Staff Insights
By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
At Radford College, learning is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. It is a living, breathing, dynamic journey that inspires curiosity, challenges thinking and calls both staff and students to make connections and take meaningful action in the world.
From our youngest learners to our soon-to-be graduating Year 12 students, we see a vibrant tapestry of learning experiences, connections and purposeful action woven into daily life.
In the Junior School, our Year 6 students have embarked on their Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition – a milestone learning experience that invites them to think conceptually, explore real-world issues and collaborate meaningfully. Grouped under the overarching concepts of influence, power, progress, impact and identity, the exhibition is far more than a project; it is a demonstration of agency, creativity and critical thinking in action.
This year, the PYP Exhibition is inspired by the following open-ended theme: x + y =
Far from being just a mathematical equation, for our curious learners, it becomes a provocation for student-led inquiry, community connections, action-oriented learning and whole-child growth through the Learner Profile. Students investigate topics that matter to them, applying their learning to propose solutions, raise awareness and inspire change.
Along the way, they develop skills and strengthen dispositions that will serve them well beyond school: curiosity, empathy, persistence and a belief that their voice matters.
In our Secondary School, the annual Dirrum Dirrum Festival amplifies these same values on a larger stage. Dirrum Dirrum 2025 embraced the theme "Tomorrow’s Promise", inviting our community to recognise our power not only to imagine change, but to create it. Guest speaker Stan Grant urged listeners to say 'Yes' to possibilities, challenging all of us to step into a future shaped by courage and conviction.
Our College values of Truth, Compassion, Wisdom were brought to life at the festival. We saw our values in action, through courage, empathy and integrity. These qualities, which we strive to embody every day, are the building blocks of a better world. Through the voices of guest speakers and our inspiring Year 12 student leaders, the event sparked deep reflection and called us to purposeful, meaningful action.
Whether in the collaborative inquiry of the PYP Exhibition or the thought-provoking conversations of Dirrum Dirrum, these experiences reflect a truth we hold dear: learning is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about reflecting on humanity, sharing it and using it to serve others.
As John Dewey observed, 'We do not learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience.' At Radford, reflection is integral to how we learn – empowering students to articulate their thinking, celebrate their growth and take ownership of their journey.
This week in the Junior School, our Learning Journeys commenced, inviting parents and carers to step into their child’s learning spaces and walk alongside them to gain a deeper insight into their learning. More than a display of student work, Learning Journeys are vibrant celebrations of growth, understanding and joy. Students take the lead, guiding their families through classrooms, sharing achievements, engaging in hands-on activities and reflecting on their learning processes.
As Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, reminds us: 'There are three teachers of children: adults, other children and their physical environment.' At Radford, these three are ever present across all learning environments. Learning is enriched by our specialist programs in art, music, physical education, Spanish, Godly Play, the library and well-being, as well as in the rich co-curricular offerings and meaningful service opportunities.
Across every age and stage, Radford College is a community of deep thinking and meaningful action, where learning is alive with curiosity, reflection and purpose. Or, as one of our Year 6 students expressed during their exhibition:
'Learning isn’t just about knowing more, it’s about doing more with what you know.'
By Reverend Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain
The combination of Book Week and Languages Week creates a lot of fun, culminating with students dressing as either their favourite literary characters or in national dress. In our ever more increasingly digital world, it is great that students and staff alike can have a day dedicated to celebrating their favourite books.
Languages Week, in turn, provides an opportunity to develop an appreciation of other cultures and its people. Moreover, the ability to translate from one language to another is such an important skill to ensure that the intended message is delivered and heard.
As someone who works with the Bible, the significance of the combination of Book and Languages Week is not lost on me. The Bible is one of the most translated books in the world. Beginning with the original language of the Old Testament in Hebrew, the Bible was then translated into Greek. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, although some books, such as The Gospel according to Matthew, are thought to have been written in Aramaic, a dialect of Hebrew.
In the 2004 film, The Passion of the Christ, Aramaic was used to add a more authentic feel to the movie. After Greek, the Bible was translated into Latin. This translation was predominantly used until the medieval period. Since then, the Bible has been translated into the common languages spoken in the local region, so that all people could access the text for themselves.
Of all these languages, I would like to be fluent in ancient Greek the most. I find Greek provides depth to concepts and words that English cannot. For instance, there are multiple words to describe the concept of love in Greek. Of the several words to describe a specific type of love, I am always drawn to Agape.
Agape is used to describe the love that is of and from God, whose very nature is love itself (1 John 4:16). Agape is a divine love in which one freely and unconditionally gives of themselves, expecting nothing in return. It is the love that Jesus expressed throughout his life and ministry. Apostle Paul best expresses agape love in 1 Corinthians 13. This hymn of love may be familiar to many due to its popular use in weddings. It is certainly a love to aspire to.
'Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.' – 1 Corinthians 13: 4–8.
Go in peace,
Rev. Andy
News
By Reverend Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
For 10 months, a team of over 30 Year 12 students busily prepared for Dirrum Dirrum Festival 2025 and their efforts were heartily rewarded last Saturday! The theme "Tomorrow’s Promise", the artistic collaborations brought to life in the designs by Nancy Hang and every speaker, stall holder, artist and musician who participated, ensured an event that was rich in meaning, hospitality and community.
A huge congratulations to the organising committee, the Media Crew and the many staff who offered their time and talents to make this year’s Dirrum Dirrum Festival a night to remember.
These reflections by Zoe and Dhaatri, two of the 250 festival attendees, demonstrate the depth of engagement that was given and received:
Zoe, Year 10 student
'I had never gone to a Dirrum Dirrum festival before, but it had always intrigued me due to the variety of different and interesting presenters that had spoken in previous years. I am so glad that I chose 2025 as the year I would finally attend.
