About

Round Square International Service

Round Square is a world-wide association of schools on five continents sharing unique and ambitious goals. Students attending Round Square schools make a strong commitment, beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility.

The Round Square approach promotes six IDEALS of learning: Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service. These are incorporated into the curriculum throughout all member schools.

Access to the Round Square network affords member schools the opportunity to arrange local and international student and teacher exchanges on a regular basis between their schools. Pupils also have the opportunity to participate in local and international community service projects and conferences.

Tasks tackled through the community projects include building schools, classrooms and community centres; building clean water systems for remote hill-tribes or creating and maintaining trails in National Parks. Local materials are used, and teams always work with local people ensuring that they take ownership of the work once it has been complete.

Their teams currently work in Thailand, Cambodia, Peru, Honduras, India, Kenya, South Africa, Romania, and Canada.

Aims

Round Square aims to equip school children for the future by combining the 6 IDEALS of international understanding, democracy, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership and service. Activities organised or facilitated by Round Square and its schools for young people in order to promote these IDEALS include:

Round Square conferences, which are run both internationally and regionally.
Round Square International Service Projects, addressing community issues in remote locations.
Regional Projects, which are smaller scale international projects and conferences presented both nationally and internationally;
Local and international student/teacher exchanges facilitated between member schools within the Round Square network.

Round Square Global Forum.

These gatherings allow student delegates to meet from many dissimilar backgrounds to share cultural differences and to discuss internationally relevant issues.

Appointment Holders

1. RS Head : The Headmaster, Mr DVS Rao

2. RS Rep : Mr Kuldeep Singh

Recent Activities

Round Square Conference - Coping with Stress

On March 20, 2024, St. Andrew's School for Girls, South Africa, hosted a significant virtual event on Coping with Stress. This Zoom conference drew participation from Round Square schools worldwide, serving as a platform for sharing insights and strategies to manage stress effectively. Seven students from The Lawrence School, Lovedale, played an active role in the discussions, enriching the dialogue with their perspectives and knowledge.

The students from The Lawrence School who participated in the conference hailed from various classes, representing a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. Among them were Aahana Yadav (class 7), Emaya PS (class 8), Aryaveer Agarwal (class 8), Devansh Mutha (class 8), Adrika Zaara Arun (class 9), Advika Kumar (class 9), and Krishiv Agrawal (class 9). Their enthusiastic involvement demonstrated a collective commitment to addressing stress-related challenges prevalent among students.

Guiding the students both before and during the conference was Ms. Merlyn M Fernandes, the School Counselor. The students were well-prepared to engage meaningfully in the discussions. The seven participants from The Lawrence School shared insightful perspectives on various stress management techniques. They explained how regular exercise can increase serotonin levels, thereby improving mood and reducing stress. Additionally, they introduced the Eisenhower matrix as a tool to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. They emphasized the role of planning and preparation ahead of time to avoid last-minute burnout. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of maintaining a moderate amount of stress for optimal performance and discussed the significance of examinations in academic life. Moreover, they acknowledged the crucial role teachers play in supporting students through stressful times.

Throughout the online meeting, ample techniques were shared among participants and the host school on ways to deal with stress. Participants learned about the concept of eustress, understanding that a certain amount of stress can be beneficial for productivity, while excessive stress, known as distress, can hamper productivity. Psychologists from the host school answered questions from participants, emphasizing the importance of practicing deep breathing regularly to manage anxiety and mitigate panic attacks.

In conclusion, the Zoom conference hosted by St. Andrew's School for Girls served as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared learning.

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Round Square Zoom Postcard

The Round Square Zoom postcard event took place on the 21st of February at 6:30 PM, hosted by St. Stithians Girls' College in South Africa. The central theme of the event was "Community Care," aiming to foster discussions and exchange ideas on the importance of community service and ways to enhance it.

The following students and staff members attended the event:

1, Akansha

2. Alisha A

3. Nithivarshika

4. Vaani

5. Anoushka D

6. Anushka Naik

Staff

Ms Merlyn Fernandez

Mr Kuldeep Singh

Throughout the 90-minute session, participants engaged in thoughtful discussions revolving around various aspects of community care. The topics discussed were as follows:

Common Practices towards Community Service in Your School: Participants shared insights into the prevalent practices regarding community service within their respective schools. This included initiatives, projects, and programs aimed at benefiting the community.

Should Community Service Be Awarded: The debate surrounding whether community service should be incentivized through awards or recognition was explored. Participants discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of such approaches.

