8 November 2023

By Mr Jason Golding, Head of English

Radford is proud to have two students recognised at the ACT creative writing awards, LitLinks.

Monica Cao (Year 12) was awarded with the highest honour in the competition as winner of the Years 11 and 12 Category in a ceremony this week. Monica’s story Coffee Name has been published on the LitLinks website, along with the judges’ comments.

We also congratulate Liliane Alblas (Year 10), who received a Short List Award in the Years 9 and 10 Category for her story Molly’s Garden.

Other students from Radford who received Achievement Awards included Oscar Boswell (Year 12), Sophie Espeland (Year 11), Angelina Fei (Year 12), Izzy Faris (Year 11), James Oreo (Year 10), Anvi Gupta (Year 10), Emma Siwei Huang (Year 9) and Abigail Biddle (Year 8).

All students will receive book vouchers to Paper Chain. Monica will also receive a writer’s journal and entry to the Canberra Writers Festival, along with her very substantial voucher.

Last Wednesday and in keeping with tradition, Year 12 students returned to the classrooms where, for some, their journey at Radford College began.

The Class of 2023 reminisced as they wandered through the Early Learning Centre (ELC). Students viewed old class photos, reconnected with past teachers, and explored the spaces they once learned and played in.

There were many warm smiles and opportunities for staff and students to rekindle memories and share significant stories of their time spent in the ELC and Junior School.

Thank you to all the staff who organised the event and came to support the Year 12s, as well as the younger students who assisted with serving food and refreshments.

By Mr Nick Martin, Assistant Head of Junior School Learning and Teaching

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead.

Last week saw the culmination of an unbelievable process of learning. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition is an in-depth, collaborative, student-led inquiry into an issue that is important in our world. This year’s Exhibition was inspired by the quote often attributed to Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." In the words of Year 6 student James Eyers: "In order to shape the way we live tomorrow, we must change the way we live today."

During Term 4, our Year 6 students engaged in some enormous issues facing our world on a personal, local and global scale. They looked through the lens of the important concepts of sustainability, well-being, equity and innovation. They then worked in small groups to investigate issues relating to these concepts. The focus remained on solutions, action and hope.

We were so proud last week as the Year 6 students shared their learning from throughout the Exhibition process. They did so knowledgeably, articulately, confidently and passionately. They also expressed their understandings creatively through song, dance and artistic installations.

A truly collaborative process could not be possible without the guidance of the teaching staff. The Year 6 classroom teachers expertly supported the students throughout the process, our team of specialist teachers enriched the process through each of their areas of expertise, and a host of other staff members supported the Exhibition in many important ways.

Finally, an enormous congratulations to the Year 6 students of 2023. This year’s Exhibition was remarkable. The students showed knowledge, passion, empathy, creativity and demonstrated a sense of hope. They should be extremely proud of everything they achieved.

By Ms Kath Notley, Acting Director of Service Learning

Radford Service-Learning students have been nominated for the Volunteering ACT Awards as part of the Vinnie’s Migrant and Refugee Program volunteers.

The Vinnie’s Migrant and Refugee Program volunteers connect and empower children from a migrant or refugee background to thrive. Our Service-Learning students attend Franklin Primary on Wednesday and Thursday mornings to support students from migrant and refugee backgrounds to strengthen their literacy skills.

Award winners will be announced on 5 December. There is also the opportunity to vote for the Vinnie's Migrant and Refugee Program under the Canberra’s Choice Award until 24 November. Please vote here.

Earlier this year, Year 3 Teacher Mr Jon Craddock packed his bags for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Nepal to begin the arduous but remarkable climb to Mount Everest Base Camp. Mr Craddock recently shared his inspiration for the trip and how he found hiking through clouds and snow for 13 days to a breath-taking (literally) peak elevation of 5,644 metres.

What inspired you to climb Mount Everest? Was this something you had always wanted to do?

It was actually my wife Lauren's suggestion that we climb to Mt Everest Base Camp as a way to celebrate my 40th. Lauren would sporadically ask what my number-one bucket list idea was, and I have always replied: “Everest Base Camp.”

Living in Australia, we don’t really know or get to experience mountains. When I left Sydney and moved to Canberra, I fell in love with the incredible landscape, mountain ranges, bushland, and abundance of options we have to explore. Even as a child, I was always drawn to nomadic culture - the idea of living off the land in balance. The idea of adventure has driven many of my other adventures, but for me, the Himalayas were always the pinnacle.

How long were you training for the climb, and what did the training involve?

I began working towards my Mt Everest goal in December 2022. Unfortunately, I was struck down with a severe ankle injury. I fractured my ankle, but I also tore my medial, deltoid and spring ligaments, which meant walking was quite painful. So, my training regime was down to swimming and riding.

