Staff Insights
By Reverend Andy Fleming, Chaplain
"Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things," Philippians 4.8.
Between Thursday to Saturday last week, Radford was heavily involved in the Anglican Schools Australia National Conference. Some 240 delegates from Anglican schools around Australia attended the conference. The theme, Re-Emergence, highlighted that the conference was returning in person for the first time since 2019. After the natural disasters of fires and floods that have displaced so many families and finally coming out of the pandemic at the end of last year, one might think we are clear, but 2023 has its own challenges for many in our wider community.
Among the keynote speakers was Astrophysicist and Radford parent Brad Tucker. Brad’s most entertaining address provided great insight into the ways his work and team are attempting to ‘clean up’ the space junk caused by humans (it's astonishing to think that even space is impacted by humans). I found the science behind Brad’s presentation mind boggling.
Radford Collegian and former Olympian, Brennan Dowrick, showed that he is still more than capable of performing gymnastic routines on the pommel horse even 25 years since he finished competing. Mr Andy Gordon can certainly attest to the strength, agility and endurance required just to get up on the pommel horse!
Radford students also contributed to the conference. Will Pak Poy (Year 11) and Jenna Munro (Year 12) shared their experiences of Eden Canoes. This proved impactful and many delegates sought Will and Jenna after their talk to find out more about their time working alongside First Nations peoples. Angus McKee (Year 12) sang for the conference members, while Dinugi, Hannah, Amber, Sophie and Venya from Year 6 started Saturday morning with an Acknowledgement of Country.
The Primate of the Anglican Church, Archbishop Geoffrey Smith, pointed to our re-emergence through detailing how re-emergence involves stepping out in faith. Archbishop Smith explained the ministry of Jesus and how apostles such as Paul can still speak to us now. Mark 1.15 reads, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." In our modern thinking, the word 'repent' is typically interpreted as 'turning away from sin'. In the ancient world, repent was about changing one’s attitudes or changing one’s mind, while 'believing in the good news' is to trust that this is true. Archbishop Smith cited the example of Jesus travelling throughout Galilee, preaching the good news and healing the sick to show how Jesus also invites us to take the opportunity to re-emerge from our challenges by placing our faith in his message of love and hope in the kingdom of God.
One of the very cool things I heard during the conference was Julia Baird quoting the Bible verse, Philippians 4.8. This was written by Apostle Paul, who himself endured much adversity. As we know, what we constantly think about, shapes our attitudes, sense of self and actions. As we continue to re-emerge from the past four years and life’s challenges, this verse is an invitation for us to dwell on the things that are best in our lives. The conference certainly provided the opportunity for delegates to experience this.
Perhaps we could think more regularly about the things that inspire and encourage us, for as we do, we may encounter God’s enduring grace and peace more fully, whose love created and gifted to us all those good things we experience.
Rev. Andy
News
Year 12 student Lachlan Wilson has once again made a name for himself in the world of astrophotography, earning recognition in Australia's prestigious awards. Winning an honourable mention and securing the Junior Section for the second consecutive year, Lachlan's talent continues to impress judges and enthusiasts alike. This achievement is particularly notable considering the exceptional quality of entries in this year's David Malin Awards.
In addition to his success in the awards, Lachlan had the opportunity to showcase his skills as a photographer on a P&O Cruise ship that sailed to Ningaloo Reef for the solar eclipse in April. Not only was he paid to capture stunning images and give talks on astrophotography during the trip, but one of his photographs also received the Photo Editor's Choice in the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH). Lachlan's journey in astrophotography is truly remarkable, and he continues to inspire others with his passion and talent.
You can view more of Lachlan's images on his Instagram page @astrolach.
Can you tell us about the image you won the Junior Section of the recent David Malin Awards with?
In the 2023 David Malin Awards, I won an honourable mention in the Junior Section and took out the major Junior award. I received the honourable mention for my image, Broadband Christmas Tree Cluster, which is aptly named after the Christmas Tree Cluster in the constellation Monoceros. Located about 2300 light years away, the light was emitted from this nebula at a very similar time to when Alexander the Great was walking Earth. This nebula is an emission cluster, which is a hydrogen-rich region where stars form. As it is a faint nebula, I took this image from pristine dark skies, well away from large cities like Canberra and Sydney.
The image that won the major Junior award, Rosette Nebula SHO, is an image of the large star forming region, also in Monoceros. Using specific filters, I captured three different wavelengths of light and combined them in a post-processing software to create the colour palette that is seen. Sometimes called the Hubble Palette due to its common usage in Hubble images, it maps sulphur-wavelength data to red, hydrogen-wavelength data to green, and oxygen-wavelength data to blue. This image was taken over three nights in Canberra under moderately light polluted skies, hence the extra nights.
