Staff Insights
A time to pause, catch our breath and reflect
May your Easter break be a time of renewal and connection.
A time to pause, catch our breath and reflect
Share this articleBy Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
Term 1 has proven to be another action-packed busy time in the college, the buzz around the college hasn't slowed down one bit!
With a few more weeks to go, we've already seen adventurous and challenging camps for Years 5, 6, 7, and 11, along with music, art and IBDP camps. The term has been packed with diverse opportunities for growth and learning. There have been experiences galore, from adventurous excursions to engaging incursions, the wrapping up of many summer sports, and preparations and commencement of many winter sports.
Today, the entire student body, from Pre-K to Year 12, congregated in the Collegians Centre for the Easter service. In moments like these, I pause and reflect on the vibrant community we're part of. The strong sense of connection, shared values, and common purpose are vividly evident.
Amidst this whirlwind of activity, and with the Easter break upon us, it feels like the perfect time to hit the pause button. Taking a moment to step back from the hustle and bustle allows us to prioritise our wellbeing. Whether it's reconnecting with loved ones and significant people in our lives, soaking up some nature, uplifting moments at the beach or in the mountains, or simply ensuring a peaceful night's sleep without tomorrow's to-do list looming overhead, carving out time for ourselves is crucial.
This pause isn't just about catching our breath; it's also an opportunity for reflection. Reflection is like the secret sauce of learning – it deepens our understanding of lessons, sparks connections between different areas of knowledge, and ultimately leads to a greater sense of fulfilment.
As we prepare for the Easter holiday, let's inspire our community, regardless of age, to embrace this opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation. Let's encourage simple acts of pausing, unwinding, and resetting during this extended weekend.
Consider this a gentle nudge to live with purpose and mindfulness, focusing on being present in the moment. This might involve disconnecting from devices, immersing oneself in nature, taking a trip to the beach, getting your hands dirty in the garden, relaxing, cooking, or creating something.
As we reach the final weeks of Term 1, the energy and activity within the College shows no signs of slowing down! Excitement builds as we anticipate a series of significant events in the College Calendar – including the athletics carnivals, Junior School Hispanic Day, P&F Ball, Foundation Concert, Foundation Day ceremony and Bishop's Cup activities. These are the events and occasions that leave a lasting impression and create memories that will be cherished for years to come.
May your Easter break be a time of renewal and connection, embracing moments spent doing what nourishes you and the significant others in your life.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
Rev. Katherine reflects on the meaning of Easter for us today.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
Share this articleBy Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?
He is not here, but has risen’ – The Gospel of Luke: 24.5
Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in – Leonard Cohen
In 2013 I spent two weeks on an archaeological dig at Bethsaida in Northern Israel and then a week in Bethlehem, Palestine at a Palestinian Christian conference run by Sabeel.
One of my most vivid memories is walking the Via Dolorosa, also known as The Way of the Cross, in Jerusalem. The 14 stations on the Via Dolorosa follow the path of Jesus as he carried the cross to the place of his crucifixion and burial.
The first station is the site where Jesus was put on trial and then condemned to death. Our guide encouraged us to pray the Lord’s Prayer in our own language and to offer it as a prayer for all who are falsely accused and condemned in our world today. It was very moving as our different languages converged in a prayer for peace and justice.
From terrorism to war and crisis, our world is in turmoil. The people of the Holy Land, a land that holds memory and significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, are suffering at an extreme level.
In Holy Week and Easter, we see that God is not removed from the suffering of the world. Jesus is subject to the political powers of the day and the powers of death and destruction. Before rushing to the joy of Easter day, we pause to receive the gift of Holy Saturday, the day between Good Friday and Easter day. It is a time of holy waiting as Jesus is in the tomb and silence descends after the drama, tension, and violence of the previous days.
Grief and waiting give way to joy as the life that Jesus lived is vindicated by God who raises Jesus from the dead. As people of the resurrection, we can live in the knowledge that God will have the final word and that word will be one of peace, love, and justice.
When Jesus appears to his disciples, many of whom abandoned him in his hour of need, his words are words of peace not retribution, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19).
St Paul explains the Easter mystery as follows: “God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold the world guilty of its sins. And he gave us this message of peace.” (2 Corinthians 5:19). The sacrificial love of Christ provides another way of being in the world, as the forgiveness and mercy that we have received become the template for our relationship with others.
