Staff Insights
The ripple effect of kindness
Acting Deputy School Principal, Ms Karen Mahar reflects on Radford's stance on bullying.
The ripple effect of kindness
Share this articleBy Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
Like many schools, Radford remains committed to building and consolidating a community of well-being and nurturing a safe and kind environment for all individuals. One which promotes care, consideration, and respect for others.
Stories of bullying in schools have become all too familiar and commonplace. So much so, that it seems wise to consider whether we are becoming increasingly desensitized to examples and instances of bullying.
Please be assured that Radford College remains firm on its stance against any behaviour deemed intimidating, aggressive or demeaning of others. Behaviours identified as offensive or discriminating need to be acted on in a respectful way.
While it is acknowledged that we (students, parents, and staff) do not accept, nor tolerate bullying, it is troubling to note that the annual college MMG survey shows that bullying remains a moderate concern within our community.
The ramifications of intimidation can be long-lasting and directly impact one’s mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Thus, it remains imperative to continuously educate all members of our community on recognising, preventing, and addressing bullying.
Accordingly, Radford College aims to:
- provide a safe and caring environment for all members of the school community
- minimise opportunity for and instances of bullying
- vigilantly monitor levels of bullying and take immediate appropriate action and
- regularly review and improve both our prevention and intervention strategies.
We believe that in order to ensure that our community’s response to bullying aligns with best practices, we need to maintain clear policies, effective systems, and procedures. In doing so we need to review policies that outline expectations, consequences for bullying behaviours and procedures for reporting incidents, and ensure that all policies are communicated clearly to students, staff, parents and caregivers.
Bullying is unacceptable and never to be tolerated. It is never something that can be seen as being “in jest” or “just a joke” when it offends and demeans someone. Bullying is hurtful, it damages and undermines confidence and its negative impact on someone can remain for a long time, if not, indefinitely.
That being said, an Anti-Bullying Policy, alone, is not enough. The success of any idea is in its subsequent actions and lived experience. Researched approaches that show the most promise for reducing bullying (along with other forms of aggression and conflict) are maintaining a positive school climate, and effective social and emotional learning.
Defining a school climate can be difficult, though it is possible to measure. It is the “felt sense” of being in a school, which can arise from a simple greeting, the way a problem is resolved, or how people work together. It is a school’s “heart and soul” and its “quality and character” experienced through its day-to-day functioning. Schools with a positive climate foster and cultivate healthy personal and interpersonal development.
A negative school climate is one associated with higher rates of student bullying, aggression, victimisation, and feeling unsafe.
Parents and educators have a crucial role to play in preventing and addressing bullying. Student opinions regarding the effectiveness of adult actions in response to bullying can vary. It's imperative for all of us to take proactive steps to create a school environment free from bullying.
It is widely recognised that a shift in mindsets about the importance of children and their feelings contributes to a positive climate. Children are more likely to thrive when their humanity is nurtured, and they are provided with appropriate language, strategies and values to help them understand and regulate their feelings. By fostering awareness among parents, teachers, and administrators about the multifaceted origins of bullying and adopting new approaches to address it, we can set a positive example. The kids are counting on us.
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind." – Unknown
This quote succinctly captures the essence of the impact of kindness and inclusivity. It reminds us that even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, making Radford a better and more inclusive place for everyone.
Nexus Well-being resources:
Secondary Wellbeing - https://nexus.radford.act.edu.au/homepage/141
Junior School Wellbeing - https://nexus.radford.act.edu.au/homepage/190
References:
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/research-evidence/spotlight/bullying.pdf
Lenten contemplation
The perfect opportunity to contemplate our journey and relationship with God.
Lenten contemplation
Share this articleBy Reverend Andy Fleming, Chaplain
I am enjoying ice baths. This is probably a rather odd way to begin this week’s reflection, but since Christmas I have been doing a cold plunge around four mornings each week. I have been able to get the temperature to 8 degrees, and once in, I feel comfortable to stay for over 10 minutes. I currently have a relative from Queensland staying with us, who thinks this is the craziest of ideas.
One of the aspects of sitting in the water that I have come to value, is that it provides space and time, a small period of solitude, in which I can be still and contemplate. During this Lenten season, I am trying to make time to spend in conversation with God. The ice bath has become one avenue in which I can do this. Perhaps it’s the cold water heightening my senses, but I find that I am more alert to focus on my relationship with Jesus.
