International Opportunities for 2025 Membership of the Round Square network of schools gives us access to many opportunities for our students to develop their understanding of the Round Square IDEALS:

Intercultural Understanding
Democracy
Environmental Stewardship
Adventure
Leadership
Service

These experiences enable our students to develop into young women with a global outlook, who are empowered to lead into the future.

We are pleased to announce that we are looking into several opportunities for International Experiences for 2025 in addition to the 2025 China Tour and Year 10 International Exchanges. All these experiences will involve working with other students from Round Square schools around the world and include:

• Model United Nations in Seoul, 5-10 February 2025, open to students in Years 10-12, 2025

• The Big Baraza in Oxford, 11-18 April 2025, open to students in Years 10-12 (turning 15-18 years old in 2025).

• Round Square International Conference, Dubai, September 2025, open to students in Years 10-12 (must be turning 16-18 years old in 2025)

Further information will be sent via email in the near future.

Exchanges
Tam, Sophie and Lainie are now 2 weeks into their exchanges and are having amazing experiences.

Lily Erbe (Year 11) has been hosting Jemma Boulton from Bridge House School in Cape Town for the last couple of weeks. Last year Lily was fortunate to spend time with Jemma and her family as she attended Bridge House on exchange. It has been a wonderful opportunity for Lily and Jemma to reconnect and continue to develop these relationships.

Jemma Boulton Exchange Reflections so far
I had never imagined a sense of home 10,100 km away from my home.

I arrived in Australia for the first time on the 30th of September, after 26 hours of travel. I was welcomed by the Erbe family with big smiles and hugs. The wholesome reunion with my exchange partner Lily Erbe was long-awaited. 

On my first day of school, I felt welcomed by the school's sisterhood. The excitement of meeting new people outweighed any slight nervousness. Being able to come to an all-girls school proposed diverse aspects of learning compared to back home where I attend Bridge House, a co-ed school. Withholding many differences yet similarities, equipping me with a different point of view when it comes to learning. Both schools embody similar values due to them being a part of the Round Square program, allowing students to go on exchange through the Round Square exchange program.

In my first two weeks I have already had some truly memorable Aussie experiences such as the Adelaide Royal Show, cuddling a koala, patting a kangaroo, watching a footy final, wildy sports day, having vegemite on toast, and being featured on 7 News. These experiences have led me to build meaningful friendships and bonds. Which makes me so excited for the 4 weeks to come. 

Round Square Week
In week 8 we held our RS Week during which we participated in activities related to the IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, Service).

Our Ambassadors showed their leadership through preparing a range of activities for students including a bake sale, a lunchtime quiz, games and dodgeball at lunch. We also heard from students who had been involved in RS activities at the MS Assembly and watched a vlog prepared by the Internationalism sub-committee showcasing the range of international experiences have had during the year.

The Middle School Round Square committee planned lunchtime activities for the girls in the Middle School based on the IDEALS. The year 9's did school and geography trivia, based on the service and internationalism IDEALS. The year 8's did teamwork and blindfolded games, based on the democracy and leadership IDEALS. Lastly the year 7's played dodgeball, based on the adventure IDEAL. We planned these activities to teach people what the IDEALS are and how they can be used in everyday life. Addison Raeside

Another highlight of the week was our service activity - assembling birthing kits for the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia (BKFA).

BKFA is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes during birth in developing countries. It provides birthing kits that contain basic supplies, such as sterile gloves, gauze, ties and soap, designed to facilitate clean and safe deliveries. These kits are important in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, reducing the risk of infections and complications during childbirth. BKFA plays a vital role in lowering maternal and infant mortality rates, promoting health equity, and supporting safe birthing practices globally. This event was incredibly successful with over 200 kits being created. Lauren Fergusson

Thank you to Addison Raeside, Layla Woodall and Lauren Fergusson for their work in organising these activities.

AISSA Indigenous Immersion Program
It is not just our students that participate in developing global awareness and expand their intercultural knowledge. This term Sarah Wheeler participated in the AISSA Indigenous Immersion Program, spending a week in Eastern Arnhem Land. Below are her reflections and some photos reflective of her amazing experience.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2024 Aboriginal Cultural Immersion Program in East Arnhem Land, a partnership between Culture College and the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia and New South Wales. Over the course of a week, I, along with a group of fellow educators, was immersed in Yolŋu culture and traditions, and this experience left me with lasting reflections.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just an educational experience—it was an invitation to slow down and connect. The Yolŋu's relationship with the land is unlike anything I’ve encountered before. The idea of “listening to Country” resonated deeply with me. Walking through the vibrant landscapes of Gulkula and Nyinyikay, I began to see how deeply the Yolŋu are intertwined with their surroundings. The land is not just a backdrop but an active participant in their culture, law, and way of life.

Learning side-by-side on Country was important to me. Across both Gulkula and the Nyinyikay Homeland I had the opportunity to learn about the history of the Yolŋu people as well as the current and future issues they face. I had the opportunity to experience bush medicine first hand, to learn the traditional art of harvesting plants and using them to weave, to practice speaking in language and also to participate in traditional dancing under the stars.

What also struck me was the strength of community. Yolŋu society is built on balance and inclusion, with a genuine sense of equality and reciprocity. I was deeply moved by the way we were welcomed and included, as if we were family. This sense of belonging and interconnectedness reinforced for me the importance of community and the responsibility we all share in fostering reconciliation.

The week was both eye-opening and transformative, leaving me with a deeper understanding of what it means to belong, to respect, and to learn from one another. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this experience and am eager to bring these insights back to my own community and classroom. Sarah Wheeler

Stephanie Andrews
Head of Global Learning