The Compass episode The Narrow Bridge on ABC iView is a powerful example of how understanding can develop in the complexity, devastation and resilience of life in Israel and Palestine. The documentary explores the stories of two fathers: Bassam a Palestinian, and Rami an Israeli. Both fathers have had daughters killed in the conflict. Bassam and Rami are members of an organisation called Bereaved Families for Peace which aims to build a bridge to enable solidarity and co-existence. This work is not easy and faces opposition, and yet the group continues their peace-building work.
Easter will mean different things to each of us. May the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection speak to us afresh this year.
Worship this Easter
Local Anglican churches in Canberra (and those on the coast!) would love to welcome you this Easter.
Holy Covenant Anglican Church, Jamison
All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie
Radford Reaches Out
Supporting Radford Reaches out is a great way to put faith into action as we learn about and support local, national and international organisations. For more information read the article on Radford Reaches Out in this week's Bulletin or click here.
News
Everyone belongs
Radford College celebrates Harmony Day
Everyone belongs
Share this articleBy Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain and Ms Karen Mahar, Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
The College was a sea of colour as students and staff came together in cultural dress and splashes of orange to celebrate Harmony Day on Friday 22 March.
Harmony day is a chance to highlight Australia's cultural diversity, learn from each other and to make a statement about racism. It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.
As a Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, our Junior School students exemplified international mindedness by recognizing the importance of harmonious relationships within our community and celebrating diversity.
Our Junior School students participated in various Harmony Day activities. Many students proudly wore ceremonial attire and traditional costumes, while others incorporated a splash of orange into their usual uniforms. Year level groups engaged in cultural songs, music, and interactive activities, collectively embracing the spirit of harmony and diversity.
In the Secondary School, enticing aromas filled the air as students and staff gathered on the Morison lawn to enjoy a picnic with a huge variety of sweet and savoury food items prepared by Radford Awareness and Service students. The language captains arranged craft activities and games from around the world.
We would like to thank everyone involved for creating such a vibrant and inclusive event.
World's Greatest Shave
$100 000 raised for the Leukaemia Foundation
World's Greatest Shave
Share this articleBy Mr Brett Lamson, Head of Year 12
Over 100 students in Year 12 cut, coloured or shaved their hair on Monday and Tuesday to help raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. I have been so pleased to see the dedication and commitment to the cause shown by students, and the way that the entire cohort has gotten behind this cause.
I’m incredibly proud of the way that Year 12 students have put their hands up to participate in the World’s Greatest Shave, to donate to their fellow classmates, to make contributions to the bake sale, or to simply help with sweeping up hair or giving their classmates a pat on the back and a clap after the shave has been done.
I’m thrilled to be able to share with you that at the time of publication the cohort has raised an incredible $101,067.40.
Thank you to the entire Radford community for helping us achieve such a wonderful result and for giving us the opportunity to make such a meaningful contribution to the Leukaemia Foundation and the important work that they do.
To find out more about the World's Greatest Shave or to donate, click here.
Sports Report Term 1, Week 8
Radford wins gold at Rowing Championships
Sports Report Term 1, Week 8
Share this articleAustralian Rowing Championships
By Ms Megan Fritsch, Director of Sport
Day 1
The anticipation was palpable as the Radford Rowing team hit the smooth waters of the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) bright and early Monday morning to kick off Day 1 of the Australian Rowing Championships! All eyes were on the single scull heats in the morning, with nearly every U17 and U19 Radford rower lined up at the starting line, ready to give it their all.
This being a national championship, the competition was fierce, with schools and clubs from across Australia vying for victory. Those placing first, progressed straight to the semi-finals, while the rest prepared for the sudden-death repechage round.
The action continued with the doubles races for both age groups, following the same format of intense competition and high stakes.
As the sun set on an exhilarating day of racing, our team returned to the Western Sydney University Campus Village and were impressed by the spacious student apartment living. The only challenge? The absence of Wi-Fi! We also celebrated our fearless Head of Rowing, Gordon Marcks' birthday.
Day 1 Results
- U19 Womens Single – Zara Turner – 3rd in Heat, through to repechage.
- U19 Womens Single – Zoe Hickey – 7th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U19 Mens Single – Josh Miller – 4th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U19 Mens Single – Angus Scott – 2nd in Heat, through to repechage.
