Round Square Postcard | How do Schools Preserve and Celebrate their Heritage and Traditions?

Last week, we had the opportunity to attend the Round Square Postcard (online forum), hosted by Christ’s College Canterbury in New Zealand. The event brought together students from schools all around the world, creating an environment where we could connect, collaborate, and share ideas on building connections across cultures and communities.

The conference’s topic was ‘How does your school preserve and celebrate its heritage and traditions?’ and we explored this through sharing traditions at our School and discussing their importance – for example, the biennial Sydney Opera House Concert, the MLC School Colour Run and House system. Through collaborative conversations, break-out rooms, and student-led activities, we were challenged to consider how many of the traditions we practise today shape our School and how we connect to others in our community. 

One of the many highlights for us was meeting different students from different countries, and hearing about how their heritage and traditions differ from ours. We found that although we live in completely different places, many of our traditions share a degree of similarity – such as annual music concerts or inter-house sport competitions. Our events bringing together MLC School alumnae and intergenerational events celebrating successes post-graduation was what set us apart from the rest. 

We also participated in collaborative activities that enabled us to think creatively and work together. We were given the opportunity to brainstorm potential new traditions we could implement in our schools – one idea we came up with was a wellbeing week for all students to take their mind off studies and instead focus on their own mental health and wellbeing. 

By the end of the event, we both walked away feeling inspired. The conference didn’t just allow us to share about our School’s heritage and traditions, but also empowered us to further implement Round Square values within our School society. It encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, speak to new people and engage with different perspectives and ways of thinking. We left with new friendships made, a plethora of meaningful insights, and a renewed motivation to incorporate Round Square ideals into our own School community.

A special thank you to Mr Wijanto, Round Square Coordinator, for organising our participation and supporting us throughout the process, ensuring we were able to attend and fully engage in the conference.

– Charlotte Hui and Vy Truong (Year 8)