9 May 2025

By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Junior School

Storytelling has shaped tribes, families, societies and cultures for generations, preserving knowledge, strengthening identity and passing down values that connect us across time and place. It is powerful as it speaks to both the heart and the mind, making ideas memorable, meaningful and deeply human.

At Radford, we have the unique privilege of being custodians of our community’s story. One that includes the voices, experiences, legacies and journeys of each and every student, staff member and family member who comes to Radford. Each chapter is written with care, shaped by moments of growth, resilience, joy and belonging.

When students are given the chance to lead themselves with integrity, empathy and courage, we’re not just preparing them for the future — we’re empowering them to adapt and shape it.

Leadership is also an integral part of this unfolding story. We believe true leadership is not about titles or positions, it is the ability to lead oneself and grow through connection, interaction and service to others.

We are committed to providing every student with opportunities to lead in authentic and age-appropriate ways, through character, courage, kindness and connection.

Guided by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), we embed leadership development into everyday learning. Whether it is supporting a classmate, taking initiative, asking thoughtful questions, or practising empathy, students are constantly developing the foundations of leadership, starting by leading themselves with independence, integrity, agency and confidence.

One powerful example of this is our TRIBE program — a flagship well-being initiative for Year 6 boys, developed in partnership with ACT-based organisation Menslink. TRIBE supports boys as they navigate the important transition from childhood, through adolescence and beyond.

Year 6 students during a TRIBE session with Mr Mark Wadie from Menslink.

Facilitated by Menslink’s Education Program Manager, Mr Mark Wadie, alongside Radford College teachers Mrs Mackenzie Perfect and Mr Dean O’Brien, TRIBE creates a safe and supportive space where students meet weekly across eight sessions. Through rich conversations and reflective activities, they explore what it means to grow into young men of character, centred on the values of trust, resilience, independence, bravery and empathy.

We are currently in our third TRIBE program. This is what one of the students had to say:

“Going to TRIBE was like gathering around the campfire, feeling safe, warm and around people who have your back.” – Hamish

While there might not be a campfire, storytelling is a key element. Our students share and listen assembled in a circle — practising the art of Gathering (being seen), learning the value of Buddies (checking in with each other throughout the week), fostering a raised awareness of self and impact on others, and calming their minds and bodies with controlled breathing techniques. It is in these quiet, honest moments that confidence is revealed, bonds are formed and character is shaped.

TRIBE empowers students to reflect on their identity, relationships and the kind of person they want to become. It reminds them that mistakes are a part of learning, that emotions are valid and that leadership begins with being present, compassionate and true to oneself.

We know that a strong partnership between home and school produces positive outcomes. Parents are invited to actively engage with the program and the key messages. Some comments from parents include:

"Our son has displayed different attitudes towards responsibility. We've observed more in his actions than he has discussed."

"He has been taking more responsibility for his tasks without needing reminders, and he has shown better control of his emotions, especially during challenging situations."

"A valuable self-development program tailored for the youth set in a very supportive and empowering environment."

TRIBE is not just an eight-week program; it is part of a long-term commitment to cultural change. We are striving for more than a strong learning environment, we are building a true community of well-being — one where every person feels safe, every voice is valued and every story belongs.

Together, we are writing a shared story of belonging, growth and possibility. One that continues to evolve and thrive.

By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

The Anglican church is a global communion, with members united by a shared faith despite living in different contexts and facing diverse challenges and opportunities.

Last year, I had the privilege of meeting The Most Reverend Brent Alawas, former Prime Bishop of the Episcopal (Anglican) Church in the Philippines. He was in Canberra as the guest of the Anglican Board of Mission, which partners with the church in the Philippines on development projects such as primary education, in the Diocese of Santiago in Isabela Province, and economic resilience in the face of extreme weather events.

I listened to Bishop Brent preach in an Anglican parish. We also had a great conversation about Anglican schools over lunch at the National Portrait Gallery and spent some time at the National Library of Australia, so Bishop Brent could do some work, which he really enjoyed. Our time together was enriching for both of us.

The ability to have an international mindset while also being aware of and able to respond to local issues is something we aim to develop in students. It was a privilege this week, in a voluntary lunchtime Radford Awareness and Service (RAS) meeting, to hear an ‘election wrap-up’ from students from a range of grades. Some in the group had voted for the first time.