How to Solve Hunger - Initiatives School Should Take: Strategies for addressing hunger and food insecurity within communities were deliberated upon. Participants brainstormed potential initiatives that schools could undertake to contribute towards alleviating this pressing issue.

Sustainability in Community Service: The importance of sustainability in community service endeavors was emphasized. Participants discussed methods for ensuring that community service initiatives are enduring and have a lasting impact.

Skills Required for Community Service: The question of whether specific skills are necessary for effective community service was examined. Participants shared their perspectives on the essential skills and qualities needed to engage in meaningful community service activities. The students from Class Nine actively participated in the conference, contributing their thoughts, insights, and perspectives on each of the topics discussed. Their presentations and reviews added depth and diversity to the conversation, enriching the overall discourse on community care.

Overall, the Round Square Zoom postcard event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas, inspiring participants to further explore ways to foster a culture of community care and service within their schools and beyond.

Kuldeep Singh

Round Square representative

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Mental Health in Teens

ROUND SQUARE ZOOM POSTCARD

On the 30th of January 2024, Palmer Trinity School, USA hosted a Zoom postcard on the topic ‘Mental Health in Teens’. The following students were nominated to attend the session:

Aadya Bhatnagar - Class 11
Aiyana Singh - Class 9
Anoushka Deepak - Class 9
Rehan Abbas - Class 11
Riyo Keisham - Class 11
Vishvarajsinh Jadeja - Class 11

The School Counsellor, Ms Merlyn M Fernandes also attended the session. Students across the globe were part of the Round Square Zoom postcard. During the session, breakout rooms were organised, allowing each participant to share their perspective on mental health issues in their respective schools.

Dionne Delgado, the chief resource person explained how we respond to stress, detailing its impact on our bodies and elucidating the fight-flight-freeze response. She also gave strategies on dealing with stress - reading a book, getting enough sleep, drinking adequate water, practising mindfulness, yoga, hugging pets, or talking to a trusted person.

The students from The Lawrence School, Lovedale shared their insights on how schools could serve as shelters for those grappling with family issues, providing valuable input on the matter.

The students grasped the significance of mental health and recognized the importance of implementing a mental health curriculum in schools.

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Recycling and Distribution Initiative Under the Aegis of the Round Square

We are excited to share that we have launched an eco-friendly and socially impactful initiative under the aegis of the Round Square to support underprivileged students in the Nilgiris district. We understand the importance of providing resources to nearby educational communities, so we have started a recycling project that repurposes old notebooks and unused papers. As a result of our efforts, we have successfully restored 250 notebooks to look and feel like new again.

I am delighted to share that, as of this update, we have successfully distributed 200 of these refurbished notebooks to needy students within the Nilgiris district. This initiative supports sustainability by recycling unused resources and underscores our commitment to uplifting every child's academic potential, irrespective of their socio-economic background.

We thank all involved in making this initiative successful, including our diligent students, supportive staff, and the wider community. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.

Kuldeep Singh

RS Representative

Round Square Conference, Sunbeam School, Varanasi

The Round Square Conference held at Sunbeam School, Varanasi, was an inspiring and enriching event that left an indelible mark on the six participating Class 9 students. Themed "Dream, Believe, and Achieve" under the Leadership Pillar of Round Square, the conference provided a unique platform for students to learn, grow, and connect.

During an exciting four-day period, the students had the privilege of attending informative sessions led by renowned speakers. Pratish Nair and Pranav P. delivered an insightful talk on leadership, inspiring students to pursue their goals. Dr Kannan Girish conducted a compelling session on gratitude and the seven habits of successful individuals, providing valuable life lessons that will undoubtedly assist these students on their future paths.

The cultural aspect of the conference was captivating. Mr Tarafdar's Kathakali performance and Padmashree Dadi Padumjee’s rendition of "Satya ki Khoj" transported students to the world of Indian classical art, encouraging deep introspection.

The event broadened the students' knowledge horizons and allowed them to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and a sense of global unity.

As these students resume their daily schedules, they bring along a wealth of experiences and insights acquired from the Round Square Conference. Their involvement is evidence of Sunbeam School's dedication to fostering all-around growth and producing future leaders who can achieve their aspirations.

In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." The Round Square Conference at Sunbeam School, Varanasi, has undoubtedly sown the seeds of such belief in the hearts and minds of these young attendees, propelling them towards a future of endless possibilities.

Participants:

1. Namith P

2. Malhar B

3. Krishiv A

4. Aviral S

5. Manasseh

6. Adway K

Teacher Escort: Rachit Goswami