Round Square Term 1 Review: Dialogue, Leadership and Global Connection
This term has been an important one for the IDEALS Society, as students engage deeply with the values that shape our school’s Round Square identity. Under the guidance of our Round Square & Community Captain, Emily Wu (Year 12), and the support of Mr Henry Wijanto (Round Square Coordinator) the Baraza Groups have continued to develop as thoughtful and purposeful forums for discussion. The Baraza model, drawn from East African tradition, centres on open dialogue, shared responsibility, and collective understanding. Bringing this practice into our school, has fostered an environment where students can explore complex issues with maturity and respect.
Throughout Term 1, our Baraza conversations have been both wide-ranging and grounded in real world relevance. We examined the Social Media Delay and how it is affecting students, as well as what responsible online citizenship looks like for young people today. We discussed the gender pay gap, not only in sport but across a range of industries and reflected on the structural inequalities that continue to shape opportunity. We explored the pink tax and the ways in which everyday consumer habits can reinforce gender expectations. And finally, we analysed this year’s “political Super Bowl”, looking at how political spectacle, media influence and public engagement intersect modern democracies. These discussions challenged us to think critically, articulate our ideas clearly, and listen with intention.
The skills developed in Baraza groups proved invaluable when participating in the Round Square Postcard discussions, notably MLC School’s own International Women’s Day Postcard.
Postcards bring together students from around the globe, for short, focused conversations on global themes, and stepping into that international space can feel daunting. Yet the habits we had built, including active listening, respectful debate and the ability to connect personal experiences to broader global contexts, meant we were well prepared. Engaging with students from different cultural backgrounds broadened our perspectives and reminded us of the shared values that underpin the Round Square network.
As we look ahead to Term 2, there is a strong sense of purpose and anticipation. Planning for Round Square Week, in Week 10, is already underway, with students working to design activities that will bring the IDEALS values to life across the school. The aim is to create a week that is engaging, reflective, and genuinely student led, offering opportunities for the wider school community to participate meaningfully.
Work will also continue the IDEALS mural, designed by Visual Arts Captain Maxine Hawkins (Year 12) and Kushla McCaul (Year 12) in late 2025, a project that will become a visual expression of our commitment to global citizenship. The mural represents not only artistic collaboration but also the collective identity of the IDEALS Society. Watching it develop has been a reminder that the values we discuss are not abstract; they are something we build together, piece by piece.
One of the most significant undertakings of the coming term will be preparing to host a tour for visitors from Brookhouse School, (Nairobi) who are sending a delegation to the annual Round Square Conference at Barker College. This is a major event in the Round Square calendar, and students are already stepping into leadership roles to support planning, logistics, and the overall vision for a pre-conference tour. Hosting delegates from across the world is both a responsibility and an opportunity, a chance to showcase our school’s commitment to the IDEALS and to strengthen our connections within the global Round Square community.
Reflecting on the term, the IDEALS Society has continued to grow not only in numbers but in depth of engagement. The Baraza Groups have helped us develop the confidence to speak, the discipline to listen, and the curiosity to question. The Postcard discussions have shown us the value of international dialogue and the importance of approaching global issues with openness and humility. And the work ahead in Term 2 promises to translate these conversations into action.
With the leadership of Emily Wu and Mr Wijanto, and the enthusiasm of all involved, the IDEALS Society enters the new term with momentum and a shared sense of purpose. As we move into Term 2, there is a shared belief that our continued collaboration will strengthen the IDEALS community and leave a lasting contribution to our school.
– Melisande Pitman (Year 10)
IDEALS Society Member
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