In Year 7 Religious and Values Education (RaVE) classes, students have been designing posters that capture the essence of The Five Marks of Mission. This poster was made by Jasper Li.

The Five Marks of Mission are a synthesis of the global Anglican communion’s mission to follow Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God and the world. The Five Marks of Mission are:

Tell: To proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God as we witness Christ’s saving, forgiving and reconciling love for all people.

Teach: Nurturing the faith of new believers and building welcoming, transformative communities of faith.

Tend: To respond to human need with loving service and stand in solidarity with the marginalised.

Transform: Challenge violence, injustice and oppression, and work for peace and reconciliation.

Treasure: Protect, care for and renew life on our planet.

As an Anglican school, we can expect to see these marks lived out in our context. I wonder where you can see this happening. I wonder where the challenge lies to deepen our commitment in one or more of these areas.

We are all enriched when we share and learn from others. The late Pope Francis, in his final Easter message, shared a message that brings together the promise of Easter with a deep concern for the world in which we live. It is worth reading in full.

May Pope Francis’ charge, “Christ is risen! These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life,” be the momentum for us to be agents of hope and healing wherever we may be.

By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Junior School

Bright and early this morning, the Junior School Undercroft was filled with warmth, laughter and the joyful hum of conversation as more than 450 smiling mothers, children and family members gathered for our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast.

There was an unmistakable sense of connection as our community came together to celebrate the extraordinary women, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, carers, educators and special friends who nurture, guide and love unconditionally.

In addition to the warm smiles and heartfelt conversations, guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast featuring a sensational sausage sizzle, an enticing array of pastries and muffins, fresh fruit, apple slinkies and juice.

This special morning would not have been possible without the dedication and thoughtful planning of many individuals. We extend our sincere thanks to Ms Tracey Markovic, Ms Beth Maggs and her husband Barry Maggs, Ms Angie Walters, Ms Megan Sharp, Ms Lauren Hibberson, Ms Cathy Jackson, Mrs Anne Sutherland and our hardworking facilities team. Your care and attention to detail added to the success of this event. We also warmly acknowledge the contributions of our Year 9 students, whose support added an extra layer of joy and community spirit.

Events like these remind us that Radford is more than a school—it is a place of belonging.

Today, and this weekend, we honoured the significant women in our lives and celebrated the bonds that shape and nurture us. It was a beautiful expression of love, gratitude and the strength of community.

By Ms Megan Fritsch, Director of Sport

Under clear blue skies, the Radford community—from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12—came together to take part in one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar—the Cross Country Carnival.

Our picturesque course winds through the natural terrain of Gossan Hill, with younger students weaving their way through Frog Gulley, while older students took on the notorious ‘Heartbreak Hill’—a true test of endurance and determination. It was inspiring to see students push themselves to the finish line, competing for House points and cheering each other on throughout the day.

Even the Principal, Mr Christopher Bradbury, put on his running shoes and ran the course with some of our Secondary School students. Congratulations to every student who took part and did their best, and to Karri, which won the best House chant.

Such a large-scale event is no small feat, and thanks must go to the Radford sports team for their expert coordination, alongside the support of all College staff who made the day possible.

Congratulations to everyone involved, and best of luck to the students progressing to the Belconnen Region (12&U) and ASC (13&O) Cross Country Championships!

When we think of Mrs Sue Hassall, we think of a determined leader, backpack firmly strapped around her waist, cheering on students through wild rivers, up majestic mountains and across untouched terrain. To put it simply, when we think of Mrs Hassall, we think of our Duke of Edinburgh Leader. After spending five years as an Outward Bound instructor, combined with her love of the outdoors, there is no one better suited to the role. And after seeing her own children grow in confidence and skills through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, she knew she wanted the role to support more young people through the program. When Mrs Hassall isn't pitching tents or tending to a campfire, she's teaching English. In this interview, we traverse Mrs Hassall's 17 years at Radford College, unearth her love of reading (often by torchlight) and roam through some of her most memorable (and hair-raising) outdoor education adventures.

You've been part of Radford College since 2008. How have you seen the school evolve over the years, particularly in the English department?