In Matthew 16:13-20, the disciple Peter’s revelation is heard, declaring Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, in response to Jesus' question, “who do you say that I am?” Peter knows this because of his own spiritual journey, starting with Jesus calling him from his fishing boat to follow him. Peter has come to know who Jesus is, enjoying a ‘front row seat’ to Jesus’ ministry, building his understanding from his own experiences, such as being pulled out of the water after walking on it himself. Peter has become well aware of who Jesus truly is and his purpose. Now Jesus provides Peter with a purpose.
Like Peter, we are invited to make space ourselves to pause and reflect on our own spiritual journeys, where we may have encountered God and experienced God’s presence at work in our lives. Whether you find the need for icy water to bring clarity, or by another means, Lent just happens to be the perfect opportunity to contemplate our journey and relationship with God. An opportunity to draw closer to God.
Peter’s journey and revelation reminds us that faith is dynamic. We too are on our own journeys. As we look back over our journeys my hope is that each of us will share in the revelation in the same way that Peter did, and in so doing, grow in our relationship with God and allow God to affirm our own sense of purpose.
A Lenten Prayer
Adapted from Pastor Evie Doyon
What is it you ask of us, God,
during Lent?
To return to you?
not “return to your buildings”,
not “return to your old ways”,
not “return to all the clutter”,
not “return to what was”,
but to return to you?
re-turn to you?
With all our hearts?
no attachments, no idols?
May the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen
Go in peace,
Rev. Andy
News
Camp starts year on high note
Musicians master music and make friends
Camp starts year on high note
Share this articleBy Ellie Archer, Performing Arts prefect & Choirs captain
Last Friday students from Radford College's Bernstein Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Camerata, and Corelli Chamber String Orchestra headed out to Greenhills. These groups came together for three days to immerse themselves in music, refining their skills, and forging connections with their fellow musicians.
Ms Kimberley Steele led Camerata on Friday evening, tuning into the new voices in the group and introducing all members to the new pieces for this year. Ms Kerry Watson assisted Camerata by providing beautiful accompaniment. The rest of the musicians commenced their rehearsals on Saturday morning, including some students that came straight from drama camp. After lunch, members of Chorale joined these rehearsals.
Each group was introduced to their new repertoire, honing the pieces under the guidance of the dedicated instructors Ms Kimberley Steele (Camerata), Mrs Caroline Suthers (Corelli), Mr Ben Marston (Bernstein) and Dr Tracy Bourne (Chorale), with Mrs Kirsten Knight overseeing the organisation of the camp.
Over the three days, our musicians each rehearsed for up to 7.5 hours and during this time all the groups became familiar with their new pieces. The Berstein pieces included An Irish Air, Festive Hymn and the iconic Doctor Who theme song. Meanwhile, Corelli worked on the pieces Molly on the Shore and Sergei Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony and were joined by double bass tutor, Mr Kyle Ramsay-Daniel. Corelli and Camerata rehearsed a combined piece titled Glow which they plan to perform together at this year’s 40th Foundation Concert.
The members of Camerata were introduced to their repertoire for the term including Fly Away Home, Dig Deep, People Get Ready as well as several canons and music games.
Chorale tackled the rhythmic piece Time, the haunting canon Have you seen the Ghost of John and What was I made for. Mrs Bronwyn Brown, OAM assisted Camerata by providing beautiful accompaniment.
On Saturday night, all musicians took a well-deserved break from rehearsing by participating in the time-old tradition of music-themed trivia and games night. Music captains and Performing Arts prefects ran games such as musical trivia, guess the song title, teacher trivia, Scattergories, and karaoke. Games night was a fantastic opportunity for team bonding and for the students in the different groups to get to know each other.
On the last day of camp, families, friends, and faculty members listened to the Bernstein, Corelli, and Chorale groups perform their work from this weekend. These performances showcased the musicians' hard work, displaying the strengths of the pieces and the potential they held for the rest of the term.
We would like to thank all the students, conductors, accompanists and assisting staff. Thank you in particular to Mr Amer Salman and Mr Dale Casburn for coming down to supervise and for making this camp so amazing! Of course, a huge thank you to Mrs Knight for all her hard work, dedication, and guidance throughout the camp.
Swimming for Starlight
Teacher raises more than $2,000 for sick children
Swimming for Starlight
Share this articleMaths and science teacher, Liam Braithwaite (class of 2014) signed up for the Starlight Super Swim throughout February which saw him set a goal of swimming 28km across the month. Not only did he meet his goal, but he smashed it! Liam swum an impressive 38.7km and raised more than $2 000 in the process.
