In early December 2023, seven students and two staff from Matthew Flinders Anglican College ventured to New Zealand’s central North Island to attend the Round Square International Leadership Conference at Whanganui Collegiate School.
Over five days, the 200 participants from 20 Round Square schools around the world enjoyed learning about leadership, service and adventure while making new cultural connections.
Whanganui, with its surrounding rivers, sea and volcanic mountains, provided a stunning location for students and staff to experience team building, high ropes, orienteering, river crossings and the sheer beauty of the native bush.
The conference also featured guest speakers, baraza discussion groups, tours to learn about Maori culture and community service projects where delegates helped with painting classrooms at a primary school and planting trees in a local park.
A special highlight was the formal conference dinner on the closing night and a haka farewell from our new friends from Whanganui Collegiate School.
In 2024, Flinders students will have opportunities to apply to Round Square opportunities, including a service project to Thailand in July, and student exchanges with Round Square schools across Australia and internationally.
Flinders is proud to be part of the internationally diverse Round Square network of more than 200 like-minded schools in 50 countries on six continents, with all upholding the IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
Student & Staff Reflections
After the inspiring week in New Zealand, our students and staff shared their reflections.
Demi
“I came into the conference unsure of what was in store, but I never would have thought I would come home a different person. I learned so much about the incredibly vibrant culture and made lifelong friends.“
Stella
“I enjoyed going back to my roots in New Zealand, and being able to revisit the Maori culture, and of course take in the gorgeous landscapes. All the students at Whanganui Collegiate were so welcoming and helpful throughout the week. Whether it was singing in the Maori language, crossing a river, speaking in front of a group or meeting new people, I can safely say that each and every one of us stepped out of our comfort zones. And thanks to Flinders and Whanganui Collegiate, it was an experience I’ll never forget.”
James
“It was an extraordinary experience, and allowed me to better understand Maori culture and traditions. I had fun climbing, orienteering and rowing - all things I would’ve never done if not for this trip. The trip also helped me appreciate the local geography and history of the school, especially its involvement in events such as the First World War and the Second Boer War.”
Chelsea
“I learnt so much from the culture and the opportunities we participated in. Never ever would I have thought that I would come out of the Round Square NZ trip with lifelong friends from all around the world.”
Mr Andrew Street
“The students on the trip were inspirational, resilient and resourceful, and embraced the opportunity for leadership openly. Within the first hour of the trip they were organising meals, finding directions and looking out for the wellbeing of others; by the end of the trip they had developed quite an entourage of friends from New Zealand, Bermuda, US, Canada, China, India and Australia. As a teacher, it was amazing to witness, and I really hope I can engage with more Round Square activities in the future.”
Round Square schools uphold the IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service, and provide student exchange opportunities and service projects with partner schools in Australia and internationally.