A compelling issue the English department faces is managing students’ use of AI and the distractions on their devices. Many teachers are using paper notebooks in addition to devices, and our assessment tasks are creatively designed to circumvent the use of AI. English teachers have also needed to find creative ways to maintain students' focus when reading extended texts, as many tend to view technology instead of reading novels nowadays.

As an English teacher, what do you find most rewarding about teaching literature to today’s students?

I find it rewarding to see students strengthen their analytical thinking, grow their imagination and develop an understanding and empathy for characters in difficult situations by examining novels, plays, films and oral texts. It is rewarding to develop students’ accurate and concise written and spoken expression and to see enjoyment and growth in their thinking with increasingly challenging texts.

Do you have a favourite book or piece of literature that inspires how you teach English?

The texts I enjoy using are dependent on the age of the students and the purpose of the unit of work. For example, Romeo and Juliet is engaging for Year 9 students new to Shakespeare and the ancient Athenian play, Antigone, by Sophocles, illustrates the universal wisdom of needing to recognise and admit an error for senior students.

What inspired you to take on the Duke of Edinburgh Leader role, and how have you seen the program impact students’ personal growth?

I wanted to assist other students with building their confidence and developing their abilities after seeing the positive impact the Duke of Edinburgh Award had on my own children.

Can you share a memorable moment from a Duke of Edinburgh expedition?

We had a group walking from Mt Kosciuszko to Charlotte Pass via the scenic rim walk, and a storm swiftly rolled in. It rained heavily, and the swollen Snowy River thundered noisily down its course, creating majestic waterfalls but making the river impassable. We erected our flapping tents in the howling gale at lunchtime, and for 18 hours, we stayed in our small, buffeted nylon shelters until it was safe to cross the river.

People would be surprised to know...

For the five years I was an Outward Bound instructor, I lived outside, mostly sleeping under a plastic flysheet and only sleeping in a bed for about a month each year.

I navigated, walked, skied, rafted and canoed in dry bush, tropical jungles and snow environments, generally cooking on open fires, carrying my gear and being responsible for groups of adults and children. I went on to write the first outdoor education standard practices and exams to teach and assess the skills outdoor educators need to ensure safety in the field.

Consequently, I still curl my toes with joy when it is raining at night, and I am in a warm bed with a solid roof and walls that stop the wind, and I no longer need to read by torchlight.

By Ms Jeanette Clayton, Head of History, Philosophy and Religious and Values Education (HPR)

It’s been an exciting year so far in the HPR department.

All students in Years 7—10 study RaVE (Religious and Values Education). Our RaVE teachers are Ms Natasha Davies, Rev. Andy Fleming, Mrs Jane Lilley, Mr Dylan Mordike, Mr Stuart Mitchell, Ms Kath Notley and Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger. Examples of Semester 1 RaVE units include In the Beginning, Parables, Spirituality and the Arts, and Living Our Values. In Term 1, Year 9 RaVE students went on an excursion to Goulburn for their unit on Spirituality and the Arts. They visited St Saviour’s Cathedral, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and participated in a public art tour.

All Year 7—10 students also complete a semester of history. Our Year 7—10 history teachers include Dr Rebecca Barlow, Ms Jeanette Clayton, Ms Natasha Davies, Ms Catherine Gibson, Mrs Rebecca Hunter, Ms Sam Lonsdale, Ms Emily Ridge and Miss Georgia Sweeney. Year 7 history students study the ancient world, Year 8 students study the medieval period and Year 9 and 10 students study the modern world. In Term 1, Year 7 history students visited the National Museum of Australia. They toured a gallery on Australian history, took part in educational activities run by museum staff and had the opportunity to visit the Pompeii exhibition.

Students in Years 9 and 10 can elect to study philosophy. This semester, Year 9 students are exploring the unit I Think, Therefore I Am, while Year 10 students are studying Beauty, Sense and Influence. Our Year 9 and 10 philosophy teachers are Mr Jake Bailey and Mr Cameron Brown.