- U19 Mens Single – Rohan White – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U19 Mens Single – Connor Malouf – 1st in Heat, through to Semi-Final.
- U19 Womens Double – Coco Guenther | Amelie Brennan – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U19 Mens Double – Euan Greig | Hamish Whithear – 2nd in Heat, through to repechage.
- U19 Mens Double – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott – 1st in Heat, through to Semi-Final
- U19 Mens Double – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee – 4th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Womens Single – Gigi Hickey – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Womens Single – Isobel Egan – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Womens Single – Hanna Koch – 6th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Womens Single – Lucy Mihaljevic – 7th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Womens Double – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey – 3rd in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Womens Double – Hanna Koch | Lucy Mihaljevic – 2nd in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Mens Single – Charlie Knight – 2nd in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Mens Single – Benjamin Beswick – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Mens Single – Oliver Hoorweg – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Mens Single – Lincoln Uren – 6th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Mens Double – Oliver Hoorweg | Benjamin Beswick – 6th in Heat, through to repechage.
- U17 Mens Double – Charlie Knight | Lincoln Uren – 5th in Heat, through to repechage.
Day 2
Another scorching day on the water, but our Radford crews handled the heat like champions! Our rowers gave it their all in the single and double scull repechages, aiming to secure a top 2 spot in each race for a coveted place in the semi-finals.
A special shoutout to our dedicated coaches, who pedalled alongside our boats on bikes, providing guidance and support every stroke of the way! And let's not forget our incredible Friends of Radford Rowing parents, who go above and beyond to ensure our team is fuelled and ready to compete, even staying late to prepare a delicious team BBQ. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication!
Day 2 Results
- U19 Womens Single – Zara Turner – 1st Repechage – through to semi-final.
- U19 Womens Single – Zoe Hickey – 7th Repechage.
- U19 Mens Single – Josh Miller – 4th Repechage.
- U19 Mens Single – Angus Scott – 3rd Repechage.
- U19 Mens Single – Rohan White – 3rd Repechage.
- U19 Womens Double – Coco Guenther | Amelie Brennan – 4th Repechage.
- U19 Mens Double – Euan Greig | Hamish Whithear – 5th Repechage.
- U19 Mens Double – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee – 2nd Repechage – through to semi-final.
- U17 Womens Single – Gigi Hickey – 6th Repechage.
- U17 Womens Single – Isobel Egan – 3rd Repechage.
- U17 Womens Single – Hanna Koch – 7th Repechage.
- U17 Womens Single – Lucy Mihaljevic – 4th Repechage.
- U17 Womens Double – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey – 2nd Repechage - through to semi-final.
- U17 Womens Double – Hanna Koch | Lucy Mihaljevic – 5th Repechage.
- U17 Mens Single – Charlie Knight – 4th Repechage.
- U17 Mens Single – Benjamin Beswick – 5th Repechage.
- U17 Mens Single – Oliver Hoorweg – 4th Repechage.
- U17 Mens Single – Lincoln Uren – 6th Repechage.
- U17 Mens Double – Oliver Hoorweg | Ben Beswick – 6th Repechage.
- U17 Mens Double – Charlie Knight | Lincoln Uren – 5th Repechage.
Day 3
Day 3 at the Australian Rowing Championships kicked off with an unexpected 3.50 am fire alarm, giving our rowers an early wake-up call! After practicing the WSU fire drill procedures, we were back in bed by 4.30 am, hoping for a few more hours of rest before the big day ahead.
Despite the early start, our rowers showed incredible resilience and determination on the water. Zara Turner shone bright, securing 3rd place in the U19 Women's single scull semi-final, marking Radford's first Nationals final berth!
In the U19 Mens single scull semi-final, Connor Malouf showcased his skills but missed out on a spot in the final. Our U17 womens double duo of Zoe Hickey and Isobel Egan gave it their all but faced tough competition in their semi-final and were unable to make it through to the final.
The 'Hamish Squared' crew, consisting of Hamish McKee and Hamish Gaden, fought admirably in the U19 Mens Double semi-final.
In a thrilling finish, Connor Malouf and Angus Scott narrowly missed out on progressing to the U19 Men's Double final by a mere 0.15 seconds!
We also had our U17 coxed quad initially crossing the line in 1st place, only to be relegated to the repechage due to a random boat weight check – a valuable lesson learned.
