce a presentation outlining their new knowledge and ideas generated by the conference.  

The first day at Kinglake Forest Adventure Camp involved team building exercises run enthusiastically by the Year 11s, who also began teaching the students the history of the Black Saturday fires and the lasting impacts on surrounding communities. By sharing perspectives collaboratively, it was amazing to see how the Year 5 and 6 students immediately delved into the topic and its implications, and the Year 11s loved being a part of their educational journeys.  

The following day, the students were given a presentation at Plenty Campus by Ivanhoe Grammar School teacher and CFA Volunteer Mr. Hoogenraad, who gave valuable insight into the crucial role of the CFA and development of fire-fighting technologies over his time in the service. The students really enjoyed this presentation and eagerly began work on their presentations, helped along by their Year 11 mentors.  

The final day of the conference was back at the Adventure Camp, where students presented their learnings in multiple forms such as TV interviews or short drama plays to all the other students, teachers and mentors involved in the conference.  

Overall, the Year 11s were very grateful to be involved in this amazing opportunity, and inspired by the creativity, collaboration and compassion demonstrated by the students, who will undoubtedly make great leaders of the future.