Tomorrow, a small cohort of adventurous learners (including six students and two staff) will return home to Australia after attending the Round Square International Conference.

Over the past two weeks, they have had the opportunity to hear from incredible international speakers, including former Round Square students like themselves who have gone onto become mentors, leaders, activists and creators, while exploring Oxford, Kent and Berlin. They have been challenged to think about the future, particularly their relationship to the environment, and how they can contribute to the world.

As we have had to press pause on many interstate and international opportunities over the past few years, it is wonderful to hear how these girls are taking invaluable lessons away from a global experience.

I have really valued the information provided by all the guest speakers, which was both inspiring and also very straightforward in telling us the importance of acting on climate change now. – Siena Heffernan Lucic (Year 11)

Many of the speakers have also instilled the Round Square ideal of adventure, taking on opportunities and also seeking out the next amazing project … One of my favourite quotes from Ben Fogle was to, “Climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you”. – Nicole Webb (Year 11)

Though the ideal that was most discussed was environmentalism, I think I connected with internationalism the most because of how many new people I have met and all the things I have learned from them. – Natasha Lippett (Year 10)

The conference was a chance to develop my understanding of the world and how to truly put my knowledge, my interests and my strengths towards helping others. – Jini McGrath (Year 11)

The baraza groups gave us all an opportunity to discuss our own individual viewpoints on the issues at hand. Being able to hear how everyone thought whilst being comfortable to speak my own voice and respectfully agree and disagree was an experience I will never forget. – Suzain Hassan (Year 11)

I have listened to people from such diverse interests and backgrounds of the world, from people who have scaled Mount Everest, young people who live in disadvantaged countries to people who have voyaged the world in a fully sustainable boat; each person I’ve listened to speak, including my fellow peers, has taught me something different. – Nidhi Karachur (Year 11)

Through our involvement with Round Square, girls have the chance to develop relationships with like-minded students all over the world as they participate in service projects, online conferences and once-in-a-lifetime global opportunities.

However, the ability to think globally is not wholly dependent on overseas experiences. Our Year 9 Amaryllis Form are collaborating with Wilderness in Nepal (WIN) to launch the upcoming ‘Walk Everest in a Day’ at Belair National Park.

As part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award service component, the girls will walk 8,848m (8.84km) – the height of Mount Everest – to support the development of a medical centre in the Bhadure community and the fit out of a community centre and library in the Junbesi community.

I encourage you to mark Sunday 23 October into your calendar, and RSVP here to participate. It will be a great way to join our girls in caring for others around the globe, while hopefully enjoying a walk in the springtime sun as well.

For those of you who are going away during the break, I wish you safe travels, and whether you are staying home or travelling, I hope you all enjoy the October holidays.