In the Senior School, the HPR department offers ancient history, modern history and philosophy. Ancient history students are studying a unit on the Roman Republic while philosophy students are examining knowledge and knowing. Year 11 modern history students are studying the American Revolution and Year 12 modern history students are exploring authoritarian states. Our senior teachers are Ms Jenni Bodell, Dr Rebecca Barlow, Ms Jeanette Clayton, Mrs Rebecca Hunter and Miss Georgia Sweeney.

In March, Radford student Natalie Tam was named the 2025 ACT winner of the Simpson Prize, a national history competition, for an essay she submitted last year as part of a Year 10 history unit. She was presented with her award at Parliament House and participated in an overseas study tour as part of the prize. Congratulations, Natalie, on an impressive achievement.

We also had nine students compete in the Senior Ethics Olympiad last week. They are to be commended for engaging constructively with other students on ethical issues.

By Mr Nick Akhurst, Head of Co-Curricular Drama, Dance and Technical Theatre

We are down to our last two performances of this year's musical, Legally Blonde. Our students are ready to captivate audiences tonight and tomorrow night and build on the momentum of last week's opening night and huge audience on Saturday.

The students have come such a long way in developing their performances or production skills since their first auditions last year. We are so proud of their work and the high quality of this show.

Each musical is a huge undertaking. It involves music, dancing, singing, acting, set building, costumes, sound and lighting...more elements that we can unpack. This would not be possible without the support from Radford College staff.

I would like to thank Director Dr Tracy Bourne; Music Director Mr Caleb Campbell; Mrs Maddie Grieger and Miss Melissa Markos for their choreography and production support; Mr Stephen Rose for his technical support alongside the Technical Crew; Ms Susan Davenport for assisting with ticket sales and advertising; Mrs Donna Robards for her assistance with ticketing; Miss Lauren Heyward for handling front of house; and Mrs Kirsten Knight and the rest of the co-curricular music department.

Lastly, thank you to the audiences who have come to see the show and have been so supportive of the cast, band and crew. We hope you enjoy(ed) this musical as much as we did, and we look forward to seeing you at future Radford College productions.

By Ms Jenni Bodell, Head of Academic Care; Ms Tegan Crain, Academic Enrichment Teacher; Mr Nick Martin and Mrs Jo O’Brien, Assistant Heads of Junior School Learning and Teaching

Congratulations to our outstanding Year 8 students, who were crowned overall champions of the prestigious Da Vinci Decathlon—an academic competition celebrating creativity, critical thinking and collaboration—held at Canberra Grammar School in Week 1 of Term 2.

The winning team of Rachel Yu, Sophie Linton, Dinugi Weerabaddana Dissanayake, Selina Li, Madeleine Luu, Siyara Malhinge, Linda Guo and Quentin Horrobin demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork across the ten disciplines of the competition. Their efforts have earned them a place in the New South Wales State Finals at Knox Grammar School later this month.

Radford’s success extended well beyond the Year 8 team. Students from Years 5—10 also competed, with many teams achieving impressive results.

The Da Vinci Decathlon challenges students across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography and legacy. Our Year 7—10 teams achieved multiple podium finishes, with particular strengths shown in mathematics and English. Full results will be published on the Da Vinci Decathlon website.

Year 5 Da Vinci Decathlon team comprising Nicholas Wang, Alice Buckley, Peilin Luo, Kayla Tao, Celine Trinh, Eloise Beacroft, Derek Lee and Tanish Balchukuri (in no particular order).

Our Junior School students also impressed. Two teams from Years 5 and 6 showcased remarkable perseverance, problem-solving abilities and teamwork as they navigated a wide range of intellectually demanding tasks. Their enthusiasm, collaboration and respect for others truly embodied the spirit of the Decathlon and the values of Radford College.

The Year 5 team achieved third place overall, with standout performances including:

• First place in code breaking

• Second place in art and poetry

• Third place in ideation and creative producers

The Year 6 team placed fifth overall, excelling with:

• Second place in code breaking and science

• Third place in legacy and engineering

Mr Nick Martin and Mrs Jo O’Brien commended the Year 5 and 6 students for their dedication, resilience and support for one another, noting that they displayed maturity beyond their years.

Year 6 Da Vinci Decathlon team comprising Olivia Bettison, Daniel Zhang, Yongmin Yin, Alexis Vassallo, Jayden Huang, Heer Vunnam, Emmee Rock and Riyana Budhwar (in no particular order).

