Round Square

The school's World Food Day 2024 celebrations engaged students across all age groups in understanding food inequality, food insecurity, and responsible consumption. Primary Years Programme (PYP) students explored these ideas through discussions, posters, and interactive games that emphasized sharing and reducing food waste. Middle Years Programme (MYP) students examined both historical and modern perspectives on unequal food access through skits, discussions, crosswords, and participation in the FAO poster competition, where they creatively combined Indian cultural elements with global themes. Senior students delved deeper into the systemic causes and impacts of food scarcity, as well as possible technological and scientific solutions. Activities such as a video featuring "Freddie the Foodie" and a jeopardy game highlighted the contrast between food waste and hunger.

Aligned with the theme "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future" and the goal of Zero Hunger, the event successfully raised awareness, strengthened critical thinking, and inspired students to take action toward solving global food challenges.

The school hosted PETA India's animatronic elephant, Ellie, to educate students from LKG to Grade 8 about animal welfare and conservation. Through engaging, age-appropriate sessions, mentors and student leaders encouraged empathy for elephants and raised awareness about the challenges faced by captive animals. Ellie's storytelling approach helped students connect emotionally with the message, making it easier for them to understand and reflect on animal cruelty and compassion.

During the sessions, particularly in the Primary Years Programme (PYP), students engaged in meaningful discussions about how everyday activities, such as attending animal circuses or rides, may contribute to animal harm. Volunteers guided students to think critically and explore practical ways to show empathy in their daily lives. The event's success was driven by strong collaboration among 65 student volunteers, who carefully planned, practiced, and delivered interactive sessions that were both impactful and engaging.

DAIS Grade 7 student leaders hosted a postcard attended by 30 schools across 7 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, the UAE, and India. The Postcard, themed "NEVERODDOREVEN", a palindrome symbolizing equality was conceptualized by three passionate Round Square co-curricular students as part of a module on the IDEAL of Internationalism. It focused on exploring equity and equality through diverse global perspectives, encouraging delegates to reflect on fairness within their own communities.

Extensive preparation went into the event, including training 51 student leaders who facilitated 17 breakout rooms for over 200 delegates. Through mock sessions, feedback, and collaboration with senior mentors and teachers, the team curated engaging and thought-provoking activities. The session began with an original composition on equality, followed by a powerful introductory video and an interactive game, "Put a Letter Down," which encouraged critical thinking. Breakout room discussions enabled meaningful debates and sharing of perspectives, while a final activity had delegates evaluate real-life situations on a scale of equality. The Postcard successfully inspired students to recognize inequality and emphasized the importance of speaking up as a first step toward building a more just and fair world.

The middle school World Food Day sessions focused on raising awareness about food wastage and its global impact. Through debatable questions and interactive discussions, students explored the consequences of food waste, its disposal, and how local actions can affect global food systems. These activities encouraged students to reflect on their own habits, such as portion control in the cafeteria, and recognize the urgency of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. The planning process included student-led interviews, pre-recorded videos, and statistical insights, which helped build a deeper understanding of the issue. Reflection through exit tickets showed a positive shift in students' attitudes toward food consumption and waste.

For primary students, the objective was to build awareness about the journey of food from production to consumption. Using the relatable example of fries in a "farm to fries" concept, leaders helped students understand the effort involved in growing, processing, and preparing food. This approach encouraged younger learners to value food more and reduce wastage by recognizing the time and resources invested in bringing food to their plates.

The Round Square Postcard hosted by DAIS on 29th March 2023, themed "Music and Moods," was a vibrant and immersive global event that brought together over 175 delegates from 19 schools across 8 countries. Conceptualised after months of dedicated planning by student leaders from Grades 7–9, under the guidance of their mentors, the Postcard stood out for its creativity, scale, and seamless execution. With 51 baraza leaders facilitating 17 breakout rooms, the event not only set a record within the Round Square network but also reflected the strength of student leadership and collaboration. The atmosphere on campus was electric, as student hosts conducted the session live, balancing excitement and responsibility while ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for participants worldwide.

