From an International Languages Chapel Service and an IDEALS scavenger hunt to a noteworthy multilingual karaoke and a global quiz night, Round Square Week has delivered a school-wide celebration of diversity at Christ’s College.

Round Square is a growing network of more than 250 like-minded schools in 50 countries on six continents that connect and collaborate to offer programmes and experiences, helping to develop character and confidence in students.

College Head of International and Round Square Benson Geng-Wang points out that Round Square Week aims to go beyond just the ‘Internationalism’ aspect of the six IDEALS, which also include Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.

“It was always my goal to go beyond focusing solely on Internationalism as part of the IDEALS for Round Square Week,” he says. “Without a doubt, this year’s Round Square Week has achieved that, incorporating other IDEALS such as ‘Adventure’ through the scavenger hunt, ‘Leadership’ through the Leadership Q&A session, and ‘Service’ through the sausage sizzle fundraiser.”

Monday

The week has got under way at the International Languages Chapel Service, with Ericsson Ye giving a reading in Mandarin, and Jan-Adriaan Van Wyk leading the prayer in Afrikaans. Meanwhile, Benson has delivered the sermon, reminding the school that “Round Square is about the connection”. He has invited everyone to fold their arms the opposite way and hold them there in a symbolic gesture of stepping outside their comfort zones, where growth happens.

After featuring different languages in Chapel, boys representing all the Houses have been kept busy deciphering scavenger hunt clues based on the six Round Square IDEALS. Julius has won the ‘hunt’, with Condell’s House and Corfe House, 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Tuesday

An international karaoke contest has drawn a full house to the Old Boys’ Theatre, with students singing in Māori, German, English, Korean, and Afrikaans. Some performances have been notably entertaining, “bringing energy to the event”.

Among the highlights has been an audience-backed version of "Auf uns" performed in German by international boarders Clemens Ritter and Bene von Wuelfing.

Language teacher Maude Turgeon-Leblanc, Headmaster Joe Eccleton, and former Director of Music Robert Aburn have taken on the roles of judges.

Wednesday

At the Leadership Q&A, eight College Prefects have answered a range of audience questions about their roles and the commitment required to be a school leader.

Questions such as “What legacy do you want to leave behind?” and “How do you manage your time?” have sparked insightful and reflective responses.

Thursday

A range of food trucks have attracted a student crowd to the Upham Quad, with boys sampling flavours from around the world, including Okonomi Juju’s Japanese fried noodles and Crazy Spud’s spiral potatoes.

The positive rivalry of the Round Square Quiz Night has also been celebrated, with about 120 students from College, St Margaret’s College, and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School vying for the top spot. Daniel Wilson, David Wayne, Edward Elworthy, Seb Hailey, Jonty Gray (Christ’s College), Maddie Glossip, Sophie Percy and Kate Lynas (Rangi Ruru Girls’ School) have been crowned the quiz champions, earning each member a $15 Westfield voucher.

Friday

The week has wrapped up with a non-uniform day, celebrating the colours of the Olympic rings – each representing one of five continents. At the Round Square Assembly, Ihaka Cate has been named the karaoke champion, with Cole Moffatt second and Edward Killick and Ollie Trollip in third equal place. The winners of the Round Square IDEALS kahoots quiz held during mentor time have also been named, with Will Murahidy, Jacobs in first, Harrison Laing second, and Alex Fulton third.

A video featuring Old Boys has also been shared, highlighting their ongoing connection to the Round Square IDEALS, and Luke Kim, 2023 Head of International and Round Square, has returned to deliver a special message to the school.

At lunchtime, a sausage sizzle fundraiser has supported Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR, which backs the efforts of the global UN Refugee Agency.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have had such a skilled and dedicated Round Square committee – Yannis Zhang, Tate Aikawa, Yul Kwon, Thomas Visakan, Nisal Pathirana, Jan-Adriaan Van Wyk, James Bandasak, Archie Nijjar, Charlie de Costobadie (Year 12s), and Jeffrey Jiang, Max Hao, and Om Lathia (Year 13s) – as well as the unwavering support of the ever-organised International Student Manager and Round Square Representative Sarah Davidson,” Benson says.

“Also, a special shout-out to the Dining Hall staff for creating a special menu with food from different cultures each day. The week wouldn’t have been such a success without them. Everyone truly played their part.”