I went in for an ankle reconstruction mid-March, which rendered me unable to walk for six weeks and in a cast and crutches before I moved to a moon boot for another six weeks. As soon I was out of my cast, I began a daily ice bath - a small tank filled with cold water and ice. Heading into winter, it was certainly not an easy feat, but once I committed, I found my swelling decreased and recovery sped up. By the end of May, I was able to walk without pain, and I could begin rebuilding my deteriorated muscles and cardio.

From there, I was visiting the physio twice per week, in the gym four nights per week, focusing on rebuilding my legs, and I moved to an indoor bike to regain some cardio fitness.

So, I would say my real training was shortened to three months of quite intense weights and cardio.

Did you climb to Base Camp or beyond? How long was the trek?

In total, the trek lasted 13 days. We ventured all the way to Base Camp at an elevation of 5,364 metres. We saw the Khumbu Icefall, but on the day, the clouds were quite heavy as it was snowing on us, so it was not possible to see very far. The Base Camp trek was quite a long and tough day. Departing early, the rain soon came, shortly followed by sleet and then snow. The following day, several of us took the opportunity to get up before the sun and climb Kala Patthar at 5,644m. This was absolutely incredible, but it was certainly the hardest climb of the trek. Scrambling over the snow and ice-covered rocks at the top, we were fortunate enough to be greeted by the sun as it rose behind Everest’s peak.

Did the climb meet or exceed your expectations?

I don’t think I will ever be able to explain how it truly felt to have finally reached a long-awaited goal. It was not as I had imagined. In fact, it was so much more. There wasn’t one thing that stood out, rather it was a culmination of moments that made the trip such an experience. Crossing suspension bridges one hundred metres above the Dudh Koshi River. Trekking through ancient forests covered with moss. Coming across the famed yaks and naks (a female mule) that would push past us on narrow mountain pathways. Being constantly in awe of the surrounding mountains that would sneak out from behind clouds, awakening you to the realisation that you are so incredibly small. Knowing that mountaineers such as Hillary, Norgay, Mallory, Fischer and Hall may have once walked the same path. Or perhaps it was just the simplicity of life on the track.

How long were you gone for in total?

With a few days in Kathmandu both prior and post-trek, we were out of the country for about 20 days.

Do you have another bucket list goal now that one’s ticked?

Having knocked this goal off my list, I feel there is a new desire to explore and have adventures. So, I have begun to add more to my bucket list – the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, Ball Pass Crossing in New Zealand and ‘The Circuit’ in Torres del Paine, Chile. I would love to take my daughters on some longer hikes, perhaps explore the Tasmanian forests.

I have actually just applied to do an Arctic expedition on dog sleds, which I think would be amazing.

Have you been sharing your experience in the classroom?

Yes, I have! It was truly special returning to my class. My students were absolutely wonderful and incredibly keen to see pictures and hear stories. It was great to be able to share my experience with them and try to answer all their questions. I think they were most impressed with the fact that I didn’t shower for 13 days!

Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camps

Coerver Coaching Holiday Camps offer a fun-filled soccer experience for children aged three to 16+ years. Each day will include ball mastery, one-versus-one attack and defence, receiving and passing, small-sided Coerver games and mini Coerver Cup tournaments.

Players who attend a Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camp receive:

• 12 hours of programmed Coerver Coaching sessions delivered by Coerver Diploma-accredited coaches.
• A Coerver Coaching training shirt.
• An Adidas training football.
• Coerver Coaching Home Study Program.
• Coerver Coaching Home Study Program online support.
• Coerver Coaching certificate of attendance.

Dates: Monday, 11 December-Thursday, 14 December
Times: 9:00 am-12:00 pm each day
Venue: University of Canberra, Bruce
Registration link: https://coerveract.com.au/holiday-camps

Become a Ball Kid

Tennis ACT is seeking expressions of interest for ball kids aged 12-18 at Canberra International 2024. This is a wonderful opportunity for ball kids to experience Canberra International, which will be held at the Canberra Tennis Centre from 31 December to 6 January.

The expression of interest form can be accessed here.

By Mr Andy Gordon, Interim Principal

It with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Miss Jo-Anne Flatley-Allen.

Beginning at Radford in 1990, Jo-Anne continued teaching in the Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) department for the next 33 years, only stepping down earlier this year as she battled illness.

She is remembered as a dedicated and caring teacher. Her care extended to her colleagues whom she looked out for, personally supporting them in their struggles and being the first to celebrate their milestones.

The College is holding a memorial service for Jo-Anne next week. All members of the Radford community are welcome to attend.

Date: Thursday, 16 November
Time: 4:30 pm
Venue: Radford College Chapel

By Mrs Eleanor Bleeser, Radford Parents & Friends Association President

When you try to describe the Radford Twilight Fete to people who have never attended, the only thing you can really say is that it’s a fete like no other. And 2023 was no exception.