The event itself was thoughtfully structured to maximise interaction and reflection. It began with a compelling introduction, including a teaser and a student-led video exploring how music influences emotions across different contexts. Delegates then moved into breakout rooms where they participated in dynamic activities such as "Guess the Genre" and "Let's Add a Twist," encouraging them to connect music with personal experiences and cultural perspectives. These smaller discussions fostered meaningful exchanges and allowed students to engage more deeply with the theme. The session concluded with a reflective segment and inspiring keynote talks by DAIS alumni Armaan Bivji and Sanket Guha, who shared their journeys in music and insights into its emotional and professional significance. Overall, the Postcard successfully highlighted the universal language of music while strengthening global connections and student engagement.

A student-led initiative at DAIS was organized to address the global food crisis, with a focus on food wastage and production, in support of World Food Day. Planned and executed by students from Grades 8–12, the event included a short assembly for Grades 1–7 and awareness sessions for middle school students. Volunteers created engaging videos and a trailer highlighting food wastage in the school canteen, promoting mindful consumption through smaller portions, and showcasing sustainable practices like converting food waste into compost using the school's AGA composter. These efforts aimed to raise awareness about reducing food waste both in school and at home.

The assembly featured a play illustrating the journey of food from "farm to table," emphasizing the effort involved in food production through the perspective of a farmer. Practical tips such as avoiding over-purchasing, finishing meals, and accepting imperfect produce were shared to encourage responsible habits. Additionally, interactive sessions and class-to-class campaigns for Grades 8 and 9 deepened students' understanding of the food crisis, connecting school-level wastage to global implications. Through discussions and collaborative problem-solving, students were encouraged to reflect on their actions and contribute to long-term solutions for a more sustainable future.

AARSA, a Round Square virtual conference centred on the theme of self-care, was ideated, planned, and executed by over 50 students aged 12–14, with guidance from senior mentors. Built on the idea that "self-care isn't a luxury, it's a necessity," the conference focused on service to self, encouraging students to reflect inward. Months of meticulous planning, including mock sessions and technical rehearsals, ensured a seamless and engaging experience. On 13th April, the conference welcomed over 250 delegates, beginning with an introductory video and keynote address that emphasized the importance of self-care. Interactive activities such as Bamboozle and "Share a Compliment" allowed delegates to connect, express emotions, and build a positive, supportive environment.

The conference continued with two baraza sessions that encouraged deeper reflection through activities like Sid the Self-Care Soda's situations, word association games, and "Who am I?" exercises, helping students explore their identities, emotions, and personal well-being. Keynote speakers Ms. Iram Khan and Ms. Rachna Shah highlighted the importance of self-care and shared practical strategies, while creative elements like the mascot Sid added energy and engagement. The event concluded with reflections, an interactive "Self-care or not?" activity, and a vote of thanks. Beyond the conference, DAIS student leaders also mentored peers from École Alsacienne, sharing insights on planning and leadership. Overall, AARSA successfully created a safe, reflective space that empowered students, fostered global connections, and left a lasting impact on all participants.

The Round Square Postcard "LaughTopia," hosted by DAIS on March 16th 2022, focused on using humour as a tool for self-expression and maintaining a positive mindset. The event began with an engaging session by keynote speaker Ms. Meghana Gandhi, who encouraged delegates to embrace positivity through an interactive activity called "Yes, Let's." Delegates then moved into breakout rooms where they participated in fun yet reflective games such as "Riddle Ride," "Larry's Laughable Problem," and "LaughOmeter," all designed to help them reframe challenging situations with humour and optimism. These activities allowed students to connect laughter with resilience and emotional well-being.

The planning process involved extensive discussions among student leaders, who initially explored broader themes of self-expression before narrowing it down to humour as a meaningful and relatable approach. With guidance from mentors and Round Square representatives, the team carefully designed interactive sessions, visuals, and content to ensure both engagement and reflection. After the baraza sessions, delegates returned for group discussions and participated in a light-hearted "Never Have I Ever" reflection, sharing relatable experiences from student life. Overall, LaughTopia successfully created a joyful and safe space for students to explore positivity, connect with peers globally, and learn to view everyday challenges from a brighter perspective.

As part of a DAIS Round Square initiative, Grade 11 student volunteers conducted a two-week World Food Day awareness campaign from 1st to 20th October, engaging students from UKG to Grade 10. Through a mix of videos, quizzes, games, storytelling, and discussions, they highlighted key topics such as food wastage, the journey of food from farm to fork, and the effort involved in producing meals. The sessions aimed to instill a sense of responsibility among students, encouraging them to adopt healthier eating habits and reduce food waste at home and within their communities. Supported by teachers and Round Square mentors, the initiative successfully made learning both engaging and impactful.