Despite the challenges, our rowers pressed on, with the U17 Mens coxed quad and U19 coxless quad showcasing their talent and determination.
Day 3 Results
- U19 Womens Single – Zara Turner – 3rd in Semi Final #2
- U19 Mens Single – Connor Malouf – 9th in Semi Final #1
- U17 Womens Double – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey – 5th in Semi Final #2
- U19 Mens Double – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee – 6th in Semi Final #1
- U19 Mens Double – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott – 5th in Semi Final #2
- U17 Womens Coxed Quad – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey | Lucy Mihaljevic | Hanna Koch | Will Huang (C) – 1st in Heat 6, then relegated to the repechage due to incorrect boat weight.
- U17 Mens Coxed Quad – Charlie Knight | Oliver Hoorweg | Ben Beswick | Lincoln Uren | Jackson Thew – 3rd in Heat 2, progress to the repechage.
- U19 Mens Quad – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Josh Miller | Rohan White – 2nd in Heat 2, progress to the semi-final
Day 4
Day 4 brought more thrilling action on the water at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) as Radford's rowers showcased their talent and determination!
Zara Turner continued to shine, delivering an outstanding performance in the U19 Womens single scull final, securing 6th place overall in Australia – congratulations, Zara! After a short break, she powered through to the Schoolgirls Single Scull heats, placing 1st in her heat and advancing to the semi-final!
Our U17 Women's Coxed Quad showed incredible determination but narrowly missed out on progression, finishing 4th in the repechage event. Similarly, the U17 Men's Coxed Quad gave it their all, achieving a personal best time and securing 3rd place.
Despite some windy conditions, our seniors took to the water with determination. The Schoolgirls Coxed Quad executed their race plan flawlessly, securing 2nd place and advancing to the repechage.
The Schoolboys Coxed Quad also gave it their all, with the B Quad securing 3rd place in their heat and moving into the repechage. The A Quad delivered an exceptional performance, clinching 1st place and securing a spot in the semi-final!
As the winds picked up and the temperatures dropped, our rowers displayed resilience and determination, leaving it all on the water.
Day 4 Results
- U19 Womens Single – Zara Turner – 6th in FINAL
- U17 Womens Coxed Quad – Isobel Egan | Gigi Hickey | Lucy Mihaljevic | Hanna Koch | Will Huang (C) – placed 3rd in the repechage.
- U17 Mens Coxed Quad – Charlie Knight | Oliver Hoorweg | Ben Beswick | Lincoln Uren | Jackson Thew – placed 3rd in the repechage.
- Schoolgirls Single Scull – Zara Turner - 1st in Heat, progresses to the semi-final.
- Schoolgirls Coxed Quad – Amelie Brennan | Zara Turner | Coco Guenther | Zoe Hickey | Charles Kendall (C) – 2nd in Heat, progresses to the repecharge.
- Schoolboys Coxed Quad – Josh Miller | Euan Greig | Rohan White | Hamish Whithear | Moira Geraghty (C) - 3rd in Heat, progresses to repechage.
- Schoolboys Coxed Quad – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott | Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Izzy Faris (C) - 1st in Heat, progresses to the semi-final.
Day 5
Day 5 saw the Radford Rowing team in action once again, showcasing their strength and determination on the water!
First up were our U19 Men's Coxless Quad who put on an impressive display in their semi-final, securing a strong 3rd place and earning a spot in the final – fantastic effort, team!
Next, our Schoolgirl Coxed Quad faced a challenging repechage race, but led by cox Charles Kendall, they raced brilliantly, clinching 2nd place and securing a spot in the semi-final – well done, girls!
In the final race of the day, our Schoolboy Coxed B Quad showed their resilience in the repechage, delivering a powerful performance and securing 2nd place, earning a spot in the final – great work, boys!
Day 5 Results
- U19 Mens Quad – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Josh Miller | Rohan White - 3rd in Semi Final, progress to Final.
- Schoolgirl Coxed Quad – Amelie Brennan | Zara Turner | Coco Guenther | Zoe Hickey | Charles Kendall (C) – 2nd in repechage, progress to semi-final.
- Schoolboy Coxed Quad – Josh Miller | Euan Greig | Rohan White | Hamish Whithear | Moira Geraghty (C) – 2nd in repechage, progress to semi-final.
Day 6
Saturday brought the heat for Radford Rowing, with non-stop action from 8:30 am until 5:10 pm – and what a day it was!