How does your winning image compare to the image you won the Junior Section with in 2022?
The image that won this year reflected the work that I have put in over the past year. My philosophy at the start of last year was to smash out as many images as I could, as quickly as I could. I managed to cover a large portion of the easily available targets this way, but looking back, they are not up to the standard that I look for now. This year’s image of the Rosette Nebula is a culmination of three nights of photography, spread across about a month. It also includes many hours of processing data to make it look exactly as I envisioned.
The image also represents the amazing kindness that runs through the veins of Australia's network of astrophotographers. I met so many photographers when I travelled to Parkes last year for the awards ceremony, but one stood out. Shaun (@dark_moon_astrophotography on Instagram) heard that I only had five out of seven filters for a full set. He used different ones to me, but had the two extras that I needed. He generously donated them to me, which have made huge improvements to my images! Thanks Shaun!
How did it feel to win the Junior Section again this year and to be selected for Photo Editor’s Choice in SMH?
I was honoured to receive the Junior prize due to the general improvement in quality over the entire competition. Last year's images would not have rated a highly commended in this year’s competition. It was an exciting surprise to be selected for the Photo Editor's Choice in the Junior category with my image of the solar eclipse totality taken in April 2023.
It must have also been an honour to be invited on the P&O Cruise to Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth. Tell us about that experience and how you found presenting sessions.
I had the amazing honour of being invited as a presenter on the P&O Cruise up to Exmouth for the 2023 Exmouth total solar eclipse, alongside many other knowledgeable astronomers from across Australia. I gave a presentation to the attendees of the cruise on my astrophotography and took photos of the eclipse from the top deck of the boat. The partial solar eclipse lasted for three hours, but totality lasted for just 58 seconds. We spent nearly a day testing and setting up all the equipment, and the eclipse time just flew by as we were so focused on getting the images.
How did you get into astrophotography, and how do you keep progressing your skills? Is there a network of young astrophotographers in Canberra?
I started astrophotography after buying a telescope at the Radford Fete in 2019. I spent about a year using just simple gear (a DSLR and tripod) and getting great results. I then began upgrading to the gear that I have now. I've met so many amazing people through the Canberra Astronomical Society who have lent me gear, taken me out on dark sky nights and given me so much encouragement and advice. There are a few young astrophotographers in Australia, with only two or three in Canberra, which means that we all know each other and are good friends.
What’s next for you in your astrophotography ventures? Are you hoping to pursue astrophotography after College?
Astrophotography will always be a passion of mine, and I will continue it into the future. Capturing the night sky has always brought me great joy, and I will always have it as an amazing hobby. After school, I aim to do some form of engineering, definitely something to do with space.
Radford Art Teacher, Ms Dimity Kidston, was initially sceptical when she received an unexpected email from Netflix. The streaming giant had approached her to create a tapestry that would appear on the homepage of their 'Winter Warmers' shows during August. With just six weeks to complete the project, Ms Kidston dedicated herself to the task, waking up at 5 am each day to spend two hours on the creative work before heading to school. The remarkable tapestry was eventually sent to Taiwan to be photographed for its debut.
In addition to this exciting endeavour, Ms Kidston is currently a finalist in the ACT Historic Houses Art Prize, with her artwork showcased at Lanyon Homestead until 15 October. Furthermore, she has an upcoming exhibition at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, scheduled from 20 September to 29 October.
When and how did Netflix track you down?
I think Netflix had been looking at my Instagram profile, and then approximately six weeks before the artwork was due, I received an email from them.
What did you think when you heard from them?
The IT department will be pleased to know I proceeded with caution. My family all said, "That's a scam, watch out." The email was followed by an online interview with a team from Singapore, and I know they also interviewed other artists at that stage.
What was the brief?
Netflix wanted a woven tapestry that depicted Australians getting together during winter. It was to be a happy gathering in a backyard, surrounding a fire. It was quite a tough brief given the nature of tapestry weaving. They provided a colour palette and the Netflix team checked in with me several times to see how the project was going.
Tell us about the final tapestry.
The final image has three people toasting marshmallows around a fire, with one wearing a flannel shirt and beanie.
How challenging was the tapestry to create within the timeframe you were given?
It was a particularly busy time for me at school, so I was a little worried about keeping up with my school commitments, but I couldn't say no to Netflix! I got up at 5 am to do two hours of tapestry before school and then again in the evening. If anything, I kept on top of all my commitments better than normal as I had to stick to a strict schedule.