The planning process began in mid-September, with student leaders carefully designing age-appropriate sessions while maintaining a consistent core message: that food, though essential, is also a privilege and should not be wasted. The campaign received highly positive responses, with students demonstrating thoughtful reflection and offering practical solutions such as taking smaller portions, sharing excess food, feeding animals, and properly managing leftovers. The initiative not only raised awareness but also fostered a culture of mindfulness and responsibility, leaving a lasting impact on the school community beyond the duration of the event.

On 20th October 2021, DAIS hosted a Round Square Postcard titled "Colours of India," bringing together over 170 delegates aged 11–13 from seven countries. The event aimed to showcase India's diverse and vibrant culture through the lens of colours, beginning with an introductory video highlighting traditions, festivals, food, attire, and art across the North, South, East, and West regions. Delegates from countries such as Armenia, Japan, Jordan, South Africa, Tanzania, the United States, and India actively participated, sharing the cultural significance of colours through a pre-task. Breakout baraza rooms, led by 37 trained student leaders under the mentorship of Ms. Manisha Nanda and Ms. Pratima Sridhar, featured engaging games and activities that encouraged cultural exchange and comparison.

The planning process began months in advance, evolving from a small group of Grade 6 students into a large, collaborative team. Through extensive brainstorming, mock sessions, and feedback, the team refined their activities and presentations, further strengthened by a Baraza training session led by Round Square expert Mr. Duncan Hossack. The event concluded with a reflective activity titled "Culture Craze," where delegates responded to questions using interactive prompts, leading to enthusiastic participation and meaningful reflection. The Postcard was highly successful, not only for its scale and engagement but also for fostering global connections, cultural appreciation, and confidence among student leaders, leaving a lasting impact on both participants and organizers.

On 10th and 11th May 2021, DAIS hosted METANOIA: Discover and Express Yourself through the Arts, a student-led, teacher-mentored Round Square event that brought together 120 delegates aged 11–13 from 17 schools across South Asia and the Gulf region, along with a 20-student DAIS delegation. Organized by over 85 students from Grades 9–12 under the guidance of Ms. Manisha Nanda and Ms. Pratima Sridhar, the event aimed to explore self-expression through the arts. It featured inspiring keynote sessions by DAIS alumni Ms. Janavi Folmsbee and Mr. Ranveer Allahbadia, who shared their personal journeys of creativity and individuality, encouraging delegates to embrace their passions and express themselves authentically.

The two-day event offered immersive workshops across five art forms Dance, Drama, Art, Writing, and Music each designed to foster creativity and confidence. Activities ranged from improvisational skits and gibberish communication in drama, to poetry writing and storytelling in writing, and innovative art creation using unconventional materials. Dance sessions explored multiple styles with creative challenges, while music workshops allowed delegates to express themselves through performances and collaborative activities. Baraza sessions further enriched the experience through discussions, games, and reflections, helping students connect and deepen their understanding of self-expression. Overall, Metanoia created a dynamic and supportive platform for students to explore their identities, communicate emotions, and appreciate the transformative power of the arts.

Samaanta, a student-led global perspectives symposium, was conceptualized during the lockdown as DAIS students reflected on the growing urgency of gender inequality. Organized by students from Grades 10 and 11, the virtual event brought together 215 delegates from 36 schools worldwide to explore gender inequality through diverse cultural lenses. The symposium began with an impactful keynote by filmmaker Ms. Vibha Bakshi, who shared insights from her work on gender injustice in India and emphasized the importance of involving all genders in driving change. This was followed by cultural presentations from international delegations, including countries such as Chile, Japan, UAE, South Africa, Peru, and Bangladesh, which highlighted how gender inequality manifests differently across societies while also showcasing efforts to address it.

Delegates then engaged in baraza discussions, where they shared personal experiences, analysed stereotypes through film clips, and explored both subtle and explicit forms of inequality. These discussions encouraged critical thinking and empathy, ultimately leading participants to propose actionable solutions such as promoting education, challenging stereotypes, and empowering communities. The outcomes were consolidated into creative expressions like pledges, poems, and posters, serving as commitments toward change. Overall, Samaanta successfully fostered meaningful dialogue, global awareness, and a sense of responsibility among students, inspiring them to take active steps toward achieving gender equality in their own communities.