'Stan Grant had so much to say about "Tomorrow’s Promise", emphasising this idea that saying yes will ensure your tomorrow will be fulfilled. Shaun Christie-David can only be described as inspiring. His work in helping thousands of Australians to put food on the table is a testament to the importance of "Tomorrow’s Promise" and what we can achieve today to ensure tomorrow is worthwhile for everyone.
'Tash Kaiser was amazing and a testament to some key values. She really focused on what her Aboriginal culture means to her and helping others to learn about it, encompassing the idea of learning is the security for tomorrow. Lastly, Royston Noell gave us an incredible showcase, demonstrating his passion for music. His songs and words really captured the sense of "Tomorrow’s Promise" for individuals and how each of us must find our way to make tomorrow better than today.
'Overall, the speakers this year were all so incredible. However, I would have to say Stan Grant's enchanting words really stole the show with his key message of just saying 'Yes'. His speech really delved into how that single word can really ensure a promise of a great tomorrow for ourselves and everyone around us.'
Dhaatri, Year 9
'In addition to the keynote speakers, I was equally impressed by the stallholders. I spoke briefly with the stallholders from A Chorus of Women, who shared the origins of their group. They told me how, on 18 March 2003 – the day Australia entered the Iraq War – 150 women entered Parliament House and sang the Lament for the People of Iraq, which led the ABC’s 7.30 report that night. 20 years later, that same Lament evolved into a call for action on climate change, peace and social justice. Their story reminded me that the choices individuals make and the breadth of experiences they carry hold enormous power to shape who they are and what they stand for.
'What I ultimately took away from Dirrum Dirrum 2025 was the profound reminder that people live incredibly complex lives. Each person is moulded by hardships and achievements alike, and those lived experiences weave together to create voices of strength, courage and inspiration. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and one that taught me many valuable lessons.
'We look forward to seeing you at Dirrum Dirrum Festival 2026!'
By Michele Sharp, Head of Languages
Radford has a long history of reciprocal long exchange programs with our sister schools. This term, we welcomed two students from Konko Gakuen School, Japan on this program. The Japanese students were hosted by Year 12 students Theo and Arabella, who spent the previous summer holidays at Konko Gakuen living with a host family and studying at the school.
The Japanese long exchange is a six-week immersion opportunity that languages students can apply for at the end of Year 11. It is a reciprocal program, meaning those who participate must be willing to host a student in return. We have a similar opportunity for French students, and three students will be travelling to France at the end of this year to undertake this wonderful immersion opportunity.
The aim of the program is to:
- Gain first-hand insight into other cultures to develop a tolerance, understanding and respect for different ways of life and different values.
- Improve foreign language skills through the practical use of the language in a native-speaking country.
- Widen perspectives and social experience.
- Gain experience as a host to an overseas visitor at home and school.
We are thankful to the schools we have relationships with and the host families who ensure the continued success of this very beneficial exchange. Below are reflections from the visiting Japanese students on life and school in Australia.
Kaho Namba
When I welcomed two students from Radford in the past, I learned about some differences between Japan and Australia, but there are several differences that I was surprised to learn about when I actually came here.
I was most surprised by the classes. In Japan, everyone must face forward and copy everything the teacher writes on the blackboard into their notebooks and memorise it. Students are only allowed to speak when the teacher asks a question during class. In Australia, several students sat at one desk facing each other and exchanged opinions with their friends during class. They asked the teacher questions when they had doubts. They seemed to be learning on their own.
I was also worried about whether I would make friends as not all of my subjects were with my classmates like in Japan, with students changing between subjects. However, I became friends with the students I ate with during lunch breaks and even the students in my classes talked to me, which made me very happy.
My host family was very important to me. I was not confident in my English and nervous at first, so even though I could answer, I could not express my opinions in my own words. However, I was very happy when my host family told me that they could understand me and that my English had improved since I arrived.
For me, this sister-school exchange was a very valuable time, even though it was only for a month. I think that coming into contact with people from other countries and learning about other cultures has become a source of hope for me. I will never forget what I experienced at Radford. Thank you so much, everyone.
Daiki Miyamoto
First of all, I was surprised at the school building style. My school has one large building with four floors, and we have most of our classes in one classroom, so I wasn't used to moving to a different classroom for each class. I was surprised at the style of class as well. The difference between my school and this school is that you have recess, flex and there is more time to spare. I think this style is much better than ours because I felt more comfortable.
Many students treated me kindly. Particularly, my host brother's friends. Talking with them was the most fun thing for me. Some students spoke to me in Japanese, which was very helpful. And we could teach each other Japanese and English. What particularly sticks in my mind is Japanese class. It was interesting for me to learn Japanese with foreigners and know how they learn Japanese.
I enjoyed time with my host family as well. They are so kind, and they often asked me if I needed help, which was so helpful for me. They also took me many places where I had great experiences. I'm amazed by the stars in the night sky. I saw them from my host family's farm and I'll never forget that landscape.
I had a great experience. It will be very helpful for my future. Thank you so much everyone!
By Mrs Kirsten Knight, Director of Co-Curricular Music
The Evening of Fine Music is a showcase of some of our top Year 12 musicians. It will be held on Saturday, 6 September from 6:30 pm in T.B. Millar Hall.
Our featured performers this year include:
- Thomas Liu – clarinet and bassoon
- Tim Kopras – bass guitar
- Cyrus French – piano
- Lucas Lin – drums
- Danny Tran – piano
- Jeffrey Pei – piano
- Amber Smith – flute and voice
- Paige Le Lievre – voice
Tickets are available here. Please note that ticket sales close on Thursday, 4 September.
Audience members are invited to bring food to enjoy during the evening. Wine and other beverages will be available for purchase at the hall.