The Starlight Children's Foundation has been working with health care professionals for over 30 years to bring the fun, joy and laughter that is essential to sick kids’ health and wellbeing. In short: they help sick kids be kids.
Liam swam on 22 of the 29 days throughout February, only missing five days whilst he was on Year 7 Camp and a couple when he had a tooth infection. His longest swim was 6.5km in one session which took him 1hr and 47 minutes.
Radford students and staff also contributed to this good cause. The 2023 TeamSUPPORT students were delighted to be able to make a donation of $365 to support Liam’s efforts through holding a fundraising BBQ last week.
Liam hopes to participate in the event again next year by swimming further and raising even more money for the Starlight Foundation. He would love to thank every person who has donated or supported him through this event, especially his wife Taylor Braithwaite and his brother-in-law Ross Waddington, both Radford Collegians, who joined him many mornings when the pool opened at 5:30am.
If you would like to know more about this event and Liam’s efforts, please click here.
Sports Report Term 1, Week 5
Rowing, Futsal, Socceroos and more
Sports Report Term 1, Week 5
Share this articleNSW Schoolgirls Head of the River
38 schools from NSW and the ACT travelled to Penrith for the annual NSW Schoolgirls Head of the River which was held on Sunday, 3 March, at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
Radford was represented by 42 students from the Paddler, Generator, Accelerator and Senior squads and their coaches at the peak regatta of the season.
Our Accelerators were the standout performers of the day, with the 2nd Year 10 Quad winning gold in the biggest margin of the day. They were followed up a short time later with the 1st Year 10 Quad winning silver in their final, demonstrating the great depth of talent from the Year 10 participants.
Congratulations to all the students who competed so well with the following medal performances:
Gold
Schoolgirl Year 10 2nd Coxed Quad
Constance Clough (Kurrajong)
Grace Dixon (Banksia)
Olivia Seidl (Jarrah)
Lilly Soderblom (Jarrah)
Millie Fejer (Coxswain) (Karri)
Silver
Schoolgirl Year 10 1st Coxed Quad
Isobel Egan (Kurrajong)
Gigi Hickey (Acacia)
Hannah Koch (Jarrah)
Lucy Mihaljevic (Jarrah)
William Huang (Coxswain) (Banksia)
Bronze
Schoolgirl Single Scull
Zara Turner (Boronia)
Schoolgirl 1st Coxed Quad
Amelie Brennan (Banksia)
Sophie Freemantle (Wandoo)
Coco Guenther (Banksia)
Zoe Hickey (Acacia)
Charles Kendall (Coxswain) (Acacia)
Year 9 Radford Footballers welcome Socceroos to Canberra
On Friday, 1 March, six students from Radford College were invited to the GIO Stadium to take part in a media launch that promoted the return of the Socceroos to Canberra.
The students, Rafe Lulic (Wandoo), Daniel Do (Banksia), Max Argent (Boronia), Isaac Waldren (Wandoo), Sam Wilcox (Boronia), and James King (Jarrah) who were also interviewed by the press, represented the College with pride, maturity and great spirit.
The Socceroos face Lebanon in a World Cup Qualifier at the GIO Stadium on Tuesday 26 March 2024.
Futsal Grand Finals
Congratulations to the U14 Girls Division 2 Raptors who were crowned Champions on Sunday. The team were trailing 4-3 until the final two minutes of the game when they scored two goals.
Frieda Cookson (Jarrah) was awarded the Grand Final MVP.
Commiserations to the U10 Girls Division 1 Ospreys who went down 3-1 and the U10 Girls Division 2 Raptors who lost 7-2 in their Grand Finals.
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 including a female only Level 4 course on Saturday 23 March.
Please contact Radford College Sports Operations Manager Dianne Wilson once you have completed a course, so that you can be allocated to games.
Upcoming School Sport ACT Team Trials
Volleyball (15&U Girls and Boys Teams)
School Sport Australia Championship |
2 – 7 June 2024, Sydney |
Trial information |
Students who wish to be considered for selection need to register via the SSACT website |
Eligibility |
Students born between 1/1/2009 and 31/12/2010. |
Trial dates |
Trial 1 – Tuesday 12 March 4.00-5.30pm Trial 2 – Thursday 14 March 4.00-5.30pm To be eligible you MUST attend 1 of the 2 trials. Due to team official availability, office timeframes and player availability we have had to go outside policy and hold the trials on the same week. |
Location |
Lyneham Hockey Centre (indoor courts) |
Contact |
Important
- Radford students who choose to trial for SSACT teams are to follow the registration process for the respective sport trials. Majority of SSACT trials are conducted after school hours, however IF the trial does take place during the school day, it is the responsibility of the parent / guardian to notify the College of their child’s absence.