Where will the tapestry appear on Netflix?
You can see it in the categories section under 'Winter Warmers'.
What does this opportunity mean for you as an artist and/or Australian artists more broadly?
It’s exciting to know that Netflix is supporting Australian artists and it’s a good opportunity to have my work seen by a wider audience.
Radford at the Women’s World Cup!
Ten lucky Year 7-12 Radford female footballers were the country flag bearers for the Netherlands versus South Africa Women’s World Cup Round of 16 game at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday. The girls were required to arrive at the stadium before the crack of dawn for rehearsals, but it was all worth it for the opportunity of a lifetime. The girls were even treated to some free Adidas kits and great seats to watch the Netherlands progress to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory.
Watch the students rehearse here.
Capital Football School Futsal Cup
Students from Years 5-10 represented Radford at the Capital Football School Futsal Cup gala days at Lyneham Netball Centre from Week 1-3 of Term 3. Years 11 and 12 are set to play in Week 7.
Radford represented in the semi-finals in every age group and in both the boys' and girls' categories. The Year 7 and 8 Girls were defeated in the semi-finals to strong opposition, and the Year 5 and 6 Girls were defeated in their semi-final in a controversial penalty shoot-out after winning every game and topping their group. The Year 7 and 8 Boys finished as runners-up, as did the Year 9 and 10 Girls, who after a good run against Merici during the day, ultimately ran out of steam in the grand final. The Year 5 and 6 Boys also lost their grand final in a penalty shoot-out. Congratulations to the Year 9 and 10 Boys, who were crowned champions after winning their grand final!
Radford orienteers to represent the ACT
After five selection races, the Orienteering ACT Selection Committee completed the task of selecting this year's ACT Schools Orienteering Team on Saturday, 22 July at West Stromlo.
It is with great pride to announce that the ACT 20-member squad includes eight Radford students.
The students are:
- Junior Boys - Matty Maundrell (Year 8)
- Junior Girls - Ariadna Iskhakova (Year 8) and Sanda Halpin (Year 9)
- Senior Boys - James Tailby and Max Johnson (Year 11)
- Senior Girls - Aoife Rothery (Year 11), Mia Kluth (Year 11) and Katherine Maundrell (Year 10)
The ACT State Orienteering Team will compete in the 2023 Australian Schools Orienteering Championships (ASOC) in Western Australia during the September school holidays.
In addition to ASOC, these athletes will be part of the Southern Cross Challenge against New Zealand at the 2023 Australian Orienteering Championships.
It will be a week of jam-packed wild running experience, plus plenty of social opportunities as junior orienteers from all over Australia and New Zealand come together to share their love of orienteering.
For four of the Radford students, this will be a familiar experience after being included in the ACT Representative team in 2022.
For the other four Radford members, it will be their first experience of high-level representative orienteering. The strong representation of Radford students demonstrates the quality of support and training provided through the Radford co-curricular program. This high level of representation is reminiscent of the pre-COVID-19 period for the Radford squad, when for several years, Radford students dominated selection and were able to contribute to the ACT’s victory at the nationals in 2016, 2017 and 2018. We keep our fingers crossed for the 2023 ACT Rep team!
Football – Coerver Coaching ACT Performance Academy 2023/24 Trials
The Coerver Coaching Performance Academy is a football school for serious, dedicated individuals seeking additional professional training to improve their technical ability and become more advanced players. Their mission is to provide comprehensive football education for young players looking to develop the skills necessary to elevate their game to the next level.
When: Sunday, 27 August 2023
Where: University of Canberra, Bruce
How to register: https://coerveract.com.au/performance-academy-programs
By Ashley Cook, Year 9
As part of our Year 9 service learning this semester, six of us have been going to Calvary Aged Care with Ms Notley and Ms White once per fortnight to run a dance class.
Last Friday, we had our second session and taught the residents their first full dance routine to You’re The One That I Want from Grease. Three of us sat down to teach whilst the other three stood up, so that all the residents could learn and participate, whether they were standing or seated.
We used simple movements to make it easier for the residents to catch on, and they all did really quickly! It was so much fun to see them all enjoying the dance and music, especially as this was only their second session. Some of the residents were a bit shaky or shy to start with, but by the end of the hour they were all smiling and having a great time (just as we were!). We also showed them a few of our own dance routines from other classes, and they loved watching us.
As we’ve only been there twice, we’re still working out how to best approach the class in order to suit all the residents' abilities, but last week was a perfect example of how capable they all are.
We can’t wait to work on more exciting routines with fun music and props going into the future. This program is quickly becoming the highlight of our week, and we hope it’s theirs too.
