Round Square-Internationalism (Ballarat Grammar School Visit)

Just before half term, we were delighted to welcome the arrival of a delegation of twelve students and two teachers from fellow Round Square school, Ballarat Grammar, from just outside Melbourne, Australia. The ten girls in the party were hosted by kind families from the SSGC community for a period of three days. On Thursday morning, the group began their exciting Saints Experience with a tour of the campus, followed by a class on South African Culture and Language, led by the multi-talented Mr Sibeko, who had everyone in stitches as they attempted to click their way through our local greetings and vernacular!

Fortunately, our visitors’ stay coincided with the annual Round Square Chapel Service so some of the students were able to share a presentation about their hometown and school along with other speakers who contributed photos and reflections on their exchange and conference experiences. After a picnic lunch, we headed to the Marimba Room for an engaging music lesson with Mr Mike Sibanda.

On Friday, our guests were back in the classroom, this time with Mr JP Oosthuizen who enthused the students about the geography and geological heritage we enjoy in our beautiful country. This was followed by a fascinating history lesson presented by Ms Tebogo Maneli. Using protest music to guide us through the long road from Apartheid to democracy, Ms Maneli engaged the whole class in discussions about our country’s past and present realities.

In between the academics, our group popped across to the Boys’ College to attend their formal chapel service and then scooted back to GC for a lively student assembly, where they received their Saints Stripes and got to experience our award-winning spirit cries. Despite the fact that there were only three grades present (Grades 8, 9 and 11), the quad vibrated with energy and enthusiasm that was deftly controlled by our incumbent school leaders.

On Friday evening, the Morrison Family treated many of the Australians and their hosts to a traditional South African Braai, so the week culminated with good cheer and lots of laughter. On Saturday morning with a chill in the air and reluctance in the hearts of all, goodbyes were reluctantly exchanged. The Ballarat contingent clambered onto their bus ready to depart for their next adventure: a safari experience in Dinokeng followed by a trip to Cape Town.

Our friends are now safely home, but their teacher-in-charge, Ms Jill Coote, affirmed that their South African Study Tour had been the experience of a lifetime. Ballarat Grammar has invited a group of our students and teachers to visit Victoria next year, so watch this space if you are interested in applying to be part of the delegation!