Preparations for the Fete start 12 months in advance, with meticulous planning by our volunteer Fete Convenor Mrs Mari Kirkpatrick and College Administrator - Fundraising and Events Mrs Monique Glavonjic.

Careful consideration goes into all aspects of the Fete so that there is entertainment for everyone to enjoy. This year's offerings included rides, curated stalls and special musical and dance performances throughout the day.

Sadly, the one thing that our dedicated event planners cannot control is the weather, which turned out to be dry but remarkably chilly this year. Despite this, Radford College community members showed up on Saturday, 4 November, ready to have fun - and we thank everyone for attending this year.

One plus was that the cooler weather seemed to make the hot foods even more enjoyable. Delicious woodfired pizzas, classic BBQ offerings, and (responsibly served) glasses of red wine were very popular among attendees. A scientific hypothesis was also confirmed on Saturday - specifically that children enjoy ice cream and fairy floss regardless of outside temperatures.

Heading to the inside attractions, we were lucky to have several amazing stall convenors who return year-after-year to deliver quintessential Radford Fete attractions, such as the white elephant, second-hand clothing and Sweet and Sticky stalls.

Unfortunately, Sideshow Alley had to be cancelled at the last minute this year due to illnesses - a reminder that COVID-19 is still impacting Canberra life, and we don’t take these big community events for granted like we once might have.

Finally, it’s important to mention that the transformation of the school into a festive Fete would not be possible without the hard work of parent and community volunteers, including hardworking Service-Learning students. The P&F appreciates everyone who donated their time in the lead up to the Fete, as well as the many volunteers who helped out on the day. A very special shout out goes to the Radford facilities team, which not only worked hard on the Fete set-up, but also stayed with the P&F late into Saturday night to pack away all the equipment, ensuring that the school was ready for the important business of learning on Monday morning.

We also want to thank all our sponsors - the raffle was a big hit and wouldn’t have been possible without Supersmile Orthodontics, Artemis Partners (management consulting firm), Kumon Florey, Heartstory Photography, National Zoo & Aquarium, Murrumbateman Chocolate Co, Sweet Pea & Poppy, Questacon, National Dinosaur Museum, Bastion Property Group, Ainslie IGA and Qote.

If you attended the Fete and would like to provide feedback to improve future events, please complete the feedback form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/fete2023feedback.

Raffle winners

Congratulations to all our raffle winners who were announced at the Fete.

Congratulations to all our winners and many thanks to our supporters who provided the wonderful prizes up for grabs this year!

By Mr Dale Casburn, Head of Student Pathways (Careers Counsellor)

The College is seeking expressions of interest from community members to assist students in securing:

• A work experience placement; and/or
• A traineeship/apprenticeship as part of the Australian School-Based Apprenticeship (ASBA) program.

We intend to populate a database of community contacts interested in potentially accepting students for one of these placement types. As students seek a placement, the College would reach out to relevant contacts on this database, who can accept or refuse each time, depending on their circumstances.

Work experience

Students in Years 10–12 have the option to carry out an unpaid work experience placement.

Placements take place during school holidays and range in length between three and ten days – a full working week is common.

Placements can be in any industry, and the process is not time-consuming for the provider in terms of admin - the College is here to support you. Students are fully covered by the College’s insurance while on placement.

Australian School-Based Apprenticeships (ASBAs)

Year 11 and 12 students who opt to study a BSSS Accredited Package can take up an ASBA as part of their subject load.

ASBAs are commonly undertaken in a range of industries, including business, real estate, construction and automotive trades, fitness, hospitality and more, and offer students hands-on industry experience and the ability to work towards or complete a nationally recognised qualification while remaining at school part-time.

Depending on the qualification sought, students are required to work between eight and 12 hours per week.

Employers may be eligible to receive incentive payments under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program. In 2023, students are seeking ASBAs in carpentry, electrical and fitness.

Find out more about Australian School-Based Apprenticeships.

If you own or run a business and think you could offer a student a work experience or ASBA placement in future, we’d love to hear from you. Please email me at dale.casburn@radford.act.edu.au.

Radford Collegians are invited to join us for Christmas Drinks inside the new Collegians' Centre on the evening of Thursday, 23 November.

As Radford College approaches its 40th anniversary, we want to celebrate this milestone with our valued Collegians.

We welcome you and your family to join us for an evening of social drinks and delicious snacks. The atmosphere will be vibrant with live music and an opportunity to win fabulous lucky door prizes. The special event will also give you an exciting sneak peek of the Collegians' Centre.

To participate in the lucky door prize, simply bring your business card or a name tag will be created for you upon entry.

This is a complimentary event, so make sure to mark your calendars and secure your tickets now. Don't miss out on reconnecting with old friends and creating new memories this festive season.

Date: Thursday, 23 November
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: Collegians' Centre
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/c...