Kicking off the morning, our U19 Coxless Quad showed incredible determination in a tough final, finishing as the 8th fastest crew in Australia – outstanding effort, team!
Zara Turner set the pace in the Schoolgirls Single Scull, finishing in an impressive 2nd place and securing a prime lane for the final.
The Schoolgirl Coxed Quad achieved a monumental milestone, making it to the Nationals final in a very competitive field – a huge achievement for our senior girls.
In the semi-finals, our A and B Schoolboy Coxed Quads gave it their all, with the A Quad clinching 1st place and advancing to the final, while the B Quad displayed incredible spirit despite placing 5th.
The excitement continued with the Schoolgirl and Schoolboy Coxed Quad Sprints, where our teams battled fiercely. Although not every race went our way, the Senior Boys A Quad emerged victorious, claiming the Bronze medal in a thrilling final – a well-deserved achievement after a day of intense competition!
Huge congratulations to all our rowers for their remarkable performances – you've made us proud!
Day 6 Results
- U19 Men's Coxless Quad – Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Josh Miller | Rohan White – 8th in Final
- Schoolgirls Single Scull – Zara Turner - 2nd in Semi-Final #1
- Schoolgirl Coxed Quad – Amelie Brennan | Zara Turner | Coco Guenther | Zoe Hickey | Charles Kendall (C) – 4th in Semi-Final #1
- Schoolboy Coxed Quad – Josh Miller | Euan Greig | Rohan White | Hamish Whithear | Moira Geraghty (C) – 5th in Semi-Final #1
- Schoolboys Coxed Quad – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott | Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Izzy Faris (C) – 1st in Semi-Final #2
- Schoolgirl Coxed Quad Sprint – Amelie Brennan | Zara Turner | Coco Guenther | Zoe Hickey | Charles Kendall (C) – 5th in Heat 1
- Schoolboy Coxed Quad Sprint – Josh Miller | Euan Greig | Rohan White | Hamish Whithear | Moira Geraghty (C) – 4th in Heat 2
- Schoolboy Coxed Quad Sprint – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott | Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Izzy Faris (C) – 1st in Heat 4
- Schoolboy Coxed Quad Sprint – Connor Malouf | Angus Scott | Hamish Gaden | Hamish McKee | Izzy Faris (C) – 3rd in Final (Bronze medal)
Day 7
What a way to wrap up the Australian National Championships – Radford Rowing has truly shone on this super Sunday, bringing home an array of medals and making us all proud.
Kicking off the day, our Schoolboy Coxed B Quad left it all on the water in the B final, securing a phenomenal 2nd place and clinching 10th overall in Australia – incredible effort, team!
Next up, the highly anticipated Schoolgirls Single Scull saw Zara Turner dominate the course, executing her race plan flawlessly and crossing the finish line as the newly crowned National Champion – huge congratulations, Zara, on your well-deserved gold medal!
Our Schoolgirls Coxed Quad then showcased their strength and determination, finishing 9th overall in Australia – a remarkable achievement for this outstanding crew.
Finally, the Schoolboy Coxed Quad brought the competition to a thrilling close, storming from 4th place to clinch a Silver Medal in a sensational last-minute surge – outstanding performance, gents!
With 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal, Radford Rowing has once again proven its prowess on the national stage, ranking as the top ACT School and securing our status as National Champions alongside Marist – what an incredible achievement!
A huge congratulations to all our rowers, coaches, and supporters for an unforgettable season – your hard work, dedication, and spirit have truly paid off. Here's to more success in the future.
Cricket
By Mr Wally Wright, Head of Cricket
In what was the last game of the 2023/24 cricket season, the Radford Eagles (Girls Stage 2) tied with ANU White in the Grand Final to share the Premiership.
After winning the toss and batting first, ANU White got off to a flyer before the Eagles tightened the screws with some consistent bowling and smart field placements.
Zoe O’Rourke was the standout bowler, taking 3 for 8 off her 3 overs, but everyone in the team found ways to contribute with the ball or on the field. Alia Livermore was outstanding with the gloves, taking 3 catches. ANU finished their 20 overs at 6 for 86.
Running between wickets has been a feature of the Eagles cricket this season, and the pressure of a Grand Final didn’t curtail their fearless approach to this critical aspect of the game. Despite only hitting one boundary in their innings, the Eagles managed to stay in touch with the required run rate thanks to positive running from every batter.