A heartfelt congratulations to all participants on your exceptional efforts—you represented Radford College with pride and distinction!

Sporting achievements

Congratulations to Isla Murphy (U15 Girls), Jacob Hately (U15 Boys), Jacob Bott (U15 Boys) and Isaac Waldren (U16 Boys) on their selection in ACT squads for the 2025 Emerging Socceroos and Matildas Championships in July.

The tournaments, formerly known as the National Youth Championships, will take place from 6—20 July in Melbourne and Sydney, showcasing the top under 15 and under 16 footballers from across the country. This is a key step in the national talent pathway. Well done and good luck!

Upcoming School Sport ACT (SSACT) Team Trials

12&U Australian Football (Girls)

Friday, 2 May and 9 May from 4.45 am – 6.00 pm
Isabella Plains Playing Fields
Please wear appropriate playing gear, bring a mouth guard, a water bottle and any other gameday gear
Only students born between 1/1/2013 and 31/12/2015 will be considered for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 9 May. For further information please go to SSACT Australian Football

12&U Australian Football (Boys)

Sunday, 4 May, 11 May and 18 May from 9.30 am – 11.30 am
Hughes Oval
Please wear appropriate playing gear, bring a mouth guard, a water bottle and any other gameday gear
Only students born between 1/1/2013 and 31/12/2015 will be considered for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 18 May. For further information please go to SSACT Australian Football

15&U Australian Football (Boys)

Monday, 5 May from 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm and Sunday, 11 May 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Stirling Oval, Teesdale Place, Stirling ACT
Please wear appropriate playing gear, bring a mouth guard, a water bottle and any other gameday gear
Please remove all jewellery before the trial
Only students born between 1/1/2010 and 31/12/2012 will be considered for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 11 May. For further information please go to SSACT Australian Football

12&U Football/Soccer (Girls)

Monday, 26 May, 9 June and 16 June from 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm. Invitational trial (students invited to this selection session will receive an email after the third trial)
Southwell Park, Lyneham.
Please wear appropriate playing gear, shin pads, long socks, football boots and a water bottle. Goalkeepers are to bring their own gloves. No club representative shirts are to be worn
Students must attend 2 of the 3 trials and be born between 1/7/2011 and 31/12/2014 to be considered for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 26 May. For further information please go to SSACT Football-Soccer

12&U Football/Soccer (Boys)

Sunday, 1 June, 8 June and 16 June from 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm. Invitational trial 22 June from 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm (the 36 students invited to this selection session will receive an email after the third trial)
Wanniassa Ovals (Fields 101-104)
Please wear appropriate playing gear, shin pads, long socks, football boots and a water bottle. Goalkeepers are to bring their own gloves. No club representative shirts are to be worn
Students must be born between 1/7/2012 and 31/12/2014 and be playing NPLB, SAP or Div 1 Juniors to be considered for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 22 June. For further information please go to SSACT Football-Soccer

18&U Football/Soccer (Boys)

Monday, 5 May, 12 May and 19 May, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm. Students are to arrive by 5.45 pm for a 6.00 pm start
Southwell Park, Lyneham.
Please wear appropriate playing gear, shin pads, football boots and a water bottle. No State Representative clothing please
Players must be between 15 and 18 years old to be eligible to trial.
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 19 May. For further information please go to SSACT Football-Soccer. Refer all inquiries to Team Manager Darren McCrea darren.mccrea@ed.act.edu.au

15&U Hockey (Boys)

Monday, 5 May and 12 May from 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm
National Hockey Centre – Carter Field
Students are required to provide their own equipment, including mouthguard and shinpads, and a water bottle
Only students born between 1/7/2009 and 31/12/2012 will be considered for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 12 May. For further information please go to SSACT Hockey

15&U Hockey (Girls)

Wednesday, 14 May and 21 May from 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm
National Hockey Centre – Carter Field
Students are required to provide their own equipment, including mouthguard and shinpads, and water bottle
Only students born between 1/7/2009 and 31/12/2012 will be considered for selection
All students wishing take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 21 May. For further information please go to SSACT Hockey

15&U Netball (Girls)

