Staff Insights
By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
There is a Bantu word from Southern Africa that resonates as we reflect on this moment in our shared journey: Ubuntu. It means 'I am because we are.'
At its heart, Ubuntu speaks to our interconnectedness – the understanding that none of us thrives in isolation. Our strength lies in community: acting with compassion, walking in wisdom and living in truth.
One of the great privileges of working in a Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 school is witnessing the remarkable journey of growth that unfolds over time, as children progress from their early days of learning letters and numbers to walking confidently across the graduation stage.
This week, our Year 12 students completed their final examinations, a milestone marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For some, this journey began 13 years ago in our Early Learning Centre. Those 'little people' who once joyfully skipped off to join their friends or clung tearfully to a parent’s hand, now stand before us as young adults, brimming with confidence, purpose and possibility.
As they prepare for milestone moments in the coming weeks, their final Chapel Service, the College-wide Guard of Honour and the joy and celebration of the Graduation Ceremony and Formal, we celebrate not just their achievements, but also the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped them.
A Radford experience encompasses so much: expert teaching and deep learning, diverse co-curricular opportunities and the full spectrum of student life – its joys, challenges, laughter and growth. Each of these moments serves as a reminder of Radford’s greatest strength: our strong heart, our connectedness and our enduring sense of community.
Next week, we look forward to welcoming some of our Year 12 students to the Junior School. For staff, like me, who taught them in their earliest years, this reunion will be both joyful and moving. It reminds us that Radford is more than a school; it is a community where each of us belongs, and where belonging continues long after the school years end.
The 'Radford village' is built on the contributions of many – teachers, parents, peers, coaches, mentors and friends – each playing a part in nurturing our students’ growth. Reflection enables us to recognise these shared efforts and to take joy in the enduring connections that shape who we are.
As educators, caregivers and parents, we are reminded that every small interaction matters, whether it's a word of encouragement, a moment of patience or a spark of curiosity. These simple acts build confidence, character and compassion. Growth is rarely linear and belonging fuels courage. When students feel seen, known and valued, they flourish in ways that extend far beyond academic success. In these moments, our values of Truth, Compassion and Wisdom find their truest expression and the spirit of Ubuntu lives most vividly.
To our Year 12 students and to every member of our community: may you always carry with you the understanding that we are who we are because of one another.
Radford has been your home and will always be your home. You matter and you belong.
By Reverend Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain
There is an air of anticipation in my Godly Play classes as we move closer to the ‘purple time’ that represents the Season of Advent. As the ‘green and growing time’ comes to a close, so too does the Church’s year. This Sunday marks the last Sunday of the liturgical year and is known as the Feast of Christ the King. Instituted in the aftermath of World War One, this Feast Day offered hope in response to political and social turmoil in Europe, in particular for those grappling with an emerging new world order.
Another way of thinking about this feast day is the Reign of Christ. This use of ‘kingdom’ language emphasises the authority of Christ as the king over all creation. A distinction is drawn between the power of those who lead on earth, who can be corrupt and unjust, and the power of Jesus Christ, which reflects a reign of mercy and justice.
Following Jesus’ example reveals to us that true power lies in self-giving love.
Jesus’ self-giving love is evident in Luke 23: 33–43, where Jesus is crucified alongside criminals. Where one mocks Jesus with disbelief and scorn, the other sees Jesus for who he is and, with faith and confidence, asks: 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom'. Even though he is completely vulnerable, rejected and in physical pain, Jesus’ words and actions show us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy: 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'
In this moment of humiliation, when Jesus could save himself, he made connections that benefited others. His actions characterise the ultimate act of love and forgiveness. Instead of using his power for himself, he uses it to show mercy to others, even to those who are mocking him and tasked with hurting him. This reveals to us just how important grace is to the reign of Christ. This grace is what those who follow Jesus hold on to in their own lives and relationships.
Participation in the Reign of Christ means freedom to stand with those on the fringes, those suffering injustice and those left behind by people in power.
As we draw close to the end of the school year, I wonder what else God’s kingdom might bring to an end to make room for something new.
By Ms Tracey Markovic, Assistant Head of Junior School Operations
Over the past term, our Year 5 students have shown remarkable dedication as they worked steadily to complete their woven snuggle blankets for kittens. We are delighted to share that all blankets have now been finished – each one crafted with care, creativity, and a genuine desire to support our local community.
To mark the completion of this project, Tammy Foley – a representative from the RSPCA ACT, visited Radford last week to collect the students’ handmade blankets.
During the visit, students learned more about the vital role the RSPCA plays in the Canberra region, including how the organisation rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes vulnerable animals. Tammy highlighted the importance of community support, volunteers and education in ensuring the wellbeing of animals across the Territory.
In addition to the blankets, the Radford Service Council (RSC) made a generous financial donation of $400, contributed on behalf of Radford Reaches Out. This donation will assist the RSPCA in continuing their essential work in supporting animals in need.
The blanket initiative, combined with the RSC’s contribution, offered students a meaningful and authentic way to demonstrate that even small acts of service can create far-reaching impact. It also reinforced the core understanding of their Term 4 Unit of Inquiry, Sharing the Planet, in which they explore the central idea that needs drive connection.
Through connecting with the RSPCA, students have seen firsthand how communities respond to different needs – whether offering companionship to the elderly or comfort to animals.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 5 cohort for their compassion, teamwork and commitment to serving others. Their efforts have made a real difference, and the blankets will soon provide warmth, security, and a sense of comfort to kittens awaiting their forever homes.
By Ms Lisa Bourne, Japanese language teacher
Our Year 8 Japanese students had the opportunity to take part in an online session with a Japanese tutor from The Japan Foundation in Sydney to learn about furoshiki – the Japanese tradition of wrapping items with cloth.
This wrapping style is not only used for Christmas and New Year’s gifts, but also in everyday life. It is not uncommon, for instance, to use furoshiki to wrap your lunch, or to wrap an item to make it easier to carry.
The colourful cloths – decorated with lucky symbols,
patterns and motifs –are reusable and environmentally friendly, highlighting
Japan’s commitment to sustainability.
Students participated in a hands-on workshop where they practised wrapping a variety of items in colourful cloths, including a laptop, notebook, water bottle and soccer balls.
The Year 8 students found the workshop to be both fun and engaging, and a wonderful way to learn more about Japanese culture. Some also commented on the fact that some items were more difficult to wrap than others.
'It was surprising to learn that furoshiki was once popular and has seen a resurgence since we started looking for more sustainable alternatives to plastic,' one student reflected.
By Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
Secondary School staff and students are invited to participate in the 2025 Anglicare Christmas Pantry Appeal. All donations will go to St John's Care.
When: Monday, 24 November – Friday, 28 November
Where: Donations can be dropped off at the Franklin Library or at the Wellbeing section in lower Morison
What: Whatever you are able to give! Items that are in high demand are toiletries, breakfast food and UHT milk, pasta/rice and quick meals, school lunch spreads/snacks, tinned food, sanitary products, nappies and food, items for Christmas hampers and gift cards.
BBQ Info: Wednesday, 26 November at lunchtime. Sausages will be sold for $3. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. All proceeds to St John's Care.