Priya Rathod (15 off 19 balls) and Alia Livermore (10 off 20 balls) were the top-scorers, but a special mention needs to go to Tahlia Smith and Zoe O’Rourke, who put on 18 runs for the final wicket to tie the game.
Collegian, Mia Phelps (2022), did an outstanding job coaching the team throughout the season. The Eagles epitomised cohesion and fun in every game this season and were honoured at Friday night’s Cricket Presentation with the ‘Team of the Year’ award.
Football Referee Courses
Parents and students aged 13 and older are encouraged to consider refereeing. Refereeing is a great way to earn money (up to $70 a game), develop life skills and keep fit. Those who commit to refereeing at Radford will also have the cost of the course and registration and half the uniform and equipment cost reimbursed at the end of the season.
Click here for further information and course dates.
Please contact Radford College Sports Operations Manager Dianne Wilson once you have completed a course, so that you can be allocated to games.
Term 2 Football (soccer) Skills Clinic with Coerver Coaching
Coerver Coaching will be running a Football (soccer) Skills Clinic after school on Friday afternoons in Term 2 on the JA Mackinnon Oval for Junior School students.
Click here for further information and to register.
Coerver Coaching are also offering soccer holiday camps from Monday 15 April – Thursday 18 April. For more information and to register click here.
Radford Reaches Out
Supporting organisations chosen by our students
Radford Reaches Out
Share this articleBy Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
There are so many people in Canberra and beyond who do fantastic work making life better for other people. These individuals and organisations often rely on support in the form of time, advocacy and donations to do the work that they do.
At Radford College we seek to be a generous-spirited learning community.
As part of our Foundation Day celebrations the whole College will participate in Radford Reaches Out, where we raise money for organisations chosen by students in the Radford Student Council (RSC) in the Junior School and Radford Awareness and Service (RAS) in the Secondary School.
Junior School
Students in the Junior School have been discussing a number of organisations they may wish to raise money for and have been setting fundraising goals in their classes. This year, one of the Junior School’s main charity focusses will be raising twelve months of sponsorship for our four Compassion Children as well as having a small reserve of funds to support anything that comes up through RSC.
Families are able to send cash donations in with their children or donate online through TryBooking. Click on ‘BOOK HERE’ and follow the instructions to make your donation.
Secondary School
Secondary students are kicking off their fundraising with a BBQ at the Secondary Athletics Carnival on Thursday 28 March. Beef and vegetarian sausages and gluten-free bread will be available on the day.
This will be followed up with a 'Radford Reaches Out fundraising day' on 5 April.
The Secondary School is supporting:
- local organisation St John's Care, an Anglicare Partner.
- Anglicans in Development Lent and Good Friday Appeal. Supporting water, child nutrition and education projects in Gaza, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Jordan.
You can support the BBQ, fundraising day and/or donate online through TryBooking.
Public Speaking Success
Students shine at Voice of Youth
Public Speaking Success
Share this articleBy Mr Nick Ewbank, Director of Oratory
On Tuesday 19 March, ACT Rostrum hosted the ACT heats of the Voice of Youth at Radford College. The Voice of Youth is the premier and oldest speaking competition for secondary students across Australia, and has been run by Rostrum for 50 years.
There were seven Year 7–9 students who spoke in the School Final in February. Our two winners were Year 9 students, Thenuki Weerabaddana Dissanayake and Arisha Ahmed. They progressed to the ACT Final and both Thenuki and Arisha won their respective heats, a fine achievement. They will progress to the NSW regional Quarter Finals next term.
This is the third year in a row that Thenuki has achieved this milestone!
Rostrum is an organisation open to all, and more information can be found at www.rostrum.com.au/act.
Congratulations and good luck, girls!
Creative Arts Immersion
A transformative journey in Bundanon
Creative Arts Immersion
Share this articleMs Dimity Kidston, Acting Head of Creative Arts
In the picturesque setting of Bundanon, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich artistic heritage, 22 senior creative arts students from media and visual arts embarked on a remarkable three-day journey. This immersive experience, designed to fuse nature with artistic creation, offered a blend of inspiration, education, and creative exploration.