Thursday, 8 May from 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm (Surname A - L)
Friday, 9 May from 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm (Surname M - Z)
Wednesday, 14 May from 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm (All girls)
Thursday, 15 May from 4.00 pm – 5:30 pm (Invitational only)
Canberra Netball Centre, Lyneham
Students are required to wear appropriate playing gear. Students are not to wear district or ACT representative gear.
Only student born between 01/01/2010 – 31/12/2011 and who have district junior representative experience will be considered for selection
All students wishing to trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 15 May. For further information please go to SSACT Netball

15&U Netball (Boys)

Thursday, 8 May from 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Thursday, 15 May from 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Canberra Netball Centre, Lyneham
Students are required to wear appropriate playing gear. Students are not to wear district or ACT representative gear
Only students born between 01/01/2010 – 31/12/2011 and who have district junior representative experience will be considered for selection
All students wishing to trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 15 May. For further information please go to SSACT Netball

12&U Rugby League (Boys and Girls)

Saturday, 3 May and 11 May 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Each trial day will consist of 2 sessions
Curtin Playing Field (North) - Fields 103 and 104
Please wear suitable rugby league attire, wear a mouth guard and bring a water bottle. Jerseys will be sourced.
Parents and carers please check your emails on Friday, 2 May and Friday, 9 May to ensure your child attends the correct session. Sessions will be allocated based on preferred positions.
Students trialling must be U11 Division 1 Players or U12 All Divisions. Only students born between 01/01/2013 and 31/12/2014 will be eligible for selection
Students must attend one of the two standard trials to be eligible for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 10 May. For further information please go to SSACT Rugby League

12&U Bruce Cup Tennis Championships (Girls and Boys)

Friday, 16 May from 8.30 am – 3.00 pm. Students must be signed in and out by their parent or carer
Canberra Tennis Centre, 3 Riggal Place Lyneham
Entry Requirements for Boys – Minimum 3.0 UTR and actively competing in Australian Ranking tournaments, UTR events, Junior Development Series events, or overseas tournaments within the last 24 months
Entry Requirements for Girls - No UTR minimum required, but must be actively competing in Australian Ranking tournaments, UTR events, Junior Development Series events, or overseas tournaments within the last 24 months
This is the ACT Primary School Tennis Championships and serves as part of the SSACT 12&U Tennis team selection trials. Students interested in state selection will need to register via SSACT Tennis
All entries must be made by Radford College with the closing date being Wednesday, 7 May. Please email CCTennis@radford.act.edu.au if you wish to enter or have any questions

12&U Touch Football (Girls and Boys)

Monday, 16 June and Tuesday, 24 June from 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm.
Deakin Playing Fields (Fields 212 and 215)
Students are required to wear appropriate playing gear. Students are not to wear district or ACT representative gear
Only students born between 01/07/2012 and 31/12/2015 will be eligible for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 24 June. For further information please go to SSACT Touch Football

15&U Touch Football (Girls and Boys)

Monday, 16 June and Tuesday, 24 June from 5.00 pm – 6.00pm.
Deakin Playing Fields (Fields 212 and 215)
Students are required to wear appropriate playing gear. Students are not to wear district or ACT representative gear
Only students born between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2012 will be eligible for selection
All students wishing to take part in the trial must complete the SSACT online registration before 24 June. For further information please go to SSACT Touch Football

Important

Radford students who choose to take part in trials for SSACT teams are to follow the registration process for the respective sport trials. The 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 or guardian to notify the College of their child’s absence and provide supervision.
If a Radford student is selected in a SSACT representative team, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to follow the normal College absence processes.

School Sport ACT Scholarship Fund

The School Sport ACT (SSACT) Scholarship Fund is once again open. This is available to students who have been selected in a SSACT representative team and who 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 homepage, SSACT Scholarship Fund Information and Application.

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 '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.

We are proud to introduce the Radford College Foundation 500 Club – an exclusive giving circle created to shape the future of Radford College and strengthen its proud tradition of excellence, opportunity, and community.

By registering your interest in becoming a member of the 500 Club, you join a committed network of Radford families, collegians, staff, and supporters who believe in the power of education to transform lives, and who are ready to invest in that future.

What is the 500 Club?

