Round Square - Edition 3 - 2020

Hosted by Scotch College, Perth, Australia

I have recently returned from the annual Round Square Regional Reps meeting. After a late change of venue, we were generously hosted this year by Scotch College, located in the beautiful city of Perth.

As part of the Round Square network, it was clear the IDEALS are an integral part of who Scotch College are, not just something that is talked about. Not only was their learning environment perfect for a conference, but it was a great place to make connections with other Round Square schools and learn about the ways in which other schools incorporate the Round Square IDEALS and Discovery Framework into their school communities.

Being able to network with so many of the Round Square Reps from the Australia and East Asia region, meant my knowledge of Round Square and the opportunities available to us also grew. During the conference, many plans were made for future Regional and International conferences and we were also privileged to hear speakers from Round Square schools in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, who told us about their special programs and plans for this year and the future.

During the course of the conference we were also given time to share information about our own school and discuss how we embed the Round Square IDEALS and Discoveries into our activities and programmes.

Some time was also spent discussing just how much Round Square is growing as a network throughout the world (approximately 10% growth per year). Our Region is in fact one of the largest and is growing rapidly. Round Square CEO Rachael Westgarth from the UK was also present and provided us with a number of updates on Round Square initiatives and research, and focussed particularly on how the Round Square Discovery Framework is now being incorporated by many schools in our region in a variety of ways. I am excited to find ways we could incorporate the new ‘Heroes of Discovery’ in future programs at Westminster, particularly for our younger students.

One of the things that always resonates most for me though at these meetings is the concept that we as schools need to focus more on ‘being’ Round Square rather than ‘doing’ Round Square. Round Square should always be the philosophy that underpins what we do, not a separate entity or ‘club’, so rather than saying ‘We DO Round Square’ let’s start saying, ‘We ARE Round Square’.

I look forward to sharing more information about ideas and projects through Round Square as the year progresses.

In each eNews article I like to highlight one IDEAL of Round Square to give our school community, particularly those new to Westminster, a better understanding of what it means to be a Round Square school and exactly how this features at Westminster. The word ‘Leadership’ can mean a variety of things and being a ‘Leader’ doesn’t just mean you are ‘in charge’ of something. We try hard at Westminster to encourage all of our students to develop their leadership skills in a number of different ways whether that be by ‘leading’ a specified school group or ‘leading’ within their classroom, friendship or co-curricular groups.

‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.’ - John Quincy Adams

‘A spirit of leadership is found in those whose convictions are rooted in personal responsibility, kindness and justice. It recognises that successful leaders are driven by a desire to be of service to others and to nurture, guide, develop and help them to improve and succeed.

A range of leadership skills are marshalled and employed to influence and enlist the support of individuals, teams or communities in the achievement of a shared objective.

Strategic thinking and analysis of both the current situation and the objective enable the creation of a route map for achieving that objective. Self-belief and an ability to gather and process ideas, set direction, and create and share a vision that is exciting and dynamic inspires others to take action and to share ownership. The capacity to generate a sense of belonging in others leads to team members feeling valued for their contributions and taking pride in their efforts and achievements.

A person living out a spirit of leadership demonstrates personal literacy in understanding and employing both their own skills and abilities and those of their team to the greatest effect. Self-confidence, determination, motivation, intuitive decision-making, persuasion and negotiation and creative problem solving are all in evidence as is the ability to spot opportunities and take calculated risks. Self-awareness and emotional-literacy allow for confident tempering, analysis and expression of emotions both for the leader and those that they lead.’

Taken from the Round Square website: www.roundsquare.org

The RSSC (Round Square Student Committee) at Westminster is chaired by students, and various leadership positions of consequence are shared by the students. The annual International, Regional Senior and Junior Conferences are an ideal forum for students to demonstrate leadership skills, both in the planning process and public administration. Leadership is promoted in both the Preparatory and Senior Schools at Westminster through School leadership positions, as well as in co-curricular activities. Leadership is promoted in Service projects and Adventure activities where the students are encouraged to take a major role in the planning, organisation and evaluation phases.

Many opportunities are given to our students to develop these skills in ‘Leadership’ throughout their schooling and Westminster is proud of the way our students show initiative and leadership in a multitude of ways, a genuine example of character education in full swing.