Latest news with #RoundSquare
The Herald
06-08-2025
- The Herald
Five Woodridge Prep ambassadors to represent SA at international conference in India
A group of Woodridge Preparatory School pupils will soon be jetting off to India to represent SA as the only local school participating in the Round Square International Junior Conference. The event, hosted by Sunbeam School Lahartara in Varanasi, India, will be staged from August 19 to 23. The pupils, aged between 12 and 14, are among dozens from Round Square schools across the globe set to discuss topics on the organisation's six foundational ideals, namely internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership and service. Woodridge Preparatory's five ambassadors are Austin Botes, Murray-John Boonzaier, Anita Krugel, Jasper Poultney and Gibran Hassim. Accompanying them will be the school's Round Square head, Garron Adlard, and head of the eco-committee and school librarian Roslyn Pienaar. Woodridge Preparatory principal Trevor von Berg said these moments of connection, learning and leadership reflected the school's commitment to nurturing compassionate, courageous and capable future leaders. He said the week of workshops, cultural exchanges and collaborative learning would foster personal growth among the participants. 'We are beyond excited for our pupils to take part in this life-changing journey,' he said. 'They will not only represent our school and country with pride, but will also return with new perspectives, friendships and the confidence to help shape a better world.' In preparation for the experience, the group will attend a pre-conference cultural immersion camp at the Gamtoos Ferry Hotel from Thursday to gain important insights into Indian culture, including temple etiquette, traditional customs and a deeper understanding of the country's multifaith religious landscape. After the conference, the young delegation will embark on a cultural and environmental tour until August 29. 'In Delhi, they will enjoy a guided tour of the President's House, explore the fascinating Museum of Illusions, and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Old Delhi with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, capped off by a vibrant kite-flying session at a traditional haveli,' Pienaar said. 'The journey continues with a day at an organic farm outside Delhi, where the pupils will discover sustainable farming techniques, learn about reducing carbon footprints, and explore the ancient relationship between humans, animals and the land. 'An organic farm-style lunch and a practical workshop on urban terrace gardening will follow. 'The afternoon will be filled with creative and recreational activities such as pottery, knitting and horse riding, all offering valuable lessons in self-sufficiency and environmental care. 'From there, the group will travel by one of India's fastest trains to Agra, where they'll visit the monumental Agra Fort and witness the Taj Mahal at sunset — a breathtaking moment of global heritage appreciation. 'Later, a trip to Bharatpur's Keoladeo National Park will allow the delegation to cycle through nature, enjoy a sketching workshop and absorb the wonder of one of the world's most renowned bird sanctuaries.' The Herald
Qatar Tribune
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
PPS launches new sport complex to elevate holistic student development
Tribune News Network Doha Podar Pearl School (PPS) has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art Sports Complex, its most ambitious infrastructure project to date, designed to advance the holistic development of students. Under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the school was recently ranked as the top institution in the Education World Global Index Survey. At a formal signing ceremony held at its Doha campus, the school leadership, alongside the Board of Directors, senior education officials, and leading representatives from Qatar's engineering and construction sectors, marked the commencement of this landmark initiative. The new Sports Complex will feature world-class facilities to promote physical education and student well-being, including: •Outdoor Facilities: Football pitch, athletic track, and cricket ground •Indoor Facilities: Courts for badminton, volleyball, basketball, squash, handball, and netball •Wellness Zones: A yoga studio and an open fitness area to encourage healthy, active lifestyles 'This Sports Complex is more than just infrastructure, it embodies our educational philosophy,' said Mohammed Nizar, president of Podar Pearl School. 'We are not merely building facilities; we are shaping the future of integrated education in Qatar. With our Madinatna campus now operational and new campuses planned for Al Khor and Al Gharrafa, this project is a critical milestone in our broader vision.' The project unites Qatar's premier firms: • Qatar Design Consortium (QDC): Architectural and design consultancy • Almana Engineering and Contracting Co.: Main construction contractor • Qatar Multi Tech Trad & Cont.: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services Scheduled for completion by October 2025, the Sports Complex will significantly enhance the school's capacity to host inter-school tournaments, training workshops, and recreational programs, cementing Podar Pearl's position as a regional leader in sports-integrated learning. Dr. Maneesh Mangal, principal of Podar Pearl School, emphasised, 'This complex reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing champions-both in academics and athletics. Our students deserve world-class facilities, and this initiative sets new benchmarks for excellence.' Dr. Steffy, vice chairperson of Podar Pearl School, commented, 'As Qatar's first Round Square-accredited school, this Sports Complex will be instrumental in fostering Round Square values, particularly leadership and adventure, through immersive, real-world experiences that inspire and empower our students.' As global education increasingly prioritises holistic development, Podar Pearl School continues to lead with vision, innovation, and impact-setting new standards for educational excellence in Qatar and beyond.