The 500 Club is a community of generous donors who pledge a tax-deductible gift of $500 per year for five years. Together, these contributions will build the financial strength of the Radford College Foundation, enabling us to:

Offer life-changing scholarships and bursaries
Upgrade essential facilities
Equip students with the skills and confidence to make a difference in the world

Every dollar is an investment in creating opportunities and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.

The Real Cost

For less than $10 a week, your annual pledge of $500 becomes part of a shared vision. With 500 committed members, we will raise $1.25 million over five years – a transformative contribution to the future of Radford College.

The Change You Create

As a member of the 500 Club, you are helping to:
• Transform lives – opening the doors of a Radford education to those who might not otherwise have access
• Empower students – enabling young people to thrive, learn, and lead
• Inspire innovation – supporting world-class learning environments and campus improvements
• Leave a legacy – reinforcing the enduring Radford spirit of generosity and shared purpose

This is more than a donation – it’s a commitment to something greater. It’s your chance to help shape what comes next.

Register your interest here to receive your formal invitation and join us and College Principal, Mr Christopher Bradbury at the launch of the 500 Club on Friday, 20 June.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

By Mrs Sue Hassall, Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

Radford’s Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award participants teamed up with students from Burgmann Anglican School to complete an enjoyable Adventurous Journey on the NSW South Coast for four days and three nights.

The students, working in small groups, planned, purchased and cooked their own meals and carried all their camping gear throughout the journey.

The Gold Award participants paddled 3.5 kilometres along the Pambula River and hiked 40.5 kilometres through breathtaking bushland from Pambula to Tathra, improving their skills in navigation and teamwork.

The Silver Award participants walked 32 kilometres from Pambula along the coast towards Tathra, rafted across the Merimbula Bay and worked in teams to make their own rafts out of plastic barrels with the goal of staying afloat.

Radford students pushed boundaries, built resilience, made new friends and enjoyed a technology-free Adventurous Journey. Well done to all involved!

9 May 2025

Term 2, Week 2

Staff Insights

Storytelling, leadership and belonging

Storytelling, leadership and belonging

Storytelling, leadership and belonging

Think global, act local

Think global, act local

Think global, act local

What's happening this month

What's happening this month

What's happening this month

News

Celebrating mothers and significant women

Celebrating mothers and significant women

Celebrating mothers and significant women

Cross Country Carnival

Cross Country Carnival

Cross Country Carnival

Five minutes with Mrs Sue Hassall

Five minutes with Mrs Sue Hassall

Five minutes with Mrs Sue Hassall

In the Spotlight

In the Spotlight

In the Spotlight

Legally Blonde a sellout success

Legally Blonde a sellout success

Legally Blonde a sellout success

41st Artshow@Radford Gala evening

41st Artshow@Radford Gala evening

41st Artshow@Radford Gala evening

Junior School raises over $9,000 for charities

Junior School raises over $9,000 for charities

Junior School raises over $9,000 for charities

Radford College shines at Da Vinci Decathlon

Radford College shines at Da Vinci Decathlon

Radford College shines at Da Vinci Decathlon

Radford College Sports Wrap

Radford College Sports Wrap

Radford College Sports Wrap

Sporting achievements

Upcoming School Sport ACT (SSACT) Team Trials

School Sport ACT Scholarship Fund

Radford College Foundation 500 Club

Radford College Foundation 500 Club

Radford College Foundation 500 Club

Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey

Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey

Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey

Painting & Pastries

Painting & Pastries

Painting & Pastries

Democracy BBQ at the College

Democracy BBQ at the College

Democracy BBQ at the College

Radford Collegians Network Career Expo

Radford Collegians Network Career Expo

Radford Collegians Network Career Expo

Staff Insights

Storytelling, leadership and belonging

Storytelling, leadership and belonging

Storytelling, leadership and belonging

Think global, act local

Think global, act local

Think global, act local

What's happening this month

What's happening this month

What's happening this month

News

Celebrating mothers and significant women

Celebrating mothers and significant women

Celebrating mothers and significant women

Cross Country Carnival

Cross Country Carnival

Cross Country Carnival

Five minutes with Mrs Sue Hassall

Five minutes with Mrs Sue Hassall

Five minutes with Mrs Sue Hassall

In the Spotlight

In the Spotlight