Students Helping One Another

By Andy Gordon, Deputy Principal and Head of Junior School

We held the end-of-year breakfast for the Radford Tribal Council (RTC) this week and it was lovely to hear the students speak of how much they've enjoyed being part of this group and what they’ve achieved.

The RTC has been involved in many experiences, including the disco, movie night, talent show, waste-free lunches, Radford Reaches Out, recycling and buddy benches, to mention only a few. It was special to sense the excitement that came with leading, inspiring, and encouraging others. These initiatives also led to all members of the Radford community having avenues to experience success.

It reminded me of a conversation I once had with a stranger who did me a favour. When I asked why he helped, he replied, “If you can help, why wouldn’t you?” This has stayed with me since that day and I believe it is a wonderful reflection of a powerful human and an example of what experiences, including the RTC, provide for students. If we can help someone, why wouldn’t we? I thank our students for the attitudes and behaviours they are instilling into their lives to make the world a better and more peaceful place.

We also had our Year 1 Swim Program this week, during which some of our secondary students - as part of their service learning - came and supported our small friends in the water. It really is beautiful to see, and my personal view is that our Service-Learning Program is the jewel in the crown of the Radford experience. This was brought home when a member of the public commented on how amazing it was to see older students supporting and caring for younger students.

This gift enables our younger students to know that there are older people - other than family - who are in their corner, cheering them on. This gift also reminds our older students of the responsibility they have, mainly because younger students look to them for modelling.

Two beautiful expressions of our Radford Community.