Upon arriving in Bundanon, the students were greeted by the legacy of Arthur Boyd, whose vision for this sanctuary was to inspire artists by the beauty and tranquillity of the natural environment. It’s within this inspirational backdrop that the students began their exploration, guided by three teachers Ms Dimity Kidston, Mr Brad Cooney, and Mr Tim Minehan. Mr Minehan not only imparted his wisdom but also skilfully navigated the bush through the scenic, yet challenging routes of the Southern Highland, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for everyone.
Students engaged in a wide variety of workshops, exploring printmaking, storytelling through shadows, photography, drawing and painting. These sessions, coupled with personal explorations of the stunning Bundanon landscapes, allowed students to forge a deep connection with their surroundings, influencing their creative processes.
The visit to the Tales of Land and Sea exhibition was a source of inspiration, providing students with an understanding of how narrative can be interwoven with visual art. This experience encouraged them to integrate their own observations and experiences into their creative output.
The highlight of the trip was undeniably the final night, with the culmination of the students’ efforts projected onto the buildings of Bundanon. This unique showcase transformed the architecture into a canvas, bringing the students’ artworks to life in a display that illuminated the night.
40th Gala Foundation Concert
Wednesday 10 April at the T.B. Millar Hall
40th Gala Foundation Concert
Share this articleThe Foundation Concert celebrating Radford's 40th year will be held on Wednesday 10 April, from 6.30pm in T.B. Millar Hall. Entitled “Rhythms of place and time”, the concert will feature a diverse selection of our Radford College music groups, as well as performances by Collegian and community musicians.
This will be a catered event with canapés served from 6pm and at the interval. Drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets for this event are free! Please click here to book. Bookings close Monday 1 April.
Free Workshop for Parents
Managing parental stress
Free Workshop for Parents
Share this articleBy Ms Sophie Chang, School Psychologist
The Radford Secondary School Wellbeing team are excited to offer a 3-session workshop on Managing Parental Stress using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (pronounced as the word “ACT”) focuses on developing psychological flexibility and mindfulness for a better quality of life. It is a form of psychotherapy that teaches people to:
- let unpleasant thoughts and feelings that are out of your control come and go, and
- take action towards living a life you want to live.
The 3 workshops will focus on strategies including mindfulness, self-compassion and values to help you manage difficult thoughts and emotions that parents can experience.
This program is offered to all parents with a student in Years 7 -12 and the group will be capped at approximately 10 participants.
When: Thursday evenings 16, 23 and 30 May 2024
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Where: In person at Radford College, lower level of the Morison Building
Cost: Free
For more information or to sign up for the workshops, send an email to the workshop facilitator Sophie Chang at sophie.chang@radford.act.edu.au
Artshow@Radford
17 May 2024
Artshow@Radford
Share this articleThe Radford College Parents & Friends Committee are thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for the Gala Opening Night of the 2024 Artshow@Radford.
This will be the 40th year that the Radford Art Show has celebrated the work of local and regional artists, as well as student art.
Please join us as we celebrate many artists who will exhibit works in a wide range of media: oils, watercolours, digital media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork and more. These pieces will be for sale. Student art will also be on display across the weekend along with a special tribute of artworks from students to celebrate the 40th Birthday of Radford College.
Prizes include Judge's Choice, People's Choice, and Emerging Artist awards.
Date and time: 17 May 2024, 7.00pm - 10:30pm
Place: T.B. Millar Hall, Radford College
Tickets: $20 per person that includes drinks and canapés and $5 per child (aged 10+)
Radford College Long Lunch
Early bird ticket sales extended
Radford College Long Lunch
Share this articleRadford College is excited to host its Long Lunch on Saturday, 15 June 2024.
The guest speaker for the event is Steven Bradbury, OAM, an Australian former short track speed skater and four-time Olympian. He won the 1000m event at the 2002 Winter Olympics after all of his opponents were involved in a last-corner pile-up. He was the first athlete from Australia and also the Southern Hemisphere to win a Winter Olympic gold medal and was also part of the short track relay team who won Australia's first Winter Olympic medal, a bronze in 1994.
Steven Bradbury’s talks cover an array of topics, including collaboration, teamwork, overcoming adversity, inspirational business and leadership goal setting, and being your best.
Early bird tickets are available to purchase here until 30 March 2024 at $80 per person, $640 for a table of 8, or $800 for a table of 10. The price of the ticket includes canapés, drinks and lunch.
For a sneak peek of what to expect, click here.