Junior Round Square Conference
In Term 3, a delegation of Year 5 students attended a Junior Round Square Conference in Launceston, hosted by Scotch Oakburn College. This gathering marked the return of the Victoria/Tasmania Cluster of Round Square Schools, with students from the Primary Years coming together to explore the IDEALS of Round Square. After a hiatus due to COVID-19, this was the first Cluster Conference since 2019. Ivanhoe students joined delegations from schools including Hutchins School (Hobart), Scotch Oakburn College (Launceston), Woodleigh School (Frankston), Mentone Grammar, and Ballarat Grammar. These conferences offer a unique opportunity for like-minded schools to connect, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones while engaging with Round Square’s core values.
Throughout the conference, the Plenty Campus students adapted and overcame challenges that were thrown their way, including a significant weather event creating high winds and flooding across Tasmania. This created a need to make significant changes to accommodation and the conference program. It was incredible to observe how flexibly our delegates responded to this challenge. Nothing seemed too hard for them and they reflected on how lucky they were to be safe and dry while attending a special event such as this. Our students mixed in with those from other schools in what is known as Baraza groups, aptly led by Year 1 students from our host school. Baraza is a Swahili word meaning ‘circle of wisdom’ or ‘talking circle’.
Students exhibited terrific democratic and collaborative skills, making new friends along the way. They enthusiastically engaged in all challenges including discussions, problem-solving, construction, sporting events and even a breakdance off among the Baraza groups.
The Year 5 delegation is highly commended for representing the School with great character and resilience.
