'Postcard' from Ashbury College
On Wednesday, 24th January, an enriching Postcard was hosted by Ashbury College, bringing together representatives from a diverse student body with around 130 participants from 20 school in 7 countries. This gathering was centred on exploring the principles of Round Square, a framework dedicated to holistic education. A group of six students from DAIS, participated in this postcard reflecting on their own IDEALS of Round Square.
The event was structured to facilitate in-depth discussions and collaborative learning. To achieve this, delegates were divided into smaller breakout rooms, each focused on delving into the six core IDEALS of Round Square. These IDEALS include Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. The breakout rooms provided a setting, allowing delegates to engage deeply with each IDEAL, understand their significance, and reflect on their application in our educational journey and personal growth.
Internationalism promoted the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, fostering global understanding, and breaking down cultural barriers. Democracy emphasized the value of inclusive decision-making and the empowerment of every individual within a community. They discovered that schools worldwide shared a common feature-the presence of a Student Council. Environmentalism highlighted the interconnectedness between humanity and the planet. Schools around the world indulged in waste reducing initiatives like implementing recycling programs and promoting composting to minimize waste, just like ours. They realised the importance of annual celebration of Earth Week at DAIS and how widely it is celebrated. Next, Adventure instilled the significance of stepping out of comfort zones to foster personal growth and resilience. Breakout room leaders from the host school were impressed on hearing about the several adventure camps and field trips organized by DAIS. Leadership underscored the essence of servant collaboration and empathy. The principle of Service encouraged delegates to take collective responsibility and contribute positively to society. The interplay of the Round Square IDEALS was evident in the dynamic discussions and collaborative initiatives undertaken. The exchange of knowledge between delegates fostered a sense of shared purpose between all of them. As delegates of the Postcard hosted by Ashbury College, delegates not only gained insights into the IDEALS but also developed a profound appreciation for their practical application in shaping well-rounded, responsible global citizens.