Round Square International Conference 2019

In September and October 2019 the Boys’ and Girls’ College students and staff were privileged to attend the RSIC 2019 in Indore, India. This was preceded by a fascinating preconference to Leh, Ladakh, located up in the Himalayan region. 

After nearly 30 hours of travel, St Stithians College arrived in Leh, comprising Gretchen Maruggi, Matthew Ross, Rohan Doubell, Katleho Matlala, Isabella Keogh, Suhail Khan and Dhruv Daya. We were encouraged to spend our first day resting and acclimatising to the high altitude of roughly 11 000 feet above sea level. We were later joined by Dainfern College representatives and Landheim School (Germany) representatives. Together, we formed a well-knit team and enjoyed our time together in Leh. 

The pre-conference tour was a busy time which saw visits to various monasteries, sights and villages throughout the city and on its outskirts. This included spending time with buddhists in their homes, hiking in lower-peaked mountains, engagements with monks, and a drive through the second highest mountain pass in the world (roughly 17 500 ft above sea level). We experienced the majestic Pangong Lake, the discipline of Buddhism, the vibrancy of the city and the variety of food. 

We no sooner got settled into the serenity of life in Leh before we had to pack up and travel to Indore for the RSIC 2019. Here were were met with Marcel Sithole and Christine Ashton. The conference schedule was packed with keynote speakers, barazza sessions, sightseeing, live performances, flag bearing ceremonies, delicious local cuisine and interactions with teachers and students from around the world. There was very little time for sleep but the days were so filled with incredible experiences that it was all worth it. 

Many friendships, connections and bonds were formed that will seemingly last a long time. RSIC is a fantastic opportunity for any teacher and student to attend as the learning and experiences gained are immeasurable.

Much excitement has already begun for the RSIC 2020 held in Australia.