A King Constantine Medal Story – Olivia Prickett, Newcastle Grammar School

Olivia Prickett of Newcastle Grammar School in Australia has been awarded her school’s King Constantine Medal for her sustained dedication to Round Square. Through her leadership and commitment, Olivia has helped embed the values of Round Square into her school culture while inspiring others to take meaningful action. Olivia talks about what it means to her:

“Being part of Round Square at Newcastle Grammar School has been one of the most formative experiences of my school life. I was drawn to it because it offered the chance to develop as a leader and an active member of my school, local, and international communities. Round Square became more than just a programme — it became a platform to explore ideas, embrace diverse perspectives, and put values into action.

“Spreading awareness of Round Square and embedding it in our school culture became my mission. I wanted students to experience the opportunities it offers, discover their passions, and see how engagement could enrich both their education and their future. Over the years, I have worked to ensure that Round Square is more than a committee, it is part of our school identity.

“Growing the programme came with challenges. Starting as a small committee, we had to find ways to engage students while balancing already busy schedules. Early on, some treated participation as a “tick-box” activity. Motivating genuine involvement required patience, creativity, and a commitment to consistency. Over time, through teamwork, shared responsibility, and collaboration, we built a dedicated group capable of delivering meaningful impact.

“Our committee’s achievements have been wide-ranging. Round Square Share in weekly assemblies educated the school about our activities. We integrated Round Square ideals into our house system, helping younger students understand and embrace the values. Community projects, such as the community pantry, now involve every mentor group in stocking it annually, while initiatives like Lions Recycle for Sight, International Women’s Day events, fundraising activities, music nights, and Round Square open day stalls have created tangible benefits for our school and local community. Internationally, I had the privilege of attending conferences in Kenya, serving as a Baraza group leader, and leading discussions on harmony, diversity, environmental sustainability, and history labs.

“This work has required tenacity, staying committed over time, even when challenges arose, and finding creative ways to keep students engaged. Seeing Round Square grow from a small committee to a major part of school culture has been incredibly rewarding, but I cannot take full responsibility for this achievement. It has been the culmination of effort from the amazing committee members, staff, and the broader school community.

“Receiving the King Constantine Medal is a humbling recognition of years of consistent effort and collective achievement. It acknowledges the importance of perseverance, initiative, and collaboration, and it inspires me to continue contributing to Round Square, nurturing future leaders, and ensuring that its values remain a lasting part of school life.”

Four Steps to Creating Sustainable Impact in Your School

1. Start with a clear vision and purpose
Identify what matters most to you and your community. Olivia’s goal was to embed the values of Round Square into Newcastle Grammar’s culture and encourage genuine student engagement. A clear purpose helps guide decisions, focus energy, and inspire others to join your mission.

2. Build a committed team
No lasting impact can be achieved alone. Engage peers, staff, and mentors who share your vision, and ensure that everyone has a voice. For Olivia, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility allowed the committee to grow from a small group into a central part of school life.

3. Balance innovation with sustainability
Introduce new initiatives thoughtfully, while ensuring that existing projects continue to thrive. Olivia helped expand Round Square Share, integrate values into the house system, and maintain the community pantry, creating structures that could continue even after she moved on. Sustainability ensures your work leaves a lasting legacy.

4. Persist through challenges
Tenacity is key. Olivia faced low engagement, competing commitments, and moments when progress felt slow. By staying consistent, finding creative solutions, and keeping the bigger picture in mind, she was able to overcome obstacles and make meaningful change. Recognise that perseverance is as important as ideas or planning.