- If a Radford student is selected in a SSACT representative team, it is the responsibility of the parent / guardian to follow the normal College absence processes.
SSACT Scholarship Fund
The SSACT Scholarship Fund is once again open and available for students who have been selected in a SSACT representative team and are required to travel interstate to compete at the respective School Sport Australia National Championships.
More information on the Scholarship Fund and its consideration criteria, can be found within the Resources section of the SSACT website.
Successful applicants will receive a $500 deduction from their team fees during the payment phase of the team preparation process. The approval process can be quite quick once the student is selected and one of the criteria is deemed as a 'Circumstantial Hardship' e.g. multiple children from the same family making teams in a close timeframe.
Scholarship applications are to be submitted to eo@schoolsportact.org.au.
April School Holidays Sports Camps
International Sports Camps provide real sports coaching camps for players of all standards aged 5 to 15 and give junior players the opportunity to improve their skills and take their game to the next level.
International Sports Camps are offering Radford students a 35% discount for any camp they register for – please see the flyer for further information.
Ms Leanne McKenzie shares inspiration behind artwork
Ms Leanne McKenzie shares inspiration behind artwork
Share this articleYear 2 teacher Leanne McKenzie is one of the artists featured in the Craft + Design Canberra’s Emerging Contemporaries exhibition. The exhibition features work of emerging designers and makers from local institutions including Sturt School for Wood, Canberra Potters Society, Canberra Institute of Technology, and the ANU School of Art + Design. Leanne's installation consists of a group of ceramic garden totems created using a range of clays, glazes and surface decoration. The pieces reflect her passion for art and nature, and some also serve a functional purpose by providing a water reservoir for bees to drink.
When and how did pottery as art pique your interest?
I’ve always enjoyed pursuing creative endeavours, and I did an Intro to Pottery class at the beginning of 2020. Since then, I have explored wheel throwing, hand building, glaze development as well as electric, gas and wood firing. I love all forms of ceramics as I’m consistently learning.
What inspires you to make your garden totems?
I love my garden and have previously made welded sculptural pieces. I did an emerging makers program and part of that process was trying to create an individual style. One of the areas I thought to try was making totems out of clay. I love finding colours that work together, use different clay bodies and discovering different surface designs to create a textural depth and interest in each orb.
How does it feel to have your work included in this exhibition?
I feel really proud to be part of this exhibition. I entered the Canberra Potters Member’s Exhibition last year and won an Emerging Contemporaries Award with Craft and Design Canberra. Part of this award was being part of this exhibition.
Lastly, what effect does art have on how you approach teaching young learners?
Pottery and creativity help me to understand how we all struggle at times to learn new skills. At Radford College we support children to learn to recognise that learning is a challenge and sometimes tricky, and that it is only with persistence that new learning occurs. In other words, you need to put the work in! I have and continue to learn to develop my craft as a potter.
The exhibition runs until 16 March at Craft + Design Canberra. Visit their website for more information.
Welcome to Swiss exchange student, Lorick Giaquinto
Welcome to Swiss exchange student, Lorick Giaquinto
Share this articleBy Ms Kath Notley, Round Square co-ordinator
Lorick Giaquinto is joining Year 10 at Radford on Round Square exchange from Aiglon School in Switzerland. He is being hosted by Lachlan Lloyd who has just returned from his amazing exchange at Aiglon. Lachlan was the first exchange student that they have hosted for over 10 years. We are delighted to have Lorick join us at Radford and look forward to him immersing himself in life at the College.
A day in the life of an epidemiologist
Not your average 9-5 job
A day in the life of an epidemiologist
Share this articleBy Mitchell Joyce-Griggs, Science Teacher
On Thursday the 29th of February, the science faculty and Year 12 human biology students were fortunate to host Professor Hilary Bambrick, Director of the National College for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH) for a presentation and Q&A.
Professor Bambrick shared her extensive experience and areas of expertise in population health, environmental epidemiology, and the myriad influences and impacts of climate change on human health. Professor Bambrick also spoke of the many and varied opportunities for study with the NCEPH and ANU, ranging from Medicine and Public Health, to Applied Epidemiology. She also emphasised the increasingly important field of Health Economics.
Students had the opportunity to ask and submit questions for a question-and-answer session, in which they learned about the nature of epidemiology, the difficulties in, and importance of translating data into policy and political action, and what a ‘day in the life’ of an epidemiologist contains. Human biology teachers Miss Lauren Heyward and Mr Mitchell Joyce-Griggs were thrilled with the levels of student engagement and participation and would like to warmly thank Professor Bambrick for her visit.
IBDP Retreat
New IBDP cohort off to an encouraging start
IBDP Retreat
Share this articleBy Year 11 students Emily Passlow and Nancy Hang
In the first week of this term the 2025 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) cohort embarked on a two-day retreat. During those two days in a conference room in the new Collegians centre, the Year 11 IBDP students had a chance to get to know each other. We kicked the retreat off with some self-reflection about what we wanted to get out of the program and how we could set ourselves up for success.
Mrs Alison Steven took us through the attributes of an IBDP learner and the programme's approaches to learning. After completing the activities on campus, we walked to Zone Bowling with the energetic atmosphere of competition and discussion buzzing around in our minds. Getting caught up in the competition we almost missed Mr Nick Moss absolutely dominating in the teacher’s lane.
After bowling we went for a meal at the Asian Noodle House. While enjoying our meal we chatted with the teachers, and it was nice to become acquainted with those who would be helping us through our two-year journey. Mr Andy Gordon also joined us for dinner, and it was an absolute hoot to have him sitting with us. After a delicious dinner we went to Goodberry’s for a frozen yogurt dessert to round off the day.
The second day of the retreat was focused on learning vital information about the IB Core and meeting the Year 12 IBDP students. We received an in-depth rundown of what Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is from Mr Jake Bailey, an overview of Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) from Ms Ailsa Mackerras, and insight into the Extended Essay (EE) from Dr Rebecca Barlow. After lunch, the current senior IBDP students met with us to offer advice and answer our questions. With their encouragement and the support from our teachers, the IB cohort left the retreat optimistic and confident about the two years ahead.
Lids4Kids
Keeping lids out of landfills
Lids4Kids
Share this articleRadford College prides itself on its sustainability culture. The College, named 2023 ACT Sustainable School of the Year, promotes recycling around campus, has two EV charging stations on campus and has recently added a third worm farm to absorb food scraps. Therefore, a collaboration with Lids4Kids, that up to date has prevented over 112 million plastic lids from ending up in landfills, seems perfectly in keeping with our sustainability ethos.
Lids4Kids have now introduced a Zero Waste Warriors Tub that can be used at home to recycle items that are smaller than a credit card. Even though it's a Lids4Kids initiative, it doesn't just have to be lids that end up in the tubs. Items such as plastic bread tags, rubber bands, metal lids, medicine blister packs and corks can now also be recycled by putting them in this tub.
These recycled products - along with plastic bottle- and pouch lids - are sorted, shredded and used to make anything from a keyring to a park bench.
For more information about Lids4Kids or to sign up for your Zero Waste Warriors Tub, send an email to Lids4Kids founder Timothy Miller.
P&F AGM tomorrow
Join us for the AGM on 7 March
P&F AGM tomorrow
Share this articleThe Radford P&F Annual General Meeting will be held tomorrow, Thursday, 7 March at the R.A. Young Hall from 6pm.
All parents are invited to attend and can join the committee by completing this Nomination Form.
Click on the following links for more information on the Agenda and the Notice of AGM.
40th Anniversary Gala Ball
Have you bought your tickets yet?
40th Anniversary Gala Ball
Share this articleCelebrate 40 Years of Radford College with us at the Radford College Gala Ball. Tickets are available now.
This year we look forward to bringing together past and present members of the Radford College community to honour our history and celebrate our achievements.
This event is a fantastic way for Radford parents and friends to strengthen and grow their connections within the school.
Please advise us of any dietary requirements when purchasing your tickets. If booking individual tickets, please specify your seating preference (year group or collegian).
This year will feature entertainment from the ‘Capital Club Band’ plus other special guests.
We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you!
For more information, send an email to radfordcollegegalaball@gmail.com
Radford College long lunch with Steven Bradbury
Radford College long lunch with Steven Bradbury
Share this articleThe Radford Collegians are excited to host the Radford College 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.